ЈAKŠIĆ AND PETROVIĆ AT THE EUROPEAN SUMMIT IN SALZBURG 2025

The Deputy Mayor of Novi Sad, Đurađ Jakšić, and the Assistant to the Mayor, Aleksandar Petrović, are participating in the Salzburg Europe Summit 2025, held from September 28 to 30, organized by the Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE). This year's summit is titled “Europe and Hope” and is dedicated to the current challenges faced by European cities and regions.

Deputy Mayor Đurađ Jakšić stated that Novi Sad’s participation in this summit holds multiple levels of importance.

- As a city where 26 national minorities live together, Novi Sad is a symbol of multiculturalism, cooperation, and unity. Our openness to the world is reflected in the continuous expansion of international partnerships, and as a city that builds bridges between Western and Southeastern Europe, we are recognized as a reliable regional partner. Membership in the IRE gives us access to European projects that promote smart and sustainable development, in the interest of the citizens and the future of Novi Sad - Jakšić emphasized.

On the sidelines of the summit, representatives of the City of Novi Sad met with the Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Salzburg Vera Vukićević. During the meeting, they discussed opportunities to enhance cooperation between Novi Sad and institutions in Austria, particularly in the areas of economy, culture, sports, and tourism. The important role of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Serbian diaspora in Salzburg was highlighted, as well as the importance of connecting them with their hometowns in Serbia. Novi Sad was recognized as a city with great potential for deepening international cooperation. It was assessed that such contacts represent a concrete step toward improving Novi Sad’s position in the international arena and open new opportunities for participation in joint projects.

The summit brings together high-level representatives of European institutions, national and local governments, experts, academics, and civil society representatives from more than 20 countries.

Since 2024, the City of Novi Sad has been a full member of the IRE, thereby becoming part of a network that connects more than 130 cities, regions, and institutions across Europe with the aim of enhancing interregional cooperation and the exchange of best practices.

Novi Sad, September 29, 2025