” “The regions and local authorities as the "best interface between the European Union and its citizens"; a team of "well-known faces" of culture, sport and the performing arts, to "tell the EU" in the member states. These are two of the proposals put forward today by Riccardo Illy, president of the Assembly of the European Regions (Are), to Margot Wallström, vice-president of the EU Commission and responsible for the Communication area. In Brussels, the body, which brings together 250 municipalities, provinces and regions of 30 countries, met Ms Wallström, to whom it mentioned that "one more element must be added to Plan D, prepared by the Executive Committee". "As well as Democracy, Dialogue, Debate", Plan D "should also stand for Decentralisation", bringing the European institutions closer to people. The idea of entrusting endorsers from the cultural, artistic, scientific and sport world with pro-European messages should make for a better understanding of the real advantages of integration. "If we want to make progress in integration and in extending the EU boundaries, it is essential added Illy to strengthen its positive image in people’s eyes", not least by means of more straightforward and effective forms of communication. According to the Are presidency (that are organising the first "Citizens Forum" due in mid-May at Debrecen, Hungary), "70-80% of the EU administrative work is carried out through the regions; 40% of the funds are supplied through these local bodies. So we think we are the ideal interface between the EU and its citizens".” “
