Veranstaltungsrückblick
Launch of the European Women’s Lobby Barometer on Rape in Europe 2013
18.06.2013, 08h30 - 10h30, European Parliament ASP 3H1
The EU Office of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung is pleased to support the launch of the European Women’s Lobby Barometer on Rape in Europe 2013. This breakfast meeting is hosted by MEP Corina Creţu, Vice President of the S&D Group.
Although in the last years the issue of violence against women has gained increased attention on the political scene, rape still remains a “forgotten” issue in Europe. The EWL Barometer 2013 gives visibility to this topic and presents the major challenges in Europe. It covers 32 countries and shows how national legislation complies with the Council of Europe Convention definition of rape.
Speakers will include notably MEPs Antonia Parvanova (ALDE) and Nicole Kiil-Nielsen (Verts), Raluca Poppa, Council of Europe, Viviane Teitelbaum, President of the EWL and Colette De Troy, Director of the EWL Observatory on Violence against Women.
To register:
contact Anna Bates ( Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist gegen Spambots geschützt! Sie müssen JavaScript aktivieren, damit Sie sie sehen können. ) or Friederike Kamm ( Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist gegen Spambots geschützt! Sie müssen JavaScript aktivieren, damit Sie sie sehen können. )
by Thursday 13th of June latest.
Should you require an access badge to enter the European Parliament, please provide us your full name, date of birth, and passport number in order to register you with the EP security service.
Presentation of FES paper and debate
17.06.2013, 11h00 - 13h00, expert roundtable
Our responsibility goes beyond EU borders: for greater commitment to the EU Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy
The on-going EU internal crisis also affects the Union’s external policies. The current challenges have an impact on public finances, priority setting and on the power balance between EU institutions and Member States, as well as on the normative dimension of the EU’s “soft power”. In times of the most fundamental crisis the EU has faced since its beginning, Europe’s most successful policies for fostering peace, stability and prosperity in its neighbourhood – namely the Enlargement Policy and the Neighbourhood Policy - are threatened by the EU’s internal instabilities. While the fiscal consolidation and economic recovery are a major focus for all European actors, the authors of the paper initiated by MEP Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler and MP Dietmar Nietan argue that the EU must responsibly reinforce its engagement in the enlargement and neighbourhood countries. The authors raise valuable arguments why the EU’s engagement and credibility towards its nearest partners is of importance and also of benefit for the EU citizens. Simon Mordue, Head of Cabinet of Stefan Füle, EU-Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy will hold an introductory speech.
http://library.fes.de/pdf-files/id/09891.pdf.
The English version will be online soon.
contact: Stefanie.Ricken(at)fes-europe.eu
Policies of the EU on Women Empowerment and Gender Mainstreaming
03. - 07.06.2013, information and dialogue programme for gender practitioners
Closed Programme upon Invitation only
In India, despite several constitutional provisions and policy initiatives providing gender equality the patriarchal mind sets continue to exclude women from most decision making positions and the gender disparities further manifest in the socio-economic status. Civil society engagement plays a crucial role in questioning this status quo and pushing for policy changes. But the challenges lie in particular in holding authorities both at central and federal level accountable.
The experiences of the EU and its member states should provide examples of how different policies have been implemented through various instruments and practices to promote gender equality. The aim of the programme is to provide deeper insights into the institutional and political approaches of gender mainstreaming and the implementation of gender policies by the EU and its member states. Moreover the programme should give the opportunity to discuss current challenges for gender equality and women’s rights in the EU and India.
Contact: Friederike.Kamm(at)fes-europe.eu or Daniela.Iller(at)fes-europe.eu
A More Cohrerent EU “Peace Policy?” – New Impulses in Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding
06.06.2013, 13h45 - 18h30, roundtable
During the Irish presidency in the first half of 2013, the issue of cooperation between regional organizations and the UN in crisis management operations was put high on the political agenda. This topic comes to the EU agenda amidst ongoing discussion at the UN about peacekeeping reform (the New Horizons Process) with an emphasis on new Peacekeeping Partnerships and substantial changes in the global Peace Operations landscape (rising powers).
This workshop will assess the most recent developments at the EU level in the fields of peacekeeping and peacebuilding against the background of recent global developments (discussion about UN peacekeeping reform, peacekeeping partnerships). It will also assess the discussion on peacebuilding and peacekeeping outside the EU and it will explore potential for peacebuilding cooperations on international level.
The EU office of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung is organising this workshop to bring together experts from EU institutions, diplomatic missions, member states, think tanks as well as experts from outside the EU.
Contact: Sidonie.Wetzig(at)fes-europe.eu
Das Europäische Parlament - Rolle und Funktion am Beispiel ausgewählter Politik
10. - 13.06.2013, Straßburg
Die politischen Bildungsprogramme im Europäischen Parlament während der Sitzungswochen in Straßburg geben den TeilnehmerInnen einen Einblick in das Tagesgeschehen des Europäischen Parlaments sowie die Gelegenheit mit Abgeordneten über aktuelle europapolitische Themen zu diskutieren und die Plenarsitzungen vor Ort zu verfolgen. Die Rolle des Europäischen Parlaments im Gefüge der Europäischen Institutionen und die Bedeutung europäischer Politik auf nationaler, regionaler und lokaler Ebene werden erläutert.
Kontakt: Janett.Schrader(at)fes-europe.eu
Monitoring Regional Cooperation in the Western Balkan Region
05.06.2013, 11h - 13h30, expert roundtable
During this conference, the results of a regional research project initiated by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung will be presented and discussed with Brussels based experts, policy makers and media. This research provides an evaluation of the existing initiatives and policies for regional cooperation in the Western Balkans focusing
on their implementation on national level and their impact on national institutions, processes or regulations. It also looked at how individual states in the Western Balkans contribute to regional integration policies. The study was undertaken by a team of researchers from local based think-tanks from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia who did interviews with key officials and experts in the field. The study comprises nation country chapters as well as a comparative chapter outlining the differences and similarities between the different Western Balkan countries.
