Veranstaltungsrückblick
Gender policy in the EU and Latin America
20. – 24. 06. 2011, Dialogue Programme for practitioners from the Andean Countries and Mexico
Gender mainstreaming is a well-known and widely supported concept in most European legislations and organizations. Even though being a cross-cutting issue in many fields, defining gender mainstreaming in practice becomes more difficult. The FES EU Office has therefore invited practitioners in the field of gender policy from the Andean Countries and Mexico to discuss with their European and Belgian counterparts recent concepts of how to promote gender equality on a regional, national and local level.
Apart from getting insights into the European approach to gender mainstreaming and how to program corresponding policies, the participants will meet with representatives from the European Commission, the European and the Belgian Regional Parliament to discuss the particular role of politics in this regard. As with our further guest speakers representing civil society and trade unions, the question of ownership, implementation and effectivity will be discussed when analyzing and comparing the different approaches and strategies in Europe and Latin America.
Contact: Patrick.Ruether(at)fes-europe.eu
Europe 2020: The European Strategy for a sustainable Growth. What does it look like from outside?
23.06.2011, 10h00 – 12h00, expert roundtable
The EU wants to come out stronger from the crisis, which has “wiped out years of economic and social progress and explored structural weaknesses in Europe’s economy”. It has therefore come up with a strategy to develop a smart, sustainable and inclusive economy – Europe 2020. This vision of Europe’s social market economy for the 21st century wants to combine economic success with social inclusion and ecologic responsibility to stimulate growth, employment and competitiveness and to tackle challenges such as climate change and demographic changes.
The EU office of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung organises a roundtable with experts from Brazil, India, China, Russia and the EU. It is to assess the EU’s strategy from an outside perspective and to compare it with other countries and regions and their approach to growth on a global level with a focus on the most pressing questions: Which development model is inherent in this vision? Is it possible to put social and ecological objectives at the same level as economic integration? New wine in old skins? Or an alternative model of development? What impact to expect on partner countries/other global actors? What impact on EU’s role in the global governance structure?
Contact: Sidonie.Wetzig(at)fes-europe.eu
Press freedom in the EU – a critical approach to EU-Media Law
14.06.-17.06.2011, Dialogue program for Hungarian journalists
The new Hungarian media law put press freedom under threat. As a protest the Hungarian newspaper Népszava (Voice of the people) was published with a blank page the day after this controversial law was passed in December 2010. The day the law entered into force Hungary coincidentally took over the EU-presidency and was under pressure to re-discuss this law within the term. As a consequence press freedom has become a new point of discussion in all EU member states.
Before the end of the Hungarian EU-presidency the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung has invited four journalists working for Népszava to a dialogue programme in Brussels. The participants will meet decision makers and experts from the EU-institutions and media representatives to be informed about the contents and application of EU media law in the member states. The different interpretations of press freedom in the member states will be discussed in this context. The work and the results of the Hungarian EU-presidency will be highlighted as well. Furthermore the participants will meet journalists working for different European newspapers for an exchange of knowledge and experience on reporting on the national and the European level and to learn about the difficulties to place EU-news in local newspapers.
Contact: Janett.Schrader(at)fes-europe.eu
The New Common Foreign and Security Policy in the shadow of the Crisis: Expectations & Reality Check
16.06.2011, 11h - 13h00, expert roundtable
The Lisbon Treaty boosted EU’s ambitions and expectations for a Common Foreign and Security Policy (CSFP) and a Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) considerably. It provided a structure that was to equip the EU with a single voice and to enhance the efficiency and coherence of external actions, the High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy and the new to be established European External Action Service (EEAS) being the most prominent features of the pioneering area. In the light of the current Euro-crisis, these ambitions appear to be less important. Half a year after the EEAS assumed its activity, it proves to be more complex to put a forward-looking strategy on foreign policy challenges in place than supporters for a stronger and more integrated CFSP/CSDP would have expected and critics increasingly pinpoint the weakest aspects of the newly setup structures.
We would like to invite you to discuss the CFSP/CSDP with regards to current challenges.
As speakers we have the honour to welcome Rolf Mützenich (Member of the German Parliament), Ana Gomes (MEP, Member of the Subcommittee Security and Defence, European Parliament) and Sven Biscop (Egmont Institute).
Contact: Sidonie.Wetzig(at)fes-europe.eu
South Africa: Past, the legacy for its contemporary policies
15.06.2011, 15h30 - 17h30, debate
Since the end of Apartheid in 1994 South Africa has become an important actor at the regional and international level. Its transition from an isolated country to a democratic state based on human rights and non-racialism is still one of the most impressive political transitions of our time.
