Pliska was the first capital of Bulgaria as of its foundation in 681 by Khan Asparouh. Its name is related to the conversion of Bulgarian with
Christianity in 864 and the diffusion of the Slavic.
     
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The European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage was launched in 2002 by the European Commission as part of the implementation of the Culture Programme. Europa Nostra, the Pan-European Federation for Cultural Heritage, was selected to run this Awards Scheme on the basis of its long experience in publicly recognising - on a European level - individual or joint excellence in the field of Cultural Heritage. The EU Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards are granted annually to identify and promote best practices in the conservation of tangible cultural heritage, to stimulate the exchange of knowledge and experience throughout Europe, to enhance public awareness and appreciation of Europe's cultural heritage, and to encourage further exemplary initiatives through the Power of Example. Outstanding heritage achievements will be awarded in the following categories:
The EU Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards consist of two award levels. Up to six entries will be awarded a Prize, which includes a monetary award of € 10 000. Up to twenty-five entries will be awarded a Medal. Criteria for the assessment of entries include excellence in the work executed and preliminary research conducted, as well as respect for artistic, cultural and social value, setting, authenticity and integrity. Special attention will also be paid to sustainability, interpretation and presentation, educational work, funding and management, and social responsibility. Entries can be on a scale ranging from small to large, local to international, and should display a standard of work considered outstanding in a European context. |
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A record 217 regions and cities from 32 countries have signed up as partners for the OPEN DAYS 2008
European Week of Regions and Cities, the biggest annual gathering of EU and regional policy-makers, experts and representatives of banking, business and civil society groups operator in the
regional policy sector.
OPEN DAYS, organised by the Committee of the Regions (CoR) and the European Commission's Regional Policy Directorate General, is centred in Brussels from 6-9 October 2008 and also involves more
than 200 linked events throughout October in the Member States. As in previous years, the regions and cities have divided themselves into thematic conglomerates. Partners from 26 Member States
are represented while others come from Turkey, Croatia, Norway, Switzerland and – for the first time – Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iceland. The highest number of regions and cities come from France
(22), Italy and Spain (19), the United Kingdom (18), and Poland (17).
For more information, see the press release of the Committee of the Regions here.
You may have come across a reference in a diary or elsewhere to the fact that 9 May is "Europe Day" and perhaps asked about its
significance.
Probably very few people in Europe know that on 9 May 1950 the first move was made towards the creation of what is now known as the European Union.
In Paris that day, against the background of the threat of a Third World War engulfing the whole of Europe, the French Foreign Minister Robert
Schuman read to the international press a declaration calling France, Germany and other European countries to pool together their coal and steel production as "the first concrete foundation of a
European federation".
What he proposed was the creation of a supranational European Institution, charged with the management of the coal and steel industry, the very sector which was, at that time, the basis of all
military power. The countries which he called upon had almost destroyed each other in a dreadful conflict which had left after it a sense of material and moral desolation.
Everything, therefore, began that day. That is why during the Milan Summit of EU leaders in 1985 it was decided to celebrate 9 May as "Europe
Day".
Every country which democratically chooses to accede to the European Union endorses its fundamental values of peace and solidarity.
These values find expression through economic and social development embracing environmental and regional dimensions which are the guarantees of a decent standard of living for all citizens.
The city of Pézenas received the visit of Mr. Marcel Schipman, AFAQ AFNOR auditor, on February 21 and 22, to evaluate its level of commitment compared to the Qualicities® referent document.
During one and a half days, the auditor, accompanied by the local coordinator of the quality approach, met various actors of the daily progress of the city towards a sustainable and quality
approach. A quick visit of the city also enabled the auditor to have an idea of the local reality.
More information about QUalicities approach and label on : www.qualicities.org
