July 2005, Issue no 38
http://resource.regional.net
impact@regionalnet.org

1. Funding Opportunities

2. Announcements and Upcoming Events

3. Useful Links

Regional Programme on Human Rights of Women 2005
Application deadline: July 29, 2005


Part 1 in Lund, Sweden, 10 October - 4 November 2005
Part 2 in Kiev, Ukraine, 15-19 May 2006

The Regional Programme on Human Rights of Women is for the first time in 2005 arranged in two separate phases.

During the first phase of the programme, held in Lund, Sweden, participants will be requested to formulate, in writing, an individual plan of action identifying challenges in implementing international human rights standards in their home countries with a focus on a particular issue or area relevant to their respective institution or organisation.

Phase two of the programme will take place in Kiev, Ukraine and will follow up on the plans of action formulated during phase one. Phase two is organised in cooperation with the Institute of International Relations (IIR), at the Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University.

The following countries are invited to apply for the programme:
Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Macedonia, Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia and Montenegro (including Kosovo), Tajikistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan

Important information about the application process, please read before applying:
· Applications from other states than those mentioned above, will NOT be considered
· There is a special application form that must be used when applying. You can download it from this site. (Only your CV will NOT be regarded as an application.)
· Information brochures and application forms have been sent to Swedish Embassies/ Consulates in the invited countries
· Application forms can be sent to the Raoul Wallenberg Institute either by fax, email or regular mail

More information
Website: http://www.rwi.lu.se/news/tempact/osshuwo05.shtml


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The European Regional Master's Degree in Democracy and Human Rights in South East Europe, Sarajevo – Bologna, 2005 - 2006
Application deadline: July 31, 2005


The European Regional Master's Degree in Human Rights and Democracy in South East Europe is an intensive one-year course established through the joint efforts of the participating universities and coordinated by the Universities of Sarajevo and Bologna. At present it is in its fifth year of implementation. The Degree is co-founded by the European Commission and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Master's Programme is structured in three terms - I) October 2005 – June 2006: Lecturing period at the University of Sarajevo; II) June - July 2006: Internship work across South East Europe; III) September - October 2006: Master's Thesis writing-up period at the University of Bologna. The teaching activities involve renowned Faculty members coming from more than 25 European and other countries. Internships take place at various regional NGOs, IGOs, think tanks and research institutes dealing with issues of human rights and democracy in South East Europe. The third term is hosted by the University of Bologna Residential Centre in Bertinoro, Italy.

Each academic year the Programme enrolls 35 students from the countries of South East Europe and the European Union.

Interested candidates should submit the filled in application form and all other required documentation to the Center for Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Studies of the University of Sarajevo. The Programme is able to offer study grants based on the merit of each candidacy.

More information: www.cps.edu.ba
E-mail: coordination@cps.edu.ba
kumjana@cps.edu.ba (Kumjana Novakova)


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CSEESF Research Competition - Democratization in the Balkans
Application deadline: August 15, 2005


The Central South Eastern European Security Forum (CSEESF), also known as the Balkan Mosaic, represents a regional network on common security providing a platform for developing a new dialogue on security concepts by participants in the region, where priorities are formed from its own dynamics in the region. An open security environment through the CSEESF program will be a crucial element in the capacity building of the infrastructure of the Atlantic movement.

Information regarding the Balkan Mosaic publications and events can be found on our Internet website, http://www.balkanmosaic.org.

The research component ranks high among the Balkan Mosaic priorities. It is important to note that, compared to the rest of Eastern Europe, the Balkans in general, and more specifically the Western Balkans, have received very little attention in the literature on democratization.

theory, meant to address contextual considerations regarding the region. Since theory rests at the basis of sound academic research, we need to take into account the constantly evolving nature of the theory – having to evaluate and revise the existent theories and induce a new conceptualization of factors. The same is applicable to security research. Security has been an elusive concept as it proved almost impossible to draw up a comprehensive definition, yet narrow enough to be operational. Usually it is believed that the main focus is on external security, while the internal values and institutions are taken for granted, which is obviously not the case in the region focused on.

The CSEESF is hereby launching a Research Competition on the issue of democratization!

The authors of the best ranked papers will be awarded the following prizes:
– First place: 250 USD and an invitation to the CSEESF Summer Symposium to take place in Ohrid, Macedonia in September 2005
– Second place: 2 prizes of 150 USD each
– Third place: 2 prizes of 100 USD each

The selected papers will also be included in a follow-up publication as well as uploaded on our website.

We invite undergraduate, postgraduate as well as PhD students from all Balkan Mosaic member countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro and UNMIK-Kosovo) to send their research addressing primarily, but not exclusively, the following issues:
1. What is the exact conceptualization of 'democracy' and where is the line between democratic and non-democratic regimes?
2. What is the conceptualization of the 'transition' towards democracy?
a) How do transitions in South-Eastern Europe differ from those experienced by other post-Communist European societies?
b) How do transitions in individual societies in the region differ from each other?
3. What are the main, most frequently occurring lapses in democratic practice and on what grounds can those practices be criticized?
4. Drawing on previous studies of nationalism, ethnic relations and ethnic conflicts, what are the chances for successful democracy in deeply divided, ethno-culturally diverse societies?