While playing an increasing role on the international stage South Africa is committed to the promotion of African interest. Therefore amongst other reasons hosting of the 2010 World Cup reflects the countries’ approach of being a gateway to the African continent. But despite its leading role in Africa and its increasing political and economic influence South Africa is still facing wide economic and social disparities which are affecting its whole society. Since December 2010 South Africa forms BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India and China), the group of emerging states shaping the future world order.
The debate aims at discussing the internal and external challenges of South Africa as an emerging power, its international role as well as the prospects of its strategic partnership with the European Union. As speakers we have the honor to welcome Denis Goldberg, Civil Rights Activist and former Anti-Apartheid Campaigner, one of the Rivonia Trialists, including amongst others Nelson Mandela, from South Africa, and Bernd Lange, MEP and member of the Delegation for Relations with South Africa in the European Parliament.
Contact: Daniela.Iller(at)fes-europe.eu
Das Europäische Parlament - Rolle und Funktion am Beispiel ausgewählter Politikbereiche
06. - 09.06.2011, 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.
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/de/headlines/content/20110601STO20652/html/Wochenr%C3%BCckblick-Schengen-Ehec-und-EU-Russland-BeziehungenKontakt: Janett. Schrader(at)fes-europe.eu
Aktuelle Fragen der europäischen Migrations- und Asylpolitik
31.05.2011, 18h00 - 19h30, Roundtable-Diskussion
Gabriele Fograscher, Mitglied des deutschen Bundestages im Innenausschuss
Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler, Mitglied des Europäischen Parlaments im Ausschuss für auswärtige Angelegenheiten
Birgit Sippel, Mitglied des Europäischen Parlaments im Ausschuss für bürgerliche Freiheiten, Justiz und Inneres
Die Mitteilung der EU-Kommission zur Migrationspolitik von Mai 2011 erhält vor dem Hintergrund der Flüchtlingssituation im südlichen Mittelmeerraum eine besondere Dringlichkeit. Die Mitteilung sucht zum einen eine stärkere koordinierende Rolle der europäischen Ebene und betont den Bedarf nach mehr innereuropäischer Solidarität sowie gemeinsamen Standards im Umgang mit Zuwanderern. Gleichzeitig wird aber auch ein stärkerer Schutz der Außengrenzen und ein strikterer Umgang mit nicht schutzbedürftigen irregulären Zuwanderern gefordert. Als Hauptakteure bei den EU-Entscheidungen zu Asyl- und Migrationsfragen sind die EU-Mitgliedstaaten aktuell zurückhaltend und wie die Debatte um die Wiedereinführung von Kontrollen an den Binnengrenzen zeigt, z.T. sogar stark abwehrend.
Der Roundtable soll thematisieren, wie mehr Solidarität, höhere Standards, stärkerer Schutz der Menschenrechte und eine umfassendere außen- und entwicklungspolitische Perspektive auf Migrationsfragen gefördert werden können und welche Rolle Deutschland im europäischen Kontext dabei einnimmt.
Afghanistan: Negotiating Peace
31.05.2011, 09h30 - 12h00, expert roundtable
For almost a decade the international community has been engaged in a peaceful settlement of conflicts and the reconstruction of Afghanistan. While the country has seen many improvements, the security situation has deteriorated with the resurgence of the Taliban, complicating hopes for a military withdrawal. Even with its heightened military response, the international community seems to envisage a political rather than a military solution to end war in Afghanistan.
The “International Task Force on Afghanistan in its Regional and Multilateral Dimensions”, a high level expert group assembled by the New York-based Century Foundation, recently issued a wide-ranging report on prospects for negotiating a peace settlement that has drawn considerable interest for its insights into what kind of political path could lead to an end to the 32-year war in Afghanistan.
At the roundtable several members of the task force will discuss the group’s thinking and conclusions with Brussels based experts and EU representatives.
