eu newsletter december 2010 - february 2011

To encapsulate in one page all the events that I have been privileged to participate in or to witness over the past five years is an impossible task, It was without doubt an enrich-ing experience, but also a very chal-lenging one because of the political climate prevailing.

My arrival in November 2005 coin-cided with the Commission’s Opin-ion on the country’s candidature to join the EU and its recommendation that candidate status be granted. This was confirmed by the European Council in December 2005 – a deci-sion which recognised the great ef-forts of the government in fulfilling its commitments under the Ohrid Framework Agreement. It was also an encouragement to continue with much needed reforms to enable the country move forward to the next step on the EU accession process.

Although it took longer then we an-ticipated, the significant reforms that took place during 2009, enabled the European Commission to recom-mend in October 2009 that a date be set for opening negotiations.

Delegation of the European Union, Skopje o 1/2011

december ‘10 - february ‘11

ERWAN FOUÉRÉ: FAREWELL BUT NOT GOOD-BYE

SPEAK UP - Stop Discrimination

On 10 December, the Delega-tion of the European Union and the United Nations or-ganised a joint event to mark the International Human Rights Day - 10 December...

Gjorgji Licovski - Winner of ‘Jean Monnet’ 2010 Competition for Best Photography

The winner of the ‘Jean Mon-net’ 2010 Competition for best Photography, launched by the Delegation of the European Union, is Gjorgji Licovski...

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continues from front pagePage 3•Hungary at the head of the council of the EU

Page 4•Gjorgji Licovski - Winner Of ‘Jean Monnet’ 2010 Competition for

Best Photograph

EU ASSISTANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 5 to 8

•Financing Agreement Signed for IPA Component I: Decentralised Implementation System

•SPEAK UP - Stop Discrimination•Human Rights and Democratic Reforms•Fight Against Organized Crime and Human Trafficking•Future IPA Trainers Nominated

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 9

•People2people (P2P) Programme•Renewable Energy Targets: Commission Calls on Member States

To Boost Cooperation• European Commission Sets Out EU Agenda for the Rights of the Child

EU POLICIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 10 to 11

•Your Chance to Make а Difference!•Estonia Joins Eurozone in the Face Of Debt Crisis

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It is vitally important that the gov-ernment now remain focused on the reforms. These reforms are neces-sary, not because the EU says so, but rather because they are essen-tial for the country’s political stabil-ity, functioning institutions and eco-nomic prosperity. A consistent effort is required from all the government Ministries and state institutions. It’s an effort which should continue to be driven by the Secretariat for Eu-ropean Affairs which played such a pioneering role in obtaining candi-date status.

Moving forward on the EU accession process must of course involve not just the government but also civil society organisations, the business community and the media all work-ing together in a spirit of partnership.

What has been particularly encour-aging to me over these past years is to see several civil society organ-isations organising public debates on EU integration and creating public awareness on the opportunities and obligations of EU membership. They have worked tirelessly despite often difficult political circumstances. A partnership effort between govern-ment and civil society will guarantee success in achieving the objectives the country has set itself.

My happiest moments have been travelling across the country, discov-ering the rich cultural and diverse heritage of the many ethnic commu-nities and meeting with the people in their own environment. I shall al-ways cherish the warmth and hospi-tality extended to me even in the re-

motest villages. One of the country’s greatest assets are its people with their strong spirit of determination and desire for the country to move forward.

I am confident that the same wel-come that I received will be extend-ed to my successor, to whom I wish every success and happiness in his new post.

My last word goes to my dedicated team in the EU Delegation – my family as I have been fond of call-ing them. Their commitment and professionalism has been a great inspiration to me and to all our in-terlocutors. I wish them also much happiness and success in the future.

Hungary followed on from Spain and Belgium to become head of the Council of the European Union on 1 January 2011.Hungary has taken on the presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first time since it joined in 2004. Its priorities include stabilising the European economy, EU expan-sion, energy and the integration of Roma people.

