April 2007, Issue no 56
http://resource.regional.net
impact@regionalnet.org

1. Funding Opportunities

2. Announcements and Upcoming Events

3. Useful Links

ATA business plan competition 2007
Application deadline: May 15, 2007


Students and recent graduates from SEE can now take part in our exiting Business Plan Competition. The competition consist of two rounds. The official applicants of the best 20 Business Concepts that made through the first round will be awarded with an intensive training in Business Plan Development. The course will be instructed by an international professor and SEE expert. The language of instruction is English. After this training, a second round Business Plan Competition will be held for the winners of the first round, of which the 3 best Business Plans will be awarded with seed capital for the establishment of their business.

The competition trains participants in creating new business ventures and prepare for entrepreneurship. The lump sum of 20,000 euro is available for the start up capital for the best three plans. Prizes are to be used for the implementation of business plans or for additional (market) research.

You can participate if:
1. You are a senior student (third year of studies or higher) at one of the following participating faculties: University of Tuzla, Faculty of Economics; University of Belgrade, Faculty of Economics; University of Bitola, Faculty of Economics (Prilep); University of Pristina, Faculty of Economics; University of Montenegro, Faculty of Economics
2. You are a recent graduate who graduated maximum three years before submission of the business concept at one of the participating faculties
3. You are a team of maximum 5 individuals and the official applicant and contact person is a student or recent graduate from one of the participating faculties
4. You and your team members are citizens of one of the following countries/regions: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro or Serbia.

How to Participate?
Step 1: Make sure you are eligible to apply (see above)
Step 2: Read the terms and conditions and see if you agree to them. If you do - go to step 3
Step 3: Read more details on the first and the second round
Step 4: Fill in our special business concept form.

Submit your business idea by e-mail. Use our BPC concept form or alternatively apply online (more information available soon). Write in English. Your concept should cover the core business idea: target group, market description and estimated added value of your idea. You will be asked which purpose you would use the prize money. You also need to indicate if you are interested to attend the 5-days Business Plan Development Course in July 2007. If you are selected to take part in the second competition round, you will be requested to submit a full business plan which can be downloaded from our website after the training.

More information
Website: http://www.academictraining.org/
E-mail: bpc@academictraining.org


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OSI-HESP – ‘Alternative Culture Beyond Borders: Arts and Media in the Context of Globalization’
Application deadline: May 15, 2007


The OSI-HESP Regional Seminar for Excellence in Teaching entitled ‘Alternative Culture Beyond Borders: Past and Present of the Arts and Media in the Context of Globalization’ is part of a three-year (2007-2010) international research and teaching project which explores the continued relevance and significance of the concept of alternative culture in the era of globalization — a moment in which many of the frameworks that have been used to study culture have been placed into question and new theories are being developed. This exploration of contemporary alternative culture begins from a comparative, cross-cultural analysis of the phenomenon and idea of 'alternativeness' from the nineteenth century to the present, with a special emphasis on the recent history of Central and Eastern European societies after World War II and their similarities and difference to Western 'Cold War' culture.

This project connects resources and faculty from around the world with participants from Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe, the former Soviet Union, and Mongolia. Participants consist of junior faculty with teaching positions who are dedicated to the advancement of undergraduate teaching in these regions. The project is open to young faculty members in institutions of higher education who intend to pursue comparative, interdisciplinary research on alternative culture(s), globalization, identities and the arts and media, with a geographical emphasis on post-communist transition countries.

Fellowships are available for participants from Central and South-Eastern Europe, the Baltic States, NIS, Mongolia, and Turkey. Participant fellowships cover transportation, accommodation and meal costs. Eligible disciplines include anthropology, archival and museum studies, comparative literature, cultural studies, gender studies, history, history of art, media studies, philosophy, political science, psychology, and sociology.

Participants should be ready to take part in the entire three-year program, be committed to the development of new teaching practices and research into new theoretical frameworks, and deliver or plan to deliver courses pertaining to the general themes of the program. They must be able to demonstrate the English language skills necessary to take part in the programme.

The project is organized around intensive 2 week summer sessions which will be held each August beginning in 2007 in St. Petersburg, Russia. The summer sessions provide faculty and participants with the opportunity to investigate the major concepts and theories involved in the analysis of alternative culture, with the aim of expanding and enhancing scholarly knowledge of this area of research.

In addition to the summer sessions, there ongoing winter sessions on pedagogy and research issues will be held. Throughout the year, participants will also engage in both individual and group research projects in cooperation with resource faculty, and they will have opportunity to participate in ongoing major research projects organized by resource faculty and in exchange visits, internships and publishing opportunities.

This project is organized through the Open Society Institute's Regional Seminar for Excellence in Teaching (ReSET) programme (www.soros.org/initiatives/hesp/news/reset_20060920).

More information
Website: www.alternativeculture.org
E-mail: coordinator@alternativeculture.org


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Amsterdam-Maastricht Summer University


Since 1990 The Amsterdam-Maastricht Summer University has harnessed the expertise available from international specialists and matched them with motivated participants. Every year, young professionals from all over the globe - from the museums in Europe to the universities of North America and the theatres of the Mediterranean - participate in our courses. The AMSU aims to stimulate international discourse between future decision makers, working in very different contexts, but facing common challenges. Not just examining the tried and tested formulas of the past, but looking forward.

More information
Website: http://www.amsu.edu


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European Commission DG Justice and Home Affairs - Actions in support of civil society in the new EU Member States
Application deadline: May 15, 2007


This programme supports local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) activities in order to facilitate the development of the EU's information and education capacity within the ten new Member States. It will further promote dialogue, co-operation and synergies between the Union and civil society in the Member States.

NGOs and other civil society bodies play an important role in promoting and protecting fundamental rights throughout the European Union and in helping people to get to know their rights and to exercise them fully. Supporting civil society and promoting networking is therefore essential.

Objectives :
- To raise the awareness of the public in the ten Member States on the important role of monitoring and information activities, by means of sustainable and effective mechanisms
- To raise the awareness of the necessity of public and private contributions in support of civil society
- To enhance the capacity of civil society to influence policy developments at regional, national and European Union level, as well as to raise their capacity to assist the victims of fundamental rights' violations
- To facilitate co-operation and coalition building among NGOs throughout the European Union and to set up links and partnerships between NGOs in all the Member States.

The areas concerned are: regular and fair elections, clear separation of powers, exercise of legislative power fully respectful of fundamental rights, an independent judiciary with effective and easily accessible judicial remedies ensuring equality before the law, a prison system respectful of human dignity, a police force respectful of fundamental rights, transparency, media pluralism,
anti-corruption.

Applicants are:
- NGOs in the ten Member States which acceded to the EU on 1 May 2004
- NGOs in EU Member States, other than the ten, may participate in initiatives which aim at building or improving the capacity of NGOs in one or several of the ten Member States. The project leading organisation has to be from one of the ten new Member States
- Third countries - including candidate countries - are not allowed to be involved in this action.

Community support will not exceed 80% of the total costs. The minimum amount of funding will be EUR 50.000 and maximum EUR 150.000.

