delegation of the european union to the republic of croatia … · 2010-05-31 · 2 delegation of...

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EUbulletin - Information and news, No 28, May 2010Delegation of the european union to the republic of croatia

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Until1985, Europe Day was celebrated Æ

on 5 May marking the establishment of

the Council of Europe in 1949. In 1985

EEC leaders decided to mark Europe

Day on 9 May in remembrance of the

Schuman Declaration of 1950.

The European Union guarantees equal Æ

rights to mothers and fathers of new-

borns.

Germany exports represent 27% of the Æ

EU’s total exports.

Europe Day celebration at Cvjetni trg Æwith the highest government officials, ambassadors of the EU member states and the Head of the Delegation

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CROATIA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION

EU Commissioner Janez Potočnik visited Croatia �

EUROPE WEEK 2010

EU Days at the Faculty of Economics and Business in Zagreb �

Awards presented to competition winners of “What does the EU mean to me?” �

Potential for utilising EU funds and preparations for the Cohesion policy in the �City of Zagreb

Croatia Live and Euromagazin Live �

“A Night in Europe” concert �

Celebrating Europe Day on Cvjetni trg �

EUrban Festival @ MSU Zagreb �

Award ceremony for the “Europe in Schools” competition �

Completion of Europe Week marked by the ballet performance “The Lady of the �Camellias”

ACTIvITIES OF THE HEAD OF THE DELEGATION

Ambassador vandoren visits Međimurje County �

The Head of the Delegation Paul vandoren meets Josip Cardinal Bozanić �

Meeting between Ambassador vandoren and the Minister of Sea, Transport �and Infrastructure Kalmeta

visit to Zadar County �

Covenant of Mayors: cities taking a leading role in the fight against climate �change

Regional workshop on crime relating to intellectual property rights �

Conference “Croatia prior to accession to the European Union: the path of �reforms”

CODEF presents a new website �

NEWS FROM THE EU

European stabilisation mechanism �

Europe Day �

Higher standards for new buildings �

Estonia fit for euro �

Films co-financed from the MEDIA program win awards in Cannes �

Europeana – online library, museum and archive – moves on �

EU pavilion at the World Expo in Shanghai �

Young European journalists awarded in Istanbul �

Winners of the “Southeast Europe: People and Culture” photo competition �

EU DICTIONARY: STRUCTURAL FUNDS AND THE COHESION FUND

TENDERS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

EU PROJECTS IN CROATIA

PHOTO NEWS

vISIT THE EU: GERMANY

NEW PUBLICATIONS AT THE EU INFO CENTRE

CALENDAR OF EvENTS

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DID YOU KNOW?

IN THIS ISSUE


EUbulletin

HR Download the Croatian version of the bulletin

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EU Commissioner Janez Potočnik visited CroatiaThe EU Commissioner for Environment, Janez Potočnik, visited Croatia on 27-28 May 2010. This was his first official visit to Croatia upon his appointment to the environment portfolio in the new European Commission. During the visit the Commissioner held a press conference at EU Info Center in Zagreb on 28 May 2010. The Commissioner drew attention to the assessment of Chapter 27 pointing out that Croatia should meet the requirements to close that chapter. The Commissioner said he does not expect major problems in meeting the set closing benchmarks, and expressed his hope that Chapter 27 will be closed in the first half of the Belgian Presidency. He noted however that further progress is still required in the areas of waste management, water, nature protection and horizontal legislation sectors. “We are aware that huge investments are needed to comply with the acquis in Chapter 27. It is important to increase the ability to absorb available EU funds - now the IPA programme and later, structural and cohesion funds. It is important to prepare for this quickly so as to use all possibilities that exist on EU level,” he stated. During his visit, the Commissioner met with senior Croatian officials including President Ivo Josipović.

More information is available on the Delegation’s website.

