Report Bureau Meeting Vienna 8. – 10. January 2010

The 3^rd Bureau Meetin of EDS took place from 8^th till 10^th January in Vienna upon kind invitation of EDS member AktionsGemeinschaft Austria. In spite of deeply winterly weather conditions the entire EDS-Bureau was able to attend, making it a great success.

The main topic was the detailed organisation of the XX^th Winter University taking place in Brussels from 23^rd to 28^th February. Another large topic was the role of EDS’ permanent working groups (PWG). On this level the bureau agreed on substantial improvements to be already implemented at the upcoming WinterU. Besides that, the bureau strived to continue improvent on the general operation of the organisation and had fruitful discussions on the further development of EDS’ Basic Program as well as on the evaluation of the past Council Meeting held in Jerusalem.

On Friday a traditional Austrian dinner was joined by MEP Othmar Karas, providing the EDS bureau with the opportunity for in depth political talks on such topics as the formation of the European Commission and future enlargements of the EU. The societal highlight certainly was the traditional Viennese WU Ball, taking place in the beautiful premises of the imperial Hofburg. In recent EDS history the bureau meeting in Vienna and the attendance of this Ball has become a highly esteemed tradition, which we hope to continue for many years to come.