On 11 December 2019 the West University of Timisoara hosted a citizens’ dialogue with Vittoria Alliata di Villafranca, director in Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy of the European Commission. The event was co-organised with the Regional Development Agency of the West Region in Romania eith the participation of Gabriel Friptu, director-general at the Romanian Ministry for EU Funds and Sorin Maxim, director-general at the Regional Development Agency.
More than 120 students, representatives of local institutions, civil society and businesses took part in a lively and participative discussion around the priorities of the Commission, notably the European Green Deal, and how the next long-term EU budget and Cohesion Policy investment can offer better opportunities for people and businesses in the European regions and, in particular, in Romania to be equipped for and benefit from the environmental and digital transformation. Main concerns expressed were about “brain drain” of young people, sustainable and smart mobility, access to basic services like education and health. Another aspect touched upon was the need for more transparency, enhanced communication and simplification of EU funds. The event was possible thanks to the active support of the Commission Representation in Bucharest and the Europe Direct Information Centre in Timisoara.