As speakers we are pleased to welcome:
Francesc Vendrell, Former EU-Special Representative for Afghanistan, former personal Representative of the (UN-) Secretary-General for Afghanistan
Steve Coll, President, New America Foundation
Lawrence Korb, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress, Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense
Walter Kolbow, Former Deputy Minister of Defense, Germany
Pino Arlacchi, MEP, Vice-Chair of the Delegation for relations with Afghanistan
Contact: Daniela.Iller(at)fes-europe.eu
Regional Party Cooperation and EU-Africa Relations in the Context of the Lisbon Treaty
23. - 27.05.2011
The EU Office of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung has invited four high-ranking representatives of the governing parties of South Africa, Tanzania, Mozambique and Zambia to discuss the chances and challenges of regional cooperation in the field of foreign relations. In the course of the seminar, the participants will meet experts from the European Institutions, think tanks and academic institutions to discuss the European experience of a Common Foreign and Security Policy and to elaborate which instruments and mechanisms might be applicable also to the Southern African context like the SADC or the AU.
Contact: Patrick.Ruether(at)fes-europe.eu
Development Cooperation in a Changing World. Which Way Forward?
25.05.2011, 16h00 - 18h00, expert roundtable
The Millennium Development Summit last year has endorsed both advocators and opponents of development aid: while there have been some tremendous achievements in eradicating extreme poverty and achieving universal primary education, we also witness severe set-backs in reducing child mortality and improving maternal health. Still, the international community re-emphasized the need and political will to undertake profound efforts to reach the MDGs – being aware of the uncertainty that the goals can be attained by 2015.
At the same time, the European Commission is preparing an adjustment of its development policy. It launched a debate on the impact of the EU development policy, on the question of budget support as well as on funding after 2013. New challenges and conditions have occurred since the European Consensus on Development was agreed upon in 2005.
This experts’ roundtable will give opportunity to reflect on the experiences of the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and will tackle issues which need to be kept in mind by re-defining the European Development Policy.
As speakers we have the honour to welcome Andris Piebalgs, Commissioner for Development, Michael Hofmann, former German Executive Director World Bank and Noam Unger from Brookings Institute.
Contact: Sidonie.Wetzig(at)fes-europe.eu
Europäische Energie- und Klimapolitik
22. - 25. Mai 2011, Dialogprogramm für MultiplikatorInnen aus Deutschland
Die 20-20-20-Klimaziele (20% CO2-Reduzierung, 20%-Anteil erneuerbarer Energien und 20% mehr Energieeffizienz, zu erreichen bis 2020) wehen nun bereits seit 2008 auf den Fahnen der EU. Während Umwelt und Klima europäische Kompetenzen sind, werden ent-scheidende Energiefragen, z.B. in Bezug auf den Energiemix, letztlich durch die Mitgliedstaaten individuell bestimmt. Dies erklärt zum Teil, warum konkrete Fahrpläne und Regelungen zu den Energieaspekten auf europäischer Ebene relativ langsam vorankommen. Doch die steigende Energieabhängigkeit der EU und eine immer drängendere Klimafrage erfordern ein gemeinsames Vorgehen, sei es beim Thema Bezugsquellen und Energiesicherheit oder dem Ausbau von Infrastruktur und alternativen Energien. Für das Jahr 2011 stehen nun einige europäische Initiativen in der Planung, deren Gestalt von einer Fülle mitgliedsstaatlicher aber auch sektoraler Wirtschaftsinteressen beeinflusst wird.
Themen auf der EU-Agenda 2011:
• Ergebnisse des EU-Energiegipfels im Frühjahr
• Nachfrageszenarien (Roadmap 2050)
• Fahrplan für eine CO2-arme Wirtschaft
• Energieeffizienzplan
• Überarbeitung Energiebesteuerungsrichtlinie
Kontakt: Stephan.Thalhofer(at)fes-europe.eu
Turkish foreign policy - views from inside and outside in times of change
24.05.2011, 14h00 - 16h00, expert roundtable
Venue: Résidence Palace, EPC Conference Room, 4th Floor, 155 Rue de la Loi, 1040 Brussels
The EPC in cooperation with the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV), and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung is delighted to invite you to a roundtable discussion on Turkish Foreign Policy “Views from inside and outside in times of change”, on Tuesday 24 May.
Over the past decade there has been a significant change in the way Turkey’s foreign policy is shaped. It has become more proactive and independent, and reflects to a much greater extent the geographical position of the country. While Turkey has maintained strong ties with its traditional allies in the West, it has also taken steps to up-grade relations with other partners in its neighborhood, in particular, in the Middle East. The development of this new policy continues to be closely monitored by both analysts in Turkey and abroad with much speculation over where it is heading and how it is perceived.
TESEV, supported by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, has carried out two surveys which offer a clear picture of how the Arab publics in various countries of the Middle East – as well as Turks themselves – perceive the increased engagement of Turkey in the region.
