Dear JEFers, dear friends,

We proudly deliver you our JEF-INFO newsletter Issue 2011-06! In this JEF-INFO you can read about all issues at stake in our organisation and beyond, like the report on the seminar and Federal Committee meeting in Budapest, a survey on the internal communication of JEF and various upcoming events.

We also created a new category for you: Under the headline 'About JEF-Europe' you will get acquainted with the structure of JEF-Europe step by step. In this issue we start with the Political Commission 'Global Europe'.

Enjoy your read!

Josephine, Lia and Ruben
European Secretariat

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JEF News

Report on the JEF-Europe international spring seminar
«Europe United - A tool for peace!»
Budapest, 27 March - 1 April

At the end of March JEF-Europe organised in cooperation with JEF-Hungary this year's international spring seminar in Budapest, Hungary. The event received financial support from the European Youth Foundation (EYF) of the Council of Europe and took place in the European Youth Center of the Council of Europe. Enjoying the first sunny spring days and all the comfort this nice venue had to offer (including the amazing and very inspiring postcard view from its main conference room), a group of 35 young motivated people from all over Europe got insight into the topic of EU enlargement and European integration with special regards to the Western Balkan countries.

Read the full report on our homepage. To get more impressions of the seminar, have a look at the pictures on Flickr!

Report on the Federal Committee Spring 2011 in Budapest

Immediately after the seminar took place, 2011´s first Federal Committee (FC) meeting kicked off in the beautiful city of Budapest. From 1-3 April more than 60 representatives came together to discuss the political and organisational directions of JEF for the coming six months, until the XXI.European Congress will take place in Helsinki, Finland from 28 to 30 October 2011. Over ten resolutions were adopted on topics such as the EU economic governance, roaming charges and the Arab uprisings. The acceptance of JEF-Armenia as a candidate section was without a doubt one of the highlights of this very successful meeting in Budapest.

Read the full report about the FC and the resolutions adopted. Find the pictures of the FC on Flickr.

Survey on the Internal Communication of JEF-Europe

JEF-Europe launched a survey to audit its internal communication system. JEF-Europe consists of many different local, regional and national sections, and a variety of bodies on the European level. These complex structures create a challenge to keep the internal communication within JEF as efficient as possible.

We would like to ask you, as a member or friend of JEF, to invest a few minutes of your time to fill out this survey. It will only take you 10 minutes (and this is even true!) to complete it.

Click here.

Young Russian Leaders visiting the European Secretariat
Brussels, 14 April 2011

Young Russian Leaders 2 Brussels (YRL2B) is an exchange program conducted by the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) in partnership with the Heinrich Böll Foundation. It provides an opportunity for emerging Russian civil society leaders, 20-28 years old, to take part in a week-long political participation study visit to Brussels. The program addressed one of the most significant obstacles to Russia’s democratic growth, the disengagement of citizens, and especially youth, from political life.

JEF-Europe was pleased to host the group of young Russian leaders in the European Secretariat. Secretary-General Ruben Loodts and intern Lia Laugner gave the group an insight in the functioning and activities of JEF, putting special focus on the promotion of international democracy through Citizen mobilisation across Europe. We concluded with an interactive workshop/brainstorm session through which the young leaders had the opportunity to come up with creative project proposals themselves.

We have an open-door policy so all JEFers and interested groups are warmly invited to pass by during their stays in Brussels!

Upcoming activities

Europe Day - Festival of Europe
Brussels, 7 May 2011

On the occasion of Europe Day (9 May) the European Institutions are organising the Festival of Europe linked to an Open day. Inside the European Parliament (entry at the rue Wiertz) you can see the political groups at work, and the services of the EP. Outside, on the Mall, there is lively animation, also for children. You can stroll along many stands and in the Village of the Volunteers. Also JEF-Europe (together with the Union of European Federalists) and JEF-Belgium will be present!

We are still looking for volunteers to support us on the stand by distributing information and conducting some nice animations. If you are interested to join us for some hours, please send an email to info@jef.eu and we will keep you updated.

Call for Participants: New Media Summer School prior to the European Dialogue on Internet Governance
Belgrade, 27 May - 1 June 2011

Web 3.0 - where is the internet heading? Who will decide which content you’ll be able to find online? And how will the web help in strengthening democracy and human rights?

At the European Dialogue on Internet Governance 2011 in Belgrade, various stakeholders from governments, private sector and civil society will gather to tackle these questions. You can be a part of one of the key stakeholder groups: YOUTH. Develop your ideas with more than 20 other young people from all over Europe during the New Media Summer School – and take these ideas to EuroDIG.

