Shaping and debating the future of EU

Year: 2015-2016

Area: The main aim of the project was to initiate a discussion and debate in four European countries (Estonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Latvia) about the future of the European Union. The project countries were chosen to be 2 "new" member states of the EU (Estonia and Malta/Latvia), 1 recently joined member state of the EU (Croatia) and one EU membership candidate country (Bosnia and Herzegovina), representing also different regions of Europe. Project activities started in most of the countries in the spring of 2015 and continued until the year 2016. 

The activities took place in each country on a national level, but also on local / regional level. In each location debates involved different stakeholder groups (policy makers, civil servants – but focusing on those groups who will be directly affected by the EU sectoral policies: youth, entrepreneurs, socially disadvantaged etc). 

Partners:  Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Foreign Policy Initiative BH. Croatia: European Education Forum (EEF). Latvia Biedriba "Solis Tuvak".  

Funding: Europe for Citizens programme. European Commission. Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency.

 

Project activities in Estonia

The Jaan Tonisson Institute (JTI) focused on different events and regions. Starting in spring 2015 with public debates and idea gatherings at festivals they continued in autumn-winter with smaller scale discussion events with various target groups (students, youth, elderly people, entrepreneurs etc.)

 

11 events have been carried out within this project in Estonia:

Event 1 - Estonian Youth Union - EU Simulation

Participation: The event involved  13 citizens from the city of Tallinn and Harju region (Estonia). 

Location / Dates: The event took place in Tallinn University (Tallinn, Estonia), on 16th May 2016
Short description:  Jaan Tõnisson Institute participated at the annual spring seminar of the Estonian National Youth Council. As a part of the seminar, the ENL and JTI co-operated in delivering a workshop/interactive simulation on exploring alternative forms of youth participation. Three working groups were formed to simulate policy makers, organised youth groups and unorganised youth.

The workshop demonstrated that while the 13 participants had little trouble identifying youth problems and seeking appropriate solutions, it was considerably more challenging to understand the perspectives of different stakeholders. What emerged from the simulation was a shared understanding of the need to develop communication and co-operation between local policy makers and youth organisations.

 

Event 2 - Open discussion evening ‘Help, refugees are coming! Myths and challenges’

Participation: The event involved 72 citizens, mainly from the cities of Tallinn and Tartu and other regions (Estonia).

Location / Dates: The event took place in Õpetajate Maja (Tallinn, Estonia), 11/06/2015

Short description:  On the evening of the 11th of June, chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee at the Parliament of Estonia Kalle Palling, Janek Mägi from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, political commentator Ahto Lobjakas and director of the Estonian Refugee Council Eero Janson discussed the present and future of Estonia’s refugee policies in the context of European Commission’s plans for refugee resettlement and relocation. In addition, Juhan Saharov from Johannes Mihkelsoni Keskus gave an introductory presentation on refugee quotas and the present situation of refugees in Estonia. The debate was moderated by communication expert Liisa Past.

The news and recording of the public debate were published on the websites of Estonian largest online media agency "Delfi" and in the largest tabloid "Õhtuleht". As it was the beginning of the refugee migration crisis in Europe, the public debate received wide coverage in the Estonian media. There were more than 500 online viewers of the event via Delfi website and it is possible to see the recording http://tv.delfi.ee/eesti/taispikkuses-aruteluohtu-appi-pagulased-muudid-ja-valjakutsed?id=71689589 

 

Event 3 - Sustainable Development Festival "Ökomäss 2015"

Participation: The event involved 238 citizens, from all regions of Estonia.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Patarei vangla (Tallinn, Estonia), from  18/09/2015  to 20/09/2015

Short description:  JTI held a idea gathering and information sharing event on a 3-day sustainable development festival Ökomäss 2015 in September. Visitors of the festival had a possibility to tell to the JTI representatives, how they perceive the European Union, what are the things that concern them most in Estonia and in the EU, what they would like to change in Estonia and in the EU in the future. During discussions with people it was possible to give them more information about the EU and how the Union functions. At the same time this info day gave a good chance for the representatives of the JTI about the concerns of people and which questions are important for them. People had a chance to write their ideas and concerns "on a public wall", so JTI could summarize the results and main issues regarding the governance in Estonia and in the EU. 