Dane Taleski, Executive Director of the Institute for Social Democracy “Progress” in Skopje and coordinator of this research project will present the main findings. Further speakers are Goran Svilanovic, General Secretary of the Regional Cooperation Council, MEP Mariaeleni Koppa, EP’s Rapporteur on Enlargement and Gerhard Schumann-Hitzler, Director for IPA strategy & regional cooperation at DG Enlargement of the European Commission.
contact: stefanie.ricken(at)fes-europe.eu
Dialogprogramm Europäische Gesundheitspolitik
26. - 29.05.2013 Dialogprogramm für FachmultiplikatorInnen aus Deutschland
Gesundheitspolitik zum Wohle der europäischen PatientInnen am Beispiel der EU-Vorschläge zu klinischen Tests und Medizinprodukte
Für die Regelung grenzüberschreitender Zusammenhänge ist die EU auch im Bereich der Gesundheitspolitik mit der Kompetenz ausgestattet, verbindliche europäische Gesetzgebung zu verabschieden. Bei der grenzüberschreitenden Gesundheitsversorgung oder bei sich rasch ausbreitenden Infektionskrankheiten ist der Mehrwert gemeinsamen europäischen Handelns zur Frühwarnung und für Maßnahmen zur Eindämmung deutlich nachvollziehbar. Ebenso sind im Zusammenhang mit dem europäischen Gesundheitsbinnenmarkt gemeinsame Regeln und Standards notwendig, wenn es etwa um die Nutzung von Medizinprodukten oder die Zulassung von Arzneimitteln, deren Handel und die Überwachung von deren Qualität geht. Die Zahl der betroffenen Akteure ist dabei groß und die auf die Gesetzgebung einflussnehmenden Interessen ebenso vielzählig. In der Kompromissfindung geht es um das Wohl von Patienten, ethische Standards, bürokratische Auflagen, wirtschaftliche Kosten und Effizienzen im Binnenmarkt und vieles mehr.
Diese Fragen sollen im Rahmen des Dialogprogrammes an zwei konkreten aktuellen gesetzgeberischen Vorschlägen der EU diskutiert werden:
- Der Vorschlag der EU-Kommission für eine Verordnung über klinische Prüfungen mit Humanarzneimitteln KOM(2012)369
- Der Vorschlag für eine Verordnung für Medizinprodukte (KOM(2012)542
Das Dialogprogramm gibt im Austausch mit VertreterInnen aus den EU-Institutionen und von Seiten verschiedener Verbände Einblick in die Positionierung und Argumentation der verschiedenen Akteure zum Thema der klinischen Tests sowie der Medizinprodukteverordnung. In Hintergrundgesprächen und Gruppendiskusionen werden gemeinsam Defizite identifiziert und Lösungsoptionen diskutiert.
Kontakt: Stephan.Thalhofer (at)fes-europe.eu
Das Europäische Parlament - Rolle und Funktion am Beispiel ausgewählter Politik
20. - 23.05.2013, Straßburg
Die politischen Bildungsprogramme im Europäischen Parlament während der Sitzungswochen in Straßburg geben den TeilnehmerInnen einen Einblick in das Tagesgeschehen des Europäischen Parlaments sowie die Gelegenheit mit Abgeordneten über aktuelle europapolitische Themen zu diskutieren und die Plenarsitzungen vor Ort zu verfolgen. Die Rolle des Europäischen Parlaments im Gefüge der Europäischen Institutionen und die Bedeutung europäischer Politik auf nationaler, regionaler und lokaler Ebene werden erläutert.
Kontakt: Janett.Schrader(at)fes-europe.eu
Integration of Gender Perspectives into Education – Contribution to Sustainable Development
12. - 17.05.2013, EU Information seminar for Gender Experts from Ukraine
closed seminar/upon Invitation only
Ensuring good governance, equal rights and opportunities, fair distribution of resources, inclusion of all social groups into decision-making, and thus, the overall promotion of democratic principles and sustainable development cannot be introduced fully without the regard to gender mainstreaming. However, at least in Ukraine, all these processes are hampered by the lack of understanding (wrong comprehension or even fear) of the gender concept itself, as well as low awareness on gender issues among the general public.
Therefore in 2011-2012 FES Ukraine implemented a project aiming at raising awareness of the importance of the integration of a gender component into education and promoting gender mainstreaming in the country. In this context the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung EU Office is organising a dialogue programme EU-Ukraine on “Integration of Gender Perspectives into Education – Contribution to Sustainable Development” in Brussels. Participants will be distinguished civil society actors and University teachers working in Gender Education Centers at Universities in Ukraine.
During the dialogue programme, participants will learn about the achievements and further challenges of the European Neighbourhood Policy, the Eastern Partnership as well as of bilateral relations between the EU and Ukraine; Moreover strategies and experiences of gender mainstreaming and of implementing gender perspectives into education will be exchanged with political decision makers and experts from European institutions such as the European Parliament, the European Commission, the European External Action Service as well as from trade unions, think tanks, universities and civil society represented in Brussels. Questions to be raised are: How is gender mainstreaming put into practice in the European Union? What are the efforts of EU Member States to implement gender perspectives into (higher) education and how can the collaboration between EU and Ukraine be deepened and more sustainable by including gender strategies?
contact: Friederike.Kamm(at)fes-europe.eu
Challenges and perspectives for the media sector in Turkey
13. - 17.05.2013, EU dialogue program for Turkish media representatives
closed seminar
The situation in the Turkish media sector has become of growing international concern and criticism. It seems that developments in this field are considered as the litmus test for Turkey’s democratization efforts. Quite often the main focus is on the imprisoned journalists and the anti-terror law, leaving out the multi-layered complexities of the Turkish media sector as a whole such as the challenge of an oligopolistic owner structure, interdependence of politics and media, lack of trade union structures in the media sector, etc. A group of distinguished representatives of Turkish media has been invited to Brussels by FES to share information and views with high level officials, experts and policy makers from EU institutions, trade unions and NGOs about The situation in the Turkish media sector has become of growing international concern and criticism. It seems that developments in this field are considered as the litmus test for Turkey’s democratization efforts. Quite often the main focus is on the imprisoned journalists and the anti-terror law, leaving out the multi-layered complexities of the Turkish media sector as a whole such as the challenge of an oligopolistic owner structure, interdependence of politics and media, lack of trade union structures in the media sector, etc. A group of distinguished representatives of Turkish media has been invited to Brussels by FES to share information and views with high level officials, experts and policy makers from EU institutions, trade unions and NGOs about the complexity of structural problems within the Turkish media sector in order to discuss proposals how to improve the situation.
