March 2007, Issue no 55
http://resource.regional.net
impact@regionalnet.org

1. Funding Opportunities

2. Announcements and Upcoming Events

3. Useful Links

Andrew W. Mellon Foundation - Research Fellowships for Central and Eastern European Scholars in Spain 2007
Application deadline: March 31, 2007


Fellowship Program: The Instituto de Filología of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) is pleased to invite applications for Mellon Research Fellowships in Spain for 2007. The Instituto de Filología is offering two fellowships to Czech, Hungarian, Polish, Slovak, Bulgarian, Romanian, Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian scholars holding the PhD or its equivalent, who are engaged in advanced research in any field of the classical or semitical philology involving any of the items developed in the departments of the Institute. The fellowships are for three months and the research must be carried out in Madrid, in the Instituto de Filología (CSIC).

Institute: The Instituto de Filología consists of four departments: Classical Philology, Arab Studies, Bible and Near Eastern Studies and Jewish and Sephardic Studies.

Purpose and Elegibility: Funds for the fellowship have been provided by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to the Council of American Overseas Research Centers to administer for the purpose of bringing East-Central European scholars of the humanities into a broader research community. Czech, Hungarian, Polish, Slovak, Bulgarian, Romanian, Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian scholars who are permanent residents of one of the included countries are eligible to apply. Applicants may not have held a prior fellowship under this program. Preference will be given to scholars in the early stages of their careers. Fellows are expected to devote full time to their projects and to participate in the activities of the Institute.

Permission: Mellon fellows are personally responsible for obtaining their permission prior to entering the country. It may be obtained through the Spanish Embassy or Consulate.

Stipend: The program offers a stipend up to 11,500 USD to cover the costs of the scholar’s research project, including travel, housing and work related expenses.

Application: Application should consist of 1) a brief project statement (3-5 pages) outlining the project and its significance; 2) a current curriculum vitae; and 3) two letters of reference from scholars in the relevant field including comment on the value and viability of the project (may be sent separately).

More information
Website: http://www.filol.csic.es
E-mail Monasterio@filol.csic.es


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Andrew W. Mellon Foundation - Fellowships at the Herzog August Bibliothek Wolfenbuttel
Application deadline: March 31, 2007


The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has established a program of fellowships to enable Hungarian, Polish, Czech, Slovak, Bulgarian, Romanian scholars and those from the Baltic States in the humanities and allied social sciences to carry out research at institutes of advanced study in Western Europe.

This program is directed towards young scholars of outstanding ability who have already obtained their Ph.D. and will fund short-term residencies of three months in 2007/2008. Fellows will receive the equivalent of $11.500 to cover all costs.

The Herzog August Bibliothek Wolfenbuttel, Germany, an international residential research center specializing in European cultural history of the medieval and Early Modern period, invites applications for the Mellon Research Fellowships from scholars pursuing projects which accord with the Library's printed and manuscript holdings. Mellon fellows participate in the library's own broadly-based program of research and conference facilities.

Applications for 2007/2008 should include detailed project description, curriculum vitae, list of publications, letter from an academic referee.

More information
Website: http://www.hab.de/index-e.htm
E-mail: forschung@hab.de


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Transitions Online - Summer Journalism & Media Courses, July 2007, Prague, Czech Republic
Application deadline: April 1, 2007 (early application)


TOL (Transitions Online) is pleased to announce its summer journalism and media training courses. All the courses will be held in Prague in July 2007 and feature training from highly-experienced journalists and media professionals.

Investigative Journalism, July 21-30
This 10-day course covers everything from investigative methodology and tactics to interviewing skills, writing the story and adapting it for multiple media. The course will be led by Mark Schapiro, editorial director of the Center for Investigative Journalism.

Foreign Correspondent Training Course, July 21-30
A highly-popular 10-day course featuring practical training and advice from experienced foreign correspondents. Last summer participants came from 22 countries to be trained by journalists who have contributed to internationally-respected media outlets such as the BBC, The Economist, Newsweek, The Independent and The Boston Globe.

New Media Essentials, July 8-13
Everything you need to know about online media � including podcasting, RSS feeds, blogging and online promotion. This new five-day course features a mixture of practical training and roundtable discussions on current and future media trends. The course will be led by Evgeny Morozov, who has written commentaries on new media, politics and society for publications such as The International Herald Tribune and Le Monde.

A limited number of half-scholarships are available to participants from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

More information
Website: http://journalism-courses.tol.org
E-mail: zhmakos@tol.org (Sergei Zhmako)


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Board of European Students of Technology - BEST courses for students of technology
Application deadline: April 1, 2007


BEST, Board of European Students of Technology, is a non profit student organisation. It is run by students, working for students. BEST organises different activities where students from member universities get the opportunity to increase their international experience, establish contacts, improve their English and have fun. Each BEST Course is attended by 20-30 students of engineering.

Local BEST groups arrange short (1-2 weeks long) courses during winter, spring and summer, where engineering students get the chance to learn more about a specific topic in their field of interest. BEST also organises seminars on educational issues, engineering competitions and leisure events.

In a learning event participants attend lectures given by the university's teaching staff or by experts from companies. They visit companies, industrial plants or research centres and sometimes take part in case studies. Topics of the learning events cover mainly different technology fields, economics, marketing and management. At the end of the course students take an exam, which is designed to test the results of the course and evaluate the participants' success. An increasing number of courses are recognised by many universities and students attending these courses can get credit from their home universities.

The organising local BEST group takes care of accomodation and subsistence during the entire event, transportation to lectures and all activities related to the contents of the event, teaching and material costs and social activities.

Depending on the situation of the local BEST group, there might be a participation fee. The maximum fee is 4 Euro per day (but no more than 45 EUR in total) for students from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. Students from Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain pay 2/3 of the fee. It's 1/3 of the fee for students from Czech Republic, Croatia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia. Students from Bulgaria, Macedonia FYR, Romania, Serbia & Montenegro, Turkey, Ukraine and Russia pay no fee.

Who can apply:
- Students of technology from universities with a Local BEST Group.
- Students from universities belonging to partner organisations.

How to apply:
- Go to the BEST application system
- Enter your email address and your password, or register first if you don't have an account yet
- Enter the application to the BEST application system.
The organising local BEST group receives the applications, and make a selection on regional aspects, the motivation letter and on educational background of applicant. The organisers also aim at having equal number of male and female participants.

More information
Website: http://bas.best.eu.org/eventList.jsp
http://www.best.eu.org/organisation/org_lbgs.jsp
E-mail: info@BEST.eu.org


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Warburg Institute - Mellon Research Fellowships 2007 - 2008
Application deadline: April 2, 2007


The Warburg Institute is dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of the classical tradition - in the sense of those elements in European thought, art and institutions that have evolved out of the cultures of the ancient world. Its Library and Photographic Collection are designed and arranged to encourage research into the processes by which one culture learns from another, and by which different fields of thought and art act on each other. They are particularly concerned with continuities between the ancient Mediterranean civilizations and the cultural and intellectual history of post-classical Europe, especially in the period to c. 1800, and aim to document the tenacity of symbols and images in European art and architecture, the persistence of motifs and forms in Western languages and literatures, the gradual transition in Western thought from magical beliefs to religion, science and philosophy, and the ! survival and transformation of ancient patterns in social customs and political institutions.

The Institute’s resources comprise an open-access research library of over 300,000 volumes, shelved with many thousands of offprints, some 3,000 journal titles and a reference collection of over 400,000 photographs complementing the material in the Library.

The Institute has an active programme of teaching, seminars, lectures and colloquia, often arranged in collaboration with other institutions or learned societies, both British and foreign. Those working at the Institute, including research fellows and scholars of many different nationalities, are encouraged to present and discuss their research in regular term-time seminars.

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has selected the Institute as one of the institutes of advanced study in Western Europe to participate in a Fellowship programme for Eastern European scholars in the humanities. 3 three-month Fellowships are available for tenure in 2007-2008 in any area falling within the interests of the Institute.