Most of the people, who visited the JTI info desk during Ökomäss festival, raised the topics of sustainable development and EU-s role in global climate change activities.

In national matters people were mainly interested how the EU could help to preserve Estonian forests and voted this as the most important question on the public wall of ideas and concerns.

The idea gathering event was part of the events organized for the Europe for Citizens project "Shaping and Debating the future of the EU". 

 

Event 4 - Discussion event "The future of Estonian businesses"

Participation: The event involved 13 citizens, including participants from the cities of Tallinn, Tartu, Pärnu and Haapsalu (Estonia).

Location / Dates: The event took place in Tallinn, Estonia on 25/09/2015  

Short description:  On 25th September 2015 the 13 members of different Estonian entrepreneurial associations discussed with the head of the Jaan Tonisson Institute Andrus Villem the economic affairs in Europe. Main concerns were about growing signs of protectionism, which could hinder the founding pillars of the European Union (free movement of people and goods). Another discussion revolved around the future of possible cuts in the EU budget for the period of 2020-2027, as Estonia has to prioritize the EU funds more specifically in the future.

As a conclusion of the event the participants agreed that more attention should be paid to the protection of principal values of the EU, as the economic development and cohesion are the strengths of the Union, which are beneficial for the member states as well.  

The discussion event was funded from the Citizens of Europe programme of the European Union as part of the project "Shaping and Debating the future of the EU".

 

Event 5 - Public Debate on "Nationalism in Changing Europe"

Participation: The event involved 41 participants from the cities of Tallinn and Tartu, Estonia.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Tallinn, Estonia, on 24/11/2015

Short description:  On 24th November 2015 the Jaan Tonisson Institute held together with Estonian academic fraternal organisation a public debate on the topic of nationalism in changing Europe.

In the first part of the event established Estonian writers Peeter Helme and Andrei Hvostov discussed the political situation in Europe and how nationalism is perceived and debated in the 21st century. In the second part of the event, the roundtable panel with Estonian Social Security minister Margus Tsahkna, Member of the Parliament Mart Nutt and migration expert of the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences Kert Valdaru discussed pros and cons of the migration.

Additionally to the 41 participants at the venue it was possible to view the event via online channel in the 2 largest Estonian media channels (Postimees, Delfi).

The recording of the debate evening is published on Postimees website - http://arvamus.postimees.ee/3410621/postimees-teeb-otseulekande-konverentsilt-rahvuslus-muutuvas-euroopas. There were 1911 online views via the largest Estonian newspaper website Postimees. 

The recording of the event is published on Delfi website - http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/eesti/vaata-uuesti-sakala-korporatsiooni-sugiskonverentsil-debateeriti-rahvusluse-sisse-ja-valjarande-ule?id=73035151 In Delfi online news portal there were 400 online views of the event. 

 

Event 6 - JTI Youth Seminar in Mustvee, Peipsi Gymnasium

Participation: The event involved 29 participants from Tartu, Jõgeva and Ida-Viru counties (Estonia),

Location / Dates: The event took place in Peipsi Gümnaasium, Mustvee, Estonia, from  30/11/2015

Short description: On 30th November 2015 the Jaan Tonissoni Institute organized an educational workshop in the eastern region of Estonia, in Mustvee town, together with the NGO Peipsi Center for Transboundary Cooperation. Eastern part of Estonia is a border region with Russian Federation and most of the border is located on Peipsi lake (4th largest lake in Europe). The aim of the seminar in Mustvee Peipsi Gymnasium was to discuss with estonian and russian speaking pupils their views on the future of Europe. Whether and how they see their future in Estonia, Europe or in Russia.

During the workshop 29 participants in the Peipsi Gymnasium discussed various topics regarding the envrionmental protection of the Peipsi lake ecosystem, transboundary cooperation issues between Europe and neighboring countries like Russia and their views on the future of Europe.  