EUROPE WEEK 2010This year, Europe Week was marked in all Croatian counties in the period between 3 and 10 May. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration organised a visit to a large number of counties and Croatian cities, where round table discussions were held to inform the citizens about the latest developments concerning Croatia’s accession to the EU and usage of the EU pre-accession funds. The events also covered the future use of structural funds and the Cohesion Fund following Croatia’s entry to the European Union. Joining the visit to the counties and cities were Ambassador vandoren and other representatives of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Croatia. They attended and visited various events in Sisak, Karlovac, Gospić, Zadar, Bjelovar, vukovar and Pula including other small municipalities. This year is both the Delegation’s 10th anniversary and the 60th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. To mark the occasion, the Delegation published the Croatian translation of the original text. More information about the individual events below:

EU Days at the Faculty of Economics and Business in ZagrebMarking Europe Week in Croatia began with EU Days, organised by the Croatian Student Association at the Faculty of Economics and Business in Zagreb on 3-7 May 2010. The conference, focused on combating corruption, gathered numerous guests and high-ranking government representatives – the President of the Republic of Croatia Ivo Josipović, the State Secretary from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Andrej Plenković, and the EU Delegation Head Ambassador Paul Vandoren. Speaking on corruption, Ambassador vandoren emphasised that corruption undermines the very foundation of society. Speaking on corruption, Ambassador vandoren emphasised that this was probably one of the most difficult problems encountered by countries nowadays. “Corruption undermines the very foundation of society”, he added and and emphasised the commitment of all bodies in the Republic of Croatia in the fight against corruption.

Awards presented to competition winners of “What does the EU mean to me?”To mark Europe Week, Ambassador Paul vandoren and Dubravka vlašić Pleše, Director of the Directorate for Coordination and Monitoring of Adaptation to EU Legal System at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, on 3 May 2010 at the EU Information Centre presented the awards to winners in essay competition “What does the EU mean to me?”. Amongst the numerous student papers sent in for the competition, the three-member jury decided to award first prize - a trip to Brussels - to Ema Mendušić Škugor, a third year student at the Zagreb Faculty of Law. Second prize, a digital camera, was received by Žarko Jere, a third-year student at the Zagreb Faculty of Medicine, while third-prize, a valuable book set, was awarded to Nika Misija, a third-year student at the Zagreb Faculty of Law.

Ambassador Vandoren at the opening of EU ÆDays at the Faculty of Economy

MFAEI Director Vlašić Pleše and Ambassador ÆVandoren with the winners


Ambassador Vandoren and Commissioner ÆPotočnik

http://www.delhrv.ec.europa.eu/?lang=en&content=2525

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Potential for utilising EU funds and preparations for the Cohesion policy in the City of ZagrebA lecture entitled “Current Opportunities in Utilising EU funds and Preparation for the Cohesion policy”, was jointly organised by the Central Office for Development of Strategy and Coordination of EU funds (CODEF) and the City of Zagreb, and held on 4 May 2010 under the Europe Week activities. Attendees were addressed by Ambassador Paul vandoren, the Mayor of Zagreb Milan Bandić, and the CODEF State Secretary Hrvoje Dolenec. Ambassador vandoren took the opportunity to emphasise the possibilities that will be available to Croatia as a future EU member state, namely the utilisation of Cohesion policy funds amounting to €2.2 billion over a two-year period.

Croatia Live and Euromagazin LiveA special edition of Croatia Live Tv show in cooperation with Euromagazin was broadcast live from Bale (Istria) on 7 May between 4:10pm-5:30pm. This special HRT show called Croatia Live Euromagazin Live, broadcast on the occasion of Europe Week, covered a wide spectrum of EU related topics, reports on projects financed by the EU in Istria, and interviews with Ambassador vandoren, other EU Member State ambassadors as well as Croatian officials responsible for European Integration. During his visit to Istra, Ambassador vandoren met with the Istria County Mayor, Ivan Jakovčić, the Mayor of Pula, Boris Miletić and other officials. A similar show broadcast on 25 May from Čakovec presented projects and activities relating to the EU in the Međimurje County. The next special edition of these two shows is planned for 10 June from Šibenik.

