SNV presented the case recently for EU localization in Macedonia before a packed audience at Macedonia Zels Expo, the annual fair organized by the Association of Municipalities in Macedonia ZELS.

Speaking to key representatives from municipalities, development organisations, donors and civil society organisations, Violeta Madzova, SNV Advisor, explained the main issues of EU integration from a local governance perspective. The presentation was well received and raised a number of questions from the audience.

The fair received a high level of interest in Macedonia, with keynote speeches by the Highest Representative of EU in Macedonia H.E. Ervan Fuere, Ambasador Fillip Riker from the USA, and Hoze Luiz Herero from OSCE.

SNV had its own booth at the fair, which attracted a high number of visitors including the Minister of Local Self Government, Musa Xhaferi. Some of the many activities SNV is implementing in Macedonia were displayed.

One of the key activities includes the cooperation between SNV and UNDP that was summarized in a research paper recently. The paper, entitled “Mechanisms for linking local, regional and national development planning processes”, was presented on 3 December in the closing ceremony of the project AA1. The paper deals with critical analysis of strategic plans in all levels in Macedonia.

For more information, please contact Violeta Madzova, SNV Governance Advisor, at vmadzova@snvworld.org