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 March the 1st: 24 h with out immigrants
The Association "LA JOURNEE SANS IMMIGRES - 24 H SANS NOUS" is marking March the 1st as "Day without immigrants" in order to protest against remarks made by certain political officials aiming at stigmatizing or criminalizing immigrants and their descendants. It appeals to immigrant to abstain during 24 hours from working in companies, associations, attending colleges, hospitals, buying, selling...and to " mark our presence by our absence ! " (Manifesto 24 h sans nous). For more information please click here>>
European Prize for Urban Public Space
The European Prize for Urban Public Space is a biennial competition that aims to highlight the importance of public space as a catalyst of urban life, and to recognise and foster investment by public administrations in its creation, conservation and improvement, while also understanding the state of public space as a clear indicator of the civic and collective health of our cities. For more information please click here>>
URBACT Annual Conference
The URBACT Programme has just hold its annual meeting which took place in Stockholm on 25 November 2009. The event was attended by over 320 people and participants discussed URBACT projects and the challenges of integrated sustainable urban development in the context of economic downturn and environmental uncertainty. Haroon Saad, Director of QeC ERAN attened the event. If you would like to read his views on the event please follow this link>>
Gender equality as part of the solution to exit the crisis
The European Commission's annual report to the Spring European Council on equality between women and men underlines the persisting challenges for gender equality in Europe and calls for a stronger gender dimension as part of the EU's future strategy for growth and jobs. It stresses that gender equality is a precondition for growth, employment and social cohesion, and must therefore be considered as part of the solution for exiting the crisis. Read more and go to report>>
New paper on Cohesion and Territorial Development
A new background document has been published which served as a basis for discussions at a conference on "Cohesion Policy and Territorial Development". organised by the Swedish Presidency on 10-11 December 2009. The document gives an overview of the almost 400 contributions received in response to the consultation on the European Commission's Green Paper on territorial cohesion held from Oct 2008 to Feb 2009. Read more>>
European Commission takes steps to tackle health inequalities in the EU
The European Commission has announced a series of actions to help Member States and other actors tackle the gaps in health which exist between and within countries in the EU. Closing health gaps means helping those regions and populations with less good health to make faster improvements in order catch up. More info>>
OPEN DAYS OFF - What is to be done? Fixing the present and the future - 6 October 2009, 18.00-23.30
QeC-ERAN in conjunction with the Lisbon Region organised another session of informal debates around the issues of " Cities and crisis: Green Shoots" (where are they?) and what can be the input of the European Parliament in the face of what many observers see as the worst crisis since the 1930's. After the debates the night continued and participants enjoyed a reception offered by the Lisbon Region and music in the settings of the Beursshouwburg. Read more>>
Regional Focus: Cross-Country impact assessment of EU Cohesion Policy
The Directorate-General for Regional Policy has published the fourth edition of 'Regional Focus' This latest paper compares and assesses the economic impact of the policy in the 15 countries which are the biggest recipients of Cohesion funding. The impact assessment was carried out based on the so-called 'HERMIN' macro-economic model and uses financial data from both the budgetary periods 2000-2006 and 2007-2013. Read the report in full
Consultation of Regions and Cities on a New Strategy for Sustainable Growth The Committee of the Regions has launched a broad consultation on the future of the EU growth and jobs strategy after 2010. Until 20 April, all local and regional authorities can submit their comments on the future of the Lisbon strategy by answering a questionnaire available in all EU languages. The results of the consultation will be presented and discussed in Brussels during the Open Days week, and incorporated into the political message that the CoR will address to the 2010 Spring European Council, where the final decision on the future of the Lisbon strategy will be agreed. Read more
RegioStars 2009 Awarded
Réunion (France), Wallonia (Belgium), Wales (UK), North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany) and Greece were all decorated for their efforts with a "RegioStar" at the "Regions for Economic Change" conference last week in Brussels. The objective of the RegioStars Awards is to identify good practices in regional development and to highlight original and innovative projects which could be attractive and inspiring to other regions. At the close of the conference the RegioStars 2010 Awards were launched. For the award categories and deadline please visit the RegioStars website
Fostering the Urban Dimension
The European Commission has published a report on "Fostering the Urban Dimension: Analysis of the Operational Programmes co-financed by the ERDF (2007-2013)". Based on the analysis of all 316 ERDF Operational Programmes of all three EU Cohesion Policy Objectives, this report draws the first picture of how d ifferent aspects of urban development have been taken up in the 2007-2013 programming period. The document is available on-line in English French and German. Go to report
Regions For Economic Change: Conference
On 16 and 17 February 2009, the European Commission will hold its annual conference of the 'Regions for economic change' initiative under the title "Regions For Economic Change - Networking for Results". More than 500 participants from regions all over Europe will discuss how European regional policy can help regions to learn from each other. Commissioner Danuta Hübner will present the 2009 'RegioStars' awards to projects displaying good practice and innovation in regional policy. Read more ...
Social Fairness in Sustainable Development: Conference
The conference "Social Fairness in Sustainable Development - A Green and Social Europe" will focus on the social challenges of unsustainable development. On 24 February policy makers, researchers, representatives of international organisations, social partners and the civil society will gather in Brussels to explore whether and how sustainable development and social cohesion can be achieved simultaneously. Read more ...
