CONTENTS:
1.       A Word from the Chairman
2.       EDRC News
2.1.    MESA Seminar Series 2006-2007 Now on CD and as Book
2.2.    MESA Seminar: 16th January 2008
2.3.    New EDRC Publications
2.4.    Europe Close to You Fair
3.       News and Events
3.1     Malta
3.2     Europe
4.       Calls for Papers
5.       Summer Schools and Courses
5.1     Summer Schools
5.2     Courses
 

1. A WORD FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Greetings and Best Wishes to all our readers for a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

This has been a very busy year for us all.  Student numbers continue to increase.  Projects were concluded, continued and begun.  Books and CDs have been published and the coming year's events have been planned and will now come on stream.  The "News" section gives some details as to shortly upcoming events.

Please note especially the start of a cycle of seminars on the Reform Treaty.  We will be focusing this coming year on the impact of this treaty in terms of the kind of EU it creates - this will be a very different EU once the Treaty has been ratified by all the Member States.  There is much to which to adapt, and much to absorb and discuss - as our students are already discovering.

The Civil Society Project this year focuses on "The Fight Against Poverty."  A large group of experts and researchers are pooling their efforts into what promises to be an important contribution from Malta (with the participation of six Mediterranean colleagues also) on this vital question.

"Watch this space," as they say, and my very best wishes to you all.

Peter G. Xuereb
December 2007

2. EDRC NEWS

2.1. MESA Seminar Series 2006-2007 now on CD 
The papers presented in MESA Seminars during 2006-2007 which are online are now also available on CD.  This will be distributed free of charge to participants in this year's MESA Seminar Series which will kick off on the 16th January 2008 with a paper presented by Prof. Timothy S. Boylan.

2.2. MESA Seminar: 16th January 2008

"From Constitutional Treaty to Reform Treaty: Constitutionalism in the European Union from an American Perspective"

Speaker: Prof. Timothy S. Boylan, Associate Professor of Political Science, Winthrop University, South Carolina
Date: 16th January 2008
Time: 1730hrs
Venue: San Anton Room, Corinthia Palace Hotel, Attard
Booking by: 11th January 2008 by e-mail to doris.mangion@um.edu.mt
Entrance: Free

This Seminar examines Europe’s process of constitution making:  framing, enacting, and ratification, through the perspective of the American founding period and history.  While it does not examine the substantive provisions of the European Union’s constitutional treaty or its successor, the Treaty of Lisbon, it does focus on the principal preconditions for framing a workable charter of government and the incentives, both positive and negative, for its approval by the people and their elected representatives.  A study of the similarities with and contrasts between the European and American experiences points to key areas:  the composition and nature of the audience, the size and complexity of the document, and the procedures for ratification, that could either limit or nullify the European Union’s latest attempt to approve a framework treaty. 

2.3. New EDRC Publications
The following are the latest EDRC Publications:

(1) Xuereb Peter G. (ed.), "The "Good" Company: Business Ethics in the EU and Malta", ISBN: 978-99909-67-47-0, PEG 2007, paperback, 101 pages.  This publication includes the Civil Society Project's National Conference Proceedings.

(2) Xuereb Peter G. (ed.), "A Public Dialogue Document on the New European Treaties", ISBN: 978-99909-67-45-6, Progress Press 2007, paperback, 76 pages.  The 2006-2007 MESA Seminar Series is now also available in book form.

2.4. Europe Close To You Fair
Date: 9th to 12th January 2008
Venue: Freedom Square, Valletta
The EDRC as one of the EU-information providers is participating for the third consecutive year in the Europe Close To You Fair which is organised jointly by the European Commission Representation Office in Malta, the European Parliament Office in Valletta and the National Euro Changeover Committee (NECC).
Programme
 

3.NEWS AND EVENTS

3.1. MALTA

Constructing a Composite Index: Benefits and Pitfalls
University Gozo Centre, Xewkija, Gozo
Date: Saturday 22nd December 2007 
Time: 1100hrs to 1630hrs
SIMO (Malta Observarory for Sustainability Indicators) in collaboration with the Islands and Small States Institute will be organising a seminar on: "Constructing a Composite Index: Benefits and Pitfalls" at the University Gozo Centre, Xewkija Gozo on Saturday 22 December 2007 between 1100hrs and 1630hrs, with a break for lunch. Attendance is free of charge.

