The representatives of the Vojvodina European Office in Brussels at the Bureau Meeting of the Assembly of European Regions (AER)

In the light of marking the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Maastricht Treaty, AER Bureau, the highest political and executive body of this organization, has held a meeting in Maastricht. AP Vojvodina has been a member of the AER since 2002. The whole event in Maastricht is being held within the programme Europe Calling, which is organised by this city and the province of Limburg to mark the 25th anniversary of the Maastricht Treaty.

AER Bureau members discussed the political priorities and future activities between two AER general assemblies 2018 and 2019.

The delegation of AP Vojvodina was headed by István Pásztor, President of the Assembly of AP Vojvodina, whereas the representatives of the Vojvodina European Office in Brussels participated actively in the event.

During the discussion with the representatives of the AER member regions, President Pásztor assessed that it was necessary to make certain changes in the thinking, political decision making and planning about the future activities of the organization, given the fact that Europe was facing a number of challenges and changes, in accordance with which it defined its priorities. He also added that AP Vojvodina focused on inter-regional cooperation and that it was one of the basic pillars of the policy of the regional administration, both within AER and within others organizations and cross-border cooperation.

The political priorities for the following year were adopted at the end of the AER Bureau meeting, which referred to the increase of confidence and active participation, promotion of democracy, equality and inclusion, exchange of knowledge and support to green economies, ecology and renewable energy sources.

Founded in 1985, AER is the largest independent network of the regions in Europe. It gathers more than 150 regions from 30 countries, including 15 international organizations. This organization has a large role in recognizing the regions as key actors in the decision-making process and further construction of Europe.