To find out more about the research domains of the CSEESF eligible for research submission, please visit the Research section of the Forum website.

More information
Website: http://www.balkanmosaic.org
E-mail: office@balkanmosaic.org


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All(B)right Training Course, September 19 - 25, 2005, Hamburg, Germany
Application deadline: August 15, 2005


A learning opportunity for youth workers to address discrimination through Human Rights Education, offered by the German YOUTH NA, Jugend fur Europa.

Target group: Youth workers actively involved in activities for and with young people, with knowledge about and experience in the YOUTH Programme, (interested to be) working in the field of anti-discrimination/anti-racism and/or Human Rights Education from all YOUTH programme countries, all Mediterranean partner countries (Euro-Med), all Commonwealth of Independant States (CIS), all South East Europe.

The All(B)right concept offers a wide range of learning opportunities for youth workers to address discrimination in European youth work.

All(B)right consists of three complemantary phases:
· A five day international training course in Hamburg. Participants will gain knowledge of Human Rights Education with a focus on origins, consequences, and spread of discrimination.
· Support to develop projects addressing anti-discrimination within the YOUTH Programme. Participants should be able to develop activities by using tools of Human Rights Education.
· An evaluation seminar in 2006, aiming at the evaluation of the projects, the developement of relevant competencies, and the examination of opportunities for further co-operation. Exact date and place of that seminar are unknown at this stage.

Aims:
· to develop youth workers' competencies in addressing discrimination through Human Rights Education
· to raise awareness about different forms of discrimination
· to exchange knowledge in the different fields of discrimination
· to provide participants with resources (tools & methods)
· to explore concepts of Human Rights Education with young people
· to familiarise participants with the approaches of COMPASS, a manual on Human Rights Education from the Council of Europe.

Costs: There is no fee to be paid by the participants, but the transport costs which will be covered by the organizers.

Working language: English.

More information:
E-mail kriege@jfemail.de


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UN High Commissioner for Human Rights - Indigenous Fellowship Programme, Geneva, Switzerland
Application deadline: August 29, 2005


The aim of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights' Indigenous Fellowship Programme is to give indigenous women and men the opportunity to gain knowledge in the field of international human rights in general and on indigenous rights in particular in order to assist their organizations and communities in protecting and promoting the human rights of their people.

The Indigenous Fellowship Programme for 2006 will run from April to September. The Fellows will be based at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva , Switzerland for a period of five months. They will also have the opportunity to establish contacts with other inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations.

After an introduction to relevant Geneva based bodies and human rights instruments and procedures, the Fellows have the opportunity to gain practical experience with OHCHR and its work with human rights through their practical work as part of the Indigenous Project Team.

It is expected that each Fellow at the end of the Programme will possess general knowledge about the overall United Nations system, and knowledge about the international human rights instruments and mechanisms, in particular those with relevance to indigenous peoples. Furthermore, each Fellow should also at the end of the Programme be capable of giving training within their communities and organizations in the fields of international human rights in general, and on indigenous peoples rights in particular, and be able to disseminate the information and knowledge gained during the Fellowship Programme.

Five Fellowships will be awarded for 2006 including the following :
1. An economy class air ticket from the country of residence to Geneva (return).
2. Modest accommodation in Geneva for the duration of the Programme.
3. Health insurance for the duration of the Programme.
4. A monthly grant to cover other living expenses in Geneva.

Selection process and criteria :
The final selection of successful candidates will be made by the consultative group for the Indigenous fellowship programme, which is composed of indigenous persons. In view of the large number of applications, we regret that only successful candidates will be contacted.

The Advisory Group of the United Nations Voluntary Fund for the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People has adopted the following guidelines and general criteria pertaining to the selection of candidates for the Indigenous Fellowship Programme:

The individual candidate :
1. Age should not be a limitation to participation in the Fellowship Programme, although preference should be given to candidates in the age-bracket 25 - 35 years.
2. Formal education should not be a limitation to participation in the Fellowship Programme given the socio-economic barriers confronted by many indigenous peoples that limit access to formal educational institutions.
3. Candidates should have ability and willingness to train other indigenous persons after the return to their respective communities/organizations.
4. The candidate should be supported by their indigenous community or organization.
5. The Fellows should have a basic understanding of the English language.

The sponsoring organization/community :
6. The overall goal of the Programme is to give indigenous persons the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in the field of international human rights in order to assist their organizations and communities in protecting and promoting the human rights of their people. Therefore, it is important that the candidate is proposed and nominated by an indigenous organization or community.
7. It is desirable that the sponsoring organization has a firm constituency or membership and that it is representative.