More information
Website: http://ec.europa.eu/justice_home/funding/2004_2007/support_ngo/doc/support_ngo_call_2006_en.pdf
http://ec.europa.eu/justice_home/funding/support_ngo/funding_support_en.htm


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Fulbright Commission in Romania - The Fulbright Junior Awards to the United States for 2008 - 2009
Application deadline: May 18, 2007


The Fulbright Commission in Romania is pleased to announce the annual competition for study or research in the United States. The candidates will be selected through open, merit-based competition to participate in quality graduate level programs in any field except clinical medicine. Preference will be given to the following fields: business/economics; education administration/civic education; journalism/mass communication; environmental policy/resource management; humanities; law; public administration and public policy; political science and international relations.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have Romanian citizenship
- Hold a University degree with good academic standing
- Demonstrate that they will benefit professionally from a course of study in USA
- Present letters of reference from 3 university professors and/or other acknowledged Romanian or foreign professionals
- Be in early stage of their careers
- Have English proficiency (interviews will be conducted in English; TOEFL and GRE/GMAT will be required along the selection process)
- Be in good health and present medical certification upon request
- If applying in law, candidates must hold a degree in that field.

More information
Website: https://apply.embark.com/student/fulbright/international (for applications)


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European Commission DG Education and Culture - Youth in Action Action 3.2 Cooperation with countries other than the neighbouring countries of the European Union
Application deadline: May 31, 2007


'Youth in the World' aims at promoting exchanges and cooperation in the field of youth and non-formal education with other regions of the world. It supports projects involving young people and organisations from the so-called 'Partner Countries', an expression which identifies all countries which can be involved in the Youth in Action Programme but which are not defined as 'Programme Countries'. It is Action 3 of the five actions within the Youth in Action programme. Action 3.2 Cooperation with other countries in the world is one of the two sub-actions within Youth in the world.

This sub-Action concerns cooperation in the field of youth, in particular the exchange of good practice with Partner Countries from other parts of the world. It encourages exchanges and training of young people and youth workers, partnerships and networks of youth organisations. The current call for proposals aims to support projects promoting cooperation in the youth sector between Programme Countries and partner countries other than the European Union's neighbouring countries.

The aim is:
- To promote the exchange of experience and good practice in the field of youth and non-formal education
- To contribute to the development of youth policies, youth work and the voluntary sector, as well as capacity-building and leadership development for youth organisations/structures
- To develop sustainable partnerships and networks between youth organisations.

Themes:
1. Strengthening of civil society, citizenship and democracy
2. Fight against racism and xenophobia
3. Inter-ethnic and inter-religious dialogue
4. Post-conflict resolution and reconstruction
5. The active role of women in society
6. Minority rights.

Target: cooperation is addressed to persons working in the youth sector, youth workers and youth leaders, young people themselves and other actors involved in youth organisations/structures interested in running projects promoting cooperation in this field.

Eligible activities: youth exchanges, development of partnerships and networks, training, seminars and conferences, feasibility and study visits, evaluation meetings, information and awareness campaigns in favour of young people. Youth exchanges are intended for groups of young people aged between 13 and 25 years accompanied by youth workers/leaders.

Budget and duration:
The maximum amount of funding may not exceed EUR 100 000 per project or more than 80% of a project's total eligible expenses. Projects must start between 15 December 2007 and 15 February 2008. They will have a minimum duration of 6 months and a maximum duration of 12 months.

Eligible applicants:
Non-profit-making organisations, non-governmental organisations or by local, regional and national public bodies. Applicants have to be legally established in one of the programme countries. Partner countires can participate as partner but can not submit proposals.
Projects must involve partners from at least four different countries (including the applicant organisation), including at least two Programme Countries, of which at least one must be an EU Member State, and two Partner Countries.

Programme Countries: 27 EU Member States, the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and Turkey.
Partner Countries: countries of the world other than the neighbouring countries, i.e Latin America, the ACP Countries, i.e. Africa, the Pacific and Caribbean countries, and Asia.

More information
Website: http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/youth/calls2007/action32/index_en.htm
E-mail: youthala@ec.europa.eu


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University of Arts, Belgrade - MA in Cultural Policy and Management
Application deadline: June 1, 2007


University of Arts, Belgrade, Serbia (UNESCO Chair in Cultural policy and Management) and L'Université Lyon 2 present this postgraduate program, taught in both English and French, which has gained an international reputation. The teaching methods involve, beside lectures, learning through project making, research based learning, problem-solving, workshops, small group work, individual and group tutorials, internships in France and in different Balkan countries, one-week study trip in one Balkan country etc. The courses are accredited in ECTS. The program offers to all non-French speaking students free French language courses (basic and intermediary level).

For this program we welcome 30 students, from throughout the Balkan region, but also those students coming from Europe and worldwide who are highly motivated, energetic, creative, independent and able to develop their own cultural and research projects.

More information
E-mail: coordinator@arts.bg.ac.yu


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Local Government and Public Service Reform Initiative (LGI) - Policy Fellowship 2007 - 2008
Application deadline: June 1, 2007


LGI's fellowship program supports practical policy reform in the region, builds the capacities of individuals who are well placed to influence policy, creates networks of multinational experts, and supports the mission of LGI. Each year LGI selects talented professionals from Central, East and South-East Europe and the former Soviet Union to participate in the one-year program. Fellows are policy researchers (especially those connected to prominent policy institutes and think tanks), policy advisors, civil servants and members of NGOs, advocacy groups or professional associations, others with relevant and/or equivalent experience.

This year LGI is featuring two topics:
Topic 1: Helping Impoverished and Vulnerable Groups Navigate out of Poverty: Legal and Regulatory Obstacles to Local Poverty Reduction
Topic 2: Public Arrangements for an Effective Multilingual State

LGI will award successful applicants with a stipend for a period of 12 months between October 2007 and October 2008. The stipend will cover monthly expenses related to research and travel costs. Additional funds will cover costs related to attending three international workshops, at least two of which will take place in Budapest, Hungary.

Descriptions of ideal applicants follow each topic being offered. Fellows are normally civil servants, members of advocacy groups or professional associations, policy researchers and policy advisers. A graduate degree or equivalent is required. Applicants should be citizens of the countries noted under each topic. As a rule, Fellows will be based in their home countries and will be required to attend three international Fellowship workshops. Fellows are expected to continue with their current employment, spending only up to fifty percent of their time on the Fellowship program.

Teams of two collaborating experts may be considered. If accepted the duo would need to appoint a team leader, with ultimate responsibility for the project. The stipend would be split between the two, but LGI would provide extra funds for the workshop-related travel expenses.

Please note that LGI looks favorably upon applicants who can demonstrate in their application that they have secured practical institutional support from a governmental ministry/department, or a reputable policy center or similar institution.

All applications must be in English and applicants must have excellent English-language skills. The English skills of finalists will be evaluated during personal or phone interviews to ensure they can actively participate in advanced, technical discussions in English with their team, mentor and others in the Soros foundations network about their topic.

Applications should be emailed to LGI. The subject heading must identify which Fellowship Topic you are applying for. Applications must include ALL of the following materials:
- Statement of interest (1 page maximum)
- Research proposal (2,000 words maximum) including a well-defined research problem, topic justification, research methodology, and expected outcomes of the research. See individual topic descriptions for specific requirements.
- Professional CV (which includes: full name, email and telephone number of the applicant, country of origin and residence)
- English language writing sample (maximum 5 pages)
- The name and contact information of three people familiar with the professional capacities of the applicant.