Employment in Europe Report 2008
The 20th edition of the annual Employment in Europe report is out. As in previous years, it addresses topics that are high on the European Union's employment policy agenda. It gives a comprehensive overview of the employment situation in the EU, as well as an analysis of key labour market issues, including immigration, post-enlargement intra-EU labour mobility, quality of work and the link between education and employment. Read report>>
European Economic Recovery Plan
Last week the Commission announced a comprehensive plan to help the EU economy recover from the financial crisis, and to protect European citizens from its worst effects. Combining coordinated national action with EU policy, the plan proposes injecting €200 billion into the EU economy to increase purchasing power, generate growth and jobs, and boost Europe's longer-term drive to become a prosperous low carbon economy. Read more ...
Interregional Co-operation: Launch of Second Call for Projects
The second INTERREG IVC call for proposals was launched on 27 October 2008. The Interregional co-operation programme is a programme funded by the European Union that helps Europe's regions establish partnerships, enabling them to work together on common projects. The call will remain open until 30 January 2009. Read more ...
URBACT Annual Conference: November 30th - December 2nd, Montpelier The Annual Conference 2008 of the URBACT European programme will be held from Sunday November 30th, to Tuesday, December 2nd, in Montpellier, in the south of France. The conference brings together all URBACT players Read more...
Eradicating Poverty and Social Exclusion: the 2010 European Year 2010 will be the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion. On the eve of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, held on October 17th, ministers from around the EU attended a high-level meeting in Marseille, which marked the kick-off for preparations across Europe. NGOs, local authorities and everyone working against exclusion were invited to participate in the campaign. The initiative will have a budget of at least 26 million euros, including 17 million of EU funding. Read more...
QeC-ERAN Open Days Off- Café Debates and Non-VIP reception
During this year's OPEN DAYS 2008: European Regions and Cities QeC European Regeneration Areas Network used the opportunity to invite participants to the event with a difference. The aim was to better harness the potential of OPEN DAYS by creating a more interactive and informal way for participants to engage and discuss. "Open Days Off" took place on Tuesday 7 October 2008 at the Beursschouwburg. For a summary report please click here
Call for proposals under the EU's Seventh Framework Programme
A call for proposals was launched earlier this month under the 'Regions of Knowledge' (RoK) strand of the EU's Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Development. The call will remain open until 27/1/2009. The RoK networks, which bring together various regional partners, aim to foster 'research driven clusters' with a thematic focus on enhancing the sustainable use of natural resources and of the natural and man-made environment. For more information please click here
EU proposes protection from discrimination beyond the workplace
On the 2nd July 2008, the Commission adopted a proposal for a directive which provides for protection from discrimination on grounds of age, disability, sexual orientation and religion or belief beyond the workplace. This new directive would ensure equal treatment in the areas of social protection, including social security and health care, education and access to and supply of goods and services which are commercially available to the public, including housing. Eurobarometer surveys show that a large majority of Europeans support such legislation: 77% back measures to protect people from discrimination in education and 68% in access to goods and services. Read more
European Job Days 2008
This September and October EURES advisers will again offer advice and guidance during the European Job Days 2008. EURES - European Employment Services - is a cooperation network coordinated by the European Commission. It is designed to facilitate the free movement of workers within the European Economic Area. Partners in the network include public employment services, trade unions and employers' organisations. At the hundreds of Job Days events taking place this autumn, jobseekers and employers can come together all over Europe to find new opportunities and be assisted by EURES experts. Events range from job fairs to seminars to information sessions. For more information please check the EURES Event Calendar
EU campaign truck hits road for " Respecting diversity tour" in EU
Every summer for the last five years, the EU has organised a truck tour to raise awareness of equal rights and combat stereotypes. A recent EU survey in discrimination reckons that roughly one in seven Europeans have suffered prejudice on grounds of race, ethnic origin, age, disability, religion, gender or sexual orientation, in the past year. "Too many people in Europe are still unaware of their rights to a life free of discrimination," said Social Affairs commissioner Vladimir Spidla, "This campaign takes the message direct to citizens and will help to make the right to equal treatment a reality in everyday life."Read more
EC study on risk of social exclusion in the EU
The European Commission has published a new study on the risk of social exclusion faced by millions of European through lack of access to basic financial service. The study reveals that 2 in 10 adults in EU-15 and almost half in EU-10 (47%) do not have a bank account while many more have no savings and lack access to credit. The results of the study were discussed at a high level conference in Brussels, bringing together the financial sector, consumer groups, public authorities and NGOs. The initiative follows the Single Market Review of November 2007, where the Commission announced its intention to ensure that, by a certain date nobody is denied access to a basic bank account. For more info on the conference and/or to read the study please click here>>
The State of European cities : the Urban Audit
