Brussels, 21/09/2001 (Agence Europe) - On Saturday 22 September, around a thousand European towns and cities will be taking par tin the pan-European "Car Free Day" by closing some of their towns and cities off to cars (see EUROPE of 15 August, p.3). To mark the occasion, the relevant Ministers and High Representatives of the 15 EU Member States, candidate countries and countries or regions in the Balkans taking part (Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Romania, Macedonia, Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia) made a commitment (in a declaration) to promote and facilitate the organisation by local authorities of this campaign, every 22 September at least. They are inviting other regions and countries in and outside Europe to join in.
This year, the operation has spread beyond the borders of Europe since similar events have already been organised or will be organised in Bogotá, Toronto, Phnom Penh and a dozen Brazilian cities. Commenting on this awareness-raising event, European Environment Commissioner, Margot Wallström, indicated that the European car-free day meets a demand for participatory democracy which is growing sharply in modern society. Local initiatives implemented under the pressure of citizens are capable of improving the environment and quality of life in our towns and cities and influence policies for combating climate change.