"The Congress of the Council of Europe launches the "Prize of the Regions""

"The theme for the first prize "Promoting Social Cohesion through Economic Development" is understood as economic development that instigates, drives and thus achieves social cohesion. This approach will allow regions of different social, cultural and income patterns to enter in the same category. Projects should concentrate on regional economic development programmes and clearly show, with concrete examples, how these programmes have supported and enhanced social cohesion. The theme will change annually; it will remain within the framework of regional development. The prize criteria will largely remain unchanged. "It is important for the Council of Europe Congress that the prize is all encompassing and that we ensure highest possible participation", says the Congress President Yavuz Mildon. "We feel that by partnering with an organisation of Dexia's size we will further enhance the importance of the region's work in promoting social cohesion and economic development. I would also take the opportunity to encourage all the regions to enter into this competition. Only by showing our progress can we build a solid ground for tomorrow's progress", he concludes.

The deadline for applications is 10 September 2008.
The Prize will be awarded at the Congress Autumn Session (1-3 December 2008). 

Read more:

• The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe

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