Eligibility
The Fellowship programme has now been widened to include the Baltic States. The Fellowships are open to Bulgarian, Czech, Estonian, Hungarian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Romanian and Slovak scholars. Candidates should not be permanently resident outside the countries concerned.

Fellows should have obtained a doctorate or have equivalent experience. The Fellowships are intended for postdoctoral scholars in the earlier stages of their careers. Preference will be given to those who have not previously held an award under the Mellon Fellowship programme at any of the participating institutions. Candidates who have held two Mellon Fellowships or who have held a Mellon Fellowship within the last three years are not eligible to apply.

The value of the Fellowships will be the sterling equivalent of $11,500 each. Given fluctuating exchange rates, the exact figure cannot be predicted. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, in making this grant, intends that it should cover a stipend including all living and subsistence costs; travel and shipping costs (including travel to and from England, and other travel during the Fellowship); health insurance; post-Fellowship expenses (including acquisition of materials, subscriptions, hard- and soft-ware, membership and publication costs). These funds will be payable to Fellows after arrival at the Institute.

Term dates for 2007-2008 will be: 1 October - 7 December 2007; 7 January - 14 March 2008; 21 April - 26 June 2008. At least two of the three months of the Fellowship must fall within the Institute’s terms.

Fellows will be expected to participate in the life of the Institute and to put their knowledge at the disposal of the Institute by presenting their work in a seminar and by advising the Library and Photographic Collection. Fellows may teach elsewhere during tenure of the Fellowship only with the express permission of the Director. They will be required to present a brief written report at the conclusion of their appointment. A Fellowship may be terminated if the Appointing Committee is not satisfied that the conditions of the award are being met. All publications containing results of work done with the aid of a Fellowship shall include adequate acknowledgement of the fact.

Applications
There is no application form. Applications should be made by letter to the Director giving the following information:
1. A curriculum vitae giving full details of name, date of birth, nationality, address (including e-mail address) and present occupation, school and university education, degrees, teaching and research experience, publications
2. An outline of proposed research (not more than 2 pages)
3. Particulars of grants received, if any, for the same subject
4. The names and addresses of two or three persons who have agreed to write, without further invitation, to the Director in support of the application. These letters of reference may be sent by post, fax or e-mail (e-mail address: warburg@sas.ac.uk) and should reach the Director by 2 April 2007. It is the responsibility of candidates to ask their referees to write to the Director by this date.
5. Samples of published work should be submitted, if possible. Candidates should indicate whether they wish these publications to be returned, or whether they may be given to the Institute’s Library.
6. It would be helpful if candidates would indicate where they first heard of these Fellowships.

More information
Website: http://warburg.sas.ac.uk/Fellowships/indexf.htm
http://warburg.sas.ac.uk/Fellowships/mellon.htm
E-mail: warburg@sas.ac.uk


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European Commission - Erasmus Mundus
Application deadline: April 30, 2007


Erasmus Mundus is a co-operation and mobility programme in the field of higher education. It promotes the European Union as a centre of excellence in learning around the world. The programme supports European top quality Masters Courses and enhances the visibility and attractiveness of European higher education in third countries. It also provides EU-funded scholarships for third-country nationals participating in these Masters Courses, as well as scholarships for EU-nationals studying in third countries.

The proposed duration of the programme is five years, 2004-2008 with a budget of EUR 230 million. The planned budget for 2008/2009 is EUR 88,9 million.

The programme consists of four actions:
ACTION 1 - Erasmus Mundus Masters Courses
These courses are the central component of Erasmus Mundus. They are high quality integrated masters courses offered by a consortium of at least three universities in at least three different European countries. The courses must be integrated to be selected under Erasmus Mundus, which means that there must be a study period in at least two to three universities which must lead to the award of a recognised double, multiple or joint diploma.
Participation is open to higher education institutions in the 27 EU Member States and the EEA/EFTA countries. Institutions from the candidate countries may only participate in Action 1 if the official participation of these countries in the programme has been formalised between the EU and those countries.

ACTION 3 - Partnerships
To encourage European universities to be more accessible to the world and to reinforce their world-wide presence, Erasmus Mundus Masters Courses will have the possibility of establishing partnerships with third-country higher education institutions. These partnerships will allow for outgoing mobility for graduate EU students and scholars involved in the Erasmus Mundus Courses. Participation is open to higher education institutions from all countries of the world.

ACTION 4 - Enhancing attractiveness
Erasmus Mundus will support measures aimed at enhancing the attractiveness of and the interest in European higher education. It will support activities that will improve the profile, the visibility and the accessibility of European higher education. Equally, it will support issues crucial to the internationalisation of higher education, such as the mutual recognition of qualifications with third countries.
Participation is open to institutions from all over the world.

The programme will also offer teaching or research scholarships in Europe for in-coming third-country academics and for a certain number of outgoing EU scholars.

The countries eligible to participate are:
- The 27 EU Member States
- The candidate countries for the accession to the EU - Croatia, Former Republic of Macedonia and Turkey
- The countries of the European Free Trade Association/European Economic Area - Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway
- All the other countries of the world - Third countries.

Eligible participants are:
- Higher education institutions
- Students having obtained a first degree awarded by a higher education institution
- Scholars and professionals who lecture or conduce research
- Staff directly involved in higher education
- Other public or private bodies active in the field of higher education (only for Action 4)

Deadlines:
Action 1: 30 April 2007
Action 2: 28 February 2008 (2008/2009)
Action 3: 30 November 2007
Action 4: 31 May 2007

More information
Website: http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/static/en/mundus/call2007/index.htm
E-mail: EACEA-Erasmus-Mundus@ec.europa.eu


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United Nations - Internship programme at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Application deadline: April 30, 2007


These internships are intended to:
a) Increase the intern's understanding of current human rights issues at the international level and give them an insight into the work of the United Nations and OHCHR in particular
b) Provide OHCHR and the United Nations Human Rights mechanisms with the assistance and contribution of outstanding young students or graduates.

Interns are assigned to an organizational unit of OHCHR according to the needs of the Office and their own areas of interest. They are involved, inter alia, in: researching human rights issues, drafting analytical papers and reports, providing substantive and technical servicing of meetings, backstopping fact-finding and technical cooperation activities as well as field operations and supporting other OHCHR activities, depending on the exigencies of the Office. As part of the internship programme, OHCHR endeavours to brief interns through a series of information sessions on human rights issues conducted by staff of the Office.

The participants in the internship programme are selected from graduate students and holders of graduate level degrees in disciplines related to the work of the United Nations, e.g. International Law, Political Science, History, Social Sciences. Preference will be given to those, within these disciplines, who have specialized in human rights issues. Typically, interns do not have previous working experience of this nature. Applicants must be sponsored by an academic institution and must have a good command of at least two of the six official languages of the United Nations, i.e. English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian and Chinese. Drafting ability in either English or French is required.

The maximum number of interns accepted by OHCHR at any given time is 24. Interns are selected twice a year: in May/June, for the year's third quarter (1 July - 30 September) and fourth quarter (1 October - 31 December), and in November/December, for the following year's first quarter (1 January - 31 March) and second quarter (1 April - 30 June). Unless specifically contemplated under an agreement between OHCHR and an academic institution, internships are for a minimum period of three months and may be renewed once for a further three-month period. The maximum duration of internships at OHCHR is six months. When applying for an internship, candidates should indicate the quarter(s) for which they wish to be considered.

United Nations internships are not remunerated. Travel costs and living expenses must be borne by the interns themselves or by a sponsoring institution. Interns are responsible for making their own travel arrangements and for obtaining visas.

Applicants should submit the following documentation:
- A covering letter stating the reason for applying to the internship programme, indicating the benefits which are expected to be derived from the internship and career goals
- A duly completed and signed internship application form
- A list of courses taken and transcripts of grades
- Sample of their research work.

