The General Assembly, organised every three years
by CEMR, represents the largest traditional gathering of several
hundred European local and regional elected officials, who meet
to debate those issues that concern them.
Our meeting in Poznan will take place at a decisive time for
Europe, a few weeks from the referendums on Union membership
in certain applicant countries, including Poland, and at a period
when the Convention on the Future of Europe, of which I have
the honour to Chair, should be ready to make its conclusions.
In addition to discussions about the work of the Convention
and the question of enlargement, the delegates present in Poznan
will discuss cohesion policy, sustainable development, education,
immigration, and twinning. Topics of which are of interest to
us all.
I am confident that many of you will be present in Poznan to
discuss all these themes and share the warm hospitality of our
Polish friends. See you soon, in Poznan,
V. GISCARD d’ESTAING
Poznan is an outstanding city. Not only for its history,
cultural and trade traditions, but furthermore for people
who create the city’s ambience.
Thanks to the citizens who have built the Przemysl stronghold
for ages, in the year 2003 we will celebrate the 750th anniversary
of granting Poznan city rights.
In the year of this special anniversary we are honored to
invite you to participate in XXII CEMR General Assembly, which
will take place in Poznan on 14-16 May 2003.
Main theme of the Assembly - shaping Europe’s political
future - is a very important and interesting issue for every
member of local authorities, especially before enlarging European
Union.
Wishing you fruitful debates in our city, I hope that your
stay in Poznan will be a nice reminiscence.
Yours sincerely
Ryszard GROBELNY
Mayor of the City of Poznan
For the first time, in May 2003, the CEMR General Assembly
will meet in the country located in the heart of Europe, in
the country which now has the opportunity to fulfill its ambitions
and aspirations concerning participation in European structures.
Our meeting will take place at deciding moment for our continent.
May 2003 will be the time when crucial decisions concerning
the shape of the enlarged European Union and the place for
local and regional communities in its structures will be taken.
Poznan will host the 22nd CEMR General Assembly a few weeks
before referendum when Poles decide about acceptance of the
conditions of Polish accession to the EU. We hope that active
presence of representatives of numerous municipalities and
other sub-national communities will enhance sense of common
citizenship and European heritage.
Ryszard GROBELNY
President
Association of Polish Cities |
Antoni JANKOWSKI
President
Association of Polish Counties |
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