April 2004, Issue no 24
http://resource.regional.net
impact@regionalnet.org

1. Funding Opportunities

2. Announcements and Upcoming Events

3. Useful Links

Balkan Youth Project: Training course "Youth work development in FYRO Macedonia" - Call for Trainers
Application deadline: April 18, 2004


In the framework of the Balkan Youth Project, developed and implemented by the European Youth Forum and CARE International, a training course on "Youth work development in FYRO Macedonia" will take place from 29 May to 2 June 2004 in FYRO Macedonia.

The aim of this training course is to empower youth non-governmental organisations in FYRO Macedonia and to improve the information flow and co-operation between youth non-governmental organisations within the country. The activity will bring together around 30 participants from different youth non-governmental organisations in FYRO Macedonia.

With this call, the Balkan Youth Project is looking for 4 trainers, who:
- Have good knowledge about the situation of young people in FYRO Macedonia
- Have experience from previous involvement in the youth non-governmental organisation sector in FYRO Macedonia and preferably in South East Europe
- Have excellent knowledge on youth work and youth policy issues
- Are aged below 35
- Have knowledge of local speaking languages
- Are fluent in English
- Have previous documented training experience in different fields of youth work and youth policy
- Are able to take part for the full duration of the training course and the preparatory meeting (3 to 5 May 2004)
- Are willing to develop the training course according to the guidelines developed by the Balkan Youth Project steering group.

All travel and accommodation costs related to the participation in the preparatory meeting and training course in FYRO Macedonia will be reimbursed by the organisers. In addition, the trainers will receive an honorarium of 100 Euro per working day (total of 6 working days).

More information
Website: http://www.balkanyouthproject.net


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Short-term Study Visits for Youth NGOs from Montenegro- Call for Applications
Application deadline: April 25, 2004


CARE International and the European Youth Forum believe that it is very important for youth leaders and youth activists from NGOs in SEE to have the opportunity to meet with partner organisations from other European countries, in order to find out more about the youth NGO reality in other parts of Europe, to develop networks and to plan possible future co-operation.

Study Visits are part of the Balkan Youth Project (BYP). The BYP offers through this element the opportunity for the youth NGOs from the SEE region to apply for grants to carry out short-term study visits to identified partner organisations in the European Union. These study visits will consist of delegations of 4 persons from youth NGOs from the SEE region to visit partner NGOs in the EU countries for a period of one week (including travel days). Each study visit will consist of 4 youth activists from one country or entity from the SEE region. The activists applying for the study visit can come only from one organisation.

Selection criteria for participants:
- Must be creative leaders
- Must be influential inside his/her organisation;
- Must promote democratic values and be willing to share experience from the study visit
- Must have a good knowledge of the agreed language of communication
- Must be aged 18 - 30.
Women are encouraged to apply.

Selection criteria for sending and host organisations:
- Sending and hosting organisations have to be democratic youth structures
- Hosting organisation should be more developed than the sending organisation
- Sending and hosting organisations must be youth-led organisations (not youth service organisations)
- There can be only one sending organisation
- Maximum 4 participants from sending organisation can take part in the Study Visit
- Study Visit can last maximum 7 days
- Only youth NGOs from Montenegro can apply for the study visit in this round
- Only youth NGOs from EU countries are eligible to apply as hosting organization.

More information
Website: http://www.balkanyouthproject.net
Email: dp.carebl@blic.net


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Programme of Community action in the field of public health- Call for Proposals 2004
Application deadline: April 26, 2004


On 23 September 2002, the European Parliament and the Council adopted a Decision on the programme of Community action in the field of public health (2003-2008). This programme entered into force on 1 January 2003. It replaced the previous eight public health programmes on health promotion, information, education and training; cancer; the prevention of AIDS and certain other communicable diseases; the prevention of drug dependence; health monitoring; injury prevention; rare diseases and on pollution-related diseases. These all came to an end on 31 December 2002.

Programme Objectives:
- To improve information and knowledge for the development of public health
- To enhance the capability of responding rapidly and in a co-ordinated fashion to health threats
- To promote health and prevent disease through addressing health determinants across all policies and activities.
The programme should contribute to:
- Ensuring a high level of human health protection in the definition and implementation of all Community policies and activities, through the promotion of an integrated and intersectoral health strategy
- Tackling inequalities in health
- Encouraging cooperation between Member States in the areas covered by Article 152 of the Treaty.

Who Can Apply:
Projects can be submitted by active organizations in the field of public health to implement the priority actions defined in the programme decision.
In addition to the 15 Member States of the European Union and the 10 acceeding countries, the call is also open to participation by the EFTA-EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) within the context of the Agreement on the European Economic Area.
Organisation from any of these countries can submit a project as the main contractor, or act as a partner in any project.
The call is also open to the applicant countries which will participate in the public health programme in 2004: Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey.

Financing Conditions:
- The amount of the financial contribution under this call can, in principle, be up to 60 % of the eligible costs for the projects considered (exceptionally, a maximum co-financing of 80 % of eligible costs could be envisaged where a project has a significant European added value).

More information
Website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/health/index_en.html
Email: sanco-mailbox@cec.eu.int (Contact person: Marina Reece)


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Next Page Foundation- Professional Training For Romani Publishers And NGOs
Bulgaria, June 24-26, 2004
Application deadline: April 30, 2004


Romani Publications Project aims to facilitate the processes of using Romani language in print and in Internet communication by supporting publications in Romani language and by providing tools for development of professional skills in the field of publishing in Romani.

The training is addressed to Roma or non-Roma publishing houses and organizations working in the filed of publishing books in Romani and is planned to help them to manage effectively their publishing activities. It will provide tools for increasing the competence of the staff involved in publishing in Romani.

The sessions of the training will cover topics as budget plan of a publication, copyrights in publishing, book design, marketing, promotion, distribution. A particular emphasis will be put on professional skills development and future networking.

The training is open for publishing houses and NGOs based in Central or Eastern Europe or in the countries of the former Soviet Union. The participants have to be employed by publishing house or organization (NGO: society, association, editorial office) publishing books in Romani language, strongly motivated to develop competence in the field of publishing and directly involved and experienced in publishing practices.

More information
Website: http://www.npage.org/indexIE
Email: info@npage.org (Contact person: Sofiya Zahova)


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Open Society Institute Studentships for Doctoral Study in 2004-2007
Application deadline: May 1, 2004


The Department of Educational Studies expects to be able to offer two studentships, funded by the Open Society Institute, Budapest, for doctoral work in Oxford commencing in October 2004. The studentships will cover all university and College fees for three years, plus living expenses and travel costs for research purposes.

Those selected for the studentships will undertake research in areas related to the work in education of the Open Society Institute:
1. The first studentship is for a study of OSI/HESP work in creating a network of innovative higher education institutions in the region of Central Eastern Europe and the countries of the former Soviet Union, the impact of the network in fostering innovation in higher education, and connections of the network universities to other public as well as private universities in the region.
2. The second studentship is for a study of HESP work in promoting innovative teaching and learning practices in the region of Central and Eastern Europe and the countries of the former Soviet Union, to compare related HESP projects with teaching/learning development initiatives in other countries, particularly in the UK, and offer solutions for institutionalising permanent teaching and learning development programs within higher education institutions of the relevant region.

Applicants are expected to be graduates with good language skills. Excellent command of English is required, together with ability to read and communicate in Russian. Knowledge of other languages of the region (Central Eastern Europe and the countries of the former Soviet Union) will be an advantage, as will familiarity with developments generally in the countries concerned.

More information
Email: rosalind.gerring@edstud.ox.ac.uk (Contact person: Rosalind Gerring), david.phillips@edstud.ox.ac.uk (Contact person: Professor David Phillips)


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BYP European Voluntary Service- Final Call for Applications
Application deadline: May 7, 2004


The Balkan Youth Project offers a number of EVS projects to young people, through an agreement with the European Commission, aiming to promote a better understanding of the youth NGO reality in South East Europe and other parts of Europe. It supports non-formal education opportunities for young people through transnational voluntary service, which directly and actively involves young people in activities designed to meet the needs of society in a wide range of fields.