Sabiha Gündogar, Foreign Policy Program Director and Aybars Görgülü, Foreign Policy Program Assistant from TESEV will present the main findings of the surveys. This will be followed by comments from a panel of experts, including Alexandros Yannis, Strategy Coordinator, European External Action Service, Sezin Öney, journalist at the Turkish daily Taraf, Jan Techau, Director of Carnegie Europe, and Metin Kazak, Member of the European Parliament (tbc). The meeting will be chaired by Amanda Paul, EPC Policy Analyst.
conference report: http://www.epc.eu/events_rep_details.php?cat_id=6&pub_id=1289&year=2011
Sudan after the Referendum
24.05.2011, 09h30 - 12h00, expert roundtable
In 2005 the Government of Sudan and the Sudan's People Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) concluded a Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) which formally ended two decades of civil war. This agreement also provided for a referendum on the future status of Southern Sudan and in January 2011 more than 98% of South Sudanese citizens voted in favour of independence.
In the event of official separation in July both parties to CPA need to reach arrangements on a number of issues which are of utmost importance for the political and economic development of both countries as well as their future relationship. However, most of these questions, e.g. sharing of oil resources, border demarcation, water and citizenship are still unresolved.
The roundtable will analyze the results of referendum in Southern Sudan and its implications for both new states. The engagement of the EU and its relation with North and South Sudan will also be discussed.
contact: Daniela.Iller(at)fes-europe.eu
Das Europäische Parlament - Rolle und Funktion am Beispiel ausgewählter Politikbereiche
09. - 12.05.2011, 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 current situation of the Left movement in Latin America and the Caribbean...
05.05.2011, 10h00 - 13h00, expert roundtable, the expert round table is cancelled
“The current situation of the Left movement in Latin America and the Caribbean with special focus on Cuba in the wider region”
The Left movements in Latin America and the Caribbean have been politically successful for over ten years now. The Left (or Progressive) movements in office have proven to be able to govern effectively not only in context of favourable global conditions but also within the context of crisis. Organizations like ALBA or UNASUR underline these new approaches on a regional level. Nowadays, “left” or “progressive“ attributes describe various and diverse concepts of ideas and subsume different movements, approaches, and styles within the broadened political spectrum.
Within this context, Cuba has always played a special role being the central focal point of the Left until the late 1980s and still being a major symbolic reference in the region. After Raúl Castro permanently took over office, economic reforms have been brought on their ways which indicate the search for a more sustainable development model. The administration in Havana is seeking a new balance between state and market, and parts of the economy will be opened for private initiative. It looks like a farewell to the paternalistic state, and along these economic reforms, wide-spread social effects are expected in consequence.
Contact: Patrick.Ruether(at)fes-europe.eu
Attaining the Future – A Russian Strategy for 2012
04.05.2011, 12h15 - 15h00, roundtable
Venue: Hotel Radisson Blu, Rue d’Idalie 35, 1050 Brussels
During the Presidency of Dmitry Medvedev, Russia has engaged on a wide discussion on modernization. One of the most vivid participants in this debate is the Institute of Contemporary Development (INSOR), a Moscow-based think tank.
In 2010, INSOR published a report entitled “Russia in the 21st Century”. The authors created a tempting vision of a modernized Russia: Not only should it have a competitive, innovative economy, but a just social system, and a liberalized and democratic polity. The INSOR envisaged Russia to be one of the leading global powers of the 21st century, firmly committed to a strategic partnership with the European Union and NATO.
In March 2011 the INSOR has released a new report “Attaining the Future: Strategy 2012” proposing 120 concrete steps to modernize Russia. The document is in essence a campaign platform for the next Russian President.
On the eve of State Duma and presidential elections, the authors find Russia again at the crossroads. In their view, current opportunities to modernize must not be missed. In this regard the further development of the EU-Russia Partnership for Modernization launched in 2010 could play a substantial role.
As speaker we have the honour to welcome Igor Yurges, Director of INSOR Russia, Evgeny Gontmakher, Board Member of INSOR and Knut Fleckenstein MEP, Chairman of the Delegation to the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee.
contact: Daniela.Iller(at)fes-europe.eu
AGEI: Auswirkung demographischer und ökonomischer Faktoren auf die Zukunft der Sozialsysteme
15.04.2011, 11h00-13h00, Arbeitsgruppe Europäische Integration
Geschlossene Arbeitsgruppe.