The workshop took place in the frameworks of JTI’s ‘Europe for Citizens’ and Peipsi CTC's youth participation projects.

 

Event 7 - Discussion event "Estonia and the Future of the Europe"

Participation: The event involved 21 participants from the cities of Tallinn, Tartu, Rapla, Pärnu and Rakvere (Estonia).

Location / Dates: The event took place in Tallinn, Estonia, on 16/02/2016

Short description:  This discussion event was held in Tallinn for the students of all universities to gather their views on the future developments of Estonia and the European Union. The main presenter was Member of the Estonian Parliament Mr. Mart Nutt. Although there were not so many participants, the discussion was interesting and fresh, as the students raised many fascinating ideas, how the EU could develop and increase its role in different areas. At the same time JTI had a chance to explain the current political situation in the EU affairs to the students. One of the focus topics was how Estonia will manage, when the EU development funds (Cohesion Funds and other Structural Funds) are not available any more. 

As a result of the seminar, the students gave feedback, that they learned a lot about the EU and about the possible future developments in the Union. They understood better that Estonia has to continue the development of its economy without the support of the EU structural funds in the future, as this is not sustainable in the long run. 
 

Event 8 - Seminar "Information war - how to stay alive in the battlefield of ideologies?"

Participation: The event involved 25 citizens from the cites of Tallinn, Tartu and other regions of Estonia.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Tallinn, Estonia, on 13/04/2016

Short description: This seminar was organised due to the increased problems with information distortion about the European Union and its relations to neighboring countries in Estonia. JTI felt the need to hold a public debate on this topic to raise awareness. 

Although the event was initially oriented for younger than 30 audience, the participants were mainly in the age group 30-65. This changed the discussion mood a bit, most of the people remembered the information war tactics from the Soviet Union era in Estonia. Therefore people focused more on historical comparisons with current situation. Still possible scenarios of the EU future developments were discussed. Especially regarding the public information sharing in the neighboring countries like Ukraine. 
 

Event 9 - Seminar in the Estonian Parliament "European Union Development Cooperation as a tool to prevent crisis"

Participation: The event involved 37 citizens, including participants from the cities of Tallinn and Tartu and other regions of Estonia.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) (Tallinn, Estonia), on 17/05/2016
Short description:  The aim of the event was to hold a seminar in the Estonian Parliament together with the Speaker of the Parliament Mr. Eiki Nestor and Members of the Parliament Ms. Oudekki Loone and Mr. Henn Põlluaas on the topic of the European Union development cooperation role to prevent crisis situations and as a tool to deescalate conflicts. 

There were 37 guests at the seminar, who discussed the importance of development cooperation in the European Union and different approaches to EU neighbouring countries. 

 

Event 10 - Ökomäss 2016

Participation: The event involved 206 citizens, including participants from all regions and cities of Estonia.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Patarei vangla (Tallinn, Estonia), from  17/09/2016  to 18/09/2016
Short description: For second year the Jaan Tonisson Institute held a public discussion round on the future of the European Union  and its policies on 17.-18th September 2016 in the former Patarei prison in Tallinn.

The total of 206 people frequented the discussion rounds on both days. People were curious on the future economical policies of the union and many asked about the Estonian government policies with regard to the approaching EU Presidency by Estonia in 2017

 

Event 11 - Public discussion "Does the EU destroy itself?" 

Participation: The event involved 21 citizens, including participants from the cities of Tallinn,Tartu and other regions of Estonia.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) (Tallinn, Estonia), on 22/09/2016

Short description:  The Jaan Tonisson Institute held a public discussion in the Parliament of Estonia about the future of the European Union. This was also the final event of the "Shaping and Debating th future of EU" project, where all participating countries sent their representatives. 

There were 21 participants present in the Riigikogu in Tallinn and there was an online video transfer via the largest daily newspaper Postimees https://arvamus.postimees.ee/3845961/otseulekanne-arutelu-kas-euroopa-liit-hukutab-end-ise?_ga=2.178302183.292558831.1510616794-513382299.1494590679

The event was funded from the Citizens of Europe programme of the European Union as part of the project "Shaping and Debating the future of the EU".