More information
Website: http://www.unhchr.ch/html/hchr/genif.htm


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Duke University - Fleishman Fellows in Civil Society
Application deadline: May 1, 2007


The Fellowship provides a select group of leaders from domestic non-profit organizations, international non-governmental organizations, foundations, government, socially responsible businesses, and other civil society groups in the United States and internationally with the opportunity to come in residence at the Sanford Institute for a four-week mini-sabbatical. Full-time academics are not eligible to apply. While at Duke, Fellows perform research and work with Institute faculty and other Duke affiliates on issues relating to the development of civil society.

Applicants are selected based upon their proposed research project and other application materials as listed below. As part of the Fellowship, housing and program expenses are covered. Fellows also receive a $6,000 stipend. Fellows will have access to Duke University library and research centers. The Fellowship period will begin October 1, 2007. The Fellowship start date is not flexible since all Fellows must begin together as a cohort.

As part of the Fellowship, a short trip to Washington D.C. is organized so Fellows may visit with organizations such as the U.S. Institute of Peace, National Endowment for Democracy, the U.S. State Department and other organizations relevant to their research. Fellows also gather weekly for colloquiums on civil society. Throughout the month, each Fellow performs research on a topic of their choosing relating to the promotion of civil society in their country.

More information
Website: http://www.pubpol.duke.edu/centers/civil/
E-mail: melynn.glusman@duke.edu (Melynn Glusman, Program Director)


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European Union - The development of community mental health services
Application deadline: May 11, 2007


This Call for Proposal aims to develop and promote community health services in the existent centres for mental health (current laboratories for mental health) and independent centres (community centres with activities in mental health) and also to pilot mobile-type of intervention in rural areas and/or small town area within one community centre with activities in mental health. The actions to be supported under this Component should relate to mental health promotion, mental health at workplace, advocacy in the field of mental health, education and information on mental health issues, community mental health services, etc.

Eligible activities:
Under this component the grants will be awarded for actions proposing to facilitate the involvement of nongovernmental organizations in increasing the quality, accessibility and acceptability of mental health care services, through developing and promoting community health services in the existent centres for mental health (current laboratories for mental health) and independent centres (community centres with activities in mental health) and also through piloting mobile-type of intervention in rural areas and/or small
town area within one community centre with activities in mental health.

Who can apply:
Romanian non-governmental non-profit organisations which must act in partnership with public authorities/institutions. The partnership is mandatory with the public authority/institution that runs a mental health centre or, in case of the independent centre a public authority/institution that supports the activity of the centre or activates in the area of interest/activity/domain of the centre. In case of piloting mobile-type of intervention, the partnership is mandatory with a public authority/institution having the headquarters in the community in which the mobile pilot intervention is applied. As an exception, only those public authority/institutions established only at county level may have their headquarters in other community, but in the same county as the centre operates.
The applicant may also act in artnership with other Romanian non-governmental non-profit organization(s) and/or other Romanian public authorities/institutions.

Target groups: Central public authorities, Central public institutions, Local public authorities, Local public institutions, NGOs.

The value of the grants is between 20,000 and 50,000 EUR/project (EU contribution up to 95% of the total eligible costs of the project).

More information
Website: www.fdsc.ro
E-mail: mihaela@fdsc.ro


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European Parliament -Traineeships at the European Parliament for people with a disability
Application deadline: May 15, 2007


The European Parliament is offering paid traineeships to people with a disability. These traineeships are open both to graduates of universities or equivalent institutions and to people whose qualifications are below university level. The programme offers five-month paid traineeships to disabled candidates, and is run in addition to the other options for traineeships and study visits in the Secretariat of the European Parliament.

The main purpose of the programme is to offer a number of people with disabilities a meaningful work experience as a trainee in the European Parliament, giving them an opportunity to familiarise themselves with its activities.

Additional objectives are:
- To put the European Parliament's equal opportunities principles into practice by supporting people with a disability in gaining professional experience, enhancing their opportunities for future employment
- To provide the European Parliament with the contribution and positive experience disabled trainees are likely to bring to its working and cultural environment
- To contribute to raising the general awareness of disability among Parliament staff, helping to remove reservations or concerns which could constitute barriers to the integration of people with disabilities.

Applicants for this programme of paid traineeship must:
- Be nationals of a Member State of the EU or of an applicant country
- Be over 18 years of age
- Have thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the EU and good knowledge of a second
- Not have been awarded any other paid traineeship, or have been in paid employment for more than four consecutive weeks, with a European institution or a Member or political group of the European Parliament
- Certify that they have a disability.

The monthly allowance for trainees is EUR 1070. Trainees' additional costs directly related to the disablity may be covered up to a maximum of 50% of the amount of the monthly scholarship. If need be, trainees will be provided with reasonable accommodation at work to enable them to carry out the essential functions of the job to which they are assigned.

Deadlines:
15 October (for period from 1 March until 15 September)
15 May (for period from 1 October until 15 March)

More information
Website: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/pdf/traineeships/traineeship_programme_disability_en.pdf
E-mail: stages@europarl.eu.int


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European Comission - Programme of Community Action in the field of Public Health (2003-2008)
Application deadline: May 21, 2007


The general objectives of the programme are:
- 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 threats to health
- To promote health and prevent disease through addressing health determinants across all policies and activities.

Eligible activities:
- Health Information: actions improving information for the development of public health
- Health Threats: actions responding rapidly and in co-ordinated fashion to threat to health
- Health Determinants: actions promoting health and preventing disease through addressing health determinants across all policies and activities.

Who can apply:
In addition to the 27 Member States of the European Union, the call is also open to participation to Turkey and to the EFTA-EEA countries within the context of the Agreement on the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway).

Target groups:
Central public authorities, Central public institutions, Commercial companies, Education institutions, Local public authorities, Local public institutions, NGOs.

The financial contribution of this programme can be up to 60% of eligible costs per beneficiary.

More information
Website: http://ec.europa.eu/phea/calls/call_for_proposals_en.html#proposal
E-mail: PHEA-PHP-CALLS@ec.europa.eu


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University of Graz - Master Programme in European Integration and Regionalism 2007/2008
Application deadline: June 1, 2007


We have the pleasure to announce you the start of application process for the fifth academic year of the Master Programme in European Integration and Regionalism offered by University of Graz (Austria) and implemented in cooperation with European Academy of Bolzano (Italy) and European Institute of Public Administration (Luxembourg and Barcelona).

The core topics are:
- Module I: European Integration (2 residential weeks in September 2007, Bolzano, Italy)
- Module II: EU Law (2 residential weeks in November 2007, Luxembourg)
- Module III: Federalism and Regionalism (2 residential weeks in January 2008, Graz, Austria)
- Module IV: Regional and Social Cohesion (2 residential weeks in April 2008, Barcelona, Spain)
- Module V: Minorities and Diversity (2 residential weeks in June 2008, Bolzano, Italy).

Applications can be made either to the full Programme or to single modules. In the latter case attendance of a module will lead to the award of a certificate.

Target group
- Civil servants from local, regional or national administrations who are dealing with EU affairs and therefore require both theoretical and practical training in EU and regional issues
- Lawyers, economists, social scientists and others in the employment of non-governmental organisations wishing to enhance inter-disciplinary skills and to specialise on different aspects of European integration, regionalism and diversity
- Graduate students wishing to acquire a more in-depth understanding of EU and regional issues, beneficial for a future career in the academia or even practice-orientated work.

More information
Website: http://www.eurac.edu/meir
E-mail: meir@eurac.edu


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International Summer University Macedonia - Teaching Positions 2007, July 7 – 22, 2007, Bitola, Macedonia
Application deadline: as soon as possible


The third International Summer University Macedonia (ISUM) will be organized from 7-22 July 2007 in Bitola by the universities of Bitola, Skopje, Tetovo, the SEE University and the Academic Training Association (ATA).

The ISUM offers 20 courses in the disciplines of Political Science, Public Administration, Law, Education Science, Economics, and Business. It is the largest summer university in Europe, bringing together more than 600 students from and professors from all over Europe. Each course is taught by one international visiting professor in cooperation with a professor from Macedonia. In addition to the courses, public debates, excursions and social activities will be organized. The preparation for the summer courses includes a one-week study visit by the co-professor to the institution of the visiting professor.