“A Night in Europe” concertAmbassador Paul vandoren, the President of the Republic of Croatia Ivo Josipović, and the State Secretary from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Andrej Plenković, attended a concert titled “A Night in Europe” on 7 May 2010. The event was organised in celebration of Europe Day by “Start”, a student association for international relations, at the Pauk club in Zagreb. The concert, attended by a few hundred young people, mostly students, featured performances of popular bands such as Elemental and Gustafi while the programme was led by a well-known Tv journalist, Mr Goran Milić who shared his experience of travelling across Europe.

Celebrating Europe Day on Cvjetni trgEurope Day - 9 May - was celebrated with a central event on Cvjetni Square in Zagreb on 8 May 2010. The event was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration in cooperation with the European Union Delegation, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain and other EU Member State embassies. It was primarily intended to inform Croatian citizens about Croatia’s accession to the EU and other issues relating to European integration. President Ivo Josipović and Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor along with numerous other citizens visited the Info stands on Cvjetni trg and took a picture with a special “birthday” cake, later donated to children from the Ivan Goran Kovačić Children’s’ Home. The exhibition of Europe Day 9 May posters, set up by the EU Delegation specially for this occasion, drew much attention from numerous visitors.

EUrban Festival @ MSU ZagrebOn 8 May 2010, on the occasion of Europe Day, the EUrban festival was held in front of the Museum of Contemporary Arts in Zagreb. The festival was organised by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain, the EU Delegation and the Association “Festive“ with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark. Besides drawing graffiti on the 30-metre long wall, specially installed for the occasion, competitions such as break-dancing, skate acrobatics, including in-line skating and BMX were organised. The ambassadors from the EU Member States and Ambassador vandoren joined the graffiti artists in painting the wall ― each of them adding a European star to the graffiti artists’ motifs. The EU Delegation presented the exhibition of Europe Day posters and provided numerous visitors with information and publications on the accession of Croatia to the EU.

Broadcasting of Croatia live Euromagazin live Æin front of the citadel in the center of Bale

Concert in Pauk Æ

Ambassador Vandoren and Prime Minister ÆKosor at the EU Delegation stand


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Award ceremony for the “Europe in Schools” competitionThe Europe House Zagreb, with the support of the Ministry of Science, Education and Sport, organised the sixteenth consecutive “Europe in Schools” competition; a literary, arts and musical competition for elementary and high school pupils. The theme of this year’s competition was “The European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion”. During the award ceremony, which was held at Europe House Zagreb on 10 May 2010, the EU Delegation awarded 100 competitors with informative promotional gifts.

Completion of Europe Week marked by the ballet performance “The Lady of the Camellias”The Europe Day celebration ended on 10 May 2010 with an official reception and ballet performance of the “The Lady of the Camellias” organised by the EU Delegation in the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb. The reception was attended by numerous state officials including Luka Bebić, President of the Croatian Parliament, Vladimir Šeks, vice-President of the Croatian Parliament, Gordan Jandroković, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Ivan Šimonović, Minister of Justice, Joško Klisović, Head of President’s Office, Vesna Pusić, President of the National Committee for Monitoring Accession Negotiations of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union, numerous parliamentarians, state secretaries, ambassadors from EU Member States and other countries as well as other dignitaries. The ballet performance, attended by more than 600 invitees, was described as an exceptional cultural event. A special contribution to the event was the presence of the musical composer, contemporary American author Carl Davis, and British choreographer Derek Deane.

More information on Europe Week and a rich photo gallery is available on the Delegation’s website.

Ambassador Vandoren visits Međimurje CountyWithin a series of visits to regional authorities across Croatia, the Head of the EU Delegation to Croatia, Ambassador Paul vandoren, visited Međimurje County on 25 May 2010. Following the meeting with the County Prefect Ivan Perhoč and the Mayor of the City of Čakovec Branko Šalamon, the Head of the Delegation held a lecture and participated in a discussion about EU-related topics with students of Čakovec elementary and high schools. The Ambassador informed the students about the benefits and challenges of Croatia’s EU entry and what impact the EU accession will have on their lives. Also participating at the discussion was Marko Sotlar from the Slovenian Embassy in Croatia. The programme of the County visit ended with a tour of Međimurje Museum and with Ambassador’s participation in the Tv programme “Croatia live - Euromagazin live”.


