September 2006, Issue no 50
http://resource.regional.net
impact@regionalnet.org

1. Funding Opportunities

2. Announcements and Upcoming Events

3. Useful Links

The Trust for Civil Society in Central & Eastern Europe - Call for proposals for Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia
Application deadline: October 2, 2006


The Trust for Civil Society in Central & Eastern Europe (‘CEE Trust’) is an independent public charity incorporated under the laws of the United States of America and governed by a Board of Trustees.

The CEE Trust today launched a new call for proposals for Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. The CEE Trust is inviting non-profit, non-governmental organizations, expert groups, coalitions, movements and public education institutions to work on:
1) Public institutions' accountability
2) Public involvement
3) Social solidarity
4) Supportive environment for civil society.

More information
Website: www.ceetrust.org
E-mail: romania.applications@ceetrust.org (for Romania), bulgaria.applications@ceetrust.org (for Bulgaria), hungary.applications@ceetrust.org (for Hungary)


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On-The-Move and ECUMEST - Training of trainers: Mobility and cultural co-operation in the age of digital spaces, October 27, 2006, Bucharest, Romania
Application deadline: October 4, 2006


Following successful training sessions on mobility, intercultural competence and cultural co-operation in the age of digital spaces led by Corina Suteu in 2005, three of the trainees of the programme are now given a space to develop new thoughts and insights into these issues by developing their own training format. A series of free training sessions will be delivered, focusing on issues related to digital cultural content and virtual mobility, drivers and barriers for mobility, and cultural networks as real or virtual pathways to cultural co-operation. The course is organised within the framework of the G2CC – Gateway to Cultural Collaboration project funded by the European Commission.

The training is open to cultural organisers, producers, managers or artists, or cultural management teachers/trainers interested in finding more about these issues, but also enabled to perform and further disseminate the training contents.

The working language will be English.

As places for the free training sessions are limited to 20 participants, selection will take place through an application form procedure. The participants must secure their own travel and accommodation.

More information
Website: www.ecumest.ro
E-mail: office@ecumest.ro (Stefania Ferchedau, Executive Director ECUMEST)


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The Association of Multiethnic Cities of SEE - Call for proposals for 2006/07 Philia Seed Grants Program
Application deadline: October 9, 2006


The Association of Multiethnic Cities of Southeast Europe PHILIA is a regional network of over 60 towns, including local governments as well as NGOs, from South East Europe (SEE). Its goal is to increase regional cooperation and normalization of relations amongst the multiethnic cities of SEE, as well to develop new forms of cooperation between the municipalities and NGOs.

The program of the Association of Multiethnic Cities of SEE is based on the Protocol on Interethnic Tolerance which aim is to foster cooperation and exchange of information among the cities in the fields such as, but not limited to economy, education, culture, media, promotion of human and minority rights, and sport. Please visit the Association website (http://www.amcsee.org) to familiarize yourself with the mission, goals, programs, accomplishments and priorities of the organization.

The Association of Multiethnic Cities of SEE along with the Balkan Trust for Democracy has allocated resources to fund a seed grants program. The aim of the program is to encourage and promote local governments and NGOs to carry out national or sub-national activities that foster partnerships and long-term cooperation between the cities and NGOs in SEE and to facilitate cross border initiatives. The aim is to provide funding for concrete projects with quantifiable results.

The projects should address the following areas: Education and culture, Minority status, Public communication and media, Reform, fortification and cooperation of local and regional governments, Economy and development of cross border SMEs, Ecology and environment protection, Tourism, Sports, Arts, Promotion of European principles, values and experience.

Eligibility
(1) To be eligible, local municipality and/or NGO must be permanent or associate member of the Philia.
(2) Project proposals must be initiated and developed jointly by the local government in partnership with an NGO from the same city, together with another city government (regional or local) or NGO from another country. At least two partners must participate in the project, local municipality and/or an NGO.
(3) Philia will award grants in amounts ranging from 2.000 EUR to 10.000 EUR.
(4) Philia funding will cover up to 70% of the total project budget.

How to apply
(1) Applicants should carefully complete the application form which can be downloaded from: www.amcsee.org. We will procure to you any additional documentation at your demand (Application form and Protocol on Interethnic Tolerance, Action plan (narrative), as well as the List of Cities and NGOs that are members of Philia).
(2) Applicants must develop an action plan (narrative) in which they should identify specific outcomes that will be achieved.
(3) Proposals should not exceed three double-space pages and must include a budget (in €) and must be submitted in English.
(4) Applicants must provide two recommendations from partner NGOs or local municipalities or previous donors.
(5) Please provide certificate of NGO registration in your application.
(6) The selected recipients will receive a letter of acknowledgement and contract prior to disbursement.
(7) The evaluation board is the General Secretary and all decisions by the board will be considered final.
(8) The application form, as well as all other additional information about the competition, can be received via e-mail from Mr. Radomir Sovljanski, or Ms. Jovana Navalusic. Please send a request to: association@nscable.net.

