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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190116
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190126
DTSTAMP:20260504T050711
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:20260504T050711
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:20260504T050711
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:20260504T050711
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:20260504T050711
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:20260504T050711
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:20260504T050711
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:20260504T050711
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:20260504T050711
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:20260504T050711
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/goettingon-logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20181121T230000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20181122T230000
DTSTAMP:20260504T050711
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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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20181105
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20181111
DTSTAMP:20260504T050711
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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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20181027
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20181031
DTSTAMP:20260504T050711
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:20260504T050711
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:20260504T050711
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:20260504T050711
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:20260504T050711
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:20260504T050711
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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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180625
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180628
DTSTAMP:20260504T050711
CREATED:20190604T011906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200618T095214Z
UID:8813-1529892000-1530064799@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:FMC Annual Meeting 2018
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”8825″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”8828″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Mission report \nOn 25 and 26 June 2018\, in Washington\, the annual meeting of the US Association of Former Members of Congress (FMC) was held. FMA Vice-President Jan Willem Bertens had been invited. \nThe event began with panel discussions on ‘The Future of Europe’ and ‘American Democracy and Civics’. \nThe topics for debate included the fate of Europe\, with or without Brexit. In response to questions\, views on the subject were expressed by the Dutch Ambassador Henne Schuwer and his Belgian counterpart Dirk Wouters\, with Dr Emily Tamkin\, foreign affairs reporter at Buzzfeed News\, as moderator. \nWith just 250 days to go to Brexit\, it is still not clear what it will involve. Four scenarios were identified. A Soft Brexit to simulate a customs union without internal import tariffs but with a common tariff for trade with the rest of the world. So there would be no independent trade agreements with the USA\, Australia and New Zealand. A complete rejection would mean the end of May’s political career\, with all the political turbulence that that entails. Bad for European business. What is crucial is that Brussels should allow scope for less than full participation in the internal market while permitting a strong relationship with a strategic partner (the USA?). \nA Hard Brexit if the EU continues to insist on full participation in the internal market\, without the option of a customs union. If the UK ceased to have any say in Brussels\, but was still obliged to follow all the rules\, a standard trade agreement would apply. The social uncertainty and economic damage would be greater. There would be substantial barriers at borders. \nIf no agreement is reached on the Irish border: No Deal. Nor would there be a transitional period until 2020\, which would inevitably create chaos in transport and food supplies. Approval would be required from the European Parliament\, the House of Commons and the House of Lords. In other words\, a disaster scenario. \nIs No Brexit still a possibility? That would only be on the table if the UK surrendered all its derogations: it would lose its rebate and opt-outs. British politicians\, too\, will only dare to press the No button if they feel that they have the support of the electorate. According to surveys\, the ratio between leavers and remainers is roughly the same as in 2016. So\, on 29 March 2019\, goodbye Great Britain! \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nThe title of the panel on Democracy and Civics was ‘The Republic is (still) at risk – and Civics is part of the solution’. \nA Briefing Paper for the Democracy at a Crossroads National Summit is available from the FMA secretariat. The first sentence is a striking one: Americans give the political system a failing grade. ‘Just one in five Americans is willing to trust the government in Washington even “most of the time”\, near the lowest proportion ever recorded!’ \nOn 26 June\, the President\, Mr Stearns\, presented his concluding report in the House Chamber\, and in doing so\, at the same time stepped down from his post\, being succeeded by Martin Frost. In accordance with established practice\, Paul Ryan\, Speaker of the House\, came storming in and\, during his brief visit (twenty minutes)\, greeted his former colleagues and made it clear that he hoped very shortly to become a member of the FMC (thunderous applause). \nJan Willem BERTENS[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/fmc-annual-meeting-2018/