A BYP EVS project allows a young person to be a volunteer in another country for a specified period, between 3 and 6 months. Voluntary service activities can take place, for example, in the fields of environment, arts and culture, activities with children, youth policy, the elderly, heritage, or sports and leisure, media and communication, European awareness, etc. Volunteers will participate in activities that take place in a country other than where the volunteer lives, are non-profit-making and unpaid, bring an added value to the local community, don't involve job substitution and last for a limited period (maximum 6 months).

The EVS projects offered through the BYP are on a one-to-one basis (i.e. one volunteer goes from one country to another) and involves a partnership between a volunteer, a sending organisation, a host organisation and a co-ordinating organisation (European Youth Forum and Care International).
One organisation should come from the following countries or entities: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia. The other organisation should come from a EU member state.

Criteria for sending and hosting organisations:
- EVS project should contribute to the development of the BYP
- Sending and host organisations should submit a list of activities over the last 12 months
- Organisations have to be democratic youth structures
- Only youth NGOs are eligible (not youth service organisations)
- Clear planning and understanding between hosting and sending organisation
- Projects should involve young people with less opportunities.

The volunteers should know the local language or have a language of communication agreed with the host organisation and they have to submit their curriculum vitae and a letter of motivation with the application form. Priority will be given to individuals who have not been involved in previous international activities. Please also note that women are encouraged to apply.

More information
Website: http://www.balkanyouthproject.net
Email: mateja.prosek@youthforum.org (Contact Person: Mateja Prosek)


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E-Content (2001-2005)
Application deadline: May 14, 2004


This Community Action programme aims at stimulating the development and use of European digital content on the Internet and to promote the linguistic diversity in the Information Society. "Digital content" is a broad concept that covers digital information, entertainment, education, advertising and any combination of these functions.

In 2004, demonstration projects should address the following action lines:
1. Improving access to and expanding the use of Public Sector Information (PSI)
1.1 Cross-border information services based on public sector information
2. Enhancing content production in a multilingual and multicultural environment
2.2 Strengthening the linguistic infrastructure

The continuous submission call is open only for feasibility projects-FP, which are small scale projects lasting six to nine months. These projects are designed to provide a framework for early experimentation and appraisal of new ideas.

The target groups for e-Content are institutions, organisations or individuals active in the field of digital content in Europe, i.e. content creators and owners in private and public sectors; packagers and designers; publishers and distributors; net services companies; experts and market enablers, etc.

Participating countries are:
The 15 Member States of the EU
EEA - Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein
The ten acceding countries - Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovak Republic and Slovenia
The candidate countries - Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey

The European Commission will finance a maximum of 50 % of the total of the eligible cost.

More information
Website: http://www.cordis.lu/econtent/
Email: econtent@cec.eu.int


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Award for "Young active citizens" 2004
Application deadline: May 15, 2004


Through the "Young active citizens" Award, the Council of Europe rewards outstanding projects that aim to promote participation of young people in society. In 2004 the theme of the Award is "Participation of young people in the prevention and fight against violence in everyday life". The focus will also be on youth participation at local and regional level.

The general objectives of the Award are:
- To promote innovative initiatives for the promotion of active participation of young people at local and regional levels
- To contribute to the implementation of the Council of Europe Charter on participation of young people in local and regional life, and of the priorities of the youth sector
- To highlight and disseminate examples of good practice
- To increase the visibility of the youth sector and the work of the Council of Europe.

Projects should:
- Focus on specific issues such as: domestic violence; gang violence, including violence in and around sport arenas; violence in and around school; awareness-raising and training (formal and non-formal) for young people; gender based violence; violence motivated by racism and extremism.
- Be implemented in 2003 and completed before 15 May 2004.
- Aim at supporting and facilitating active participation of young people (and/or youth organisations/networks) in the prevention and fight against violence in everyday life.

Whether the projects are carried out on the initiative of young people, youth organisations/ networks or on the initiative of other structures ( eg. public authorities, institutions), they should actively involve young people in the formulation and the implementation of these projects. Projects should comply with the principles, values and philosophy of the Council of Europe's youth sector, both in terms of content and approach.

Participants:
- The competition is open to youth organisations and networks (in particular, political youth organisations) and to other non-governmental structures involved in youth issues that are relevant to the youth sector's work; to public authorities (local, regional, national or European), who are carrying out a project with young people.
- The Award will preferably be granted to measures, actions or projects that have been developed or implemented jointly or in co-operation between youth organisations/ networks/ structures and local or regional authorities, and submitted on a joint application.
- The competition is open to the 48 States parties to the European Cultural Convention, namely: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, The Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Former-Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine, United-Kingdom, Serbia and Montenegro.

More information
Website: http://www.coe.int/T/E/Cultural%5FCo%2Doperation/Youth/2._Priorities/award.asp
Email: Prix.Jeunes@coe.int (Contact person: André-Jacques Dodin)


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The Student Peace Prize
Application deadline: May 15th, 2004


The Student Peace Prize is awarded every second year, during ISFiT. It goes to a student or a student organization that has done a particular effort for democracy and human rights.
Students have played a crucial role in the fight for peace and human rights throughout history. With the Student Peace Prize, ISFiT wish to give support and attention to students that have done a particular effort for these important rights, and highlight the role of students in peace processes worldwide. The Prize will also inspire further idealism.
The prizewinner receives 50,000 NOK, and is invited to Norway to receive the prize. But equally important, the winner will visit Norwegian students in several university and college towns. This way, the winner will get a chance to present his case to Norwegian students, and draw attention to the conflict in question.
Anyone may nominate candidates to the Student Peace Prize, but it is the nine members of the comitee who select the winner(s). The Student Peace Prize Work Group (AU) will investigate the nominated students and student organizations in order to ensure that they are suitable candidates for the Prize, according to the Statutes of the Student Peace Prize. The Work Group will write a report about the candidates, which will be given to the Student Peace Prize Committee. The Committee decides the winner, who will then be invited to ISFiT 2005 to receive the prize.

More information
Email: nomination@isfit.org, peaceprize@isfit.org


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Centre for the Development of Vocational Training- Traineeships
Application deadline: May 31, 2004


CEDEFOP, the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, offers two six-month periods of in-service training (stages) for young university graduates and public service employees. Trainees are selected from nationals of the EU Member States of the European Union. However a limited number of nationals from non-member countries may be accepted. The training periods involve work experience in one of the departments of CEDEFOP and run from 1 March and 1 September each year.

Work carried out by the trainees would be equivalent to that given to junior executive-grade officials e.g. writing minutes of meetings, research on a particular topic, assist the supervisor or the head of unit in his/ her activities. The Translation Service of CEDEFOP also offers the possibility for in-service training. Trainees applying for a placement in the Translation Service go through the same selection procedures.

The age limit for trainees is thirty. However, the joint committee of CEDEFOP may make exceptions to this age limit at the applicant's request. A cover letter should then be submitted with the application form.

Most trainees are paid a grant and in some cases travel expenses are reimbursed.
In order to facilitate equal participation, disabled trainees may receive a supplement of 50% of the basic grant. The objective of this extra payment is to help disabled trainees to cover extra expenses such as transport, the cost of special accommodation etc. which might be required due to their disability.

The deadline for applications:
30 November (of preceding year) for the March training period
31 May for the September training period

More information
Website: http://www.cedefop.eu.int/stages.asp
Email: info@cedefop.eu.int


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Socrates - Observation and Innovation
Application deadline: June 1, 2004


The "Observation and Innovation" action aims at promoting European co-operation in educational policies. It is part of the SOCRATES II programme which supports co-operation in the field of education.