Other guidelines and criteria :
8. The selection of fellows should reflect a regional balance.
9. The general human rights situation in the respective regions/countries should be taken into consideration in the selection process.
10. In accordance with the general practice of the United Nations, selection of Fellows should reflect a gender balance.
11. Ten alternates should be selected in the event that any of the first five preferences will not be available for the Fellowship period. Five alternates should be selected as first, second, third, fourth and fifth preferences in the event that any of the five first preferences will not be available. The remaining five alternates could be ungrouped.

Fellowship applications will only be taken into consideration if they are fully completed.

Fellowship applications must be faxed or sent by regular post. E-mailed applications will not be taken into consideration.

More information
Website: http://www.ohchr.org/english/issues/indigenous/fellowship.htm
E-mail: fellowship@ohchr.org


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Council of Europe - Traineeship Opportunities 2006
Application deadline: September 15, 2005 (due to the high volume of applications to process, it is strongly advised to apply at least one month before the deadline)


The Council of Europe's traineeship scheme consists of a choice of three three-month periods: January to March, April to June and October to December.

Who can apply ?
- Nationals of one of the Council of Europe's member states.
- Persons who have completed their higher education or have successfully completed at least three years of university study (six semesters), or
- candidates from national administrations or private firms who wish to find out about, learn more about or specialise in a particular field of the Council of Europe's activities. They must have performed duties requiring knowledge of university level for at least two years.

Trainees must have a very good knowledge of one of the Council of Europe's official languages (English and French). A good knowledge of the other is desirable. Good drafting ability required.

Selection
Trainees are selected by the Human Resources Department, in agreement with the departments to which they are assigned, following the principle of fair geographical distribution.

Duties
The duties to which trainees are assigned include research, the preparation of draft reports and studies for meetings of experts and the drafting of minutes. They may also be required to assist with current work.

Programme
Trainees will be given an opportunity - especially through a series of presentations arranged for them - to find out about the Council's structures, activities and international co-operation procedures, including the implementation of the European Convention of Human Rights. Furthermore, they will have the opportunity of attending sittings of the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly and other meetings taking place during their stay in Strasbourg.

Conditions
Trainees are usually not paid. Costs of travel and accommodation, as well as living expenses, are the responsibility of trainees or their sponsoring institutions. By the decision of the Committee of Ministers, remunerated traineeships may be offered - in a restricted number - to nationals of Central and Eastern European member States.

More information
Website: http://www.coe.int/t/e/Human_Resources/Jobs/10_Traineeship_opportunities/
E-mail: traineeship.drh@coe.int


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European Cultural Foundation - Second call for projects 2005
Application deadline: September 15, 2005


Grant-giving in support of independent cultural projects continues to be a core commitment of the ECF. In an enlarged EU where there is a lack of accessible funding for cross border projects, we remain convinced that grants for small to medium-sized cultural organizations are an essential part of developing collaborative practice and boosting the cultural dimension of a richly diverse Europe.

The support we can offer is modest. Yet in recent years new partnerships and a growing synergy between ECF grants, programmes and advocacy work have opened new opportunities: grantees can now influence the Foundation’s work at policy level and we are strengthening our support of projects in regions which fall beyond the remit of many other European funders.

The main development as compared with last year's application process is a shift to a more flexible scheme, which asks applicants to respond, in a creative way, to the six ECF current areas of interest: intercultural competences and collaboration across borders; increased participation in the arts and media; the cultural dimension of EU enlargement; strategies for change within cultural infrastructures; creative responses to current political issues; development of a common public and cultural European space.

More information
Website: www.eurocult.org (Grants section)


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Bulgarian - Romanian Interuniversity Europe Center - Master programmes
Application deadline: September 17, 2005 (for applicants from Romania and Bulgaria)


What is BRIE?
The Bulgarian-Romanian Interuniversity Europe Center (BRIE) was established by Romanian, Bulgarian and German Universities and institutions, and the German Rectors' Conference. BRIE has been developed as a project in the framework of the Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe at the bridge on the Danube river between Bulgaria and Romania in the towns of Rousse (Bulgaria) and Giurgiu (Romania). Both sites – BRIE-Giurgiu and BRIE-Rousse represent a common cross-border network, which builds upon the synergy of the trans-national relations in higher education and their impact on the economic and social profile of the relevant regions.

BRIE is committed to:
The European integration and regional cross-border cooperation in Europe;
The cooperation between the peoples of south Eastern Europe, and of Bulgaria and Romania at the Danube bridge;
The intensified cooperation between European universities within the Bologna process for the creation of a common European higher education area.

BRIE provides two master programmes:
- at BRIE-Giurgiu – a master program in International Business Informatics in English and in German: four semesters, the third of which takes place in the format of an internship at companies in Germany in cooperation with the partner university. The students acquire competences in the following subject areas: Information Systems in the Production; Planning and Development of Applied Systems; Programming and Software Technologies; Algorithms and Data Structure; Legal Aspects and Security in Business Informatics; Economics and International Business; Practical Course about Information Systems in Production; English and German languages, etc.