 

Project activities in Croatia

15 events have been carried out within this project in Croatia:

1. Training course „The EU in a Bird's Eye View“

Participation: The event involved 20 citizens, including participants from the city of Zagreb.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Zagreb, Croatia, on 20/04/2015 and 21/04/2015

Short description: The main objectives of the training were to provide knowledge about EU institutions and EU decision making process, to give participants insight and skills for effective national interest representation, especially EU negotiation skills. Methodologically, training were organized as a combination of presentation, scenario analysis and discussion where participants had an opportunity to simulate decision making process in EU Council and represent national position, exchange knowledge and views about future of EU project with special focus on enlargement.

Participants learned about the role of EU institutions, their interaction in decision making process,  possibility of influence that process from the side of national institutions, but also from the position of citizens. They will be able to influence negotiations from informal decision making process.

 

2. "Youth Inclusion into Shaping of the EU"

Participation: The event involved 40 citizens, including participants from the city of Zagreb.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Zagreb, Croatia, on 09/04/2015

Short description: Conference was aimed for students, youth, civil society, general public who got information about mobility programs, employment opportunities in Croatia and EU institutions. Presenters from university, employment service, mobility agency and private sector informed and launched a debate about possibilities and methods how to participate in relevant and available opportunities in education and employment sector. 

Participants learned how to be active and participate in various educational activities aimed for youth, but also how to be competitive and apply for exams in EU institutions.  

 

3. “Female Participation in Croatia: political identity and communication”

Participation: The event involved 39 citizens, including participants from the city of Zadar.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Zadar, Croatia, on 10-12/07/2015

Short description: Conference was aimed for female politicians form Croatian local level with a goal to strengthening their capacities for better participation in national and EU decision making process. The conference provided a series of presentations and discussions about topical issues, such as political lobbying and advocacy, EU negotiations, importance of female participation, work in the EU and EU institutions.
 
Participants learned about the role of EU institutions, procedures how to influence and give an input from local level on decision making procedures and how to be more effective in creation of public policies.  
 
4. European Sport's Week
 

Participation: The event involved 50 citizens, including participants from the city of Zagreb.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Zagreb, Croatia, on 19/09/2015

Short description: Presentation was aimed to the broad public who participated in European Sport's Week. This was a public event with a goal to promote new policy of European Commission - sport and to include more people in sport programs and sport activities. We invited NGO's and national Agency who informed participants about programs and initiatives of EC that gives opportunities for involvement in creating of urban infrastructure for sustainable transport and health life, and also involvement in creating of EU policies.

 
Participants learned about the programs of European Commission aimed for sport and mobility, how to cooperate and making partnership with other similar civil society organizations.  
 
 
5. „The EU in a Bird's Eye View“ 
 

Participation: The event involved 20 citizens, including participants from the city of Zadar.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Zadar, Croatia, on 14-17/09/2015

Short description: The main objectives of the training were to provide knowledge about EU institutions and EU decision making process, to give participants from the local level institutions and NGO's sector insight and skills for effective national interest representation, especially EU negotiation skills. Methodologically, training were organized as a combination of presentation, scenario analysis and discussion where participants had an opportunity to simulate decision making process in EU Council and represent national position, exchange knowledge and views about future of EU project with special focus on enlargement.
 
Participants learned about the role of EU institutions, their interaction in decision making process,  possibility of influence that process from the side of national institutions, but also from the position of citizens. They will be able to influence negotiations from informal decision making process.
 
6. The Local Development School 
 
Participation: The event involved 20 citizens, including participants from the city of Zadar.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Zadar, Croatia, on 29-30/10/2015

Short description: The Local Development School provided an opportunity to discuss Local Development with a wide range of programme stakeholders, in an informal setting.  Topics included Animating Communities, Transnational working, Local Development Strategies and Energy opportunities. Workshop was aimed for institutions involved in rural and local development and in particular those engaged with the LEADER programme from Croatia and neighbouring countries, including Ministries, Regional Development Agencies, Regional and Local Councils, Civil Society and Local Action Group Representatives.
 