The event is organised by AEGEE, the Young European Federalists, Youth for Exchange and Understanding and the European Youth Press in cooperation with the Council of Europe and the European Youth Forum.

Deadline for applications is 25 April 2011. Information and application

'Jour fixe’ of JEFers in Brussels
Brussels, 4 May 2011

The ‘jour fixe’ of JEF in Brussels is a nice tradition! On the first Wednesday of every month we meet in the restaurant Ultime Atome (14, rue Saint Boniface, 1050 Bruxelles). In order to book a table, please confirm your participation either with a short email to info@jef.eu or via the facebook event that you will find at the JEF fan page.

Not only active members of JEF are welcome, but also Alumni or people who are just interested in what we do and who we are. If you happen to be in Brussels for the next ‘jour fixe’ on Wednesday 4th May around 7 pm feel free to join us for a drink (or a meal) and a nice evening in the Ultime Atome.

News from the JEF sections

JEF Malta present at the KSU Organizations Days
Malta, 22-25 February 2011

Once again JEF Malta participated in KSU Organizations Days on the campus at the University of Malta. This year JEF Malta set up a stand where it launched the campaign EU2U. This ongoing campaign will try and reach out to as many Maltese citizens as possible by asking their opinion and views on the European Union. Findings will then be compiled into a report which will be publicized and presented to the media and other relevant authorities.

JEF Malta along with other organizations also participated in the KSU International Cuisine Night during Organizations Days. During the event there was a wide variety of traditional Maltese and Gozitan food along with other traditional specialties from a large number of other countries including the Arab world, Italy, Latvia, England and China among others. Throughout the evening there were a number of performances related to various cultures in order to enhance the international aspect of this event.

Call for Applications: Training on Strengthening European Participatory Democracy
Sofia, 1-8 May 2011

The National Student Confederation along with JEF and UEF-Bulgaria have the pleasure of inviting you to participate in the international training course "Strenthening European Participatory Democracy".

The training course will provide young people with knowledge and skills for active participation in the democratic life of the Union. The political, social, economic and cultural aspects that the course addresses will contribute to shape a vision how to strengthen European democracy and reaffirm the concept of active European citizenship. Panel discussions, working groups, lectures, plenary sessions, simulation games and information market will be some of the methods used to debate these issues.

For more information on how the training and how to apply click here. The deadline for applications is 24 April 2011.

JEF Azerbaijan at the Global Youth Service Day

On April 16th 2011 for the Global Youth Service Day members of JEF Azerbaijan conducted educative trainings about the American and European values for children of Lyceum "Tafakkur" in the city of Sumqayit, Azerbaijan. Leyla Aslanova and Leyla Jafarova in partnership with other organizations were leading the trainings. By explaining the topics of "European Values" and "Introduction to JEF" they were able to share everything they've learned about JEF, its structure and the federalist idea.

The training was followed by interesting games, ice breakers, and team building. The participants were given specific tasks to implement and each group came up with their projects on how to change their society, volunteer for different projects and be an active youth representative.

JEF Represented

Reflections on the ECAS conference on European citizens' initiatives
«Getting Citizens´ Initiatives Started»
Brussels, 17 March 2011

With its article 11.4 the Treaty of Lisbon paved the way for the European citizens´ initiative (ECI) which grants more rights of direct democracy to the citizens of the EU. The ECI is a historical example of establishing direct democracy on a transnational level - it is a step further towards a fully democratic Europe.

On 17 March 2011 the European Citizen Action Service (ECAS) organised a conference on the topic Getting Citizens´ Initiative Started at the Representation of Saxony Anhalt to the EU. The conference made first contributions to the preparatory year 2011 of European citizens´ initiatives since the initiatives themselves cannot be registered until April 2012.

For more information about the ECI, the conditions of the regulation and important questions that arise, read the full report on the conference.

You can also download ECAS' press release on the conference.

JEF present at the Spinelli Group Debate
«European identity: between myth and reality»
Brussels, 15 March

On 15 March 2011 JEF attended the second conference hosted by the Spinelli Group of the European Parliament in Brussels. Under the topic “European identity: between myth and reality” an interesting debate was developed, with Ulrich Beck (sociologist) and Amin Maalouf (novelist and journalist) as guest speakers.

