Today I am in Yerevan!
I arrived at 6 a.m., and with persistent effort, we are squeezing out every EU opportunity for the Székely people, sparing no fatigue!
Across the border, for the Székelys too! – Personal report and analysis.
Instead of Brussels, today I am working in Yerevan, at the session of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and CORLEAP (Conference of Regional and Local Authorities for the Eastern Partnership). The agenda focused on the future of the Eastern Partnership, which is crucial for Székelyföld and Hargita County.
Few know: CORLEAP builds relationships between the EU and six Eastern Partner countries – Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus – mainly at municipal and regional levels. Its goal is to create a common language between EU institutions and these Eastern countries, to build trust, and to enable direct discussions on projects and rights.
Facebook live streams are available here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/borbolycsaba/videos/664373339829740
Background of the EU Eastern Partnership
The Eastern Partnership was launched by the European Union in 2009, recognizing that the democratic, economic, and social integration of the Eastern neighbors is the key to stability, peace, and development in Europe.
Hungary and the Székely region have a particular interest: protecting minorities, retaining youth locally, and creating economic opportunities affect every Hungarian and surrounding community in Transylvania.
The role and mission of CORLEAP
CORLEAP is a unique body – not an independent legal entity, but operating within the EU Committee of the Regions. Its main purpose is to directly connect local governments and regions with EU institutions and the administrations of Eastern partners.
While it has no binding legal authority, its recommendations and joint action plans align with EU law, helping national and local governments access EU funding and participate in decision-making and development.
Why this matters to us in Hargita County
- Today, I contributed to two debates of European-wide importance:
- Black Sea strategy: I emphasized that infrastructure projects should not merely pass through regions but create real jobs, support small businesses, and provide local services. Local communities should be included in decisions, not only appear as implementers.
- Decentralization in Eastern partner countries: I argued this is not a technical matter but one of local democracy and legal protection. Municipalities must enjoy protection even in times of war or emergency.
- For Hargita County and Székelyföld, it is particularly important that we have active sister-region connections:
o Berehove district in Ukraine (Hungarian majority!)
o Strășeni district in Moldova
o Lori Province in Armenia (as proposed by the Gyergyó/Szepiviz Armenian community)
Through these, cross-border development projects, economic and cultural partnerships, and EU tools for minority protection become accessible – supporting the safety, survival, and development of the Székely and Hungarian communities.
I regret that, while I am here on an EU mandate and expense, I did not receive authorization from home to meet with our sister region, Lori Province, especially to prepare youth, cultural, and SME collaborations based on today’s discussions. Unfortunately, political jealousy and bad advice are often the reason – it was not up to me!
What does the CORLEAP Action Plan 2025–2029 bring?
At today’s session, we adopted the new Action Plan, defining multi-year goals and directions. Key points:
- Financial decentralization: Local governments can access EU funding directly, not only through central channels, enabling more development, modern schools, better roads, and support for local businesses.
- Youth and entrepreneurship programs: Targeted grants to retain young talent, stimulate local startups, and expand vocational training.
- Joint cultural and economic projects with sister regions: Cross-border cooperation, minority protection, and preservation of Székely and Hungarian heritage.
- Combatting discrimination and disinformation: Supporting local media and civil society, building trust in diverse societies.
- Education and mobility programs: Student exchanges, joint workshops, and regional digital development.
Relevance for the Székelys
EU integration processes, local decision-making, and preserving community rights aim to ensure that Székelyföld, including Hargita County, can remain an independent, strong, development-capable region. Regional cooperation, partnerships with sister regions, and direct EU funding strengthen local youth, entrepreneurs, cultural heritage, and community identity.
Personal participation and further involvement
At today’s Yerevan session, my proposals submitted on behalf of the EPP group were accepted as part of the CORLEAP Action Plan – a professional recognition showing that hard work can achieve results within the complex EU system.
I arrived at 6 a.m., while the event started at 8:30; despite the two-hour time difference, it was worth it, as every minute is dedicated to the benefit of Hungarians in Transylvania!
On Wednesday, October 29, I will also speak at the EuroNest Parliamentary Assembly, representing the Committee of the Regions and its president, Tüttő Kata, in front of Kaja Kallas, Roberta Metsola, and other European leaders (or their delegates). As the only Hungarian delegate, I represent the interests of the Székely people, Hungarians, and Hargita County, emphasizing the importance of local-level governance.
About Armenia and Yerevan – Interesting facts
Yerevan is one of the world’s oldest cities, with 2,800 years of history, Armenian Apostolic Church traditions, and a significant diaspora. More Armenians live abroad (USA, Russia, France) than in Armenia itself – family and cultural ties keep the nation alive.
Today, the city reflects Soviet heritage, Christian tradition, and EU openness, while geopolitical tensions and political debates are visible (church leaders vs. prime minister, public discourse).
Armenian cuisine is a East-West fusion: pomegranate, lavash (famous Armenian bread), strong spices, European-style cafes, chaotic traffic, historical scars, memorials, Soviet nostalgia – all coexisting.
CALL TO ACTION
I ask all followers and supporters to help by following, liking, and participating in the public discussion! Hungarian, Székely, and regional issues in the EU only get attention if we highlight opportunities together: Eastern and Western EU expansion, alliances with Bosnia, Serbia, and Armenia, and partnerships with sister regions are the keys to the future.
For more details, documents, news, and live updates: [www.borbolycsaba.ro]
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