After all exams are passed and the master thesis is defended successfully, the students are conferred a diploma from the Academy of Economic Studies Bucharest, recognized in Bulgaria, as well as a certificate for the period of study at the German or the Austrian partner universities.

- at BRIE-Rousse – a master program in European Studies in English and German: four semesters, the third of which is takes place at a partner university either from Germany or Austria. The students acquire competences in the following fields of studies: European Integration, Comparative Administration, Common Policies of the EU, Institutions and Decision-Making in the EU, European Law, International Economics, Economic and Monetary Union, European Management, Management of European Projects; European History; European Civilization; Research Methods; Teamwork and Leadership;; foreign languages – English, German, Romanian and Bulgarian, Summer school in European integration.

After all exams are passed and the master thesis is successfully defended, the students are conferred a diploma from the University of Rousse, recognized in Romania, as well as a certificate for the period of study in the German or the Austrian partner universities.

More information
Website: http://www.brie.ase.ro/new/presentation.htm
http://brie.ru.acad.bg/html/en/index.html
E-mail: brie@ase.ro


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LIFE 2005 - 2006
Application deadline: varies for each sector


The Commission invites ′legal entities′ established in the European Union and in the candidate countries associated to LIFE to present proposals for the LIFE selection round 2005 - 2006.

Candidate countries associated to LIFE can take part in this round according to the provisions set up in the decisions by the Association Councils concerning their participation to LIFE. Currently: Romania.

Applications
Proposals must be written on specific application forms. The application file that includes detailed explanations in regard to eligibility and procedures,as well as the required application forms can be obtained from the Commission′s website on the following address: http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/life/home.htm

Where and when to submit a project
Detailed instructions are contained in the application file for each LIFE sector.
The following calls are covered by this announcement:

1.LIFE - Nature projects
Objective:
Projects aiming at the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora of Community and (for candidate countries only) international interest.
Deadline:
- All projects concerning the above objective and covering not less than 80% of the 2006 budget for LIFE-Nature shall be submitted to the national competent authorities at the latest by 30 September 2005.
- Projects will then be submitted (two paper copies) by the national authorities to the Commission at the latest by 31 October 2005.
- Member States and candidate countries associated to LIFE may change the national submission deadline and the total number of copies required. It will be up to them to inform the public consequently.

An additional call for proposals, covering up to 20% of the 2006 budget for LIFE Nature, will be launched in autumn 2005, to support the preparation of, at least, long-term national plans for the period 2007 - 2013, aimed at achieving a favourable conservation status for the habitats and/or species targeted by the EU ′birds′ and ′habitats′ directives. This call will be aimed at Member States′ national authorities in charge of implementing Natura 2000. The proposed deadline for submitting proposals is 31 December 2005.

2.(a)LIFE - Environment Demonstration projects
Objective:
Demonstration projects which contribute to the development of innovative and integrated techniques and methods, and to the further development of Community environment policy, and which
- Integrate environmental and sustainable development considerations into land-use development and planning,particularly in urban and coastal areas, or
- Promote the sustainable management of ground and surface water, or
-minimise the environmental impact of economic activities,notably through the development of clean technologies and by placing the emphasis on prevention,including the reduction of emission of green-house gases, or
- Promote the prevention,reuse,recovery and recycling of waste of all kinds and ensure the sound management of waste flows, or
- Reduce the environmental impact of products through an integrated approach to production, distribution and consumption,and handling at the end of their lifetime, including the development of environmentally-friendly products.
Deadline:
- All projects shall be submitted to the national competent authorities at the latest by 30 September 2005.
- Projects will then be submitted (two paper copies) by the national authorities to the Commission at the latest by 30 November 2005.
- Member States and candidate countries associated to LIFE may change the national submission deadline and the total number of copies required.It will be up to them to inform the public.

2.(b)LIFE Environment Preparatory Projects
Objective:
Projects which are preparatory to the development of new Community environmental actions and instruments, and/or to the updating of environmental legislation and policies.
Deadline:
Proposals should be sent directly to the Commission by 30 November 2005 (two paper copies).The proposals must be sent or delivered by registered letter, by private courier or by hand by the fixed deadline to the address indicated in the application file.Faxes, electronic mail, incomplete applications, or applications sent in several parts will not be accepted. Proposals sent by the fixed deadline but received by the Commission after 30 November 2005 will not be considered eligible.

3.LIFE Third Countries projects
Objective:
Projects of technical assistance which contribute to the establishment of the means and administrative structures needed in the environmental sector and in the development of environmental policy and action programmes in eligible third countries bordering on the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas.
Deadline:
- All projects shall be submitted to the national competent authorities at the latest by 31 October 2005.
- Projects will then be submitted (two paper copies) by the national authorities to the Commission at the latest by 30 November 2005.
-The national authorities may change the national submission deadline and the total number of copies required. It will be up to them to inform the public.

