LIBER AMICORUM - IBR

40-JARIG BESTAAN I.B.R.
It is a particular pleasure, as President of FEE, to express the warm wishes of the accountancy
profession throughout Europe to the Institut des Reviseurs d' Entreprises on
the occasion of its 40th anniversary.
The 40 years of the IRE's existence have been truly tumultuous years for Europe, but
this is not the place to list the tremendous changes to the political, economic and
social structure fo our continent which have taken place.
The European accountancy profession has always sought to anticipate and respond to
this exciting and evolving environment, and the IRE has consistently been at the
forefront of our cooperative efforts at European level.
An early member of UEC, the Belgian profession provided the first chairman of what
became the Groupe d'Etudes. The IRE hosted its secretariat and meetings, and provided
much of the administrative support without which its activities would not have
been possible. When FEE commenced its operations at the beginning of 1987, the IRE
continued to offer its hospitality until our own office accomodation was ready. More
importantly, however, the quality of the IRE's reprensatatives in FEE and its generous
financial support have contributed significantly to the development of our Federation
and to our activities on behalf of the accountancy profession in Europe.
The fact that Brussels is the capital of Europe also explains, perhaps, how Belgium has
been an enthusiastic supporter of all efforts to enhance and harmonise the practice of
accountancy in Europe. The IRE can claim much of the credit for this.
In return for IRE's loyalty and commitment, FEE is aware of its special responsibility, as
laid down in its constitution, to represent the European accountancy profession at international
level. Whilst our larger member bodies participate directly in the work of
IFAC and IASC, FEE plays a role in ensuring that the needs and views of all of Europe,
including those of the IRE, are taken into account.
The IRE and the representative structure for the accountancy profession at European
level have developed together since the 1950s. As FEE looks to the future with hope
and optimism we are sure that the IRE has every reason to do likewise. We wish the
IRE and its members well, and look forward to many more years of fruitful cooperation
in the interests of Europe, our profession and the public we serve.
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