More information
Website: http://lgi.osi.hu/
http://www.soros.org/
http://lgi.osi.hu/documents.php?id=1552&m_id=19
E-mail: lgprog@osi.hu


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European Commission DG Education and Culture - Youth in Action Action 1: Youth for Europe
Application deadline: June 1, 2007


Youth for Europe aims to reinforce the active civic participation of young people by supporting appropriate exchanges, mobility and initiatives for young people and their projects. More precisely, it aims to increase mobility of young people by supporting Youth Exchanges, and to develop young people's citizenship and mutual understanding by supporting Youth Initiatives, projects and activities concerning their participation in democratic life. It is Action 1 of the five actions within the Youth in Action programme. Youth for Europe supports the following measures.

1.1. Youth exchanges
An opportunity for one or more groups of young people to host or to be hosted by a group from another country in order to participate together in a joint programme of activities. The focus is on multilateral group mobility activities but bilateral Youth Exchanges are not excluded. Any exchange must involve at least two different Programme Countries of which at least one is an EU Member State.
The groups plan together their Youth Exchange around a theme of mutual interest, e.g.participation of young people in society, racism, xenophobia, local heritage, evironment or drug abuse etc.
Duration: the exchange activity must be between 6 and 21 days.
Participants: groups of young people aged between 13 and 25 from a programme country (exceptions for some participants in group between 25 and 30 years old). A youth exchange must have a minimum of 16 and a maximum of 60 participants - group leaders not included.
Who can apply: non-profit organisations or associations from one of the Programme Countries, or by informal groups of young people

1.2. Youth initiatives
A project where young people participate actively and directly in activities of their own devising in which they play the key roles, in order to develop their initiative, enterprise and creativity. It is initiated, set up and carried out by young people themselves. This Action supports projects designed at local, regional or national level. It also supports networking of similar projects in different countries, in order to strengthen their European aspect and to enhance cooperation and exchanges of experiences between young people.
The theme or area chosen for the project is of interest and relevance to the group of young people themselves and also to the local community.
National Youth Initiatives: projects developed by a single group in their country of residence
Transnational Youth Initiatives: projects realised in common by two or more groups from different countries
Duration: the initiatives must last between 3 and 18 months, including preparation, implementation, evaluation and follow-up.
Participants: young people between 18 and 30 from a programme country. Young people from the age of 15 may be admitted if accompanied by a youth worker or coach.
Who can apply: non-profit organisations, associations or groups of at least 4 young people from a programme country.

1.3. Youth democracy projects
A Youth Democracy Project is a project developed by a European partnership, allowing the pooling, at European level, of ideas, experiences and methodologies from projects or activities at local, regional, national or international level, in order to improve young people's participation.
The projects must have a thematic concept, i.e. clearly focusing on the general priorities of the Youth in Action Programme, active participation of young people, cultural diversity, European citizenship or social inclusion or on the topics of the future of Europe or the political priorities identified in the framework of European co-operation in the youth field.
Duration: the project, including preparation, implementation, evaluation and follow-up, must be between 6 and 18 months
Participation: young people between 13 and 30. Any Youth Democracy Project must have a minimum of 16 participants
Who can apply: non profit organisations or associations from one of the Programme Countries, local, regional, or national authorities or any informal group of young people.

1.4. Pilot projects for thematic networks
A specific call will be published later.

The vast majority of applications will be processed at national level by the National Agencies. Projects are selected by national selection panels, which are composed of people familiar with the youth field and youth activities, for example members of National Youth Councils.

Only a limited number of specific project types will be dealt with directly at the European level and will be mostly selected by the Executive Agency. These include, among others, applications for projects submitted by organisations from Partner countries in South East Europe and those submitted by European non-governmental organisations having member branches in at least 8 countries.

The Programme Countries are: 29 EU Member States (including Romania and Bulgaria as of 1 January 2007), the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and Turkey.
Contact the National Youth Agency in your country for all relevant details. A list can be found on: http://ec.europa.eu/youth/program/natage_en.html#natagen

More information
Website: http://ec.europa.eu/youth/yia/index_en.html
http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/youth/programme/index_en.htm
E-mail: eac-youthinaction@ec.europa.eu


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European Commission DG Education and Culture - Youth in Action Action 4.3. Training and networking of those active in youth work and youth organisations
Application deadline: June 1, 2007


Cooperation and partnerships, training measures and exchange of good practice are the key terms for the development of youth organisations, civil society and those involved in youth work.

What:
A training- and networking project is developed in view of implementing one of the following activities:
- Job shadowing: practical learning experience through a short stay with a partner organisation in another country
- Feasibility visit: short meeting with potential partners to explore/prepare for a potential transnational project
- Evaluation meeting: meeting planned with partners in order to evaluate past meetings, seminars or training courses
- Study visit: an organised study programme for a short period, which offers a view of youth work and/or youth policy provisions in one country
- Partnership-building activity: event organised in order for the participants to find partners for transnational cooperation and project development
- Seminar: event organised to provide a platform for discussion and exchange of good practice
- Training course: educational learning programme on specific topics
networking: activities aimed at creating new networks, or to strengthen and widen existing ones.

Duration: The appropriate duration of the activity may differ according to the type of activity organised. As a general rule, activities should not last more than 10 days, excluding travel days. For certain types of activities, a specific duration is foreseen, eg job Shadowing (10 to 20 working days), networking (up to 18 months).

Place: activities must take place in the country of the project's applicant, except for networking projects, which may take place in any of the countries of the partners involved in the project.

Participants: all actors involved or interested in non-formal education and youth, residing in a Programme Country can participate in a project. For example, eligible actors might be people involved in youth policy at local or regional level or people working with youth such as youth workers, youth leaders, trainers/ facilitators, mentors/ coaches.

Applications can be submitted by:
- A non profit organisation or association
- A local, regional or national public body involved in youth work
- An informal group of young people
A Training and Networking Project is based on a partnership of a minimum of two partners from different Programme Countries. Programme Countries: 27 EU Member States, the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and Turkey.

More information
Website: http://ec.europa.eu/youth/yia/index_en.html
http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/youth/programme/index_en.htm
E-mail: eac-youthinaction@ec.europa.eu


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European Commission DG Education and Culture - Youth in Action Action 5.1 Meetings of young people and those responsible for youth policy
Application deadline: June 1, 2007


The aim is to promote European cooperation in the youth field by encouraging structured dialogue between policymakers and young people. It supports cooperation, seminars and structured dialogue between young people, those active in youth work and youth organisations and those responsible for youth policy. This includes the youth events organised by the Member States holding the Presidency of the European Union and youth events at local, regional, and national level preparing these Presidency events. It is a sub-Action of Action 5 within the Youth in Action programme.

What types of activity are eligible?
- Transnational Youth Seminars that take place at the transnational level.
They include, in particular, the exchange of ideas and good practice and the debates organised by young people, those active in youth work and youth organisations, reflecting important topics in the field of European youth policy, the priority themes of the Youth in Action Programme and of the structured dialogue.
- National Youth Seminars that take place at national or regional level.
They aim at ensuring timely and effective input from young people to EU debates and youth policy making at EU level. To this end they set up structured spaces for dialogue and debate, timed in accordance with the European political agenda.

Duration:
- The duration of the project: 9 months (including preparation, implementation, evaluation and follow-up
- Duration of the Youth Seminar: between three and six days (excluding travel days).