More information
Website: http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/life/home.htm


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Summer School on the Evolution of Mentalities in Eastern Europe and the Future of the European Project, September 4 – 9, 2005, Vama Veche, Romania
Application deadline: July 29, 2005


The Luxembourg Institute for European and International Studies is a forum of intellectual discussions and research as well as a platform of training and upgrading for undergraduates and young professionals from both western and eastern countries. One of the Institute’s constant themes of research and debate has been the European integration viewed as a particularly dynamic and challenging process. The topic has been explored for the last 11 years under the form of summer schools organized by the Institute in cooperation with the Black Sea University Foundation and later on with the European Cultural Centre, Bucharest at Mangalia and Vama Veche in Romania.

The 2005 seminar looks into the evolution of mentalities in Eastern Europe during the last 15 years. It analyses the way in which mental frameworks, attitudes, approaches and actions in Eastern Europe have been modelled on western culture, society, economy and politics in the ongoing process of European enlargement

Who should attend?
• Students, young researchers and professionals interested in the European integration process and its evolution
• Representatives of higher education, of specialized institutions, of political parties, of NGO’s, of the mass-media

Main sesions
- The concept of mentality in social sciences and history (Braudel a.o.)
- Mentalities in Western Europe and in Central/Eastern Europe : similarities and divergencies
- Are there mental lines of divide in Europe ?
- Is there a specific Romanian mentality ?
- Mentality and prejudice (national, ethnic, religious etc). The minority question (with special reference to the case of the Roma)
- Mentality and economic success (Is there a capitalist mentality ? A socialist one ? A liberal one ?)
- Mentality and social development (taking into account the concept of 'trust' and 'social capital')
- Mentalities and participation in the European project
- The significance of diversity in mentalities
- Dealing with the 'Muslim challenge' in Europe and beyond
- Towards a Pan-European mentality ?

The cost of 335 Euro includes: participation fee, accommodation in double rooms with own bathroom and all meals. Payment will be made in cash, at arrival or by bank transfer. Scholarships are available. Candidates who request scholarships should send the filled in Application Form together with Curriculum Vitae, Letter of Intention and Two letters of Recommendation.

The working language is English.

More information
E-mail: rocultours@rdslink.ro (Mrs. Maria Popescu, European Cultural Centre, Bucharest)


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AEGEE Bucuresti and European Students Forum - EuroIslam, between myth and reality..., October 2 – 8, 2005
Application deadline: July 30, 2005 (July 30 for visa-needing applicants and August 14 for the applicants which do not need a visa)


AEGEE Bucuresti, European Students Forum, is pleased to announce that the application for the ‘Islam and Europe - Mixed or Separated?’ International conference is now open. The event aims to promote values of mutual respect and understanding between different cultures and religions and to fight against intolerant and xenophobic attitudes.

Between 2nd and 8th October, 75 participants from over 30 countries, both European and Non-European will have the chance to ask questions and find answers about the Euroislam phenomenon, to discern between myth and reality. 30 out of the 75 participants can also take part in a 3-day pre-event on The Role of Women in the Islamic Society (September, 30th – October, 2nd). The pre-event is organised in collaboration with Women Development Foundation-WDF Romania.

In order to meet the eligibility criteria, applicants must be between 18-30 years old and have a good command of English (as the working language of the conferences and workshops will be English). We also intend to have a good balance as far as gender, religion and countries are concerned. The conference will be attended by 75 participants coming from the member states of the Europe Council (Albania, Austria, Azerbaidjan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Ciprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Moldova, Holland, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine, Great Britain) and also from non-European countries like: Morocco, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Pakistan, Lebanon, Algeria, Syria etc.
There is no need for the participants to be specialized in the field of this project or to be AEGEE members, but they should be very interested in the topic and very motivated.

We are especially looking for young persons with different backgrounds that are active or would like to get involved in the youth movements, young policy-makers and young activists.

The participation fee is 50 Euro and will cover attendance to all lectures, workshop materials, accommodation and meals for the period. An additional fee of 10 Euro will be required for the pre-event.

This event is part of a broader AEGEE project on Euroislam. Its main partners are the International Politics Working Group of AEGEE, AEGEE Europe, AEGEE Ankara and the Romanian-Turkish Business Council.

More information
Website: http://www.euroislam.3x.ro
http://www.euroislam.3x.ro/participants_apply.php
E-mail: euroislam_bucuresti@yahoo.com


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Regional Crime Prevention Forum for NGOs from Central and Eastern Europe
Application deadline: end of July, 2005


The CONGO Vienna Office will organize on the UN premises in Vienna on 27 and 28 October 2005 a Regional Forum for NGOs from Central and Eastern Europe in cooperation with United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Alliance on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.

Working language will be English.

Objective: We want to provide NGOs from Central and Eastern Europe with first-hand information on, and encourage their participation in
· The activities of UNODC and OSCE in the field of crime prevention, especially trafficking in human beings, corruption and urban crime; and
· The contribution of the Vienna-based NGOs to those efforts.

Participants
The target group are NGOs in Central and Eastern Europe which, in the specific aforementioned fields, wish to establish or improve relations with UNODC and OSCE and/or want to acquaint themselves with the work of NGOs in Vienna, and, if possible to join in that work. A task force of Vienna-based NGOs will select those NGOs to be invited to participate.