Participants learned how to turn Community Energy into community development, they have got practical experience about local energy initiatives, and learned how to wright local development strategies, had opportunity that Fisheries Local Action Groups and LEADER groups work together.
 
7. “Explore the EU”

Participation: The event involved 70 citizens, including participants from the city of Zagreb.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Zagreb, Croatia, on 05/11/2015

Short description: Workshop was aimed for elementary and secondary schools students and their teachers. The topics of the interactive workshop were EU history and EU institutions, policies for youth, mobility programs, EU citizenship, simulation about advocacy and quizzes.

Participants got a knowledge about EU basic, but also how to participate in EC programs for youth and life long learning projects.

8. “Crisis at the EU door: Ukraine, Syria, North Africa” 

Participation: The event involved 50 citizens, including participants from the city of Zagreb.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Zagreb, Croatia, on 11/11/2015

Short description: In order to provide scientific and professional approach to the migration and refugee crisis in Europe, as well as the turbulences in European Neighbourhood and Eastern Partnership countries, the conference gathered civil servants from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, civil society activists and researchers but also the international professionals from the European Movement.

Conference engaged professionals, scientists, researchers, civil society activists, civil servants and officials into structured debate on actual refugee and migration crisis Croatia and the EU have been facing at the moment, in order to provide objective and detailed information on the crisis. 

9. “Building knowledge and attitude – for creation of EU future”

Participation: The event involved 150 citizens, including participants from the city of Osijek.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Osijek, Croatia, on 14/11/2015

Short description: Conference were dedicated to youth, students and primary school pupils to boost creativity, to develop their basic knowledge on the European Union, ongoing processes and challenges facing the EU and it Member States as well to create the coherent attitude based on facts and objective interpretations as well to encourage youth to engage in discussion on the elementary EU-related topics, in order to deliberate and share the democratic values. It was presented lecture on the political system of the European Union, theory and history of European integration, possibilities of participation of citizens and youth in the policy-making and decision-making process at European Union level.

In workshop participants were engaged in public debate after short introduction on the migration and refugee crisis and Migration Agenda of the European Commission, reform of Dublin system as well as reform of Schengen system. 

The aim was to engage students to express their opinion on the current refugee crisis based on objective data, to develop a concrete stand and ways of successful tackling the crisis. The workshop engaged the students in discussion and set the basis to take part in the discussion and processes of designing decisions at local, national and supranational level.

10. “EU Citizens and Culture”

Participation: The event involved 20 citizens, including participants from the city of Zagreb.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Zagreb, Croatia, on 10/05/2016

Short description: Conference gathered artists, culture institutions, entrepreneurs, public servants and broad public. Presentations included topics about EU funding opportunities in the area of culture and stories by the beneficiaries, such as museums, dancing groups and publishers. Also, it was presented experience and benefits of EC initiative European Capital of Culture.  

Aim of the conference was to connect broad cultural institutions and stakeholders and inform them about opportunities in cultural sector and initiatives provided by EC. 

11. "Youth Participation in the Future of Europe"

Participation: The event involved 30 citizens, including participants from the city of Zagreb.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Zagreb, Croatia, on 11/05/2016

Short description: Conference was intend to participants from primary and secondary school teachers and staff where experts form the Mobility Agency and schools presented various mobility EU projects. They have possibility to share their experiences of participation in EU projects and discuss with participants.

Conference connected educational institutions and stakeholders and give them opportunity to present their involvement and practice in EU projects aimed for youth.

12. Dossier Europa

Participation: The event involved 125 citizens, including participants from the city of Zagreb.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Zagreb, Croatia, on 14/04/2016

Short description: Radio broadcast were organized at Croatian National Radio with 2 experts who informed public about Digital Economy and Competition. Experts presented national policy in named field, how Croatia implemented EU law in national legislative, what are current opportunities for small and medium enterprises specially for IT sector who has large progress.  

