AEBR Centre for Balkans

Transcription

1 CENTER FOR BALKANS CENTAR ZA BALKAN AEBR TASK FORCE OF EXTERNAL BORDERS AEBR Centre for Balkans REPORT Belgrade, September 2016.

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3 AEBR Centre for Balkans REPORT Belgrade, September 2016.

4 CONTENTS OUR TEAM... 4 OUR INTERNS... 5 ACTIVITIES Establishment of the AEBR Centre for Balkans... 6 IV National Conference on Cross-Border Cooperation... 6 Memorandum of cooperation with the Faculty of Geography at the University of Belgrade... 6 AEBR Task Force of External Borders meeting... 7 VI AEBR Youth Forum New Generation for EU Enlargement International Integration Forum "Borderland-2014"... 8 ACTIVITIES The Role of CBC Experts of Ukraine, Russia and European Union in Peace Building... 9 Forum "Economics of Kharkiv. Problems and solutions "... 9 Closing Conference Crossing the Borders... 9 Agreement on hosting AEBR Balkans in the office of CESCI Balkans School of international integration and cross-border cooperation First AEBR Conference on Cross-border Cooperation and Territorial Impact Assessment Youth Video-Internet-Bridge «Development of Cross Border Cooperation between Youth of European Border Regions» Ten years celebration of the Nišava Euroregion AEBR Task Force of External Borders meeting VII Youth Forum "Youth as the driving force of the European Union" AEBR Network of Young Leaders for Cross-border Cooperation (YLCBC) Video conference Urban Development in Border Areas European Seminar on Democratic Governance of Cross-border Areas - Council of Europe AEBR Task Force of External Borders meeting rd European Congress on Global Education Seminar on Spatial Planning and Cross-Border Cooperation for Local Authorities

5 ACTIVITIES Video conference International experience of public diplomacy in integration projects AEBR Task Force of External Borders meeting Memorandum of understanding with Ministry of Economic Relations and Regional Cooperation of the Republic of Srpska Global Online Dialogue Youth Power for Positive Transformation Video conference "Implementation of public diplomacy projects and cross-border cooperation at the regional level" The Regional Youth Cooperation Office of the Western Balkans - RYCO SARAJEVO STUDY TOUR Cross-border cooperation in pre-, during and post-conflict situation (Israel/Palestine) Conference "Relations of the European citizens towards the European Union" Research on Cross-border Structures and Strategies in the Balkan Region International Music Festivals as CBC Hot Spots Seminar on Cross-border Cooperation International Conference "Development of Information and Media Literacy in Serbia and in the Region" International Youth Day - The Road to Erasmus Plus Mobility Project Start Up Yourself Video Conference "Universities in the border areas, as actors of public diplomacy" AEBR NETWORK OF YOUNG LEADERS FOR CBC (YLCBC) Meet some of our Young Leaders: FUTURE ACTIVITIES AND INITIATIVES th eregions Conference 2016: Cross-border esolutions & eservices Prototypes Development Youth Forum Cross the Border, Grow Your Idea! Conference European Neighborhood Policy and Eastern Partnership Beyond YLCBC Panel Discussions on Cross-border Cooperation VIII AEBR Youth Forum Young Leaders for Promotion of Friendly Neighbourship and Peace AEBR Youth Charter for Cross-border Cooperation International Conference on Women in Rural Areas and Cross-Border Cooperation European Winter School on Cross-Border Cooperation

6 OUR TEAM Mr. Johannes MOISIO Chairman of the AEBR Task Force of External Borders Mr. Alexey KIRYUKHIN Vice-chairman of the AEBR Task Force of External Borders Ms. Ana NIKOLOV, MSc AEBR TFEB Balkans attaché, AEBR coordinator for Balkans Ms. Ksenija CRNOMARKOVIĆ, PhD AEBR Centre for Balkans Researcher Ms. Nora REPO, PhD AEBR Centre for Balkans Researcher 4

7 OUR INTERNS Ms. Sara ANĐELKOVIĆ Research topic: Cross-border Structures in the Balkan Region Mr. Marko ŠLOCER Research topic: Cross-border Cooperation in the field of Economy in the Balkans Mr. Petar JEREMIĆ Research topic: Cross-border cooperation as a model for local community development Ms. Sofija TANASKOVIĆ Administrative Internship 5