In his speech, Ulrich Beck, connected the idea of a European identity with the concept of a cosmopolitan identity which is compatible with the national identity since it does not see Europe as a big nation state but as something new. Beck described the EU as a new type of cosmopolitan cooperation and critisized the methodological nationalism. The sociologist stressed that a nationalist point of view is the main obstacle to understand Europe because nation states are fictional constructs. He stated: “Diversity is not the problem, it is the solution!”

Amin Maalouf also supported the ideas and concerns of the Spinelli Group. In his opinion Europe can serve as a role model for the rest of humanity. He sees a European feeling as the key component of any truly European citizen.

For pictures of the event please visit the website of the Spinelli Group.

Free Belarus meets the World Student Christian Federation
"Living in a World of Technology – The Changes of Social Behavior”

On WSCFs European Regional Conference: “Living in a World of Technology – The Changes of Social Behavior” in Läyliäinen [FI] JEF was invited to share its experiences on the use of social media in social justice campaigns. Member of the Executive Bureau of JEF-Europe Martin Fischer showcased the use of social media within our organisation along the example of the annual JEF Free Belarus Campaign. He provided insight into how Student Christian Movements can engage online and turn 'slackivism' (just clicking a link to support a cause) into real change. WSCF is the World Student Christian Federation.

About JEF-Europe

WGs, PCs, EB, FC, SG.... so many abbreviations and you are not totally sure what they stand for? Are you a new JEF member or just an interested Young European? Under this headline you will from now on find a lot of useful information and short explanations about different parts of the structure of JEF-Europe. What is it all about, why is it necessary and - in particular - how can you contribute?!

We kick off with the Political Commission 'Global Europe', also known as PC Global Europe or simply PC3. Political Commissions, abbreviated as 'PCs' are established by the Federal Committee (FC) and prepare, debate and vote on resolutions which become the so-called “JEF Policies”. These resolutions determine the ideas and the aims of the organisation. Currently there are three PCs: 'Towards a democratic federation', 'Federal Society' and 'Global Europe'.

PC Global Europe is the body within JEF dedicated to EU External Policies and proposing federalist-inspired solutions to global challenges. This PC is open to everyone who is interested in discussing the role the EU could/could not and should/should not play in global affairs concerning politics, economics, financial, social and cultural issues, etc. By focusing on specific current global issues, we develop concrete proposals for improving the world political architecture and the EU’s position within it.

If you as a member of JEF want to remain up to date or get involved in developing federalist-inspired solutions to issues of global concern you can sign up to the googlegroup and the wiki. For any further information visit our homepage or contact Hans Merket, Chair of PC3.

More information about the policy-making of JEF can be found in the Handbook on JEF Policies that is specifically meant to raise the profile of the political character of JEF-Europe, improve the understanding of how JEF Policies are drafted and used by the organisation and increase the participation by JEF members from all across the continent in the policy-making.

The New Federalist

Partners and other events

Interns revealed! - Participate in the EYF Survey on the situation of interns in Europe

The European Youth Forum is taking up an initiative with other partners to improve the situation of internships in Europe. Internships should provide a learning experience for young people to facilitate successful integration into the labour market; however, there has been an increased prevalence of internships serving as precarious employment for young people -a cheap way to substitute workforce.

To combat this trend, there is an urgent need to properly identify the scope of the problem. To begin with, the European Youth Forum has created a short survey on internship experience in Europe. This data will provide a better representation of the real situation of internships regarding access to internships, mentoring, remuneration and job opportunities.

To participate in the survey and share you experience as an intern follow this link.

Call for applications - Youth Peace Camp
Strasbourg, 2-9 July 2011

The course is addressed to people from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kosovo, for participants coming from both the Albanian and Serbian ethnic communities, Israel and the Palestinian Authority, who are engaged in youth or community projects and motivated to implement youth initiatives for peace building within their own communities. The applicant should preferably be involved in an organisation, network or formal and/or informal group that is ready to support them throughout the project duration and afterwards when implementing youth initiatives for peace building. The applicant be curious, open-minded, appreciate diversity and possess a sense of responsibility for one's own actions and a commitment to personal and community development.

All interested applicants should apply on-line, completing the application form and attaching a support letter from their organisation or network.

Further information about the course can be found in the call for applications. Deadline for applications is Thursday 26th April 2011.

EMI Briefing - “Economic Governance – From crisis to resolution, from monetary to economic union?”
Brussels, 20 April 2011

The spring European Council of 24-25 March gave the final go-ahead for a comprehensive package of measures to preserve the financial stability of the Eurozone and to strengthen economic governance.