Applicants:
- For Tansnational Youth Seminars: any non-profit organisation or association established in one of the Programme Countries
- For National Youth Seminars: any national public body or non-profit organisation or association established in one of the EU Member States can submit projects.

Participants:
- Minimum of 60 participants
- Young people participating in a Youth Seminar must be aged between 15 and 30.

Partners:
- For Tansnational Youth Seminars partners must be from at least five Programme Countries. Organisations based in Neighbouring Partner Countries can participate in a project, but can not submit the application.
- National Youth Seminars must involve at least one organisation from one EU Member State. No transnational partner organisations are required.

Programme Countries: 27 EU Member States, the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and Turkey.
Neighbouring Partner Countries:
- South East Europe: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Former Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia.
- Eastern Europe and Caucasus: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russian Federation, Ukraine.
- Mediterranean Partner Countries: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Authority of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, Syria, Tunisia.

More information
Website: http://ec.europa.eu/youth/yia/index_en.html
http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/youth/programme/index_en.htm
E-mail: eac-youthinaction@ec.europa.eu


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Riga Graduate School of Law - LL.M in Public Law and Human Rights Graduate Scholarship 2007 - 2008
Application deadline: June 11, 2007


The Riga Graduate School of Law announces Scholarships for an LL.M degree with a specialization in Public International Law and Human Rights funded by the Open Society Institute (OSI). The programme provides expertise in Public International Law and Human Rights and also offers courses in private European Law. The programme is competitive and very prestigious. The purpose of these scholarships is to support students who have demonstrated academic excellence in law or a comparable field of study and have a demonstrated commitment to work in the field of public law, human rights, or public service.

Scholarships are available to students from Russia, Byelorussia, Ukraine and South Eastern Europe and Central Eurasia regions. Each scholarship recipient will receive amount covering tuition and fees for the LL.M study programme. An additional scholarship is allocated to travel, accommodation and incidental education expenses. Students granted a scholarship must write their master’s thesis in the field of public international law or human rights. Priority will be given to students who commit to work in any of the following areas upon completion of the program: human rights, public law and public service. Furthermore, RGSL seeks to recruit students who have worked within an organization with which OSI has a relationship already, or students who are willing to work with such an organization upon completion of the program. In the application, students are required to provide specific detail on their expectations work in a related field upon completion of the program.

Eligibility
Applicants must:
(1) Satisfy standard RGSL entry requirements (with respect to educational background and English proficiency)
(2) Have experience in the fields of public international law or human rights for a minimum of one year
(3) Indicate in the application: current place of employment and specify in detail the applicant's plan to return to work in the field of public service after completing the LL.M programme.
(4) Eligible countries: Russia; Byelorussia; Ukraine; all countries listed in region of South Eastern Europe: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania and Serbia; all countries listed in region of Central Eurasia: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.

Submit the following by:
* The completed Application Form
* A 2 (two) recommendation letters from a professional or academic contact describing the applicant's academic record, achievements and activities (research, community service, and programme development) in Public International Law, Human Rights or related discipline
* A personal statement from the applicant that describes the insights he or she gained from achievements and activities (research, community service, and programme development) in Public International Law or Human Rights. Limit is two pages, 1,5 spaced (Times New Roman).

More information
Website: http://www.rgsl.edu.lv/


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MBA in Public Governance and Management, Vienna, Austria
Application deadline: June 30, 2007


The MBA in Public Governance and Management sponsored by the Vienna Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a unique programme, specifically tailored to suit the needs of mid-career civil servants and other professionals working on public governance and management issues in Central and Eastern European countries, South-Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Russia.

Our MBA programme is designed to enable professionals in the target countries to manage effectively innovation and change in the public and non-profit sectors and to help their organisations to link effectively with other key players in the region. This means that the programme will be practice-oriented while, at the same time, giving you the necessary theoretical frameworks and analytical tools to help you to solve your problems better. Furthermore, it will give you access to new networks with other professionals working in the region.

The MBA programme at MODUL University Vienna is mainly targeted at people with professional experience who work in or with new EU and Candidate Countries. These may include:
· Mid-career civil servants
· Teaching staff of civil service colleges and universities
· Staff of consultant firms which have a strong presence in the region
· Staff of international organisations and NGOs which have programmes focusing on public governance and management issues in the region
· Staff of private companies such as utilities which do a lot of partnership working with public agencies in the region
We will also admit students of Social Sciences and Law who can demonstrate a track record of internships and other practical experience in the public and non-profit sectors in the target countries.

The MBA includes six modules which will be taught over the three terms. The modules deal with all key public governance and management issues while putting a strong emphasis on the rule of law and European integration issues. Another strong pillar of the programme is capacity-building in managing innovation and change. Last but not least, the MBA will strengthen your leadership skills and enable you to use statistics and conduct evidence-based policies. The fourth term is dedicated to the drafting of the Master thesis which should deal with an issue of interest to your agency. Therefore, the research for the Master thesis can be done in your home country. Of course, MODUL University Vienna offers extensive support and coaching during this last phase of the MBA programme. In particular, we offer an executive leadership programme which will be run by an international consulting company.

Admission requirements:
· Completed Bachelor’s degree in social, economic sciences or law or any other university degree plus a minimum of two years of professional experience
· Alternatively, proof of college/university eligibility plus five years of professional experience
· All candidates who do not speak English as their first language should provide proof of proficiency of the English language. This could be a TOEFL score of at least 230 CBT (computer based), 570 PBT (paper based) or 80 IB (Internet based), an IELTS score of at least Band 6.5 or other evidence of an advanced level of English.
· CV and letter explaining the reasons for your motivation to take part in the programme
· Two letters of recommendation.
All applicants who meet the requirements above will be invited to an interview. Depending on the preference of the candidate, he/she may come to Vienna to a personal interview or be interviewed through a video-conference. The candidate will be informed about the result one week after the interview. If the candidate has received a positive response he/she will be required to provide a form signed by a bank stating that the applicant has the funds necessary to cover the fee.

Fee and scholarships
Tuition fee: 28,000 EUR for the entire 4-term programme
For participants from the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and South-Eastern
Europe: 12,000 - 16,000 EUR
The criteria which will be used in selecting the participant to whom scholarships will be awarded include:
· Proof that the participant meets the general admission requirements
· A statement from the participant setting out the likely impact of the MBA programme on the participant’s career (about 1-2 pages)
· A testimonial from one public sector official OR one academic who can comment on the participant’s potential as a future leader in the public sector of their country
· A brief case study about a good public management or governance practice in one of the target countries of the MBA programme (about 5 pages)

More information
Website: www.modul.ac.at
E-mail: office@modul.ac.at


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European Commission DG Education and Culture - Youth in Action Action 4.4 Projects encouraging innovation and quality in the youth sector
Application deadline: June 30, 2007


This subaction aims to support projects that seek to adopt, implement and encourage innovative and good quality approaches in the fields of non-formal education for young people and youth work. Action 4.4 is part of Action 4 'Youth support systems within the Youth in Action programme, which contributes to develop the quality of support structures, to support the role of those active in youth work and youth organisations, to develop the quality of the Programme and to promote civil participation of young people at European level by supporting bodies active at European level in the field of youth.

Such innovative approaches may relate to:
- The content and objectives, in line with the developments of the European cooperation framework in the youth field and the priorities of the Youth in Action programme
- The applied methodology, bringing new ideas and approaches to the field of non-formal education and youth.

