Policy Officer in CIVEX, Committee of the Regions, EU institutions; interested in culture, communication, Europe, enlargement
Former Senior Advisor for Outreach
As the first defence hearing of Istanbul Mayor @ekrem_imamoglu begins today, CoR Working Group Türkiye Chair @DrenjaninJelena reiterates our support for democracy, rule of law and local self-government.
Read the joint statement: https://t.co/WyqcyMfvZw
@imamoglu_int
What do women in politics need to thrive ?
We're committed to promoting initiatives enhancing women's political participation, and acknowledges that the local and regional authorities are pivotal in fostering equal political representation.
Learn more: https://t.co/NoTALASw2x
To the Mayors of Ghent, Amsterdam and Zagreb, Mathias De Clercq, Femke Halsema, Tomislav Tomašević, and to the hundreds of cities standing behind Eurocities, the Pact of Free Cities and the B40 Balkan Cities Network: thank you.
Your statement says what many national governments will not. While capitals stay silent on the erosion of rights and freedoms, and some extend a handshake to those responsible, it is cities that rise to defend democracy and the rule of law. This is no coincidence. Mayors answer to their citizens, not to the diplomacy of summits.
Democracy was born in cities. And today, when it is under siege, it is once again cities that defend it in Ghent, in Amsterdam, in Zagreb, and in Istanbul.
I stand trial not for anything I have done, but for what 16 million Istanbulites said at the ballot box.
The world will be watching Ankara. Thanks to you, my friends, it will also be watching Silivri.
Given the gravity of recent developments, I'm travelling to Istanbul for tomorrow's hearings on @ekrem_imamoglu, including the #İBB case.
As 🇹🇷 hosts the @NATO Summit, its democratic future is being shaped in a Silivri courtroom. 🇪🇺 must not keep its eyes only on Ankara.
➕⬇️
Overruling the democratic choice by CHP delegates at the 2023 party congress is an attack on political pluralism.
We stand in solidarity with the elected CHP leadership & those defending democracy, rule of law and political freedom in Türkiye 🇹🇷
Europe cannot stay silent!
My sincere congratulations to Mary Crilly on her Adamowicz Award.
For over four decades at the Sexual Violence Centre Cork, Mary has provided vital support and care to thousands of survivors. Very well deserved recognition.
Today I attended the ceremony of @EU_CoR Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award granted this year to Istanbul Mayor @ekrem_imamoglu as a symbol of the fight for democracy and freedom ✊.
Thanks to @EU_CoR for being another strong voice in 🇪🇺 denouncing the democratic backsliding in 🇹🇷!
📰"Aslan was in Brussels to accept the European Committee of the Regions’ Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award on behalf of jailed city leader Ekrem İmamoğlu, who had been awarded the prize for his efforts in defending local democracy."
❄️ Ukraine needs urgent help, millions are without heating!
After Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, families in Kyiv and other cities struggle to stay warm. Generators & emergency support are needed NOW.
Read @CoR_President's call for support ↓
#StandWithUkraine
🕯️7 years have passed since the assassination of Mayor Paweł Adamowicz, but his legacy continues.
The 2025 #AdamowiczAward goes to @ekrem_imamoglu — a symbol of courage and democratic renewal after being arrested and removed from office on politically motivated charges.
I am honoured to receive the Paweł Adamowicz Award, a symbol of democracy, human dignity, and our will to live together.
My sincere thanks to everyone who nominated and supported me, and to the City of Gdańsk, the European Committee of the Regions, and ICORN for this meaningful recognition.
Paweł Adamowicz’s legacy continues to inspire leaders who stand firm against hate speech, discrimination, and the politics of fear.
This award is a reminder of what we owe each other. Our shared responsibility for Europe’s democratic and free future.
We will keep strengthening democracy from the grassroots, defending justice and equality, and building cities that are free and inclusive.
I dedicate this award to all our citizens who continue, with determination, to stand up for democracy.
So happy to see that this year's @EU_CoR#AdamowiczAward goes to Istanbul Mayor @ekrem_imamoglu. A fully deserved recognition that shows that the political persecution he is suffering -and the overall dire state of freedoms in 🇹🇷- remains high in the agenda of many in the 🇪🇺!
The #EURegionsWeek 2025 is here! 🎉
From Mon–Wed, explore 200+ events — from policy sessions & workshops to regional tastings.
Not in Brussels? Many sessions are livestreamed
👉 https://t.co/iQEmvrj4rb
Visit the European Committee of the Regions Open Day on Saturday, 10 May.
Come with family or friends.
Taste local products, explore regional projects, and meet people from across Europe.
More info: https://t.co/H3xRTJZeMW
📢 The #EuroPCom 2025 Call for Proposals is now open!
Join Europe's leading public communication conference and help shape the conversation around this year's theme:
"Beyond words: a story of trust."
Apply here: https://t.co/Uuy9FuuoJU
Cities and regions gathered for the 165th plenary session in Brussels to represent local voices and priorities.
Here is a little throwback.
#CoRplenary
Calling on all municipalities in the Western Balkans to apply for #WiFi4WB
With the EU's Growth Plan for WB, we can bring free & reliable internet access to public spaces across the region, connecting communities and opening up opportunities.
Apply here https://t.co/ZIXamwF2sP
⌛ #EURegionsWeek starts in just 1 week!
Whether you’re joining us in person in Brussels or tuning in online, get ready for many inspiring discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities.
👋 See you soon!
"I promise I will bring you, your country Ukraine, into the European Union." – @MartaKosEU Commissioner for Enlargement. 🇪🇺
She reaffirmed unwavering support for 🇺🇦 Ukraine’s reconstruction & EU accession at the #AdamowiczAward ceremony.
#CoRplenary