More information
Website: www.amcsee.org
E-mail: association@nscable.net


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The Educational Society of Malopolska (MTO) - Academy for Young Social Entrepreneurs (AYSE), Nowy Sacz, Poland
Application deadline: October 13, 2006


The Academy for Young Social Entrepreneurs is established by MTO to introduce young people from Serbia, Kosovo and Montenegro to the profession of social entrepreneur and to support those, who already have a vision of how to creatively solve their local communities’ problems. At the same time it will promote this profession and create an open space for cooperation and mutual inspiration among ASHOKA fellows (www.ashoka.org) and other social entrepreneurs.

This is a down-to-earth, very practical training which will help participants develop innovative approaches to problem solving and equip them with team-building, capacity building and fundraising skills. A great treasure and capacity can be found in the experience and spirit of existing social entrepreneurs. This will be shared with the trainees during stationary workshops, internships and e-mail monitoring. Students will receive certificates of participation and awards for outstanding achievements.

The program will take place from November 10 – 22, 2006 (Group I) and November 24 – December 6, 2006 (Group 2) at a training center in Nowy Sacz, Poland (located 100 km south of Krakow). All expenses related to the program (transportation, room, board and materials) in 2006 will be covered by a grant from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

Participant eligibility:
· Enthusiastic individuals aware of the current problems in their local communities and having an interest and vision (even if vague) of how to solve them
· Aged 18-25
· Higher education (currently, completed or planned)
· Working knowledge of English
· Recommendation
· Current, valid passport number (Applications without this information will NOT be accepted!)

More information
Website: www.mto.org.pl
E-mail: ayse_skm_2006@hotmail.com


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Outdoor Education, Training course for trainers, October 15 - 24, 2006, Sovata, Romania


Type: basic level in outdoor education
Location: Sovata, Romania
Finances: 450 Euro per person. The price includes the program, accommodations and meals.
Working language: English

Participant’s Profile:
- Youth workers/trainers and social workers
- Trainers who would like to specialize in outdoor education
- Participant able to take active part in the whole program
- Open to physical and mental challenging activities
- Participant able to speak and understand English
- 18 years of age and older

Content:
Theoretical inputs:
What is outdoor education? Why outdoor education? Outdoor education principles. Models in outdoor education. Planning an outdoor course. Risk and safety management. Adapting activities to different target groups.
Practical sessions: Icebreakers, Problem solving exercises, Expedition - a tool of learning, To plan, to run and to evaluate an outdoor activity.

More information
Website: http://www.outwardbound.ro/


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Andrew W. Mellon - Postdoctoral Fellowships
Application Deadline: October 16, 2006


Five one-year Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowships are available for untenured scholars in the humanities who received or will receive their Ph.D. between December 1998 and December 2006. (You must have your degree in hand or have passed your defense no later than December 2006 to be eligible) The fellowship is open to all scholars, national and international, who meet application criteria.

The programs of the Penn Humanities Forum are conceived through yearly topics that invite broad interdisciplinary collaboration. For the 2006–2007 academic year, we have set ‘Origins’ as the theme. Research proposals are invited on this topic in all areas of humanistic study, except educational curriculum-building and the performing arts.

Fellows teach one freshman seminar each of two terms in addition to conducting their research. The fellowship stipend is $42,000, plus health insurance; fellows are required to be in residence during their fellowship year.

More information
Website: http://humanities.sas.upenn.edu/mellon_cfa.shtml


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The Nationalism Studies Program, Central European University - Call for applications for MA and PhD studies, Budapest, Hungary
Application deadline: November 1, 2006 (for candidates who wish to apply to participate in the CEU-administered language examinations) / January 5, 2007 (for candidates who submit complete application materials including language test scores)


The Nationalism Studies Program was established by Central European University with the aim of engaging students in an empirical and theoretical study of issues of nationalism, self-determination, problems of state-formation, ethnic conflict, minority protection and the related theme of globalization. Drawing upon the uniquely supranational milieu of Central European University, the program encourages a critical and non-sectarian study of nationalism.

Students are encouraged to engage in an interdisciplinary study of nationalism, a subject that is inherently and fundamentally interdisciplinary. For this reason, the international teaching staff has been assembled to represent a wide range of disciplinary expertise relevant to the study of nationalism including history, social theory, economics, legal studies, sociology, anthropology, international relations and political science. The program offers a wide selection of courses that provide a complex theoretical grounding in problems associated with nationhood and nationalism combined with advanced training in the methodology of applied social science. Additional courses focus on placing problems of nationalism in the context of economic and political transition as well as constitution building in post-1989 Central and Eastern Europe, with a comparative outlook on regime transitions outside the region.

Scholarships and tuition free study opportunities are available.