Priority theme: the integration of young people with fewer opportunities living in suburban areas in Europe. This is in line with the programme's general priorities which are intended to encourage participation by young people, cultural diversity, European citizenship, social inclusion and 2007's special priority, promoting equal opportunities (2007, European Year of Equal Opportunities for All).

Eligible activities under the current call for proposals are: conferences; training activities; seminars; information activities; networking activities.

Eligible applicants: non-profit-making organisations or associations or by local, regional or national bodies from one of the programme countries.
The programme countries are: EU Member States, the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and Turkey (depending on the framework agreements signed).

Projects must include partner organisations from at least 4 different countries (this includes the applicant) at least one of which must have their statutory head office in one of the EU Member States. Individuals are not eligible for grants under this call for proposals.

The maximum amount a project may be awarded per working year (12 months) is EUR 100 000. The total maximum grant may not exceed EUR 200 000 or more than 65% of a project's total eligible expenses.
Work must start between 1 December 2007 and 31 January 2008. They will have a minimum duration of 12 months and a maximum of 24 months.

More information
Website: http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/youth/calls2007/action44/index_en.htm
E-mail: youth@ec.europa.eu


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CERGE-EI - 8th annual Global Development Network (GDN) Regional Research Competition (RRC)
Application deadline: July 1, 2007


CERGE-EI, with financial support provided by the Global Development Network announces a research competition in all fields of the social sciences. Proposals are invited from economists, demographers, political scientists, sociologists, and other social scientists. Projects with a significant commercial aspect or that propose funding the distribution of previous results (such as book preparation) rather than original research are explicitly excluded.

The sponsors have identified several priority areas of research. While funding for research in other areas will be provided, projects in these areas will receive priority:
I. Enterprise Development and Behavior including Corporate Governance and Restructuring
II. Labor Markets including Retirement, Social Assistance and Health Economics
III. Globalization including Regional and International Economic Policy Coordination
IV. The Reform Process including Public Finance, Fiscal Burden, and Taxation
V. Education including Educational Policy, Reform, Funding and Outcomes

Maximum funding will be US $20,000 although it is expected that the vast majority of grants awarded will be for substantially smaller amounts. Grants in excess of US $15,000 will be granted only in exceptional cases. The median grant awarded to start in January 2007 was approximately US $9,000. Grants must begin no later than 31 December 2007 and end no later than 31 December 2008, although a six-month no-cost extension request may be made during the year.

Applicants must be residents of any of the following countries: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia (including areas under the United Nations Interim Administration in Kosovo), Slovakia and Slovenia. Applicants must be resident for the substantial majority of each year in the country from which they are applying although they may be of any nationality or citizenship. Graduate students now outside of the region are encouraged to collaborate with current residents but will not be considered residents unless they provide credible evidence of an intention to return to Central Europe after completion of their degrees.

Applications may be submitted by individuals or teams of researchers. In the latter case, at least 50% of the researchers must be residents of eligible countries. No grant funds may be used to pay compensation to non-residents. Grant funds may, however, be used to pay travel and other direct costs required to enable participation by non-residents if such participation serves a clear scientific purpose. No applicant can submit or be a part of more than one proposal. Formal application must be made by an institution with which the applicant is affiliated and that will administer funds if awarded. No funds may be paid directly to individuals. Examples of eligible institutions include universities, research institutes or non-profit organizations. Administrating institutions may charge no more than 10% of the total grant as overhead.
In the interest of diversity, no grants will be made to persons who have served as a principal researcher in a GDN Regional Research Competition-funded grant in the past three years.

All successful applicants must agree to come to Prague to present a seminar on the completed work at CERGE-EI’s expense if requested. In addition we anticipate smaller workshops involving recipients in the various thematic areas held either at CERGE-EI or other regional institutes in order to facilitate development of links across researchers.

More information
Website: www.cerge-ei.cz/gdn/regional_research_competition/
E-mail: research.competition@cerge-ei.cz


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European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008 - Calls for proposals
Application deadline: July 31, 2007


In order to achieve the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008 the Commission is launching two calls for proposals co-financing actions on a European scale and on a national scale.

1) Open call for proposals-DG EAC/07/2007
The purpose of this call is to co-finance a limited number of emblematic actions on a European scale aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue, involving directly or otherwise reaching as many people as possible and highlighting achievements and experiences on the theme of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008. These actions may consist of specific events and activities which will raise awareness of the objectives of the European Year and underline the meaning and importance of intercultural dialogue, illustrating various areas, methods and dimensions of intercultural dialogue in the European Union in a manner which is visible and attractive in particular, but not exclusively, to young people. This grant, which may cover up to 80% of total costs, will be awarded to approximately 8 to 10 projects.

2) Restricted call for proposals-DG EAC/08/2007
The purpose of this call is to co-finance actions on a national scale with a strong European dimension, directly involving or otherwise reaching as many people as possible, with particular attention being given to actions relating to civic education and learning to appreciate other people and their differences. This grant, which may cover up to 50% of total costs, will be awarded to 27 projects (one per Member State). Eligibility for this Call is restricted to the national coordinating bodies responsible for the coordination of the Year 2008 in each Member State.

More information
Website: http://ec.europa.eu/culture/eac/dialogue/calls_en.html


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International Human Rights Internship Program - Professional Development and Exchange Project Grants 2007 - 2008
Application deadline: August 31/December 31, 2007


The International Human Rights Internship Program’s (IHRIP) mission and work are based on the belief that human rights activists have knowledge and skills, as a result of their day-to-day work, that are important to the success not only of their own work, but the work of other activists and organizations, whether in their own or in other countries and regions. The human rights movement - in specific countries and regions as well as internationally - is strengthened through the exchange of this knowledge, experience and expertise. In line with this conviction, IHRIP makes grants available to human rights organizations in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, the Caribbean, East and Central Europe and CIS countries to enable their staff to undertake professional development exchange projects.

A project can be:
- A professional attachment, through which a staff member from an organization in one country serves as a temporary staff member of a host organization in another country, acquiring on-the-job training in a specific area of work or skill.
- An on-site training, in which an individual from one country who has particular experience and expertise in a specific area of work provides training to the staff of an organization in another country.
- A study tour, through which a staff member from an organization learns more about a specific area of work or about a particular strategy or approach to work by visiting and consulting with two or more human rights or human rights-related institutions in one or more other countries.
N.B. IHRIP gives low priority to support for attendance at courses or workshops. Proposals for such support will be considered only in cases where the desired training is narrow in focus and fulfills a clearly defined institutional need.

A grant covers the travel of the staff member or trainer as well as a basic living stipend and health insurance for the staff member (or trainer). Grants vary depending on the location and length of the project, and typically range from $1,000-10,000.

IHRIP is unable to support:
- Academic research or study
- Training where the applicant and proposed host organization or trainer are in the same country. IHRIP facilitates the exchange of experience among activists and organizations in different countries
- Training projects which are part of an organization's core work and are not directed at its staff - e.g., human rights education programs targeted to particular sectors or communities
- Training for officials or employees of government or quasi-governmental agencies or bodies.

More information
Website: http://www.iie.org/ihrip
E-mail: ihrip@iie.org


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University of Pristina and Academic Training Association - 7th International Pristina Summer University
Application deadline: May 9, 2007


The PSU 2007 offers 15 courses in a variety of academic disciplines from Law, Economics and Social Sciences to Natural Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, Arts, and Physical Education. All courses are taught in English. Courses will be taught by an international professor and Kosovar professor, in classes of 25 students. Teaching will include lectures, assignments, presentations, discussions and/or field work.