Broad public was informed about topic Digital Economy and Competition and opportunities for economy. 

13. Dossier Europa

Participation: The event involved 125 citizens, including participants from the city of Zagreb.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Zagreb, Croatia, on 12/05/2016

Short description: Radio broadcast were organized at Croatian National Radio with 2 experts who informed public about EC initiative European Capital of Culture. Auditors was informed about opportunities for cultural and tourism sector of the cities who were selected in past. It was presented program of City of Rijeka who holds this title for 2020. 

Broad public was informed about EC initiative European Capital of Culture and their impact to culture, tourism and economy. 

 

14. „EU Updates: Will Europe Survive?”

Participation: The event involved 20 citizens, including participants in Hvar.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Hvar, Croatia, on 15-18/06/2016

Short description: Summer school was mainly intended for officials on national and local level from Croatia who are on a daily basis involved in the EU affairs, but also across the wider region, since the main objective of the organiser is to offer more specific and contemporary topics about the current EU policies which include: Migration and the Refugee Crisis, Climate Change and the EU’s Environment Policy, Energy and the EU’s relation with Russia, Tax Avoidance and the Commission’s Work Programme, Economic and Monetary Union, The Eurozone Crisis, Brexit, Grexit, and the Future of the European Union. 

Main goal of such education was to prepare civil servants for better understanding of the EU institutions and strengthening overall capacity of the Croatian public administration in the EU context. 

 

15. Future of the European Union 

Participation: The online survey involved 125 citizens, including participants from all regions of Croatia.

Location / Dates: The online survey took place in Croatia, on 23/09-23/10/2016

Short description: Online survey was designed with open questions on the opinion about good and bad things that EU membership brought to Croatia and perception of the living standards in Croatia and EU countries. Also, they could give opinion and prediction about the EU's future.

Survey gave an inside to opinions of average Croat about possible changes that EU membership brought to Croatian society, and how they see future of EU despite numerous crises that we encounter. 

 

Project activities in Latvia

7 events have been carried out within this project in Latvia:

1. Infoday and flashmob in Riga

Participation: The event involved 45 citizens, including participants from Riga.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Riga, square near Melngalvju nams, Latvia, on 06/08/2016

Short description: Target groups: youth, NGO's, general public

Flashmob took a place in the capital city of Latvia – Riga. Next to a regularly visited place by locals and tourists - one of the largest universities in Latvia. Aim of this activity was to draw people's attention to the EU idea of youth inviting EU to listen to the basic idea- to keep up with young people in Europe and together build more open minded and larger European Union.

Large number of people were participating in this activity, took pictures and even filmed this event. Once flashmob was finished many people from different countries, cultures and ages came to youngsters to ask more about this EU idea, activities and their aim. It was a great opportunity to express their thoughts and ideas about better EU union and its future. 

 

2. Meeting with NGO representatives about future of EU

Participation: The event involved 58 citizens, including participants from Kekava.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Ķekava, Ķekavas kultūras nams, Latvia, on 12/08/2016

Short description: Target groups: NGO's, general public

Kekava held a seminar for NGO’s on possibilities in Europe. Large number of NGO’s were interested in this seminar therefore many questions were discussed not only face to face but also through Skype. Most common questions were about funding for youth projects, exchange projects and training projects. NGO representatives shared their experiences in realizing projects and writing projects. At the end of discussions gratitude speeches were made, participates were glad to know about more possibilities for both- young people and NGO’s.  New knowledge, language improvement  and cultural exchange for young people is very important.  

Participants acquired new information about funding for youth projects, exchange projects and training projects. As far it was exchange of experience of different NGOs it finished with discussions and everybody was agree that Latvia economy there days are very dependent on EU financing.

