Resolution backs European Citizens' Initiative on regions

The national cohesion committee of Hungary's parliament issued a resolution on Tuesday in support of a European Citizens' Initiative on regional equality and the sustainability of regional cultures. The resolution, backed in the committee unanimously, welcomes the initiative launched by the Szekler National Council calling on the European Union to pay special attention, under its cohesion policy, to regions that are distinguished by national, ethnic, cultural, religious or linguistic characteristics, Karoly Panczel, the committee's (Fidesz) head, told MTI. The resolution states that such regions, including geographical areas without administrative powers, can be prevented from falling behind by ensuring that they have equal access to the Structural Funds and other EU funds, resources and programmes, which also help them to preserve their specific characteristics and regional identity.