No tuition fees are charged for the PSU! Scholarships will be granted to applicants from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. These scholarships will cover travel costs, accommodation and food. Students from other countries are invited to apply, but have to pay for their own expenses.

The PSU offers you a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills in many different fields of study, while benefiting from the latest teaching methodologies and enjoying an international atmosphere. After successfully completing a course, participants receive an official ECTS-compatible 'Summer University Certificate'. In addition to a variety of three-week courses, the PSU Programme comprises a series of guest lectures and forums, offering a platform for public discussion on a diverse range of subjects. Students and staff will also be offered a recreational programme including various excursions, social gatherings, and cultural events.

More information
Website: www.academictraining.org


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BIRD Institute and ELSA Serbia - 'Youth Shaping Their Future' Conference, May 18 – 21, 2007, Kosovo
Application deadline: May 10, 2007


BIRD Institute (Balkan Institute for Research and Development) from Kosova in partnership with ELSA (The European Law Students Association) from Serbia is inviting all interested organizations to participate in the regional conference 'Youth Shaping Their Future'. This conference is part of the program for cooperation between young people from Kosova and Serbia 'The Youth Dialogue Programme'.

We are inviting all students from Universities of Kosova and Serbia to apply and participate actively in the conference and to contribute in establishing the cooperation between youngsters in the region.

This conference is going to take part in Rugova Valley in Kosovo from 18-21 May. Organizers of the conference are providing accommodation, food and travel expenses. Working languages for the conference will be Albanian, Serbian and English languages.

All the interested candidates 19-28 years old should fulfill the application form and send it back by e-mail. Only selected participants will be informed for other details of participants. Selection of participants will be not later than May 12th, 2007 from the coordination team of the conference.

More information
E-mail: bird.office@gmail.com (BIRD Prishtine, Kosovo)
elsa.office@gmail.com (ELSA Novi Sad, Serbia)


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International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture&Urbanism - ‘History, Heritage & Regeneration: The Future for Traditional Architecture in Eastern Europe’ Conference, September 23 – 25, 2007, Sibiu, Romania
Application deadline: May 15, 2007


Under communism, traditional architecture was almost entirely abandoned in Central and Eastern Europe in favour of the now infamous model of blocks of flats. Furthermore, beautiful classical buildings were demolished only to clear the ground for modernistic developments which fit the image of the 'multilateral developed society' promoted by the communist regime. However, a number of World Heritage Sites throughout Central and Eastern Europe have survived communism.

The countries behind the 'iron curtain' re-gained their freedom and returned to democracy after 1990. Most of the economies of Central and Eastern Europe are booming due to structural economic reforms and massive investments. However, a number of places of heritage are still under threat because of the economic pressures to erect new buildings, often out of context in traditional environments and even protected areas.

INTBAU's conference will bring together strong voices from Romania and elsewhere in an effort to reinforce traditional architecture and urban design in Central and Eastern Europe. The event will present case studies of urban planning, housing design and heritage preservation from the region.

Themes:
We invite academics and practitioners worldwide to submit papers on the topics listed below:
1. Heritage&urban planning behind the 'Iron Curtain'
2. Protected areas&Pattern Books
3. The impact of globalised interventions on traditional environments
4. Traditional academic education
5. Regeneration
6. EU Programmes on heritage.

You are encouraged to submit your abstract through our online form. Submitted data is securely encrypted and you will receive immediate acknowledgement that your abstract has been received. Alternatively, you may email abstracts as MS Word attachments titled 'yourfamilyname_titleword.doc'. Emailed abstracts must adhere to the following 3-page format:
1. Name, contact details and institutional affiliation if applicable.
2. Biographic statement - 80 words or less, including recent publications.
3. Abstract - Paper title, relevant conference themes, keywords and abstract, in no more than 300 words.

More information
Website: http://www.intbau.org/SibiuConferenceEN.htm
E-mail: aura.neag@princes-foundation.org


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International Association for Political Science Students – 'Youth Bridging the Gap: Reaching Out to the Roma Seminar', July 22 – 28, 2007, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Application deadline: May 15, 2007


This international seminar is dedicated to increase the level of acceptance of the Roma as a minority group and of the Roma culture among youth. Participants coming from both Roma and non-Roma cultures will have the opportunity to experience one week of real- life, face-to-face, constructive dialogue and become familiarize with the particularities and differences of each others' cultures.

Prominent lecturers and trainers will guide participants through an interactive discussion about obstacles faced by the Roma and help them gain the necessary cultural, legal and organizational skills to realistically respond to these obstacles. The follow-up of the project is meant to create a network for those interested in creating active projects working against discrimination and for promotion of the Roma culture. A visit to a Roma community, a rich social program and the wonderful experience of the capital of Slovenia will complete the event.

Those who wish to apply should satisfy the following criteria:
- Be aged between 18 and 26
- Be a student
- Be able to communicate and work in English
- Be European
- Be interested in Roma affairs
- Be open-minded, communicative and explorative.

The project targets young people (18-26 years old), especially from Central and Eastern Europe, but without limiting access of participants from other European countries. There will be an equal proportion of Roma and non-Roma participants, in order to insure a balanced knowledge transfer and platform for debate. The number of participants will be 30. The selection of participants will give priority to young people involved in NGOs, youth associations, minority protection or human rights organizations.

Participation fee is 60 Euros. It covers tuition and study material, accommodation in a youth hostel, full board and social activities from Sunday 22 July until Saturday 28 July. Reduction of participation fees will be offered to ten less privileged participants, who will receive an award of 40 EUR. Applicants are encouraged to apply if they feel the reduction will ease their possibility of participation. 70% of travel reimbursement will be received for the cheapest means of travel, up to a maximum of 200 Euros. Reimbursement will be offered only to those who attend the programme completely.

Send by e-mail the application form together with your CV and a motivation letter for the reduction of the participation fee (if applicable).

More information
Website http://roma.iapss.org/
E-mail: project2007@iapss.org


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Next Stop – ‘Ethno Union’ 2007 Summer University, Latkovac, Serbia
Application deadline: May 20, 2007


This type of gathering turned out to be an inspirational catalyst of further youth collaboration, not merely a one-off experiment. The Summer University from its beginning has assembled around 400 students and some 200 professors, activists and work shop moderators from the Balkan and Scandinavian regions, also from Canada and Australia. Non-European teachers with their specific presentations demonstrated, particularly to the Balkan students, a different approach to schooling.

The program is structured in 7 workshops (Ethno music, Ecology, Painting, Poetry, Theatre, Caligraphy, Archeology) and each of them will gather around 10 - 15 students.
2-11 July Ethno music and Ecology workshops
13-22 July Painting and Poetry workshops
25-3 August Theatre and Archeology workshops
6-20 August Caligraphy and Ethno music
Traditional Serbian cuisine, arts and crafts, customs and festivities, ceramics and film documentary are common activities for all days and all groups.

Participants: domestic and international youth

Fee: 200 euro (accommodation, food, excursions, workshop's materials).