CATEGORIES:FMA Network
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180617
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180621
DTSTAMP:20260504T050711
CREATED:20200607T215140Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200608T010155Z
UID:9807-1529276400-1529535599@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:FRANCE - UNIVERSITY OF CLERMONT AUVERGNE - Ilona GRAENITZ
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nThe University organized a round table and conference entitled “Models and Policies for Climate and Energy in Europe”. The conference was addressed to scientific international experts. \nIlona GRAENITZ\, FMA Member\, participated in this event.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/france-university-clermont-auvergne-ilona-graenitz/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180617
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180621
DTSTAMP:20260504T050711
CREATED:20180601T124045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200607T214827Z
UID:5578-1529276400-1529535599@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:FRANCE - UNIVERSITY CLERMONT AUVERGNE - Paulo CASACA
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nThe University organized a round table and conference entitled “Models and Policies for Climate and Energy in Europe”. The conference was addressed to scientific international experts. \nPaulo CASACA\, FMA Member\, participated in this event. \nMission report: MODELLING DEVELOPMENT \nSome ideas \nFollowing the Rio summit as well as several subsequent international initiatives\, we are now engaged in the ‘Sustainable Development Goals 2030’ (SDG) exercise comprising 17 goals\, 169 targets and 232 indicators (as 2017\, but still growing). \nWe consider this as a more coherent inspiration for development modelling then the ‘climate change’ monomania\, which is so often restricted to atmospheric emissions\, energy and money metrics. Consequently\, we proposed a set of changes we think could enhance considerably the efficiency of the exercise. \nThe first change is to finally integrate the positive value of both natural and constructed environment conservation (and therefore the negative value of its destruction implied in development expenditure). This implies switching from a ‘sustainable’ to an ‘integrated’ developmental vision. Money metrics can be used here so as to evaluate material realisations (such as infrastructures) not directly measured by the market. \nThe second is to “dejargonise” model-making processes. The decay of the language used in international institutions has worsened and reflects \nthe progressive alienation from reality of the actors involved. Pleonastic\, inconsistent and metaphysical constructions have been one manifestation. The promotion of a set of simplistic publicity messages to the general public does not help the main objective of connecting the model to reality. An assessment and evaluation framework of the designed SDG\, controlled by actors fully independent from those directly linked to the main international institutions which produced the plan in the first place\, is central. \nThe third is to integrate essential human values such as freedom and the capacity to influence public policy\, which are at least as precious as material progress itself. This will clash with the existing state majority within the UN\, among whom the popularity of freedom and democracy is decreasing. Democratic nations might have to work here on their own. \nModelling professionals must ensure that their efforts are not transformed into a window-dressing mechanism aimed at hiding relevant facts. Modelling must be fully transparent on its assumptions\, clear in its functioning and frank about its uncertainties. Development actors shall avoid being slaves of communication strategies based on quick ‘emotional shots’ which so often and so severely skew reality while producing no good outcomes in the long-run. \nWhereas the mobilisation of civil society on all its forms is essential to achieve results\, the adequate use of public financial means for the agreed targets is the most crucial element. The priority must be to promote fundamental and applied research as well as development\, dissemination and application of new solutions\, instead of consuming resources ineffectually on bureaucratic workouts which are difficult to define and assess.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/france-university-clermont-auvergne-from-18-to-22-june-2018/
CATEGORIES:EP to campus
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180602
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180606
DTSTAMP:20260504T050711
CREATED:20200226T104742Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200618T094756Z
UID:4545-1527980400-1528239599@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:2018 FMA Visit to Bulgaria