The Hungarian presidency begins at a time when economic recovery is still uneven and yet to be consoli-dated within the Union. In response to the problems in the euro area, EU countries have agreed to modify the

Lisbon Treaty to make permanent the financial stabilisation mechanism set up to help Greece and Ireland. One of the new presidency’s objec-tives is to move forward with nego-tiations on this.

It also intends to take further steps towards coordinating the economic policies of EU countries. This will include launching the ‘European se-mester’, a six-month period during which each country’s draft budget will be reviewed by the EU to detect potential imbalances.

In the social sphere, Hungary will work to develop a real EU strategy

to promote the integration of Roma people. Their standard of living could be improved by using EU funds more efficiently.

One of the highlights of the Hungar-ian presidency will be the energy summit. A primary objective will be to ensure that EU countries’ electric-ity and gas networks are intercon-nected in order to reduce the EU’s dependence on non-EU countries, especially for its gas supply.Hungary also hopes to strengthen EU relations with Armenia, Azerbai-jan, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine and Belarus. It will host these countries for the second Eastern Partnership summit in May.

Finally, Hungary will actively support the EU expansion process, particu-larly as regards Croatia. Croatia has been a candidate since 2004, and is entering the final phase of its acces-sion negotiations.

http://www.eu2011.hu/

HUNGARY AT THE HEAD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EU

Hungarian www.eu2010.hu

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In December 2010, two Financing Agreements for IPA Component I were signed. The first was for under Decentralised Implementation Sys-tem (Instrument for Pre-Accession commitment is EUR 33.4 million and National co-financing to EUR 4.2million), following the Commission Decision to confermanagement pow-ers to the government for IPA Com-ponent I - Transition Assistance andInstitution Building on 13/12/2010.The Financing Agreement for IPA Component I under Centralised Implementation System was also signed (4.9 million EUR - the EU IPA allocation is 3.7 million EUR and the National co-financing is 1.2 million EUR). The final contracting date for both Financing Agreements will be 21 December 2012.

Since December 2005, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is a candidate country for EU member-ship and pre-accession assistance is aimed at supporting the country’s efforts to further comply with the Copenhagen Criteria. Funds under IPA Component I are designed to provide for Institution Building sup-port to the following priority areas:

Political criteria - The programme envisages strengthening the admin-istrative capacity of the relevant institutions to ensure sound and efficient management of EU funds, contributing to a strengthened cen-tral and local administrative capac-ity to implement the decentralisa-tion process. Regarding the rule of law and good governance, this year the programme gives attention to further strengthening of an indepen-dent and efficient judicial system. It also aims to provide technical and material assistance for example to the Ministries of Justice, Interior, Local Self Government, an Infor-mation Society and Administration. Also, the national programme fore-

sees assistance to foster civil society development and dialogue, as well as to the Ministry of Culture for the revitalisation of the tourist site ‘St George – Staro Nagorichane’, in line with the Ljubljana Process.

Socio-Economic criteria – Techni-cal and material support is given to the State Statistical Office, to further contribute to the harmonization of the field with the EU acquis. In addi-tion, technical support is provided to the Department for Macro-Economy of the Ministry of Finance, the Com-mission for Protection of Competi-tion, and the National Bank.

Ability to assume the obligations of EU membership - The focus of 2009 assistance is put on enforc-ing adoption of the acquis including building institutional and adminis-trative capacity for transposing, im-plementing and enforcing the acquis according to the priorities identified in the Accession Partnership. These areas are transport, agriculture, en-vironment, energy, information soci-ety, integrated border management,

customs, veterinary and food safety.

Support to programming and participation in Community Pro-grammes and Agencies - The IPA 2009 Project Preparation and Sup-port Facility proved crucial in creat-ing proper documentation for the EU assistance. The Project Preparation and Support Facility (PPSF) will al-low project preparation to proceed in a quick and effective manner. Fi-nally, the programme supports the participation of the country in a se-ries of Community Programmes and with European Agencies which are deemed essential for the country’s further cohesion process.