Jean-Claude Juncker, Prime Minister of Luxembourg and President of the Euro Group, together with Pat Cox, President of the European Movement International, and Jo Leinen, Member of the European Parliament and Chairman of the EMI Political Committee on the “Future of Europe”, will evaluate if the current economic governance proposals are addressing the root causes of the crisis or if the EU needs more than just this forthcoming economic governance reform.

Please confirm your participation latest by 18 April 2011 by registering online. Download the Agenda here.

EMI Training Academy
Brussels, 27 June to 3 July 2011

European Movement International (EMI) has the pleasure of inviting you to apply for its new session of the Training Academy in June.

The EMI Training Academy is a high-level, tailor-made training course on the workings of the EU institutions and on programmes available to university students.
During the one-week course, students meet with officials from the EU institutions, professionals from European civil society organisations and consultants based in Brussels, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

For JEF members the participation fees this year are the following:

720€ (all expenses are covered)
400€ (no accommodation)

For further information you can download the flyer and the info for applicants or read more on EMI's website.

Call for Applications- German-French-Turkish Summer School
September 5-14: Cologne
September 15-22: Paris
Second half of November: Istanbul (one week)

The Network Migration in Europe, in cooperation with partners from Germany, France and Turkey, is organizing a French-German-Turkish summer school on the interrelation of migration, cultural diversity and museums. The summer school is open to advanced students (including Ph.D. candidates) from the humanities and the social sciences.

Applicants need to be registered at a French, German or Turkish university. The program will be organized around seminars, lectures, site visits and visits of ca. 15 museums in the three cities involved.

If you are interested in more information click here. The deadline for application is 23 May 2011.

Call for Applications- Conference for Young European Reporters
October 27-29, Antwerp (Belgium)

Antwerp has been designated European Youth Capital for 2011. The Evens Foundation and its partner StampMedia are using this opportunity to organize a conference for young European reporters, YoungPress.eu.

We wish to engage, in particular, the news and opinion-makers of tomorrow. We are thus inviting 100 young journalists (in-the-making) between 18-26 from all over Europe. The main themes of the conference are: the omnipresence of ‘instant’ media, the threat to high-quality journalism, the spread of biased information, new models and experimentation by independent journalists.

Interested candidates should submit their applications before 15 June 2011. Click here to find out how to apply.

People to People International European Youth Forum invites to a unique theatre project
Berlin, 8-14 August

People to People International offers an exciting opportunity for students ages 15-17: a unique theatre project with the title "Interacting Diversity".

We invite five groups consisting of five students and one group leader from five different European countries to participate. Program highlights include
creative exercises and games to develop an international team spirit, interactive workshops to enhance participants' intercultural skills, development and presentation of a theatre play to encourage international understanding and the discovery of the city.

More information can be received on their website.
The deadline for application is 1 May 2011.

Public hearing: “Towards a statute of the European association”
Brussels, 28 April

To celebrate the success of the EASEA campaign and the stong political sign by the European Parliament , the European Civic Forum is organising a Public Hearing on 28 April 2011 from 14:00 to 17:30 within the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels. This event aims to clarify some key issues that will help us go on with the process:

the purpose of a European Statute in the Single Market Act
the purpose of a European Statute in the European Civil Dialogue

You are warmly invited to join an take part in the discussion with MEPs, civil society representatives, academics and researchers.

Please find here the draft programme and background note. If you are interested to participate, please fill the registration form and return it to anajmowicz@civic-forum.eu before 26 April 2011.

Further information on the EASEA campaign can be found on our website.

Jobs and internships

Social Platform is looking for a Policy Officer

Social Platform is the largest civil society alliance fighting for social justice and participatory democracy in Europe. Consisting of 46 pan-European networks of NGOs, Social Platform campaigns to ensure that EU policies are developed in partnership with the people they affect, respecting fundamental rights, promoting solidarity and improving lives. Social Platform is currently looking for a Policy Officer in the field of social policy and employment.

You can find the job description and the way to apply in the application pack on Social Platform website. The deadline for reception of application is 5 May 2011 at 5pm.

Grayling - EU Public Affairs Team is looking for an Account Manager

Grayling Belgium is looking to contract a senior consultant/account manager, who is enthusiastic about entering or continuing a career in a top EU consultancy.

Skills & Experience:

A minimum of 4 years relevant EU experience
Relevant experience in the following EU policy areas: Public Health & Pharmaceutical
Must have proven experience in managing teams and projects
Must have very strong communication and language skills: excellent English and fluent in one/several of the official EU-languages
Must have a Master Degree in EU Studies/ Political Science, or related studies

If you are interested click here.

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