SOCRATES supports activities in eight actions:
1. Higher Education - ERASMUS
2. School Education - COMENIUS
3. Promotion of Language Learning - LINGUA
4. Open and Distance Learning and Communication Technology in Education - MINERVA
5. Adult Education and other educational pathways - GRUNDTVIG
6. Observation and innovation
7. Joint actions with other Community programmes
8. Accompanying measures.

The main objectives for this action are:
- To improve the quality and transparency of education systems,
- To further the process of educational innovation in Europe through the exchange of information and experience, the identification of good practice, the comparative analysis of systems and policies in this field, and the discussion and analysis of matters of common educational policy interest to be determined by the Council.

The main actions are:
1. Observation of education systems, policies and innovation
(a) General observation and analysis activities (Studies, analyses, pilot projects, seminars, and exchanges of experts, networks of institutions, expert groups etc.)
(b) ARION: Multilateral study visits for education specialists and decision makers
(c) Networking of establishments and other bodies suitably qualified to analyse education systems and policies. e.g. EURYDICE (http://www.eurydice.org/)
(d) studies, analyses, pilot projects, seminars, exchanges of experts and other appropriate actions relating to matters of common educational policy interest
(e) activities to promote recognition of diplomas and qualifications. e.g. NARIC (http://europa.eu.int/comm/education/programmes/socrates/agenar_en.html)
2. Innovatory initiatives responding to emerging needs
Support for transnational projects and studies aimed at helping to develop innovations in one or more specific sectors of education.
The three priority themes for 2004 are:
- Mobility and exchanges in the European educational area
- Making school studies and learning attractive
- Teaching of culture and sport in school education in Europe

This sector of SOCRATES is targeted at: education policy-makers; education authorities; researchers; educational associations; heads of institutions; educational advisors; curriculum advisors; government departments; teacher trainers; enterprises; parents; schools; pupils etc.

Countries eligible to apply:
- 15 Member States of the EU
- EEA countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway
- Acceding countries: Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia
- Candidate countries: Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey.
Grants will be awarded in respect of participation of those countries which are not EU Member States, provided that the relevant financial contributions of these countries are paid.

More information
Website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/education/programmes/socrates/socrates_en.html
Email: info@socleoyouth.be


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Leonardo da Vinci II - Transfer of innovation from the Leonardo da Vinci programme
Application deadline: June 1, 2004


The aim of the innovation transfer projects is the localisation (translation and cultural adaptation) of innovative content from the Leonardo da Vinci programme - LdV. It aims to integrate the results of and the lessons learnt from the best Leonardo da Vinci projects into public or private vocational training systems and companies at local, regional, national and/or Community level.

The process for transferring innovative training content has a number of steps which go beyond mere diffusion:
- Selecting and analysing innovative content and its transferability
- Adapting it to the culture, needs and requirements of potential users (updating the product, translations)
- Transferring it to new sociocultural and linguistic contexts (target groups, sectors,etc.)
- Using it in new sectors, with new target groups
- Piloting it in public or private training structures
- Integrating or certifying it in regional, national, European and/or sectoral training systems and practices.

The applicant will have to choose at least two final products from the LdV I and II programmes, analyse, adapt, test/exploit, transfer and integrate them in the vocational training practice of one or more public or private entities in at least one other participating European country. They can be:
- Vocational training establishments, centres and organisations at all levels, including universities
- Research centres and organisations
- Companies, in particular SMEs and businesses in the crafts sector; private and public sector bodies, including those active in the area of vocational training
- Professional organisations, including chambers of commerce etc
- The social partners
- Local and regional authorities and organisations
- Non-profit associations, voluntary organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with a registered office in one of the European countries taking part in the Leonardo programme.

Projects will be cofinanced up to 50 % of the eligible expenditure, with a maximum of EUR 150 000 per project.

Countries eligible to participate:
- The 15 EU Member States of the European Union
- EFTA /EEA countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway
- The future Member States: Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia
- Candidate countries: Bulgaria, Romania.

More information
Website: http://www.socleoyouth.be
Email: info@socleoyouth.be


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Gender Equality Programme- Call for Proposals 2004
Application deadline: June 7, 2004


Programme Objectives:
To develop the capacity of players to promote gender equality effectively, in particular through support for the exchange of information and good practice and networking at Community level.

Priorities for funding in 2004:
For 2004, the priority theme is 'promoting change in gender roles and overcoming gender stereotypes'. This priority theme can be developed across the intervention areas of the Programme, i.e. economic life, equal participation and representation, social rights and civil life. Other topics will be considered provided they are in the scope of the five intervention areas of the Programme.

Eligible activities:
Possible initiatives to be developed with a strong transnational cooperation a Community added value:
- Comparison of the effectiveness of processes, methods and tools related to changing gender roles and overcoming stereotypes
- Mutual transfer and application of good practice, exchanges of personnel
- Joint development of products, processes, strategy and methodology designed to overcome gender stereotypes and promote changes in gender roles
- Adaptation to different contexts of methods, tools and processes identified as good practice
- Dissemination of results, profile-raising materials and events relating gender roles which promote gender equality.

Who can apply:
This call for proposals is intended to finance transnational exchanges to promote gender equality involving a range of players from at least three countries among Member States of the European Union, the 10 acceding countries, the European Economic Area countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), or the candidate countries.
A proposal is presented by a Promoter which must have legal personality. Promoters generally form partnerships for the purpose of the proposal:
1. NGOs at European level (non-profit making representative body organised at European level).
2. Social partners at EU level (details available in the full text of the call for proposals).
3. Transnational networks or partnerships or consortiums of regional or local authorities.
4. Transnational networks of organisations which aim to promote gender equality.

Project duration:
The present call relates to a contractual period which will run possibly from autumn 2004 for a duration of around 15 months. Project activities have to start in 2004.

Financing conditions:
The total expected budget is around EUR 4 750 000. Grants cannot exceed EUR 500 000. Priority will be given to proposals with a requested grant of not less than EUR 250 000. The Community's financial contribution will not exceed 80 % of the total eligible costs of the proposal. The promoter and/or its partners and/or other sources is/are required to secure co-financing for the remaining 20 % of the total eligible costs of the project in cash (not in kind).

More information
Website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/employment_social/equ_opp/index_en.htm
Email: EMPL-PROG-GENDER@cec.eu.int


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European Regional MA in Democracy and Human Rights in South-East Europe
Sarajevo - Bologna 2004-2005
Application deadline: June 14, 2004


The 12-month Master of Arts Program is established through the joint efforts of participating universities, coordinated by the University of Sarajevo and the University of Bologna and it is currently approaching the end of the first semester for the fourth generation of students. The program is co-founded by the European Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Italy.

We would like to announce that the application process for the Academic Year 2004/2005 has started. Interested candidates may submit the application form and relevant documentation in person or by mail to the Center for Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Studies of the University of Sarajevo.

The citizens of six South-East European countries do not pay tuition fees, while they as well as the EU citizens are eligible for student grants to cover their basic living expenses.

More information
Website: www.cps.edu.ba
E-mail: coordination@cps.edu.ba


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Safer Internet Action Plan
Application deadline: June 15, 2004


This action plan aims to promote safer use of the Internet and new online technologies by combating illegal and harmful content. The coverage of the Safer Internet extends to new online technologies, including mobile and broadband content, online games, peer-to-peer file transfer, and all forms of real-time communications such as chat rooms and instant messages. The aim is primarily to improve the protection of children and minors.

There are four action lines:
Action line 1: Creating a safer environment
1.1. Creating a European network of hot lines
1.2. Encouraging self-regulation and codes of conduct
1.3. Quality labelling scheme
Action line 2: Developing filtering and rating systems
2.1. Benchmarking of filtering software and services
2.2. Encouraging user-friendly content rating
Action line 3: Raising awareness
3.1. Setting up a broadly based European network
3.2. Applied research in media education
3.3. Eurobarometer survey
Action line 4: Programme support - is used to fund general activities in support of the programme, including project reviews, studies and publications, conferences, seminars and final programme evaluation.