Kontakt: Stephan.Thalhofer(at)fes-europe.eu
Search for Peace, Stability and Security, the Role of Pakistan&India in the Reconstr. of Afghanistan
14.04.2011, 10h00 - 12h30, expert roundtable
In the light of the perspective of a withdrawal of International military forces by 2014 the possible influence regional states and neighbouring countries could have to the reconstruction of Afghanistan will return to the agenda.
The roundtable analyzes the role of India and Pakistan in Afghanistan and the role Afghanistan plays in the Indian-Pakistani-relationship. While sharing cultural and historical ties with Afghanistan both countries pursue competing strategies in addressing the security situation and rebuilding process there.
In view of the pull out of internaitonal forces the engagement of the EU and its cooperation with Pakistan and India as part of the transition and stabilization process in Afghanistan is also discussed.
contact: Daniela.Iller(at)fes-europe.eu
Europäische Verkehrspolitik
• Weißbuch über die Zukunft des Verkehrswesens
• Leitlinien für den Aufbau eines transeuropäischen Verkehrsnetzes
• Vorschlag Gesamtrahmen Finanzierung Verkehrsinfrastruktur
Promoting Sustainable Energy Policy in EU-Ukraine relations: Assessing Needs and Possibilities
13.04.2011, 12h15-14h15, expert roundtable
participation only upon personal invitation
Energy issues have always been one of the cornerstones of the EU-Ukraine cooperation. However, the accent has been traditionally placed on the security of energy supplies, usually coming from non-sustainable sources, with much less attention being paid to the promotion of sustainable energy in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraine is among the world’s biggest laggards in terms of ensuring energy efficiency of its economy and uses only a tiny part (2% according to some estimates) of its huge renewable energy potential. Although there have been some positive policy developments recently, like introduction of the green energy tariff, and several big energy efficiency projects are implemented under Kyoto Protocol schemes, the overall Ukrainian energy policy is clearly unsustainable in its nature.
With the possibility of revision of the Ukrainian Energy Strategy until 2030 later this year, there is a window of opportunity to press for policy changes towards Ukraine’s sustainable energy future. The European Union can play a critical role in the process, supporting the efforts of Ukrainian civil society, by placing the issue of sustainable energy higher on the EU-Ukraine agenda, both in current negotiations on bilateral strategic documents and its assistance programmes.
This expert’s round table serves to debate on needs and opportunities for EU’s greater role in promoting sustainable energy policy of Ukraine. Participants include key Ukrainian public experts on renewable energy and energy efficiency and important EC officials, Brussels based experts and MEPs.
contact: Stefanie.Ricken(at)fes-europe.eu
The Health Impact Fund – An Innovation in Global Health
11.04.2011, 12h00 - 14h30, conference, European Parliament
Resources for health care in low- and middle-income countries have risen since 1990 to USD 21.8 billion in 2007. It has also led to a number of new health initiatives. Nevertheless, many diseases, particularly those common in developing countries, still lack a cure and effective vaccines. There is hence a substantive need to identify and implement innovative approaches to tackling these diseases in a more effective way. The European Commission funded project Innova-P2 has worked with a global team of experts on this issue and has found the Health Impact Fund (HIF) to be the most promising solution for successfully addressing this global health challenge.
We hence cordially invite you to join us to discuss the concept of the HIF and the possibilities of its implementation with a selected group of global health specialist and committed politicians.
We have the honour to welcome amongst others:
Karin Roth, Member of the German Bundestag
Thomas Pogge, Professor, Yale University and University of Central Lancashire
Andris Piebalgs, EU Commissioner for Development
K. Satyanarayana, Deputy Director General of the Indian Council for Medical Research representative from the Indian government
Gorik Ooms, former president of Médecins sans frontiers
Thom Segerson, Vice President for Medical and Scientific Affairs, Bayer
Please confirm your participation by email.
Contact: Sidonie.Wetzig(at)fes-europe.eu
Das Europäische Parlament - Rolle und Funktion am Beispiel ausgewählter Politikbereiche
04. - 07.04.2011, 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
Die Ergebnisse des EU-Gipfels aus sozialer und demokratischer Perspektive
31.03.2011, 18h00-20h00
De-Briefing zum März-Gipfel der europäischen Staats- und Regierungschefs mit Michael Roth, MdB, europapolitischer Sprecher der SPD-Bundestagsfraktion.
Teilnahme nur nach persönlicher Einladung.
