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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190221
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190223
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20190201T134045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200618T130410Z
UID:5517-1550790000-1550876399@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:ITALY - SECONDARY SCHOOLS EUI - Lycée Salvemini Luca d'Aosta - Gisela KALLENBACH
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”9149″][vc_column_text]In the 2019 programme\, the Historical Archives have developed a programme for secondary schools focusing on three main themes: European citizenship and school\, climate change\, and EU institutional reform. These themes were well received by secondary school students who showed great interest. Numerous meetings were held in the prestigious Villa Salviati in Florence to discuss these highly topical issues. \nOur member Gisela KALLENBACH participated in this meeting. \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/italy-secondary-schools-eui-lycee-salvemini-luca-daosta-22-february-2019/
CATEGORIES:EP to campus
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/eui.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190218
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190220
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20190201T134045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200706T091823Z
UID:5522-1550530800-1550617199@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:ITALY - SECONDARY SCHOOLS EUI - Liceo Machiavelli - Cristiana MUSCARDINI
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Historical Archives developed a programme for high schools focused on three main themes: European citizenship and school\, climate change and the institutional reform of the EU. Numerous meetings were held in the prestigious Villa Salviati in Florence to discuss these highly topical issues.\nThe meeting with students from Liceo Machiavelli was attended by our member Cristiana MUSCARDINI.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/italy-secondary-schools-eui-lycee-salvemini-luca-daosta-22-february-2019-2/
CATEGORIES:EP to campus
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/eui.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190218
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190220
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20190111T171539Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200618T110828Z
UID:5686-1550530800-1550617199@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:Liceo Machiavelli - Cristiana MUSCARDINI
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”9149″][vc_column_text]The Historical Archives developed a programme for high schools focused on three main themes: European citizenship and school\, climate change and the institutional reform of the EU. Numerous meetings were held in the prestigious Villa Salviati in Florence to discuss these highly topical issues. \nThe meeting with students from Liceo Machiavelli was attended by our member Cristiana MUSCARDINI.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/liceo-machiavelli-19-february-2019/
CATEGORIES:The Historical Archives
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/eui.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190211
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190215
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20200325T141230Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200325T141230Z
UID:6584-1549926000-1550185199@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:MAROC - Université internationale de Rabat - 12-14 FEVRIER 2019
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The International University in Rabat invited a former member to a conference in Morocco. The main theme of the event was on current EU policies with a focus on migration and human rights. The speaker gave lectures on International Migration and Human Rights in the Mediterranean as well as EU policies and the European- Mediterranean relations. \n>Per Gahrton[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/maroc-universite-internationale-de-rabat-12-14-fevrier-2019/
CATEGORIES:EP to campus
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/index.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190211
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190215
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20190201T134045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200618T110652Z
UID:5525-1549926000-1550185199@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:MOROCCO - INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY RABAT - Per GAHRTON
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”9166″][vc_column_text]The International University in Rabat invited a former member to a conference in Morocco. The main theme of the event was on current EU policies with a focus on migration and human rights. The speaker gave lectures on International Migration and Human Rights in the Mediterranean as well as EU policies and the European- Mediterranean relations. \nThe Conference was attended by our member Per GAHRTON. You can find here below his article published on the June 2019 FMA Bulletin.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”A DISCUSSION ON MIGRATION IN RABAT\nMission report” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000acc” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:800%20bold%20regular%3A800%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Morocco is unquestionably a country of strategic significance to the EU in many respects. That is particularly true with regard to migration\, which was one reason why the Université Internationale in Rabat wished to have an EU speaker at its conference on ‘International Migration and Human Rights in the Mediterranean’ on 14 February. As the person chosen under the FMA’s Campus programme to take on this role\, I tried to outline the EU’s current policies on migration and human rights. Coming from Sweden\, it was also natural for me to mention the crisis in 2015\, when Sweden accepted 170 000 asylumseekers\, as against the normal figure of 30\,000 – 40\,000\, while other EU countries  closed their borders\, built walls and in addition torpedoed the European Commission’s proposal for an equitable distribution of refugees. I observed that cooperation between EU and MENA (Middle Eastern and North African) countries was important in order to deal with migration in a humanitarian manner and in accordance with international law. At the same time\, I was aware that cooperation between the EU and Morocco is by no means uncomplicated. On 12 February\, while I was in Morocco\, the European Parliament approved by 415 votes to 189\, with 49 abstentions\, a fisheries agreement with Morocco which was also intended to apply to fisheries off Western Sahara\, even though the Court of Justice of the EU had ruled that an EU agreement with Morocco must not apply to Western Sahara. The decision was welcomed wholeheartedly in the Moroccan media and I was asked whether it should not be interpreted as a de facto recognition that Western Sahara belonged to Morocco. But on the European Commission’s website (12 February) it was stated that the agreement did not constitute a recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the territory of Western Sahara. On the other hand\, it was stressed that Morocco was obliged to report to the EU that the agreement\, under which the EU was to pay Morocco EUR 160 million over four years\, was benefitting Western Sahara economically. \nWith regard to Sweden\, Al-Adath Al-Maghribiya stated that Sweden had supported the Polisario Front previously\, but had backtracked\, and representatives of Sweden’s Foreign Ministry now absolutely denied that there was any plan to recognise the Sahrawi Republic. \nSo what is the true state of affairs? Is not the whole EU in the process of backtracking from its united position on the UN’s demand for a referendum on the status of Western Sahara? Where Sweden is concerned\, many people suspect that a deal has been done: two Swedish governments\, one conservative and the other red-green\, have disregarded the Swedish Parliament’s decision of 2012 to recognise the Sahrawi Republic\, while Morocco has entered into cooperation with Sweden to take back the hundreds of Moroccan street children who suddenly turned up in Stockholm a year or two ago. \nAnd when\, despite the clear ruling delivered by the Court of Justice to the effect that no agreement between the EU and Morocco should apply to Western Sahara\, the European Parliament nonetheless approved a fisheries agreement that covered that territory\, did not that constitute a first step towards a retreat from the UN position? It is to be hoped that the talks recently initiated under the auspices of the UN will result in a peaceful solution. Perhaps not a sovereign Western Saharan state. But at least a separate\, autonomous region\, maybe like Scotland. And in some kind of union with Morocco. First\, however\, the referendum which was decided upon and which was supposed to have been held nearly 30 years ago\, must be carried out. \nObviously there are serious practical problems attached to this\, including that of deciding who should have the right to vote in it. But it is hard to imagine any solution being acceptable to all parties if it has not been supported in a referendum. This is a question of respect for international law and for the UN’s role in peace-making. And that is something for which the EU bears a huge amount of responsibility. \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/morocco-international-university-rabat-12-14-february-2019/
CATEGORIES:EP to campus
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/index.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190203
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190209
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20190201T134045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200618T110505Z
UID:5529-1549234800-1549666799@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:INDIA - MANGALORE UNIVERSITY - Michael HINDLEY
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”9182″][vc_column_text]The EP to Campus programme cooperated with Mangalore University. Michael Hindley was invited to India to speak present his views on important developments/ issues of European Union followed by discussion. The topic was related to relations with developing countries/India; global governance; contemporary developments in EU; security (EU and global conflict)/Cultural aspects. \nThe talks was attended for our member Michael HINDLEY. Here below you can find his article published on June 2019 FMA Bulletin.