20th Summit of the Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE) held in Salzburg

Organized by the Institute of the Regions of Europe, the 20th Summit focused on the theme Europe and Peace – EU: No Reforms, No Future. This significant event gathered esteemed guests from the realms of politics, business, and relevant European institutions, including Members of the European Parliament and representatives from European and Austrian political circles.

The Summit commenced with a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the IRE, reflecting on two decades of successful efforts dedicated to strengthening European regions, cities, and communities. During the formal segment titled 20 Years of Successful Work for European Regions and Cities, Jelena Tadić, Director of PPP Investment, emphasized the importance of regionalization and subsidiarity, particularly highlighting the contributions that IRE makes to the Western Balkan countries on their path toward European Union membership.

Jelena Tadić underscored the significance of public-private partnership (PPP) projects in promoting further regionalization and subsidiarity. She noted that the PPP model is recognized as a key tool for implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that PPP projects primarily deliver value for money, people, and the planet. Through these projects, PPP Investment contributes to improving the quality of life in municipalities and strengthening regional development. Jelena Tadić also emphasized the crucial role of IRE in connecting regions across Europe.

Participants at the Summit included high-ranking officials such as Johannes Hahn, EU Commissioner for Budget; Hristijan Mickoski, Prime Minister of North Macedonia; Borut Pahor, former President of Slovenia; Peter Szijjarto, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary; Lukas Mandl, Member of the European Parliament; Brigita Palauf, President of the Salzburg Regional Parliament; and Benita Ferrero-Waldner, former Austrian Foreign Minister and EU Commissioner.

Key issues discussed at the summit included the necessary reforms within the European Union, EU enlargement as a geopolitical necessity, the EU’s competitiveness in the global market, energy union, and the challenge of illegal migration.