Stephan.Thalhofer(at)fes-europe.eu
A More Proactive U.S. Approach to the Georgia Conflicts
24.03.2011, 14h30 - 16h00, expert roundtable
Two and a half years after the Russia-Georgia war, Georgia remains the locus of three unresolved, interrelated conflicts: two secessionists and one inter-state. Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung EU office has the pleasure to welcome Samuel Charap, fellow at the Center for American Progress and co-author of the Center's new report titled "A More Proactive U.S. Approach to the Georgia Conflicts" who will share his report's findings with Brussels based experts, policy and decision makers. A comment from the European perspective will be given by a representative of the European External Action Service (EEAS).
report: http://ampr.gs/georgiaconflicts
bio of Mr Charap http://ampr.gs/samuelcharap
contact: Stefanie.Ricken(at)fes-europe.eu
Kommunen und Regionen in Europa
20. - 23.03.2011, EU-Dialogprogramm für MultiplikatorInnen aus Deutschland
Die Wechselwirkungen zwischen der Europäischen Union (EU) und kommunalem Handeln sind vielfältig und von grundlegender Bedeutung für die gesellschaftliche Entwicklung in Europa und das Zusammenwachsen Europas. Die Mehrzahl europäischer Regelungen wirken sich – direkt oder indirekt – auf kommunales Handeln in Deutschland aus. So nimmt die EU in vielen wichtigen Bereichen Einfluss auf unser tägliches Leben in Städten, Gemeinden und Kreisen – oft ohne, dass uns das bewusst ist – beispielsweise durch Setzen ökologischer und sozialer Standards, durch Regeln des EU-Binnenmarktes (Wettbewerbsrecht und öffentliche Auftragsvergabe) und natürlich auch durch die EU-Förderung lokaler und regionaler Projekte.
Kontakt: Stephan.Thalhofer(at)fes-europe.eu
Gleichstellungspolitik und Gewerkschaftskoordination auf europäischer Ebene
16. - 18.03.2011, Dialogprogramm für ungarische Gewerkschafterinnen
Das Dialogprogramm hat zum einen das Ziel, die Kompetenzen von Funktionsträgerinnen bezüglich Genderthemen am Arbeitsplatz zu fördern, und zum anderen, einen Beitrag dazu zu leisten, dass Frauen im gewerkschaftlichen Diskurs eine gleichwertige Rolle spielen. Neben aktuellen Fragen der Gewerkschaftspolitik und -koordinierung auf europäischer Ebene, soll insbesondere die europäische Dimension der Gleichstellungsfrage berücksichtigt werden sowie Fragen geklärt werden, wie Gleichstellungsthemen auf EU-Ebene Eingang in die Politik finden und welchen Beitrag dazu gewerkschaftsnahe Institutionen leisten.
Kontakt: Stephan.Thalhofer(at)fes-europe.eu
The Doha riddle: EU as Partner or Rival of Developing Countries?
15.03.2011, 09h30 - 15h15, expert roundtable
participation only upon personal invitation
The Doha Development Round has been on the WTO agenda for ten years, however without any tangible results. After several attempts to reach a multilateral agreement to complete the Doha round, the year 2011 appears to hold new momentum. It remains to be seen however, whether the political will expressed at the G20 summit in November last year will provide enough impetus to bring negotiations to a successful and balanced result.
The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung is organising a roundtable to bring together experts from Brussels and Geneva for an exchange of views on the current state of the Doha round. How does a wider expert public in Brussels see the current situation in Geneva? How closely are the discussions within the WTO with a strong participation from the global South monitored in Brussels? How does the expert community in Geneva evaluate the present state of affairs in general and more specifically the position of the European Union?
contact: Sidonie.Wetzig(at)fes-europe.eu
An EU tax - overdue reform or federalist fantasy?
14.03.2011, 17h00, Public Forum
Iain Begg, Professorial Research Fellow, London School of Economics
Jutta Haug, MEP, Chair of the Policy Challanges Committee (SURE)
Marc Lemaître, Head of Cabinet, Cabinet of Commissioner Lewandowski
H.E. Jan Tombinski, Ambassador, Permanent Representation of the Republic of Poland to the EU
Calls for genuine EU taxes to provide the bulk of the EU’s revenue have been frequently heard over the years, but just as frequently rejected. The completion of the budget review of the current Mediumterm Financial Framework has stimulated fresh debate on this matter. In particular, the idea of using a financial transactions tax to fund EU spending has captured attention.
Our debate will be based on the presentation of a recent study that Professor Iain Begg has been carrying our for Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung recently. The aim of this study is to look behind the often rather strident politics and to investigate the case for an EU tax analytically.
