Hopes have risen that EBBA and the representatives of Palanga will be able to work towards what has been called 'an equitable solution', to the ongoing dialogue over the potential hosting of the 2020 European Championships.

Encouraging sign

It follows the decision of Wales not to progress with its expression of interest for the event, with the latest encouraging sign of an offer of substantive cooperation coming from the Mayor of Palanga, Sarunas Vaitkus.

In reply to a letter sent by EBBA General Secretary Kor Niehof on 11th October, and seen by 4BR, Mr Vaitku responds in equally conciliatory fashion.

In it, the Mayor states that EBBA's desire to "…engage with us to open the possibilities for Palanga to host the EBBC 'in the very near future'"has been "noted and welcomed"- as had EBBA's "stated commitment to engage with us personally"to meet their aim to 'facilitate endeavours for a successful outcome'.

Particularly appreciate

The positive tone of Mayor Vaitkus' response sees him state that they "particularly appreciate"the proposals of Paul Hindmarsh of the EBBA Music Commission to 'continue cooperation on all issues'.

He adds that Palangan representatives are "…happy to work with you to meet all specific requirements, as well as in other areas hosting the event, by working in partnership with EBBA in an open and transparent manner".

He further states: "We are ready to go to the round table at the convenient time for EBBA, and talk about it".

We are ready to go to the round table at the convenient time for EBBA, and talk about itThe Mayor of Palanga, Sarunas Vaitkus.

Welsh support

In reference to the decision of Wales, and their offer of support to both parties, he closes by adding: "We have also been very encouraged by the respectful decision of Wales to defer their intention of progressing with their expression of interest in hosting the 2020 EBBC — and of their offer of support to us both, which we certainly intend to explore further.

We hope this now gives both EBBA and ourselves the opportunity to work towards an equitable solution in an appropriate time frame to enable Palanga to host the EBBC in 2020."