Contact: Stefanie.Ricken(at)fes-europe.eu
Caught in the Wheels of Power – Media in Turkey
16.05.2013, 13h00 - 15h30, experts' roundtable
participation upon Invitation only
What are the political, legal and economic factors that promote or hinder the development of independent media and freedom of the press in Turkey ?
Dilek Kurban (former director the Democratization Program of TESEV, Turkish Economic and Social Foundation) will present the findings of study which has been conducted during the last 3 years in the framework of MEDIADEM project and which has resulted in concrete policy suggestions for free and independent media in Turkey. The main assumption of MEDIADEM is that legal culture, institutional traditions, as well as economic, socio-cultural and political domestic peculiarities exert a significant influence on how regulatory norms are construed and implemented as well as how they are perceived and whether or not they are truly respected. External pressures on the formulation of media policies, stemming from the action of regional organizations, such as the European Union and the Council of Europe, are also analyzed. Sirin Payzin (CNNTürk Senior Anchor), Neil Campbell (Open Society Foundations Brussels) and Jean-Christophe Filori (DG Enlargement, European Commission) will comment on the study. Further participants in the debate will be Brussels based experts, policy makers, NGOs and think tanks involved in Turkey and media issues.
Contact: Stefanie.Ricken(at)fes-europe.eu
The European Youth Guarantee How to implement and make it work in the member states?
14.05.2013, 10h00 - 12h30, expert roundtable
After the adoption of the Council recommendation for a European Youth Guarantee our event aims at assessing how this instrument for higher youth employment may be implemented most effectively in the different member states. Therefore we will debate a number of questions together with some 20 experts from the EU institutions, trade union, think tanks and business representatives :
- What is the general opinion on a European Youth Guarantee (EYG) in different countries?
- What elements for a youth guarantee are already in place in different member states and how could they be strengthened?
- Which proposed elements of the EYG could work in each country under which preconditions? What are the obstacles, difficulties?
- Is there a minimum set of conditions, independent from member states’ specificities, to make the EYG work?
- Limitations and risks/side effects of Youth-Guarantee-schemes
- State of national debate as to where (new) jobs could be coming from?
- What exactly is needed to effectively provide youth with jobs?
- How effective can labour market policies be in a generally depressive economic climate?
To advance more quickly in a limited amount of time on this broad scope of questions we will have an internal workshop one day earlier with country experts from Finland, Austria, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece and the Czech Republic. This will help us to take stock country by country and to feed in a condensed expertise on the above questions at the beginning of our experts’ roundtable on 14 May.
Contact: Stephan.Thalhofer (at)fes-europe.eu
The crisis and its impacts on gender equality in the European Union
22.- 26.04.2013, EU Information seminar for Politicians from Visegrád Countries
closed seminar
In cooperation with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Regional Project “Gender Equality in East-Central Europe” the FES EU Office is organizing a dialogue programme in Brussels for a delegation of young social democratic women from Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.
Aim is to make the participants acquainted with European gender equality policies and to enable a direct exchange with relevant actors in Brussels on current challenges of in the European Union and of social democracy in Europe. Meetings with representatives of the European institutions, think tanks, NGOs and Trade Unions in Brussels will focus inter alia on the economic and financial crisis, social and employment policies as well as on European foreign policies, Fundamental rights and Migration.
Contact: Friederike.Kamm(at)fes-europe.eu
The State of the European Union
11.04.2013, 11h00 - 13h00
Venue: European Parliament, Room P6B054 ROOM CHANGE! NEW VENUE: P5B001
The current crisis concerning Cyprus is the latest proof that something is going very wrong for the European project. Decision makers referring to the state of emergency in the Eurozone push lopsided adjustment and austerity policies, suggesting that there are no alternatives. Following this approach over the last five years, the EU has not delivered what the European citizens demand, neither with regard to the economy nor to social or political goals. Social and democratic peace is severely in danger which increasingly relegates the EU’s Nobel Prize for Peace to a memory of better times instead of keeping it as a promise for the future.
From our point of view, the questions that have to be addressed are quite clear:
- How does Europe get out of its economic difficulties?
- How to save and consolidate the European Social Model?
- How to strengthen democracy and make political institutions work in that sense?
- What can be achieved within the existing legal and institutional framework? Where would we need a new institutional design?
The Spanish think-tank Fundación Alternativas and the Madrid Office of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung have addressed these (and other) topics in a comprehensive report, written by a group of experts from Spain and Germany and coordinated by Diego López Garrido, former Secretary of State for European Affairs and a member of the European Convention on the Lisbon Treaty.
We would like to invite you to discuss the main findings and recommendations with Diego López Garrido and two of the authors: Emilio Ontiveros, one of Spain’s leading economists, and Klaus Busch, German expert on European integration and social cohesion.