More information
Website: http://www.ceu.hu/nation/, http://www.ceu.hu/prospective_students.html


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Training of Diversity Trainers: ‘Working with Diversity: Developing Cultural Competency for Diversity Trainers’, January 22 – 26, 2007, Budapest, Hungary
Application deadline: November 3, 2006


Background information
Processes of democratization mean that more and more decisions that affect people's daily lives are made at the local level. At the same time, these processes offer communities increased opportunities to participate in governance, and especially in decision-making. Broader participation brings new challenges for local decision-makers: they must cope with limited public resources, and the diverse needs and interests of different groups. Thus, they require skills and the capacity to integrate knowledge about diversity and diversity policies, power-sharing opportunities, as well as methods of preventing and resolving conflict into their policymaking activities. As challenges constantly arise, in order to support processes of democratization, diversity trainers must continuously enhance their knowledge and skills in both diversity management and in training diversity related topics to policymakers.

Specific Goal
Participants will collaboratively improve knowledge and skills necessary for designing and conducting diversity trainings for policymakers in the region.

Objectives
Participants will:
· Assess their personal awareness of diversity and about working in diverse, multiethnic communities
· Improve their cultural competences in working with diversity
· Improve their skills in working in diverse teams
· Deepen their understanding about the impact and activities of local policymakers
· Enhance their ability to evaluate the absence, presence, and efficacy of policies of multiethnic community management
· Deepen their knowledge and skills in designing and conducting participatory and interactive introductory workshops on ethnic diversity management to policymakers in their own communities
· Elaborate action plans for designing and implementing training activities for local policymakers, in order to disseminate the acquired knowledge and skills.

This five-day international Training of Trainers implemented by LGI's Managing Multiethnic Communities Program (MMCP) is for trainers of local and national governments, training staff of NGOs and international development organizations, and faculty from schools of public administration and public policy. This MMCP ToT is the first of its kind designed for trainers who are engaged in awareness raising and capacity building in multiethnic societies in transition countries.

Although participation is not limited to a specific geographic region, participants from Central and South East Europe, Central Asia, and Indonesia are especially encouraged to apply. Participants from communities outside of these primary target regions will be considered on a case-by-case basis, pending available funding and the number of applications received. Participants will be selected based on their on-line applications, according to the following criteria:
· Familiarity with MMCP training materials
· Proven personal experience delivering trainings on diversity issues and significant experience in training in general
· Minimum 5 years of experience in working with central or local governments, civil society organizations, or with diverse communities
· Affiliation with institutions that have the capacity to multiply the program at the national level
· Good English-language skills.
Alumni of MMCP/LGI direct trainings with own experience of implementing diversity trainings in their home countries are encouraged to apply. LGI actively encourages the application of trainers associated with the national secretariats of the Decade of Roma Inclusion.

The working language is English.

Selection and Costs
LGI has secured full funding to support the participation of 20 trainees selected on a competitive basis. LGI will cover their tuition and materials, accommodation, meals, and transportation (to and from Budapest) costs. In addition, four (4) self-funded participants will be selected as well. Such participants (or their organizations) are expected to cover their travel expenses, accommodation, etc. Tuition fees are covered by LGI.

This training is part of an on-going series of diversity trainings offered by MMCP. Course materials are drawn from the Introduction to Diversity Management Training Package, developed by LGI's core training experts.

More information
Website: http://lgi.osi.hu
E-mail: aradosits@osi.hu (Angela Radosits, Program Coordinator) (in the subject line, please indicate ‘MMCP ToT January 2007’)


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John Smith Fellowship Programme 2007
Application deadline: November 7, 2006


The Programme aims to strengthen and deepen democratic awareness and leadership through a 5-week course in the United Kingdom combining classroom study, work placements and visits.

Applications for Fellowships are currently invited from the following countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine.

The 'ideal' candidate will be aged 25-35, working in politics, local administration or civil society, with a track record of concern for good governance and promoting democratic values. Good written and spoken English is essential. Candidates must have English proficiency at IELTS level 6 or above. Successful interviewees should be aware that they are likely to have to sit the IELTS exam.

The John Smith Fellowship will cover all costs incurred by the Fellows' taking part in the Programme. Please note that no provision is made for an accompanying spouse or children.

Applications for the 2007 Programme must be submitted to your local British Council office.

More information
Website: http://www.britishcouncil.org/governance-js-home.htm
E-mail: Vlad.Pavlovici@britishcouncil.ro (for Moldova), Maria.Zakharova@britishcouncil.org.ua (for Ukraine)


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European Cultural Foundation – Internship
Application deadline: December 31, 2006


The European Cultural Foundation (ECF) would like to invite a student (the applicant must be a registered student throughout the course of the internship), preferably with a background in studies of an international character, to join our team as an intern for three days a week for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 9 months, starting in March 2007.

As an intern, you will be involved in helping to develop and implement the ECF mobility fund known as STEP beyond. The fund has been in operation since February 2003 and forms part of our Support for Cultural Cooperation unit.

The goal of the mobility fund is to encourage cross-border cultural cooperation between all European countries, including those that are not (or not yet) members of the European Union. It covers travel and accommodation costs for European artists and cultural operators, and for journalists, translators and researchers working in the cultural field.

