EU assists in preserving cultural heritage

TIRANA, April 26 – The European Union, which Albania hopes to join, has spent 700,000 euros to rehabilitate the bazaar in the south-eastern city of Korca.
The rehabilitation of the Bazaar with the stone paving of the streets and the main square, the improvement of almost the entire infrastructure (potable water, sewerage, power and telecommunications) and the supply and installation of a new street lighting, adds value to this quarter, which is now expected to attract more tourists and improve the trading conditions.
The EU has long assisted Albania in preserving culture heritage. Dedicated to the preservation and promotion of sites of historical and cultural importance, the EU has dedicated Euro million to the rehabilitation of these sites in Albania.
Head of Operations at the EU Delegation to Albania Luigi Brusa said that strengthening democracy, human rights and the rule of law, also implies promoting a relationship with culture. He urged Albanian authorities to follow up on the products of this assistance, noting that “the Municipality, with the support of the central Government, must now make sure that the necessary funds are found to rehabilitate the fa袤es of the Old Bazaar in order to better protect the cultural heritage and further enhance the attractiveness of this historic quarter. In the European Union we have proven that tourism related to cultural heritage creates growth and prosperity in the regions or cities concerned. Kor衠with its natural and cultural heritage sites still not sufficiently exploited in terms of tourism can benefit from gains made by investing in its own cultural and natural treasures.”
He added, “Respect for heritage is vital, so you develop not only a European identity, but as well share you common cultural legacy, so you can experience growth and economic prosperity.”