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”PUTTING DIVERSITY INTO GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE\nMission report\n” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%231800ce” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:800%20bold%20regular%3A800%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]I have had a long a happy relationship with India and was absolutely delighted when invited to be guest lecturer for the FMA at the University of Mangalore in Southern India. Mangalore\, on the coast of the state of Karnataka is certainly not on the tourist itinerary but given the beauty of its temples\, mosques and nearby hill country it certainly should be. Beyond tourist attractions Mangalore has the perhaps un-expected status as being amongst the 50 most “liveable” cities in the world in terms of quality of life and as such the highest rated Indian city. \nMore impressively Mangalore rates 12th world city in terms of health care. The University campus is in a leafy suburb has also an outreach centre in Chikka Aluvara. I gave lectures in both and was greeted with typical Indian courtesy and intellectual curiosity. The University also has a city centre University College\, where I also gave a lecture\, which offers evening MAs courses for professional who wish to increase their qualifications. This fulfils one of my own educational commitments and that is “life-long learning”. \nIn addition I also gave a guest lecturer at the University of Manipal\,  one of the mo st modern state of the art educational centres I have seen  anywhere in the world. One of the most attractive features of intellectual life in India is the politeness of the exchanges. There is seldom the feeling of trying to show how clever the questioner is. There is a sheer enjoyment of engagement without any inhibitions about disagreement. I also spoke to the local Chamber of Commerce and given the many commercial links which exists between India and the UK much concern was expressed about the effects of Brexit. \nConcern was also expressed also about EU/India relations. I have been acting as adviser to the European Economic and Social Committee on a report on the Commissions “EU/Asia Connectivity” ideas which frankly give scant regard to the sheer complexity of “Asia”. India is a difficult partner for the EU\, not least because its size gives it some counterbalance to the EU in bargaining power. “Europe” remains mainly a geographical concept\, not a political one. Audiences certainly know the major member states of the EU but the extent to which modern Europe is integrated within the EU remains only vaguely appreciated. \nMy personal host\, Professor Amin\, was a fund of information about India and arranged some wonderful sight-seeing excursions to temples\, mosques and the nearly hill stations in the Coorg region famous for its spices\, exotically flavoured wines and coffees. The multicultural character of India is staggering – and the facilities of Indians to use English as a lingua franca\, plus their mother tongue\, plus a local language is quite amazing. For those who rightly celebrate the diversity of Europe\, my advice is go to India\, to put our diversity into global perspective.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/india-mangalore-university-from-4-to-8-of-february-2019/
CATEGORIES:EP to campus
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/mangalore.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190127
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190129
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20190101T171539Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200702T160029Z
UID:10299-1548630000-1548716399@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:Lycée Giotto Ulivi- Monica BALDI
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”9677″][vc_column_text]The Historical Archives have developed a programme for high schools focused on: The free movement of persons and the dynamics and memories of mobility in the EU. Numerous meetings will be held in the prestigious Villa Salviati in Florence to discuss these highly topical issues. \nThe meeting was attended by ours FMA member Monica BALDI.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/lycee-giotto-ulivi-18-23-and-25-of-january-2019-3/
CATEGORIES:The Historical Archives
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/eui.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190127
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190129
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20190101T171539Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200618T105948Z
UID:5690-1548630000-1548716399@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:Lycée Français Victor Hugo- Jean-Paul DENANOT
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”9193″][vc_column_text]The Historical Archives have developed a programme for high schools focused on: The free movement of persons and the dynamics and memories of mobility in the EU. Numerous meetings will be held in the prestigious Villa Salviati in Florence to discuss these highly topical issues. \nThe meeting was attended by our member Jean-Paul DENANOT. \nRead his article here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Mission report” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:800%20bold%20regular%3A800%3Anormal”][vc_column_text] \n\n\n\nWelcomed by the management of the European University Institute of Archives in Florence\, I made two speeches\, one in front of students from the Victor Hugo High School who were participating in a com- petition on Europe and the next day in front of the think tank “Thoughts of Europe” made up of researchers and who are making a great effort to explain how the EU works in the perspective of the next European elections. With the students\, after having presented the functioning of the European institutions and particularly that of the parliament\, I had a great moment of exchanges with the students and their teachers. The questions were mainly related to the themes of the competition in which they participated: European democracy\, energy and climate\, institutions\, etc. \nIn groups\, they presented me with the results of their re ections and I had to comment on them. Obviously what interests young people most is their future\, the Europe they are hoping for and its ability to offer an area of peace\, freedom and solidarity with a particular focus on the issue of immigration\, which concerns young people\, particularly in Italy\, with the arrival of a new government that refuses access to migrant boats but also the Dublin agreements\, which are very critical in their eyes. Everything that allows exchanges between young Europeans is plebiscite and in particular the Erasmus+ programme; on the climate energy issue\, exchanges are less consensual with the question of the energy mix and the choices between nuclear and fossil fuels: the consensus is however on renewable energies and energy savings. All the students are concerned about global warming\, which they have understood is not a myth and the fear of climate immigration after humanitarian action is real; on the question of democracy in Europe\, they consider that it is the European Parliament that is the most legitimate and that it is necessary to make citizens aware of the European elections – which I have been careful not to deny! \n\n\nExchanges that are particularly interesting and well prepared by the teaching team. With the researchers of the think tank\, it was the institutional issues that formed the common thread of the exchange: I had chosen to introduce the debate with the budgetary question by explaining the dif culties of conducting more and more numerous and desired policies without new budgetary resources independent of the states: the Monti Commission was of course raised with the question of a federal Europe or the addition of states\, and with the students the day before the question of the exercise of democracy in the Union was raised with the particular role of parliament in the run-up to the elections by universal suffrage. \n\n\n“Thoughts of Europe” is concerned about the lack of communication with citizens despite the efforts of the institutions\, which are in-suf ciently covered by the media. It intends to make its contribution for the next few deadlines\, which deserves to be highlighted and encouraged. \n\n\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/lycee-francais-victor-hugo-28-january-2019/
CATEGORIES:The Historical Archives
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/eui.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190127
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190129
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20190101T171539Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200706T091958Z
UID:5694-1548630000-1548716399@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:ITALY - Lycée Giotto Ulivi - Luciana CASTELLINA
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Historical Archives have developed a programme for high schools focused on: The free movement of persons and the dynamics and memories of mobility in the EU. Numerous meetings will be held in the prestigious Villa Salviati in Florence to discuss these highly topical issues. \nThe meeting was attended by our FMA member Luciana CASTELLINA.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS DISCUSS CURRENT AFFAIRS\nMission report” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%230000db” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:800%20bold%20regular%3A800%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]I participated for the first time in one of the events organised by the European University Institute of Florence in collaboration with the Former Members’ Association and was impressed both by the level of the Institute and by the reaction of the secondary school students who attended. The session was divided into three parts: The first part focused on information on the ‘Europe System’\, during which I and a competent Institute official took the floor to address European issues\, and I spoke about my personal experience as a Member of the European Parliament. \nThe young people were pleased to get involved and asked some very pertinent questions; The second part\, in which the young people\, split into three groups\, pretended to identify themselves with political parties and to submit a draft legislative initiative; The third part\, in which the young people presented the result of their work and we commented on it together. \nThe topics were of general and social interest:\n1) EU citizenship and schools;\n2) climate change\, the environment and energy\, and\n3) the institutional reform of the European Union. \nIn my introductory statement\, I took a moment to explain the differences between the various European institutions: the Commission\, Parliament\, Council\, Court of Justice of the European Union\, Council of the European Union\, President of the Commission\, President of Parliament\, President of the Council and President of the Council of the European Union. I noted that there was a lack of knowledge of the various institutions and their powers. I believe that Member States should include topics relating to the European Union on school curricula as from secondary school level. This is vital in order to educate young people properly. \nI commend initiatives like this which are useful both to us politicians\, to remedy our numerous communication errors\, and to young people\, who need to open themselves up to the range of opportunities offered to them by a Europe of peoples and cultures.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/lycee-giotto-ulivi-18-23-and-25-of-january-2019-2/
CATEGORIES:The Historical Archives
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/eui.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190127
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190129
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20190101T171539Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200706T092149Z
UID:10297-1548630000-1548716399@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:Lycée Giotto Ulivi- Oreste ROSSI
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Historical Archives have developed a programme for high schools focused on: The free movement of persons and the dynamics and memories of mobility in the EU. Numerous meetings will be held in the prestigious Villa Salviati in Florence to discuss these highly topical issues. \nThe meeting was attended by our FMA member Oreste ROSSI.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS DISCUSS CURRENT AFFAIRS\nMission report” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%230000db” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:800%20bold%20regular%3A800%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]I participated for the first time in one of the events organised by the European University Institute of Florence in collaboration with the Former Members’ Association and was impressed both by the level of the Institute and by the reaction of the secondary school students who attended. The session was divided into three parts: The first part focused on information on the ‘Europe System’\, during which I and a competent Institute official took the floor to address European issues\, and I spoke about my personal experience as a Member of the European Parliament. \nThe young people were pleased to get involved and asked some very pertinent questions; The second part\, in which the young people\, split into three groups\, pretended to identify themselves with political parties and to submit a draft legislative initiative; The third part\, in which the young people presented the result of their work and we commented on it together. \nThe topics were of general and social interest:\n1) EU citizenship and schools;\n2) climate change\, the environment and energy\, and\n3) the institutional reform of the European Union. \nIn my introductory statement\, I took a moment to explain the differences between the various European institutions: the Commission\, Parliament\, Council\, Court of Justice of the European Union\, Council of the European Union\, President of the Commission\, President of Parliament\, President of the Council and President of the Council of the European Union. I noted that there was a lack of knowledge of the various institutions and their powers. I believe that Member States should include topics relating to the European Union on school curricula as from secondary school level. This is vital in order to educate young people properly. \nI commend initiatives like this which are useful both to us politicians\, to remedy our numerous communication errors\, and to young people\, who need to open themselves up to the range of opportunities offered to them by a Europe of peoples and cultures.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/lycee-giotto-ulivi-18-23-and-25-of-january-2019/