The European Commission is presenting the Urban Audit at a conference in Brussels on 10 June 2008. The Urban Audit brings together a broad range of indicators on the quality of life in European cities. The indicators cover over 300 cities within the European Union as well as cities in Norway and Switzerland. A number of key questions for the future of cities will be dealt with during the conference, including the aging of the population, migration phenomena, housing, competitiveness and the attractiveness of cities. Each of these areas is addressed by the Urban Audit. Read more>>
Employment Week 2008
"Adapting to change - making Europe a prosperous labour market" is the title of this years Employment Week 2008 which will explore the issues surrounding globalisation, flexibility of the workforce and the impacts of Europe's demographic changes on employment. EU officials, business leaders, social partners and hundreds of European employment practitioners will meet in Brussels on 11-12 June to share their opinion on these key issues. For the last 15 years Employment Week has been the leading forum for EU stakeholders to meet and engage in constructive dialogue on current and future employment trends, policies and initiatives. Go to conference flyer>>
Social Europe can take on globalisation: EU study
"The European social model is more valid than ever, but needs to get in better shape to take on the challenges posed by globalization" says a major new study presented by the European Commission on 11 April. The results of the study will be discussed at a high-level conference in Brussels on 16 April on the social implications of globalisation and how to turn it into an opportunity for the European Union. Read more>>
QeC ERAN workshop on Urban Dimension in EU Cohesion Policy
With the mainstreaming of EU Cohesion Policy, the EC has sought to ensure that the best practice developed through the URBAN programme can be sustained through the Community Strategic Guidelines. Member States have now produced National Strategic Reference Frameworks and Operational Plans for the new programming period. QeC ERAN in partnership with CIREM, organised a conference on 2-3 April at the offices of the Eurpean Parliament in Madrid which focused on Spain and Portugal in order to review the Urban Dimension in the new Spanish and Portuguese Operational Plans. The conference report has now been published. Read report>>
Designing for the Future: Architecture and Quality of Life conference
The Architect's Council of Europe (ACE) is organising a conference on "Designing for the Future: Architecture and Quality of Life" to take place in Brussels on 10 April 2008. The conference aims to promote the future development of built environment based on the highest quality criteria rather than on lowest cost, placing the citizen at heart of all policies. Ilda Curti, Deputy Mayor for Urban Regeneration and Integration policies for Turin and President of the QeC ERAN network will be part of the expert panel in the workshop "Social: Architecture and its role in ensuring social cohesion". More info about the conference >>
Conference on the future of Cohesion Policy, 7 and 8 April
In the context of the debate launched in September 2007 at the 4th EU Cohesion Forum, the Slovenian Presidency of the European Union is organising a conference on the future of Cohesion Policy, in Maribor, to be held in April on 7-8 April. The main focus will be to clearly formulate questions on the Policy's scope in relation to other European policy areas, its objectives and implementation. More info>>
Joint Report on Social Protection and Social Inclusion 2008
The Commission has adopted the proposal for a Joint Report on social protection and social inclusion. This fourth Report examines more in depth a set of themes ide ntified in last year's edition such as child poverty, health inequalities, access to health care and evolving long-term care needs, and longer working lives and privately managed pensions. Read proposal>> (available in all the community language)
Cohesion policy: new brochure to summarise NSRFs
The European Commission has adopted the 27 NSRFs (National Strategic Reference Frameworks) presented by the Member States during 2007. The NSRFs set out the investment priorities for the new generation of regional and sectoral programmes to be supported by the European Union over the seven-year period 2007-13 and will serve as a reference point throughout the programming period. A new brochure summarises them all, specifies the regions to benefit and lists distribution of allocations by theme. Read brochure>>
Regions Delivering Innovation through Cohesion Policy
The EC has published a staff working document on "Regions Delivering Innovation through Cohesion Policy" providing an analysis of how innovation as a central feature in the 2007-2013 cohesion policy programmes has increased. Innovation is defined as encompassing four groups of spending categories - RTDI, entrepreneurship, innovative ICT and human resources. The analysis - also broken down by country - shows that the planned EU investment for innovation in 2007-2013 will be above EUR 85 billion - a sum equivalent to 25% of the total new envelope for the 27 Member States. Read document>>
Regions For Economic Change - Sharing Excellence
The European Commission will hold the second annual conference of the Regions for economic change initiative under the title "Regions For Economic Change - Sharing Excellence" on 25 and 26 February 2008. The event will be organised by the Commission's Regional Policy Directorate General and other Commission services in cooperation with the Committee of the Regions. During the evening of the first day, Commissioner Danuta Hübner will present the 2008 ' RegioStars' awards to projects displaying good European practice and innovation in regional policy. More information>>
Looking for partner cities under new URBACT II programme
In response to the needs of our member cities QeC ERAN has developed several project proposals to be submitted under the new URBACT II programme. We are now looking for interested partner cities to participate in thematic networks on the following themes: urban governance, impact of demographic aging, citizens participation, creative cities: creative innovations and cultural clusters, European Roma Exchange, Innovative tools for integrated urban development, Social economy and third sector in local regeneration, woman, enterprise and employment and local development. For more information click here and/or contact : h.saad@qec.skynet.be.