We would like to invite an intern who:
- Is interested in culture
- Is fluent in English and at least one other foreign language
- Has a good knowledge of the history and geography of Eastern Europe
- Is computer-literate (Word, Excel, Power Point and Internet are essential).

The internship will provide work experience relevant to the successful candidate’s education, within an international organisation. It involves the following functions:
a. Daily management of the fund
b. Analysis and evaluation of the working methods applied and of the criteria used
c. Participation in the ECF’s activities related to developing the STEP beyond fund and the general mobility strategy of the ECF
d. Preparation of a mobility meeting at the ECF
e. Preparation of an annual overview of the achievements of the fund.

The intern will receive reimbursement of costs amounting to 375 Euros per month.

Applicants should send a CV and covering letter (in English) via e-mail or mail. The letter should explain your motivation for applying for the internship.

More information
Website: www.eurocult.org
E-mail: Mbuijs@eurocult.org (Ms Marjan Buijs), bertan@eurocult.org (Mr. Bertan Selim, Programme Officer)


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UNESCO - Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowship Programme
Application deadline: January 12, 2007


UNESCO is inviting young researchers in developing countries to apply for grants through the UNESCO / Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowship Programme, financed for the seventh time by Japan through funds-in-trust dedicated to the development of human resources.

The programme - named after the late Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi who was known for his commitment to development issues - offers a total of 20 fellowships for a maximum value of US$10,000 each. They target post-graduate university researchers with a Masters degree, or equivalent, in one of four fields: the environment, inter-cultural dialogue, information and communication technology, and peaceful conflict resolution.

UNESCO's National Commissions, Permanent Delegations to UNESCO, and the Organization's field offices are invited to call on potential candidates to apply for the fellowships. Researchers under 40 years of age may submit their applications to their country's National Commission for UNESCO, which will select a maximum of two candidates. A special selection committee of experts in the four research fields concerned will review the applications and propose a pre-selection to the Director-General of the Organization.

More information
E-mail: a.zaid@unesco.org (Ali Zaid, Fellowship Section)


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The 15th NISPAcee Annual Conference ‘Leadership and Management in the Public Sector: Values, Standards and Competencies in Central and Eastern Europe’, May 17 - 19, 2007, Kyiv, Ukraine
Application deadline: September 30, 2006


Organized in cooperation with The National Academy of Public Administration, Office of the President of Ukraine. The annual conferences of NISPAcee always focus upon a significant theme which facilitates the better understanding of important issues regarding administrative development and policymaking capacity in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The Conference includes experts, scholars and practitioners who work in the field of public administration in Central and Eastern Europe (including all countries covered by the NISPAcee membership, the Russian Federation, Caucasus and Central Asia), as well as from many other regions and countries of the world.

The Conference program will include the opening and closing plenary sessions, general session, working sessions on the main conference theme, specialized panels and forums and meetings of NISPAcee Working Groups which will run in parallel.

Papers are invited on the Main Conference Theme, for the General Session, or on the themes of the various Working Groups, which are announced for the conference.

Main Conference Theme:
The annual conferences of NISPAcee always focuses upon a significant theme which addresses issues that facilitate the better understanding of significant issues regarding administrative development and policy making capacity in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Most, if not all, of these issues are, of course, relevant for many other regions of the world as well. Previous conferences have provided a comprehensive overview of many important aspects of public administration reform, democratization and professionalization of the executive branch, governmental managerial innovations and administrative capacity building as well as the emerging role of Public Administration education and training in the NISPAcee countries.

The main conference theme of the 15th Annual Conference will address a very crucial subject for not only Central and Eastern Europe, but all regions of the world: leadership and management in the public sector. While the critical and decisive role of leadership and management in the public sector is almost a cliché, the reality is that there is relatively little knowledge available about the transformation of the earlier dominant and politically determined CEE public leadership into a new, professional, democratic, managing leadership in the post-communist era. Likewise, there is only limited knowledge of how the newly emerged politico-administrative dichotomy in the region has influenced the formation of its managing leadership and how this dichotomy, in turn, has been influenced by the region’s leadership and managers.

Conference participants are invited to contribute papers about experiences and cases of the articulation of new leadership and management in their countries’ public sector. The key question is whether the new leadership and managers are able to effectively serve as the driving force in the steering of and development of public services. This is an especially important question, since the capabilities of the managing leadership are perhaps the most important element of the organizational capacity of many CEE and CIS countries.

General Session:
In order to include a wide array of potential contributors and to make the NISPAcee Annual Conference even more attractive to Public Administration and Policy scholars, experts, and practitioners and to further enhance its position as one of the most important meetings of the field internationally, the 15th NISPAcee Annual Conference will include General Sessions, in which papers that cover topics which go beyond the conference or working group themes can be presented. The only criteria for acceptance are (a) scholarly quality, (b) interest of topic and (c) ‘from or about the region’, i.e. papers should come from Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus, or be about that region. Such sessions are intended to give scholars the possibility to present their most interesting and recent research which they would want to share and discuss with an international and knowledgeable audience – and to give them the option to do this in the NISPAcee framework. As with all sessions, the best papers will be published in the Conference Proceedings.