Projects will be co-funded up to 50% of the costs. The hotline and awareness co-ordination nodes will be funded up to 80% to cover additional costs and the specific requirements of network co-ordination.

Countries eligible to participate:
Participation is open to private or public legal entities, i.e. private companies, universities and higher education establishments, associations and public sector bodies, from:
- EU Member States
- EEA countries: Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein
- New Member States: Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia
- Candidate Countries: Bulgaria, Romania,Turkey (depending on co-operation agreements).

More information
Website: http://www.europa.eu.int/information_society/programmes/iap/contact/index_en.htm
Email: iap@cec.eu.int


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Tempus III
Application deadline: June 15, 2004


The Tempus III programme (2000-2006) is the trans- European Union programme for co-operation in higher education in the Western Balkans, the Partner States of Eastern Europe and Central Asia and the Mediterannean Partner countries. The programme supports the process of transformation to market economies and democratic societies in line with the objectives of overall EU co-operation with these countries. Tempus aims to contribute to the development of the higher education systems in the partner countries and their interaction with civil society and industry.

The Tempus programme has developed three main instruments:
1. Joint European projects (JEP) - supports groups of higher education institutions co-operating together ('consortia') over two or three year periods to achieve set objectives. The overall aim of these projects is to restructure and modernise higher education systems and their role in society. Consortia may include universities and also non-academic partners such as companies, public and private business organisations, professional associations, public authorities at local, regional and national level or social partners. Three types of JEPs have been developed:
- Curriculum Development projects
- University Management projects
- Training Courses for Institution building.
2. Structural and Complementary Measures (SCM) - provide a framework for short-term responses to particular needs that partner countries must have clearly defined as their priorities. The types of projects which have been developed are:
- Information and dissemination projects
- Training projects
- Pilot projects.
3. Individual Mobility Grants (IMG) - provide professors, lecturers, members of staff of higher-education institutes and ministry officials the opportunity to travel to other countries for work, related to the objectives of the Tempus programme. Types of eligible visits are:
- Preparation of a JEP proposal
- Participation in a specific event
- Study period / collaboration on a specific academic subject / dissemination of good practices.

The eligible countries under the Tempus III Programme are:
- 15 Member States of the European Union
- Partner States of Eastern Europe and Central Asia or TACIS partners: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan
- Western Balkans or CARDS partners: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
- Mediterranean countries or MEDA partners: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, Syria and Lebanon and Israel on a self-supporting basis
- Institutions from the following countries may participate but on co-funding basis:
Candidate countries of Central and Eastern Europe: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia.
Countries belonging to the G24 Group: Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Norway, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United States of America.
The Republic of Cyprus, Malta and Turkey.

More information
Website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/education/programmes/tempus/index_en.html
Email: tempus@cec.eu.int (Contact person: Martin Westlake)


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Sixth Framework Programme- Intellectual property rights helpdesk- Call for proposals
Application deadline: June 16, 2004


Programme Description:
The contract involves assisting potential and current contractors taking part in Community funded research and development projects with intellectual property rights (IPR), finance and exploitation issues and, in particular, issues such as those relating to Community diffusion and protection rules and intellectual property in transnational research projects.

Who Can Apply:
Legal entities (for example research institutes, universities and industry including SMEs).

Eligible Activities:
The 'specific support actions' instrument will be used to fund activities, the total indicative budget for which is 4 million euro.

Financing Conditions:
The proposal must come from at least 1 independent legal entity. The European Community pursues an equal opportunities policy and, in this context, women are particularly encouraged to either submit proposals or to be involved in their submission.

More information
Website: http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2004/c_066/c_06620040316en00110013.pdf
Email: alfredo.escardino@cec.eu.int


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EUROPRIX Top Talent Award
Application deadline: June 30, 2004


The Top Talent Award is a European contest for innovative projects and creative contents for top students and young professionals using all multimedia channels and platforms.
The benefits of participating in the Top Talent Awards are:
- EUR 10.000 prize money
- Participation in the Top Talent Festival in Vienna (all expenses paid)
- Adobe® Premiere® Pro software, a revolutionary nonlinear video editing application
- Networking possibilities with companies in the business and other young creatives
- Presentation of the Top Teams in the Top Talent Catalogue and DVD-Rom
- Promotion of the Top Teams at events throughout Europe (e.g. MILIA - world's interactive content marketplace).

Projects can be entered in the following categories:
- Broadband / Online - All web and internet contents and applications, especially those showing the potential of broadband experience demonstrating high interactivity, global connection, instant and up-to-date communication
- Offline/ DVD - Classic and future multimedia projects with a strong emphasis on telling a story in an emotional, expressive and media rich way
- Mobile contents - Innovative contents and applications using the potential of compact, mobile and communication-intensive platforms focusing on new multimedia solutions
- Games platforms - Pulsating contents with high speed interactions, highly involving and giving a rush to users
- Interactive TV & Video - Contents for the new broadcasting of the fully digitalised future involving the user
- Interactive Computer Graphics - Visually explosive contents transforming reality and seducing users into virtual worlds of cyberworld narratives.
- Cross-media - Projects based the use of many media for flexibility, media adequacy and high usability
- Content Tools and interface Design - Powerful content tools, content management systems and technological innovations concerning new ways in interface design.

Demonstrations and prototypes cannot take part in the contest. The products must have been released and/ published/completed in 2003 or 2004.

The participation is open to students, young content creators and multimedia producers under 30 (date of birth after 01.01.1974)
There is a participation fee of EUR 25/ 50 depending on the country of origin.

Countries eligible to participate:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Island, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, Cyprus, Malta, Turkey, Israel.

More information
Website: http://www.toptalent.europrix.org
Email: office@europrix.org


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Fellowships for Master and Doctoral studies in Social Sciences
Warsaw, Poland
Application deadline: October 10, 2004


The Centre for Social Studies offers postgraduate studies in sociology leading to the British Master of Arts (MA) diploma awarded by Lancaster University highly regarded in both Europe and the USA and the postgraduate diploma of the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IFiSPAN).
The Centre also offers its programme in a form allowing students to combine study with continued employment. In both cases programme is offered in a choice of three tracks:
1. MA in Society and Politics
2. MA in Economy and Society
3. MA in Culture and Society
In addition, our collaboration with the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology (IFiS) of the Polish Academy of Sciences and its Graduate School for Social Research allows the Centre's students to continue their studies to obtain the doctoral degree of IfiS PAN.

The language of teaching is English. The programme benefits from cooperation with IFiS PAN, the leading institution for social science in Poland, and with leading international specialists from outside the Centre for Social Studies. At the same time the Sociology Department of Lancaster University is rated by the Research Assessment exercise (the British Government's system of evaluation of academic institutions) as belonging to the small group of departments with the highest rating.

Our students are recruited from some 20 countries all over the world (mainly from Central & Eastern Europe). Our alumni continue their academic careers both at American Universities such as UC Berkeley, Columbia, Harvard, Stanford, the New School for Social Research and at British Universities such as Cambridge, Oxford, Lancaster, the London School of Economics as well as in their home countries. They also work for research agencies, the media, public administration and governmental bodies. Our programme, then, offers elite postgraduate education leading to a British MA degree.

The fees for a complete full-time 12 month intensive programme is PLN 10000 (approx. EUR 2300) or 900 PLN (approx EUR 210) monthly. The cost of a 18 months' study for the same programme in less intensive form allowing study to be combined with continuing work is PLN 12000 (approx. EUR 2750) payable in 18 monthly instalments of PLN 730 (approx EUR 170).

