On 22 September, Ambassador Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, the Head of EU Delegation and EUSR, opened in Banja Luka the newly established EU Info Point which citizens, students, media, academic and civic community can visit to learn more about the European Union. Ambassador Wigemark also recalled the most recent positive steps in the country’s European integration process. “We aim to substantially contribute to bringing the EU closer to the citizens”, he added.
Jasna Brkić, Banja Luka Deputy Mayor recognised the opening of the EU Info Point as an important step in strengthening the EU relations with the citizens.“Opening of the EU Info Point is an important event in Banja Luka. I believe that our fellow citizens will use this opportunity to learn how the EU functions and what opportunities it offers to the citizens”, Brkić said.
The EU Info Point in Banja Luka in Marije Bursać 2 street is part of the EU Info Network recently established in the country, and is open for citizens every day from Monday to Friday from 14:00 to 17:00 hours. The EU Info Point staff will also regularly visit schools, universities and various organizations, to inform the citizens about the EU, its programmes and the country’s EU accession process.
The event coincided with the European Mobility Week during which the EU Info Centre organised a bicycle ride with more than 600 cyclists participating.
Every year, from 16th to 22nd September, citizens across Europe mark the European Mobility Week, which ends with the famous ‘Car-Free Day’. This year, citizens of more than 2,000 cities took part in various events dedicated to sustainable urban transport. In 2016, the campaign has focused on smart and sustainable mobility under the slogan ‘Smart mobility. Strong economy.’
On the occasion of the European Mobility Week, the EU Info Centre has launched a smartphone application ‘Smart Step’ to promote the reduction of carbon emission by walking instead of using polluting means of transportation, and awarded the most persistent walkers and cyclists in Banja Luka with sports’ gear prizes.
