« Urban Transport Strategy | Main | EU-funded research made available online »
September 22, 2008
2 October, Newlands Cross (Dublin) - Broadband & ICT for SMEs
The Southern & Eastern Regional Assembly is holding a half-day workshop entitled 'Broadband Strengthening your Business' to showcase both the practical applications of the technology in stimulating ICT usage among SMEs and developing competitive advantage, and the opportunities available under the 2007-2013 Regional Operational Programme. Further details: http://www.seregassembly.ie/conference/brochure.pdf
Posted by iroronan at September 22, 2008 07:14 PM
« 17 Oct., Inchydoney, Co. Cork - Irelands Water Resources | Main | 2 October, Newlands Cross (Dublin) - Broadband & ICT for SMEs »
September 22, 2008
Urban Transport Strategy
The first outlines of a new urban transport strategy, highlighting a large range of potential solutions and areas where EU action could play a role in tackling the growing congestion, pollution and safety problems in Europe's towns cities, has finally been presented. This follows upon a broad consultation on last year's Towards a new culture for urban mobility Green Paper. A change in Commissioner earlier this year to Antonio Tajani has delayed delivery of the action plan originally expected by October. It is now expected in the new year but seems unlikely to contain any legislative measures, instead giving the EU roles some role in supporting Intelligent Transport Systems, interoperability, the definition of harmonised rules for green zones and providing funding for innovative projects to improve mobility in towns. Clean urban transport: http://ec.europa.eu/transport/clean/index_en.htm
Posted by iroronan at September 22, 2008 07:11 PM
« 14 October, Tullamore - Interreg B & C Strand Programmes seminar | Main | Urban Transport Strategy »
September 22, 2008
17 Oct., Inchydoney, Co. Cork - Irelands Water Resources
'Ireland's Waters - an Untapped Resource' is this year's Association of Irish Regions conference theme. The event will examine the use to which the natural and economic assets of our rivers, lakes, waterways, coastal areas and the marine are or are not being put; the potential these resources offer; and what can be done through research, long-term planning and investment to optimise development in a sustainably managed manner. Contact: pgrennan@bmwassembly.ie
Posted by iroronan at September 22, 2008 07:02 PM
« 4-5 November, Malahide - Green Infrastructure conference: | Main | 17 Oct., Inchydoney, Co. Cork - Irelands Water Resources »
September 22, 2008
14 October, Tullamore - Interreg B & C Strand Programmes seminar
This seminar organised by the Dept. of Finance in association with the BMW and Southern & Eastern Regional Assemblies will profile the opportunities available under Interreg's transnational (North West Europe, Atlantic Area and Northern Periphery) and Inter-regional (IVC) programmes and offer practical guidance in project idea development.
Contact: ajordan@seregassembly.ie or jtowey@bmwassembly.ie
Posted by iroronan at September 22, 2008 06:19 PM
« 7-9 October, Brussels - Open Days 2008 | Main | 14 October, Tullamore - Interreg B & C Strand Programmes seminar »
September 22, 2008
4-5 November, Malahide - Green Infrastructure conference:
Fingal County Council and The Heritage Council are hosting a major conference on 4th & 5th November on "Green Infrastructure - Connecting Nature, People and Places" in the Grand Hotel, Malahide, Co. Dublin. The conference is the first of its kind to be held in Ireland and brings together leading practitioners from the USA, England, Scotland, The Netherlands, Sweden and Ireland to discuss green infrastructure planning and development. Green infrastructure means the networks of green areas which provide multiple social, economic and environmental benefits to society. These include protecting nature and natural systems, providing a network of green space for people, and underpinning economic prosperity by creating a high-quality environment.
Full details are contained in the conference brochure available at http://www.fingalcoco.ie/Planning/ConservationHeritage/GreenInfrastructure/#d.en.13167
Posted by iroronan at September 22, 2008 10:43 AM
« Agri-funding towards global food crisis? | Main | 4-5 November, Malahide - Green Infrastructure conference: »
September 19, 2008
7-9 October, Brussels - Open Days 2008
143 seminars will take place over 3 days next month on the following broad regional and local development themes:
- Promoting research and innovation;
- Responses to climate change;
- Cooperation and networking;
- Future European cohesion policy.
Many events are now fully subscribed.
Register at: www.opendays.europa.eu
Posted by iroronan at September 19, 2008 07:17 PM
« Energy-proofing buildings | Main | 7-9 October, Brussels - Open Days 2008 »
September 19, 2008
Agri-funding towards global food crisis?