More information
Website: www.css.edu.pl
Email: css@css.edu.pl


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National Endowment for Democracy- Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program
Application deadline: November 1, 2004


The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) invites applications to its Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program. Established in 2001 to enable democracy activists, scholars, and journalists from around the world to deepen their understanding of democracy and enhance their ability to promote democratic change, the fellowship program is based at NED's International Forum for Democratic Studies in Washington, D.C. The program offers a practitioner or scholarly track and is intended primarily to support practitioners and scholars from new and aspiring democracies.
The fellowship year begins October 1 and runs through July 31, with major entry dates.

More information
Website: www.ned.org/forum/R-FApplication.pdf


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The Global Development Network (GDN)- Seed Funding Opportunity


One of the main activities of the Global Development Network is supporting research projects that have a global scope with respect to both importance and country coverage. Examples include Explaining Growth, Understanding Reform, and Bridging Research and Policy. Global Research Projects (GRPs) can either be developed internally in GDN or proposed by other organizations.

GDN is offering $10,000 in seed funding and up to $25,000 for a workshop for the development of research proposals for 2 topics for new GRPs. Interested organizations based in developing or transition countries should submit potential topics to GDN. Submissions should include background on the topic (including a brief literature review), an explanation of its global importance, how research on the topic could be undertaken, and how the seed money will be used. The maximum length of submission is 6 pages, double-spaced, 12 font, not including background information on you and your organization.

In addition to the seed funding, if the proposal is sufficiently developed, GDN will provide up to $25,000 for a workshop in Dakar Senegal in January 2005, just prior to its 6th Annual Development Conference. The successful recipients would then be expected to submit a final proposal for consideration by GDN's Governing Body at the time of the annual conference. If the final proposal is accepted by GDN's Governing Body, GDN is committed to making all efforts to obtain financial support for the project.

More information
Email: GRP@gdnet.org


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European Regional Youth Peace Summit Sarajevo 2004
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, May 7-10, 2004


The World Youth Peace Summit in co-operation with the Council of Europe are organising a European Regional Youth Peace Summit to be held from 7th to 10th May 2004 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
More than a thousand youth leaders from various European countries and South East Europe will attend the Summit. The organisers will cover travel costs for youth leaders. Participants will have covered costs related to three-day accommodation and food during the Summit. There is no participation fee.

More information
Website: http://www.worldyouthpeacesummit.org/regional_sarajevo.php


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Bridges for Education- Camps of conversational English


Bridges for Education, inc. will organize seven camps of conversational English this summer in Belarus, Bulgaria, China, Estonia, Poland and Romania (two in Romania in Cluj and Timisoara).

Since 1994 we have organized 75 camps in eight countries serving 10,000 students from 35 countries. The purpose of Bridges for Education is to promote tolerance and understanding using English as a bridge. We send professional teachers from the USA and Canada who are volunteers, they pay their own way and provide for dictionaries, t shirts and supplies for the camps as well as scholarships. We are not a religious or ethnic organization. We have non-profit status 501(3)(c) status and are incorporated in the USA and Canada.

We would like very much for you to send students ages 14-18 to our seven educational camps this summer. Please remind your teacher friends that if they bring ten students to one of our summer language camps, they do not have to pay for their room and board for the three weeks.

More information
Website: www.bridges4edu.org
Email: jbc@bridges4edu.org (Contact person: J.Beth Ciesielski)


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Meeting of Balkan Express- The Balkan Performing Arts Network
Sfantu Gheorghe, Romania, June 10-12, 2004


The general topic of the meeting will be "Audience development: Sharing practices and experiences in the region". During the meeting, an artistic workshop for young directors and a training session for cultural operators will be held, along with the 'exploration' of the host country's performing arts sector.

The BE encounter is organised by the ECUMEST Association - BE contact point for Romania - in partnership with "The League for Theatre" Foundation and Arcus Cultural Center, and will take place in the framework of the ATELIER International Unconventional Theatre Festival in Sfantu Gheorghe (9-13 June 2004).

More information
Website: www.ecumest.ro, www.ietm.org
Email: oana.radu@ecumest.ro (Contact person: Oana Radu)


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The Amsterdam-Maastricht Summer University


It is our pleasure to present the 2004 courses programme of The Amsterdam-Maastricht Summer University (AMSU).

Information about all courses offered in the summer 2004 can be found on the AMSU website www.amsu.edu.

The AMSU website is continuously updated and contains the latest information on our courses, workshops and seminars.

Thanks to the experience of our partner institutions in Amsterdam and Maastricht and the informal dynamism of our programmes, the AMSU harnesses the expertise available from professionals from all over the world and matches them with inquisitive participants from all over the world.

Those leaving an AMSU programme will have studied and discussed the courses subject matters, intensively explored the world they are facing, as well as established relationships with colleagues from all over the world. They will have been stimulated as much as informed. They will have taught as much as they have learned.

Further information on courses and practical matters as well as application forms and information about scholarships are available on the AMSU website (www.amsu.edu) or can be requested, preferably via Email (office@amsu.edu) or via the following contact details:
The Amsterdam-Maastricht Summer University
P.O. Box 53066
NL-1007 RB Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel. +31.20.6200225;
Fax. +31.20.6249368;
Email: office@amsu.edu

More information
Website: www.amsu.edu
Email: office@ amsu.edu


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The Romanian Public Policy Centre- New Patterns of Migration in Central and Eastern Europe Seminar
Cluj-Napoca, Romania, July 15-19, 2004
Application deadline: April 18, 2004


The purpose of the international seminar is to address the policy issues of labour migration from Central and Eastern European countries in the context of the first wave of the EU eastern enlargement.
For this we seek to bring together different actors of the policy debate on labour migration from various European countries in order to facilitate evidence based policy discussions. The main emphasis will be on labour migration related empirical research showing evidence of the new patterns of labour migration. Special focus will be dedicated to the effects of migration on the economic growth and development of source regions.

More information
Website: http://www.cenpo.ro/labourseminar
Email: dpop@cenpo.ro (Daniel Pop)


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Towards a Strategy for YOUTH in South East Europe: Valorisation and Strategy Building Seminar for the YOUTH Programme in South East Europe- Call for Participants
Sarajevo, Bosnia&Herzegovina, May, 12-16, 2004
Application deadline: April 19, 2004


Background: Besides the SALTO SEE Resource Centre, the European Commission has been supporting several large scale initiatives in and with South East Europe. These initiatives have focused on promoting the Programme in the countries of the Western Balkans through a variety of information, contact making and capacity building activities. They include in particular youthNET (Interkulturelles Zentrum), the Balkan Youth Project (European Youth Forum and CARE International), the ICYE Information Project and Between the Lines of South East Europe (Community Arts e.V.).

The European Commission has now asked the SALTO SEE Resource Centre to initiate and coordinate a process that will encourage a more effective involvement of the existing regional partners of the above projects and other main actors of the YOUTH programme in the region, for the benefit of the YOUTH programme in South East Europe as a whole.

About the seminar: To start the process, the SALTO SEE Resource Centre in cooperation with CARE International is organising a seminar bringing together about 55 regional partners of the above projects, trainees that have worked with the SALTO SEE Resource Centre as well as representatives from the governmental structures responsible for youth from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, FYR Macedonia and Serbia and Montenegro (including Kosovo).

In addition we would like to invite 5 to 10 participants (depending on places available) from organisations in those countries that have already been active partners in YOUTH projects (Action 1, 2 or 5) and are interested in getting further involved in supporting the implementation of the YOUTH programme in their country or region.

The seminar aims to valorise the achievements of the YOUTH programme, through the different projects and initiatives, in the Western Balkans up to now, and to develop more dialogue and joint strategies for the future to ensure sustainable results of the investments done so far.

National and regional YOUTH information and development meetings and a regional (Western Balkans) follow-up meeting are planned for the second half of 2004 and will be further prepared during the seminar.