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row el_class=”download-box-list”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”7647″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][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” custom_letter_spacing=”-1.8px”][vc_column_text] \n\nDossier\nList of Participants\nProgramme\nFull report\nPhotos\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A truly European  FMA delegation composed of 19 former MEPs from ten EU countries and five European political families (EPP-ED\, Socialists\, ECR\, Liberals and Greens)\, led by the FMA Board member Brigitte Langenhagen\, visited Bulgaria from 3 to 5 June on the occasion of the Presidency of the Council of the EU. The National Assembly of Bulgaria\, in co-operation with FMA\, put together an excellent programme aimed at evaluating progress towards achievements of the EU Presidency. It included official meetings with Parliament and government’s representatives\, a visit to the Georgi Rakovski Military Academy as well as well as a cultural visit to Plovdiv\, European capital of culture 2019.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4546″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]It emerged clearly from these meetings that the Western Balkans are a top priority of this Presidency\, together with the necessity to provide a European prospect for the whole region by further improving the connectivity (transport\, communications\, energy\, education\, and digital). EU membership is considered a key factor to guarantee peace\, stability and prosperity in the Western Balkans that for centuries have been an example of interreligious coexistence and suffered from atrocious wars and widespread violence in the 1990s. It was noted that if the EU wants to be a global player\, Western Balkans need to join the EU sooner or later. Bulgaria will continue its efforts under the Austrian and Romanian EU Presidencies.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4548″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]A recurrent issue was also the adoption of the EU Multiannual framework with a strong accent on the need to continue providing EU assistance for the social policy. The impact of Brexit on the long-term EU budget was also discussed. \nIt was reaffirmed that Bulgaria is ready and meet all requirements to access the Schengen Area  which would allow to better control the borders. The Vice-President of the Republic of Bulgaria\, Iliana Iotova concluded the series of meetings by urging that substantial reforms of the EU project be undertaken\, in particular how the EU Institutions work and the policies addressed. She was most concerned about the future EU budget and human rights which see the EU take a step back. Please find here the speech of Monika Panayotova\, Deputy-Minister for the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU 2018.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4550″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The National Assembly organised an exceptional cultural visit to Plovdiv including an outstanding welcome recital by three talented soloists of the State Opera of Plodviv conducted by the Artistic Director Luciano Di Martino. The performance took place in the superb Museum Hall of the Philippolis Art Center followed by a dinner during which the delegation’s members exchanged their views and reflections in a relaxed atmosphere.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4552″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The programme was concluded by a visit to the Military Academy with a stimulating keynote speech delivered by the eminent FMA member Henrik Lax who participated in many successful FMA “EP to Campus programme”. He completely caught the attention of an audience composed of officers and civilian students. Mr Lax concluded his articulated speech on “The European Union: Expectations and Challenges” by reminding that “Both Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump are forcefully engaged in building up national narratives seriously challenging the values and interests of the EU”. He then wondered whether there “will be solidarity and courage enough among the leaders of the Member States to confront their citizens with the true threats to our social order and the tough measures required to address them”. We encourage you reading his complete speech available on the FMA website . Insightful reflections and analyses on this visit by the delegation’s members will be published in the September 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-bulgaria/
CATEGORIES:Visit to National Parliaments
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180530
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180601
DTSTAMP:20260504T050711
CREATED:20200211T184549Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200303T144108Z
UID:5843-1527721200-1527807599@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:Leaders Beyond the State: An Interview with Josep Borrell
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Spain’s Foreign Minister\, former President of the European Parliament and FMA member\, Josep Borrell was interviewed on 31 May 2018 \nhttps://youtu.be/V4OmFLNytrQ[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/leaders-beyond-the-state-an-interview-with-josep-borrell/
CATEGORIES:School of Transnational Governance
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180514
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180518
DTSTAMP:20260504T050711
CREATED:20180501T124045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200607T222954Z
UID:5582-1526338800-1526597999@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:GERMANY - UNIVERSITAT FLENSBURG    - Robert GOEBBELS