We are currently in contact with sponsors so that we can contribute to covering the travel and hotel expenses of the NGOs from that region that lack the necessary funds.

Although a focus will be on Central and Eastern Europe, we also welcome NGO representatives from countries outside that region.

It should be understood that in the ultimate analysis, the overall number of participants will of necessity be limited by factors such as seating capacity and availability of funds.

Should you be interested, please let us know by the end of July and send us brief background information on your organization and what you expect to gain from participating in the Regional Forum.

More information
Website: www.ngocongo.org
E-mail: congovie@ngocongo.org


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Exploring Global Justice Issues - Contact Making Seminar for the Development of European Voluntary Service Projects (Action 2), September 22 – 25, 2005, Ireland
Application deadline: July 31, 2005 (for candidates from SEE)


Is your organisation interested in youth involvement in projects exploring Global Justice Issues? Are you interested in hosting or sending volunteers in your organisation?
A Contact Making Seminar will offer participants the opportunity to meet partner organisations from Estonia, Latvia, Malta, Sweden, Turkey and South East Europe, with a view to developing European Voluntary Service on the themes around Global Justice Issues.

The seminar aims to gather organisations, interested in similar themes to share experiences and develop European Voluntary Service Projects together. The seminar is organised by National YOUTH Agencies of the above countries in co-operation with the SALTO South East Europe Resource Centre.

Organisations working in the area of or interested in Global justice Issues and interested in hosting or sending volunteers (15 - 25 years) from YOUTH programme countries and Partner Countries in South East Europe are invited to apply.

More information
Website: http://www.salto-youth.net/SEEseminars/
E-mail: see.youth@mladina.movit.si


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Institute of Political Studies PAS / IPSA Research Committee on Socio-Political Pluralism - Conference Enlivening Democracy. Building Pluralism from the Bottom, December 8 - 10, 2005, Warsaw
Application deadline: July 31, 2005


The idea for this conference was suggested by questions such as: What kind of democracy is practiced in 'new' and in 'old' democracies? On which particularly local conditions does it depend? When may it be supposed to develop best?

The conference focuses on the construction and work of local groups and organizations and their cooperation with local governments, as well as on the development and work of women’s groups emerging from communities to represent their gender’s special interests.

We are looking for papers that deal with democracy and society on the local level; women and democracy through case studies; and also broader analysis and comparison.

As part of the conference, there will be a session in honor of Stanislaw Ehrlich, founder of this Research Committee, and also a special workshop ‘Studying democracy and pluralism: Field research experience’ as an accompanying event. This workshop is addressed to young scholars who have been involved in local government studies and would like to come to Warsaw to share their field experience. This session will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2005.

The conference is sponsored jointly by the Institute of Political Studies of the Polish Academy of Science and the IPSA Research Committee on Socio-Political Pluralism.

Preliminary panels:
I. Local Democracy: Pluralism and Participation
II. Building Pluralism: Constructing Community Groups
III. Pluralism and Gender: Women’s Groups and Women’s Representation
IV. Women in Parliament and in Local Democracy: Democracy, Representation, and Leadership
V. Pluralism of Law and Pluralism of Normative Systems (in honor of Stanislaw Ehrlich)

Accommodation and participation in the conference will free of charge. We are unfortunately unable to reimburse your traveling costs.

More information
Website: www.isppan.waw.pl
www.ipsa-pluralism.com
E-mail: ipank@isppan.waw.pl (Irena Panków) and jcurry@scu.edu (Jane Curry)


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School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University College London - 7th Annual International Postgraduate Conference on Central and Eastern Europe, February 16 – 18, 2006
Application deadline: August 1, 2005


The boundary changes that have occurred in Central and Eastern Europe over the past two hundred years have been far greater than any that have taken place in Western Europe during the same period. This conference seeks to address the issues of inclusion and exclusion that have arisen from these boundary changes.
The boundaries of Central and Eastern Europe have been constantly contested from within and without and continue to shift and evolve in the wake of the fall of communism. This perpetual change is reflected through the redefinitions and realignments of identities within the region. The challenge of the expansion of the European Union in the new century represents a key factor in the ongoing processes of regional realignment. Every aspect of identity within the new members, the 'old' EU countries, the candidate states, as well as the regions excluded from the process has to be reasserted in the face of these dynamics.