A report by Gay Mitchell MEP on a plan to use surplus money from the EU’s agriculture budget to boost food production in developing countries and provide urgent food aid has been backed by the European Parliament’s Development Committee meeting on 17 September. The proposal recommends that a sum of €1billion over the next 2 or 3 years – to be matched by money from the Member States –be made available to relieve hunger and to safeguard gains made by aid programmes. Most of the money would be used towards long-term improvement measures.
The move could be made feasible by the fact that the amount in question is specifically earmarked for EU agricultural price support subsidies at a time when food prices are rising not only in Europe but throughout the Developing World. Mitchell summed up the urgency of the situation, saying ”We have a harvest coming up and next March is an important deadline. If we vote this money through Parliament now, we would be able to commit to spend €750 million this year, in time.” He also underlined the need to refocus EU efforts on the Millennium Development goal to end hunger and malnutrition and to demonstrate that the Union is capable of reacting to events in the world. A decision on whether to proceed will be made by the Parliament plenary session on 7 October.
Further details: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/public/story_page/028-36464-350-12-51-903-20080904STO36266-2008-15-12-2008/default_en.htm
Posted by iroronan at September 19, 2008 07:07 PM
« EU Interregional Cooperation Forum: Lille, 27-28 October | Main | Agri-funding towards global food crisis? »
September 18, 2008
Energy-proofing buildings
The general trend in the implementation of the EU's 2004 Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is picking up momentum according to a new Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors report, but overall progress remains slow with some states having failed to even present their operational plans.
The directive provides a common methodology for calculating the energy performance of buildings exceeding 1000m² area. It contains a range of provisions aimed at not only raising standards but also improving consumer knowledge and confidence in these matters. Ireland is among the vanguard of compliance having established a Building Energy Rating (BER) certification requirement on completion of each applicable new building (since 1 January 2007 for residences and since 1 July last for non-residential and public buildings) and for the sale or rental of existing buildings as of 1 January 2009.
It should be noted however that Energy Commissioner Piebalgs has spoken at length in recent months of a desire to recast the directive by reducing or even abolishing the building size threshold; taking steps to encourage low/zero energy buildings; strengthening the inspection and certification framework; creating a benchmark standard tool; and allowing the public sector to assume the lead role in implementation.
Meanwhile the possibility of EU-15 countries employing EU funding towards energy retrofitting in housing (see the April Bulletin) has been prioritised by the current French Council Presidency who are seeking to amend Regulation 1828/2006 to re-define spending on energy efficiency and renewable energy sources in the housing sector as ‘energy investments’ rather than the currently ineligible ‘housing expenditure’. This would make all EU regions eligible for co-funding of certain energy spending linked especially to housing projects aligned with social strategies such as area renewal. The proposal has found favour with the European Parliament’s Regional Development Committee (REGI), with MEPs generally, and with the Commission in principle.
EPBD Platform: http://www.buildingsplatform.org/cms/
RICS Report: http://www.rics.org/NR/rdonlyres/78EAD2F3-7822-44C2-8933-467FD3648DDA/0/EPBD2online_web.pdf
Posted by iroronan at September 18, 2008 07:04 PM
« 22 October, Brussels - Smart Economic Growth Development Guide | Main | Energy-proofing buildings »
September 18, 2008
EU Interregional Cooperation Forum: Lille, 27-28 October
Posted by iroronan at September 18, 2008 12:59 PM
« ‘Knowledge & Innovation Communities’ | Main | EU Interregional Cooperation Forum: Lille, 27-28 October »
September 17, 2008
22 October, Brussels - Smart Economic Growth Development Guide
SEG was an Interreg NWE project to explore how smarter development and land use, combined with new ways of working, could support continued growth, whilst improving the quality of life and the environment in some of Europe’s most dynamic and successful regions. Its 'Smart Economic Growth Development Guide' for planners, policy makers and businesses, will be launched at this event.
To register contact: smarteconomicgrowth@gmail.com and visit www.segproject.org/
Posted by iroronan at September 17, 2008 07:26 PM
« Biofuels downgraded by EP | Main | 22 October, Brussels - Smart Economic Growth Development Guide »
September 17, 2008
‘Knowledge & Innovation Communities’
The newly-formed European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) – the EU’s flagship initiative to integrate the three sides of the "Knowledge Triangle"– has marked its official launch (15 September) by establishing the basis by which the first set of knowledge and innovation communities (KICs) will be launched by the end of 2009.