NISPAcee Working Groups:
NISPAcee Working Group is a group of researchers and/or professionals associated with NISPAcee who are investigating a particular public administration or public policy topic. Currently, there are seven NISPAcee Working Groups which intend to schedule their meetings during the 15th NISPAcee Annual Conference in Kyiv.

I. Working Group on Politico-Administrative Relations
II. Working Group on Public Sector Quality
III. Working Group on Integrity in Public Governance
IV. Working Group on Democratic Governance of Multiethnic Communities
V. Working Group on Public Sector Finance and Accounting
VI. Working Group on e-Government
VII. Working Group on Capacity Building of a Civil Servants’ Training System according to EU Requirements

Application with Papers and Proposals for Panel Sessions and Forums:
On-line application is available on the NISPAcee web site. Applicants should complete an application form on the NISPAcee web (all in English) and input an abstract of a paper that is relevant to the main conference theme or Working Group themes (maximum two pages - 3600 characters and attach the CV file (maximum 2MB).

Support:
All applicants are requested to find their own resources, either from their schools or institutions or by applying for individual grants through domestic or international sponsor organizations which provide grants for conference participation. Please contact the NISPAcee Secretariat immediately if you need any assistance in this matter (e.g. invitation letter). NISPAcee is also seeking funding to support Working Groups activities, including travel and lodging for a limited number of participants during the meetings. However, this funding is not guaranteed and prospective participants are advised to look elsewhere for funds to cover their expenses. In case NISPAcee is successful, the selected applicants will be notified about the availability of the funds.

More information
Website: www.nispa.sk
E-mail: Wallnerova@nispa.sk (Viera Wallnerova, NISPAcee Project Manager)


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‘Meeting the Challenge: Perspectives of the project financed research and project oriented research institutions in South-Eastern Europe’ International Conference, November 23 – 24, 2006, Sofia, Bulgaria
Application deadline: October 1, 2006


Fostering of R&D activities in South-Eastern Europe and strengthening of the integration in the European Research Area is accompanied by the confrontation with competitive research funding. Manifold opportunities have been opened for researchers and various research institutions. What are the perspectives of research organisations in South-Eastern Europe?

The research priorities are established in line with the Lisbon targets, but not all institutions with their disciplines take an advantageous position in the ongoing dynamic process. There are several key questions lain at the root of the critical discussion on competitive research funding, especially in South-Eastern Europe. The Conference aims to through light on the up-to-date usual practise of the project-oriented research funding and the impact of funding opportunities on the research organisations and individual scientists. Within the framework of the call for papers announced the interested researches, research manages and PR units of research organisations are requested to provide their presentation.

The 2-days event is organized jointly by the Centre for Science Studies & History of Science (CSSHS), Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (Prof.Dr.Sc. Kostadinka Simeonova, Director of the Centre) and the Austrian Science and Research Liaison Office Sofia (ASO Sofia).

ASO Sofia will cover the conference participation costs for a limited number of experts from SEE.

More information
Website: http://www.aso.zsi.at/en/bul/veranstaltung/1389.html, http://www.aso.zsi.at/bul/callforpapers.html
E-mail: aso-sofia@zsi.at (Martin Felix Gajdusek, ASO Sofia), sts@unitednetworx.com (Kostadinka Simeonova, CSSHS)


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ECAS - The Partnership Forum - 4Cs for Civil Society ‘Building partnership among third sector organisations and with public administrations’, October 10, 2006, Brussels, Belgium


This forum is organised by ECAS in collaboration with the European Commission and Committee of the Regions and takes place in the context of the Open Days – European Week of Cities and Regions. The Open Days is an opportunity to network with 3.000 representatives of cities and regions.

Who should attend?
This event is expected to attract some 250 participants:
- NGOs, cooperatives and foundations working with the structural funds both to advocate policies and to implement projects. They are likely to come from across a range of sectors: social policy and the eradication of poverty; environmental protection and sustainability broadly defined; equality between men and women and the struggle against all forms of discrimination; other sectors where there is significant not for profit activity such as culture, public health, youth, social tourism. They can come from any geographical level, from new and old member states and also from the EU’s new neighbours.
- Officials working closely with the third sector from regions, member states and the European institutions. Other participants are likely to come from general purpose or specialised support agencies or services to the non-profit sector, which have an important role to build capacity and provide technical assistance.
The forum should also attract academics and media, not only the European press but also regional media.

There will be no fee charged for participants, but they will be expected to cover their own travel and subsistence costs.

More information
Website: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/conferences/od2006/registration.cfm?nmenu=4
E-mail: conference@ecas.org


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The Romanian Academic Society – ‘Curbing Political Corruption: Anticorruption as Revolution’ Conference, October 13 - 15, 2006, Sinaia, Romania


The Romanian Academic Society (SAR), in conjunction with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and National Endowment for Democracy, is seeking one NGO representative from each of the following Balkan countries: Bosnia-Hertzegovina, Macedonia and Croatia to participate in a two-day conference entitled ‘Curbing Political Corruption: Anticorruption as Revolution’.