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Europa-Universität Flensburg (EUF) organized a three days event\, which were divided into interdisciplinary round table discussions and workshops on different European Studies related topics\, the award ceremony of the Europe Prize of the university\, as well as interactive student initiatives all over the campus. \nRobert GOEBBELS\, FMA Member\, participated in this event. \nMission report: THE RIGHT TO SECESSION DOES NOT EXIST \nDuring my visit to the European University of Flensburg\, I took part in a colloquium on the right of peoples to self-determination. \nThe organisers had invited representatives from Catalonia to defend that rich Spanish province’s independence aspirations. \nOne of the underlying issues in the debate was a complaint regarding the European Union: why had the EU institutions failed to support Catalonian separatists? \nMy response went down like a lead balloon. How can the European Union support independence movements when the preamble to the Treaty on European Union sets out that the Member States are ‘resolved to continue the process of creating an ever closer union among the peoples of Europe’? \nArticle 50 of the Treaty provides that ‘any Member State may decide to withdraw from the Union in accordance with own constitutional requirements’. The United Kingdom is currently going through that bitter experience. \nBut the Treaty does not in any way suggest that part of a Member State has the right to withdraw or dissociate from the Union by means of ‘self-determination’. If a Member State needs to ‘reorganise’\, it can only do so by following the country’s constitutional requirements. \nThe Scottish independence referendum was authorised by the UK Parliament. The dissolution of Czechoslovakia into two countries \n– the Czech Republic and Slovakia \n– took place in a context of political upheaval in Europe. \nThe European Union must defend the integrity of all its Member States. It cannot push for their disintegration. \nAll the more so in the Catalonian case\, as the Spanish Constitutional Court ruled that the Catalonian Government could not unilaterally declare Catalonian independence. Catalonians have their own culture and their own language\, but neither is under threat. Under the Spanish Constitution\, the Catalonians have more than enough means to defend their identity. The Catalonians are not oppressed or being subjected to a dictatorship. Their dream of independence can only come true if they negotiate with Spain’s central powers. What is more\, the electorate’s opinion has been shown on a number of occasions to be completely divided regarding independence: almost half of Catalonians want to remain Spanish. The famous right to self-determination is a dangerous fantasy which could aggravate regional self-interest. More often than not\, independence movements are mostly driven by the desire not to share their region’s ‘riches’ with their fellow citizens from other regions\, whom they label as lazy. Italy’s Lega Nord\, Flemish parties in Belgium and many others have taken that stance. \nThe fact that the UN Charter makes no reference to the right of peoples to self-determination is a perfect illustration of the fact that it is a fantasy. The United Nations calls for the ‘sovereign equality’ of all states. The Charter stipulates that no provisions in it ‘authorise the United Nations to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state’. \nIt was not until after decolonisation began that a resolution\, from 1952\, referred to the ‘right of peoples to self-determination’. But once a new state has been formed\, the United Nations has always refused to allow unilateral secessions\, as we saw in the attempts by Katanga and Biafra to declare their independence.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/germany-universitat-flensburg-15-17-may-2018/
CATEGORIES:EP to campus
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20180509T230000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20180511T230000
DTSTAMP:20260504T050711
CREATED:20200401T140643Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200707T084452Z
UID:6993-1525906800-1526079600@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:The State of the Union 2018
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The 2018 edition of The State of the Union took place from 10 to 12 May and had a special emphasis on Solidarity in Europe.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/0dcKX-3blK8″ el_width=”60″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”2018 STATE OF THE UNION CONFERENCE” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23020089″ google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:800%20bold%20regular%3A800%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]On 10-12 May the eighth State of the Union conference took place at the EUI. The State of the Union is a high-level conference for reflection on the European Union. This year the main topic was “Solidarity in Europe”\, a topic of crucial importance to face the future of the EU. \nThree heads of state were present: Sergio Mattarella\, President of the Italian Republic; Michael D. Higgins\, President of Ireland; and Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa\, President of the Portuguese Republic\, as well as distinguished academics\, practitioners\, and members of civil society. Jean-Claude Juncker\, Mario Draghi\, Antonio Tajani and Federica Mogherini gave their view on the importance of ‘Solidarity in Europe’. As President Tajani said\, the last ten years of crisis have slowed down the virtuous solidarity process and the same pro-European momentum. The spirit of solidarity between countries that has been the real driver of the integration process is failing. \nDistracted politics feeds anger and sellers of illusions. According to President Tajani\, the only answer to reconnect the Institutions to their citizens is a different Europe\, more political\, more democratic\, more solidary. A Europe which is incapable of supporting solidarity is in danger of losing its own souls and its own values. He concluded his speech by saying that Europe’s respect for culture and diversity should be at the heart of its public discourse. As President Higgins said “Solidarity in Europe must be the foundation on which our Union’s action is built. It must be the star which guides our action at home and in the wider world.” \nThe need for a more unified and solid Union has been exposed through a series of panels that followed the opening\, ranging from EMU\, development and humanitarian aid strategies\, energy and climate change\, social investment\, immigration and EU foreign\, security and defence policies. The FMA was represented by Former President Enrique Barón Crespo and Monica Baldi\, FMA Board member responsible for relations with the European University Institute.