More informations
Website: www.ethno.co.yu
E-mail: ngo_nextstop@yahoo.com


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CEU Political Science Journal, Vol. 2, No. 3, September 2007 ‘The Political Economy of Post-Communist Transition’
Application deadline: May 30, 2007


The CEU Political Science Journal is an online and printed peer reviewed periodical that emerged in the academic community of Central European University, Budapest. The Journal accepts now submissions for its third issue of volume two (2007).

This issue aims to gather contributions that focus on understanding the profound changes witnessed after the fall of the Communist regimes. The contributions are expected to study the various paths followed in the attempt to create new political, economic and social systems in the post-Communist societies both in Eastern Europe and the former USSR. Some of the questions that could be answered are: What is the role of institutional and cultural legacies of the Communist era on post-communist societies? Why did a set of countries with relatively similar economic and political features, that entered simultaneously in the transition process from Communism to a democratic and capitalist system under relatively similar homogenizing factors (WB, IMF, EU) developed different types of capitalist systems? What difficulties have post-communist countries faced in creating democracy and capitalism simultaneously? Are these two goals compatible? What are the main paths of reinsertion in t! he world economy?

The journal welcomes papers that approach the post-communist transformations from an interdisciplinary approach, which manage to use the strong points of different social science disciplines. Both comparative integrative approaches that attempt to give an account of the systemic changes and case studies are welcomed.

More information
Website: www.personal.ceu.hu/PolSciJournal
E-mail: ceu_polsci@yahoo.com


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epsNet Plenary Conference 2007 'Europe: Integration and/or Fragmentation?', June, 22–23, 2007, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Application deadline: May 30, 2007


Organized by European Political Science Network epsNet and the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ljubljana, in cooperation with the International Association for Political Science Students - IAPSS.

EpsNet is an organization dedicated to the promotion of political science in Europe. Its conferences provide a discussion forum on the discipline and teaching of political science.

The 2007 general conference theme is Europe: Integration and/or Fragmentation?, divided into three subthemes:
1) Europe 's Citizens and Civil Society
2) Internal and External Security
3) Organizing and Governing the State.

The Conference fee is 50 EUR, which includes the Friday reception, buffet lunches, coffee breaks, and the Conference Folder with two epsNet publications.

More information
Website: http://www.epsnet.org
E-mail: epsnet07@fdv.uni-lj.si


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INTER-SECTIONS – Call for contributions


A new blog on migration, past and present, in all its forms - refugee, diaspora, exile, return, temporary, labour, tourist - and related issues of identity and community organisation.

Who we are
‘Inter-sections.org’ is a group of researchers from different universities and academic disciplines working on issues of migration, exile, cultural encounters and questions of identities. We are affiliated to the ‘Diaspora, Migration & Identities’ research programme. This programme is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and runs from 2005 to 2010. Professor Kim Knott, director of the AHRC Diaspora, Migration & Identities programme, is an honorary member of the editorial board.

Our mission
We believe in the necessity of an open and inclusive debate to improve our understanding of societies and their cultural products within historical and comtemporary processes of continuity and change. We want to stimulate constructive dialogue about topics such as migration, diasporas, ethnicity, cultural diversity in a lively, but unthreatening environment that is open to everyone with a professional and/or personal interest in these issues.

Call for contributions
Usually, the editorial board will call for contributions once a month. If the call looks for contributions within a certain topic area, the editorial board can defer submissions on other topics to a more convenient date.

More information
Website: http://intersections.wordpress.com/current-cfp/
E-mail: intersectionsblog@gmail.com no


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SEEMO - Dr. Erhard Busek Award for Better Understanding 2007
Application deadline: June 1, 2007


The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is pleased to announce the Dr. Erhard Busek - SEEMO 2007 Award for Better Understanding in South East Europe. Sponsored by Dr. Erhard Busek, special coordinator for the Stability Pact, the 2,000 Euro award will be given to a journalist, editor, media executive or person educating journalists in South Eastern Europe, who promotes a climate of better understanding among people in the region and who works towards ending minority problems, ethnic divisions, racism, xenophobia, etc.

If you know of anyone who would be a worthy recipient of the Dr. Erhard Busek - SEEMO Award for Better Understanding in South East Europe, please send a letter to SEEMO with basic details about the person (along with a professional CV, describing why she/he should receive the award), as well as the contacts of the person (media organisation, address, phone, fax, email). In case you would like to nominate a media outlet or an organisation/institution, please always provide details of its representative, because this award can be presented only to individuals.

If your nomination is supported by an organisation/media outlet, please send us the name of the contact person supporting your nomination, as well as basic information about the organisation/media outlet. If your nomination is supported by another individual or individuals, please send us their details and contact information. We would also need your own details and contact information (address, phone, fax, email, mobile phone). Please note that members of the jury cannot be nominated for the award.

Any additional material about the nominated person (such as TV reports on video or DVD, audio reports on cassette or CD, or articles in newspapers), if possible with a short English translation, are welcomed. Unfortunately, supporting material cannot be returned, so please always send copies of the original material.

More information
Website: http://seemo.org/
E-mail: info@seemo.org


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Culturelink Network – ‘Virtual Culture and Its Impact on Cultural Tourism: Experiences from South-East Europe’ Symposium, June 14 – 15, 2007, Zagreb, Croatia
Application deadline: June 1, 2007


This symposium will focus on the topic of cultural institutions' and organizations' web presence and their impact on attracting cultural tourism market. In line with the new individualized cultural tourist profile, some cultural institutions and organizations have realized the importance of quality Internet presentations of their activities, not only for enhancing the domestic sales of their programmes but also aiming at the foreign tourist market. Thus, they not only worry about the presentation of their institution but offer various multimedia possibilities, virtual tours and on-line booking/sales. Preliminary research into cultural institutions' sales reports show that the Internet sales have rapidly been growing even taking over 'traditional' (box-office) sales but also have a growing and strong impact on attracting cultural tourism market.

This symposium is to present research studies and best practice examples of cases that confirm a great role of cultural institutions' and organizations' virtual presence and its impact on cultural tourism regardless of the sector they belong to (public, private, civil). Thus, the cases may include websites of cities (focusing on local cultural content), public cultural institutions, festivals, cultural NGOs or private cultural organizations operating in cultural industries sector.

The symposium will gather cultural practitioners and experts from South-East Europe. The results of the symposium are expected to be reflected in the local/national cultural policies stressing the importance of digital culture. A publication containing research studies of digital culture and its impact on cultural tourism based on the same methodology for all countries participating at the symposium (Croatia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Slovenia and Serbia) is planned to be produced and will contain concrete proposals for cultural and cultural tourism policy planning.

The working language of the symposium will be English.

More information
Website: www.culturelink.org/conf/tourism02/index.html
E-mail: daniela@irmo.hr (Daniela Angelina Jelincic)


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International Forum Bosnia - 'Unity and Plurality in Europe: Religion and Public Life' Conference, Mostar, August 12 - 14, 2007
Application deadline: June 15, 2007


International Forum Bosnia, with a support from Swedish government, and in cooperation with numerous non-governmental and governmental organisations from Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad will organise the International Conference entitled 'Unity and Plurality in Europe: Religion and Public Life'. The Conference will be held as integral part of larger program titled as Stolac 2007. It will be organized around three roundtables (Unity and Plurality in Europe: Religion and Civil Society; The 'Roma Question' in Europe; Religion and Public Life).