 

3. Kekava Info Day

Participation: The event involved 83 citizens, including participants from Kekava.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Ķekava, square near Doles Tautas nams, Latvia, on 01/09/2016

Short description: Target group: youth, NGO's, local level civil society, general public

Once a month in Kekava public activities are taking place, such as fairs, youth and children's open-air concerts, local business promotions and activities. All these activities are publicly announced to let all locals know about these events so they could participate in them. NGO "Solis Tuvak" took a part in this activity. Residents were invited to participate in a questionnaire. Questions were related to the European Union. If they answered to the question correctly the participant received an award and discussions were made around each topic. Discussions were mainly about the European Union, it’s goals, plans and opportunities. This game brought together a large number of people who actively participated in the discussions. It helped participants to fully understand what is EU and what is our part in it.

Around 100 people participated, but not all wanted to sign in our participants list thought about their future in Europe and filled questionnaires.

 

4. Ozolnieki Info Day

Participation: The event involved 92 citizens, including participants from Ozolnieki.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Ozolnieki, square near city hall, Latvia, on 09/09/2016

Short description: One of the largest cities in the country is Jelgava. In this city large number of young people are studying or preparing to launch a study in the Agricultural Academy. At school EU topic es quite popular, opinions and experiences are very different from each student. In our info tent they had a chance to share their thoughts about EU topics and ask questions each other. It was particularly exciting to develop discussion between students. Topics about future in Europe and fears were the most common discussions among youngsters. Students were also discussion how EU will change after BREXIT. This activity was based on active discussion and a chance to hear opinion from different side of view.

Around 100 people participated, but not all wanted to sign in our participants list thought about their future in Europe and filled questionnaires.

 

5. Baloži Info Day

Participation: The event involved 88 citizens, including participants from Ozolnieki.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Ozolnieki, square near city hall, Latvia, on 17/09/2016

Short description: Target group: youth, NGO's, local level civil society, general public.

In one major event that was held in city Balozi, our NGO made a public survey on European Union. It included questions about various issues that helped to understand public opinion, concerns and thoughts about the Europe, the European Union as well public opinion on our role in EU.

When doing the questionnaire we also did some semi-structured interviews with some respondents as well with those who didn’t show willingness to fill the survey, but preferred to express their ideas verbally. 

In total, from the questionnaire we can conclude that majority of people are worried of the possible outcomes of Brexit and the surging problems caused by refugees. However, people expressed appreciation on the available funding both from the government and EU and on social projects that gives general welfare. When mentioning benefits, many respondents wanted to point out that efficiency is important as well and it should be controlled more.

When talking about problems and concerns many started to talk about the past and the many opportunities our country has lost due to joining the EU – lost industries due to market competiveness problems, change in income inequality, large taxes and degraded medical system. Those who had experience in using EU funds argued that the bureaucracy is too large and that in many cases purpose and rules of the competition seems to be unclear. One respondent mentioned double representation as a problem. (In Brussels and in France)

On the other hand, when asked about positive aspects of the union, respondents mentioned mobility options, small business development, product variety and availability. Some mentioned the many possibilities of European funding in areas of off-site concerts, cultural exchange and academic education.

 

6. Photo orienteering game in Riga

Participation: The event involved 78 citizens, including participants from Riga.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Riga centre, Latvia, on 22-23/09/2016

Short description: Target groups youth, NGO's, local level civil society, general public

Topic: Topic: Photo orienteering game was held in Riga, the country's capital. We invited to participate all those who were interested. Many those who attended  were families with children, young people, individuals. Orientation purpose was to perpetuate photos facts that people associate with Europe. The results were very interesting, people have a very different view of the EU, and what Europe means to our country. This activity made it possible to be aware both for participants and organizers of the differences that existed before the accession to the EU and it is now. Give idea of what people experience as part of Europe.

Shared opinions in the discussion, different activities resulted in the view that Europe, in fact, we are the same.

Performance participants were awarded with prizes.

Results achieved: Shared opinions in the discussion, different activities resulted in the view that Europe, in fact, we are the same.

 

7. Dagda Info Day

Participation: The event involved 77 citizens, including participants from Dagda.