Financing Agreement for IPA Component I under Centralised Implementation System This programme focuses on projects linked to the country’s ‘Participa-tion in Community Programmes and Agencies’ and ‘Preparatory Mea-sures for Participation in the Lifelong (LLP) and Youth in Action (YiA) Pro-grammes’.

FINANCING AGREEMENT SIGNED FOR IPA COMPONENT I: DECENTRALISED

IMPLEMENTATION SYSTEM

As part of the EU-funded project on Reinforcement of Border Control new border control equipment: 7 vehicles for transport of dogs and 6 electronic detection devices were provided

The winner of the ‘Jean Monnet’ 2010 Competition for best Photo-graph, launched by the Delegation of the European Union, is Gjorgji Licovski, photo-correspondent of the European Press Photo Agency (EPA) and photographer of Vecer. The winning photograph was pub-lished by the EPA agency on the oc-casion of Europe Day 2010. Ambassador Erwan FOUÉRÉ handed over the prize to Mr. Licovski at the traditional award ceremony organ-ised by the Delegation of the Euro-pean Union, on 20 December at the EU InfoCentre.

“Photo reporters are working un-der pressure every day, in unusual circumstances, regardless of the weather conditions and with heavy equipment. They are fulfilling the task of leaving behind important testimonies for the future genera-tions. I will always remember the photograph of Mstislav “Slava” Rostropovich, one of history’s great-est cellists, performing a Bach cello suite on the day when the Berlin

Wall fell. I also remember the pho-tograph from Nelson Mandela was elected at the first free elections in South Africa”, said Ambassador FOUÉRÉ and thanked the Macedo-

nian photo reporters for the excel-lent photographs submitted for the competition.The winner expressed his gratitude for the prize and emphasised that he considers the award as recogni-tion for all the Macedonian photo reporters and as a prize for their work.

This year, the members of the jury evaluated 17 photographs from 8 authors. The members of the jury were: Mr. Boris GRDANOSKI, photo reporter with experience in many Macedonian and foreign media, Ms. Marina KURTE from the Delegation of European Union, Ms. Maja PRO-TUGER from the British Embassy and Mr. Davor POLITOV from the Secretariat for European Affairs. The prize itself consists of a small trophy and an award amounting to €1,000. The competition entries are exhibited at the EU InfoCentre and are currently touring the coun-try being exhibited at various EUi’s.

GJORGJI LICOVSKI - WINNER OF ‘JEAN MONNET’ 2010 COMPETITION FOR BEST PHOTOGRAPH

Gjorgji Licovski Ambassador Erwan FOUÉRÉ handed over the prize to Mr. Licovski

Winning Photography

eu newsletter december 2010 - february 2011eu newsletter

The Delegation of the European Un-ion and the United Nations organised a joint event devoted to human rights defenders to mark the International Human Rights Day - 10 December. Entitled “Defending Against Dis-crimination”, the event included a discussion among human rights de-fenders, followed by opening of an exhibition of students’ posters. It brought together state officials, civil society, youth and human rights de-fenders to discuss and share experi-

ences so that more people can learn how to counter discrimination and perhaps become defenders them-selves. “When you are a defender of human rights, there are a lot of moments when you ask yourself if all that work and sacrifice is worth it, when you are often exposed to threats for your safety waiting for a long time to see some results? And then, you meet people who are suf-fering from discrimination and vio-lence on daily basis , and then you

know, yes, because of these people the effort is worthwhile, because of the next generations it is worthwhile. And yes! It is worth it when you act for the better future of all marginal-ized, humiliated, violated, even mur-dered people, only because of one single feature of their human being”, Kocho Andonovski, human rights de-fender shared his experience. Wel-coming remarks were provided by Mr. Erwan Fouéré, EU Special Rep-resentative and Head of Delegation of the European Union, Ms. Deirdre Boyd, UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Xheljalj Bajrami, Minister of Labour and Social Policy, Mr. Ixhet Memeti, Ombudsman and Mr. Muhamed Toci, President of the Alliance Macedonia without Discrimination.