The full report “The State of the European Union” is available in
- English at http://www.fes.de/cgi-bin/gbv.cgi?id=09840&ty=pdf
- Spanish at http://www.fes.de/cgi-bin/gbv.cgi?id=09841&ty=pdf
Contact/registration: Stephan.Thalhofer(at)fes-europe.eu
Das Europäische Parlament - Rolle und Funktion am Beispiel ausgewählter Politik
15.- 18.04.2013, Straßburg
Die politischen Bildungsprogramme im Europäischen Parlament während der Sitzungswochen in Straßburg geben den TeilnehmerInnen einen Einblick in das Tagesgeschehen des Europäischen Parlaments sowie die Gelegenheit mit Abgeordneten über aktuelle europapolitische Themen zu diskutieren und die Plenarsitzungen vor Ort zu verfolgen. Die Rolle des Europäischen Parlaments im Gefüge der Europäischen Institutionen und die Bedeutung europäischer Politik auf nationaler, regionaler und lokaler Ebene werden erläutert.
Kontakt: Janett.Schrader(at)fes-europe.eu
The outcome of DipCon2 – The Arms Trade Treaty. One Step ahead for Global Arms Control?
09.04.2013,10h30 - 12h30, expert's roundtable
Beginning of April the United Nations General Assembly voted to approve a pioneering treaty aimed at regulating the enormous global trade in conventional weapons, for the first time linking sales to the human rights records of the buyers. The vote followed the Final UN Diplomatic Conference (DipCon2) on the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) that could not find agreement in a first attempt in 2012. Advocates of a strong and robust treaty hoped that it is more than a means to facilitate the conduct of arms industry but rather an instrument that represents a real “game changer” with provisions to end unauthorized or diverted transfer and thereby limit or even prevent human suffering. To conclude what was begun, however, proved not to be an easy task. The treaty prohibits states from exporting conventional weapons in violation of arms embargoes, or weapons that would be used for acts of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes or terrorism. However, the highly complicated negotiations forced compromises that left significant loopholes. Does the final result live up to the expectations?
The EU office of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung is organising this roundtable to bring together experts from EU institutions, Member States, Think Tanks to discuss the outcomes of DipCon2 and ATT. It aims at analysing the results of the negotiations and to formulate recommendations as a follow-up. The discussion will touch upon controversial elements of the treaty, the impact on the EU Common Position as well as the coordination between Members States and the EU. What remains to be done for a successful ratification and implementation?
The roundtable takes place under Chatham House rule.
Following the debate, a light lunch will be offered.
Contact: Sidonie.Wetzig(at)fes-europe.eu
A European Solidarty Union ? Lessons from the German "Länderfinanzausgleich" *
Treffen ehemaliger Stipendiatinnen und Stipendiaten
25.03.2013, 19.00 Uhr, geschlossene Veranstaltung 
Europabüro der Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
Vortrag und Diskussion zum Thema
Wirtschaft ohne Kultur ? – EU-Medienpolitik in Zeiten der Krise
mit
Jan-Theodor Wiesner, Stellvertretender Leiter des ARD-Verbindungsbüro, Brüssel
Das Europäische Parlament - Rolle und Funktion am Beispiel ausgewählter Politik
11. - 17.03.2013, Straßburg
Die politischen Bildungsprogramme im Europäischen Parlament während der Sitzungswochen in Straßburg geben den TeilnehmerInnen einen Einblick in das Tagesgeschehen des Europäischen Parlaments sowie die Gelegenheit mit Abgeordneten über aktuelle europapolitische Themen zu diskutieren und die Plenarsitzungen vor Ort zu verfolgen. Die Rolle des Europäischen Parlaments im Gefüge der Europäischen Institutionen und die Bedeutung europäischer Politik auf nationaler, regionaler und lokaler Ebene werden erläutert.
Kontakt: Janett.Schrader(at)fes-europe.eu
Enlargement in perspective
06.03.2013, conference, 15h00 - 18h00, European Parliament
Enlargement in perspective: how do candidate and potential candidate countries perceive accession in the light of the current crisis?
Hosted by MEP Maria Eleni Koppa, EP’s Rapporteur on Enlargement, in cooperation with the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) and SOLIDAR.
This international conference is a follow up of the European Parliament report “Enlargement: policies, criteria and the EU's strategic interests” drafted by Ms Koppa and will be joined by EU Commissioner Štefan Füle (responsible for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood policy) and Hannes Swoboda (MEP, Austria, President S&D Group in the EP).
The purpose of this conference is to give voice to academia, trade unions and civil society from aspirant countries in the Western Balkans and Turkey. The following questions will be debated: How is EU enlargement / accession is currently perceived amongst citizens in these countries? What is the impact of the EU’s economic and political crisis, how has it influenced people’s aspiration to join the EU? To what extend do the increased influences of other actors (such as Russia or China) have an impact on the integration process? What lessons can be learned from that for the future EU enlargement process, on the EU side as well as on your countries’ side? And what does civil society expect from policy makers in the EU and in these country in order to speed up the process? Furthermore: What are key priority aspects within the Western Balkans and Turkey related to the EU social acquis.
Contact: Stefanie.Ricken(at)fes-europe.eu
Consolidating the Revolutions in North Africa – Rethinking Policies towards the Region
05.03.2013, 16h00 - 18h00, experts' roundtable
The Arab Spring profoundly altered the region of North Africa and the Middle East (MENA) and it provided the people who live there with new opportunities to build more inclusive, fair and prosperous societies. The post-revolutionary stage is an extremely vulnerable one: nations seek to dismantle and replace old political systems while avoiding an institutional vacuum. It is not rarely that revolutions eventually lead to some level of disappointment and disillusionment. The Arab Spring offers a new chance for the peoples of the region, but it also gives Europe a possibility to improve their relationship with the region.
The EU seeks to help building a “deep democracy” and to ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development. NATO is engaged through its Mediterranean dialogue. The alliance can offer its wide experience in assisting emerging democracies restructuring militaries in line with their more open societies. The scope and content of co-operation with MENA countries however should be tailor made and demand-driven.