EC publishes guide on Integrated Environmental Management Plans
The EC has published a guidance document on Integrated Environmental Management Plans which is intended as a summary of the current state of the art with respect to best practice on integrated environmental management which recognizes the diversity between conurbations across the EU. The Strategy is based on extensive consultation with stakeholders and builds on existing European policy initiatives for improving the quality of the urban environment. It sets out new measures to support and facilitate the adoption of integrated approaches to the management of the urban environment by national, regional and local authorities. The document is available in all EU languages, read more>>
Qec ERAN Annual General Meeting, 14-17 November2007
This year's QeC ERAN Annual General Meeting and Study Tour will take place in Crotone and the Calabria Region, Italy. During the study tour QeC ERAN members will undertake a peer review of strategies relating to: Integrated urban development in the city of Cosenza, Tourism and coastal development for the city and the Province of Crotone. Participants will also discuss unemployment and available European Funds in the programming 2007-2013. More information and the agenda can be downloaded from the QeC ERAN members section>>
"Europe for citizens" conference, Brussels, 8 November 2007
DG Education and Culture hosts its annual Europe for Citizens Forum on 8 November 2007, in Brussels. This year's Forum will mainly focus on the topic of intercultural dialogue. It will also be complemented by a debate on more programme-related aspects such as the new forms of citizens' participation, citizens' mobilisation and the role of neighbourhoods in the citizenship exercise in general. For this reason, a wide audience of stakeholders from local authorities and civil society organisations is invited to participate and contribute to its proceedings. For more information and to register click here>>
URBACT/URBAN conference, 4-6 November 2007, Berlin
The URBACT Programme will hold its final conference in Berlin on 4-6 November 2007. The conference will have a threefold objective. It will be the final conference of both the URBACT I Programme and the URBAN Programme as well as the URBACT II launching conference. It will deal with the evolutions of the urban issues in the European agenda. The shift of the URBAN Programme to the mainstream, the impact of Regions for Economic Change on the local implementation of the European policy will be among the issues tackled during the conference. The results of both the URBACT and URBAN programmes will be presented and the new call for projects for URBACT II will also be presented by the URBACT Secretariat. For more information and to register please click here>>
Closing conference of IMAGE project, Dortmund, 18-19 Oct. 07
The Closing Conference of the IMAGE project will take place in Dortmund, Germany on 18-19 October 2007. The aim of the 3 year project was to find innovative approaches to regenerate high-rise residential areas by having focus on image improvement. The findings of the project will be presented at the conference alongside interactive workshops and a study tour. The project has been funded by the EU INTERREG IIIB. For more information click here>>
OPEN DAYS-European Week of Regions and Cities, 8-11 Oct 07
This years OPEN DAYS will be held between 8 and 11 October 2007 in Brussels and will be organised by the Committee of the Regions, the European Commission's Regional Policy Directorate General. Around 100 regions, cities and other institutions and private partners from all over Europe are expected and this year's headline is: "Making it happen: regions deliver growth and jobs". About 150 workshops and sessions will focus on the new generation of cohesion policy programmes, which will be implemented in the course of 2007 in all European regions. Read more>>
QeC ERAN workshop: The Urban Dimension in EU Cohesion Policy, Antwerp, 19/10/07
QeC ERAN is organising a half day workshop targetted at Dutch and Belgium(Flanders) cities highlighting the challenges and changes which EU policy seeks to address. In particular, the goal of the workshop will be to examine the Dutch and Belgium National Strategic Reference Frameworks and Operational Plans in relation to the Urban Dimension. In addition the workshop will provide a summary of the recently released report on "The State of European Cities". Read more>>
EU Public consultation on anti-discrimination
The European Commission has launched an online consultation on combating discrimination in the Member States and at EU level. The public consultation will help the Commission plan new measures to tackle discrimination on the basis of gender, religion, belief, disability, age or sexual orientation in areas beyond the job market. The consultation runs from 4 July to 15 October. Click here to access consultation>>
First results of the Urban Audit 2007
Following the European Urban Audit that took place in 2004, a new round of Urban Audit data collection started in May 2006 and will be completed in September 2007. The first results of the Urban Audit Perception Survey have now been published by the European Commission. The survey was conducted to measure the local perceptions of quality of life in 75 cities in the EU27, Croatia and Turkey. Read results of survey>> or/and read more on the Urban Audit>>
EC public consultation on new anti-discrimination measures
The European Commission has launched an online consultation on combating discrimination in the Member States and at EU level. The public consultation will help the Commission plan new measures to tackle discrimination on the basis of gender, religion, belief, disability, age or sexual orientation in areas beyond the job market. The consultation will run until October 15. Read more>>
European Action Plan for "Ageing Well in the Information Society"
The Commission has adopted this Action Plan together with launching the co-decision procedure on the participation by the Community in a joint research programme Ambient Assisting Living (AAL). These new EU initiatives will contribute to allowing older Europeans to stay active for longer and live independently. Together they promise a triple win for Europe: improved quality of life and social participation for older people in Europe, new business opportunities for Europe's industries, and more efficient and more personalised health and social services. Read more>>
Fourth Cohesion report adopted
The European Commission has published its Fourth Report on Economic and Social Cohesion. The Report provides an update on the progress made towards achieving economic, social and territorial cohesion, and on the manner in which Member States' and Community's policies have contributed to it. It gives a first assessment of the preparation for 2007-2013 and looks at the new challenges which will add up to the context for regional development in the next 20-30 years - such as demography, climate change, social exclusion or energy. Read report>>
Social partners agree on framework against harassment and violence at work
As part of the European Social Dialogue process, employers and trade unions have adopted a framework agreement to fight harassment and violence in the workplace. The agreement aims to prevent and, where necessary, manage problems of bullying, sexual harassment and physical violence at the workplace. Companies in Europe will have to adopt a policy of zero-tolerance towards such behaviour and draw up procedures to deal with cases of harassment and violence where they occur. Data suggests that one in 20 workers (5%) reports being exposed to bullying and/or harassment each year. Read agreement>>