The exhibition displayed 11 posters designed by multi-disciplinary teams of students of journalism, public rela-tions, art and design from the nation-al universities who interpreted the Declaration on human rights defend-ers through visual images and text.

10 December has been proclaimed International Human Rights Day in honour of the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948.

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Trafficking in human beings is a serious crime and a gross viola-tion of human rights. Trafficking is different from illegal migration or smuggling of illegal migrants. In a trafficking case, when a migrant crosses the border, she/he is fur-ther exploited in coercive or inhu-man conditions. People are traf-ficked for the purpose of sexual or labour exploitation, or for the re-moval of organs. The most frequent victims are children who are often trafficked for the purpose of exploi-tation in begging or in illegal activi-ties such petty theft. The estimated number of people trafficked to or within the EU amount to several hundred thousand yearly.

To support the country efforts in combating this serious form of or-ganized crime the Delegation of the European Union has supported the International Organization for Mi-gration (IOM) and the national coun-terparts to implement a comprehen-sive programme of activities carried out under the EU-funded project Technical Assistance to Improve the Capacities of the Relevant Parties in the Fight against Organized Crime, with Focus on Human Trafficking. The project was launched in July 2009 and ended in December 2010.

With a budget of almost 300 000 EUR, the capacity building activi-ties of this program have directly reached more that 800 law enforce-ment officers, social professionals, civil sector representatives, judges and public prosecutors. They were provided with skills for early iden-tification of victims of trafficking, timely referral and proper assis-tance of victims of trafficking and

smuggled migrants. In addition the training included coaching on new trends and patterns in human traf-ficking and smuggling as well as on efficient actions for their early de-tection and suppression.

Project activities included organisa-tion of two study visits to Romania and Netherlands.

FIGHT AGAINST ORGANIZED CRIME AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Study visit to Romania organized for Counter trafficking Experts delegation

A delegation comprising 11 participants from the National Commission for Combating Trafficking and Illegal Migration; Ministry for Internal Affairs/ Unit for Combating Trafficking and smuggling of migrants; Ministry of Labor and Social Policy/ Office of the National referral mechanism, Civil Society organizations and Public Prosecutors Office visited Romania and met their counterparts in the respective Institutions.The programme was designed to assist in the establishment of a state shelter for assistance to victims of trafficking, as well as to improve the interagency coordination in assisting victims of trafficking. Romania was selected as the location for the study visit due to the extensive experience in protection of national Victims of Trafficking and because there are numer-ous examples of state shelters where the cooperation between the state and civil society in the provision of assistance to victims already functions in practice. “Within the frames of the project a study visit was realized in Romania to a state run shelter for victims of human trafficking where we had the opportunity to see the organization and competencies of these shelters which was of a great benefit considering that at that period the country was in a phase of formation of the state shelter for victims of trafficking.“ commented Mr Sande Kitanov, Head of Unit for Combating Human Trafficking Beings and Smuggling of Migrants about the study visit. The study visit was an excellent opportunity for the delegation to establish direct links of cooperation and sharing of knowledge, experience and support with Romanian colleagues.

The study visits are great opportunity for exchanging experience

SPEAK UP - STOP DISCRIMINATION

On 12 January, the new seven Eu-ropean Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) grants, recently selected under the 2009 EI-DHR Country Based Support Scheme were handed over to the civil society representatives. Projects to be sup-

ported will include activities in the following areas: Lot 1: The pursuit of common agendas for human rights, democratic reform, freedom of ex-pression and independent media; Enhancing political representation and participation of civil society in

developing and implementing public policies; and: Promoting non-dis-crimination, social inclusion and so-cial rights, including minorities and in particular the Roma. All projects are for duration of 12 months, using close to € 600,000 of EU co-financing.

HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRATIC REFORMS

Mr. Ixhet Memeti, Ombudsman and Mr. Muhamed Toci, President of the Alliance ‘Macedonia without Discrimination’ sharing their experiences in defending human rights

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The European Union’s clear commit-ment to further strengthen civil so-ciety was outlined in the Communi-cation on Western Balkans of March 2008. It recognises the need to in-crease civil society development and announced a new facility, so called Civil Society Facility (CSF), to pro-mote development of the dialogue with civil society. Under the Facility the European Union

supports civil society organisations in the Western Balkans in three main areas: support to local civic initiatives and civil society building;People2People Programme (P2P) to familiarise the CSOs with EU institu-tions and policies and exchange ex-perience in certain thematic field.support to international partnership actions for multilateral partnerships

for transfer of knowledge, innovative practices, forming of networks.

One of the areas of the CSF refers to People2People Programme (P2), which is managed by the Director-ate-General for Enlargement, and assisted by the European Union Del-egations in the beneficiary countries (candidate countries and potential candidates).

http://www.delmkd.ec.europa.eu/en/Civil_Society_and_EU/P2P_Programme.htm

PEOPLE2PEOPLE (P2P) PROGRAMME

RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGETS: COMMISSION CALLS ON MEMBER STATES TO BOOST COOPERATION

The European Commission present-ed today its Communication on the progress of renewable energy in the EU. It shows that the 2020 renew-able energy policy goals are likely to be met and exceeded if Member States fully implement their national renewable energy action plans and if financing instruments are improved.

It also stresses the need for further cooperation between Member States and a better integration of renew-able energy into the single European market. Estimates indicate that such measures could lead to 10 billions Euros savings each year.

Energy Commissioner Günther Oet-

tinger said: “We have to invest much more in renewable energy and we need smart, cost-effective financing. If Member States work together and produce renewable energy where it costs less, companies and consum-ers and the tax payer will benefit from this. “

http://europa.eu/rapid/ (Reference=IP/11/156)

EUROPEAN COMMISSION SETS OUT EU AGENDA FOR THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

How can the EU help protect chil-dren’s rights in the courtroom? How can we make sure that decisions on cross-border custody cases are en-forced as quickly as possible? And how can we prevent kids from get-ting bullied online? The European Commission today presented an EU agenda for reinforcing the rights of the child by putting the principles of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights into practice. It includes a series of

concrete actions where the EU can provide added value to policies for children’s well-being and safety, in-cluding promoting child-friendly jus-tice, better informing children about their rights, and making the internet safer for kids.

“Children’s rights are fundamental rights,” said Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU’s Justice Commis-sioner. “The EU and its 27 Member

States need to make sure they are protected and that the best interests of the child are our guiding principles. Notably, child-friendly justice should make sure that the rights of the child are taken into account whenever children are involved with justice systems, either as victims, suspects or when their parents divorce and disagree over custody.”

http://europa.eu/rapid/ (Reference=IP/11/156)

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“CIVIL SERVANTS AGENCY AND STRENGTHENING OF THE NATIONAL SYSTEM FOR

TRAINING COORDINATION”

On 24 January, the official closing of the EU-funded project “Tech-nical assistance to the Civil Ser-vants Agency (CSA) and strength-ening the implementation of the National System for Training Co-ordination” was organised, when project’s main activities were pre-sented to the public.

During the 16-month project life, the experts using the 500 000 EUR budget worked closely with bodies and working groups re-sponsible for human resources and training in the civil service. The project also reviewed and, where necessary, revised plans, strategies and methodologies to strengthen their potential to de-liver effectively.

Some of the project’s outcomes are as follows:

• Delivered over 30 training courses, workshops and confer-ences;

• Developed and set standards for all aspects of the training cycle;

• Reviewed and made recommen-dations on the current system for co-ordinating training;

• Proposed ways in which life-long learning in the public ser-vice may be promoted and sus-tained.

On 16 December 2010, civil ser-vants selected to work as trainers in the planned IPA Training Facility, under the IPA Technical Assistance project for the Training and Sup-port facility, were announced. The IPA Training Facility aims to ensure that all relevant staff in the various ministries and other public bodies directly working with IPA have suf-ficient knowledge to develop, to prepare, to implement, to super-vise and monitor projects and to ensure appropriate analysis and reporting on the projects.