The EU office of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung is organising this roundtable to bring together experts from EU institutions, Member States, Think Tanks and NATO to discuss informally to what extent - both - EU and NATO can offer the countries of the MENA region and also to what extend the events in the region provide the organisations with the opportunity to define a new sense of purpose – the EU for its Common Foreign and Security Policy and the NATO for its relations with the MENA region.
The roundtable takes place under Chatham House rule.
Contact: Sidonie.Wetzig(at)fes-europe.eu
EU’s Role in Facing Global Security Challenges Organised Crime and Drug Trafficking
27.02.2013, 09h15 - 13h00, expert's roundtable
Organized crime is a threat to human security as well as to democracy. In many parts of the world organized crime undermines state institutions’ and thereby further weakens states’ capacity to ensure the rule of law and provide security to its citizens and thus negatively impacts on human and economic development. Given the transnational nature of organized crime, responses need to be transnational as well.
One of the most prominent and most devastating practices and forms of organized crime remains drug trafficking, despite decades of efforts fighting it. The 2011 Report of the Global Commission on Drug policy states: “the global war on drugs has failed”.
The EU recognizes the drugs phenomenon as a national and international issue that needs to be addressed in a global context. The EU Drug Strategy sets the objective to strengthen the dialogue and cooperation between the EU and third countries. This approach is integrated into the broader development cooperation agenda of the EU.
This roundtable bring together experts’ from Latin America, Western Africa and the EU to discuss on the basis of publications commissioned by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung patterns and impacts of organized crime on security, governance and democracy as well as possible policy responses, particularly in the areas of drug-related crime and money laundering.
contact: Sidonie.Wetzig (at)fes-europe.eu
A Marshall Plan for Europe?
Proposal by the DGB for an economic stimulus, investment and development programme for Europe
06.03.2013, 13h30 - 15h00
Venue: Auditorium, International Trade Union House, Boulevard Roi Albert II, 5. 1210 Brussels
In view of the challenges Europe has to face in the 21st century and the faulted crisis management strategy adopted by EU leaders, which has lead to a downward spiral in economic terms and an increase of poverty and social inequalities, the Confederation of German Trade Unions (DGB) has developed a proposal for a European economic stimulus, investment and development programme – A Marshall Plan for Europe.
Through investments in sustainability, training and education, research and development and public infrastructure, this proposal aims at stabilising the economic environment and putting Europe on a long-term path towards growth and modernisation that will equip our continent for the future, create the jobs for the 21st century and make wealth possible for everyone. The Plan also details ways of funding the plan, through a Financial Transaction Tax, bonds etc.
We cordially invite you to discuss this draft, add your own specific suggestions and comments and to work together with us to develop a programme to face the challenges for the future.
Mit oder gegen den Wind? Die deutsche Energiewende im Kontext der europäischen Energiepolitik
ABGESAGT
7. - 10. April 2013, Dialogprogramm für MultiplikatorInnen aus Deutschland
Die Mitgliedstaaten der EU haben gemeinsam energie- und klimapolitische Ziele ausgerufen, die bis 2020 erreicht werden sollen (20% Anteil erneuerbarer Energien, 20% Verbesserung der Energieeffizienz und 20% Verminderung des CO2-Ausstoßes). Gleichwohl besteht weiterhin großer Koordinierungsbedarf in der europäischen Energie- und Klimapolitik. Aufgrund großer Unterschiede der nationalen Präferenzen und Ausstattung mit Energieressourcen sowie der Wirtschaftstrukturen hat die EU Mühe, den Mitgliedstaaten im Sinne einer einheitlichen europäischen Energiepolitik verbindlich vorzugeben, wie sich der nationale Energiemix zusammensetzen sollte. So kann Frankreich weiter an der Atomkraft festhalten, Deutschland ganz aussteigen und osteuropäische Staaten vor allem auf Kohle setzen. Auch der europäische Emissionshandel erfasst erst 50% des europäischen CO2-Ausstoßes und der Aufbau von transeuropäischen Energieinfrastrukturen, vor allem der Netze, verläuft langsam. Veränderung im Sinne gemeinsamer verbindlicher europäischer Regelungen machen zwangsläufig nationale Anpassungen erforderlich, die für erhebliche Widerstände sorgen. Die Energie- und Klimawende ist ohne Zweifel von großer Dringlichkeit und sie lässt sich nur gemeinsam in Europa vollziehen. Doch wie kann sie sowohl im Kompromiss zwischen den Mitgliedstaaten als auch binnenwirtschaftlich nachhaltig und sozial ausgeglichen gestaltet werden?
Das Dialogprogramm gibt im Austausch mit VertreterInnen aus den EU-Institutionen und von Seiten verschiedener Verbände Einblick in die Entwicklung der europäischen Energie- und Klimapolitik. Gemeinsam werden Defizite identifiziert und Lösungsoptionen diskutiert.
Kontakt u. Anmeldung: Stephan.Thalhofer(at)fes-europe.eu
Serbia preparing for EU accession talks
27.02.2013, public conference, 08h15 - 10h00, European Parliament, Room A3G3
Key note speaker speaker: Boris Tadic, former President of the Republic of Serbia
Host: Knut Fleckenstein MEP, Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chair of “Friends of Serbia” Intergroup
Serbia has been granted EU candidate status in March 2012. Since then, a new government has taken over in Belgrade. The next step on Serbia’s way into the EU, opening accession talks, could be expected for this summer - provided Belgrade cleans up on corruption and establishes pragmatic neighborly relations with Kosovo. However, the ICTY verdict on Gotovina and Markac last autumn has not made reconciliation in the region easier. In the light of its financial, economic and political crisis the EU suddenly appears less attractive. Public support in Serbia for EU memberships seems to diminish. Meanwhile, other actors like Russia, Turkey, China and even the Emirates bring themselves and their investment interests into position in Serbia and the region. Where is the country heading to?
We have the pleasure to welcome Boris Tadic, former President of the Republic of Serbia, who will share with us his assessment of the current political situation in Serbia, Serbia’s relations with its neighbors and the country’s prospect to start negotiations with the EU in summer with special view on the recent developments under the new Serbian government and in the light of the crisis the EU is facing.