The conference will compare lessons from anti-corruption initiatives in Balkan and South/East European countries, and identify best practices and common success indicators from these anticorruption campaigns. The conference will debate the lessons of civil society campaigns against political corruption in the target countries of the Balkans and the Black Sea, identifying possible success indicators of such campaigns and exploring best practices, as well as reasons for failure. Speakers from every country, as well as experts and donors will be invited to join in a discussion meant to clarify what are the real achievements of the last years of the fight against political corruption. Do we know when and why we fail, as well as when and why we succeed? Can best practices be spread? Are most of the money on anticorruption campaigns spent on the right strategies? The conference also aims at creating a South-East European network of NGOs ready to assume the role of watchdogs against political corruption. Selected organizations will be funded for the initiation of domestic programs in this respect through a National Endowment for Democracy Program managed by SAR.

The NGO representatives from the mentioned Balkan countries will have to write a short report of about 4,000 words or 10 pages about issues of political corruption in their own country, and to prepare a speech for the conference. The conference will convene EU high representatives, international donors and South-Eastern NGOs interested in fighting political corruption.

A fee will be offered for completing the reports on political corruption. All costs will be covered by the Romanian Academic Society.

If you are interested to join, please send a presentation of yourself and your organisation by e-mail.

More information:
E-mail: adrian@sar.org.ro


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The Hungarian Association of NGOs for Development and Humanitarian Aid (HAND) - ‘New challenges in development policy’, October 20-21, 2006, Budapest, Hungary


The Hungarian Association of NGOs for Development and Humanitarian Aid (HAND) is organizing a conference on the ‘New challenges in development policy’. The conference will take place in Budapest on October 20-21, followed by the annual Tranzit Development Festival on October 21-22 which targets the wider public and aims at increasing the public awareness on development issues. Both events will be strongly connected to the European Development Days in focusing on the current European development policy priorities.

This professional conference would present the concept of the international development, as well as the methods, challenges, achievements and goals reached worldwide in this field in the past. Among the topics we can find the present situation and the role of the new Member States of the development policy; the aid watch and aid monitoring; the new challenges in cooperation with Balkan; the Africa Strategy; and the cooperation among the public and private sectors.

Participants will represent the Hungarian Ministry for Foreign Affairs, European Commission, European Parliament, expert from research institutes, NGDOs, and the private sector.

The Tranzit Development Festival contains the various cultural and entertaining events like art exhibitions, films, drawing competition for school children completed by an award ceremony as the opening event of the Festival. The region NGDOs display stands and organise several round tables and debates on development issues and the European development policy.

The conference and the festival would also provide a great possibility for the participants from the European Institutions, the Hungarian NGDOs and the representatives of the government and the private sector to discuss the current issues and possibilities, priorities of international development.

More information:
Website: http://www.trialog.or.at/docs/invitation_hungary.pdf, http://www.trialog.or.at/docs/conference_hungary_draft.pdf
E-mail: office@hand.org.hu


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Romanian Journal of European Affairs – Call for papers
Application deadline: November 15, 2006


Romanian Journal of European Affairs, the quarterly journal of the European Institute of Romania, focuses exclusively on the European integration debate and on Romania's role in an enlarged European Union.

We warmy welcome submission of papers and/or book reviews. The ideal length of an article (in English or French) is from 4 000 to 8 000 words, includind a 200-word abstract in English or French and a very brief autobiographical note. Book reviews should be no longer than 2000 words.


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The People Network – ‘A Soul for Europe’ Conference, November 17 – 19, 2006, Berlin, Germany


The People Network (a project of the Felix Meritis Foundation, Amsterdam) is engaged in identifying a number of talented individuals to participate in the second Berlin Conference ‘A Soul for Europe’. Several years ago The People Network started a debate on Europe, its heritage and expectations for the future. This debate is now continuing, also in partnership with the Berlin Conference ‘A Soul for Europe’, and the project aims at involving as many individuals as possible from all over Europe and beyond.

On the basis of the questionnaires and statements submitted, approximately 50 individuals will be invited to express their views in the second Berlin Conference.

To apply for the conference fill in the registration form, complete The People Network questionnaire by giving short answers and write a personal statement of 1 to 2 pages in which you express your own ideas about: the future of Europe taking into account recent developments (e.g.: enlargement process, rejection of the constitution, etc.); what the practical role of the cultural policy of your own country should be in interaction (and competition) with other countries; how you imagine Europe’s cultural potential could be used more efficiently to the benefit of the European integration process and of Europe’s relations with the rest of the world.