At present, the ISUM Coordination Committee is looking for professors for the following courses:
* Speech Communication in Education
* Puppetry in Preschool Education
* Management of Information Systems.

Visiting professors at the ISUM teach pro bono. Travel expenses are reimbursed and free accommodation is provided. Visiting professors receive full board and a modest allowance. Visiting professors are expected to have a PhD degree, a position at a (preferably Western European) university and teaching experience in the relevant field.

More information
Website: www.academictraining.org
E-mail: f.bax@academictraining.org (Femke Bax)


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European youth press - Call for authors for the youthweek.eu


Do you want to write for a European website? Do you also want to develop the website, set topics and travel to European events to report about it? The European Commission and the European Youth Press are going to provide a website to the European youthweek, taking place in Brussels in June. The idea of the website is to inform young people and young policy makers with a journalistic approach about the structured dialogue and the various youth events which are linked to it and take place on the European, national, regional and local level. There is space to report about matters you and other young Europeans are interested in. We are going to have a core group of editors, writing most content and also developing the website, with one or two editors from each EU- country. 30 Euros will be paid per article. Apply now for being a member of the core group. Send a curriculum vitae, a text sample and a short lette! r of motivation.

More information
Website: http://www.youthpress.org
http://www.orangelog.eu
E-mail: a.boehringer@youthpress.org


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COJEP International - Congress for Youth from Eastern Europe, April 18 – 21, 2007, Nevsehir, Kapadokia, Turkey


The Congress will bring together young people from Eastern countries who are strongly involved in NGOs dealing with youth issues. It aims at stimulating debates on the situation of young people in Eastern Europe (in terms of employment, intercultural relations, etc.), raising the question of enlargement of the EU and its new frontiers, thinking about cooperation and exchange possibilities between the youth networks of these countries and making local and international authorities aware of the necessity to introduce innovative youth policies.

The Congress will be composed of different parts, combining conferences given by speakers coming from international organisations, universities and NGOs, workshops, cultural events and visits, in order to give the participants the opportunity to obtain new information, to take part in the debates and to discover a new culture.

COJEP International is an NGO working for the emergence of a European youth respectful of diversity and committed to democratic values. Through its action towards youth in Eastern Europe, COJEP International tries to reinforce the integration of these countries -and citizens- in the EU, in order to create a multicultural and peaceful Europe. For this event, COJEP International decided to cooperate with the Association of Local Democracy Agencies, an international NGO founded at the initiative of the Council of Europe. ALDA is one of the main European stakeholders working both on local democracy issues, through its Local Democracy Agencies in the Balkans and in the South Caucasus, and on European active citizenship issues. In this context, ALDA always paid attention to youth issues, the role of young people in the democratic process and their integration in the economic, political, cultural and social life. A good example of ALDA projects combining youth, democracy and citize! nship issues is the project ‘Cities for Peace and Democracy in Europe’ in 2006 - beginning 2007.

More information
E-mail: tuncaycakmak@cojep.com (Tuncay Cakmak)


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World Bank and the Government of Italy - ‘Young People in Eastern Europe and Central Asia: From Policy to Action’ Conference, May 21 - 25, 2007, Rome, Italy
Application deadline: March 31, 2007


The conference plans to bring together policy makers and young people from Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECA) to discuss topics related to implementation of policies for young people in particular the participants will discuss the significance of high youth unemployment in specific ECA countries and how best to integrate or reintegrate disadvantaged youth into the labour market. The conference will also cover ways to promote active youth citizenship.

The Roma Education Fund (REF) is seeking to identify 8-10 young Roma people from various countries to contribute to the conference and to be able to engage the participants on the new challenges faced by the Roma youth in Europe in relation to the theme of the young people in Eastern Europe and Central Asia: from policy to action. Only one youth per country will be selected in order to ensure a good geographic representation. The trip and boarding of participants and all costs related to the conference will be fully covered by the World Bank.

The working languages of the Conference are English and Italian with simultaneous interpretation.

Profile of participants:
- Roma youth leaders, activists or involved in youth issues
- Involved in NGO or other structure, which are working on the topic of the Conference
- Experienced and/or motivated to work on the issues of the Conference
- Able to work on one of the working languages
- Able to attend the activity for its full duration
- Be between 18 and 24 ages.

More information
E-mail: vbodoczky@romaeducationfund.org


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Summer School for Young Sociologists and Social Scientists, June 1 - 10, 2007, Bulgaria
Application deadline: March 31, 2007


The summer school will gather a faculty of leading Bulgarian and European experts, and will include such topics as ethnosociology, issues of poverty, culture under market society, conflict resolution, social work, involvement of potential stockholders and other interested parties, lobbying, Ecodesign. Working visits to related sites as municipality, ethnic minorities' communities, a national park/reserve, and so on is provided where participants will discuss with staff and local authorities and NGOs about their experience. Curricula is still under preparation to meet in the best possible way interests and demands of the potential participants. It is expected participants to cover transportation, accommodation and other expenses. The tax to be paid for attendance is 300 Euro/500 USD until March 31 2007, and 500 Euro/600 USD for late applicants. This covers tutition, accomodation, meals and one working trip ! related to the chosen topic. There might be additional payment for tourist trips for visiting historical or natural landmarks.

Prospective participants may send their CVs and a brief description what they expect from this workshop.

More information
E-mail: hrc@hrc-bg.com
snikolov@hrc-bg.com (Stephan E. Nikolov, PhD, Senior Rsch. Fellow)


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Central European University, Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology - ‘Activism and the State of Neo-liberalism’ Conference, June 22 – 23, 2007, Budapest, Hungary
Application deadline: March 31, 2007


The conference aims at bringing together graduate students, scholars, and activists who are committed to understanding forms of neo-liberal governance and capitalist states as well as the concrete mechanisms of resistance to and contestation of neo-liberal imperatives. We invite abstracts that address related theoretical concerns, discuss empirically based research, or present the particular experiences of activists. Our goal is to bring together participants of a variety of disciplines and geographical loci.

Submitted abstracts shall address one of the topics of the panels:
1. Panel: States of Neo-liberalism
The panel seeks to discuss the complex and often ambiguous processes connected to the transformations that states are going through due to neo-liberal reforms of the last decades. The 'retreat' of the nation-state from economic and social regulations has been accompanied on the one hand by the increasing prominence of supranational organizations like the IMF or World Bank, and on the other by increased opportunities for sub-national groups or organizations. At the same time, the state itself is undergoing important transformations, inviting further analysis of how practices of neo-liberal governmentality are relayed through clearly identifiable state policies and apparatuses.
This panel invites contributions focusing on:
· The new types of relations between state actors and non-state actors such as social movements, NGOs, international organizations, and the business sector
· The novel practices of the neo-liberal state such as re-scaling, devolved sovereignty, and the new forms of spatiality and their cultural-ideological representations.

2. Panel: Of markets and transnational movements
This panel invites papers that examine the concrete links between civic activism and donors, charity organizations and other funding bodies. The focus of the panel is on the specific cases of distribution and/or competition for money in the framework of the marketization of civil society and the paradoxes of cooperation between civic movements and trans/national sponsoring agencies.
The panel encourages the submission of abstracts related to the following themes:
· Civil society initiative, fund raising, accountability
· Allocation of aid, conditionality of financial support, transnational donors and European Union initiatives.

3. Panel: Fighting subalterities
Though subalterity seems a position from which the most urgent criticisms of the global neo-liberal regime and its transfiguration onto local politics can be launched, it is also a condition that people usually seek to overcome. This panel seeks to explore the complex processes involved in simultaneously organizing as a subaltern group and overcoming subalternity, i.e., of 'fighting subalternities'. In particular we hope to look at how the internal dynamics of organized subaltern (indigenous, Roma, dalit.) movements have been affected by neo-liberal rule.
The panel calls for papers that look at:
· The divisive pressures of neo-liberalism on leaders and constituencies of subaltern social movements
· The difficult connection between lived subaltern experiences and their public, political representations.