Reconciliation of work and family/private life
The Commission has adopted a communication on "Promoting solidarity between the generations" to help Member States meet the demographic challenge. The Communication examines how Europeans can achieve a better work-life balance. It also looks at how best to support families so they can have the number of children they desire - very low birth rates are a concern in many Member States and studies continue to show that Europeans would like to have more children. The Communication highlights differences between national policies and areas where Member States can learn from each other, in particular through the European Alliance for Families as called for by the Spring European Council last March. Read more>>
QeC ERAN workshop at Committee of the Regions, 22 May 2007
QeC ERAN is organising a workshop on "Skills for Sustainable and Competitive Urban Development". The experience emerging from 16 years of Urban Regeneration practice through the EU URBAN and UPPs programmes have highlighted the need for developing the skills of actors from a variety of sectors and levels in relation to sustainable placemaking. The workshop will bring together a number of initiatives being undertaken across the EU to address this skills gap and include speakers from the Council of Europe, OECD, Academy for Sustainable Communities (UK), and Scottish Centre for Regeneration-Communities Scotland. For more information contact: mriutta@qec.skynet.be or register>> , read agenda>>
see conference presentations>>
"Europe for Citizens" Programme 2007 - 2013
The Europe for Citizens programme supports a wide range of activities and organisations promoting "active European citizenship", especially the involvement of citizens and civil society organisations in the process of European integration. The European Commission has now published the programme guide (available in all EU languages). The deadline for projects under Action 1 (Active Citizens for Europe) and Action 4 (Active European Remembrance) are 30 April 07 and 1 June 07 respectively. Read more>>
European Residents
in Regeneration Network
QEC-ERAN is setting up a new network to support residents' participation in area based regeneration as residents' participation contributes to a better understanding and recognition of local problems. Another objective of the network will be to create an online academy for residents linked to a programme of exchange of experience workshops. To read more and find out how to register please click here>>
Bridging the gap between citizens, EU policies and EU Institutions
Within the framework of the European Residents in Regeneration Network, Qec ERAN is organizing a transnational workshop aimed at ERRN representatives to meet members of the European Parliament Intergroup on Urban Policy and Housing, EC and Committee of the Region officials and EU organizations based in Brussels, to get a better understanding of EU policy and key trends as well as to exchange and share experience with network members. For more information contact Tamara Garcia at thodasgarcia@qec.skynet.be, and/or download workshop agenda>>
EC launches public consultation on the new social reality of Europe
A public consultation on the 'social reality' of Europe has been launched by the European Commission. The consultation aims to generate debate on social realities across Europe and to seek views on current social trends and on what contributes to today's 'well being'. It invites views on access to education and employment as well as on the implications of changing social relationships and it is open until the end of 2007. Read more:English, French, Italian, Spanish
"RegioStars 2008" awards for innovative projects
Regional policy Commissioner, Danuta Hübner, launched today RegioStars 2008, the new annual awards event for innovative projects in regional development. RegioStars are important to the 268 regions of the EU as they provide the opportunity to identify, highlight and share good practice. Proposals for RegioStars 2008 can be sent by 29 June 2007. Read more>>
New EU Agency on Fundamental Rights
This Thursday the EU Council adopted a Regulation establishing the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), by extending the mandate of the European Monitoring Center on Racism and Xenophobia (EUMC). The FRA will be launched on 1 March 2007. It will provide the European Union and its Member States - when implementing Community legislation - with assistance and expertise on fundamental rights matters. It will have the right to formulate opinions to the EU institutions and the Member States. Read EU Council press release in English, French
European Year for Equal Opportunities for All- 2007
The launch of the European Year for Equal Opportunities for All will take place in Berlin on January 30th at the first ever Equality Summit. A new website and the results of an EU survey on anti-discrimination have been published. The survey - carried out in preparation for the European Year - reveals that over half of Europeans (51%) think that not enough is being done to fight discrimination in their country and a large majority of respondents also feel that discrimination is widespread (64%). Read more>>
Annual report on growth and jobs - 2006
The European Commission has published its key annual report on the progress of economic reform across Europe in relation to implementing the renewed Lisbon strategy for Growth and Jobs. The key messages of the report are that the reform process is bearing fruit and that the current economic upturn now provides a unique window of opportunity to quicken the pace of reform. Read more>>
Regional policy responses to demographic challenges
The European Commission is organising a conference on "Regional policy responses to demographic challenges" to take place in Brussels on 25 and 26 January 2007. The Commission's Regional Policy DG will showcase examples of best practice from European regions, in so doing seeking to provide learning opportunities for Structural Fund managing authorities. 500 representatives and experts of national, regional and local administrations, institutions and networks, equal opportunities organisations and representatives of universities are expected to participate in the event. More information and online registration>>
Racism and Discrimination remain persistant
The EU's anti-racism watchdog the "Centre on Racism and Xenophobia" (EUMC) presented its Annual Report 2006 to the European Parliament. The report looks at racial discrimination and data on racist violence and crime including also an overview of positive initiatives. Its main findings are that migrants and ethnic minorities remain discriminated against across the EU in employment, education and housing. It also highlights that most Member States lack the necessary data to monitor potential socio-economic inequalities between different ethnic/national groups. Read more>>
Regions for economic change: A partnership for growth and jobs
The European Commission has launched a new initiative to boost growth and employment across Europe. This initiative sets out to bringing European regions together within strong partnerships. The Communication on "Regions for Economic Change" provides introduces new ways to help regional and urban networks work closely with the Commission so that innovative ideas can be tested and rapidly disseminated into mainstream programmes. Read more>>