Participants replying to this call should have the following profile:
- Have some knowledge about the YOUTH programme
- Be actively involved in an organisation that has already been a partner of one or more YOUTH projects (Action 1, 2 or 5), in which they have also been personally involved (preferably as co-organiser, leader of a youth group, trainer etc.)
- Be able to present their YOUTH project(s) to the other participants in the frame of an information market
- Be interested in exchanging information about their work with other participants and in looking for possibilities for dialogue and cooperation, in the frame of the YOUTH programme, in particular at national or regional level
- They and their organisation shcould be interested in being (more) active in the future in promoting the implementation of the YOUTH programme in their country or region.
Participants can come from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, FYR Macedonia and Serbia and Montenegro (including Kosovo).

Financial conditions: Travel to the seminar will be reimbursed, and board and lodging will be covered by the SALTO SEE Resource Centre.

More information
Website: http://www.salto-youth.net/SEEstrategy


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Bogazici University, Center For European Studies Student Forum- 2nd European Weekend School
Istanbul, Turkey, May 15-17, 2004
Application deadline: April 20, 2004


We are pleased to announce our 2nd international annual event on European affairs. You are cordially invited to join the 2nd European Weekend School on 15th - 17th of May 2004, located in Istanbul, one of the most beautiful cities of Europe. It will be an opportunity for the international youth to exchange ideas and develop a common vision for the future of Europe. Main topic of "2nd European Weekend School" is the challenging issue of "Dynamics of the European Enlargement".

During the program, participants are going to attend lectures given by prestigious experts on the issue and have a chance to participate in workshops which aim to debate key issues about European Union's Enlargement Process using an interdisciplinary approach. The new Enlargement Commissioner Mr. Janez Potocnik who is going to start his mission on 1st of May 2004 has been invited to make a speech at the opening conference. All participants will receive a certificate of participation at the end of the program.

Willing participants are welcomed to submit papers for the project. There will be an opportunity for the presentation of these papers during the workshops. The submitted papers will be evaluated by the academic committee of the organization team and selected papers will be presented during the project.

The possible topics for papers include:
- Political Process of the 2004 Enlargement
- Dynamics of the 2004 Enlargement
- The Future of Europe after May 1st
- Multi-cultural Structure of the Enlarged Europe
- Influence of the Enlargement on Economic and Monetary Union
- Common Foreign and Security Policy
- Social and Public Policies of the New Europe

Participation Fee: 50 EURO. The fee includes all accommodation, lunches, dinners, refreshments, sightseeing tours along the Bosphorus and visits to historical places. A number of participation fee waivers will be made available according to the evaluation of your motivation letters.

More information
E-mail: ces@boun.edu.tr


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Summer Session on Federalism- Call for Applications
August 29- September 12, 2004
Application deadline: April 22, 2004


The Summer Session on Federalism is a two-week study and travel program, where young professionals and scholars learn about theories, governmental structures, mechanisms and issues critical to federal systems. From 29 August - 12 September 2004, sixteen participants from countries around the world will take part in this unique experience.

The Summer Session is at the heart of the Forum's youth program. Now in its third year, this annual program will be organized in partnership with the Summer University at the Institute of Federalism in Fribourg, Switzerland in 2004.
The 2004 session will include field trips to the federations of Switzerland and Bosnia-Herzegovina, incorporating visits to each of the federal capitals and to a canton in each federation. The program will feature academic sessions, discussions with politicians and officials, an intergovernmental negotiation simulation, and tours of government institutions in both of the countries visited.

Who is eligible?
- You can take part in the Summer Session on Federalism if you are aged 30 or under and have demonstrated interest in federalism issues. Experience in federal governance or studies is beneficial, and will be considered by the selection committee.
- You may be an elected official or a public servant with any order of government.
- You may be working with a Civil Society Organization.
- You may be a student in any field of study (at a minimum, you must be in your final year of an undergraduate degree).

More information
Website: http://www.federalism.ch


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ENCATC Annual Conference
Krakow, Poland, May 13-16, 2004
Application deadline: April 23, 2004


This event, the first International event in the cultural field in Poland after the accession of Poland (01/05/2004), has the ambition to create a unique international environment of information exchange, know how sharing, debate amongst representatives from cultural & educational sector from Western, Central and Eastern Europe on managing cultural dynamics within the renewed Europe.

The timing for this conference is very appropriate. It allows representatives from cultural & educational sector from Western, Central and Eastern Europe to debate on the new role of culture in an enlarged Europe as well as on the new place of culture in the new Constitutional Treaty: with the biggest enlargement ever, the EU citizens need a deep understanding of the sense of building the European society and feeling of belonging to Europe without losing their national, regional and local ties.

Plus precisely, in the context of the work of the European Convention and the discussions on the future Constitutional Treaty of the European Union, this event reflects the ENCATC desire and commitment to support and foster discussions among its members (network of institutions including civil society organisations in the field of culture & education): on the responsibility of the culture and education sector towards achieving Europe as "a continent open to culture, learning and social progress"; on intercultural dialogue within Europe and beyond; on cultural inheritance of Europe in the life of society.

Established in Warsaw in 1992, the European Network of Cultural Administration Training Centres (ENCATC) is an independent umbrella organisation, and the only European organisation for training institutions and individuals (experts, lecturers and consultants in cultural management and administration, cultural policies and funding) professionally involved in education and training for the arts and cultural sectors.

More information
Website: http://www.encatc.org, http://www.encatc.org/EN/activities/events.lasso
Email: info@encatc.org


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Enlargement and the New Europe after 2004- Call for Papers
Aix-en-Provence, France, September 24-25, 2004
Application deadline: April 30, 2004


The Workshop focuses on Enlargement and the New Europe after 2004, a subject that is highly topical, often controversial and likely to be fundamental in determining the shape of the European Union. It builds on the very successful general 1st WISH/RIJC held in 2002 and the equally successful, more specific 2nd WISH/RIJC held in 2003.

It seeks to bring together the most promising young scholars concerned with the subject from universities of the EU Member States including the new Member States, countries that are candidates for later EU membership, countries of the Mediterranean basin and other countries such as China, the United States and elsewhere.

The Workshop is designed to offer the participants an opportunity to present their best research work in a professional academic setting to an audience of other young scholars and more senior scholars. It also is intended to provide a means by which their work can be published either in the form of an article or in an edited book destined for an international readership. The Workshop, one of the first of its kind in Europe, is oriented primarily towards research currently being carried out by advanced doctoral students.

Proposals are welcome on any aspect of the subject. Examples of relevant topics include:
The political, economic and social constitution of the EU, Legal culture, Human rights, Values and religion, Free movement of persons, EC policies, e.g. environment, agricultural policy, regions, EMU, State aids, Asylum and immigration, Access to documents, Differentiation and closer cooperation, New forms of governance, e.g. agencies, open method of coordination, role of social partners, Common Foreign and Security Policy, EU external economic relations, EU defense policy, EU in the Mediterranean region, Police and Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters, The Schengen system, Border control, The new frontiers of the EU, Comparative studies of effects of pre-enlargement preparation on post-accession policies, Political participation and European integration.

The Workshop will take place over one and a half days. It will comprise six panels (two per half-day). Each panel will include approximately three presentations by young scholars. Another young scholar will serve as discussant. Each panel will be chaired by a senior scholar. Ample time will be left for discussion. The working languages are English and French.

The costs of travel and accommodation (up to 2 nights hotel) of paper-givers and discussants will be covered by the organisers.