At the heart of this evolving process of redefinition or reassertion lie the notions of 'exclusion' and 'inclusion'. These concepts inform current debates at all levels of European society, from the attempted spread of democracy beyond the old borders, to the exclusion of minority groups from mainstream economic, political and social activity or the place of minority languages in the new enlarged Europe. The lingua franca imposed by information technology threatens to exclude those who do not have at least a passive knowledge of English. This may also contribute to a new barrier between the old, once influential intellectuals of the region and young cosmopolitan intellectuals. The re-evaluation of history, especially that of the twentieth century, may also have a destabilising impact on the old narratives and intellectual certainties that have shaped our understanding of Central and Eastern Europe.
This conference is inviting young academics to submit papers that discuss the phenomena of inclusion and exclusion in the countries and regions of Central and Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union, including but not limited to the following themes:

- Historical: Pre-communist, Communist-led and Post-communist Nationalisms, Ethnic Cleansing from the Middle Ages onwards, Jewish Emancipation, Women's Education, Women before, during and after Communism, Fascist and Communist Politics of Exclusion.
- Cultural: Purism, Lexical Cleansing, Rewriting History, Fine and Performance Art, Popular Culture, Media, Boundary Reshuffling and Canon Redefinition, The Impact of Poststructuralist/ Postmodern Thought, National Revival, National Collapse, Religion.
- Political: Power Relations and Agency, New Feminisms in Central and Eastern Europe, Migration, Political Exclusion, Security, Democratic Transformation, Integration and Hard Border Regimes.
- Economic: Health, Welfare and Inequality, Human Capital and the Knowledge Economy, Corruption and Informal Practices, Economic Growth and Development, Business and Entrepreneurship, Corporate Governance.
- Social: Insiders and Outsiders in Historical Context, Minority Relations, Gender Discrimination, Poverty, Citizenship, Health and Education Reforms, Social Exclusion, The New Middle Class, Traditional Classes - Peasantry, Intelligentsia and Workers.

We strongly encourage cross-cultural, cross-national and multi-disciplinary perspectives, with entries on new research methodologies welcomed.

The Committee invites post-doctoral and graduate students in the Humanities and Social Sciences to submit original research papers for discussion. Invitation is not limited to academics; we would also like to invite professionals with sound academic backgrounds and academic interests. Paper abstracts of up to 300 words and a curriculum vitae should be sent with full contact details. Presented papers should not exceed twenty minutes in length, and must be in English. The Conference will provide online training in paper presentation (live 1st November 2005). A selection of the best papers will appear in a separate Conference publication.

More information
E-mail: pgconference@ssees.ac.uk


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Institute for Penal Reform and UNICEF Moldova - Regional forum on juvenile justice, September 14 – 16, 2005, Chisinau, Moldova
Application deadline: August 10, 2005


Organized with the financial support of ICCO, the Regional Forum is aimed for the representatives of the NGO’s and state authorities acting in the field of national and European Juvenile Justice System.

The main goal of the Event is to contribute to the networking in order to reform the juvenile justice system by exchange of experience within the East and South-East European countries.

The Program of the Forum will include 3 days and will be divided into two parts:
· First part of the agenda (first and second days), will consist of presentations of the Country Reports. The Reports will include:
- an analysis of the real situation in the field of juvenile justice,
- the experience of the NGO’s,
- the legal and institutional framework in this field which is common for the countries of origin of the participants,
- the actual tendencies regarding the evolution of the juvenile justice system
- the possibilities of harmonisation of the activities in the region.
· The second part of the forum will include the presentation of the international standards in the field of juvenile justice, by UNICEF international experts. After the presentation will be organised a Workshop structured in three working groups, the goal of this workshop is to determine the possibilities of modification of the national legislation in the context with the international standards, as well as the elaboration of an activity plan in this sense. A Brainstorming session for identification of the conclusions of the forum will follow the presentation of the results of the working groups.

English and Romanian will be the working languages of the Regional Forum.

The participants will be invited to do a short presentation about the National Juvenile System from their Country of origin, according to the below eligibility criteria.

Conditions for eligibility:
1. The participant should be a representative of an NGO or a state authority acting in the field of Juvenile Justice System from the following target Countries: Republic of Moldova, Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Russia, Byelorussia, Croatia, Slovenia, FRY Macedonia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Yugoslavia.
2. Each applicant is invited to submit:
a) The Application form (http://www.irp.md/Library/application_form.zip )
b) A Concept Paper (short description) on the National Juvenile Justice System (700-1000 words), which will contain information regarding juvenile criminal investigation and judicial systems, alternatives to detention, public authorities in the field of child rights' protection etc.
c) The CV of the applicant
d) The experience of the organisation (only for the representatives of NGO)

A book will be published after the Event, which will include the information about and an analysis of the National Juvenile Justice Systems in the East and South-East Europe, as well as an introduction to the European System of Juvenile Justice.

Participation conditions
The Institute for Penal Reform will cover the following costs:
- International travel up to a maximum of 350 EUR
- Accommodation in a four star hotel
- Food expenses
- National Travel will be assured
- The applicants are also invited to join the yahoo group of the Regional Forum regionalforum_juvjustice@yahoogroups.com

More information
Website: www.irp.md
E-mail: juvjustice_moldova@yahoo.com


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International Exchange Programme VICEVERSA, September 12 – 25, 2005, Romania & Serbia and Montenegro
Application deadline: August 15, 2005


Should society decide our sexual orientation? Deconstructing sexual prejudice in Europe.