8 ACTIVITIES 2014 Establishment of the AEBR Centre for Balkans May 2014, Belgrade, Serbia In May 2014 Mr. Martin Guillermo Ramirez, Secretary General of the Association of European Border Regions had a kick-off meeting with Ms. Ana Nikolov concerning the establishment of the AEBR Centre for Balkans on voluntary basis in Belgrade. IV National Conference on Cross-Border Cooperation 26 th September 2014., Belgrade, Serbia Mr. Martin Guillermo Ramirez, Secretary General of the Association of European Border Regions, and Ms. Ana Nikolov attended the IV National Conference on Cross-Border Cooperation organised by Serbian European Integration Office on the 26 th of September, Among others the speeches were given by Ms. Jadranka Joksimović, Minister without Portfolio in charge of EU integration, Mr. Michael Davenport, Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, Mr. Konstantinos Mousouroulis, Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy of the European Commission. At this fourth National Conference on Cross-Border Cooperation the best cross-border projects were awarded. Memorandum of cooperation with the Faculty of Geography at the University of Belgrade 25 th October 2014., Belgrade, Serbia Mr. Martin Guillermo Ramirez, Secretary General of the Association of European Border Regions, and Ph.D. Dejan Filipović, Dean of the Faculty of Geography, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation, which provides, among other things, cooperation in joint research activities, developing of proposals for cross-border cooperation, cooperation on projects, co-organization of lectures, seminars, conferences, summer schools and camps etc. 6

9 AEBR Task Force of External Borders meeting 25 th October 2014., Belgrade, Serbia The AEBR Task Force of External Borders meeting, chaired by Mr. Johannes Moisio was held on the 25 th October in Belgrade with following Agenda: Opening of the meeting European Union Programming period Ideas for Interreg Europe project Youth Forum 2015 Next TFEB meetings ComUnYouth - project Discussion & Proposals for the future VI AEBR Youth Forum New Generation for EU Enlargement October 2014., Belgrade, Pirot and Novi Sad, Serbia The Association of European Border Regions (AEBR), the European Centre for Peace and Development (ECPD) of the University for Peace established by the United Nations and Youth Association of Serbia (OSS) organised in cooperation with the Euroregion Nisava and Euroregion Drina the Youth Forum New Generation for EU Enlargement. It was held in Serbia from the 25 th to the 30 th October. While analysing the situation in the Balkans and results of projects dealing with cross-border cooperation, reconciliation, tolerance and human security as preconditions for maintaining peace in the Balkans, it can be concluded that, although the capacity of the Balkans for changes and innovations in the field of cross-border cooperation at the local and regional level is constantly growing, there is a lack of young leaders in the border areas who could initiate and implement the cross-border projects and prepare the new generation for the EU Enlargement. Cross-border cooperation is one of the crucial factors that influence reaching the economic, social and territorial cohesion within Europe, especially relating to the borders between the new and the old member states, between the new member states, as well as between the new EU member states and their neighbouring countries. For almost half-century cross-border cooperation has been recognized as a very powerful tool for maintaining peace and building good neighbourly relations across the European borders. In this context, the forum aimed at providing young people with a deeper understanding of the circumstances in which they live and to enable them to develop common initiatives and projects for assuring a positive prospect for young people in the border regions of Europe. As a result of this Forum, the AEBR established stronger relations in the Western Balkans, and opened an Information Centre in Belgrade. 7

10 International Integration Forum "Borderland-2014" 1 st December, 2014, Belgorod, Russia AEBR Centre for Balkans participated in the International integration forum "Borderland " that was organized by the Institute of Cross-Border Cooperation and Integration and took place on the 1 st of December 2014 in Belgorod, Russia. International integration forum "Borderland " activated the cooperation between local governments, entrepreneurs and nongovernmental organizations. The priorities of the event were: promotion of investment projects and growth of the investment attractiveness of the border regions; increase in the number of civil society initiatives, between public authorities, public sector and business; to attract the expert community to notice the problems of border areas; to facilitate processes of cross-border migration. Speakers at the Event were: Mr. Greenberg, Director of the Institute of Economics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Economics, Professor (Moscow), Mr. Moisio, Chairman of the AEBR Task Force of External Borders, (Lappeenranta); Mr. Tyapochkin, Chairman of the Business Council of Chambers of Commerce borderland (Kursk); Mr. Noginsky, Chairman of the Association of suppliers of the Customs Union, Mr. Sapryka, Director of the Institute of cross border cooperation and integration, Mr. Kiryukhin, Head of the Ukrainian- Russian academic center KNU them. VN Karazina, Mr. Mezhevich, Professor at the St. Petersburg State University, Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Regional Economy of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ms. Popkov, Head of the Department of Economic and Social Geography of Kursk State University, Ms. Novikov, Head of the Department of Economic Theory Academy of Public Administration, Mr. Cold, Head of Social and Political Studies and Projects in the Office of the expert and control work of the Voronezh regional administration, Mr. Bogatov, Director, Center for social innovation Belgorod region, Mr. Beetle, Chairman Borovsky District Council, Mr. Chernomaz, Associate Professor, Department of International Economic Relations of Kharkiv National University named after VN Karazina, Mr. Kolesnikov Executive Director of the Belgorod Regional Fund for Small and Medium Business, Ms. Nikolov, AEBR coordinator for Balkans and Mr. Panov, Director of the Center for Work with CIS countries, Doctor of Political Sciences, Professor. 8