The conference aim is to set in motion changes in knowledge, views and approaches in the interpretation and application of modern and traditional understandings of the relationship between religion and public life. The entire conference is conceived as a long-term exercise in building on developing international networks for this type of exchange of knowledge, views and approaches. The organizers believe that this will contribute to an interpretation of religion as an active factor of peace and act as a barrier to its abuse by ethno-national, ethno-religious and by other ideologies, tensions and conflicts.

The conference program will include researchers from all over the world, as well as participants in various enterprises focused on understanding and strengthening trust among different collective identities in contemporary societies.

Participants of the Second International Conference Unity and Plurality in Europe will be selected by means of a public call. Participation fee is 200 EUR. It includes accommodation, food, materials and informal activities.

More information
Website: http://www.ifbosna.org.ba
http://www.ifbosna.org.ba/bosanski/saopcenja/saopcenja/stolac2007/index.html
E-mail: ifbosna@bih.net.ba


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‘Breaking Stereotypes' photo competition 2007
Application deadline: June 30, 2007


The EU information campaign ‘For Diversity. Against Discrimination.’ is inviting photography, art and design students from across the EU to make a creative statement for diversity by entering its 'Breaking Stereotypes' Photo Competition. Students are asked to create a photo or photo collage that promotes diversity and appeals to a young audience.

An international jury of photographers, young artists and well-known experts in the fields of design and communication will select the best photos. Contributions will be judged according to their creativity and originality, as well as universal European appeal.

The competition is open to students of photography, fine arts, graphic design, communication design, visual communications, media design and other related disciplines. Participants need to be registered at an academy, university or college in one of the 27 EU Member States. Individual as well as team submissions of up to three students are permitted.

The lucky winners will be awarded prizes worth up to 3,000 EUR. In addition, for their support, the overall winner’s university or college will be awarded 3,000 EUR to promote creative talents or to invest in school equipment. The 35 best photos will be featured in an exhibition in Brussels and then travel to the capital cities of the three place-winners.

Take your own camera or your school’s equipment and go hunting for a powerful image. Feel free to edit the picture in colour or design, or even put several images together. But remember, all pictures used need to be your own. Once your design is formatted correctly you are ready to enter the competition. Send in a copy of the picture on paper and upload a preview and the original photo through our entry form. Please read the rules of the competition before submitting your entry.

Source: www.osmhi.org

More information
Website: http://photocompetition.stop-discrimination.info/
E-mail: photocompetition@stop-discrimination.info


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University of Ioannina, ‘Border Crossings’ Network and Municipality of Konitsa - 2nd ‘Summer School in Anthropology, Ethnography and Comparative Folklore of the Balkans’, July 30 – August 10, 2007, Konitsa, Greece


In the 1st 2006 Summer School there were 98 students from 17 countries and 57 universities that attended it. Various courses were taught by 17 lectures from 7 countries. This year there are 7 courses offered, workshops and key lectures to be delivered by the professors Thomas Hylland Eriksen and Kirsten Hastrup.

More information
Website: http://www.uoi.gr/conferences/extended.php?post_id=1162
E-mail: ioannis.manos@gm (Dr. Ioannis Manos, Lecturer in Social Anthropology)


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EU Journalist Award 2007
Application deadline: September 30, 2007


The ‘For Diversity. Against Discrimination.’ Journalist Award 2007 is granted by the European Union to honour journalists who contribute with their work to a better public understanding of the benefits of diversity and the fight against discrimination in society. Print and online journalists in the 27 EU Member States are requested to submit articles on issues of discrimination or diversity on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, age, gender, disability and sexual orientation. Journalists are particularly encouraged to raise awareness of diversity in employment and discrimination on multiple grounds. Media professionals and anti-discrimination experts will select 27 national award winners. An EU jury will then choose the three winners of the EU-wide award. Entries will be judged according to their news value, relevance, complexity of research and preparation, originality,! creativity as well as their significance for the general public.

The Journalist Award 2007 invites print and online journalists throughout the 27 EU Member States to participate. Entries should be published in print or online media any time between 1 January and 30 September 2007. The main editorial office of the media outlet in which the entry was published must be based in one of the 27 EU Member States. Articles may be submitted in the 23 official EU languages and must have a minimum number of 3,800 characters (incl. blanks).

More information
Website: http://journalistaward.stop-discrimination.info/


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Romanian Academic Society - Romanian Journal of Political Science (POLSCI) ‘Defective Democracies’
Application deadline: October 1, 2007


Since the collapse of communism and communist states from 1989-1992, the twenty-eight states that currently comprise postcommunist Europe and Eurasia have evolved to different political directions. Some regimes in this region have completed a transition to democracy; others have been arrested at some point on the path to democracy and became a sort of 'defective democracies'; and still others have yet to break with the communist past.

This issue focuses on this middle-ground category: countries where elections are regularly held, but the behavior of political actors, notably the government, but not only, is not always democratic. Albania, Moldova, Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, the Caucasus countries present a great variation among themselves, but have also something in common: they do not fit well the classic patterns of either democracy or authoritarianism. The regional trend, particularly noticeable over the past decade, showed hybrid regimes resisting to political change-either in the direction of becoming authentic democracies or reverting back to dictatorship.

The purpose of this issue is to explore the lessons for democratisation that can be drawn from the postcommunist experience over the past seventeen years. First, what explains defective democracies? Second, what can and cannot be transferred from successful Central Europe to the rest of countries? Finally, is there still a future for democracy promotion in postcommunist Europe ?

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


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www.xeno.no


On Xenophobia Redux. Art and critical writing on European exclusionism

The xeno.no project aims to engage as an online platform of contemporary cultural reflection on a phenomenon of Xenophobia: ‘fear and hatred of strangers or foreigners or of anything that is strange or foreign’. This phenomenon is not a static ideological pattern, but takes on different faces, agendas and forms of establishment.

The site will function as a online database of visual and time-based art to create a readability of existing positions on, about, around and against the normative tendencies within Europe. The site will also publish essays on xenophobia and essays on art engaged in the phenomenon.


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http://www.balkanlink.org/


Balkanlink platform aims to develop exchanges and cultural cooperation within the Balkans but also between Balkans and the rest of Europe. Giving a greater visibility to cultural activities, and supporting dialogue between the various actors, Balkanlink wants to encourage cultural dynamism. Check out the website for interesting news, job opportunities and other resources for culture professionals in the Balkans.


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http://www.eumap.org/topics/romaed


Equal Access to Quality Education for Roma - Monitoring reports for Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Serbia, April 2007

The volume of four country reports was produced by OSI's EU Monitoring and Advocacy Program (EUMAP), in cooperation with OSI's Roma Participation Program (RPP) and the Education Support Program (ESP) of the Open Society Institute.

Reports on the other five countries participating in the Decade of Roma Inclusion (Croatia, Czech Republic, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Slovakia) are due later in the year.


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http://ec.europa.eu/budget/library/publications/financial_pub/pack_rules_funds_en.pdf


An information pack from the European Commission - New Funds, Better Rules: Overview of new financial rules and funding opportunities 2007 - 2013

Source: www.osmhi.org


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http://www.unicef.org/ceecis/Report_CRJ_engl_FINAL.pdf


Report Centre for Legal Resources - Monitoring the rights of mentally disabled children and young people in public institutions (Romania)


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http://ec.europa.eu/youreurope/


Your Europe - The portal to online European and national public services


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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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