Further speakers will be MEP Maria Eleni Koppa, Rapporteur for Enlargement and Myriam Ferran, Head of Unit for Serbia at the European Commission. We warmly invite you to participate in the debate following the speeches, chaired by MP Dietmar Nietan, Chairman of the SPD-Working Group on South Eastern Europe in the German Bundestag.
Please register until Friday 22 February latest by replying to:
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– until Wednesday, 20 February latest.
Contact: Stefanie.Ricken(at)fes-europe.eu
Kommunen in Europa, Europa in Kommunen
Abgesagt.
24. - 27.02.2013, Dialogprogramm für MultiplikatorInnen aus Deutschland (Anmeldung erforderlich)
Städte, Gemeinden und Kreise sind in ihrem politischen und Verwaltungswirken besonders über den gemeinsamen EU-Binnenmarkt in vielfältiger Weise von der europäischen Rechtsetzung abhängig. Das Gemeinschaftsrecht wird wesentlich von den nationalen Behörden auf Ebene der Länder und Kommunen vollzogen. Zentrale Bereiche stellen für die kommunalen Gebietskörperschaften dabei unter anderem das Vergabe- und das Beihilferecht dar. Aber auch das Sparkassenwesen, die Energiewirtschaft und der Umweltschutz in den Kommunen stehen in direktem Zusammenhang mit dem Europarecht. Und schließlich spielt natürlich auch die Förderpolitik im Rahmen der europäischen Struktur- und Kohäsionsfonds eine große Rolle für die Städte und Gemeinden.
In dem dreitägigen Dialogprogramm soll an aktuellen Besipielen in Gruppendiskussionen und Hintergrundgesprächen mit politischen EntscheidungsträgerInnen aus den EU-Institutionen und mit VerbandsvertreterInnen deutlich werden, welche Herausforderungen bei der Umsetzung von kommunalrelevanter EU-Gesetzgebung entstehen, Entscheidungsprozesse und Einflussmöglichkeiten sollen deutlich und gemeinsam konkrete politische Empfehlungen entwickelt und diskutiert werden.
Kontakt u. Anmeldung: Stephan.Thalhofer(at)fes-europe.eu
Tel.: +32 (0)2 234 62 93
Russia and the European Union: Difficult Partners – Chances for a New Start
26.02.2013, 09h30 - 18h00, high-level conference
Venue: Sofitel Hotel EU, Place Jourdan 1, Brussels
As speakers we are pleased to welcome inter alia:
Josep Bosch, Information and External Relations Officer, World Trade Organization
Mark Entin, Russian Ambassador to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
MEP Knut Fleckenstein, Chairman of the Delegation of the European Parliament for Relations with Russia
Ruslan Grinberg, Director, Institute of Economy, Russian Academy of Sciences
Michael Köhler, Head of Cabinet, Commissioner for Energy
Vyacheslav Nikonov, Deputy of the State Duma, Director of the Russkiy Mir Foundation, Moscow
MEP Hannes Swoboda, President of the S&D-Group in the European Parliament
Franz Thönnes, Member of the German Bundestag, Berlin
Simultaneous interpretation Russian, German, English will be provided.
Contact: Johanna.Lutz(at)fes-europe.eu
Das Europäische Parlament - Rolle und Funktion am Beispiel ausgewählter Politik
04. - 07.02.2013, Straßburg
Die politischen Bildungsprogramme im Europäischen Parlament während der Sitzungswochen in Straßburg geben den TeilnehmerInnen einen Einblick in das Tagesgeschehen des Europäischen Parlaments sowie die Gelegenheit mit Abgeordneten über aktuelle europapolitische Themen zu diskutieren und die Plenarsitzungen vor Ort zu verfolgen. Die Rolle des Europäischen Parlaments im Gefüge der Europäischen Institutionen und die Bedeutung europäischer Politik auf nationaler, regionaler und lokaler Ebene werden erläutert.
Kontakt: Janett.Schrader(at)fes-europe.eu
Roundtable with Foreign Minister of Myanmar H.E. U Wunna Maung Lwin
06.02.2013, 10h - 12h00, (registration starts 09h45)
Participation upon personal invitation only
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung is very pleased to invite to a roundtable discussion with MISIS on the future relationship between the EU and Myanmar. Foreign Minister of Myanmar H.E. U Wunna Maung Lwin will deliver a keynote speech at the discussion.
Since a civilian government took up office in March 2011 Myanmar has undergone remarkable political reforms. The release of political prisoners, the conclusion of ceasefire agreements with ethnic groups and notably the parliamentary by-elections in April 2012 won by Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD were seen as credible steps in the country’s transition.
The international community and the EU positively acknowledged this process. By suspending its non-military sanctions and offering development assistance the EU strongly supports further political and economic change in Myanmar.
We are pleased that Mr. Seamus Gillespie, Acting Director South and South East Asia, EEAS, will give an input on EU’s further engagement with Myanmar.
Contact: Daniela.Iller(at)fes-europe.eu
Das Europäische Parlament - Rolle und Funktion am Beispiel ausgewählter Politik
14. - 17.01.2013, Straßburg
Die politischen Bildungsprogramme im Europäischen Parlament während der Sitzungswochen in Straßburg geben den TeilnehmerInnen einen Einblick in das Tagesgeschehen des Europäischen Parlaments sowie die Gelegenheit mit Abgeordneten über aktuelle europapolitische Themen zu diskutieren und die Plenarsitzungen vor Ort zu verfolgen. Die Rolle des Europäischen Parlaments im Gefüge der Europäischen Institutionen und die Bedeutung europäischer Politik auf nationaler, regionaler und lokaler Ebene werden erläutert.