Applicants from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to submit an abstract (not more than 300 words) and a short CV. Please state clearly if you are interested in presenting your paper within a specific panel. If not, your paper will be allocated to one of the panels upon our discretion. Presentations should not be longer than 15-20 minutes. A written outline of the presentation should be submitted two weeks before the conference.

Those requiring support to obtain a visa to Hungary, please contact us mentioning your passport details. Limited funding to cover travel costs and accommodation is available. However, we encourage participants to also try to find travel support at their home institutions.

More information
E-mail: Act_vs_Neoliberalism@yahoo.com (cc: to oustinova-stjepanovic_galina@phd.ceu.hu)


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Romanian Journal of Society and Politics – Call for articles
Application deadline: March 31, 2007


The Romanian Journal of Society and Politics, a publication devoted to inter-disciplinary national and international perspectives on Romania, invites scholars and researchers to submit original manuscripts. The article submitted may approach a theme within a broad range of topics from international relations and economics, to public policies, social philosophy and, human rights. We welcome manuscripts which address theoretical, empirical or methodological issues as long as they are relevant to contemporary Romanian politics, society or culture. Given the recent EU membership of Romania, we particularly welcome articles approaching subjects related to it.

Every issue of the RJSP contains scholarly articles, notes and book reviews. Articles must include an abstract of approximately 150 words and have a maximum length of 10,000 words. RJSP considers book reviews of up to 1,000 words and review essays of up to 5,000 words which clarify the contributions and value of the works reviewed for contemporary research on Romanian politics and society. Review essays must place publications into a broad conceptual context and suggest directions for future research. The Romanian Journal of Society and Politics also considers responses of up to 1,000 words to material previously published for inclusion in the ‘Discussion Forum’ section.

Manuscripts will be accepted on the understanding that their content is original. The Romanian Journal of Society and Politics does not consider submissions currently under review at other journals or those that duplicate or overlap significantly with materials that have been submitted to other publishers. Submissions must demonstrate excellence in conceptualization, exposition, methodology, and craftsmanship and show a solid theoretical basis. All manuscripts must be formatted according to The Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, with a preferred length of around 25 double-spaced pages.

More information
E-mail: rjsp@strategikon.ro (Ionut Apahideanu, Managing editor)
andrei.miroiu@gmail.com (Andrei Miroiu)


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World Youth Wave - 'Update Local to Get Global' International Student Week in Belgrade ISWiB 2007, June 28 – July 5, 2007, Belgrade, Serbia
Application deadline: April 1, 2007


More than 130 students and young people from all around Europe will gather in order to participate in various interactive workshops, discussions and lectures on some of the most interesting current issues. We offer you to join one of the following workshops: Art & Culture, Ecology, Economics, Education, Media, Psychology, Society and two art workshops: Photo Art and Video Art.

Workshop leaders will be postgraduate students, experienced trainers, international experts, and university professors. All European students and those from the other continents but studying in Europe at the moment can apply for ISWiB 2007. All fields of study are welcome, there are no special requirements. All who apply for ISWiB must be 18 years old by the time the festival begins, as well as registered students at one of the European educational institutions. In addition, they must have a fairly good command of both oral and written English.

Participation Fee is 50 Eur for foreign participants and 25 Eur for the participants from Serbia. Participation Fee will cover workshop materials, food and accommodation during ISWiB. Expenses of traveling to and from Serbia as well as the personal expenses and pocket money must be covered by participants.

ISWiB is a member of SOrCE (Students ORganizing Conventions Everywhere) - an international network of student festivals, which have been organized since the nineties across Europe. Seminars are independent from each other but the underlying idea is the same - to gather students from around the world to discuss about present issues, to get to know different opinions and point of views and to meet different cultures.

More information
Website: www.iswib.org
www.sorce.info
E-mail: apply@iswib.org


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European Humanities University Vilnius, Centre for Gender Studies – ‘After Empire: Gender Boundaries as the Borders of Nations’ Conference, June 28 - 30, 2007, Lithuania
Application deadline: April 1, 2007


This conference aims to explore the critical link between the ideas and practices of gender, on the one hand, and ‘nationbuilding’ on the other, in Eastern/Central Europe and Eurasia. We tend to focus on the dynamics of this relationship during two separate, but related periods. One is the time of the ‘awakening of nations’, which was finalized in the nation-states on the edges of the three Eurasian Empires after WWI, or ‘national’ administrative units in the USSR. The second period, which started after 1989 (or 1991), also implies rethinking of the ‘national’ and new nationbuilding in the post-communist space.

National and gender identities are inseparable and interrelated, and the practices used to ‘naturalize’ gender differences and hierarchies in nationalist and statehood projects are of special interest. Gender and nation as social constructions largely result from ‘oppositions’ or ‘delineations’; they become especially highlighted at the lines of 'passage' or crossing the boundaries/borders. The notion of ‘borderlands’, borders, and boundaries, both geographical and social, is a key one for the conference.

Conference organizers are hoping for an interdisciplinary academic debate of the interception of gender, empire, nationbuilding, and borders within the following topical areas: Etching the edges of Europe: borderlands as gendered space; Empire and gender order; nation, citizenship, masculinity and femininity; ‘national motherhood and patriotic masculinity; gendered iconography of the national idea; women's bodies and nation's boundaries; gendered spaces of national politics; nationalism, sexuality, militarism; intellectual women in national movements; gendering national memories; national church and gender order; empire, nation, reproduction, and welfare; as a woman, I have no nation: feminism vs. nationalism; nationalism and post-Soviet masculinity; migration, mixed marriages, trafficking.

Conference languages are the regional lingua franca of Russian and English.

Proposals for individual papers should including your contact information, brief CV and paper description of up to 250 words.

More information
Website: http://www.gender-ehu.org/?28_1
E-mail: gender@ehu-international.org


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International University ‘Global Theatre Experience’ (IUGTE), Bovec, Slovenia


International Performing Arts Laboratory, July 25 - 30, 2007
Participants: script writers, playwrights, directors, actors, dancers, choreographers, teachers.
Registration: A limited number of places are available on a competitive basis. Please send your detailed CV and a brief letter of motivation.
Participation fee: 450 EURO by payment before April 1st, 2007, 580 EURO by payment before May 1st, 2007.

‘THEATRE METHODS 07. Between Tradition & Contemporaneity’ International Conference, July 30 - August 02, 2007
'Theatre Methods is the annual professional conference-festival bringing up the question of the Bridge between Tradition and Contemporaneity in performing arts. It is unifying artists from all over the world interested in the research of theatre methods between tradition and contemporaneity.
The aim of the conference is to make the contribution to the upbringing of tolerance in the society by the acquaintance with the diversity of world traditions.
The main task of the conference is to demonstrate various theatre methods, to exchange experience in professional theatre education, methods of rehearsal process, performance making and production.
Participants: actors, directors, dancers, choreographers, teachers, playwrights, script writers, theatre critics, journalists, cultural managers.
You are welcome to take part in the conference as a presenter, a participant, an observer.

The Laboratory and the Conference will take place in Bovec, the mountain resort and the ancient alpine town which is over 800 years old. Bovec is located in northwestern Slovenia in the Trenta valley of the Julian Alps within the Triglav National Park. IUGTE is providing accommodation and meals for participants. If you are unable to attend but would like to share your materials with colleagues, you can send us your promotional materials by post: booklets and flyers of your workshop, course, performance and other coming events.

