In December, MetropolisNet held its annual General Assembly for network members. Of course, much like every other aspect in our lives throughout 2020, this was not an ordinary assembly. While the event is typically a high point of the Met calendar, a time when members can convene in person, mingle and share ideas for the future, this year we were forced to only see one another virtually.
Thus, the assembly kicked off with checking in with all our network members on how they are handling work amid the ongoing pandemic. They shared the different ways their organizations have had to readjust and reconfigure their work to adapt to the new reality. Some mentioned they had already made a digital leap prior to the current crisis, while others were much newer to these forms of work.
The pandemic has also affected the ability to carry out project in various ways and has had a more significant impact on some. The Metnet coordinating office offered members an overview of all active projects, many of which have been extended to cope with the challenges posed by the pandemic. While most projects have been adjusted in some way, it was encouraging to see how much of the work has continued, and how many creative solutions have been thought up.
On the second day, and in keeping with the collaborative spirit of the network, members worked together on the strategic/operative work plan for 2021. This included ideas for the development and implementation of new projects under EU frameworks, consolidating and developing MetNet expertise in policy advice, and contribution to EU policy formulation. Finally, members discussed various business development aspects for the network.
Concluding the assembly, network members expressed their wishes and hopes for Metropolisnet in 2021. While many different hopes were expressed, the common sentiment was a simple desire to see each other in person once again.