11 ACTIVITIES 2015 The Role of CBC Experts of Ukraine, Russia and European Union in Peace Building 12 th and 27 th January, 2015, Kiev, Ukraine AEBR Centre for Balkans participated in video conferences entitled The Role of CBC Experts of Ukraine, Russia and European Union in Peace Building that were held on the 12 th and 27 th of January, The video conferences were organized by Global ICA Channel via ICA Ukraine s Internet media project with an aim to find the answers to the following question: "What can we, as a community of experts, do to promote peace?". The speakers among others were Mr. Martín Guillermo Ramírez, Mr. Johannes Moisio, Mr. Alex Kirukhin and Ms. Ana Nikolov. Forum "Economics of Kharkiv. Problems and solutions " 6 th February, 2015, Kharkiv, Ukraine AEBR Centre for Balkans participated in the forum "Economics of Kharkiv. Problems and solutions " that was held on the 6 th of February in Kharkiv. The event was hosted by Business Smart Consulting. The presentation was given by Ms. Ana Nikolov. Closing Conference Crossing the Borders 26 th February, 2015, Budapest, Hungary AEBR Centre for Balkans attended the Closing conference of the project entitled Crossing the Borders: best practices of cross-border cooperation within the Danube Region that was held on the 26 th of February 2015 in Budapest. The event was co-organized by CESCI (the project leader), the Association of European Border Regions and the French Hungarian Association. 9

12 Agreement on hosting AEBR Balkans in the office of CESCI Balkans February, 2015, Budapest, Hungary Mr. Martín Guillermo Ramírez, Secretary General of AEBR and Mr. Gyula Ocskay, Secretary General of CESCI agreed on hosting AEBR Center for Balkans in the office of CESCI Balkans in Novi Sad, Serbia. School of international integration and cross-border cooperation March, 2015, Belgorod, Russia AEBR Centre for Balkans participated in School of international integration and cross-border cooperation 2015 that was held from the 16 th to the 20 th of March 2015 in Belgorod, Russia. The school of international integration and cross-border cooperation was organised by the Institute of Cross-Border Cooperation and Integration with the support of the Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation of CIS member states. The school was attended by over 200 participants from the Russian Federation, the Republic of Moldova, Belarus, Ukraine and the EU. Among others, lectures were given by Mr. Martin Guillermo Ramirez, Mr. Johannes Moisio, Mr. Alexey Kiryukhin and Ms. Ana Nikolov. First AEBR Conference on Cross-border Cooperation and Territorial Impact Assessment 10th April, 2015, Lisbon, Portugal AEBR Centre for Balkans attended the First AEBR Conference on Cross-Border Cooperation and Territorial Impact Assessment that was held on the 10 th of April 2015 in Lisbon. The event was coorganised by the Association of European Border Regions (AEBR), the Institute of Geography and Spatial Planning of the University of Lisbon (CEG-IGOT Lisbon University) and the INTERREG-A Sweden- Norway.. 10

13 Youth Video-Internet-Bridge «Development of Cross Border Cooperation between Youth of European Border Regions» 28 th April, 2015, Kharkiv, Ukraine AEBR Centre for Balkans participated in Youth Video-Internet-Bridge Development of Cross Border Cooperation between Youth of European Border Regions that was held on the 28 th of April 2015 in Kharkiv, Ukraine. The event was organized by Euroregion Slobozhanschina and AEBR Informational Center at Simon Kuznets KhNEU. Speakers at the event were Mr. Johannes Moisio, Ms. Ana Nikolov, Mr. Eduard Syromolot, Ms. Natalia Gavkalova, Ms. Tsukan Oksana, Ms. Kateryna Astakhova and Ms. Marina Stepanova. More information can be found on the following page - Ten years celebration of the Nišava Euroregion June 2015, Dimitrovgrad, Serbia The representative of the AEBR Centre for Balkans attended the ten years celebration of the Nišava Euroregion. The Nišava Euroregion was established by the NGO "Ponisavlje" from Pirot and Citizens' Association "Nisava" from Sofia. The Framework Agreement on the establishment was signed on June 2005 forming the Euroregion Nišava on territory of following municipalities: Pirot, Dimitrovgrad, Bela Palanka and Babušnica on the Serbian side and Kostinbrod, Božurište, Slivnica, Svođe, Dragoman and Godeč on the Bulgarian side. The Nišava Euroregion is a member of the Association of the European Border Regions since More information about Nišava Euroregion can be found here - AEBR Task Force of External Borders meeting 6 th September, Belgrade, Serbia The AEBR Task Force of External Borders meeting, chaired by Mr. Johannes Moisio, was held on the 6 th September in Belgrade with the following Agenda: Opening of the meeting European Union Programming period Ideas for Interreg Europe project Youth Forum 2016 ComUnYouth - project Next TFEB meetings Discussion & Proposals for the future 11

