AIACE, recognized as the only representative international association of former European Union officials, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Maastricht Treaty, held its annual congress in Maastricht from 28 May to 1 June 2017. 150 members met in MECC Maastricht. For several reasons, the organization looks back on a successful conference.
Highlights from the program
The welcome reception, offered by the Maastricht Convention Bureau, took place at Thiessen Wijnkoopers on 28 May. The General Assembly on May 30, during which the Maastricht Treaty was exceptionally exhibited, was preceded on May 29 by the solemn opening with Maastricht City Alderman Mrs M.F.V. (Mieke) Damsma and by a conference / debate with C. Trojan, former Secretary-General of the European Commission. This was about 25 years of Maastricht Treaty and the future of Europe. On 31 May, 3 other workshops were held on topics that are of interest to pensioners, as well as a meeting of the board of directors.
In addition, the participants became acquainted with the city of Maastricht and South Limburg: they had a tour of the city, a trip to the Drielandenpunt (three country spot) and the Margraten military cemetery, and finally visited the villages of Thorn and Oud-Rekem and the Bonnefantenmuseum.
The organization announced that the participants are over the moon about their experience and the environment and that they are still talking about the gala dinner at La Butte aux Bois.
Ronald McDonald Huis
It is common for money to be collected for a local charity during AIACE. Maastricht Convention Bureau suggested the Ronald McDonald Huis Maastricht, which was embraced by the organization and conference delgates: last week was announced that there were no less than
€ 637,40 in the collecting box and that the Ronald McDonald Huis Maastricht will receive an additional amount of € 875, – from the conference budget (an amount from the conference fee of each delegate); so: a total amount of over € 1500, -! Margo de Kock, Managing Director of the Ronald McDonald House Maastricht, is grateful for the wonderful contribution from AIACE. She says that they can achieve no less than 44 nights for parents whose child is hospitalized in the adjoining MUMC+.
About AIACE
AIACE was founded in 1969 and now has 11,500 members around the world and 15 national sections. The objectives are:
- defend the interests of the members of the institutions’ administrations and, where appropriate, the national authorities
- dissemination of relevant information to members
- dissemination of the European thought
- promotion of contacts between members, through meetings, visits, conferences, excursions, etc., both regional and international.