Programme:
1100hrs: Talk by Ms Nadia Farrugia and Professor Lino Briguglio on Composite Indicators, followed by discussion.
1230hrs: Lunch Break
Presentations by MA (ISSS) students, followed by discussion
1400hrs: The Economic Vulnerability Index
1430hrs: The Economic Resilience Index
1500hrs: Coffee Break
1530hrs: The Environmental Sustainability Index
1600hrs: The Human Development Index
1630hrs: End of Seminar
For more info and to reserve a place contact: Ms. Isabelle Vella on islands@um.edu.mt tel: 21344879 

The Next Industrial Revolution: The New European Energy Policy 
Date: 11th January 2008 
Time: 1700hrs
Venue: Strickland Foundation, Villa Parisio, Lija
Entrance: Free
This seminar is jointly organised by the European Commission Representation Office in Malta, in collaboration with the Strickland Foundation.  The general public is invited to attend,and members from NGOs and Civil Society Groups are encouraged to attend.
A Panel Discussion titled: The EU.... What has it done for me? follows the
Seminar.
More information

Eurojus - Legal Advice & Information Service
The European Commission Representation Office in Malta will launch this new service on 15th January 2008.  Legal Advice is going to be offered free of charge to European Citizens as well as third country nationals.  This service is already being offered in 12 Member States, and Malta is going to be the first of the 2004 accession countries to offer this service.
More information
 

3.2. EUROPE 

Sixth Report on Practical Preparations for the Euro: Countdown for Cyprus and Malta
On the 27th November the Commission adopted the Sixth Report on the practical preparations for the enlargement of the euro area. It focuses on Cyprus and Malta which will adopt the Euro in January 2008. The Commission concluded that both Member States are well prepared for the introduction of the Euro.
A Staff-Working Document attached to the report addresses the state of preparations in the other European Union countries that have yet to adopt the euro. 
Eurobarometer
National Changeover Preparations: Cyprus
National Changeover Preparations: Malta

Conferences for the European Commission's Europe DIRECT Network.
Within the framework of a technical assistance contract with the European Commission, DG Communication, the Development Office organised three conferences for the Commission's EUROPE DIRECT Network. The Europe Direct Network consists of 450 relays which provide information on the EU to the citizens in all member states, 400 European Documentation Centres (mainly based at universities), one of which is housed at the EDRC, and 700 Team Europe speakers who are specialised in a variety of EU Policies. The events took place in Sitges (near Barcelona), Warsaw and Dublin in October and November 2007. Organised yearly in different Member States these Annual General Meetings typically gather about 500 network members. The programme focuses on best practices as well as problem-solving, in relation to communicating the EU to different target audiences. Other services provided by the Development Office to the EUROPE DIRECT Network include a Newsletter which is also available to the general public.

Continued Cooperation with Seoul National University
In July 2007 the Development Office organised a seminar on EU Governance and International Trade, directed by Professor Frank Delmartino, Visiting Professor at the College of Europe, for Korean Students. The institutional cooperation between the College of Europe and the Seoul National University will be extended to include other prestigious partners in different continents. A seminar focusing on the role of the EU in the world will be offered to postgraduate students from partner institutions, starting as of July 2008.

The Development Office is the interface for potential partners of the College of Europe, both from the public and private sectors. It proposes a flexible structure for developing and co-ordinating projects and avtivities related to the areas of academic expertise of the College of Europe.

Creating Hydrogen Communities
Since October 2005, the Development Office has been involved in a 6th Framework Programme Project on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. Both technologies may be of crucial importance for the transition to a sustainable energy economy. The project's overall aim is to assess and monitor hydrogen and fuel cell applications for stationary and mobile use.

A team lead by Dr. Raimund Bleischwitz, Visiting Professor at the College of Europe, contributes as a work package leader mainly to the planning and engagement of early-adopting hydrogen communities. Together with project partners, the College organises workshops aimed at providing state-of-the-art knowledge and giudance for community stakeholders and project managers interested in hydrogen and fuel cell applications.

In parallel with the organisation of the workshops, a "Handbook for Communities" will be edited. The first volume, recently published, discusses the potential role that hydrogen could play in the world energy systems, the anticipated route to a future, and the role of communities along that troute. Two forthcoming volumes will go into the detail, instructing communities on how to successfully engage with hydrogen and fuel cell technology. 
More information on the workshops and the first volume of the handbook (free download)

“Enlarge your Vision”  - European Young Journalist Award on EU Enlargement 
Competition dates: 15 November 2007 to 15 March 2008
The Commission's Directorate-General for Enlargement in cooperation with the European Youth Press Association launched a pan-European competition for young journalists from all over Europe.  The objective of the competition is to encourage young journalists to reflect and express their views on the European Union's Enlargement Policy.
Young journalists aged 17-27 from all the EU Member States as well as from candidate and potential candidate countries (Western Balkans and Turkey) are invited to submit to the competition a recently published article on EU Enlargement (publication date between January 2007 and 15 March 2008).