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”8081″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text] \nEnrique Barón Crespo at the 2018 State of Union in Florence \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”8083″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text] \nFrom left to right: Enrique Barón Crespo\, Renaud Dehousse- President of the European University Institute\, Monica Baldi and Vincenzo Grassi – Secretary General of the European University Institute \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/the-state-of-the-union-2018/
LOCATION:EUI Florence\, via dei Roccettini\, 9\, San Domenico di Fiesole\, Florence\, 50014\, Italy
CATEGORIES:The State of the Union
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180507
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180510
DTSTAMP:20260504T050711
CREATED:20180501T124045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200607T223512Z
UID:5590-1525734000-1525906799@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:TURKEY - IZMIR UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMICS - Gyula HEGYI
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nThe event had as its main theme ‘The EU’s Environmental/Energy Policy: Achievements\, Challenges and Implications for EU-Turkey-Relations’. Gyula HEGYI\, FMA Member\, participated in this event. \nMission report: MEETING YOUNG AND PROGRESSIVE TURKS IN IZMIR \nIzmir is a beautiful city situated along the Aegean Sea\, with 4 million inhabitants. This progressive-minded city has six universities\, and I was invited to the Izmir University of Economics (IUE). IUE is a private university with around 7500 students. My host was Assist. Prof. Dr. Alexander Bürgin\, Head of EURAC\, who has been awarded a Jean Monnet Chair by the European Commission in August 2015. (A Jean Monnet Chair is a title assigned to university professors with a specialization in European Union studies\, including financial support for three years.) \nI participated three different panels with 20-20 minute’s introductions\, and I also tried to answer the many questions of the smart and well informed students. The first topic was The Promotion of Environmental Standards in the EU external relations. I mentioned that EU has some of the world’s highest environmental standards. The EU’s goal is to promote these standards and global sustainable development to their trade partners. The 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change is especially crucial for us\, and the EU is driving force of its implementation. \nHowever I also mentioned that in practice there are some contradictions as well\, and in some cases the Third Countries have higher environmental standards. A student immediately mentioned the example of the natural heritage on which the Turkish regulations are tougher than ours. \nThe second topic was Making Cities Sustainable: Achievments and the Changes in the EU and Turkey. In Turkey cities accommodate over 75% of the country’s population\, and the sustainable urban development is crucial for the fast-growing urban population. I spoke about the importance of public transport\, clean air\, renewable energies\, green public procurement\, heat waves and other issues. I also mentioned my own EP report on the thematic strategy on the urban environment. Following my interventions the other panelist\, Mr Ümit Sahin from the Sabunci University Istanbul mentioned that the GDP growths in Turkey is mostly based on construction\, and it is far from being an environmentally sustainable activity. He\, as a green activist\, gave a detailed picture on the environmental problems of Turkey\, harshly opposing a project of a Russian-built nuclear power station. As it normally happens\, some students were against the nuclear energy\, others had more tolerant approach to it. It was interesting to hear that one student even traveled to Chernobyl as a tourist to see the spot. \nThe third topic was The Rise of Nationalism and Populism in the EU. Due to the political situation I refrained from criticizing the Turkish government but I spoke a lot about the nationalist and illiberal tendencies in Hungary and Poland. The students were rather well informed on the problems of these two countries. But I also underlined that to criticize the “Brussels” doesn’t mean automatically euroscepticism\, and the integration to the Common Europe shouldn’t endanger our own national cultures. We had a lively debate on the Hungarian-Turkish relations and the exact meaning of the “nationalism”. Some students came from the EU countries\, which also show the good reputation of the IUE. Professor Bürgin closed all the three sessions with useful conclusions. His whole course on European studies goes in English and we have to keep contact with this progressive university. \nIt has been really heart-warming to meet these talented\, skilled young students\, who share our values in Turkey. Let’s hope that they overcome the troubles of their rich and brave country![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”9821″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/turkey-izmir-university-of-economics-8-9-may-2018/