Under the third component of the project: Training of IPA Facility trainers (Training of Trainers), a

core team of experts (selected civil servants) shall be trained to deliver trainings to targeted groups of civil servants (on central and municipal level) as well as to directly support the IPA process thus ensuring proj-ect’ sustainability. The IPA Training facility will deliver presentations and trainings to other potential IPA beneficiaries (business sector, NGOs and citizens – individual ag-ricultural producers).

This EU-funded project will as-sist the Secretariat for European Affairs in setting-up a sustain-able Training Centre dedicated to implement trainings in the area of the Instrument for Pre-Accession

Assistance (IPA) and for future EU Structural and Cohesion Funds. The 2 year project started on 14 June 2010, with a budget of nearly 1 million EUR.

FUTURE IPA TRAINERS NOMINATED

More information on EU-funded projects in the country is available on the website of the Delegation of the European Union: www.delmkd.ec.europa.eu

eu newsletter

The European Union has designated 2011 the European Year of Volun-teering in order to draw public atten-tion to the activity that has long been acknowledged by the Union as a tool in creating a more democratic, car-ing and responsible society.

Volunteering has an important im-pact on society, because it strength-ens some of the core European val-ues: solidarity and social cohesion. It is also a learning opportunity for the individual that can help develop their potential and improve their self-es-teem. Volunteering also contributes to the development of the EU econ-omy - estimates suggest that it con-tributes from 0.5 to more than 5 per cent of the gross domestic product of member states.

Voluntary activities take place in dif-ferent sectors, but mainly in sports, social-welfare and health, charity and religious organisations, culture, education and research. Although

around 23% of Europeans aged over 15 years are engaged in voluntary work, the statistics also suggest that there are big differences in the level of volunteering between the EU member states. However, each country has a different definition of volunteering, and of how to measure it, so that international comparisons are very difficult to carry out.

Despite the countless benefits of vol-unteering, there are many challeng-es for this sector across the EU, some of them being the confusing legal framework, the lack of official valida-tion of voluntary work, the problem with perceptions of volunteering by the general public in some countries and the need for sustainable fund-ing, especially as many countries are drastically cutting back public expen-

diture, a traditional source of funding for volunteering organisations.

Recommendations at the EU level and the awareness campaign will help civil society and governments face these challenges. Countries will be examining where it may be nec-essary to revise laws or enact sepa-rate legislation in order to promote volunteering, protect volunteers and remove legal impediments. Policy makers will be encouraged to take into account the specificity of volun-tary activities that distinguish them from for-profit activities (reimburse-ment of volunteers’ expenses, pro-tection of volunteers while they are performing voluntary activity, i.e. insurance coverage, and facilitation of international volunteering). Coun-tries with a well-defined legal struc-ture concerning volunteering, such as Belgium or Poland, could be taken as a positive example towards the improvement of the conditions for volunteering within the EU.

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YOUR CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!2011 is European Year of Volunteering

Most challenges are linked to the legal aspects – volunteering should be promoted through sepa-rate laws and voluntary work needs to be official-ly validated.

Some 23% of Europeans aged 15+ are engaged in volunteering.

Volunteering has a multiple positive impact on society – it fosters key European values, helps individuals’ personal development and contributes to economic growth

eu newsletter december 2010 - february 2011

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EU Policies

Despite market pressure on the Eurozone and fears that debt cri-sis might spread to weaker econo-mies, Estonia adopted the Union’s single currency on 1 January and became the 17th member of the euro club. Announcing Estonia’s accession to the Eurozone earlier last year, Com-missioner for Economic and Mone-tary Affairs Olli Rehn gave credit to the country for its ‘high degree of sustainable economic convergence’ and ‘its long-standing commitment to prudent policies’.

Estonia, which joined the European Union in 2004 and earned itself the nickname ‘Baltic tiger’ for pursu-ing economic reform fervently, is required to apply policies on debt and budget deficits that support economic growth, job creation and a stable inflation rate.

