The conference of specially invited governments was indeed taking place in Vlaanderen, despite the security concerns. While technically the building was within the city limits, it lay in a secure park, complete with a riverside bank, trees, open grass and an underground car-park beneath the building. The former headquarters of the National Police, which had since relocated to a a more southern location in the city, this glass tower would suit the group nicely. The delegations had each been provided with private suites overlooking the Oude Roer River and the park. The city skyline of the capital, south from the building, was also visible.
Leopold Groning had been personally appointed by Prime Minister Alex de Jonghe to head this conference, a conference of great importance for the new Batavian government. With the delegations from Arendaal, Éireann, Telora and the Suionians hopefully arriving shortly, Leopold spoke into his microphone and addressed the group in French, a nice neutral language that most of these distinguished diplomats would understand and if they didn't, a host of interpreters was at the ready.
'Greetings esteemed colleagues and friends. We are gathered here today to discuss something, which until the change in Batavië, was not possible, a cooperative organisation for the Scandinavian and Northern region of Europe.' He sipped from his crystal glass of water and continued.
'My government, the entire country, is entering unfamiliar waters. A free market economy, democracy, never before seen diplomatic cooperation and the freedom of travel for our people. We require guidance, but we also have offerings. A new market for both exporting to and importing from. Vast oil and natural gas reserves. Minerals, an educated populace and an active political voice. We seek the establishment of a Council. This council would be called the Northern Council. There are key main objectives of this Northern Council:
A Customs Union
Trade Union
Passport Union
Education Union
Intelligence and Police Cooperation
Mutual Diplomatic Support
'All very bold, but nothing that cannot be collectively achieved. This will benefit our people, our economies and our governance. I would like to open the floor to those wishing to express their own ideas or concerns and comments.'
Leopold Groning had been personally appointed by Prime Minister Alex de Jonghe to head this conference, a conference of great importance for the new Batavian government. With the delegations from Arendaal, Éireann, Telora and the Suionians hopefully arriving shortly, Leopold spoke into his microphone and addressed the group in French, a nice neutral language that most of these distinguished diplomats would understand and if they didn't, a host of interpreters was at the ready.
'Greetings esteemed colleagues and friends. We are gathered here today to discuss something, which until the change in Batavië, was not possible, a cooperative organisation for the Scandinavian and Northern region of Europe.' He sipped from his crystal glass of water and continued.
'My government, the entire country, is entering unfamiliar waters. A free market economy, democracy, never before seen diplomatic cooperation and the freedom of travel for our people. We require guidance, but we also have offerings. A new market for both exporting to and importing from. Vast oil and natural gas reserves. Minerals, an educated populace and an active political voice. We seek the establishment of a Council. This council would be called the Northern Council. There are key main objectives of this Northern Council:
A Customs Union
Trade Union
Passport Union
Education Union
Intelligence and Police Cooperation
Mutual Diplomatic Support
'All very bold, but nothing that cannot be collectively achieved. This will benefit our people, our economies and our governance. I would like to open the floor to those wishing to express their own ideas or concerns and comments.'