Closer cooperation between Vojvodina and Styria

Graz, Austria – Predrag Novikov, Director of the Office for European Affairs, visited the Government of the Austrian state of Styria yesterday and had a meeting with Mr. Ludwig Rader, Head of the Department for European Affairs and External Relations.

“The European Union is our framework for the support of stable, peaceful and prosperous Serbia and that issue is of top state priority. The administration of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina will, within its competencies, do its share on the way ahead us”, said Novikov. During the discussion emphasis was placed on strong support for our country’s European future and a number of topics related to economic, cultural and regional cooperation. It was also confirmed that Styria was ready to support the implementation of joint projects and stronger presence in economy. The topics of special importance were also the implementation of European standards in ecology, agriculture and protection of national parks in Vojvodina. Particular stress was placed on Fruška Gora National Park. In addition, an agreement was made to hold a seminar on regional cooperation management and more efficient use of EU IPA funds in Graz for the representatives of the province and municipalities of Vojvodina. Mr. Rader accepted the invitation to visit the Executive Council of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina in mid-January, and together with his associates, to hold lectures and transfer the Austrian experience in the European Union.