Kontakt: Janett.Schrader(at)fes-europe.eu
Das Europäische Parlament - Rolle und Funktion am Beispiel ausgewählter Politik
10. - 13.12.2012, Straßburg
Die politischen Bildungsprogramme im Europäischen Parlament während der Sitzungswochen in Straßburg geben den TeilnehmerInnen einen Einblick in das Tagesgeschehen des Europäischen Parlaments sowie die Gelegenheit mit Abgeordneten über aktuelle europapolitische Themen zu diskutieren und die Plenarsitzungen vor Ort zu verfolgen. Die Rolle des Europäischen Parlaments im Gefüge der Europäischen Institutionen und die Bedeutung europäischer Politik auf nationaler, regionaler und lokaler Ebene werden erläutert.
Kontakt: Janett.Schrader(at)fes-europe.eu
Policy Impact of the Eastern Partnership on Ukraine: Politics, Energy, Trade and Mobility
06.12.2012, 10h - 12h30, expert roundtable
During the workshop the findings of a research project carried out by the Research Center of the Slovak Foreign Policy Association (RC SFPA) in cooperation with the National Institute for Strategic Studies (NIIS) in Ukraine and with support of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Bratislava will be presented. The aim of this joint project was to assess the policy impact of the Eastern Partnership on Ukraine with special focus on the sectorial fields of trade, energy and mobility and to draft policy recommendations for the further cooperation in these three sectors. In addition, the project aims at evaluating current developments in the EU-Ukraine relations considering the present political dialogue between the EU and Ukraine, including the consequences of the October 2012 parliamentary elections in Ukraine. The project is a follow up to the previous joint research entitled Regional Strategic Framework for the European Union’s Eastern Policy, which aimed to search for a comprehensive regional strategy for the EU policy toward the region of Eastern Europe. Alexander Duleba, Vladimir Bilcik and Vladimir Benc from RC SFPA will be pleased to present their findings and discuss their policy recommendations with experts and policy makers from EEAS, EC and the EP as well as with permanent representations, missions and think tanks.
Contact: Stefanie.Ricken(at)fes-europe.eu
EMU 2020: Scenarios for the Eurozone
06.12.2012, 09h00-12h00, Public debate, Renaissance Hotel
In the current situation the future course and shape of the European Monetary Union is more uncertain than ever. What we can do, however, is to develop scenarios that present various narratives of the possible directions the crisis might take. This is the approach taken by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in its project “EMU 2020: Future Scenarios for the Eurozone”.
Professor Maria João Rodrigues has authored for FES a study on the decisive development factors for the EMU and their possible evolution. From combining these factors in various constellations she derived four distinct scenarios for the future shape of the Eurozone. They range from continuing to muddle through to completing EMU with a fiscal union, if only within the framework of a core-Europe scenario. And realistically, even the break-up of the Monetary Union is not ruled out.
In the course of 2012 the scenarios have been part of an intensive pan-European exchange and have constantly been developed further in numerous workshops and conferences at various FES locations all over Europe with representatives from academia, politics and civil society.
The final results of this process will be presented and debated at this public event. The discussants are participants from the various national round-tables organized by FES throughout the year in different member states. The idea of this closing event is to reflect with our panel the perception of the debates on the future of the Eurozone in different member states and to assess the probability of each scenario and the consequences that this would entail for different contries. The further discussion would then evolve around the question which scenario should be striven for and how it can be achieved.
Contact/Registration: Stephan.Thalhofer(at)fes-europe.eu
Rating Agencies: Added Value or Necessary Evil?
04.12.2012, 12h30-14h30, Roundtable discussion Managerkreis Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
In today’s context of high-frequency-trading and global market integration, access to fast and reliable information on financial products has become crucial and set grounds to the dominance of credit rating agencies. As the 2007 subprime crisis has shown, investors and regulators had relied too much on external ratings, an overreliance which finally led to the downgrading of whole economies. Qualified risk management however has its price and some institutions may not have the resources to provide for competitive in-house alternatives.
To which degree can external credit ratings be of additional value to own credit and risk evaluations? Are credit ratings by the dominating agencies generally misleading and deceptive, as the Federal Court of Australia has recently stated in the “Rembrandt” case? And what about the role of regulation in this field?
The Managerkreis of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung has taken a deeper look at the role of rating agencies during the financial crisis in Europe. In their recent study members of the Managerkreis have evaluated the influence of the three agencies and elaborated a critical assessment on current regulations in place and in the making.
The expert roundtable will present the main findings of the study "Rating Agencies: Added Value or Necessary Evil?" and discuss the quality of ratings and their implications for financial market transaction. It adresses representatives of the European institutions, experts from Brussels-based financial institutions and thinks tanks.
Contact/Registration: Stephan.Thalhofer(at)fes-europe.eu
The role of European trade union cooperation in the current economic and social crisis
26. - 30.11.2012. Dialogue program for trade union representatives from Portugal
In the context of the current 78 billion Euro EU/IMF rescue package for Portugal the country has introduced severe austerity policies since 2011 in order to restore its public finances. As a consequence Portugal has now come into recession with decreasing tax revenue and its negative effects on the state deficit. The government has reacted with new austerity measures which will further deteriorate the country’s social situation: tax increases will affect employees on average with losses of up to three months’ salary. In addition there will be cuts in pensions, a decrease in expenditure for unemployment and sick pay as well as cuts in the public sector for holiday pay and overtime.
For the social actors like trade unions this situation provokes immense challenges to absorb and overcome this social and economic crisis. In a dialogue with decision makers on EU level the participants in this program are going to introduce their daily local perspectives. The program will also give an opportunity to discuss the role of trade union actors both nationally and on a European level in shaping the different reforms and to debate options and ways out of the economic and social crisis.
Contact: Stephan.Thalhofer(at)fes-europe.eu
European Trade Union Panel 2012
Public goods and services: What comes after dergulation and privatization?
