25 Years of EVS – Anniversary Congress on May 7, 2025, in Rotterdam

Opening Speech by President Simon Rijsdijk

Dear members, colleagues, and guests,

It is a great honour to warmly welcome you all to this special anniversary congress of the European Association of Registrars (EVS). This year marks a milestone in our journey together, and we stand here together, at a time when the significance of our partnership is more emphasised than ever.

It is a special occasion to come together here today, at this beautiful location that breathes not only history, but also the symbolism of travel, connections and new horizons. The former cruise ship SS Rotterdam is the perfect setting for a congress that is all about progress, change and strengthening the connection between civil registrars in Europe. Just as this ship has visited many ports, we as civil registrars have carried out our work in many communities and countries. And as this ship has continued its journey over the years, so too has civil registration and international personal and family law developed and adapted to the spirit of the times.

When we look back at the history of our association, we can be proud of the progress we have made together. Since our foundation, we at EVS have not only worked to promote professionalism and expertise, but also to strengthen the network that connects us as European professionals. It is our collaboration, the sharing of expertise, and the joint commitment to improving registration practices that has brought us closer together as Europeans.

But as we gather here today, we cannot ignore the geopolitical situation that is currently gripping the world. Developments in Europe and worldwide are posing major challenges for us as individuals, as a professional group, but also as a continent. The past few years have confronted us with enormous changes: the COVID-19 pandemic, the energy crisis, the waves of migration, and of course the war in Ukraine, which has disrupted geopolitical stability in Europe. The consequences of these conflicts are felt on many fronts, both for our work and for our society in general.

In these turbulent times, the importance of European cooperation cannot be underestimated. The value of a united Europe, of cooperation across borders, is essential for ensuring stability and finding common solutions to the issues we face. As civil servants, we are the ones who not only work on the administrative and legal structures that bind our countries and institutions together, but we also play a crucial role in strengthening trust between countries and the people who live in them.

Our collaboration as European professionals is the foundation on which we can build. At a time when disinformation and uncertainty are growing, it is the responsibility of our sector to ensure transparency, accuracy and reliability. Our expertise is essential not only for recording data, but for supporting society as a whole in maintaining stability and trust.

During these two days, we will not only reflect on the successes of the past years, but also look ahead to how we can harness the strengths of our collaboration to meet the challenges of the future. Geopolitical uncertainty will undoubtedly affect our work and the way we shape cross-border collaboration. But it also offers us an opportunity to be stronger, more flexible and more connected than ever.

As Europeans, as professionals, we must hold on to the values ​​that unite us: respect for the rights and freedoms of the individual, transparency in our processes, and fostering cooperation based on trust and solidarity. In these uncertain times, we cannot rely solely on national initiatives. It is our shared responsibility as European professionals to work together to strengthen the stability of our systems, foster mutual understanding and ensure the integrity of our working methods.

Let us take this opportunity to reflect on how we as EVS can contribute even more strongly to a Europe that is resilient, both politically and economically, but also socially. Let us look at the opportunities that lie ahead, and harness the power of collaboration to strengthen not only our profession, but also our communities.

I would like to thank you all for your presence and commitment. I wish you an inspiring, productive and fruitful conference. Together we can chart a positive course for the future of our sector and for a stronger Europe.

Thank you!