More information
Website: http://www.ceric-aix.fr
Email: elsnetwork@wanadoo.fr (Contact person: Nicolas Triart)


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The fourth Annual Graduate Seminar: New countryside. Culture, local governance and sustainability in rural development- Call for papers
Miercurea-Ciuc, Harghita County, Romania, September 16-22, 2004
Application deadline: April 30, 2004


The Sapientia University Miercurea-Ciuc, Romania, the Finnish Centre for Russian and East European Studies, Czech Agricultural University Prague, University of Lódz in co-operation with European Society for Rural Sociology, the Centre for Regional and Anthropological Research and the Harghita County Council, organises the 4th Autumn School for PhD students and young researchers in the field of rural studies on the interdisciplinary basis. During the weekly seminar the professor's lectures will refer to the main theme.

We call all interested young scientists (PhD students have priority) to send their abstracts (max. 1 page) before 30th of April 2004, to the following address: mmaria@cchr.ro
Students should choose a topic which is related to the main theme of the whole seminar "New Countryside. Culture, local governance and sustainability in rural development". Target area is European post-socialist countries (Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, Moldova and Ukraine).
The structure of the students' presentation contains:
- 30 minutes of paper presentation
- 10 minutes of professor's comment
- 10 minutes of opponent student's comments
- 10 minutes for public discussion.

The working language of the school is English.
Costs for the chosen participants will be covered as follow: accommodation and food, prepared excursion, social program, travel expenses inside the Romania. Abroad Travel Costs should be solved individually by each participant; financial support from national Academies of Science or other relevant institutions can be asked.

More information
Email: mmaria@cchr.ro


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European Language Label Winner- International Summer Language Camp 2004
Application deadline: April 30, 2004


It is a unique opportunity for children aged 9-18 to be involved in intercultural cooperation by English as a means of understanding.

Camp venue: "Art Hotel"- Sveti Vlas, a perfect combination of sea and mountain landscapes at Sunny Beach.
Luxurous Stay
Two- beds and three- beds rooms, Air-conditioner and TV set in each room, Canteen, Sport facilities, Swimming pool, Internet, 24 Hour Security Guard Service, safe beaches, medical services, discos.

Curriculum
Students aged 9-12
1. European values
2. Children's rights and responsibilities in the contemporary world
3. Others and I - Manners and communication
4. English language - motivation, knowledge and communication skills
5. Teamwork skills
6. Arts, choreography, theatre
7. Sport.
Teenagers
1. European citizenship
2. European values
3. Leadership behaviour and teamwork
4. Classes in Nature
5. European Geography
6. Arts, creativity, drama
7. English grammar
8. Web-design
9. Sport
Each camper is given a Certificate at the end of the camp

Give Your Child A European summer:
- 24-hour contact in English speaking environment
- New exciting friendships
- Studying tolerance
- Working in a team
- Getting used to be self control and running responsibility
- Improving our health
- Adopting a new outlook on life.

Shifts:
Students aged 9-12: Іst shift 4 June-13 June, ІІnd shift-14 June-23 June, ІІІrd shift-24 June-3 July
Teenagers aged 13-18: Іst shift-4 July-17 July, ІІnd shift-18 July-31 July
For the counselors accompanying 12 students the stay is free. They will be paid 100 euro at the end of the camp.
Prices:
For students aged 9-12- 170 euro
For teenagers- 220 euro.

More information
Website: www.englishclub-bg.org
Email: englishclub@englishclub-bg.org


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Sofia University, Department of Philosophy- New Social Movements and Sexuality- Call for Papers
Sofia, Bulgaria, September 8-9, 2004
Application deadline: May 15, 2004


The sixth meeting in the series "Socialism and Sexuality" will focus on the sexual ideologies and programs of the new social movements in Western Europe, the United States, and after 1989 in Central and Eastern Europe. Cultural changes in the 1970s and 1980s have led to a proliferation of new social movements in Europe and the United States concerning ecology, peace, ethnicity, gender and sexual identity. Although they are called "new social movements" some of them have existed since the late 19th century. Extension of participatory democracy has been one of the most notable features of these new social movements. Most of them have been closely allied with socialist parties, and share some of the goals of the traditional and the new left ideologies (with the exception of the right wing ecology movement).

Sexuality and sexual reform occupied a significant place in the new social movements of the West. The demise of communism in 1989 triggered a new wave of social movements in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet States. Unlike their predecessors in the West, the pro-democracy movements of CEE countries are essentially conservative and anti-socialist. One important cluster of the new social movements in Central and Eastern Europe that is clearly missing is the movement for sexual reform. Despite promising legal changes and expansion of the freedoms for the individuals in all countries of the region, sexual relationships are considered only in the case of couple: adult, monogamous and heterosexual. Sexual reform, gay and lesbian and the transgender movements have usually been excluded from the public discourse on social tolerance and development of social capital.

Created in 1997 by Francis Ronsin (University of Burgundy, Dijon) and other scholars associated with the Institute of Contemporary History (Dijon), the International Institute of Social History (Amsterdam), and the Center for Millennial Studies (Boston), the "Socialism and Sexuality seminar" has brought together on a yearly basis a number of scholars who explored the link between socialism and sexual politics. This year the seminar aims to attract more scientists from Central and Eastern Europe and the countries of the former Soviet Union, and expand the existing international network of scholars who research the sexual programs of leftist ideologies. (Read more about the last meeting of the series "Socialism and Sexuality" at:
http://www.iisg.nl/~womhist/socandsex.html)

The organizers are currently searching for sponsors to cover the conference-related expenses of scholars who lack the means to attend.

More information
Email: monika_68@hotmail.com (Contact person Monika Pisankaneva)


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ETC International Summer Academy on Human Rights and Human Security- Call for Applications
Graz, Austria, August 22-September 3, 2004
Application deadline: May 15, 2004


Background
The lack of opportunity to study the relationship between Human Rights, Human Development and Human Security has inspired the idea of the ETC International Summer Academy which in 2003 turned out to be a very successful and sustainable event. The ETC established the Summer Academy in the Human Rights City of Graz as a way to enhance the realization of the Human Security agenda. Awareness of the concept of Human Security, shared understanding of its interdisciplinary and cross-cutting character and its potential for international policy and decision-making is a precondition for the effective promotion of Human Security locally and globally. The ETC's latest contribution to this promotion is a direct offspring of the 2003 Summer Academy and the enthusiasm of its participants: the scientific online journal Human Security Perspectives launched in February 2004.

Objectives
- To create a better understanding of the relevance of the concept of human security
- To present and discuss indicators defining the state of Human Security
- To explore the linkages between Human Rights, Human Development and Human Security
- To discuss the agenda of the HSN states to improve Human Security
- To promote Human Security, Human Rights and Human Development in a holistic way
- To raise awareness about Human Rights Education as a tool for Human Security
- To provide the basis for capacity-building in Human Security Network states and beyond and networking on governmental, NGO and academic levels on Human Rights and Human Security.

Methodology
The Summer Academy draws on the expertise of a selected group of academics, practitioners and decision-makers from various sectors, which guarantees a broad approach to the questions of Human Security worldwide. To assure sustainability and multiplicatory effects the training methods put particular emphasis on the interactive approach. The Academy is designed as a modular course and allows for the transfer of knowledge as well as the acquisition of skills and the shaping of attitudes.

Target Group
The Summer Academy is designated for postgraduate students and researchers, young collaborators of ministries and of NGOs with a focus on South Eastern Europe and HSN members with a focus on South Eastern Europe and the South.

More information
Website: http://www.summeracademy.etc-graz.at
Email: barbara.schmiedl@etc-graz.at


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"Cultures of Violence", 5th Global Conference- Call for Papers
Mansfield College, Oxford, UK, September 20-23, 2004
Application deadline: June 4, 2004


This multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary conference aims to identify the underlying factors which contribute to and understand the prevailing extent of violence in contemporary life. It likewise aims to probe the representation of violence in media, art and literature and assess the contextual implications of such representations. Violence remains a horrifying feature of today's world; the project actively seeks to explore whether there can be a culture counter to the culture of violence and how is it to be promoted.