Community strategic guidelines on cohesion published
The guidelines have now been published in the EU Official Journal and contain the principles and priorities of cohesion policy and suggest ways the European regions can take full advantage of the €308 billion (in 2004 prices) made available for national and regional aid programmes over the next seven years. National authorities will use the guidelines as the basis for drafting their national strategic priorities and planning for 2007-2013, the so-called National Strategic Reference Frameworks (NSRFs). Go to guidelines>> (available in 19 languages)
New European Network on Integration
The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in Europe, the City of Stuttgart and the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions have created a European network called "Cities for Local Integration Policy of Migrants" (CLIP). The network aims to create an inventory of European practices in local integration policy which enables cities to benchmark their own approaches against the practice and strategies of other cities in Europe. A first meeting took place in Dublin in September on the theme of "housing". Read more>>
Europe's demographic future - from challenge to opportunity
The European Commission has just published a new Communication on The demographic future of Europe - from challenge to opportunity". It underlines Member States' ability to meet the challenges of a shrinking workforce and an ageing population. The keys to success are the promotion of demographic renewal, more jobs and longer working lives, higher productivity, integrating migrants and sustainable public finances. Read text >> English , French
Commission decisions on new Structural Funds published
A set of Commission decisions concerning Structural Funds in the new programming period has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Three of the five decisions published in issue L 243 of September 6, 2006 contain lists of Member States and regions eligible for funding from the Structural Funds and the other two decisions provide for the allocation of resources to Member States. Read more>>
QeC-ERAN office has moved
The QeC-ERAN office has moved to a new location in the heart of Brussels within 15 minutes walking distance to the main EU institutions and the European Parliament. The new address is:QeC-ERAN, Rue Vieux Marché aux Grains, 48, B-1000 Bruxelles. The telephone and fax numbers as well as the website and e-mail addresses remain unchanged.
QeC-ERAN Workshop and Udiex- Alep Final conference to be held jointly in Brussels, 21 st September 06
This month's QeC-ERAN workshop will be held jointly with the final conference of the Udiex-Alep project which has been launched three years ago in order to capture and review work undertaken in URBAN areas in relation to the key issues of Diversity, Integration and Inclusion. The final conference will present the outputs of the project, launch a declaration on Diversity, Integration and Inclusion and seek to connect the local/regional level with the EU level. Read conference flyer, draft agenda, registration form>>
The IMAGE Residential Course - 11-15 September 06
The IMAGE project organizes a Residential Course from 11 to 15 September 2006 in the Dutch city of Delft. The IMAGE project is an exciting and innovative transnational programme, exploring and sharing lessons across North West Europe on how enhancing the image of high-rise housing estates can support the overall regeneration of our neighbourhoods and cities. The course is designed for young professionals who work in or are interested in urban regeneration, with around three to five years practical experience. Read more>>
European Parliament approves new Cohesion Funds (2007-13) package
Members of the European Parliament have adopted five separate reports giving the green-light to the Structural Funds package for 2007 to 2013. The reports define the objectives, the financial resources available and the criteria for their allocation in an enlarged EU. Around € 308 billion - or 35.7 per cent of the total EU budget - will now be available to spend, as scheduled, from 1 January 2007. Read more>>
Go to latest version of the new cohesion fund regulations>>
UK National Regeneration Convention, 24-26 July
The seventh UK National Regeneration Convention will take place between 24-26 July 2006 at the University of Warwick. The theme for this year's event is "Regeneration - doing it better: engaging people, changing neighbourhoods". It will draw upon examples from all over the UK, and key policy issues are reflected in masterclasses, plenary sessions and workshops. A detailed programme for the UK Regeneration Convention is available from http://www.room.org.uk/convention/
2007 will be Year of Equal Opportunities for all
The European Council and Parliament have recently agreed to designate 2007 as 'European Year of Equal Opportunities for All'. The year will aim to make Europeans aware of their right not to be discriminated against, to promote equal opportunities in areas from work to healthcare, and to show how diversity makes the EU stronger. The year will have four themes: rights, representation, recognition and respect, with a total budget of € 15million for the 12 months' activities. Go to 'Equal Opportunities for All' website>>
Cohesion Policy 2007-2013: New draft Regulations now available on line
The latest drafts of the five Structural Funds regulations have been made available on line by the Council in all Community languages following the agreement of May 5, 2006. The draft regulations are expected to be presented to the European Parliament in July. If there is agreement, they will be published in the Official Journal on July 20. More details>>
QeC-ERAN Workshop: 6 June 06
The second annual QeC-ERAN Workshop will take place on 6 June and is focusing on Learning Methodologies for Maximising Transnational Exchange and Learning. The workshop is being jointly held with the European Parliament Intergroup on Urban Policy and Housing and will take place in the European Parliament? Brussels. Go to agenda, non-member registration form, QeC-ERAN members>>
"Stop-discrimination" Features Revamped Country Sections
Would you know where to turn to if you are being discriminated against? Are you looking for information on anti-discrimination legislation in your country? This and much more information is available in the stop-discrimination website. The national website sections have been completely revised in design and structure in order to make national information more accessible. Here, you will find national news, press releases, event announcements, information on the campaign in your country and relevant contacts in the field of anti-discrimination work. Read more>>
NewcastleGateshead 2006 : Call for Presentations
Creative Clusters has published a call for presentation to contribute to Creative Clusters 2006 in NewcastleGateshead, UK. The deadline is Monday 22nd May 2006. Creative Clusters is an independent policy forum, fostering debate about creativity and the creative economy, about culture and commerce. It aims to contribute to policy development by examining initiatives and interventions supporting cultural enterprise, whether at local, regional, national and international level. To read more please visit http://www.creativeclusters.com and click on Call for Presentations.