At the end of the competition in April 2008, national juries made up of media representatives will select a winning article for each country and these articles will be published on the competition website. All 35 winners will be invited on a joint trip through Balkan countries and will have the opportunity to participate in a closing conference with media representatives from various countries in June 2008. 
More information

The European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning
The Conference on "Valuing Learning: European Experiences in validating Non-Formal and Iinformal Learning", launched the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning in Lisbon on 26-27 November 2007.
The EQF will act as a translation device between the Member States' qualifications systems. This will help employers and educational establishments across Europe compare and better understand the qualifications presented by individuals.
It has two principal purposes:
(1) to promote mobility between countries, and 
(2) to facilitate lifelong learning. 
Both are indispensable for achieving more and better jobs and growth, as Europe faces the challenges of becoming an advanced, knowledge-based economy.
At the core of the EQF are its eight reference levels, covering the entire span of qualifications from those achieved at the end of compulsory education, up to those awarded at the highest level of academic and professional or vocational education and training. These describe what a learner knows, understands and is able to do, regardless of the system in which the learner's qualification was acquired. 
• it supports a better match between education and training provisions and the needs of the labour market (for knowledge, skills and competences); 
• it facilitates the validation of non-formal and informal learning; and 
• it facilitates the transfer and use of qualifications across different countries and education and training systems.
More information

Europe for Citizens Forum 2007 
The "Europe for Citizens Forum 2007" responds to the need to enhance EU citizens’ civic participation in the construction of Europe. Feedback from persons active in the field also show that throughout the EU there is a common consciousness grounded in European values, which serves as the necessary bond to spur people onwards to develop a European dimension to their civic engagement.

The Golden Stars Awards are given to shining examples of projects around Europe that encourage active civic participation in EU issues. The winning projects come from Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, and the UK. The European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth, Mr Ján Figel', presented the awards to ten projects at a ceremony held in Brussels on 8 November 2007 during the Europe for Citizens Forum 2007. This year’s Forum focused on intercultural dialogue, and helps to usher in the upcoming European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008.  Many of the prize-winning projects feature a strong intercultural profile and demonstrate how intercultural dialogue constitutes a fundamental part of active European citizenship.
More information

Launch of European digital library 'on track'
A European digital library foundation has recently been created. This formalises the agreement of European archives, museums, audiovisual archives and libraries to work together and provide a common access point to Europe's cultural heritage online.

For a steady growth of the European digital library, two key issues need to be tackled: the financing of digitisation and solutions of making copyrighted works searchable through the European digital library.

The European Digital Libraries initiative is one of the Commissioner's flagship i2010 initiatives to create a European Information Society for growth and jobs.
More information

Tom Bradley International Hall, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA)
27th February  to 1st March  2008
A diverse group of 300 students and young entrapreneurs will convene at UCLA's Tom Bradley International Hall for ATHGO's Fifth Annual Global Forum titled "Global Warming: Changes in Attitude Not the Weather". The four-day practicum based event will focus on the most pressing environmental issues concerning Global Warming and Climate Change. Participants will discuss and explore the effects of Global Warming, its effects and implications, various solutions and the impediments to systematic change.

The forum will commence with Vice President Al Gore's Climate Project presentation. Participants will find out the causes, consequenses and ramifications of global warming from world class scientists. Diplomats will address the issue of political will required to pursue various legislative and regulatory changes in their countries, and representatives from international institutions will address the efforts that the international community is pursuing, including the challenges and obstacles associated with establishing consensus amongst the developing and developed world. Senior executives from the private sector will outline the latest technological innovations, from alternative energy products to more environmentally friendly solutions, and the influence that incentives and other regulatory requirements have had in redefining basic business models and modes of operation, regardless of industry.
More information
 

4. CALLS FOR PAPERS

The Central European Political Studies Review
"Role of Populism in Central and Eastern Europe"
Deadline for abstracts: 31st December 2007
Deadline for papers: 31st March 2008
The journal is published online and is published from BRNO, Czech Republic. This edition is planned for the (Northern) summer of 2008. Comparative analyses as well as case studies are welcome. Papers will be reviewed.