CATEGORIES:The Historical Archives
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/eui.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190127
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190129
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20190101T171539Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200609T211135Z
UID:10298-1548630000-1548716399@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:Lycée Giotto Ulivi- Niccolò RINALDI
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”9211″][vc_column_text]The Historical Archives have developed a programme for high schools focused on: The free movement of persons and the dynamics and memories of mobility in the EU. Numerous meetings will be held in the prestigious Villa Salviati in Florence to discuss these highly topical issues. \nThe meeting was attended by our FMA member  Niccolò RINALDI.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/lycee-giotto-ulivi-18-23-and-25-of-january-2019-4/
CATEGORIES:The Historical Archives
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/eui.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190127
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190129
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20190101T134045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200618T105413Z
UID:5533-1548630000-1548716399@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:ITALY - SECONDARY SCHOOLS EUI - Lycée Français Victor Hugo- Jean-Paul DENANOT
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”9193″][vc_column_text]The Historical Archives have developed a programme for high schools focused on: The free movement of persons and the dynamics and memories of mobility in the EU. Numerous meetings will be held in the prestigious Villa Salviati in Florence to discuss these highly topical issues. \nThe meeting was attended by our member Jean-Paul DENANOT. \nRead his article here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Mission report” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:800%20bold%20regular%3A800%3Anormal”][vc_column_text] \n\n\n\nWelcomed by the management of the European University Institute of Archives in Florence\, I made two speeches\, one in front of students from the Victor Hugo High School who were participating in a com- petition on Europe and the next day in front of the think tank “Thoughts of Europe” made up of researchers and who are making a great effort to explain how the EU works in the perspective of the next European elections. With the students\, after having presented the functioning of the European institutions and particularly that of the parliament\, I had a great moment of exchanges with the students and their teachers. The questions were mainly related to the themes of the competition in which they participated: European democracy\, energy and climate\, institutions\, etc. \nIn groups\, they presented me with the results of their re ections and I had to comment on them. Obviously what interests young people most is their future\, the Europe they are hoping for and its ability to offer an area of peace\, freedom and solidarity with a particular focus on the issue of immigration\, which concerns young people\, particularly in Italy\, with the arrival of a new government that refuses access to migrant boats but also the Dublin agreements\, which are very critical in their eyes. Everything that allows exchanges between young Europeans is plebiscite and in particular the Erasmus+ programme; on the climate energy issue\, exchanges are less consensual with the question of the energy mix and the choices between nuclear and fossil fuels: the consensus is however on renewable energies and energy savings. \n\n\nAll the students are concerned about global warming\, which they have understood is not a myth and the fear of climate immigration after humanitarian action is real; on the question of democracy in Europe\, they consider that it is the European Parliament that is the most legitimate and that it is necessary to make citizens aware of the European elections – which I have been careful not to deny! \nExchanges that are particularly interesting and well prepared by the teaching team. With the researchers of the think tank\, it was the institutional issues that formed the common thread of the exchange: I had chosen to introduce the debate with the budgetary question by explaining the dif culties of conducting more and more numerous and desired policies without new budgetary resources independent of the states: the Monti Commission was of course raised with the question of a federal Europe or the addition of states\, and with the students the day before the question of the exercise of democracy in the Union was raised with the particular role of parliament in the run-up to the elections by universal suffrage. \n\n\n“Thoughts of Europe” is concerned about the lack of communication with citizens despite the efforts of the institutions\, which are in-suf ciently covered by the media. It intends to make its contribution for the next few deadlines\, which deserves to be highlighted and encouraged. \n\n\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/italy-secondary-schools-eui-lycee-francais-victor-hugo-28-january-2019/
CATEGORIES:EP to campus
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/eui.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190116
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190126
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20190101T134045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200609T211456Z
UID:10323-1547679600-1548457199@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:ITALY - SECONDARY SCHOOLS EUI - Lycée Giotto Ulivi- Niccolò RINALDI
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Historical Archives developed a programme for high schools focused on three main themes: European citizenship and school\, climate change and the institutional reform of the EU. Numerous meetings were held in the prestigious Villa Salviati in Florence to discuss these highly topical issues.\nThe meetings with the students from Giotto Ulivi were attended by our member Niccolò RINALDI. \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/italy-secondary-schools-eui-lycee-francais-victor-hugo-28-january-2019-2-4/
CATEGORIES:EP to campus
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/eui.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190116
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190126
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20190101T134045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200609T205119Z
UID:5537-1547679600-1548457199@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:ITALY - SECONDARY SCHOOLS EUI - Lycée Giotto Ulivi- Luciana CASTELLINA
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Historical Archives developed a programme for high schools focused on three main themes: European citizenship and school\, climate change and the institutional reform of the EU. Numerous meetings were held in the prestigious Villa Salviati in Florence to discuss these highly topical issues.\nThe meetings with the students from Giotto Ulivi were attended by our member Luciana CASTELLINA.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/italy-secondary-schools-eui-lycee-francais-victor-hugo-28-january-2019-2-2/
CATEGORIES:EP to campus
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/eui.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190116
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190126
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20190101T134045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200618T104520Z
UID:10300-1547679600-1548457199@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:ITALY - SECONDARY SCHOOLS EUI - Lycée Giotto Ulivi- Oreste ROSSI
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Historical Archives developed a programme for high schools focused on three main themes: European citizenship and school\, climate change and the institutional reform of the EU. Numerous meetings were held in the prestigious Villa Salviati in Florence to discuss these highly topical issues.\nThe meetings with the students from Giotto Ulivi were attended by our member Oreste Rossi.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS DISCUSS CURRENT AFFAIRS\nMission report” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%230014c9″ google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:800%20bold%20regular%3A800%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]I participated for the first time in one of the events organised by the European University Institute of Florence in collaboration with the Former Members’ Association and was impressed both by the level of the Institute and by the reaction of the secondary school students who attended. \nThe session was divided into three parts: The first part focused on information on the ‘Europe System’\, during which I and a competent Institute official took the floor to address European issues\, and I spoke about my personal experience as a Member of the European Parliament. The young people were pleased to get involved and asked some very pertinent questions; The second part\, in which the young people\, split into three groups\, pretended to identify themselves with political parties and to submit a draft legislative initiative; The third part\, in which the young people presented the result of their work and we commented on it together.The topics were of general and social interest: \n1) EU citizenship and schools; \n2) climate change\, the environment and energy\, and \n3) the institutional reform of the European Union. \nIn my introductory statement\, I took a moment to explain the differences between the various European institutions: the Commission\, Parliament\, Council\, Court of Justice of the European Union\, Council of the European Union\, President of the Commission\, President of Parliament\, President of the Council and President of the Council of the European Union. I noted that there was a lack of knowledge of the various institutions and their powers. I believe that Member States should include topics relating to the European Union on school curricula as from secondary school level. This is vital in order to educate young people properly. I commend initiatives like this which are useful both to us politicians\, to remedy our numerous communication errors\, and to young people\, who need to open themselves up to the range of opportunities offered to them by a Europe of peoples and cultures.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/italy-secondary-schools-eui-lycee-francais-victor-hugo-28-january-2019-2/
CATEGORIES:EP to campus
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/eui.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190116