The study proposes and assesses criteria for selecting potential taxes, and looks in detail at a number of options for new funding instruments. It then appraises the scope for significant change in how the EU budget is financed and how it might be achieved.
Please register to participate.
Contact: Stephan.Thalhofer(at)fes-europe.eu
The Arctic Region –A Challenge for Global Governance. What Role for the EU?
14.03.2011, 10h00 - 12h00, expert roundtable
participation only upon personal invitation
The Arctic region has received increased attention from the international community because of the potential impact on energy security, the economy, the environment, and strategic competition. Because of these effects, competition and tensions have already arisen on occasion and may well continue to arise. In order to deal with these tensions effectively, Arctic and non-Arctic nations must use old and develop new forms of working together to ensure that conflicts are resolved through cooperative (including diplomatic) means. Because of the new opportunities in the Arctic, nations that once were not active in the region are now extremely interested in the opportunities that will accompany the increasing opening of the Arctic.
There will certainly be new problems—namely the effects that shorter shipping routes and the exploitation of resources will have on the sensitive Arctic ecosystem and the indigenous people of the region. Additionally, there will be classic security challenges as nations wrestle for access to natural resources and trade routes.
Europe has a specific role to play in the region, the territories of three EU member states extend to the Arctic region: Denmark (with Greenland), Finland and Sweden. Iceland accession to the EU would add to that.
A recent European Parliament resolution calls for a balanced approach respecting environmental concerns (global warming, vulnerable natural resources) as well as considering the opportunities for economic development. Future good governance of the Arctic depends to a large degree on the will of states to act cooperatively.
This roundtable is to discuss with experts from neighbouring and non-neighbouring countries as well as from the EU how the challenges for global governance can be tackled.
contact: Sidonie.Wetzig (at)fes-europe.eu
Das Europäische Parlament - Rolle und Funktion am Beispiel ausgewählter Politikbereiche
07. - 13.03.2011, 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.
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/de/pressroom/press-release/plenary?id=2011-03-07
Kontakt: Janett.Schrader(at)fes-europe.eu
Afghanistan after the parliamentary elections
07.03.2011, 12h30 - 15h00, expert roundtable
Conference is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances
With the Kabul conference and the NATO Summit in Lisbon in 2010 Afghanistan has embarked on the “transition process” and the international community’s involvement in Afghanistan will change over the next years. Afghanistan, in turn, faces considerable challenges in building its national institutions as the conflict continues: the recent parliamentary elections and the inauguration of the new legislature in January have been particularly affected. But Afghanistan’s parliament, the Wolesi Jirga, can play an important role to ensure that political life in Afghanistan remains inclusive and in providing the necessary checks and balances.
MP Fawzia Koofi from the north-western province of Badakhshan has been elected for the second time to the Wolesi Jirga and will bring her insights and aspirations for the new parliament to this round table discussion.
Contact: Daniela.Iller(at)fes-europe.eu
ArbeitnehmerInnenrechte in der EU
28.02. - 02.03.2011, EU-Dialogprogramm für MultiplikatorInnen aus Deutschland
Die grenzfreie Mobilität von Personen, Gütern, Dienstleistungen und Kapital innerhalb der Europäischen Union stellt eine große Errungenschaft dar. Während die Waren-, Dienstleistungs- und Finanzmärkte inzwischen weitgehend europäisiert und liberalisiert sind, liegen die Kompetenzen für Arbeitsmarkt- und Sozialpolitik fast ausschließlich auf Ebene der Mitgliedstaaten. Durch die engen Verflechtungen im Binnenmarkt und in der Eurozone wird eine stärkere europäische grenzüberschreitende Koordinierung im Sinne der Arbeitnehmer jedoch immer wichtiger, um eine Abwärtsspirale bei Lohn-, Arbeitsrechts- und Sozialstandards zu verhindern. Hierzu beitragen kann auch die Stützung transnationaler Strukturen der Arbeitnehmermitbestimmung, etwa in Form der Europäischen Betriebsräte, und die Stärkung von Konsultationsmechanismen zwischen Arbeitgeberorganisationen und Gewerkschaften, wie der Europäische Soziale Dialog.
Kontakt: Stephan.Thalhofer(at)fes-europe.eu
Aktuelle wirtschafts- und finanzpolitische Fragen der Europapolitik
28.02.2011, 18h30, Expertengespräch
Teilnahme nur mit persönlicher Einladung.