This country has one of the low-est levels of public debt in Europe and has kept a tight rein on spend-ing, despite having plunged into its deepest recession since inde-pendence from the Soviet Union in

1991. The government responded with severe budget cuts and re-duced public-sector wages by 10%; as a result, the budget deficit in 2011 is expected to be just 1.6% of gross domestic product, well be-low the EU limits. Gross domestic product of 14 billion euros makes it the second-smallest euro economy after Malta.

Other recent additions to the euro area include Slovenia, which joined in 2007, Cyprus and Malta in 2008 and Slovakia in 2009.

ESTONIA JOINS EUROZONE IN THE FACE OF DEBT CRISIS

The interactive EYV 2011 "Tour", with on board the Members of both the European delegation and the Hungarian Presidency

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Vice-President of the EC, Siim Kallas (Estonian) withdrawing his first euro note from an ATM in Tallinn.

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European Union Information CentreM.H.Jasmin 52 v 1000 SkopjeTel./Fax. ++389 (0)2 329 63 63Working Hours Monday-Friday 09-18; Saturday 10-13

For information on forthcoming events in the EU InfoCentre please visit our website www.euic.mk

Safer Internet Day “It’s more than a game, it’s your life!”

Exhibition of photographs “Homo Urbanus Europeanus”

On the occasion of Safer Internet Day on 8 February the Delegation of the European Union and the Met-amorphosis Foundation organised a lecture aimed at raising awareness among younger generations

on safe us-age of the

new tech-nologies and the poten-

tial influence of the virtual over the real world. In addition to the lec-ture titled “It’s more than a game, it’s your life!” 5 short films about the safer usage of Internet were screened for the audience. The theme of the 8th edition of Safer Internet Day was aiming at mak-ing children and teenagers realize that actions in the virtual world can have an impact in their real lives and that although one’s real iden-

tity is hidden behind an avatar or a nickname, one should match their online and offline behaviour. At the same time, this theme aims at raising awareness among children, teachers and parents about the challenges related to their privacy, reputation and health, that young-sters may come across online and present them with solutions to cope with these challenges.

An exhibition titled “Homo Ur-banus Europeanus” by the French photographer Jean-Marc Carracci will be displayed at the Ramstore mall from 16 February until 16 March. The exhibition, supported by the Delegation of European Union in Skopje, consists of 60 photographs representing 31 Eu-ropean capitals, all photographed in the same style, sober and with-out any cultural or social visibility, thus favouring the similarity to the difference, the “Europeanity” to the diversity.

Jean-Marc Carracci is a French photographer. He was born in Tunisia, but has lived in south of France, Montpellier, since his little childhood.

The “Homo Urbanus Europeanus” project mainly presents lonely characters, human beings shot in urban background.

During his 3 years of work, Car-racci, who is a self-thought pho-tographer, has taken photos from 31 European capitals in the frame of the project. The following capi-tals are included: Bratislava, Riga, Vilnius, Sofia, Madrid, Warsaw, Rome, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Bel-grade, Helsinki, Tallinn, Reykjavik, Paris, Brussels, Oslo, Stockholm, Prague, Berlin, Lisbon, Bucharest, Tirana, Budapest, Vienna, Athens, Luxemburg, Copenhagen, Amster-dam, London, Dublin... and lastly Istanbul, which although not the official capital of Turkey, is a part of the exhibition.

The prize question is: How many police stations have been renovated with support of the European Union?

Send your answer to euinfo@euic.mk by 15 May 2011, specifying “EU bulletin prize question” in the Subject field of your e-mail. All the correct answers will enter the random number generator and the winner will be drawn.

The prize is a special EU package containing a EU calendar, linen eco-sack, T-shirt, pen, cell-phone string and USB memory stick.

The correct answer of the prize question as well as the winner of the prize will be published in the next issue of the newsletter. HINT: The answer to the prize question can be found in the last issue of the EU Newsletter

EU PRIZE DRAW

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