'Regions for Economic change' - new DG Regio events
DG Regional Policy is organising a series of conferences between now and the middle of next year under the general heading 'Regions for Economic Change'. They are designed to be useful to practitioners (national, regional and managing authorities) in terms of the learning opportunities provided and to examine the different ways in which Europe's Cohesion Policy contributes to the Lisbon process or the growth and jobs agenda. The first event 'Innovating through the Structural Funds' will take place on 12 and 13 June in Brussels. Read more>>
Urban Futures 2.0 conference, Stockholm, 3-5 May 06
The City of Stockholm, the Swedish Government and the European Commission are organising the "Urban Futures 2.0" conference aimed at key policy makers at local, regional, national and European level, as well as practitioners, researchers, city organisations and other relevant stakeholders to address a broad spectrum of future challenges for urban areas. The objective is to promote new structures and tools for dialogue and partnership. For more information click here>>
QeC-ERAN event:'Urban café' discussion forum, 22 Feb 06
QeC-ERAN with the support of the Committee of the Regions organised a conference to discuss the new realities and themes for urban dimension in cohesion policy. The event was a direct response to the Commission's communication "Cohesion Policy and cities". Read conference report>>
2006 - European Year of Workers' Mobility
2006 has been designated the European Year of Workers' Mobility. The European Commission has produced a leaflet which gives an overview of the key activities and events, and explains how to participate and where to get more information. It is available in all 20 official languages of the European Union. Read more>>
The European Economy and Social Housing, 30 March 06
CECODHAS, the European Liaison Committee for Social Housing, with the support of the European Parliament's "Urban - Logement" intergroup will bring together representatives from the Committee of Regions, the European Economic and Social Committee, the European Commission and MEPs for a roundtable discussion on "The European Economy and Social Housing" and how the sector can best support the fulfillment of the Lisbon agenda. Read more and register >>
Commission to tackle gender inequality with new roadmap and gender institute
The European Commission has published a "Roadmap for equality between men and women which aims to support better work/life balance, eliminate violence and trafficking, to tackle the pay gap between men and women, to support gender budgeting and promote gender equality both within and outside the EU. Go to roadmap>>
European Week of Cities and Region - Open Days 2006
The European Commission's Regional Policy Directorate-General invites experts in the field of regional development and the management of Structural Funds to send contributions to be presented during the " 2006 OPEN DAYS - European Week of Regions and Cities" conference. The call for papers is open until 06 March 06. For more information click here>>
Social Enterprise and Innovation in Europe,Seminar 7 March 06
The European Learning Network (LNet) is organising its 2nd dissemination seminar of an INTERREG IIIC project promoting enterprise in deprived urban areas. The event will take place at the London House, Brussels on 7 March 06. For more information contact the European Learning Network European Learning Network or visit their website: http://www.thelearningnetwork.net
European Commission establishes high-level group on social inclusion of ethnic minorities
The high-level advisory group on social integration of ethnic minorities and their full participation in the labour market will comprise a maximum of 10 experts from civil society, research, business, the national and local authorities, as well as ethnic minorities and other stakeholders. The group will be asked to submit, before the end of the '2007 European Year of Equal Opportunities for All', a report containing recommendations on the policies to be implemented. To read the Commission deciscion of 20 January click here>>
Community Action Programme: work programme 2006
The new work programme for the Community Action Programme to combat discrimination is now available. Most initiatives are a continuation of those launched in previous years, but there will be several new measures. The call for tenders is expected to be published in February 2006. Read more>>
Commission launches public consultation on urban development and sustainable communities
Commissioner Danita Hübner presented a paper on "Cohesion Policy and cities: the urban contribution to growth and jobs in the regions". The paper sets out an agenda for the promotion of a more integrated and strategic approach to urban development that can deliver more growth, jobs, social inclusion and improved environmental quality. A broad consultation on the Commission's paper has been launched and will close on 17 February 2006. If you are interested in participating in this consultation exercise click here to read more.