Expertengespräch mit Garrelt Duin, MdB, wirtschaftspolitischer Sprecher der SPD-Bundestagsfraktion, Udo Bullmann, MdEP, Koordinator des Ausschusses für Wirtschaft und Währung im Europäischen Parlament und weiteren Mitgliedern der AG Wirtschaft und Technologie der SPD-Bundestagsfraktion.
Kontakt: Stephan.Thalhofer(at)fes-europe.eu
Das Europäische Parlament - Rolle und Funktion am Beispiel ausgewählter Politikbereiche
14. - 17.02.2011, 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.
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/de/pressroom/press-release/plenary?id=2011-02-14
Kontakt: Janett.Schrader(at)fes-europe.eu
Women and Youth in Europe in the light of the Turkish EU accession process
09. - 11.02.2011: Information Visit for and Public Debate with a delegation of the Turkish Republican People’s Party (CHP)
Latest developments in Turkish domestic politics and the Republican Peoples Party (CHP) “reloaded”
10.02.2011, 12h30 - 14.30, expert roundtable at the European Parliament
participation only upon personal invitation
On the occasion of the CHP delegation's visit to Brussels an Experts Roundtable will be held on the Latest developments in Turkish domestic politics and the Republican Peoples Party (CHP) “reloaded” – assessment and perspectives for the elections in Turkey in June 2011. Our Turkish guests will give insights into the recent changes within the CHP and its programmatic approach for the upcoming elections. Their inputs will be completed by Mr. Richard HOWITT, Member of the European Parliament and EP's Shadow Rapporteur for Turkey and Mr. Jean-Christophe FILORI, Head of Turkey unit in the DG Enlargement of the European Commission.
contact: Stefanie.Ricken(at)fes-europe.eu
Early Warning Systems in Minority Conflicts
10.02.2011, 15h00-18h00, expert roundtable
Early Warning Systems in Minority Conflicts – A Framework for Developing Regional Responses in Asia and Europe
As a direct follow up to the 7th AER the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, the Asia-Europe-Foundation and the Singapore Institute for International Affairs are organising a briefing to present the framework document resulting from this workshop. In presenting the manner by which regional early warning structures and responses can be enhanced, the briefing will examine the potential and significance of partnerships between Asia and Europe in the area of Early Warning and conflict management and discuss its feasibility with experts and stakeholders in Brussels.
contact: Daniela.Iller(at)fes-europe.eu
The role of African regional organisations in managing political crisis and conflict
08.02.2011, 10h00 - 12h00, experts' roundtable
News about Africa are composed of wars, conflicts and violence. Africa has not seen many peaceful years since the great wave of independence half a century ago. The international community has pinned their hopes for peace and security on the development of an African Peace and Security Architecture based on regional economic communities (RECs).
The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung has published 3 case studies analyzing the role of ECOWAS, IGAD and SADC in conflicts in the respective regions. The roundtable is to present the findings and to discuss RECs capacities in conflict resolution with stakeholders and experts of EU Institutions, member states, NGOs and think tanks.
contact: Daniela.Iller(at)fes-europe.eu
Next stop: Brussels - Future of Bosnia-Herzegovina lies in European integration
03.02.2011, 13h30-16h00, expert roundtable
only upon personal invitation
Inputs from guest speakers:
Amer Kapetanovic, head of the EU Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia- Herzegovina
MEP Emine Bozkurt, EPs shadow rapporteur on Bosnia-Herzegovina
MEP Tanja Fajon, EP’s rapporteur on visa liberalisation
Paola Pampaloni, head of unit for Bosnia-Herzegovina, DG Enlargement, European Commission (tbc)
The electoral mandate 2006 – 2010 is assessed as an absolute political stagnation. The neighbouring countries may share similar macro-economic indicators, but when it comes to European integration, they can praise themselves for their progress made. In Bosnia-Herzegovina, the gridlock between the Social Democratic electoral winners could prolong the political stagnation and see BiH waste its chances to progress on its path to integrate into the European Union. With view to high unemployment, insufficient economic growth, need for regional integration and wish for future integration into the European Union, Bosnia-Herzegovina cannot afford four more years of political deadlock.
The Expert’s Roundtable will give the opportunity to analyze the election results, mark the challenges and perspectives for building a governing coalition and outline the most immediate steps any Government will have to take on BiH’s paths towards European integration.
Contact: Stefanie Ricken(at)fes-europe.eu
Das Europäische Parlament - Rolle und Funktion am Beispiel ausgewählter Politikbereiche
17.01 - 20.01.2011, 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
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