Location / Dates: The event took place in Dagda, youth centre, Latvia, on 30/09/2016

Short description: Seminar took place in Dagda and it gathered the local youth. The topic of the discussion was the many possibilities that are offered to the youth and how one could gain the most benefits of these programs. While in conversation with them we wanted to understand how well informed and how experienced are they as well it was important to see the willingness to participate and interact both in eyes of students and their teachers.

Based on the discussion we can conclude that youth has little to none knowledge about the processes happening in EU. Many of them hadn’t heard about the projects and they received detailed information about Erasmus+ program as well was acknowledged about the many online sources. It was important to argue about the benefits one gain from multicultural environment and travel, giving examples and showing photos.

While in discussion we acknowledged youth about the member states and administration. Motivated them to learn new languages and become more active EU citizens.

 

Project activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Within the project, we organised three round tables in faculties of economy on three universities – in Sarajevo, Mostar and Banja Luka. Our intention was to check what the interest among students and academic staff of universities on European integration related processes and developments is.

Each round table had three keynote speeches – on political challenges of the integration, economic challenges and a speech on opportunities offered by the candidacy status and the membership. Particular emphasis was on assistance programmes and cooperation processes that the European Union supports both in BiH and the entire region. Modest progress of BiH and new reform-driven approach of the European Union designed for the country as well as programmes supporting aid and cooperation were thoroughly discussed during the workshops.

Level of interest in participation and topics announced varied tremendously. In quantity, the strongest interest was expressed by the Faculty of Economy of the Mostar University, and the weakest in the Faculty of Economy of the Banja Luka University. In quality, the several students in Banja Luka expressed the deepest understanding of the processes and interest in economic aspect of the integration. All wanted to learn more on programmes of assistance and support to processes funded by the European Union.

1. Public debate for the students “Shaping and Debating the Future of the EU“

On October 30th 2015 a public debate with 30 participants was organized in Mostar as part of the project “Shaping and Debating the Future of the EU” on the Faculty of Economy – Mostar University. During the two hour public debate for the students, experts from Foreign Policy Initiative BH and professors from the faculty discussed the follwoing topics:

  • The opportunities BiH will have once it joins the EU;
  • The results of the survey created for this project 
  • The economic challenges of BiH EU integration process and the political challenges of BiH EU integration process

Public debate in Mostar: http://vpi.ba/en/2015/ 10/30/public-debate-students-s haping-debating-future-eu/

2. Conference: Presentation of Key Findings: Shaping and Debating the Future of EU

The conference of the project was held on 27 November 2015 in Sarajevo in presence of representatives of political parties, diplomats, experts for European integration and press (total of 20 participants). During the conference, the focus was on findings of the survey conducted under this project and on the conclusions and recommendations generated at the end of the project.

Presentation of key findings: http://vpi.ba/en/201 5/12/11/what-do-children-know- about-the-eu-homeland/

3. Street action: Do you think about leaving BiH? Why?

In September 2016, a street action with 102 participants was organized as part of the project “Shaping and Debating the Future of the EU”. During the event, BiH citizens were asked about the reasons for leaving Bosnia and Herzegovina and the youth brain drain.

According to the Union for sustainable return and integration, more than 80.000 people emigrated from BiH in the past two years and the trend of the youth leaving BiH is ever growing. A lot of citizens said they do not see any kind of future for themselves in BiH and would use any opportunity to leave.

September 2016 street action: http://vpi.ba/en/2016/ 09/29/street-action-think-leav ing-bih-2/

4. Seminar European integration process programmes supported by EU

On September 27th 2016 a round table discussion with 49 participants on the topic of the EU funded programmes was held. The round table is part of the project activities within “Shaping and Debating the Future of the EU”. The participants were students from the University of Sarajevo who had the opportunity to hear from Foreign Policy Initiative BH experts about the EU funded programmes in BiH.

The discussion focused  on the availability of EU programmes in BiH such as Erasmus+, the programme most interesting and appealing to them. The opportunity was used to explain to them the key aspects of other, potentially interesting programmes such as Horizon 2020, Creative Europe, etc.

September 2016 round table: http://vpi.ba/en/2016/0 9/27/round-table-european-inte gration-process-eu-funded-prog rammes/