EIT’s objective is to strategically foster links among higher education and research organisations and, crucially, between these sectors and the business world to deliver a world-class innovation-orientated reference model, inspiring and driving change in existing education and knowledge institutions.
KICs will act as the EIT’s operational centres across the continent by being highly-integrated excellence-driven partnerships pooling a critical mass of the very best elements of European innovation resources to generate and promote novel approaches in key areas of interest for the economy and society – particularly in facing up to the challenges of globalisation. KICs will have substantial overall autonomy to define their internal organisation and composition, as well as their precise agenda and working methods.
Among their tasks will be to promote the production, dissemination and exploitation of new knowledge products and best practices in the innovation sector, transforming the results of higher education and research activities into commercially exploitable outcomes.
EIT: www.eit.europa.eu
Posted by iroronan at September 17, 2008 07:08 PM
« Renewables: national targets, grid access & buildings | Main | ‘Knowledge & Innovation Communities’ »
September 17, 2008
Biofuels downgraded by EP
The perceived unsustainability of biofuels – given concerns over food prices and shortages and deforestation – as the solution to renewable energy needs received further impetus when a recent European Parliament Industry, Research & Energy (ITRE) Committee report curbed their contribution to transport fuel needs as proposed in the Commission’s draft renewable energy directive.
The binding 5% by 2015 and 10% by 2020 renewables in transport targets were maintained but the parliamentary Industry Committee specified that 40% of this amount should come from sources not linked to food production: second-generation biofuels (e.g. derived from leaves, tree bark, or woodchips), green electricity and renewable hydrogen. Additionally, ‘traditional’ biofuels such as ethanol or biodiesel would only count towards the target provided they could guarantee meeting much stricter social and environmental sustainability criteria than originally envisaged such as guaranteeing local community land rights and providing carbon emission savings.
The committee is further demanding that a full review of the whole EU biofuel promotion policy and its social and environmental impacts be carried out in 2014 to determine whether the targets need revising.
Contact the IRO for a copy of the EP Report.
Posted by iroronan at September 17, 2008 06:53 PM
« Name and shame website for polluted beaches | Main | Biofuels downgraded by EP »
September 17, 2008
Renewables: national targets, grid access & buildings
The European Parliament's (EP) Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) has overwhelmingly adopted a report on a Commission proposal to boost the share of renewables in final energy consumption to 20% by 2020 – thereby paving the way for massive investment in renewables.
The Commission plans for a directive to boost the role of renewable sources in overall EU energy use to 20% by 2020 included individual Member State targets. The EP report has tightened up and bolstered this with the addition of interim goals to plot progress over the course of the next decade.
‘Flexibility mechanisms’ will also allow for joint cross-border renewables investments and projects whose outputs would count towards these targets. This is timely as the Commission is due to present an action plan on offshore wind this autumn, as part of a wider EU Strategic Energy Review which will include recommendations on how to coordinate Member States' efforts to realise large-scale offshore wind projects.
The importance of meeting national commitments is underlined in the report by penalties of up to €110 per megawatt (mw) for underperformance whereas surplus production would be rewarded to the tune of €30 to €40 per mw. These issues will shortly go before the Council and it is expected that Member States will back the main substance of the EP decision.
Two further issues for discussion between national governments arising from the report are how to give renewable energies priority access to existing electricity and gas infrastructure/grids (something currently being debated by Ireland’s Commission for Energy Regulation); and prospective new national rules to promote, or oblige, the use of renewable technologies in new and existing buildings.
Commission renewable energy site: http://ec.europa.eu/energy/res/index_en.htm
Posted by iroronan at September 17, 2008 06:52 PM
« 6 October, Brussels - Affordable Housing Conference | Main | Renewables: national targets, grid access & buildings »
September 16, 2008
Name and shame website for polluted beaches
A newly-launched internet site developed by the European Environment Agency (EEA) is allowing holidaymakers to check and report on the standard of cleanliness or pollution of Europe’s beaches. The user-friendly 'Water Watch - Eye on the Earth' website combines environmental data with mapping technologies to provide up-to-date information on the official bathing water quality rating of thousands of coastal and inland bathing spots throughout Europe, through a 'traffic-light' system indicating polluted (red) and clean (green) waters as well as areas which are not sufficiently monitored (amber). It is intended to complement the EEA’s WISE (Water Information System for Europe) online monitoring system that provides detailed technical information on the quality of water.