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190126
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20190101T134045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200609T210516Z
UID:10301-1547679600-1548457199@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:ITALY - SECONDARY SCHOOLS EUI - Lycée Giotto Ulivi- Monica BALDI
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Historical Archives developed a programme for high schools focused on three main themes: European citizenship and school\, climate change and the institutional reform of the EU. Numerous meetings were held in the prestigious Villa Salviati in Florence to discuss these highly topical issues.\nThe meetings with the students from Giotto Ulivi were attended by our member Monica BALDI. \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/italy-secondary-schools-eui-lycee-francais-victor-hugo-28-january-2019-2-3/
CATEGORIES:EP to campus
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/eui.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20181205
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20181208
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20181201T134045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200618T104256Z
UID:5541-1544050800-1544223599@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:NETHERLANDS - MAASTRICHT UNIVERSITY - Edit HERCZOG
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Maastricht University invites a former MEP to attend an event on the topic “Value-less Data: Legal\, Ethical\, Economic and Technological Lessons for a Robust Data Economy”. This values-centric symposium aims to bring together experts from data science\, ethics\, economics and law to create a White Paper establishing basic principles for the use of data in the data economy. \nThe event was attended by our member Edit HERCZOG.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”LESSONS LEARNT AT THE MAASTRICHT UNIVERSITY\nMission report” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%230009b7″ google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:800%20bold%20regular%3A800%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]The program document determined the narrative of the conference: \n„As humanity becomes increasingly data dependable\, it is necessary to make sure that the data it stands on reflect the values inherent to a fair\, ethical\, and economically sound society. … Data in itself is devoid of any value; it’s the way in which data is selected and used that can dictate how machine learning and other systems that feed on data\, operate in economic\, moral\, or ethical terms. The question then arises: how can the systems and devices that use data in the data economy obtain economically\, morally and ethically robust data?” \nThe conference started with the presentation of prof. Andres Guadamuz from Sussex University\, who challenged the participants to differentiate artificial intelligence and man-made art and music. The audience had dificulties to see the differences between the two and it was a practical and efficient way to showcase the challenge of future IPR regulation. \nThe trust session highlighted the risks and benefits of using data for commerce and health sectors\, not only for primary beneficiaries but also for the ecosystem around them. The morality and ethics panel had a wide scope\, including the impact of data economy on the human rights in the future. A keynote was given by professor Anselm Kamperman Sanders on the „The intersection of intellectual property and data in the United Nations’ World Economic and Social Survey 2018”. It was a very inspiring account on how to deal with Risks and Benefits. \nEconomic value of data has a huge potential value for all sectors. This an opportunity we should be taking advantage of\, but that should be regulated. Especially for data intensive sectors\, regulation is a prerequisite to reduce uncertainties. It was a pleasure to be in the final panel with four talented students (Gaia Lisi; Eisa Rahimi; Virginia Debernardi; Bert Brookfield-Hird)\, with Prof Guadamuz and prof Ana Ramalho to discuss the issues from different perspectives. We agreed that Data is a new sector where regulation must happen fast\, to enable European enterprises and citizens to harness the benefits. \nHowever\, legislation alone will not solve it. Due to human biases\, datasets and data-analysis carried out by humans will resemble these biases. This is always an issue\, but AI technologies amplify any bias and if they are not corrected in due time\, it will have severe implications on the technology. Thus\, certain issues have to be addressed at the expert level. We also discussed the global race. As a law-maker\, I highlighted that while the EU might be lagging behind China\, and the US on R&D spending\, the EU is a strong exporter of legislation. The EU has been at the forefront of addressing legal issues\, and has not been afraid to set standards high for companies. For example\, the GDPR is an exemplar for other countries and regions in the world\, while companies also praise it\, notwithstanding the complexity of adopting it. \nBert concluded “The possible uses for data are constantly expanding and seemingly endless. However\, great care must be taken to avoid the potentially huge benefits that data can bring to our society from being outweighed by the consequences. We must try to avoid this. Interdisciplinary events such as the value-less data symposium are key to ensure this and also so that we understand the issues before we legislate on them.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/the-netherlands-maastricht-university-from-06-to-07-december-2018/
CATEGORIES:EP to campus
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20181203
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20181206
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20181201T134045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200618T104044Z
UID:5545-1543878000-1544050799@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:TURKEY - IZMIR UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMICS - Jens-Peter BONDE
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nA former MEP was invited to participate in a course on the history of the EU institutions at Izmir University of Economics in December 2018. The broader topic of the event is governance in the EU. \nJens-Peter BONDE\, FMA Member\, participated in the event.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/turkey-izmir-university-of-economics-from-04-to-05-december-2018/
CATEGORIES:EP to campus
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Izmir-University-of-Economics-IUE-logo-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20181202
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20181205
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20181201T134045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200618T103945Z
UID:5549-1543791600-1543964399@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:CZECH REPUBLIC - MENDEL EUROPEAN CENTRE BRNO  - Mariela BAEVA
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For the European week and Mendel European Centre in Brno Mariela BAEVA participated in lectures and discussions with students at the beginning of December 2018. The main topics was BREXIT\, migration issues and the EU institutions. \nMission report: MEETING WITH THE YOUNG GENERATION \nFor a number of years now\, I have committed to the EP to Campus Programme largely due to its main objective to continue delivering expertise that builds up the students’ knowledge capital. \nThe process enjoys reciprocity – as guest speakers\, we benefit from the analytical approach and critical thinking of the young generation. This December\, I focused on EU Migration Insights 2017 and the role of the EP in the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. \nThe first lecture shed light on the unprecedented global movement of people. We discussed migrant integration public policies of the MSs. We also approached migration from the perspective of identity and populism. I briefly commented on the reform of the Dublin system and the EU return policy. \nAs concerns over migration and identity are central to European politics\, we devoted generous time to discuss two surveys covering two opposite aspects. \nOne of the surveys belongs to the London-based Royal Institute of International Affairs\, known as \nChatham House. It is designed to probe the attitudes in the EU towards the perceived effects of migration\, the refugee crisis and how it has been managed since 2015. The specific issue of Islam in European societies is also in the focus of the survey. \nThe second survey is produced by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA)\, based in Vienna\, and it throws light on the experiences of Muslim refugees and their children born in EU MSs. \nWe could make two general conclusions: \n• Populist movements will continue to find resonance among the public when they seek to amplify such concerns into a broader opposition towards the EU. So\, wide-ranging strategies will be necessary to engage more authoritarian-minded voters and to re-frame debates about migration in such a way as to reduce perceptions of a cultural or identity threat. \n• Over the longer term\, the leadership of the EU institutions\, civil society and business will need to invest efforts in attempting to change \nattitudes. A source of optimism\, however\, is stemming from the EU’s advantages compared to those of other parts of the globe – not only that some of the EU MSs economies are among the most competitive in the world\, but they also enjoy some of the most equal societies. The challenge for the EU is to utilize these strengths and to build on the historic achievements of integration. \nTo bring the international group of around 60 students closer together\, I threw light on the refugee solidarity concert series Give a Home that took place in cities all over the world last September. The English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran joined\, too\, a lineup of 1\,000 artists performing at the places of their music fans in support for the cause of the refugees. \nThe second topic concerning The Role of the EP in the UK’s withdrawal from the EU provoked many questions under the mantra ‘Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed’. We discussed in detail the citizens’ rights\, Good Friday Agreement and single financial settlement. We had a brainstorming session based on the public opinion in the post-Brexit era. Our Friday session had its peak: a small creative project. Students from Syria\, Ghana\, Croatia\, Ukraine\, Czech Republic and I came together to call for empathy in a song titled Race to Freedom\, dedicated to 18 December\, International Migrants Day and 20 June\, World Refugee Day.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/czech-republic-mendel-european-centre-brno-from-03-to-05-december-2018/
CATEGORIES:EP to campus
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/mendel_university_logo-eng_cmyk_0.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20181128
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20181130
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20200221T155549Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250527T072404Z
UID:4461-1543446000-1543532399@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:Annual Seminar 2018 "How can former MEPs and European citizens help rekindle the enthusiasm for the European construction based on the European ideal"