14 VII Youth Forum "Youth as the driving force of the European Union" 7-11 September, 2015, Novi Sad, Serbia The Association of European Border Regions, AEBR Task Force of External Borders and CESCI Balkans organized the VII Youth Forum entitled "Youth as the driving force of the European Union". The Youth Forum was held in Novi Sad from the 7th to the 11th September, 2015 and implemented through a Discussion Forum, Round Table, Seminars and Workshops with focus on following topics: Youth as the driving force of the European Union; The challenges of European integration from the perspective of the new generation; On the way to the European Union - values and possibilities; External and internal borders of the European Union past and present, Models of cross-border cooperation; Territorial Cohesion of the European Union; The impact of cross-border cooperation to strengthen the territorial cohesion of the European Union; Strengthening cross-border cooperation between the youth of European border regions At the VII AEBR Youth Forum the Network of Young Leaders for Cross-border Cooperation (YLCBC) was established with following Working Groups: - Economic Development; - Environmental Protection; - Spatial Analysis and Territorial Cohesion; - Cultural Diversity and Intercultural Dialogue; - Peace and Conflict Resolution; and - Gender Equality. Youth Forum materials can be accessed here: AEBR Network of Young Leaders for Cross-border Cooperation (YLCBC) At the VII AEBR Youth Forum, the Network of Young Leaders for Cross-border Cooperation (YLCBC) was established and it has following Working Groups: Economic Development; Environmental Protection; Spatial Analysis and Territorial Cohesion; Cultural Diversity and Intercultural Dialogue; Peace and Conflict Resolution; and Gender Equality. The headquarters of the Network were set up in Novi Sad, Serbia. Activities of the Network will be implemented through AEBR Centre for Balkans with the support of the CESCI Balkans office. Young Leaders are currently working on the Activity plans for Working Groups, which will lead to creation of the AEBR Youth Charter for the Cross-border Cooperation. 12

15 Video conference Urban Development in Border Areas 25 th September, 2015, Belgorod, Russia AEBR Centre for Balkans participated in the video conference Urban Development in Border Areas organised within the framework of Young Leaders Forum "Inter-municipal cooperation: new horizons" that was held in Belgorod, Russia, on September 22-27, The forum was organized by the Institute of Cross-Border Cooperation and Integration with the support of the Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation of CIS member states and Belgorod National Research University. The event was attended by over 100 people from Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, Armenia, Tajikistan, Poland, Hungary, Ireland and Serbia. Among the delegates were representatives of the scientific community, local council members and youth representative bodies, heads of non-profit organizations, young politicians, scientists and students. European Seminar on Democratic Governance of Cross-border Areas - Council of Europe October 2015., Saint Louis, France The coordinator of the AEBR Center for Balkans, Ms. Ana Nikolov, participated in the European Seminar on democratic governance of cross-border areas that was held October 2015 in Saint-Louis (France). The seminar was organized by the Council of Europe with the collaboration of the City of Saint-Louis, the Trinational Eurodistrict Basel, the Mission Opérationnelle Transfrontalière (France) and the Institute of International Sociology of Gorizia (Italy). Representatives of member States from the European Committee on Democracy and Governance of the Council of Europe as well as transfrontier cooperation bodies, institutes, practitioners and experts took part in the discussions. The seminar concluded that effective and active participation of citizens offers real support to the realisation of cross-border projects. Information given to the citizens and consultation of citizens, as they are the ultimate beneficiaries of any cross-border cooperation initiative, remain a guarantee of transparency and legitimacy in the decision-making process and of taking into consideration the particularities of each border context. 13