CATEGORIES:EP to campus
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180506
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180511
DTSTAMP:20260504T050711
CREATED:20180501T124045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200607T224452Z
UID:5586-1525647600-1525993199@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:SLOVENIA - UNIVERSITY OF LJUBLJANA - Per GAHRTON
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nThe University of Ljubljana organised a lecture for BA students in the introduction to policy analysis led by prof Damjan Lajh\, meetings with student associations and participation in the Europe Week round table on EU’s environmental policy. \nPer GAHRTON\, FMA Member\, participated in this event. \nMission report: SLOVENIA – DRIFTING TOWARDS POPULISM? \nIn mid-May I visited Ljubljana on assignment for the European Parliament’s former Members’ Association. The idyllic calm of the cafés along the Ljubljanica river was overwhelming – but perhaps deceptive. My visit coincided with the run-up to a snap election on 3 June: the third since 2011 and the ninth general election since the break-up of Yugoslavia. There have also been 20 referendums on everything from EU and NATO membership to the legislation on archiving\, same-sex marriage and railway building. Was it wishful thinking\, then\, when a major Swedish newspaper referred to the country as “Friendly little Slovenia” (Svenska Dagbladet\, 15 July 2011)? When I took part in a panel debate on EU environmental policy at the Faculty of Social Sciences\, I came across an opinion that is often heard in Scandinavia: the EU is needed in order to tackle cross-border environmental issues\, but the action it takes is too weak. I cited Wikipedia\, which commends the EU for the Paris Agreement\, but Panel of Speakers at the event of the University of Ljubljana notes that the EU’s leadership role in the area of environmental policy has been weakened. A briefing note drafted by the European Parliament’s research service lists the social dimension\, migration\, security and defence as issues that are being discussed with an eye to the future of the EU post-Brexit\, but the environment is not mentioned (The Future of Europe – Contours of the current debate\, European Parliamentary Research Service\, April 2018\, PE 620.202). \nI found Uroš Vajgl’s contribution particularly interesting. Mr Vajgl\, who has represented Slovenia in COREPER\, the EU’s ‘secret centre of power’\, maintained that the EU devotes less effort to environmental issues than it does to employment\, for example. At lunch with Mr Vajgl and others after the debate\, I was struck by their criticism of commercialism and general left-wing attitudes. Were these representative of the Slovenian people? According to The New York Times\, the election on 3 June ‘tilted another European country to the right’. And it’s true that a right-wing populist party won with 25% of the vote\, but a new centre-left group\, Marjan Šarec’s list\, came second\, and the social democrats came third. \nDespite the weak position that the Greens are in\, I was asked to give a lecture based on my book\, Green parties\, Green future (Plutobooks\, 2015). As a thank-you\, a member of the audience gave me a book entitled The Slovenian Greens: From early success to long-time failure (Danica Fink-Hafner\, Matej Knep and Meta Novak\, Faculty of Social Sciences\, 2015). Later on I showed the book to Igor Juriši ć\, leader of Slovenia’s Green Party (Stranka Mladih)\, and his response was: ‘I haven’t got round to reading it yet\, but unfortunately the title is spot on!’ In 1990\, Slovenia’s Greens garnered 8.8% of the vote\, 8 seats in Parliament and 5 ministers. In 2018\, however\, they didn’t manage to field any candidates under their own party name\, cooperating instead with Marjan Šarec’s list. Fink-Hafner\, Knep and Novak cite two main reasons for the Greens’ decline: first\, it had been a mistake to go into government with such a new\, weak party\, and second\, there had been too much sectarianism and factionalism\, and too many defections. Slovenia is a good reminder that it is important for small parties to be very careful in choosing the right time to have a go at being in government. It also shows that the curse of sectarianism must be kept in check. \nOur Slovenian hosts told us that it simply wasn’t done to visit Slovenia without going to Lake Bled\, so my wife and I duly went there. To prepare\, I read a French novel about a couple who visit the beauty spot. The blurb on the back promises ‘glimpses of a relationship which\, despite the lovers’ good intentions\, is doomed to fail’ (Clément Bénech\, L’été slovène\, 2013). I hope the novel isn’t predicting the downfall of ‘friendly little Slovenia’\, but shows\, rather\, that the country’s future is in the hands of decent democrats after all. \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”9826″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/slovenia-university-of-ljubljana-from-7-to-10-may-2018/
CATEGORIES:EP to campus
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20180502T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20180502T163000
DTSTAMP:20260504T050711
CREATED:20201123T123042Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201123T124657Z
UID:12959-1525271400-1525278600@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:Political communication in the upcoming European elections
