Join the Live Stream:
https://europeanparliament.webex.com/europeanparliament/j.php?MTID=m3c3169a33392dd8a1d4dcbe00e462041
(webinar no. 2742 494 5265, access code 274 249 45265)
We are pleased to invite to the final conference of the EU-funded ReCo project, taking place on 5 November 2025, from 10:30 to 12:30 CET, at the European Parliament in Brussels (room Antall 6Q1).
The conference will be hosted at the European Parliament by Prof. Danuše Nerudová, Member of the European Parliament (EPP, CZ), ENVI Committee, and is jointly organised by Mr. Michal Servus, Deputy Minister at the Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic, and Dr. Liana Geidezis, Head of the National Green Belt Competence Center at BUND Germany.
The event will explore the European Green Belt as a model for biodiversity restoration and cross-border cooperation, bringing together Members of the European Parliament – Prof. Danuše Nerudová, Dr. Jutta Paulus, and Michal Wiezik – as well as representatives of the European Commission, national authorities, project partners, and civil society actors from across Europe.
The programme combines political perspectives, concrete project achievements, and a forward-looking debate on Europe’s restoration agenda:
10:15 – Arrival & Coffee
Coffee, tea, and light refreshments available for early arrivals and informal exchange.
10:30 – Welcome by the Host
Prof. Danuše Nerudová, Member of the European Parliament (EPP, CZ), ENVI Committee
In her role as host of the event at the European Parliament.
10:35 – Opening Remarks on behalf of the ReCo Project
Mr. Michal Servus, Deputy Minister, Ministry of the Environment, Czech Republic
Dr. Liana Geidezis, Head of the National Green Belt Competence Center at BUND Germany
Opening the event on behalf of the ReCo partnership.
10:45 – Keynote Speech
Prof. Danuše Nerudová, MEP (EPP, CZ), ENVI Committee
The Green Belt as a European Vision – linking restoration, cooperation, and EU responsibility
11:00 – ReCo Project Overview: Achievements & Perspectives
Jörg Schmiedel, ReCo, Germany
Bojana Lipej, ReCo, Slovenia
Tandem presentation highlighting cross-border cooperation, restoration efforts, and lessons from all pilot regions.
11.30 Panel Discussion: “EU Biodiversity Policy and the Role of the Green Belt”
Panelists:
• Dr. Jutta Paulus, MEP (Greens/EFA, DE), ENVI Committee
• Michal Wiezik, MEP (Renew, SK), ENVI Committee
• Viera Slavíková, Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE Joint Secretariat
• Andrea Vettori, Head of Nature Conservation Unit, DG Environment
• Prof. Thomas Wrbka, University of Vienna
• Melanie Kreutz, National Green Belt Competence Center at BUND Germany
12:00 – Open Floor / Questions & Answers
Audience Q&A with panelists and speakers
12:15 – Closing Remarks
Mr. Michal Servus, Ministry of the Environment, Czech Republic
Dr. Liana Geidezis, Head of the National Green Belt Competence Center at BUND Germany
Political takeaways and a closing message on behalf of the ReCo partnership.
12:30 – Informal Networking Lunch
Light buffet lunch, informal setting, opportunity for open exchange and further networking.
Live stream: https://europeanparliament.webex.com/europeanparliament/j.php?MTID=m3c3169a33392dd8a1d4dcbe00e462041 (webinar no. 2742 494 5265, access code 274 249 45265)
Invitation: https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ReCo_Final_Conference_Invitation_V_GB.pdf
Agenda: https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ReCo_Final_Conference_Agenda.pdf
Online registration (for personal participation in Brussels): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6BBMof-jq28NqyRyaEiJrlrEYFYAtLQSHwgx1jqf0Dsi1wg/viewform?usp=header
Disclaimer: This conference is part of the EU-funded ReCo project under the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE Programme. The views and opinions expressed during the event are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the programme authorities.