16 AEBR Task Force of External Borders meeting 12 th November Brussels, Belgium Representative of the AEBR Centre for Balkans participated in the AEBR Task Force of External Borders meeting, chaired by Mr. Johannes Moisio, that was held on the 12 th November in Brussels with following Agenda: Opening of the meeting Presentation of TFEB and its activities in 2015 Experiences and outcomes of TFEB Youth Forum in Novi Sad 7-11 Sept 2015 CBC Programmes at the external borders of the EU TFEB project FIRE for Interreg Europe programme Task Force in 2016, plans and expectations 3rd European Congress on Global Education November 2015, Zagreb, Croatia AEBR Centre for Balkans participated in the 3 rd European Congress on Global Education Education for a Global Citizenship - Unity in Diversity that was held from the 26 th to the 28 th November, 2015, in Zagreb, Croatia. The Congress was organized by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe in partnership with the Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights Education Unit of the Education policy division of the CoE, CONCORD Europe, UNESCO, in affiliation with GENE and in co-operation with the Croatian Center for Peace Studies, as the implementing partner. The presentations were given by Ms. Ana Nikolov and Ms. Nora Repo. Seminar on Spatial Planning and Cross-Border Cooperation for Local Authorities 7 th December, 2015, Novi Sad, Serbia AEBR Center for Balkans in cooperation with CESCI Balkans organized a Seminar on Spatial Planning and Cross-Border Cooperation for Local Authorities in Novi Sad. The seminar was supported by the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of the AP Vojvodina. At the opening of the Seminar welcoming speeches were given by Slobodan Puzović, Provincial Secretary for Urban Planning, Construction and Environmental Protection, Đorđe Milić, Assistant to the Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, Elisabetta Sartorel, Project Manager, Cross- Border Cooperation Programme, EU Delegation to Serbia, and Ervin Erős, Director of CESCI Balkans. Lecturers at the seminar were Gyula Ocskay, Secretary General of CESCI, Martín Guillermo Ramírez, Secretary General of AEBR, Ervin Erős, Director of CESCI Balkans, Ana Nikolov, AEBR coordinator for Balkans, Siniša Trkulja, Adviser at the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, Dragana Dunčić, Assistant Director, Urban and Spatial Planning Institute of Vojvodina and Tamara Zelenović Vasiljević, Independent Expert Associate, Urban and Spatial Planning Institute of Vojvodina. Seminar materials can be accessed here: 14

17 ACTIVITIES 2016 Video conference International experience of public diplomacy in integration projects 17 February, 2016, Belgorod, Russia AEBR Centre for Balkans participated in the Video conference International experience of public diplomacy in integration projects organised within the framework of Expert Forum Public Diplomacy: Regional Dimension that was held in Belgorod, Russia, on February 17-18, The forum was organized by the Institute of Cross-Border Cooperation and Integration with the support of the All- Russian public organization The Society Znanie (Knowledge) of Russia and the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund. The expert forum provided an opportunity to the participants from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Finland and Italy to share best practices and give speeches on various aspects of public diplomacy. Additionally, a vast number of events, including public lectures, workshops and panel discussions were organized within the framework of the Expert Forum. More information about the Event can be found here - AEBR Task Force of External Borders meeting 7 th March 2016, Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Hercegovina The AEBR TFEB meeting, chaired by Mr. Johannes Moisio, was held on the 7 th March in Banja Luka with following Agenda: Opening of the meeting Previous meeting 4/2016 in Brussels 12. November 2015 TFEB and its activities; Outcomes of TFEB Youth Forum in Novi Sad 7-11 Sept 2015 CBC Programmes at the external borders of the EU African cooperation and foreseen projects Task Force in 2016, plans and expectations, meeting Mr. Zlatan Klokic, Minister of Economic Relations and Regional Cooperation on Tuesday 8 March 15

18 Memorandum of understanding with Ministry of Economic Relations and Regional Cooperation of the Republic of Srpska 8 th March 2016, Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Hercegovina A delegation from AEBR and CESCI, composed by both general secretaries, Martin Guillermo and Gyula Ocskay, Ervin Erős (Director of CESCI Balkans), Johannes Moisio (Chairman of the TFEB) and Ana Nikolov (AEBR coordinator for Balkans), met Zlatan Klokić, Minister of Economic Relations and Regional Cooperation of the Republika Srspka and his team in Banja Luka. All participants in the meeting agreed on the values of cooperation, particularly at cross-border level in the Western Balkans, in order to normalize and facilitate relationships between neighbours, which promote the European spirit. They signed a memorandum of understanding with the main purpose of strengthening cross-border cooperation and for a more efficient implementation of the European integration process in the region. Global Online Dialogue Youth Power for Positive Transformation 8-15 March, Kiev, Ukraine AEBR Centre for Balkans through AEBR Network of Young Leaders for Cross-border Cooperation and in partnership with Global Online Dialogue and CESCI Balkans organised two online workshops on topic "Youth Power for Positive Transformation" that was held 8-15 March. The First Workshop searched for answers to the following questions: What is Peace for you? What is Conflict for you? What can Youth do for peace preservation and conflict prevention? What skills should youth need for positive transformation in the field of peace and conflict prevention? What is the Real Power of Youth to influence Peace Preservation and Conflict Prevention? The Second Workshop searched for answers to the questions such as: Youth for Economic Development vs/and Environmental Protection? What can Youth do for Sustainable Development? What skills should Youth need for positive transformation in the field of Sustainable Development? What is the Real Power of Youth in achieving Social, Economic and Territorial Cohesion? The Workshops sought the answers from three points of view: What can Youth do for Youth?; What can Youth do for Society?; and What can Society do for Youth?. 16