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On 2 May 2018 the FMA organised with the EPRS a seminar entitled “Political communication in the upcoming European elections“. \nThe Speakers were: \n\nEnrique BARÓN CRESPO – President of the EP Former Members’ Association\nAnthony TEASDALE – Director General for European Parliamentary Research Services\nDanuta HÜBNER\, Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs\nCliff STEARNS\, President of the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress\nJaume DUCH GUILLOT\, EP Spokesperson and Director-General for Communication\n\nHere you can find the programme of the event and the profile of Speakers. \n[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”12964″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/political-communication-in-the-upcoming-european-elections/
CATEGORIES:Policy event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180501
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180505
DTSTAMP:20260504T050711
CREATED:20180501T124045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200607T232859Z
UID:5594-1525215600-1525474799@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:HUNGARY - UNIVERSITY OF SZEGED - Herbert BOESCH
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nThe event is part of a series (Integration Club) organised by the University of Szeged in relation to European integration for students (undergraduate and graduate)\, university staff\, high school students\, young graduates\, press and interested public. \nYou can find a presentation of the project here. \nHerbert Bösch\, FMA Member\, participated in this event. \nMission report: SZEGED WAS WORTH A VISIT \nAdmittedly it isn’t easy to get to Szeged. If you go by plane\, you land in Budapest\, over 200km from Szeged\, and if you take the train\, the journey from Lake Constance can take some 15 hours. But it’s worth it: a beautiful city with a touch of Mediterranean flair and a neat and tidy centre with lots of space for walking and cycling and time to enjoy yourself. And students from across the globe. \nRight at the start there was an interview with two young ladies from northern Germany\, office apprentices who were spending a month in Szeged as exchange students. Asked why they had chosen that particular place\, their response was refreshingly simple: they wanted to see a part of the EU which was less well known in their own country. They said they were charmed by the city and the people. \nThere followed a discussion in the university’s ‘integration club’ with young people from across the whole of Europe\, with questions which were a million miles from the everyday trivia of the European institutions. Defending and improving human rights\, perspectives for EU enlargement\, and freedom to travel and settle abroad were among the issues raised. As expected\, the role of the Hungarian government in the EU was also discussed\, as was the increasing isolation from the 27 other Member States which the country might face as a result. Participants were unanimous in their view that the EU should place the common values set out in the Treaties above the selfish national interests of individual Member States in the forthcoming negotiations on the future financing of the EU. These values were also stressed in the context of migrants seeking in the EU a safe place from discrimination and persecution. \nThe following day we discussed the limits of European integration and the enlargement potential of the EU. The lecture took place in the Faculty of Law of the University of Szeged. Students from third countries – in particular from the Balkans – voiced their hopes that the EU would increase its efforts to ensure enlargement takes place. \nAt the moment it seems the EU is giving the impression of being overly concerned with itself and its internal conflicts. And we were reminded that the last major enlargement was in some ways still being digested and that there should be an internal consolidation of the EU before any further enlargement. An initiative such as the European Convention might give some impetus both to deepening the EU and to increasing its capacity for enlargement. Expectations in this regard fall on the European Parliament. I have a particular memory of two young women from Serbia and Kosovo who asked what they could do to help their countries join the EU… \nIt is to the credit of the ‘EP to Campus’ programme that events are also held away from national capitals. This is an important difference from most EU events organised by the in-country offices of Parliament and the Commission. It may be that the atmosphere in a university town at Hungary’s southern (EU) border is very different from that of the capital\, for cultural and geographical reasons. \nAnd it was clear that our young interlocutors really appreciated having a (former) Member of the EP to represent Europe rather than ‘Brussels bureaucracy’. \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/hungary-university-of-szeged-2-4-may-2018/
CATEGORIES:EP to campus
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180501
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180503
DTSTAMP:20260504T050711
CREATED:20200227T152954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200227T154631Z
UID:4867-1525215600-1525301999@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:2018 Dinner Debate
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The 2018 Dinner Debate took place on Wednesday 2 May in the European Parliament\, Brussels. Mr. Roberto Gualtieri MEP\,  Chair of the EP Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs \, was our Guest of Honour.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”4870\,4872\,4874\,4868″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]For more photographs of the Dinner Debate\, please click here[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:http://www.formermembers.eu/event/2018-dinner-debate/
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
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