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row el_class=”management-committee”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”HOW CAN FORMER MEPS AND EUROPEAN CITIZENS HELP REKINDLE THE ENTHUSIASM FOR THE EUROPEAN CONSTRUCTION BASED ON THE EUROPEAN IDEAL” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]The 2018 Annual Seminar took place on 29 November 2018 at the European Parliament in Brussels.[/vc_column_text][vc_images_carousel images=”8961\,8964\,8968″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” custom_links=”#E-8_aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuZmxpY2tyLmNvbSUyRnBob3RvcyUyRjE1MTg2MjA1MCU0ME4wNyUyRmFsYnVtcyUyRjcyMTU3NzA0MjYwODUzOTU1″][vc_custom_heading text=”KEYNOTE SPEAKERS” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fformermembers.eu%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2Fprofile_of_speakers_en.pdf||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/MQPM9alkZK4″ align=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text] \n\nWelcome and introduction to the seminar\, by Mr Hans-Gert PÖTTERING\, President of the European Parliament Former Members Association and Former EP President.\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXzsGxsLnQQ&t=173s”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text] \n\nSpeech by Heidi HAUTALA MEP\, Vice-President of the European Parliament. Member of the Working Group on Information and Communication Policy.\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpz1w-fIDiw&t=21s”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text] \n\nSpeech by Mr Íñigo MÉNDEZ DE VIGO\, Member of the Spanish Congreso de los Diputados\, Former Minister and President of College of Europe.\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UsOAC9n-gA&t=182s”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text] \n\nSpeech by Mr Mikuláš DZURINDA\, President of the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies (WMCES). Former Prime Minister of Slovakia.\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu6m0Difck0″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRlkxziuxFM”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text] \n\nQ&A session moderated by Hans-Gert PÖTTERING.\nPresentation of the new EP website “WHAT IS EUROPE DOING FOR ME” by Mr Etienne BASSOT\, Director of the MEPs’ Research Service and Ms Sarah SHEIL\, Director of the Structures Policy Unit\, European Parliamentary Research Service. Watch the video.\n\nFind more PHOTOS of the event here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3AfwCzdKW8″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text] \n\nPresentation of the new EP website “WHAT EUROPE DOES FOR ME” by Etienne BASSOT\, Director of the Members’ Research Service and Sarah SHEIL\, Head of the Structural Policies Unit. European Parliamentary Research Service.\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/annual-seminar-2018/
CATEGORIES:Annual Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/20181129_EP-077181A_DHO_120-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20181127
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20181129
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20200227T152954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200602T150446Z
UID:5014-1543359600-1543445999@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:2018 Annual Dinner
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nThe 2018 Annual Dinner was held on Wednesday 28th November 2018 at the Member’s Restaurant of the European Parliament in Brussels. Mr. Carlos Moedas\, European Commissioner for Research\, Science and Innovation\, was the Guest Speaker at the dinner. His speech can be found here and more pictures on the FMA Flickr account. \n[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”5015\,5017\,5019\,5021″ img_size=”large” onclick=”custom_link” custom_links_target=”_blank” custom_links=”#E-8_aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuZmxpY2tyLmNvbSUyRnBob3RvcyUyRjE1MTg2MjA1MCU0ME4wNyUyRmFsYnVtcyUyRjcyMTU3Njk4Mzc0MzQwMTcw”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/2018-annual-dinner/
LOCATION:European Parliament\, Rue Wiertz 60\, Brussels\, 1050\, Belgium
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2018-annual-dinner-pic3-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20181126
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20181130
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20181101T134045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200607T205541Z
UID:5553-1543273200-1543532399@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:GERMANY - GEORG-AUGUST UNIVERSITY OF GÖTTINGEN - Michael HINDLEY
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \n \nThe Georg-August University of Göttingen organized a talk with Michael HINDLEY\, FMA Member\, on the topic of Law and Policy-making in the EU and the conequences of BREXIT for the EU and Great Britiain. The programm at the university included lectures and follow-up discussions and debates with students. \nMission report: CAN THE EU SURVIVE BREXIT? \nI was extremely pleased to receive a second invitation to the Euroculture Centre at the University of Göttingen which I first visited in November 2016. I suggested an update on my last year’s title ‘Can the EU survive Brexit?’ Not simply an example of English ‘tongue-in-cheek’ humour\, but a warning that Brexit is not only an existential question for the UK\, but also one for the EU. \nCertainly the mood among the Masters Students in the three seminars I participated in was puzzlement and sadness about the UK leaving. There was some anxiety among a couple of UK students about their future status and questions from other EU students about their potential status post Brexit. \nMy last year’s visit coincided with the news that Donald Trump had won the Presidential race in the USA. That news was met by the same sadness and puzzlement as the Brexit decision. \nThis year’s visit came in the wake of the German general election which saw a sharp decline in the popularity of the two major parties (CDU/ CSU and SPD) and the rise of the anti-EU nationalists\, AfD. The fate \nA group of students from the Georg-August-University \nof Chancellor Angela Merkel\, widely seen as a stabilising force in the EU\, has become an anxious question. We are entering an increasingly uncertain period. The eastern EU states are increasingly sceptical\, even hostile to EU policy made in Brussels; witness the widening resentment against EU asylum policy. \n‘Europe’ is increasingly seen as the problem for nation states\, not the solution to national problems – a point the ‘More Europe’ advocates from Brussels fail to grasp. \nThe gap in perceptions of ‘Europe’ looms large. In my experience of young people\, like the students I met in Göttingen and others I have met at \nhome and on FMA guest lectureships don’t share this pessimism. So many of them have benefited from European wide programmes\, they travel with ease and confidence. They are prepared to rise to the challenge of competition and opportunity offered by the EU. \nHowever\, doubts remain and indeed grow as to whether the EU is there for the benefit of all and not just for the quick\, mobile\, talented elite. Serious work ahead for the EU which demands less self-congratulatory propaganda and more applied reasoned persuasion.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/germany-georg-august-university-of-gottingen-from-27-to-29-november-2018/
CATEGORIES:EP to campus
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20181121T230000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20181122T230000
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20200402T141330Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200527T110344Z
UID:7069-1542841200-1542927600@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:40 Years of European Parliament Direct Elections
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The international conference “40 Years of European Parliament Direct elections” took place the 22nd and the 23rd of November 2018 at the European University Institute in Florence. This prestigious meeting was jointly organised with the EP Former Members Association\, which was represented\, by the former EP and FMA President\, Enrique Baron Crespo and the FMA Board member responsible for relations with the European University Institute\, Monica Baldi. \nThe conference brought together high-profile academics and European Parliament stakeholders with the aim to engage in in-depth analysis and discussion of the European Parliament over the past 40 years. In particular\, the conference focused on the Parliaments activities\, its role within the EU institutional and political system and more specifically\, on the upcoming 2019 EP elections. More information here. \nSee a more detailed report here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_images_carousel images=”7070\,7072\,7074\,7076\,7078\,7080\,7082\,7084\,7086\,7088\,7090\,7092\,7094\,7096\,7098\,7100\,7102\,7104\,7106″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/40-years-of-european-parliament-direct-elections-2/
LOCATION:EUI Florence\, via dei Roccettini\, 9\, San Domenico di Fiesole\, Florence\, 50014\, Italy
CATEGORIES:Events on 40 years of European Parliament
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20181105
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20181111
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20181101T134045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200618T103151Z
UID:5557-1541458800-1541890799@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:UNITED STATES - UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN EU CENTER (EUC) - Robert EVANS
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nThe University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign EU Center (EUC) organized two major events: “17th Annual EU Day”\, a celebration of transatlantic relations and strives to promote a better understanding between the peoples of the US and the EU also featuring a roundtable discussion on the EU; “Researching and Teaching the EU: Best Practices and Current Trends in EU Scholarship — A Working Conference”\, an annual conference that brings together college faculty with the aim of increasing research on and teaching of the EU at universities and four-year and two-year colleges in Illinois and the American Midwest. \nRobert EVANS\, FMA member\, participated in these events.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”VISIT TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS\nMission report” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%230027c6″ google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:800%20bold%20regular%3A800%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]There can’t be many universities anywhere in the world\, with their own airport. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is one such institution. Situated some 220 km south of Chicago\, the university is one of the largest public colleges in the USA with nearly 50\, 000 students. The sprawling\, yet modern campus seems to engulf just about the whole of two small towns\, Urbana and Champaign in addition to being home to a very successful EU funded Jean Monnet institute. \nIt was their invitation\, to attend the institute’s twentieth anniversary conference\, on behalf of former MEPs\, that saw me land\, late one cold November evening at their own\, modest but convenient airport! \nAfter a long trip via Dallas\, some 1500 km to the south – I have never understood why it is cheaper to take two flights and fly over your eventual destination hours before you reach there – I was met at the airport by Sebnem Ozkan\, the centre’s associate director and one of my excellent hosts. \nThe University of Illinois is the only American University to offer a Masters course in European Studies and it was a real pleasure to talk with Dr Neil Vander Most\, Professor Kostas Kourtikakis and their engaging and well informed students. Questions covered a whole range of issues including the history of the EU\, but not surprisingly\, invariably came back to Brexit and why the British people voted to leave a successful union of 28 countries. \nAs part of their anniversary celebrations\, the EU’s ambassador the United States\, his excellency David O’Sullivan delivered a thought-provoking speech on ‘the State of the European Union’. In the ensuing roundtable there were plenty of questions about the evolving state of EU-US relations. As the conference coincided with the inconclusive American mid-term elections\, there were plenty of opportunities for comparisons and thoughts about the forthcoming European Parliament elections in 2019. These and other issues were also discussed when I was a studio guest for an interview with the local radio station\, Illinois Public Media. \nMy keynote speech on Saturday morning included my own personal thoughts on Brexit and how the then prime minister David Cameron badly mis-judged\, both the mood of the country and his own popularity. After eight years of austerity\, the lack-lustre ‘remain campaign’ gave the British people a rare chance to object to the EU and register a complaint anything else they fancied or didn’t fancy. There were obvious comparisons with Americans’ objections to President Trump but also warnings for other EU countries who fail to face head-on\, the concerns of the voters.  From the unrest in France to the rise of fringe or ‘populist parties’\, the EU can be the catalyst for negative voting. \nAfter a hectic four days\, I left Illinois for London to be present at the commemorations for the end of the first world war. Twenty million people died in the ‘war to end all wars’ which only preceded another brutal conflict just twenty years later. An awful testament to what happens when Europe is not united. Fortunately today’s liberal politicians and keen voters have more sense then our forefathers … I hope. \nMy sincere thanks to Professor Carla Santos and all at the University of Illinois for an excellent and stimulating few days and to the Former Members Association for their organisation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/usa-university-of-illinois-at-urbana-champaign-eu-center-euc-from-06-to-10-november-2018/