More information
Website: www.iugte.com
http://www.iugte.com/projects/OstrenkoLab.php http://www.iugte.com/projects /TheatreMethods07.php
E-mail: info@iugte.com
iugte@london.com


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‘Shaping and Reshaping Social Democracy in Central and Eastern Europe’ International Conference, September 28 - 29, 2007, Brussels, Belgium
Application deadline: April 1, 2007


Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Eastern European ex-communist parties have been involved in a complex process of ideological and organizational reshaping. In almost all cases, in their search for legitimacy, these parties sought to mimic West European social-democratic parties. West European social democracy has thus provided a significant source of programmatic inspiration to them. In addition, they have rapidly adopted a pro-European political program. Three ideal-types of social-democratic parties could be found in the early 1990s. First, the historical social-democratic parties brought to life after years of communist regime, as was the case of the CSSD in the Czech Republic or the PSDR in Romania. In general, their political survival was difficult. The political and electoral success of the CSSD is therefore in strong contrast with the limited political relevance of the Romanian historical social d! emocrats. A second ideal-type concerns the regeneration of the Communist Successor Parties under the social democratic identity. Significantly, not all of the Successor parties behaved in the same way. The smooth transformation of the Hungarian and Polish parties contrasts with the lack of transparency the Romanian and Bulgarian experiences. As a cas à part, the transformation of the Baltic Successor parties was even more problematic, due to a an overlapping between the national issue and the need for ideological and organizational changes. Last but not least, new political parties appeared that embraced a social-democratic identity. The Bulgarian Euroleft or the Polish Labor Union are among the most well-known examples. Still, their political life was relatively short. On the contrary, the Slovak SDL splinter, the SMER, can be put forward as a successful political party, currently in charge of government management.

In the light of this genealogical patchwork, this political family was until recently considered as a regional success story. Their electoral results lead to them constantly being in government and, therefore, in charge with the management of the European accession strategy. Still, it should be noted that, starting in the year 2000, the wind of change has started to blow. Social-democratic parties are under constant challenge. Electoral defeats as in the cases of the Polish SLD, the Romanian PSD or the Czech CSSD have announced a major shift in the regional political arena. Corruption allegations cover almost all parties and there are signs of increased internal conflicts. At the same time, the political climate has been crossed by major crises, as was the case in Hungary following Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany's statements or in Slovakia due to the SMER collaborating with a populist and an extreme-right party.

Based on the above, a balance sheet of the ECE social democracy can be drawn up. First, these parties have generally failed to develop a ‘left culture’. The formation of social democratic parties in ECE has been to a great extent an elite-dominated process with low interest in developing strong linkages with the civil society. The members and ancillary organizations were regularly considered as a major asset in terms of legitimacy with low relevance regarding the party machine. By the end of the 1990s, these bogus organizations have become obvious, explaining the failure of a major party like the Polish SLD. Consequently, these parties have adopted a strategy of broad political marketing from scratch, without any meaningful hard-core electoral support. They have failed in shaping a programmatic identity grafted with the symbols of the classical Western social democracy: blue collars, Welfare State, trade unions, public sector, and, as a specific item for the regi! on, the defense of the transition losers. Being regularly in government has obliged these parties to an original programmatic compromise. They have enhanced their democratic credibility and, therefore political legitimacy, by embracing the economic recommendations of the EU, FMI, WB, etc. without any challenge. They have, therefore, abandoned their traditional electoral support to national-populist parties. The story of the ECE national-populism and the radical right turns out to be more the result of the programmatic and organizational weaknesses of the left-wing parties than a general effect of the lack of efficiency of the traditional parties on the whole. In light of these observations, in a nutshell, it can be said that one of the major weaknesses of these parties is their lack of social roots and organized linkages with the trade unions. Even thornier is the question of the relationship between the social democratic parties and the State. The ‘wealthy’ com! munist Party/State had been a permanent attraction for members! under t he communist regime and, by the hazards of history, a major asset for post-communist parties. In fact, the post-communist State was ‘made’ reality by the first parties in power after 1989. Moreover, post-communist parties have built a State that is as permeable as possible to their influence. It is a general model of state below parties, colonized by political identities, without a neutral portrayal. Therefore, while the literature identifies contemporary parties as ‘public utilities’, the post-communist reality is slightly different. To understand the logic of this difference, it should be noted that the State is seen as a parties' utility. This specific relationship can be understood as consequence of the original emphasis on the democratic transition: parties as a core foundation of the new political system. Parties came first and their reinforcement was perceived as a guarantee of stability for the new democracies. Within this framework, the disma! ntlement of the broad communist State created a basis for large benefits for those in power. The Social Democrats were among those parties and, as a direct consequence, they are currently plagued with various scandals of corruption. In short, these parties have adopted international and European programmatic standards without a real understanding of the challenges of their specific countries. Moreover, while enjoying high visibility at the European level, they still have quite a low coalition potential at the national level.

Based on the above, the CEVIPOL intends to launch a research project focused on the ECE social democracy: the challenges and the opportunities for social democratic parties. The CEVIPOL is mainly interested in studying the issues of: programmatic building, organizational structures, partnerships with the civil society, the role of the State, and linkages with the EU and NATO. This first conference invites papers that address these and related questions. Indicative themes thus include:
General overview of the social democratic and socialist parties: their role in the transition and democratization processes, their historical challenges, their current difficulties, the EU influence as a major trigger for their change and adaptation, etc. Identity portrayal of the social democratic and socialist parties: differences and commonalities between the various ECE social democratic and socialist parties, an ideal model of ECE social democracy, the left culture, the parties political partnerships. Relationship with the State.

Please send your title with an abstract of maximum 400 words. A paper draft must be submitted by September 15, 2007.

More information
E-mail: jmdewael@ulb.ac.be


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American University of Bulgaria - Balkan-wide literary magazine
Application deadline: April 4, 2007


‘Fly in the Head’ is the American University of Bulgaria's literary magazine. Since its inception three years ago, we've published students' photography, poems and prose. However, our fifth issue marked a new era for the fly as we began accepting submissions from outside the university in an attempt to create a Balkan-wide literary magazine. Our first outing as perhaps the first and only English language literary magazine in the Balkans was an unqualified success; we received and published works from several guest poets, writers and photographers.

As we prepare our 6th issue we continue to seek works from established and aspiring writers and photographers from all over the region.

Unfortunately, our website is not ready but if you have a poem, story or high resolution photograph you'd like to submit, or if you'd simply like to know more about the ‘Fly’, please feel free to email us. Authors of published works will be mailed 2 copies of the magazine.

More information
E-mail: flyinthehead@aubg.bg
flyinthehead@gmail.com


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Fifth Roma Film Festival ‘Golden Wheel’, April 6 - 8, 2007, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia


This is traditional festival that we have been organizing since 2002. The festival is dedicated to the production about the Roma population worldwide. All video production (documentaries, TV films and feature movies) as well as all radio programs dealing with Roma issue, produced by Roma or non-Roma producers are eligible for applying.

The organizer of the Golden Wheel festival will organize workshops for the participants at the festival, beside the presentation of the programs. During the workshops the participants will be able to discuss and criticize the presented programs at the festival, to exchange experiences, to comment the general accomplishments in the cinematography, the situation of the Roma production and Roma TV and radio stations, any possible cooperation between the producers etc.

The festival aims to encourage the Roma producers to enhance up their production, develop it further and to take more active role in the spheres of the cinematography on world level. Also, the organizer of the Golden Wheel festival, TV BTR National, plans to organize small working conference during the Festival, which will contribute to establishing of Association of Roma Program Producing Houses, working on reunion of different Roma Productions.

Your participation would be very useful for your self-presentation, active role on the Run Table, but also for all of us, because we can reunion to this new idea. Namely, we intend to strengthen Roma Network, find out methods and systems of sustenance, through experience and materials exchange, so in that way reaching a higher level of Roma media quality.

TV BTR National expects the participation of many important Roma and Non-Roma producers. Also, we would like to inform you that we are waiting feedback information from our donors concerning their financial support and participation at the conference.

We are in position to ensure your accommodation and the meals, but you have to cover your travelling costs.

More information
E-mail: tvbtr@tvbtr.com.mk (Zoran Dimov, Director General)


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‘Take Attitude, Stop Discrimination!’ International Summer School, July 2 – 8, 2007, Sibiu, Romania
Application deadline: April 15, 2007


20 students from Romania and 10 from other European countries – undergraduate, MA, and PhD students in socio-political studies - are invited to take part in a summer school to take place between 2 and 8 July in Sibiu, the 2007 European Capital of Culture. The focus of the summer school will be the study of European anti-discrimination policies and institutions, in the context of promoting human rights internationally.