Contact Editor in Chief: Vira Stojarova, Faculty of Social Studies, ISPO, Masaryk University, Jo'tova 10, Brno, Czech Republic.
E-mail: stojarova@fss.muni.cz
More information

Values and Ethos in an Enlarging Europe for UACES' Annual Reasearch Conference
"Exchanging Ideas on Europe 2008: Rethinking the European Union"
Abstract (50-200 words) Proposals should be sent to Dr. Lynn Dobson (l.dobson@ad.ac.uk) or Dr. Myrto Tsakatika (m.tsakatika@lbss.gla.ac.uk)
The abstract should indicate whether the proposed paper is 'theoretical' or 'empirical', and how it is relevant in the context of debates on European Integration.
More information

The European Values Network 2008
Application Deadline: 15th January 2008
The European Values Network 2008 is a Project for those who want to become actively engaged in searching for and formulating of alternative solutions to make Europe freer, safer, stronger and more prosperous.
The EVN operates through working-groups on most urgent policy questions, in form of workshop-meeting in Brussels, e-communication and a conference in Prague.
The outcome of the EVN is publishing of Policy-Papers.

Do you believe that EU should become a political community based on the will of its citizens and on power of its Member States, while consciously rooted in its values and cultural heritage? Choose one of the following topics and apply for participation in this unique project:

• Legitimate overnment in the EU: What system for the formation of the European Commission?
• New architecture for Europe: How to integrate the Eastern EU neighbours wothout offering full membership?
• New security environment: What strategies for transatlantic partners?
• Economy: How to ensure social consensus while making Europe competitive?

UACES Student Forum 9th Conference
University of Kent, Canterbury
24th to 25th April 2008
Deadline: 31st January 2008
This two day conference aims to provide a friendly environment in which research students can attend, develop contacts with other researchers in their field, and gain experience of presenting research to their peers.  The conference is aimed at research students of all levels and proposals are welcome from students working in the field of European Studies within various disciplines.
Postgraduate students wishing to propose an individual paper should complete the paper submission form including a 200 word abstract containing a clear summary of the paper.
More information: p.petrov@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk

Nationalism, East and West: Civic and Ethnic Conceptions of Nationhood
Association for the Study of Ethnicity and Nationalism
London School of Economics
15th to 16th April 2008
The Conference will include keynote addresses from leading scholars in the field, along with opportunities for scholars from various disciplines to examine the relevance of ethnic and civic conceptions of nationhood in a series of panel sessions.
More information
Suggested themes include:

• Civic and Ethnic Aspects of Nation Formation
• Is Nationalism a European Phenomenon?
• Alternitives to Civic and Ethnic Nationalism
• Experiences of Historical Migrant Nations
• Citizenship and Immigration
• Multiculturalism

18 April 1948: Italy between Continuity and Rupture
University of Reading and Italian Culture Institute in London
18th to 19th April 2008
After one of the fiercest electoral campaigns in the history of the country and the mobilisation of all sectors of society and international actors, the Christian Democrats and their allies gained the majority of the votes at the elections of the 18th April 1948, thus officially inaugurating the history of the new Italian Republic.
The 1948 elections have traditionally been seen by scholars as a watershed between war-time Italy and the return to 'normality'. The end of the Resistance and the creation of new political institutions opened the way to a new-found love for foreign literature, the foundation of publishing houses, the cultural influence of the US and the emergence of a young generation of artists, movie directors and actors. At the same time, underlying continuities exerted a strong impact on the cultural, historical and economic development of Italy. The North/ South divide, the backward economic structure, the administrative centralisation, the legal tradtition, the role of the Catholic Church are only a few of the most notable examples of the legacy of the pre-war time.
Through the multidisciplinary approach that brings together history, politics, literature, legal studies and international relations, this conference re-examines the significance of 18th April 1948. It assesses in what ways the legacies of WWII, of the fascist regime and of Liberal Italy have influenced the foundation of the new Italian Republic and to what degree 1948 can be seen as a 'watershed in the History of Italy'

The organisers welcome the submission of proposals and panels on any aspects of Italian History and culture and which relate to the issues highlighted above. Please send 300-word proposal, including your name, position and academic affiliation via e-mail to Dr. Linda Rosso (l.rosso@reading.ac.uk) by Monday 31st December 2007
Organisers: Prof Richard Bosworth, Prof Christopher Duggan, Dr Linda Rosso
For all practical information: Ms Nina Leontieff (n.leontieff@reading.ac.uk)

Exchanging Ideas on Europe 2008: Rethinking the European Union
University Association of Contemporary European Studies (UACES)
Annual Conference
University of Edinburgh, UK
1st to 3rd September 2008
At Edinburgh, there will be a number of Research Sessions embedded within the conference programme which together, comprise the Research Conference. During each Session there will be a number of different Research Panels; as these panels will be held in parallel you will need to pick and choose which panels to attend. The diverse nature of 'European Studies' is such that not all panels will be of interest to all participants.