CATEGORIES:EP to campus
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20181027
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20181031
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20200226T104742Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200618T095731Z
UID:4533-1540681200-1540940399@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:2018 FMA Visit to Austria
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row el_class=”download-box-list”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”7630″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ el_class=”download-box-list”][vc_custom_heading text=”Ressources” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:800%20bold%20regular%3A800%3Anormal”][vc_column_text] \n\nDossier\nList of Participants\nFull Report\nPhotos\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The FMA Board member Lord Richard Balfe led an FMA delegation composed of 24 former MEPs from twelve EU countries and four European political families (EPP-ED\, Socialists\, Liberals and Greens)\, that visited Austria from 28 to 30 October on the occasion of the Presidency of the Council of the EU. The FMA in co-operation with the Austrian Association of former parliamentarians set up a programme aimed at evaluating progress towards achievements of the EU Presidency. It included official meetings with Parliament\, government and international organisations’ representatives\, as well as an open debate with university students.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4535″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The programme started with a meeting of the delegation with the Secretary General of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)\, Mr Thomas Greminger\, who stated: “The OSCE is the platform for inclusive dialogue addressing a broad range of security issues in the Euroatlantic and Eurasian area”. There has been some discussions on the major challenges to security in Europe\, with an emphasis to the efforts still needed to achieve comprehensive ceasefire in Eastern Ukraine. \nA special session was devoted to the important work carried out by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in the field of election observation and its follow-up actions. \nThe FMA underlined the valuable resource represented by former MEPs\, who can greatly contribute to the success of the ODIHR EOMs thanks to their political background\, expertise and availability.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4541″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]During the meetings held with Ms Karoline Edtstadler\, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of the Interior as well as with Austrian parliamentarians\, it was reaffirmed the necessity to continue the Western Balkans topic\, also to fight against terrorism successfully\, and provide a European prospect for the whole region. It was reminded that Austria plays a crucial role thanks to its cultural understanding of diversity and ability to act as a bridge between Eastern and Western countries. \nThere was no substantial progress registered on the reform of the Common European Asylum System\, and it was reiterated the necessity to strengthen the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex. A recurrent issue was the adoption of the EU Multiannual Financial Framework and the impact of Brexit.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4539″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]An animated debate with university students organised by the EP Liaison Office in Vienna proved that the youngest generations are ready to involve in constructive dialogue. The discussion mainly focused on how to raise the interest of EU citizens in the forthcoming European elections and how the relevant information and facts regarding the EU dossiers can reach the ordinary people with an active involvement and participation\, starting with an understandable language and comprehensible documents.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4537″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The series of meetings was concluded by interesting and stimulating exchanges with representatives of the following international organisations kindly invited by H.E. Maria Assunta Accili Sabbatini\, Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations\, to present their work and their answers to present challenges in their respective fields of action: \n\nUNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization)\nIAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency)\nUNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)\nCTBTO (Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization)\nUNOOSA (United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs)\n\nThe discussion proved the importance of the existence of these institutions and the need for further support by the international community. \nA complete report on the visit was be published in the December Bulletin. Photos of the visit are available here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/2018-fma-visit-to-austria/
CATEGORIES:Visit to National Parliaments
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20181025
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20181028
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20181001T124045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200607T211352Z
UID:5561-1540508400-1540681199@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:UKRAINE - UKRAINIAN ASSOCIATION OF EUROPEAN STUDIES  - Paulo CASACA
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nThe Ukrainian European Studies Association organized the participation of Paulo CASACA\, FMA Member\, to  take part and deliver a report at the Jean Monnet Conference “Access of Ukraine to the EU Digital Single Market” and a public lecture at the Poltava Technical University to academics\, experts and students interested in EU-Ukraine relations and on the EU Digital Strategy Paper.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/ukraine-ukrainian-association-of-european-studies-from-26-to-27-october-2018/
CATEGORIES:EP to campus
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20181022
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20181024
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20200211T184549Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200401T154206Z
UID:5847-1540249200-1540335599@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:Leaders Beyond the State: an interview with Enrique Barón Crespo
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Former EP and FMA President\, Enrique Barón Crespo privately recorded his reflections on 22 October 2018 and delivered a public lecture on 23 October 2018.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/e7FacqEc4Os” el_width=”60″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/leaders-beyond-the-state-an-interview-with-enrique-baron-crespo/
CATEGORIES:School of Transnational Governance
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20181017
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20181020
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20181001T124045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200607T212646Z
UID:5565-1539817200-1539989999@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:BRAZIL - FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF MINAS GERAIS  - Manuel MEDINA ORTEGA
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nThe Federal University of Minas Gerais; Faculty of Milton Campos; Pontific Catholic University and Dom Helder Camara Law School organized a conference entitled “International and European Security and the foreign relationship with South America” to discuss about understanding the perspectives surrounding the current geopolitical and legal configuration of the relations between the European Union and South America within the framework of the security policy adopted by international instruments reflecting the common positions adopted by both regions. Manuel MEDINA ORTEGA\, FMA Member\, participated in these events. \nMission report: LOOKING AT WORLD PEACE FROM LATIN-AMERICA \nThe “EP to Campus Program” has facilitated my participation in an international seminar on “Foreign Policy\, Security and Strategy: Relations between South America and Europe” at the Law School of the Federal University of Minas Geráis in Belo Horizonte\, the capital city of the State of Minas Geráis\, Brazil\, on the 18th and 19th October 2018. \nIn the context of the visit to Brazil I was also invited to deliver a lecture on the European Union Law on Refugees at the “Dom Helder School of Law”\, a private university center in Belo Horizonte\, and to meet with students and faculty of the Master´s degree in international law at the Law School of the Federal University in order to discuss the relations between the European Union and Latin America. \nThree years ago\, in 2015\, I had already taken part in a similar joint program of the “EP to Campus Program” with the Federal University of Minas Geráis and the University of Itaúna\, a private institution in the neighborhood of Belo Horizonte. \nAt the time of my first visit\, the opposition parties had begun to take measures intended to impeach the president of the Republic\, Dilma Rousseff\, a member of the “PT”\, the left-leaning labor party led by former president Luis Ignacio “Lula” da Silva. Shortly before my second visit to Belo Horizonte\, the Brazilian courts of justice had prevented Lula from running again for the presidency of the country. Michel Temer\, the successor of Rousseff in the presidency of the Republic\, and one of the plotters who brought her down\, was indicted for corruption charges while I was in Brazil in the month of October. My recent visit to Belo Horizonte took place in the interval between the first and second rounds of the presidential\, congressional\, regional and municipal elections. The second round should have taken place on the 29th of October after this article has been sent for printing. Thus\, readers cannot expect to find fresh news on the electoral process when this article will be published. Opinion polls forecast a success for the extreme right wing candidate for the presidency\, Jair Bolsonaro\, a retired army captain. \nOpinion polls also indicate that Lula´s PT will continue to be the largest political group in Congress and will keep a good number of city halls and State governorships. The electoral campaign was at its climax\, while a small group of European and Latin American professors were discussing peace and security in the sedate atmosphere of the academic world. Latin America enjoys a privileged position in the international scene as an area of peace and common security. The relative instability