RIGA, Oct 16 (LETA) - The European Committee of Regions ensures a common understanding of Europe, said Latvia's representative at the committee, Kuldiga municipal council chairwoman Inga Berzina (New Unity).

She said that sometimes people do not understand the work at the European Committee of Regions. First come the contents when the committee members prepare documents, give recommendations to cities, regions and local governments, sometimes also to the European Parliament about what should be done in Europe in general.

The other significant thing is that during the meetings, the committee members talk, discuss with colleagues - mayors, regional leaders, lawmakers from other countries. It is an added value that cannot be described in any documents.

"This being together, listening to each other gives a much better understanding about Europe than sitting each in their own country," said Berzina.

She said that her work in the committee will end soon. Latvia's delegation consists of seven permanent representatives and seven deputies and these are only lawmakers who have been elected into local councils, but Berzina now has been elected to the parliament, therefore she needs to cease her participation in the European Committee of Regions.

"I am happy that my term in the office expires with the committee adopting my report, and I have been elected the committee's vice-president, but as I also have been elected to the Latvian parliament, I have to leave this position," she said.

As reported, representatives of the EU cities and regions have adopted the opinion of Kuldiga municipal council chairwoman Inga Berzina (New Unity) on initiative Pathways to School Success which the European Commission plans to use to improve education results for European youth, LETA learned from the European Committee of Regions.

Berzina underscored the role of regions and cities in modernization of education infrastructure, promotion of equal opportunities and development of models and solutions based on local situation.

The initiative Pathways to School Success urges to promote active engagement of all members of school community and external stakeholders.