Eurodesk News January 2009

The Czech EU Council Presidency: 1st January–30 June 2009

On 1st January, Czech Republic took over the EU Presidency from France. The Czech Presidency logo created by a young Czech graphic designer, reflects both the Czech Presidency’s motto ‘Europe without Barriers’ and the European Union’s slogan ‘United in Diversity’. The removal of labour market restrictions on newer Member States is one of the Presidency’s top priorities which also include the economy, energy and external relation.

http://www.eu2009.cz/en

2009 - European Year of Creativity and Innovation

In 2009 imagine, create and innovate through the hundreds of activities and projects representing good practice in innovation and creativity. The year aims to raise awareness of importance of creativity and innovation for personal, social and economic development; to disseminate good practices, to stimulate education and research, and to promote policy debate and development.

http://create2009.europa.eu

Think about it! Elections 2009: European blogging contest

Bloggers from EU Member States are invited to take part in a blogging competition surrounding the 2009 Parliamentary Elections, organised by the European Journalism Centre to get Europeans to express their views on Europe-related topics and elections. Three bloggers from each EU state will be selected to cover, report, critique and debate on campaign issues and candidates.

The participants will receive a work certificate for doing journalistic work for a European online publication, and best blog posts will be awarded with prizes.

Deadline for registering 19 January 2009

More info

Linz and Vilnius, European capitals of culture 2009

Linz and Vilnius are the European Cultural Capitals for 2009 with fantastic programmes of events and activities for the year. Linz has celebrated the start of its European project with three days of festivities in the company of its visitors from near and far. On the eve of 2009, Vilnius residents and visitors have witnessed a unique musical fiesta of dance, sound and light.

Linz 2009:
http://www.linz09.at/en/index.html

Vilnius 2009:
http://www.culturelive.lt/en/main

2009 International Essay Competition: Engaging Youth in Reform

Students and young professionals from 18 to 30 years old are invited to enter this essay competition and share their ideas on these topics: Citizenship in a Democratic Society, Educational Reform and Employment Opportunities, and Entrepreneurship & Leadership. Essays should be 2,000-4,000 words, original, unpublished and written in English. The three winning essays from each category will be published as Economic Reform Feature Service articles, and get cash prize.

All essays must be submitted by 1st March 2009

More info

Expolangues 14-17 January Porte de Versailles, Paris

This is an international language fair bringing together people, both professionals and general public, involved in language learning and teaching and issues related to linguistic and cultural diversity.
The European Commission will be guest of the event. Visitors will be able to find out about the activities of the European Commission at the information stand, at the mini-seminars (about languages in business, motivation in learning languages, translation, subtitles, interactive learning and more) and workshops, such as interpretation simulation.

More info

S'Cool Agenda 2009

This agenda is meant to help young people to learn about fundamental rights issues in Europe while keeping track of their own daily activities and homework. It offers a wide range of helpful tools, such as the “human rights temperature” test, a glossary, or tips on how to fight discrimination. The agenda is available in English, German and French.

More info

Training course on European Citizenship, 20-22 April 2009 Sofia, Bulgaria

The course is addressed to 25 youth workers, youth leaders, community and social workers and teachers who have experience in developing and managing directly a project with and for young people; have organised or co-organised at least one youth project with a European dimension; are committed and motivated to work directly with young people on issues related to European Citizenship and able to work in English.

Application deadline 10th February 2009

More info

Training course “Difference meets tolerance”, 23-29 March 2009 Bonn, Germany

This training is addressed to those who would like to know more about the concept of intercultural learning as a pedagogical approach for projects in the framework of the Youth in Action programme. It is open to project managers, youth leaders, youth workers from all Youth In Action Programme Countries.

Application deadline 13th February 2009

More info