More information
Website: www.felix.meritis.nl/peoplenetwork/index_2006.htm
E-mail: people@felix.merits.nl


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School of Social Studies, Masaryk University - ‘Life in Motion; Shifting Spaces, Transcending Times, Crossing Borders’ Conference, June 28 – 30, 2007, Brno, Czech Republic
Application deadline: January 31, 2007


Organized in cooperation with the School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University College London, the conference presents a major opportunity for postgraduate students and young academics to discuss the events in Central and Eastern Europe also including but not limited to Russia, Eurasia, the Balkans, and the Baltic States.

Seventeen years after the onset of revolutionary changes in 1989, Central and Eastern European societies are still confronted with their histories. Memories and recollections of the past are contested and the past is painstakingly constituted through the interplay of collective construction, political bargains, reversals, rationalizing of refusals to come to terms with it as well as attempts to recognize the past and cope with it. Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) have witnessed unprecedented spatial and population shifts and splits which marked the 20th century globally. Many minorities which were often local majorities or equal in number were left in the aftermath of wars as mere memories that quickly faded due to the rapid intrusion of communism. The process of building societies which are not just ethno-culturally heterogeneous but also open to all diverse groups has been contingent on coming to terms with the past. This process became the arena for opening ways to facing current challenges such as migration, borders dissolution and violation of local social and economic balances.

Since 1989 CEE societies have undergone unparalleled social change, however, the expected reforms in the spheres of law, public policy, culture, media, economy and social policies have been substantially delayed and compromised. The simultaneous emergence of free-market economies and pluralist politics led to situations in which the state quickly withdrew or collapsed, and distinctions between state, collective, and private domains became unclear. It has been in the interest of those actors that emerged in this initial phase of change to prolong a specifically post-socialist culture between socialism and the free market. This may have decisively contributed to the Eurosceptic backlash in the ranks of particular mainstream political forces and in specific cultural segments and sections of societies in some CEE countries. What is in this light the meaning of ‘the big European switch’ of 2004 and its upcoming enlargement follow-up? How ‘Central and Eastern European’ have the CEE countries stayed and Western Europe become? What are the reconstituted boundaries?

Possible subjects of conference submissions may include, but are not limited to, the following topics: Sustaining and Crossing Social boundaries, Time and Society, Urban Spaces, Re-constructing Gender in the New Europe, Language, Literature and the Arts, International Relations, Politics and Political Theory, Individuals, Institutions and Markets.

More information
Website: http://www.h-net.msu.edu/announce/show.cgi?ID=152432
E-mail: tomasekm@fss.muni.cz (Marcel Tomasek)


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‘Society of Applied European Thought - The ‘New’ ‘Liberal’ Europe?: Speculations, Fears, Visions’ Conference, July 8 – 13, 2007, Skopje, Macedonia
Application deadline: February 7, 2007


In 1992 – the year of the first SAET conference, Europe was at the zenith of a period of integrating from a community to a union and the post-communist nations were emerging into and embracing liberalism with a faith in the power of the market to democratise and enrich nations. Mainstream political debate revolved around whether Clinton’s US democratic ‘third way’ offered the possibility of a new ‘centrism’ or social democracy for Europe, and how the spread of capitalism and liberal markets would transform global politics. Whilst the first Iraq war highlighted global discord, Fukuyama was the intellectual flavour of the day claiming an ‘end of history’.

Today, the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and the growing political discord represented as a clash of Christian and Muslim faiths leaves Europe torn between supporting American foreign policy in the Arab world and finding a different voice. The European Union is in question as its proposed constitution exposes different voices and visions. For the post-communist world, liberal visions have led them into the European Union, economic crisis and political disillusionment, with an uncertain future tied to supranational governance. ‘New social democracy’ has given way to more Christian, conservative and economically liberal politics, and anti-globalisation, anti-capitalism and anti-poverty movements have spearheaded a revival in radical action.

This conference seeks engage in critical meditations reflecting on the speculations, fears and visions of the early 1990’s as to the emerging character of Europe, and the impact of change within different parts of Europe and beyond. It seeks to prompt debate on contemporary change, developments and issues that might lead us to different speculations, fears and conclusions and new visions for Europe in the 21st Century. In doing so it marks the fifteenth anniversary of the first SAET conference by reflecting on features of its theme - Liberalism and the New Europe.

As in previous years, this conference aims to bring together academics and commentators of different disciplines, viewpoints and backgrounds (political scientists, philosophers, social and cultural theorists, historians, political economists, educationalists, lawyers and others working across the humanities and social sciences) in critical discussion, whether through philosophical, theoretical or empirical means. We particularly encourage past participants to rejoin debate with us on the fifteenth anniversary of what has become a free-thinking global network.

Among the principal topics and themes of the conference that might emerge (without exclusion): Models of civil society/state and supranational relations, Migration and asylum: Revisiting Fortress Europe; The clash of civilisations: Christian and Muslim worlds; Re-thinking identity, nationalism otherness; Political ideologies of inclusion/exclusion; Community, sameness and difference; Universalism and particularism; Recognition and redistribution; Liberalism, the market and democracy; Liberalism and its discontents; European Union and national interests/identities; New thinking on Europe, Europeans and Europeanness; Inside and Outside Europe – Intersections; Europe in a changing world – international relations and anti-capitalism.