By submitting a paper proposal, participants are making a reasonably firm commitment towards attending the conference and for being available to present the paper on any day of the conference. Paper-givers are expected to pay a registration fee for the conference. 
More information

5. SUMMER SCHOOLS AND COURSES

5.1. Summer Schools

PhD Research Seminar - SECURINT Project
Robert Schuman University
Strasbourg
23rd to 27th June 2008
Application deadline: 14th March 2008
It is an interdisciplinary research week aimed at PhD students working on EU internal security governance issues in the Justice and Home Affairs framework.  This seminar aims to establish a structure where exchanges among PhD students can take place on their scientific research and methodology.  Selected candidates are given the opportunity to present their work and learn from other students coming from other Universities.

Candidates must be registered as PhD students and be working on EU Internal Security issues in the framework of Justice and Home Affairs
E-Mail: Anya.Dahmani@urs.u-strasbg.fr

5.2. COURSES

EU Executive Programme - Hand in Hand with Business
The European Energy Market Costs and Security
31st January - 1st February 2008
Online registrations are now open
More information

EU Fact Finding - the EU at your fingertips
Sessions in February, April and June 2008
To find the right piece of information, the right document or the right person in an efficient and timely manner is essential. This short and focused seminar enables participants to discern, evaluate and optimise their time in acquiring EU information.
Online registrations are now open 
More information

Regulatory Impact Analysis
Sessions in March, June and October 2008, Bruges
Following the success of the three previous editions, the College's Development Office, in cooperation with Jacobs and Associates Europe will organise three RIA training courses in 2008. These are practice-oriented courses, tailored for officials coming from all over the world who use RIA in their daily work, as well as executives interested in getting an insight into the RIA process to influence policy decisions.
Online registrations are now open 
More information

EU Nagotiations in Practice
21st to 25th April 2008, Bruges and Brussels
Acquire in-depth knowledge of EU negotiations as well as the skills needed to negotiate successfully, thanks to this high-level training course. Primarily designed for officials, the seminar has also attracted professionals from the private sector and civil society organisations. 
Online Registrations are now open 
More information

15th Intensive Seminar on the EU
30th June to 18th July 2008, Bruges and Brussels
Professionals from all over Europe and beyond will gather in Bruges to enhance or refresh their knowledge about the EU and to engage in a stimulating exchange of views on policies and politics. Participants can choose from three formulas (one-, two- or three week programmes), according to their backgrounds and professional needs. 
More information

Colloqium 'Other Europes': Agents of Transformation 
Institute for the Study of European Transformations
London Metropolitan Institute
Plenary speakers so far confirmed: Elmar Altvater, Donatella della Porta, Peter Gowan, John Palmer, Kate Soper. 
The Institute for the Study of European Transformations is holding a Colloqium 'Other Europeans: Agents of Transformation' to explore the tensions effecting European enlargement, the complexities of migration, and the cultural modalities of religion and language in the processes of transformation at work in Europe. 

European Training Institute
Brussels' leading training centre in EU Public Affairs and Lobbying 
15% discount on all early enrolments received before 31st December 2007 for 2008 seminars (*) 

Open Enrolment programmes:
-Brussels Insight Series 
-EU Funding 
-Masterclass EU Lobbying 
-EU Communication and Media 
-Comitology Reform 
-Intensive Programme: Working with the EU 

Customised Seminars:
-Companies 
-Trade Associations 
-NGOs 

Personal Coaching

EU Publications

A permanent training centre at the heart of the European District. Each participant to ETI seminars will receive a free one-month subscription to EUROPOLITICS(*) to benefit from this offer please mention the code SO-161107 when enrolling. 
"ETI, the best way to understand the EU Arena" 
More information

European Training Institute-Brussels, Belgium
To know more about the European Training Institute, its Faculty, and full range of Public and Customised programmes. 
Visit our website at : www.e-t-i.be
57 Rue Froissart-B-1040 Brussels- Belgium
Phone: +32 (0)2 400 77 30
Fax: +32 (0)2 732 75 25
info@e-t-i.be

"Comitology Implementation for REACH": This seminar is practical from start to finish. Participants will actively work on the implementation of REACH helping them to understand how the system works and how to intervene.
More information

European Training Institute
How to be influental tomorrow in Brussels?
Training Package includes:

• The First Book on European Lobbying Methodology

• Masterclass EU Lobbying

• Masterclass EU Communication and Media

N.B. If you want to include an activity in the next newsletter kindly send an e-mail to doris.mangion@um.edu.mt

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