‘Water Watch’ also allows users to leave their water quality comments on their own experiences thanks to an interactive Web 2.0 application and is the first step in a five-year project that will additionally provide easy-to-access information to the general public about the quality of soil, air and ozone. The EEA hopes the new tools will prompt a change in citizens’ personal behaviour and trigger responsive actions from public administrations.
Further details: www.eyeonearth.eu and http://water.europa.eu/
Posted by iroronan at September 16, 2008 05:09 PM
« Micro-Finance Support | Main | Name and shame website for polluted beaches »
September 15, 2008
6 October, Brussels - Affordable Housing Conference
The ‘Decent and Affordable Housing in European Cities’ conference will discuss the role of the rental sector in urban structure; sustainable housing; and future policies including potential EU Cohesion Policy intervention with particular reference to expensive cities.
Details: http://www.hic-net.org/eventsdetail.asp?PID=792
Posted by iroronan at September 15, 2008 07:16 PM
« Mobility Best Practice Guide | Main | 6 October, Brussels - Affordable Housing Conference »
September 15, 2008
Micro-Finance Support
A new technical assistance facility to boost the potential and reach of institutions providing financial support, loans and capital to SMEs, was announced by Regional Policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner on 11 September. JASMINE will assist in the setting-up, management and growth of Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) by offering them easier access to financial or administrative support via the European Investment Fund.
The move is expected to go some way towards bridging a significant gap in access to finance and business development. It is estimated that an additional 700,000 micro-loans – defined as less than €25,000 to benefit existing or aspiring firms of less than 10 staff with an annual turnover not exceeding €2 million – could be disbursed in Europe in the coming years if the right conditions were in place. There may be scope for community-level organisations such as Credit Unions to get involved in this initiative.
JASMINE is also expected to devise a code of good conduct to help MFIs reach the quality standards required to become credible in the financial market. A pilot phase of three years is scheduled to begin in 2009 before operations begin on a larger scale.
Further information: http://www.eurofi.net/
Posted by iroronan at September 15, 2008 07:01 PM
« ICT research & innovation strategy consultation until 7 November | Main | Micro-Finance Support »
September 11, 2008
Mobility Best Practice Guide
This new guide contains a series of best practice examples of activities undertaken in cities and towns of various sizes during 2007 European Mobility Week. Any city, town or local authority area is welcome to participate in this annual (16-22 September) campaign to engage citizens in influencing urban transport issues.
Further information: http://www.mobilityweek.eu/IMG/pdf_best_practice_guide_2008_en.pdf
Posted by iroronan at September 11, 2008 07:33 PM
« Impact of tourism on coastal areas | Main | Mobility Best Practice Guide »
September 11, 2008
ICT research & innovation strategy consultation until 7 November
A public consultation on ICT research and innovation, asking industry, experts and policymakers to help overhaul the EU's agenda in this field towards an integrated strategy, has been launched.
The exercise, which is open until 7 November, aims to gather stakeholders' views on the main challenges ahead for ICT research and innovation in the EU over the next decade on issues such as finding the means to remove barriers to innovation and promote stronger interaction between users, researchers and business, in particular in regional innovation systems.
The strategy that emerges by spring 2009 is expected to set out key priorities and identify new areas on which the Union should concentrate its efforts to attain excellence. Energy, health and ageing are thought to be among the front-running fields of focus given that these are sectors where ICT already offers viable solutions. Defining the role of public policy on standardisation, licensing and intellectual property regimes to support commercialisation of research results and make Europe the world leader in ICT innovation will be another feature.
Consultation: http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/ipm/forms/dispatch?form=ICTRDI
Posted by iroronan at September 11, 2008 07:03 PM
« ICT for Governance and Policy Modelling | Main | ICT research & innovation strategy consultation until 7 November »
September 11, 2008
Impact of tourism on coastal areas
The type of EU support granted to tourism in costal regions comes under scrutiny in a new study conducted by the European Parliament. While tourism is not a top priority of the ERDF, it is apparent that the industry plays a significant role in the integration of policies and institutions in costal areas. Environmental sustainability, both in relation to the industry and to the policies for costal regions, emerges as the most significant issue.
