BUSINESS
Better To See Something Once
Than to Hear About It a Hundred Times
Members of “The Left” political faction of the European parliament visited Ostrava in early October
of this year. This visit was proposed by fellow MEP Kateřina Konečná in the wake of Czechia receiving
the Presidency of the Council of Europe. During these so-called “Study Days,” visiting MEPs had
a chance to familiarize themselves with the Moravian-Silesian region, and understand some of the
most resonant and currently discussed topics. We asked Kateřina Konečná herself for the details.
Kateřina, what sort of event is this?
Each European parliament member gets
an opportunity to organize meetings and
conferences for the members of their faction
during their country’s term of presidency.
These events provide detailed recounts of
how European grant funds are being used
within the country. At the same time, this
also gives local specialists from different
fields the opportunity to get acquainted
with MEP’s from different committees and
commissions, therefore giving them a link
to the people partaking in the drafting of
European legislature, which eventually has
an effect on member countries themselves.
What topics have you prepared for your
colleagues?
I am always in contact with people within
the region, so I have a good picture of current
events here. This is why I wanted to present
my colleagues with what we have managed to
accomplish and what sort of vision we have for
the future. The first conference was centered
around the restructuring of our region
through the use of EU funds. Presenters here
included political, university and industrial
company representatives. The second
conference discussed the topic of alternative
energy sources, and included a closer look at
possible future uses of hydrogen. We are also
open to debates regarding current energy
sources the region makes use of. I would
be happy to constructively discuss potential
opportunities, but also the possible negative
effects of the energy crisis and any solution
options.
Have you already received any feedback
from your colleagues?
Yes, and it has all been very positive. My
colleagues are also tackling the uneven
development of regions within their
own countries and searching for the best
approach to the mining of mineral resources
with respect to the citizens. Their countries
are also passionately discussing optimal
energy distribution, energy prices and new
technologies. All of these subjects were
examined at theconferences here. I am
glad that those who accepted my invitation
have a professional understanding of these
topics and are able to understand our
views on them.
How will this event play into your next
actions?
Of course, this event is one of the of many
activities I concern myself with in the region.
I would be happy if local participants would
accept my invitation to Brusself or Strasbourg,
where we can work together to find ways in
which we can turn what we talked about
into a reality, not only as far as funding is
concerned, but within the broader context
of our region’s development, as well. People
who know me personally know that I never
give up. As a MEP, I am prepared to take part
in improving not only the Moravian-Silesian
region, but the entirety of our country as well.
Thank you for the interview. On behalf of
the magazine, I wish you much success in
your further efforts for the development
of our region.
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