The programme is organised by the Department for Inter-Ethnic Relations of the Romanian Government with substantial funding from the European Commission.

Maximum age of the applicants is 26; they will be undergraduates (preferably in their final years), MA and PhD students in socio-political studies. Additionally, they will be active in a non-governmental organisation promoting human rights, equal opportunities, and fundamental European values.

We have invited lecturers with a strong background in human rights and anti-discrimination from important European universities. The summer school will comprise theoretical approaches to human rights, case studies, training sessions on human rights theory, international human rights law and institutions, the relationship between human rights, mass-media and civil society, as well as anti-discrimination European policies and institutions. At the end of the summer school we have planned a study-visit to central Transylvania, where participants will get the chance to see a positive, centuries-long model of inter-ethnic co-habitation.

Working language will be English. Certificates of participation will be awarded at the end of the course.

Organizers will cover all expenses related to accommodation, meals, and study visits. For students from outside Romania, international travel will also be covered. Participants from Romania will be asked to cover their expenses to and from Sibiu.

The application pack consists of the following:
1. 1-page CV
2. A letter of intention which will address the following issues: the reason why you wish to take part in this summer school; please mention any specific topics you are particularly interested in; how you intend to put into practice the information you will receive during the course.

More information
Website: www.dri.gov.ro
E-mail summerschool@dri.gov.ro


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Youth Organizing Institute - Community Building and Leadership, July 1 - 10, 2007, Kragujevac, Serbia
Application deadline: April 29, 2007


Now entering its sixth year, this 10 days intensive program wants to encourage and empower active agents of democracy in the extended Balkan region - the so called region of transformation. Under the leadership of experienced local and international community organizers, participants will spend one week developing the personal knowledge and skills necessary for them to view their environments critically and be responsibly active for democratic values - work against racism and exclusion - enabling them to build civil society in their communities and support each other across the communities in a network of decisively dynamic young people.

Once accepted, we will work with you to arrange for your transportation to and from the Institute. You are expected to finance your travel. You are expected to be at the Summer Institute for the entire duration of the program. Housing and meals at the seminar will be paid for by the Institute.

As a general rule, participants should be between the ages of 19 and 27 (although there are exceptions to this rule). Individual applicants may apply, although applicants applying as teams of 2 or more will be given priority. However, each member of your team must complete this application form separately. If you are applying as a team, please refer to your team goals in the essay section of the application. There are no 'Right' or 'Wrong' answers. Applicants should have a working understanding of English because seminars are taught in English. However, perfect English IS NOT required.

More information
Website: www.ccsdd.org/yoi
E-mail: info@ccsdd.org


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Visegrad Summer School, VI edition, July 8 – 21, 2007, Krakow, Poland
Application deadline: April 30, 2007


The aim of the Visegrad Summer School is to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and to create an alternative learning environment for young people from Central and Eastern Europe. The program is an opportunity for the participants to get acquainted with and discuss current social and security, economic, political and cultural issues. It is also an opportunity to learn about each other and start an international co-operation between the peoples and the countries.

A group of 50 students, graduates, PhD researchers, young journalists and teachers from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine, Moldova and other Central and East European countries deepen their knowledge and exchange ideas about the constantly changing political, social and economic situation on the continent, form international friendships and meet outstanding European experts.

The programme of the sixth edition of the Visegrad Summer School includes debates on: experiences that result from ‘being European’, democratic transition of East European countries, problems of global security, regional partnerships and areas of cooperation. The historical and cultural context of Central Europe serves as a starting point for discussions on economics, politics, social issues as well as mass media, art and culture. Intellectuals, scientists, politicians, representatives of business and non-governmental organisations, journalists and artists conduct seminars and workshops, hold lectures and lead debates. Students are encouraged to present their country's culture, heritage and traditions which helps to increase the knowledge of other participants about different countries. They organize themselves into working groups in order to develop their own projects aimed at furthering collaboration between them and their countries. Study visits and social eve! nts enrich the program with unforgettable experiences and ensure memorable moments for the students. All the activities are designed to enhance an atmosphere of integration, dialogue and co-operation between participants from different European countries.

The Visegrad Summer School is one of the most respected forms of education and co-operation for young people in Central and Eastern Europe. As former editions have shown, independent and innovative projects developed by students during the program prove the Visegrad Summer School to be a successful forum creating new platform of co-operation and enhanced dialogue between students, young researchers and NGOs from V4+ countries.

The organizers provide all lectures, workshops and materials, accommodation and board, special events, local transportation in Krakow. Participants cover travel costs to and from Krakow, their own insurance, registration fee of 30 EURO. Students from other EU countries and the USA are eligible to apply providing they cover the costs of their stay.

We are looking for active, open-minded and creative people. The working language of the School is English so good communication skills in English are essential. Each candidate should provide a letter of motivation explaining how he/she would benefit from the School, completed application form, detailed CV, testimonial or references.

More information
Website: http://www.villa.org.pl/e_p_letnia.php
http://pro-science.asm.md/?lang=ro&view_ne&ne=230
E-mail: summerschool@villa.org.pl


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AEGEE - Summer University
Application deadline: May 4, 2007


AEGEE - Association des Etats Généraux des Etudiants de l'Europe ( European Students' Forum) is a student association. It promotes the idea of a unified Europe, cross-border co-operation, communication, integration among students and strives to create an open and tolerant society of tomorrow. AEGEE is an interdisciplinary, voluntary, non-governmental, politically independent and non-profit making association. It is represented in 241 university cities, in 40 countries all around Europe. Its main field of action covers peace and stability, higher education, active citizenship and cultural exchange.

Each year Summer Universities are held by most of the AEGEE local groups (called antennae) in order to promote the intercultural understanding. Students can travel to an antennae in another country, where the host students teach them their language and culture. It is a general policy that the participating students are hosted for free by the fellow AEGEE members, making travels in Europe affordable, and most important the communication with other students possible.

The summer university contains different kinds of programmes: Language course, Language vourse plus, Summer course, Summer course plus, Travelling summer university, Summer event.

The duration of the Summer University varies between 1 and 4 weeks and the fees between EUR 100 and 240.

The procedure for applying online for the Summer University:
1. Connect to AEGEE's homepage http://www.aegee.org/su
2. Find the AEGEE antennae nearest to you and become a member
3. Contact the local antennae. You will be familiarised with the AEGEE and assisted to choose up to three destinations. You may then submit your application.

More information
Website: http://www.karl.aegee.org/su.nsf/Contact?OpenForm
E-mail: info@aegee.org


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OSCE - Summer Academy on OSCE, June 24 - July 6, 2007
Application deadline: May 12, 2007


Organised by Austrian Study Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Stadtschlaining, Diplomatic Academy of Vienna. Supported by the Republic of Austria and the OSCE.

The purpose of the ‘Summer Academy on OSCE’ is to expand and deepen knowledge about the OSCE and to contribute to its various activities. The courses and special events are designed to provide diplomats who are going to work with OSCE delegations and institutions, and other individuals (scholars, NGO representatives, etc.) intending to work in the areas of fact-finding, human rights, election monitoring, peaceful settlement of disputes, and other types of international diplomatic and civilian missions with the following:
- Thorough knowledge of the history, functioning, and current activities of the OSCE
- Training in working more effectively within the OSCE diplomatic and OSCE-NGO milieu.
Furthermore, the Summer Academy will provide opportunities to explore ways for the OSCE to enhance its existing, or to develop new capabilities in preventive diplomacy, peace-making, peace-keeping and
peace-building.

The Academy will be officially independent of the OSCE, but OSCE institutions and diplomatic missions will actively participate on a voluntary basis in the Academy's activities. OSCE participation will include providing guest speakers, participating in workshops and simulations as well as seconding the participants with an interest in working with the OSCE. Students will be instructed by leading scholars in OSCE studies, senior diplomats with experience in OSCE activities and OSCE inter-state diplomacy, international NGO trainers with long-term experience in the field, and international lawyers active in promoting OSCE-NGO co-operation, particularly in the areas of human rights and democratisation.