Report: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/athens/1/uploads/tourisms_impact_coastal_areas.pdf
Posted by iroronan at September 11, 2008 07:00 PM
« Integrating marine & maritime sectors | Main | Impact of tourism on coastal areas »
September 10, 2008
ICT for Governance and Policy Modelling
Work is underway within the Commission to prepare the Work Programme for 2009 -2010 of the 7th Research Framework Programme in the area ICT for governance and policy modelling. A first consultation meeting took place on the 28 May and details are available from http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/egovernment/research/fp7/fp7_workshop/index_en.htm
Posted by iroronan at September 10, 2008 11:28 AM
« Smart Economic Growth Development Guide - launch, 22 October, Brussels | Main | ICT for Governance and Policy Modelling »
September 08, 2008
Integrating marine & maritime sectors
In June 2007, experts in marine and maritime science and policy issued the so-called 'Aberdeen Declaration' calling for a European marine and maritime research strategy that addresses both environmental and economic concerns. The resulting document has now been unveiled by the European Commission and advocates a more joined-up approach, described by EU Maritime Policy Commissioner Joe Borg as being essential “to realise the full potential of sea-based activities in an environmentally sustainable manner”.
Key to the European Strategy for Marine and Maritime Research is the integration of the efforts of the research communities studying the complexities of the marine environment and those focused more on the development of new techniques and technologies to exploit maritime resources. This aims to enable the shared understanding (including interdisciplinary research on cross-cutting issues, such as climate change; human activity impact on coastal environments; and renewable energy resource exploitation) to enhance the conservation of the fragile marine environment while facilitating the development of economic activities such as shipping, fisheries and tourism as well as emerging sectors such as offshore wind and tidal power.
The Commission additionally proposes that a Forum made up of stakeholders from both research communities, governments, regional and local levels, industry and representatives from civil society should be established to set common research priorities and establish measures to implement the strategy. Support for this initiative will be provided through a range of funding mechanisms, including the Seventh Framework Programme. The strategy will now be discussed by the European Parliament and the EU Member States.
Strategy: http://ec.europa.eu/research/press/2008/pdf/com_2008_534_en.pdf
EU Maritime Affairs website: http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/
Posted by iroronan at September 8, 2008 06:58 PM
« Consultation on Public Sector Information Re-use - until 15 September | Main | Integrating marine & maritime sectors »
September 04, 2008
Smart Economic Growth Development Guide - launch, 22 October, Brussels
SEG was an Interreg IIIB North West Europe project bringing together experienced public authority and academic partners from across some of the most dynamic and successful regions of the NWE area to explore how smarter development and land use, combined with smarter ways of working, can support continued growth, whilst improving the quality of life and the environment.
The outcome of this work is SEGDEG a Smart Economic Growth Development Guide for planners, policy makers and businesses. The guide will be launched in Brussels on 22 October.
To register for this event, contact: smarteconomicgrowth@gmail.com
Posted by iroronan at September 4, 2008 11:32 AM
« Report: How proximity to a city influences the performance of rural regions | Main | Smart Economic Growth Development Guide - launch, 22 October, Brussels »
September 04, 2008
Consultation on Public Sector Information Re-use - until 15 September
Directive 2003/98/EC (the PSI Directive) on the re-use of public sector information (PSI) was adopted on 17 November 2003. It regulates the behaviour of public sector bodies when they act in the market by trading information (e.g. geographical, statistical or meteorological data) or making it available for re-use.
For the purposes of the review of the Directive the European Commission has launched an online consultation to gather information from as many sources as possible, including public sector content holders and commercial and non-commercial re-users (universities, NGOs) on their views on different aspects related to the implementation, impact and scope of the Directive. The results of the online consultation will feed into the debate regarding the review of the Directive. This process cl;oses on 15 September.
Consultation: http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/policy/psi/docs/pdfs/online_consultation/review.pdf
Posted by iroronan at September 4, 2008 09:47 AM
« Sustainable Cities and Communities conference, Geneva, 30 Sept - 1 Oct. | Main | Consultation on Public Sector Information Re-use - until 15 September »
September 04, 2008
Report: How proximity to a city influences the performance of rural regions
A new 'studies and papers' area is being created under the publications section of the Directorate General for Regional Policy website. Regional Focus is a series of relatively short papers on a specific regional research or indicators theme.
The first paper, "Remote Rural Regions - How proximity to a city influences the performance of rural regions" is now available, and focuses on regions' relationship with nearby urban centres of at least 50,000 population.
Working papers will also be added to this page in the future with the aim of establishing a dialogue with both academics and regional policymakers on specific topics. These working papers will be longer and allow for more detailed research on the selected themes to test out new ideas, approaches and methodologies and describe new scientific findings within the scope of regional economic, social and environmental themes.
Download the study: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docgener/studies/study_en.htm
Posted by iroronan at September 4, 2008 08:54 AM
« European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA) General Assembly, Malahide, 20 October | Main | Report: How proximity to a city influences the performance of rural regions »
September 03, 2008
Sustainable Cities and Communities conference, Geneva, 30 Sept - 1 Oct.