19 Video conference "Implementation of public diplomacy projects and cross-border cooperation at the regional level" 24 th March 2016, Belgorod, Russia AEBR Centre for Balkans participated in Video conference "The implementation of public diplomacy projects and cross-border cooperation at the regional level" that was organized by Institute of cross-border cooperation and integration. The conference was held on the 24th of March as part of the Diplomatic Seminar "Tambov region - the territory of intercultural understanding" for Russian and foreign students in Russia. The Diplomatic Seminar represented youth scientific educational platform for learning and open exchange of views and ideas on the most pressing issues of international cooperation, economy, media, law, public diplomacy and history. The seminar was held with the aim of raising the level of knowledge and competence of youth representatives in the field of public diplomacy, and the formation of a pool of young leaders who can effectively use the tools of "soft power" for peaceful purposes. The Seminar was organized by NGO "Youth Information Resource" (Tambov) with Workshop partners Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, Public Chamber of the Tambov region, Institute of cross-border cooperation and integration and Centre for Support and Development of Civic Initiatives "Creative Diplomacy". The Regional Youth Cooperation Office of the Western Balkans - RYCO AEBR Balkans participated in the consultation process for creating a RYCO structure. The Regional Youth Cooperation Office of the Western Balkans (RYCO) is aiming to promote the spirit of reconciliation and cooperation between the youth in the region through exchange. A working group has developed a common proposal for its establishment, which was signed by the Prime Ministers of the Western Balkans 6 Participants on the July 4th, 2016 at the Western Balkans Summit in Paris. 17

20 SARAJEVO STUDY TOUR Cross-border cooperation in pre-, during and postconflict situation (Israel/Palestine) April, 2016, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina AEBR Centre for Balkans in partnership with International Peace and Cooperation Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Shasha Center for Strategic Studies and University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Architecture organized Sarajevo Study Tour Cross-border cooperation in pre-, during and post-conflict situation from the 15th to the 17th April. The Study Tour was organized for Palestinians and Israelis engaged in preparation of a strategic plan for the area between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. Goals of the Study Tour were: To study the experience of cooperation in states and societies located at different stages of conflict: pre-solution, following the solution and post-solution. To learn about cross-border projects in the following spheres: economics, workers mobility and labour markets, transportation, energy, water, environment, local authorities and joint planning To interview stake holders associated with the projects. To learn about specific organizational models of planning and service provision associated with cooperation To learn about legal frameworks established by bordering states in order to enable cross-border cooperation To identify in all of these lessons relevant to the Israeli- Palestinian case. The Study Tour was led by Professor Shlomo Hasson, Head of The Shasha Center for Strategic Studies from Israel and Dr. Rami Nasrallah, International Peace and Cooperation Center from Palestine. Conference "Relations of the European citizens towards the European Union" AEBR Balkans participated in the Conference Relations of the European citizens towards the European Union that was held on the 13 th of May in Subotica. The presentation was given by Ms. Ana Nikolov, AEBR coordinator for Balkans. Apart from focusing on the relations of the European citizens towards the European Union, conference addressed diverse issues that have a great importance for citizens in the process of accessing the European Union. The event was part of the transnational project European Citizens Initiative to Combat Political Extremism and Euroskepticism, implemented by Republikon Foundation of Hungary, and financed by the Europe for Citizens program of the European Commission. 18

21 Research on Cross-border Structures and Strategies in the Balkan Region AEBR Centre for Balkans and CESCI Balkans are conducting studies on Cross-border Structures and Strategies in the Balkan Region. The goal is to encourage young researches to develop their research skills and new ideas in the field of cross-border cooperation through internship program. Internship includes training, research and evaluation supervised by Ms. Ana Nikolov. Each intern works on her/his own study, which they are writing during their three-month internship. Currently the interns are doing research on following topics: Cross-border Structures in the Balkan Region, Ms. Sara Anđelković; Cross-border cooperation in the field of economy in the Balkan Region, Mr. Marko Šlocer; and Cross-border cooperation as a model for local community development, Mr. Petar Jeremić. At the end of one-year research period synthesis of the studies will be conducted. International Music Festivals as CBC Hot Spots During the Exit Festival in Novi Sad, AEBR Centre for Balkans in cooperation with CESCI Balkans conducted research on International Music Festivals and cross-border cooperation. The aim of the research was to test the hypothesis that Music Festivals support creation of good neighbourly relations, and to examine whether the music festivals are a platform for cross-border and transnational cooperation. The detailed report will be available soon on following Page - Seminar on Cross-border Cooperation 28 th July 2016, Jena, Germany AEBR Center for Balkans and CESCI Balkans in cooperation with University of Jena organized the Seminar on Cross-border cooperation. The Seminar held on the 28 th of July was organized for students from the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Jena. At the opening of the Seminar welcome speech was given by Dr. Ksenija Crnomarković, Department of Political Science. Lecturers at the Seminar were: Ms. Ana Nikolov, AEBR coordinator for Balkans and Mr. Ervin Erős, Director of CESCI Balkans. After the Seminar the discussion led to creation of the Programme for the European Winter School on Cross-border Cooperation. 19