of several domestic political systems in Latin American and the dominant position of the US in the American continent as a whole\, does not prevent the Latin Americans from playing their cards judiciously in the international arena. One reason for this relatively peaceful international situation may lie in the fact that the Latin America governments are not exposed to the same levels of pressure on peace and security issues to which the European States are now being exposed due to the aggressive tone of Russian foreign policy\, the ever present threat of Islamic terroris and the intensification of the migratory movements on its external borders. I pointed out this anomaly in my report in the panel on “The European Common and Security Policy and World Geopolitics”. Other participants in this panel were professors from Portugal (Isabel Cabrita)\, Uruguay (Diego Escuder)\, and Brazil (Flavianne Bolzan de Morais). Due to limitations of space\, I cannot include in this short article the entire list of participants and the particular issues discussed in each panel. The Seminar covered the whole spectrum of issues concerning peace and security\, including migrations\, terrorism and the threats to the environment. I found particularly interesting the report by Prof. Enzo Cannizzaro\, from the University of La Sapienza in Rome\, on the contentious issue of “The responsibility to protect”. Before taking the plane to Brazil I had apprehensions about the situation I could find as the country was involved in an electoral process that had heightened the levels of political confrontation and economic uncertainty. In fact\, during the few days that I spent in Belo Horizonte\, the “Real” was devalued and the shares in the stock exchange fell accordingly\, while political violence and street criminality continued at a high level. In this context\, many young Brazilians are now looking forward to the professional chances that Europe may offer to them in order to improve their professional and vital expectations. Due to the fact that many Brazilians are descendants of Europeans who migrated recently to the new continent\, they are entitled to acquire the citizenship of one or the other of the EU Members. The number of applications for the acquisition of the Portuguese citizenship submitted to the Portuguese Consulate in Sao Paulo was so high that the Government was forced to cancel the acceptance of new applications in that Consulate until next year. \nThe solution to the problems of unemployment and living conditions in Latin America cannot be found in accepting as legal immigrants all those wanting to come to this part of the world\, especially when the anti-European political parties are using the arrival of immigrants to Europe as a rallying banner against European integration. On the other hand\, since Christopher Columbus discovered five hundred years ago that there were new lands in the western side of the Atlantic Ocean\, Latin America has received hundreds of thousands of European immigrants. In a globalized social\, political and economic system\, isolation is not the solution to the problems of poverty and inequality. We need to cooperate more closely with Latin America. The European Union should look forward to ways to establish new world-wide arrangements that may help to solve our problems and those of our brothers and sisters on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. \nIn this context\, we should be aware that Brazil\, and the whole of Latin America\, is endowed with a competent\, hard working and well prepared new generation of university students and professors that have received education in our universities and research centers\, and are thus prepared to work with us in order to find solutions to our common problems in a world which has shrunk considerably as a consequence of the technological revolution that permits a broadbased exchange of knowledge across the borders of the nation-States\, old and new. \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/brazil-federal-university-of-minas-gerais-18-19-october-2018/
CATEGORIES:EP to campus
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180909
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180911
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20180901T124045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200607T213156Z
UID:5570-1536534000-1536620399@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:FRANCE - UNIVERSITY OF LILLE - Jean-Marie BEAUPUY
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The University of Lille organized an opening conference with the students of the Master of Urbanism and Planning\, presentation and discussion related to urban and regional development of EU. Jean-Marie BEAUPUY\, FMA Member\, participated in that event. \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/france-university-of-lille-10-september-2018/
CATEGORIES:EP to campus
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180719
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180721
DTSTAMP:20260504T012617
CREATED:20180701T124045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200609T093545Z
UID:5574-1532041200-1532127599@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:ITALY - LUISS GUIDO CARLI UNIVERSITY - Ivailo KALFIN
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nLUISS Guido Carli University organized a round table entitled “The role of parliaments in front of the Internet challenges in the XXIst century: digital democracy and privacy concerns “. It was part of the 7th edition of the Summer Program-Jean Monnet Module on “Parliamentary democracy in Europe”. This year the course was devoted to “Parliamentary Accountability and New Technologies: Transparency\, Privacy a nd Security Challenges” and took place on 9-20 July 2018. Ivailo KALFIN\, FMA Member\, participated in these events. \n“I believe we should reconsider the political systems in the democratic societies. And this can be made in a way to ripe the fruits of the digital advancement for further imposing and boosting democracy.” By Ivailo KALFIN[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Key note speech to \nThe Summer Program \nSchool of Government \nLUISS University\, Rome \n20th July\, 2018 \nEverybody presents themselves to elections. At school\, at the university\, for an elected body or simply for attracting someone’s interest – we constantly face competitions. And elections are about communication. We first identify the potential supporters\, make sure that these that have already decided in our favor are not lost meanwhile and then focus mainly on the so called swing voters – these who make up their mind for each separate vote.  This is done through the communications channels. Actually this is where new technologies have the most visible impact. In the last years the new technologies changed dramatically the communication channels and hence – the way candidates and elected representatives connect with the citizens. Internet based technologies became a powerful engine of change in the media environment. Traditional politicians are faced with a reform or dye dilemma. \nFor 22 active years in politics\, I presented myself 8 times to general elections – for national and European parliaments and for president. I have been working as elected representative and member of government and I have lived through the enormous change in the way to make politics. New realities happen so rapidly\, that most of the people even do not realize the span of the change. But when you look back\, the enormous shift happening within few years in the way to make politics is obvious. Back in 1994 the political rallies were a norm. People wanted to see the candidates and the elected representatives\, to ask them questions\, to criticize them. Citizens were feeling part of a community\, they were participating in politics. Now\, 25 years later\, political rallies are replaced by the social media. Of course there still are people who would prefer to physically attend a political event. But most of the younger ones communicate through the social media. In fact media and social media in particular increased their weight as intermediaries. Digital media are not just another communication channel. They practically influence the content and the perception of the information. Digital media become an important player in political communication. \nDigital media change both the form and the content of making politics. The changes in the form are easier to see. Nowadays election campaigns are heavily relying on digital media. But they have their particularities. They reach much more people but the access to a large amount of information makes the users very selective. To be noticed\, a political message needs to be simple\, short and bold. Political parties still campaign on the basis of complex election platforms. But who reads that? An efficient campaign targets the potential voters according to the individual recipient’s interests.  Hence\, the efficiency of a campaign is dependent on the technique used to match each potential voter with the most appropriate message. This makes the success of political campaigns not based on commitments but rather a function of the efficiency of the techniques\, software and other instruments used in it.  Instead of meeting voters and confronting platforms\, the campaigns now turn to be a competition of digital media experts and tools. \nA second major change in the form of making politics is the fact that digital media as a rule are rich media. They allow a two way communication. The traditional media are informative and they transfer the messages from the politicians to the voters while the digital ones provide the possibility to receive a reaction to the message and even to enter in a dialogue. That is a tremendous change. The very possibility that a citizen could send a message that would be seen by the politician\, makes people feel closer to the decision makers. That change of distance alters the entire paradigm of relations between voters and elected representatives. In general the decrease of the distance and the possibility to be aggressive anonymously to politicians undermine the institutional respect. \nA third difference in the form of making politics is that the elected representatives have a much better possibility to interact with the citizens between the elections. Maintaining profiles in different social media enables them to inform the public about their positions on current issues. This is a great opportunity if used properly and a challenge if politicians just try to please the public all the time and avoid arguing for unpopular decisions. \nA fourth change digital media bring in politics is the increased transparency. Or the possibility for transparency. If used\, that can be a very strong tool in politics. A good example is the practice of the European Parliament. All plenary sessions and committee meetings are streamlined. Anyone interested could find all the necessary information related to a particular file. Of course\, there is a room to go even further – disclosing all the documents for the trialogues or the famous four column document as well as shedding more light on the meetings with lobbyists. But still\, the European Parliament is far ahead compared to many national parliaments. More transparency as a constant goal is healthy. It cancels the TV effect that I have seen many times in the national parliament. When TV is broadcasting\, members strangely change – they deliver long and emotional speeches\, fight\, attack the opponents. The moment when cameras are switched off – they just loose interest in the debate. This wouldn’t happen if cameras are always on. \nSome researchers like Griffin argue that new media do not differ much from the traditional ones as people make rational choices. They are still a channel for communications. This is correct. But as we see\, the use of internet and the other new technologies make the media an important player in the political process to the extent that they are able to change the entire mechanism of making politics. \nThere is another very important characteristic of the new media – their atomization. Today an individual profile in a social platform or a blog are media per se – they produce news and participate in shaping the public opinion. That is a game changer in the communications world. Now media are much more accessible\, far reaching and much less subject to regulation or even to the observation of some elementary journalistic standards. The effect of atomization of media on politics is that the latter become much more reactive\, the door for fake news and disinformation is widely open and the information environment tends to become chaotic. \nAll these changes brought by the digital media impact profoundly the form of making politics. They also create a very favorable soil for new players and processes in the political life. To summarize – within two decades the digital media provide the reach to a much wider audience\, the successful political messages become short and catchy\, the large public without any particular reason feels more competent to directly make politics\, politicians have to be 24/7 available\, no matter the time of campaigns\, the increased influence of the social media goes together with lowering the standards for media content. All these provide an excellent opportunity for newcomers in politics. In fact they gain strength by the fact that people see the current politics too elementary and the new players can make an impressive appearance by competing not with political ideas but with technologies and techniques for using the digital environment. The result is very obvious – in a number of European countries we see newcomers or much strengthened formerly marginalized parties on the political stage.  