The programme consists of the following parts:
· 4 days seminar in Beli-Fantanele (Romania)
· 3 days of expert meetings and discussions in Cluj-Napoca (Romania)
· 4 days seminar in Studenica (Serbia & Montenegro)
· 3 days in Belgrade: meetings, discussions, evaluation. (Serbia & Montenegro)
Participating countries: Bosnia & Herzegovina (3+1 participants), Bulgaria (3+1 participants), Germany (3+1 participants), Macedonia (3+1 participants), Romania (3+2 participants) Portugal (3+1 participants), Serbia & Montenegro (3+2 participants) Greece (3+1 participants).

Participation fee: Bosnia & Herzegovina - 75 Euro, Bulgaria - 100 Euro, Germany - 200 Euro, Macedonia - 75 Euro, Romania - 50 Euro, Portugal - 200 Euro, Serbia & Montenegro - 50 Euro, Greece - 200 Euro. The participation fee for the teamers is 15% less than the above fee. The fee covers the following expenses: accommodation, insurance, travelling, trips, conference rooms, material, lectures, catering. Participants are responsible for their private expenses.

Participants must:
· be no older than 25 years
· be willing to prepare and present a paper
· actively participate in the project activities
· prepare an experience letter at the end of the program
· be involved in the whole project
· be able to communicate in English

The participants will be chosen on the basis of a CV, a motivation letter and one-page essay on the main topic of the seminar by the country team leaders.

More information
E-mail: Ms. Sorana Olaru (soranaolaru@yahoo.com), Ms. Bojana Stanic (bojanche@yahoo.com), Mr. Sergiu Gherghina (sergiulor@yahoo.com), Mr. Milan Aleksic (apolon_had@europe.com)


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8th CEI Summit Economic Forum (SEF), November 23 – 24, 2005, Bratislava
Application deadline: September 30, 2005


At SEF you will have the opportunity to meet industry leaders, senior government officials from the 17 CEI member countries; regional, national and international organisations; financial institutions; professionals and consultants and key business leaders. 1000 participants are expected.

Therefore, as the main annual event for the whole Central European region, you will be able to make business contacts and establish co-operation on investment projects and development programmes. The SEF gives you a unique chance to discuss structural reforms for improving business environment, development strategies for raising competitiveness, with a special focus on energy, infrastructure, and human resources.

The event will take place over the course of two days and will be include of several sessions, project presentations, and focused meetings. Moreover, you will have the chance to meet and discuss with other participants in occasion of the many social events, like coffee breaks, lunches, evening reception and cultural programme.

What is unique about the SEF is that besides economic and project-based discussions, the Round Table of CEI Ministers of the Economic Sectors and the Summit of the 17 CEI Prime Ministers (organised consecutively after the SEF) will provide an important insight into each country's policy approach to growth and an exceptional overview on current key issues of the CEI Region.

More information
Website: www.ceinet.org/SEF
E-mail: info.sef@cei-es.org


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Philosophical heritage, historical contingency and moral universality: Reception of the ICTY in ex-Yugoslavia, March 30 - April 1, 2006, Paris
Application deadline: September 30, 2005


An international conference organized by: The ACI research group ‘Morality, Politics and International Justice viewed through the prism of the human sciences’, with support from the research unit EA 738 ‘Crises and Borders of European Thought’ of the CNRS research group ‘Extreme Crises’ (GDR 2651), and from the ‘Balkans’ section of the research unit UMR 8032, ‘Turkish and Ottoman Studies’.

Call for papers addressed to anthropologists, historians, sociologists, and linguists with specialization in ex-Yugoslavia and to philosophers, jurists and political scientists. We also welcome papers discussing the reception of the ICTY by particular groups: associations, political parties, religious communities, etc.

International criminal justice, in the form of ad hoc tribunals, incarnates an aspiration to universality within defined geographical and historical limits. Focusing on the case of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), this conference will analyze the tensions existing between the vocation of universality attached to these categories in international criminal justice and their specific anchoring in time and space.

Participants seeking to have their travel expenses paid for by the organizers should contact us by the 15th of August. Announcement of proposals selected by the organizing committee: October 20, 2005. The final version of conference papers are to be sent electronically no later than March 1, 2006. Papers must be no longer than 50,000 signs. Papers may be delivered in French or English.

More information
E-mail: Isabelle.Delpla@univ-montp3.fr with a copy (cc) to idelpla@free.fr


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www.kampovi.ba


Volunteer Camp Database

The only website in the region involving a volunteer camp opportunities database. It involves camps in the SEE Region (ex Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and Albania), Denmark and Czech Republic.

This project is realised by the Youth Centre Livno and Youth Communication Centre Banja Luka.

Camp participants are covering the traveling costs, organizers are paying the accommodation and food. Several camps involve participation fee.

www.kampovi.ba is supported from the side of SEEYN (South East European Youth Network).


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Euroregional Center for Democracy

Semenic Nr. 10
300035, Timisoara
Romania

Tel: + 4 0256 221 471
Fax: + 4 0256 436 633

http://www.regionalnet.org

Editor:
Camelia Cocioba

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