22 International Conference "Development of Information and Media Literacy in Serbia and in the Region" AEBR Center for Balkans, Media Education Center and CESCI Balkans organized International Conference "Development of Information and Media Literacy in Serbia and in the Region" in Novi Sad, Serbia, on August the 1 st, with the support of the Assembly of the AP Vojvodina. The conference covered the topic of Information and Media Literacy as a ground for development of Global and Sustainable Education and reaching for Millennium Development Goals. Speakers at this conference were Mr. Damir Zobenica, Vice-President of the Assembly of the AP Vojvodina, Mr. Žolt Sakalaš, Provincial Secretariat for Education, Administration and National Communities, Mr. Miomir Rajčević, Media Education Centre, Mr. Walter Olensky, Federal Ministry of Education, Austria, Ms. Elena Kurilova, Russia, Mr. Ervin Eros, CESCI Balkans and Ms. Ivana Jelača, Media Diversity Institute Belgrade. The agenda of the conference can be accessed here: The video of the conference can be accessed here: International Youth Day - The Road to 2030 August 12 th 2016, Hódmezővásárhely, Hungary AEBR Centre for Balkans in cooperation with CESCI Balkans celebrated the UN International Youth Day in Hódmezővásárhely, Hungary. This year s theme was: The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production. The celebration started with a lecture given by Mr. Marko Šlocer discussing poverty, sustainable production and consumption. The lecture introduced some of the basic terms such as: Extreme poverty, Poverty line, Sustainable Development Goals etc. Later on the discussion elaborated on how young people can participate in achieving sustainability and helping to reduce poverty. At the end participants made posters with their promises on how they plan to contribute in achieving 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. You can find our event on the map on UN s official site herehttps:// The complete agendaof the event can be accessed here

23 Erasmus Plus Mobility Project Start Up Yourself August, 2016, Hódmezővásárhely, Hungary The Association of European Border Regions, Fatima Ház Alapítvány and Central European Service for Cross-border Initiatives Balkans organized Youth Training entitled "StartUP Yourself!" within the framework of Erasmus+ mobility project Network Start-ups 101. The Training was held in Hódmezővásárhely from the 12th to the 23rd August, 2016 and implemented through seminars and workshops. The goal of the training was to help young people to become entrepreneurs with non-formal methods, by improving their skills and competencies that are necessary for starting up their own businesses. You can find a photo gallery of the training on our page here - The Agenda for the training can be accessed here- Video Conference "Universities in the border areas, as actors of public diplomacy" 30 th August 2016, Belgorod, Russia AEBR Centre for Balkans participated in the Video Conference "Universities in the border areas, as actors of public diplomacy" that was held on the 30 th August and organised by Institute of Cross- Border Cooperation and Integration from Belgorod. Participants from Russia, Ukraine, Serbia and Tajikistan discussed issues related to the identity of urban residents of border regions, the state and prospects of development of cross-border cooperation, interoperability of universities in border regions, as well as the development of small and medium-sized cities in the borderland. The speeches were given by: Sapryka Victor, Director of the Institute of cross-border cooperation and integration; Paul Chernomaz, Associate Professor of the Kharkiv National University; Oleg Byhtin Associate Professor at the Department of Social Technologies NIU "BelGU"; Sergei Lebedev, Professor at the Department of Organization and youth NIU "BelGU"; Ana Nikolov, AEBR Coordinator for the Balkans; Ivan Kesoretskih, Leading specialist of the Institute of Spatial Planning, Development and External Relations in Kaliningrad; Galina Gaidukova, Docent NIU "BelGU"; Roman Travin, Director of the East Center for Strategic Initiatives; Negmat Tuev, teacher of Tajik Technical University, Academician M. Osimi (Dushanbe), Alexander Maksimenko, Kostroma regional branch of the Society "Knowledge" of Russia; and Alex Lipaev, Director of ANO "The eyes of the province". More information about the event can be found here