The student body will include diplomats, graduate students, NGO trainers and practitioners professionally active in NGOs that want to work more effectively with OSCE states, institutions, and other NGOs co-operating with the OSCE. Participants are expected to come from the OSCE participating States.

Applicants for admission must meet the following requirements:
- Master's degree or the equivalent in working experience
- Working knowledge of English
- Submission of the attached application form and the required accompanying materials as soon as possible, but no later than May 12, 2007.

The cost of participation will be EURO 2.000 per student. The amount covers tuition, educational materials, and full board accommodation in a single room with bath. For participants coming from non-member states of the OECD, a limited number of scholarships will be awarded. Applicants who would like to apply for such a support have to indicate this in the respective section of the application form and give reasons for that in their application essay. However, there is no possibility to get financial support for travel expenses from the organisers.

More information
Website: http://www.aspr.ac.at
E-mail: mpt@aspr.ac.at


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Watson Institute for International Studies - ‘Evaluating Intervention: Local Perspectives on Democracy Building in the Post-Yugoslav Countries and Territories.’ An Open Essay Competition
Application deadline: May 18, 2007


The current situation in the Western Balkans poses a simple question: does foreign democracy assistance work? Many international evaluations judge this assistance as successful, based on indicators such as increased civic participation, reduced incidence of inter-ethnic violence, socio-economic progress, and increased capacity in civil society. Yet others argue that these projects are failing, citing the decline of reformist parties and the return to prominence of nationalists in Serbia; widespread rioting in Kosovo in March 2004, lingering dissension over Macedonia's constitutional changes after 2001, and discussions of a new ‘European Raj’ in Bosnia-Herzegovina. This contrast highlights the contested definition of democratization, as well as the difficulties in evaluating outcomes of external democracy assistance efforts.

In policy and scholarly circles, then, the verdict is unclear, and the debate more notable for partisan polemics than careful analysis. Between the rhetorical extremes which see in the Balkans either triumphant success or abject failure, and which draw sweeping policy prescriptions from these
conclusions, the on-the-ground realities as witnessed and experienced, in particular, by citizens of the states and territories whose futures are under discussion are often ignored or marginalized. The essay competition, with the theme ‘Evaluating Intervention: Local perspectives on democracy building in the Post-Yugoslav countries and territories’, aims to address this issue.

With funding from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the Muabet project at the Watson Institute for International Studies is organizing an open essay competition to highlight the value of locally-grounded perspectives on international democracy-building efforts in the former Yugoslavia. We invite students, scholars, professionals, activists and practitioners in the region to submit essays which analyse the social, cultural, political or economic dimensions of international involvement in transition.

Essays should be 6,000 to 7,000 words in length, and can be submitted in English, or any of the languages of the region. We encourage submission in electronic format, but will also accept hard copies. We will accept co-authored essays. As part of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund focus on ‘pivotal places’, we primarily welcome papers addressing issues around democratic transition in Bosnia-Hercegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia.

As noted above, we are especially interested in papers that are grounded in experience of the interaction between individuals and organizations involved in democratic transition. Among the potential questions that papers might address, which we think are important in understanding the impacts, intended and unintended, of international democracy assistance are the following:
* How does the presence of international organizations (IOs) affect civil society? For example, do the employment opportunities offered by IOs increase individuals' skill-sets, with long-term benefits for the society, or do they weaken local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), by hiring away their staff?
* How much do international organizations know about the specific cultural contexts in which they are working? How do they acquire such knowledge, and what factors inhibit their learning?
* How do local understandings of democracy differ from those envisioned by international donors and staffers? How do those local understandings shape the ultimate impact of democracy assistance programs?
* How do the internal organization and policies of international organizations influence professional relationships between international and local staff? In particular, do the internal practices of IOs encourage
or discourage collaborative professional relationships among international and local staff?
* When local staff of an IO or local counterpart offer critical feedback on designing, implementing, and evaluating democracy promotion projects, are international staff receptive in listening and incorporating
those ideas? Under what conditions and in what phases of the democracy promotion process do international staff seem the most receptive to local input?
These are only suggestions, and we also welcome broader analyses of international engagement in the region.

All essays submitted will be read and adjudged by an international panel of readers who have long experience either on the topic, the region or both. On the basis of their evaluation, the best 10 essays submitted will be published in English in either a special issue of a journal or an edited volume. Successful authors will also receive financial and technical assistance for revision, translation and editing and, if funds allow, will be invited to an international workshop to present and discuss their work.

More information
http://watsoninstitute.org/muabet/contest.html


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Babes-Bolyai University and UNESCO-CEPES - ’Living in Truth - A Conceptual Framework for a Wisdom Society and for the European Construction' International Conference, September 9 – 12, 2007, Cluj-Napoca, Romania


One of the characteristic features of current societal evolution in Europe as well as in other regions is the present day increased attention to issues such as cultural identity and its shaping forces, which originate foremost in religion, philosophy, science and arts. Collectively, they represent an affirmation of historical developments and as such also represent a contribution to humankind. This self-assessment has far-reaching premises and consequences with respect to the workings and transformations of European societies and communities, in their political, cultural and spiritual life.

The Cluj-Napoca Conference should be seen as an attempt to continue the discussions carried out in Bucharest and the Vatican. Its title, that starts with the phrase ‘Living in truth’ - the age-old Biblical call - acquires its present relevance not only in religious terms, but also in a broader context of self-assessment, ethical standards and moral principles at the individual and institutional levels.

The organizers are well-aware of your research interests and they will be pleased that you will not only attend this conference, but also participate with a contributed paper in the panel that suits you most.

The conference aims to explore and examine the status of values in today's world, taking into account the ever-growing weight of values in the human existence, and in the functioning of the various public institutions, with a particular attention to the role of university (and other higher education institutions and academic organizations), thus re-affirming the actuality of ‘Living in Truth’ as the biblical formula of life under the aegis of challenges facing mankind.

The conference will include the following topics for its plenary sessions:
- Knowledge and religious faith today
- The reasons and need for a set of firm values
- Place of 'values' in the European construction
- The role of values in inter-religious dialogue
and the following topics for its panel sessions:
- Religiousness in present day Europe
- Biblical studies today
- Place of religion [God] in present day life and culture
- Democracy and sources of motivation
- Science and religion today - cohabitation or conflict
- Spiritual values in a globalized world.

Babes-Bolyai University will provide accommodation and will cover local expenses in Cluj-Napoca for all the participants.

More information
E-mail: anapantea@yahoo.com (Ana Pantea)
m_merutiu@yahoo.com (Monica Merutiu)


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http://www.theeuropeanlibrary.com


The European Library gives access to the resources of the 45 national libraries of Europe. You find all sorts of material from all over Europe. Books, but also films, manuscripts, text books, maps, photographs, music, etc. In the nearby future, museums, archives and other cultural institutions will join The European Library network.

More information
E-mail: fleur.stigter@theeuropeanlibrary.org


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http://www.europesworld.org/


Europe's World, Spring Issue 2007

Europe's World is an independent policy journal launched by Friends of Europe and some 55 other leading European think tanks. Published three times yearly, it is the only pan-European publication that offers policymakers and opinion-formers across Europe a platform for presenting ideas and forging consensus on key issues. It also reflects the diversity of national policy debates in EU states, with particular attention being paid to newcomer and candidate countries.
The Center for EU Enlargement Studies (CENS) is member of the advisory board of Europe's World.


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http://www.ecas.org


European Citizen Action Service - EU Funding Guides for NGOs 2007

The guides:
• Advise you on how to go about applying
• Make it easy for you to find your way around more than 80 available European Commission funds
• Give you the right people to contact for each programme
• Also list other sources of funding
They contain:
• A full chapter on the 2007-13 financial perspectives
• Extensive information on the restructuring of EU external aid
• Information on the new structural funds which can provide support for a wide range of projects


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http://www.osmhi.org/index.php?page=202&news=638&pages=


Summary of Results of Survey on Position of Youth with Disabilities in Secondary Education in Serbia and Montenegro


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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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