The language of the conference will be English, the format based on pre-circulated papers and 75 minute discursive paper sessions, and the cost will be £450, including accommodation, meals, academic proceedings and organized events and excursions. A limited number of subsidised places will be available.

More information
E-mail: nwrscott@uclan.ac.uk (Dr. Niall W. R. Scott)


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Summer School of Serbian Language and Culture, Valjevo, Serbia


Objectives:
The Summer School consists of a language course (working in small groups), a cultural seminar (class work and field work), evening meetings and lots of excursions. Our main aim is to teach you some Serbian and make Serbia and Serbian people more close to you.

Target Groups:
We invite everybody who wants to learn Serbian or improve their language skills; learn more about Serbian culture and tradition; find out about life in Serbia today.

Fees:
Summer School participation fee is 470Euro, plus 50Euro registration fee. Information about methods of payment available on enrolment.

More information
Website: http://www.srpskijezik.edu.yu
E-mail: skola@srpskijezik.edu.yu


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Book: Media and Minorities in South East Europe


By South East Europe Media Organisation / Oliver Vujovic & Thomas A. Bauer (ed.)

As a first of its kind, the book covers the situation of minorities and the media in: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Republic of Macedonia - FYROM, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia / Kosovo, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey and Ukraine. SEEMO has tried to report on both officially recognised minorities in this region and those that do not have an official minority status in some countries.

The book includes presentations by some minority media outlets, as well as a contact list of selected media. There are also special reports on the minority media of Roma and Aromanian in the region. Other special reports cover the legal framework and the education of minority media representatives. The book also gives an overview of minorities and the media and reviews of several important international and regional conventions, declarations, guidelines, instruments, conclusions and recommendations regarding minorities, languages and media.

E-mail: info@seemo.org


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Books from the Balkans


ZayuPress, publisher of books by authors, poets, and playwrights from the Balkans and the former Yugoslavia is proud to announce that their titles are now being distributed worldwide by SPD, Small Publishers Distribution, in Berkeley, California. Books can be purchased through the SPD website, spdbooks.org or directly from the zayupress.com website.

Titles available are:
Zbogom Srbijo - Yugoslavia: Two Faces of War, historical novel about the Yugoslav War of the 1990s
Voices from the faultline: A Balkan Anthology, 74 eclectic selections (short stories, poetry, drama, diaries, travelogues, humor, novel excerpts, and more by 25 diverse Balkan writers)
Tombs from heaven: Metaphorical Poetry from Romania, 121 poetry selections by an escaped Romanian dissident
A Trilogy in pARadOXisM: Avant-Garde Political Dramas, Satirical adaptation in 3 parts about the current Bush administration
Eyes in the dark: Poetry Obscura, Twenty-one evocative poems in chapbook format.


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New Book on Culture in the Balkans


The role of the arts and culture in the European integration of the Balkans was the main theme explored by the ECF's Balkan Reflection Group. A new publication, The Heart of the Matter, offers expert analysis and reflection from the ten personalities (artists, intellectuals, cultural producers and political experts) engaged in this exercise.

http://www.eurocult.org/we-advocate/stimulating-reflection-debate/balkan-reflection-group/


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Book: Turkey, Germany and the Wars in Yugoslavia. A Search for Reconstruction of State Identities?


With the phasing out of the Cold War, not only the countries of the former Eastern bloc faced challenges in their internal and external policies, but also those of the Western bloc. Countries belonging to the Western alliance had to deal with indigenous problems that emerged with the end of the bipolar world order on the one hand, and also cope with changing international circumstances in their foreign policies on the other hand. Two countries of the western world emerged as the ones that were most deeply affected by the new phase of international politics and faced considerable pressure to transform their structures accordingly. These were Turkey and Germany.

This study aims to explain the attitudes of Turkey and Germany to Yugoslav conflicts, beginning with the wars in Slovenia and Croatia in the summer of 1991 to the end of the Kosovo War. It tries to analyse how state identity or search for a new state identity affected foreign policy of Turkey and Germany in the the post-Cold War era in the case of the Yugoslav wars. It argues that during the conflicts Turkey wanted to prove that it was still Western-oriented, still interested in contributing to Western security by trying to acquire a new identity of ‘regional power’. On the other hand, Germany was attempting to show that it was not considering a renationalization of foreign policy or projection of power politics. Berlin also aimed at showing it was still a loyal ally and was concerned with not being behind the other countries. In other words, Germany remained committed to its European identity. The aim of this study is to contribute to identity studies in the international relations discipline.

http://www.logos-verlag.de/cgi-bin/engbuchmid?isbn=1267&lng=deu&id=


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'Les Balkans à Bruxelles' - list for cultural information about the Balkans (in French)


http://fr.groups.yahoo.com/group/balkansbruxelles/


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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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