24 AEBR NETWORK OF YOUNG LEADERS FOR CBC (YLCBC) At the VII AEBR Youth Forum the Network of Young Leaders for Cross-border Cooperation (YLCBC) was established with following Working Groups: - Economic Development; - Environmental Protection; - Spatial Analysis and Territorial Cohesion; - Cultural Diversity and Intercultural Dialogue; - Peace and Conflict Resolution; and - Gender Equality. The headquarters of the Network were set up in Novi Sad, Serbia. Activities of the Network are implemented through AEBR Centre for Balkans with the support of the CESCI Balkans office. Young leaders are currently working on the activity plans for working groups, which will lead to creation of the AEBR Youth Charter for the Cross-border Cooperation at the VIII AEBR Youth Forum. They already compiled a video about their views on cross-border cooperation that can be watched here - More information about future activities will be published soon on the following Page - Meet some of our Young Leaders: Ms. Nathalie SANGLIER Belgium Mr. Štefan ČOK Italy Ms. Ines VATIĆ Macedonia Mr. Bogdan MUREŞAN Romania Ms. Marija MILENKOVIĆ Serbia Ms. Veronika IURCHENKO Bulgaria 22

25 Mr. Ivan KESORETSKIKH Russia Ms. Anita PRIBANIĆ Croatia Ms. Katerina DERHOPUTSKA Ukraine Ms. Bojana TANACKOVIĆ Bosnia & Herzegovina Mr. Lazar BAĆOVIĆ Montenegro Ms. Ioanna PAPAMICHALAKI Greece Ms. Nataša GLIGORIJEVIĆ Serbia Mr. Adenane DJIGO Senegal Ms. Nora REPO Finland Ms. Marjana GORGIEVA Macedonia Ms. Milena PERALOVIĆ Serbia Mr. Mario MILIČEVIĆ Bosnia & Herzegovina Ms. Jovana JAKOVLJEVIĆ Serbia Ms. Bisera DAMASKA Macedonia Ms. Danijela GLUŠAC Serbia 23

26 FUTURE ACTIVITIES AND INITIATIVES 6 th eregions Conference 2016: Cross-border esolutions & eservices Prototypes Development September, 2016, Mengeš, Slovenia AEBR Balkans will participate in the 6th eregions Conference 2016 Cross-border esolutions & eservices Prototypes Development that will be held on the 19 th and the 20 th of September in Mengeš, Slovenia. The event is organized by Inter-Municipality Initiative: Cross-border ecollaboration in the Danube Region. Ms. Ana Nikolov will give a presentation at the Panel on Associations for the Cross-border Collaboration Supporting eregions Development. The Agenda of the Conference can be accessed here - Youth Forum Cross the Border, Grow Your Idea! September, 2016, Marijampolė, Lithuania The representatives of AEBR Centre for Balkans will participate in Youth Forum Cross the Border, Grow Your Idea! that will be held September in Marijampolė, Lithuania. Conference European Neighborhood Policy and Eastern Partnership Beyond October, 2016, Košice, Slovakia The representatives of AEBR Centre for Balkans will attend the Conference European Neighborhood Policy and Eastern Partnership Beyond 2020 that will be held 3 4 October in Košice, Slovakia. The event is organized by CESCI Carpathia. YLCBC Panel Discussions on Cross-border Cooperation October AEBR Centre for Balkans, CESCI Balkans and Network of Young Leaders for Cross-border Cooperation are organising Youth Panel Discussions on Cross-border Cooperation. In the first phase the Youth Panel Discussions will be held in Subotica, Novi Sad and Belgrade in October 2016 on following topics: Cross-border Cooperation and Economy; Cross-border Cooperation and Tourism; Cross-border Cooperation and Biodiversity; and Cross-border Cooperation and Spatial Planning. 24

27 VIII AEBR Youth Forum Young Leaders for Promotion of Friendly Neighbourship and Peace November AEBR Task Force of External Borders and AEBR Centre for Balkans are organising VIII AEBR Youth Forum entitled Young Leaders for Promotion of Friendly Neighbourship and Peace. The VIII Youth Forum will be held in November The call for the participants will be open at the beginning of October More details will be available soon on the AEBR website. AEBR Youth Charter for Cross-border Cooperation November At the VIII AEBR Youth Forum entitled Young Leaders for Promotion of Friendly Neighbourship and Peace, the AEBR Network of Young Leaders will create the AEBR Youth Charter for Cross-Border Cooperation as part of the celebration of 45 years of the Association of European Border Regions. International Conference on Women in Rural Areas and Cross-Border Cooperation February, 2017, Belgrade, Serbia The AEBR Task Force of External Borders, AEBR Centre for Balkans, Centre for Sustainable Development of Serbia and CESCI Balkans are organising international conference on Women in Rural Areas and Cross-Border Cooperation. The conference will be held in February 2017 in Belgrade, Serbia. Detailed agenda will be available soon on the AEBR website. European Winter School on Cross-Border Cooperation April 2017 The AEBR Task Force of External Borders and AEBR Centre for Balkans are organising European Winter School on Cross-Border Cooperation. The Winter School will be held on April. The call for the participants will be open in the end of October 2016 More details will be available soon on the AEBR web site. AEBR Centre for Balkans September