The inaugural Sustainable Cities and Communities conference organised will focus on the key financial, risk management and developmental challenges and practical opportunities cities and communities are facing in terms of mobility and traffic, urban and spatial planning, building regulations, renewable energies and ensuring sustainability in order to tackle rising greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and congestion.
The event will offer opportunities to learn about how renewable energies can be successfully integrated into urban settings; retro fitting existing infrastructure; identify sustainable transport solutions to tackle traffic, the need to commute and pollution; find out how urban and spatial planning can reduce a city’s carbon footprint and improve quality of life; and see how innovative architectural designs can reduce overall energy demand and improve the environmental and energy quality of buildings.
Among the presentations scheduled from representatives of organisations such as the Urban Climate Change Research Network and the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP) are Designing Sustainable Cities; Integrated (Self Contained) Urbanism; Sustainable Architecture; Financing Sustainable Cities; Key Factors for a Sustainable Community; The UK Sustainable Cities Index; the Renewable City; Zero Energy Development; Urban Planning – Urban Sustainability; Existing Homes – The Sustainability Challenge; New Zealand’s first Eco-City; Solar Building Projects; Developing an International Assessment Tool for Sustainable Buildings; Tools to Make Buildings More Sustainable; Benchmarking performance; and Trends in Urbanisation.
The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) will launch a report outlining five recommendations for successful sustainable urban regeneration arising from a recent sustainable urban regeneration lecture series while WWF International will launch its “One Planet” Initiative.
To book your place contact: simon.neill@greenpowerconferences.com or +44 207 099 0600.
Posted by iroronan at September 3, 2008 12:21 PM
« Migration and demographic change (Interreg NWE), Luxembourg, 22-23 September | Main | Sustainable Cities and Communities conference, Geneva, 30 Sept - 1 Oct. »
September 03, 2008
European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA) General Assembly, Malahide, 20 October
EAEA is holding its General Assembly and annual Adult Learning Award (EAEA Grundtvig Award) on 20th of October in Malahide. This is tied into the AONTAS Conference "Creating Intercultural Communities" on the following day.
You are cordially invited to join the Award ceremony, which will honour outrsatnding achievements in intercultural learning and will be presented by President Mary McAleese, and some parts of the General Assembly where discussion groups will be held to address the European Commission's Action Plan on Adult Education; Future Competences; and Lifelong Learning and Co-operation within education.
Further details: Ricarda.Motschilnig@eaea.org and www.eaea.org
Posted by iroronan at September 3, 2008 10:27 AM
« New local authorities network | Main | European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA) General Assembly, Malahide, 20 October »
September 02, 2008
Migration and demographic change (Interreg NWE), Luxembourg, 22-23 September
Interreg NWE’s first Annual Event entitled ‘Challenges for Changing Populations’ is inviting officials, politicians and academics from the 8 eligible countries to collectively discuss issues relating to migration and demographic change including the integration of new arrivals at local/national level; the economic consequences of changing population structures; and the economic opportunities of the ‘silver economy’. This is an opportunity for those working in social inclusion to hear comparative experiences and perspectives, exchange ideas and possibly take the first steps in generating activities which can compete for future NWE funding.
Further details and registration: www.nweurope.eu/index.php?act=read_event&id=1250
Posted by iroronan at September 2, 2008 03:48 PM
« European Tourism Forum 2008 and European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) Awards Ceremony, Bordeaux, 18-19 September | Main | Migration and demographic change (Interreg NWE), Luxembourg, 22-23 September »
September 01, 2008
New local authorities network
The Confederation of Intermediate Local Authorities (CEPLI) has been established over the summer as a European network among national associations of regional/sub-regional administrations to develop a direct dialogue and collaboration between EU institutions and the local and regional levels with an emphasis on influencing future policy direction. CEPLI also aims to use formal and informal channels to promote the exchange of good practices and transfer of experimental local policies innovative strategies among authorities, and to facilitate member involvement in EU funding programmes.
The related and more-established Partenalia network of (individual) local administrations has recently published a report on this level’s contribution to the aims of the Lisbon Strategy and influencing EU innovation and enterprise policy.
CEPLI Charter: http://www.partenalia.eu/documents/projet_de_charte_CEPLI_EN.pdf
Local Innovation Report: http://www.partenalia.eu/documents/Informe_iPartenalia.pdf
Posted by iroronan at September 1, 2008 07:10 PM