The conference will be structured around 4 main thematic groupings; papers, presentations, reports and workshops are invited on the following themes:

1. Perspectives for Understanding Violence
Papers will explore the methodologies available for uncovering the underlying factors which contribute to violence, the perspectives provided by all disciplines for attempting to understand violence and the models available for developing interdisciplinary methods for approaching violence.

2. The Objects and Goals of Violence
Papers will explore those who are targeted by perpetrators of violence and seek to analyse the goals that such forms of violence seek to achieve. In particular, papers can focus on
a) issues of domestic violence directed toward families, women and children
b) issues of community violence directed toward ethnic and minority groups, racial groups, issues of nationalism, youth and gang violence, hooliganism
c) issues of institutional violence - violence in the workplace, schools, hospitals, police and law enforcement agencies
d) issues of state violence - as both an internal phenomenon (against citizenry - civil war, terrorism and the metropolis; repression; 'surveillance' culture post 9/11; legitimation of violence through the law, punishment and capital punishment) as well as an external phenomenon (cultures of war and militarism, 'intervention' and 'pre-emptive' policies, cultures of societies that develop into excessively warlike states, religion, religious institutions, and their role in curtailing or propelling violence; religious fundamentalism and violence
e) understanding violence by understanding the impact it has on its victims.

3. Representations of Violence
Papers will look at the explore the role of media in recording, portraying, disseminating, and reflecting on violence. All forms of media are included - radio, tv, cinema, theatre, graffiti, internet, music, art, sculpture, books, propaganda. The methods of portrayal and the intentions of portrayal will be assessed.

4. Counter Cultures to Violence
Papers will explore whether there are or can be counter cultures to the cultures of violence and how these might be developed. In particular, papers may look at the emerging trend of the use of violence to achieve peace (e.g., the human/animal rights agenda), anti-globalisation violence, anti-vivisection violence; the work and role of NGO's; the role of enforcement and prosecution; the promotion of education and educative strategies; prevention strategies.

Papers will be considered on any related theme. 300 word abstracts should be submitted by Friday 4th June 2004. If your paper is accepted for presentation at the conference, an 8 page draft paper should be submitted by Friday 13th August 2004.

All papers accepted for and presented at the conference will be published as an ISBN eBook. Selected papers accepted for and presented at this conference will be invited for development and inclusion in a hard copy themed publication. One themed volume from the project has already been published; one themed volume is in press.

More information
Website: http://www.inter-disciplinary.net/ati/violence/v5/cov04cfp.htm
Email: rf@inter-disciplinary.net (Dr Rob Fisher)


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Groupe d Analyse Socio-Politique des Pays d Europe centrale et orientale GASPPECO- Seminar on Interest Groups in Central and Eastern European Countries- Call for Papers
Brussels, Belgium, November 26 - 27, 2004
Application deadline: June 20, 2004


Following the trend established in member states of the European Union, interest groups have also begun to form in Central and Eastern Europe. A significant number of these emerging interest groups have set up their activities at national levels. There is, however, another category of interest groups developing partnerships with their western counterparts in order to transcend national boundaries and become part of the interests representation system at a European level.

Interest groups have increasingly become important for political science and European studies, especially since the 1980s. A number of categories have come to define these varied organizations: interest groups, pressure groups, lobbies, and promotion groups. Interest groups have become meaningful actors in the European Union member states politics: industrial federations, chambers of commerce, national associations, representations of local or regional authorities, think-tanks, non-governmental organizations, European federations, private enterprises, law firms, and public affairs consultants. All have mobilized their forces at national or European levels in order to make their voices heard in the EU decision-making structure.

This project aims to focus on lesser known and less studied interest groups in south east Europe. The project intends to contribute to the existing literature on the topic as well as contribute to refining interest-group-formation theories and processes on the basis of new and original empirical data from Central and Eastern Europe. We intend to launch an academic debate as well as a discourse in the professional sector.

The goal, therefore, is to encourage reflection on the topic by bringing together the fields of political science and European studies in order to investigate the internal and external factors that influence the emergence of new, Central and Eastern European actors. Additionally, we expect a critical examination of the various approaches developed in order to explain these actors.

There are few main questions on which to focus during the debate:
- What factors have lead to the emergence of interest groups in central-east Europe?
- What influences has the communist heritage had on structuring the interest groups?
- What role do interest groups have in the political systems in the region?
- What are the characteristics of the interest groups representation systems in this region, compared to their counterparts in the European Union?
- Are there organizational structures unique to the Central and East European actors?
- To what extent has European integration influenced civil society dynamics in Central and Eastern Europe?
- What is the social and political background of interest groups members?

The contributions presented at the conference will be published in a collective volume. The languages of the workshop are French and English.
The organizers are currently searching for sponsors to cover the conference-related expenses of scholars from Central and Eastern European countries who lack the means to attend.

More information
Website: http://www.ulb.ac.be/soco/cevipol
Email: jmdewael@ulb.ac.be (Contact person: Jean-Michel DeWaele)


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EUROPE DIRECT service


The dissemination of relevant and up-to-date information about the European Union is an essential element of participatory democracy. The European Commission has launched its EUROPE DIRECT service.

EUROPE DIRECT gives easy access to information about citizens' rights in the EU, existing opportunities, its policies and the functioning of its institutions. It provides answers to citizens' questions through telephone, e-mail service and service of web assistance.

The European Commission wishes to promote this service among the European populations and especially among young people. Young people are particularly concerned in finding out "what Europe is all about", and to get to know their rights and European policies which affect their lives and future careers.

EUROPE DIRECT is primarily targeted to citizens of European Union, but the European Commission invited the SALTO-YOUTH South East Europe Resource Centre to distribute this information also among young people in South East Europe aiming at exploring ways of better achieving the common objective of creating well-informed European citizens.

http://europa.eu.int/europedirect/


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ForeignAID.com Donor Directory Online


Finding funders for your social programs in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe is not easy. At ForeignAID.com we understand the difficulty of fundraising for your organization and are happy to present a service that helps high-impact nonprofits worldwide find funders fast.

We are proud to make the ForeignAID.com Donor Directory Online—featuring over 500 international grantmakers in the U.S., Europe and abroad--available to you.

The ForeignAID.com Donor Directory Online is used by high-impact nonprofits in the U.S., Europe and in developing countries to identify corporations, foundations, and other grantmakers that are committed to making social investments in Africa, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe.

I look forward to your feedback and comments about the ForeignAID.com Donor Directory Online and how it can help your organization find funders fast.

http://www.foreignaid.com/foundations_db
Contact person: Shiv K. Puri, ForeignAID Ratings


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Romania Development Gateway


Romania Development Gateway (RoDG) is a portal developed and managed by eRomania Gateway Association within the Development Gateway initiative of the World Bank.

The Romania Gateway Portal offers an institutional framework for communication and information exchange between Public Administration, Business Sector, Civil Society and citizens on areas related to development processes at local, national and international levels. RoDG is an advanced technological platform to integrate the resources offered by diverse actors through a descentralised information management system.

http://ro-gateway.ro/node/185929/


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Transitions Online: Unique coverage of all the region's 28 post-communist countries


TOL was founded as a Czech nonprofit organization in April 1999, the month after the final issue of its print predecessor, Transitions magazine, was published. The new organization was founded by four of the former print magazine's staff members who were dedicated to keeping the widely respected, cross-border coverage of the magazine alive. With the financial and professional support of the Open Society Institute's (OSI) Internet program and the Media Development Loan Fund (MDLF), TOL was resurrected online in July 1999. The new Internet format also meant a renewed stress on working with the region's young, up-and-coming journalists and on taking advantage of electronic communications for journalism training throughout the vast post-communist region.

http://www.tol.cz/


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Euroregional Center for Democracy

Semenic Nr. 10
300035, Timisoara
Romania

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

http://www.regionalnet.org

Editor:
Camelia Cocioba

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