27. - 28.11.2012, Brüssel, Hotel Crowne Plaza, Place Rogier
A cooperation of:
After years of lean government, privatization and deregulation, the current austerity measures in many nations mean that the majority of their citizens will face an increasing deterioration in the quality of their lives. People who already exist on low incomes are highly dependent on good public services. However, another consequence of stringent public sector cutbacks is the discontinuation of investments in infrastructure maintenance and development. By failing to make these investments governments are wasting the opportunity to support the economy and create jobs. Methods involving the quasi automatic adjustment of wages and social benefits to austerity targets put democratic achievements at risk.
The alternative to the principle of lean government and austerity is the principle of an active economic and welfare state which also takes the revenue side into account. Therefore the conference will debate: How can Europe finance better services that reflect the public interest? What is the relationship between austerity policies and public sector investments? And what are the consequences of these policies for social cohesion in the nations affected and in the EU.
Contact: Stephan.Thalhofer(at)fes-europe.eu
Schutz und Stärkung von Grundrechten durch die EU
25. - 28.11.2012, Dialogprogramm für MultiplikatorInnen aus Deutschland (Anmeldung erforderlich)
Die EU als Wertegemeinschaft sollte sich ganz besonders dem Schutz der Grund- und Menschenrechte annehmen. Mit der Europäischen Grundrechtecharta werden diese verbindlich für die EU verankert. Darüber hinaus werden in zahlreichen Richtlinien und Verordnungen Gleichstellungsfragen, Diskriminierungsverbote, Minderheitenschutz, Datenschutzbestimmungen oder auch der grenzüberschreitende Schutz von Gewaltopfern weiter konkretisiert. Trotz gemeinsamer Vorgaben erfolgt die Umsetzung und Anwendung der gemeinsamen Richtlinien zum Teil sehr unterschiedlich. Was die Grundrechtecharta angeht, haben einige Mitgliedsstaaten sogar ein Befreiung von der verbindlichen Anwendung ausgehandelt. Auch die Weiterentwicklung europäischer Grundrechtsnormen steht vor Hindernissen zum Beispiel im Bereich Antidiskriminierung oder Gleichstellung, wobei sich sowohl unterschiedliche Rechtstraditionen der Mitgliedstaaten gegenüberstehen, als auch widerstreitende ideologische und weltanschauliche Ansätze aufeinander treffen.
Das Dialogprogramm gab Gelegenheit, im Austausch mit der EU-Ebene den Einfluss europäischer Grundrechte auf nationale Normen in ausgewählten Bereichen zu erörtern, Potentiale für die Weiterentwicklung zu identifizieren und Lösungswege für die Umsetzung zu diskutieren sowie Arbeitskontakte für dieses Themenfeld herzustellen.
Kontakt: Stephan.Thalhofer(at)fes-europe.eu und Friederike.Kamm(at)fes-europe.eu
Das Europäische Parlament - Rolle und Funktion am Beispiel ausgewählter Politik
19. - 22.11.2012, Straßburg
Die politischen Bildungsprogramme im Europäischen Parlament während der Sitzungswochen in Straßburg geben den TeilnehmerInnen einen Einblick in das Tagesgeschehen des Europäischen Parlaments sowie die Gelegenheit mit Abgeordneten über aktuelle europapolitische Themen zu diskutieren und die Plenarsitzungen vor Ort zu verfolgen. Die Rolle des Europäischen Parlaments im Gefüge der Europäischen Institutionen und die Bedeutung europäischer Politik auf nationaler, regionaler und lokaler Ebene werden erläutert.
Kontakt: Janett.Schrader(at)fes-europe.eu
Enlargement in times of crises ? Responding to new challenges
11. - 17.11.2012, EU Dialogue Program for young politicians from Western Balkan countries
closed seminar
The European Union is struggling with one of its most serious economic, financial and political crises since its beginning. What impact does this internal crises have on the EU’s enlargement policy, on its attractiveness to the candidates in the Western Balkans as well as on the countries’ reform processes? How can the enlargement process be revitalized? These questions will be in the center of the EU information seminar organized in close cooperation with the FES office in Belgrade and in the framework of the FES regional capacity building project in South-Eastern Europe. Participants will be a selected group of 12 promising young politicians from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. They will exchange information and views with EU officials, policy makers and Brussels based analysts to get first-hand information on their countries’ perspective for EU accession and to better understand the internal challenges the EU is currently facing.
Contact: Stefanie.Ricken(at)fes-europe.eu
Social Security Systems in Developing Countries
13.11.2012, 15h15 - 17h00, high level conference
Participation only upon personal invitation
Despite the vast social benefits it has delivered, economic growth alone is not enough to eradicate poverty. In this framework, there is increasing recognition among international agencies, donors, governments and civil society organisations that social protection can play a pivotal role in preventing and reducing poverty and promoting social and economic development. Contrary to the widespread belief that social protection is too expensive for poor or developing countries, first experiences in different developing countries with the implementation of a Social Protection Floor (SFP) proved that social security is both affordable and can foster development and growth. However, the actual challenge is to raise awareness among political stakeholders at the national and international level, to fight prejudices about the SPF concept and to provide technical and financial support for an implementation process on the national levels.
The European Commission is focusing on social protection as a tool in its development cooperation and published a communication in August 2012. The activities on social protection are to be seen in the context of the re-definition of EU development policy, as it was described in the “Agenda for Change”.
This high-level panel will bring together representatives of EU institutions, Member States, partner countries, trade unions, Brussels based civil society organisation and academics to discuss how the global and the European approach can complement each other best.
We have the honour to welcome the following speakers:
Andris Piebalgs, Commissioner for Development
Karin Roth, Member of the German Bundestag
Norbert Neuser, MEP
Ivete Alane, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Women and Social Action, Mozambique
Eveline Herfkens, Member ILO/WHO Social Protection Advisory Group
António Alberto da Silva Francisco, IESE (Institute for Social and Economic Studies), Mozambique
Lucimara Brait-Poplawski, Expert for Social Security and Poverty Eradication
Contact: Sidonie.Wetzig(at)fes-europe.eu
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