Many of them are populist and nationalist. And they keep gaining ground. Why? To me the answer lies in three pillars: the feeling of insecurity among the large public\, created by the inability of the mainstream parties to face the economic crises and later – the crisis with migrants\, the very simple\, even simplistic messages by the populists\, usually blaming someone outside for the national problems and the chaotic digital media environment where expert analysis and pragmatism leave way to disinformation and catchy worrying titles. No matter whether their messages lead to real solutions. Closing national borders doesn’t solve the migration problem\, especially for the Southern EU members. Increasing the national capacity for fiscal policy is incompatible with the single currency. But these sound easy and natural solutions\, mobilizing the society against the external threat. That weakens the EU and subsequently weakens its member states. I wouldn’t duel further into the perspectives of nationalism here but history shows that it either is tamed by the political mainstream or leads to wars. \nAs we witness\, the rapid expansion of digital technologies is deeply affecting not only the form and the procedures of politics but also their content. Political messages get down to short title-like texts. The expert analysis is a point of reference to much less people. The revolt against current inabilities of these in power spreads much faster and supports mostly destructive initiatives. The traditional political parties and institutions are losing ground     vis-à-vis simplistic and sometimes aggressive politicians. The public is more sensitive and less compromising to political mistakes or mismanagement. In the quest for survival traditional\, mainstream political parties tend to drift to more extreme positions\, abandoning a centrist and consensus based behavior. This is clearly seen not only in countries like Poland\, Hungary\, Austria\, Italy\, where the ruling parties already demonstrate this trend but also practically in all EU member states where such ideas can be increasingly seen in internal politics and it is a matter of time to be adopted as political stands of the governments and parliamentary majorities. The external pressure coming from the reviving strength of Russia and the aggressive US President’s policy towards the EU is another factor for possible tectonic changes in Europe. \nIt would be exaggerated to argue that the new technologies are the ones provoking these changes\, but at the same time it would be short sighted not to see that they undermine the traditional way of making politics and open the way for more populism and lower solidarity in the society. Ironically the easy access to a large amount of information puts the individuals into a situation of a higher uncertainty\, doubt and lack of trust. We witness that external centers of power make use of this effect to promote controlled results from elections. The story with the personal data leaks from Facebook and their use by the defunct Cambridge Analytica to model election results is just an example of what we can expect. \nIs it possible to retain politics in the EU away from the risky waters of populism and nationalism? My answer is affirmative. I will not speak here about the need to reconsider the way mainstream politics are carried out. The raise of populism should shake the current political establishment. It needs to realize that mismanagement and excessive self confidence that were demonstrated in the first phases of the migrants’ crisis\, and earlier – the economic crisis have a price. And this price stands due even after the peak of the crisis and when the Union started looking for better solutions\, aligning the interests. I would rather focus on two proposals how to use the digital media to improve the way politics are made and perceived. \nThe first proposal is to dramatically enhance the use of digital technologies to make politics more understandable\, transparent and closer to the citizens. I have already mentioned the IT related initiatives of the European Parliament. They are a good example for many national parliaments but they just show the direction. The more disclosure\, the more systemized information\, the most interactive IT tools\, the more you create a community of engaged citizens. I would give a positive example from my own experience. Working on the pension reform as a member of government\, I had two options – to try to impose in parliament and explain the reform that was obvious for the experts. That would provoke massive discontent as usually happens with this type of reforms but even worse – a sense of insecurity that could be further magnified by the diversity of opinions in the internet. I choose the other option – I started a public debate about the existing pension system and parameters. People didn’t like it – for various reasons\, often specific for every particular groups. But this discussion allowed to open the door to discuss the reform. I made the proposals\, prepared by the experts but declared them a needed martyr text – just a basis for discussion. Then we had an extensive period of debates with the social partners and the other stakeholders and with the public – online. Finally we got a kind of agreement and the changes were voted in parliament. So\, we promoted a better understanding of the effects of the reform and avoided the public opposition and discontent. The key to me here was the very open and transparent approach\, attracting a community of stakeholders to be part of the process. Later the Ministry’s PR and media department received a high award by the media community for successful political communication. \nIndeed\, it is very difficult to squeeze politics into simple messages. Still this is possible. For example when saying that the EU budget costs one coffee a day to the citizens\, or Jeffrey Sach’es comparison saying that extinguishing malaria costs a cup of Starbucks coffee for the citizens\, or the fact that the EU administration is twice smaller that the one of Bulgaria for example and costs much less than the one in any member state – these are messages easy to understand and retain. This can be done. But the policy makers need to understand that changing the way politics are done is also a pertinent task. There is no genius that can decently explain why the obscure procedure for the adoption of the EU multiannual budget in the European Council is still maintained. Hence\, the proper use of the digital media cannot compensate the need to rethink the content and the procedures of making politics and to make them more efficient\, just and understandable. \nMy second proposal is much more forward reaching. I believe we should reconsider the political systems in the democratic societies. And this can be made in a way to ripe the fruits of the digital advancement for further imposing and boosting democracy. \nTo better explain this proposal\, I would make reference to the view of Yuval Hariri\, expressed in his recent book Homo Deus. He argues that with the development of technologies\, the real infrastructure would go digital\, the artificial intelligence would take better and more efficient decisions and the humans could be compared to biological algorithms using data for further perfection. That is a clearly utopic vision for the future. But we could see indeed some elements that can dramatically rationalize politics\, further asserting their constructive role. \nIf we want to reverse the trend of increasing the gap between the citizens and the political elite as a result of the abundance and diversity of information\, increased insecurity\, decreased credibility of political figures\, aggressive populism\, then we need to do everything to increase the confidence and make as much as possible for citizens to be involved in a constructive and informed debate. In fact the digital technologies offer such tools. \nWe have to change the political systems towards a better mix between representative and direct democracy. This is the road to make citizens involved in a constructive debate and decision making. A way to do this is elaborated in a project on enhancing political contracts and mandates\, carried out by the young Bulgarian futurologist Dr Mariana Todorova.  Internet can create communities mandating representatives to accomplish particular tasks. A member of parliament should not be elected on the basis of their or their party’s election platform only. Life is much more dynamic. Elected representatives need to implement concrete assignments and mandates by their electorate. The right to recall a representative should be strengthened and made a real instrument\, while preserving the stability of the institutions. Mandating representatives to accomplish concrete tasks could be introduced as a practice not only in elected bodies but also for various community priorities. This is the direction the supporters of the so called liquid democracy would like to see developments. Political decision making should be brought closer to the citizens involving them in a meaningful debate. They have to become part of the decision making. If this mix between direct and representative democracy is enhanced\, then referenda would not be an exceptional event\, subject to external pressure and disinformation. Citizens’ involvement would be part of the everyday political practice. Elected representatives will have to discuss with the citizens the political decisions and be more bound to their perceptions. Instruments as the EU Citizens’ Initiative have to be strengthened and it should be much more possible for citizens to put an issue to debate in the representative bodies. \nThe digital technologies provide great possibilities to further democratize politics. Elections\, referenda\, public consultations and debates can be very cheap and flexible online. There is a splendid possibility that technologies are used for good purposes creating more solidarity. Indeed they pose a challenge to the political leadership as good politicians are sometimes required not to follow but to lead the public opinion. But I am confident that democratizing politics will squeeze the room for politicians – followers and give more opportunities to demonstrate leadership. \nLet us hope that our societies will be able to grasp the possibilities offered by the technologies and use them to make politics more efficient\, constructive and trustful. \nThank you for your attention![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/italy-luiss-guido-carli-university-20-july-2018/
CATEGORIES:EP to campus
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