Diversity beneficial to business
This is one of the conclusions of a recent European survey that asked 800 companies, from blue chip to SMEs, about their attitudes to and policies on diversity. 83% of the companies that have adopted diversity policies say they make good business sense. The survey results are published in a report, together with a collection of good practices from various companies with diversity policies. Read report>>
New EC initiatives to finance jobs, cohesion and urban renewal in the regions
At a recent conference in Brussels, Commissioner Danuta Hübner presented two new initiatives for financing jobs, growth and cohesion in the regions of the European Union. The initiatives, called JEREMIE and JASPERS are designed to help the national and regional authorities prepare large infrastructure projects and improve access to finance for small to medium-sized businesses. A third initiative focuses on social housing and urban renewal notably through loans from the European Investment Bank and Central European Bank. To read more about the conference and background papers click here
EQUAL Initiative - learning from good practise
EQUAL has just published 'Making Change Possible - a practical guide to mainstreaming under EQUAL'. Mainstreaming is one of the key principles of the EQUAL Community Initiative which is testing new ways of tackling all forms of discrimination in the labour market. Read report>>
Additionally, a new feature has been added to the EQUAL website: "Success Stories" unfolding the experimental activities of some thirty pilot projects are now accessible and downloadable. Those documents are currently being translated and published (in French and German).Go to EQUAL Success Stories
Quick guide to EU employment and social policies
The European Commission has published a set of 15 concise policy briefs which look at what the EU is doing to create more and better jobs, ensure social protection and promote equal opportunities for all. The briefs also underline the role of the different policy instruments of EU social policy. Clear examples are provided on actions in the Member States. The Quick Guide is available online in English
Newsletter on Social Inclusion Policies
The Newsletter for the Peer Review Programme in the Field of Social Inclusion Policies, which is a key instrument of the Community Action Programme to Combat Social Exclusion, can be downloaded at the following link below. It is published in French, German and English three times a year. http://www.peer-review-social-inclusion.net/peer/en/Newsletter
International Conference Sport and Urban development
The City of Rotterdam which has been proclaimed 'European Capital of Sport' organises an international Sport and Urban Development conference on 9, 10 and 11 November 2005. During this conference several subjects about sport will be discussed, such as the European sports policy for the coming years and the social and economic benefits of large scale sports events, such as the Olympic Games. The aim of the conference is to generate knowledge and instructive results by offering possibilities for information exchange, transfer of knowledge and network development. For more information and to register click here
Statistical Yearbook of the EU Regions - 2005
Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities, has published a new edition of the Statistical Yearbook of the EU Regions, covering the 254 regions of the 25 EU Member States. The publication also covers the 14 regions of Bulgaria and Romania. The regional diversity of Europe is shown in the form of maps, graphs and text. The yearbook is available in English and French.
European Week of Regions and Cities Brussels, 10 - 13 October 2005
DG Regional Policy of the European Commission and the Committee of the Regions will host the 2005 European week of Regions and Cities, to take place in Brussels from 10 to 13 October. Over 100 partners from European regions will participate by organising various seminars. The scope of the event will be on "Working together for Regional Growth and Jobs" to help Member States and regions to facilitate their preparations for the new generation of Structural Funds' programmes and instruments for 2007-2013. Go to European Week of Regions and Cities website, Read programme
Qec-ERAN workshop- 30 September
QeC-ERAN holds regular workshops for its members. These workshops reflect the priority needs of members and provide an opportunity to develop links with other organisations in the same areas of work. This workshop will have presentations from the European Commission on the Cohesion Policy as well as on EU Immigration Policy.The workshop will take place in the Hotel Vendôme, Brussels on 30 September 2005. For more information see the workshop programme.
2007 to be "European Year of Equal Opportunities for All"
The European Commission has designated 2007 as 'European Year of Equal Opportunities for All' as part of a concerted effort to promote equality and non-discrimination in the EU. The European Year is the centrepiece of a framework strategy designed to ensure that discrimination is effectively tackled, diversity is celebrated and equal opportunities for all are promoted. The strategy is set out in a Communication adopted by the European Commission. Read more>>
Commission consults public on action to improve the urban environment in Europe
The European Commission is inviting the public and relevant authorities to give their views via the Internet on a new European strategy to improve the urban environment in Europe and also reduce the impact that cities have on the wider environment. The strategy is due to be proposed by the Commission in December 2005. The consultation will run until 21 September 2005. Click here for more info
European Employment Week
The 12 th annual conference of 'Employment Week' will take place in Brussels on 12th - 14th April 2005. It is planned with the co-operation of the European Commission (DG Employment/Social Affairs) and held under the patronage of the The Committe of the Regions. The 2005 Conference will explore Europe's employment goals and will review the 'Lisbon strategy', with a focus on increasing EU employment rates and creating 20 million additional jobs by 2010. Read more>>
Qec-ERAN workshop
QeC-ERAN holds regular workshops for its members. These workshops reflect the priority needs of members and provide an opportunity to develop links with other organisations in the same areas of work. This workshop will have presentations from the European Commission on the Future of the Cohesion Policy as well as on the EU Social Inclusion Strategy.The workshop will take place in the Hotel Vendôme, Brussels on 29 April 2005. For more information see the workshop programme.
Free movement of good ideas - Conference
A dissemination conference on the results of EQUAL will be held in Warsaw on 25 and 26 February 2005. The conference is organised by the European Commission and co-hosted by the Polish Government. It will be an opportunity for policy makers, policy advisors and implementing bodies to become aware of good practice tested under EQUAL which can help them to shape and adapt policies and practices. It will discuss new approaches and models to prevent unemployment and support the integration of disadvantaged groups into work, as well as to promote social integration and combat discriminatio. Read more>>
QeC-ERAN's General Annual Meeting (AGM)
The city of Venice hosted last years' AGM, which took place in Venice on 18 December. Professor Alan Harding, from The Centre for Sustainable Urban and Regional Future at the Salford University opened the AGM with a key note speech on 'urban policy: trend and issues'. This was followed by the business section of the AGM, when QeC-ERAN members adopted the new QeC-ERAN statutes, discussed the work programme for 2005 and elected a new Executive Bureau for the next two years. Read AGM minutes>>
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