The Head of the Delegation Paul Vandoren meets Josip Cardinal BozanićOn 12 May 2010 Ambassador Paul vandoren met Josip Cardinal Bozanić, Archbishop of Zagreb. They discussed a series of issues of key importance for Croatia’s accession to the EU, as well as the present and future well-being of Croatian citizens. Talks also covered the economic crises, respect for the rule of law, the fight against corruption and the restructuring of key industries. Cardinal Bozanić reiterated his openness to Croatia’s accession to the EU and agreed with Ambassador vandoren that Croatian citizens would particularly profit from judicial reform, a crucial prerequisite for entering the EU.


Activities of the Head of the Delegation

Ambassador Vandoren at the award ceremony Æ

Cardinal Bozanić Æ

Lecture for students at the Cultural Center Æ





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Meeting between Ambassador Vandoren and the Minister of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure KalmetaThe Head of the EU Delegation Paul vandoren, on 12 May 2010 met with the Minister of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, Mr Božidar Kalmeta. The two exchanged views on issues relating to preparations of administrative structures and projects for present and future EU funds in the transport sector. Ambassador vandoren pointed out the importance of timely preparations for large infrastructural projects, particulary in the railway sector, and of a general increase in administrative capacities for managing EU funds.


Visit to Zadar CountyOn 5 May 2010, Ambassador vandoren visited Zadar County where he met with Stipe Zrilić, County Prefect, and Davor Lonić, the Head of the County Department for Development and Infrastructure and the Secretary of the County Council for European Integration. Following the meeting, the Ambassador participated in a roundtable discussion concerning the completion of accession negotiations and the utilisation of EU funds, and a videoconference titled “Regional-EU cooperation in organising master’s and doctorate programmes”, organised by IMPACT – the European Centre for Cross-Sector Partnership. In the afternoon, the Ambassador visited returnees to the Zadar hinterland areas, i.e. beneficiaries of the housing care programme.


Covenant of Mayors: cities taking a leading role in the fight against climate changeAt the second meeting of the Covenant of Mayors held in Brussels on 4 May 2010, more than 500 mayors from European cities, including seven Croatian towns (Duga Resa, Jastrebarsko, Kljanjec, Rijeka, Velika Gorica, Zagreb and Zaprešić) signed a declaration on assuming obligations in reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 20% by the year 2020, and raising public awareness on the issue. The declaration obliges these towns to determine the exact amount of carbon dioxide currently emitted, draw up a plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and to assess progress towards targets. The Covenant of Mayors is an annual conference initiated by the European Commission in 2009 in order to develop specific solutions using a “top-down” approach to the problem of climate change.


Regional workshop on crime relating to intellectual property rightsThe EU Delegation to Croatia, with assistance from Croatian enforcement bodies, held a workshop entitled “Public health and organised crime – a regional workshop on crime relating to the intellectual ownership rights” on 27-29 April 2010 in Zagreb. The workshop was financed and organised by the European Commission’s TAIEX programme. The topics covered were counterfeited pharmaceutical products, the dangers of counterfeited products for public health and consumer safety, and the involvement of organised crime. Workshop participants confirmed that increasing public awareness and government cooperation in this area are some of the main emphases of the European Commission’s strategy in the fight against crime in terms of breaching intellectual property rights.


Ambassador Vandoren with the Ærepresentatives of Zadar County

Covenant of Mayors signatories Æ

Workshop participants Æ






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Conference “Croatia prior to accession to the European Union: the path of reforms” On 29-30 April 2010 the Austro-French Centre for Rapprochement to Europe, the French Institute of International Relations, the Institute of International Relations (IMO) and the Centre for the Renewal of Culture organised an international conference “Croatia prior to accession to the European Union: the path of reforms” in Zagreb. The conference addressed the perspectives and challenges of future Croatian membership in the Union, and its impact not only on Croatia but also on the region of South East Europe. Special emphasis was placed on the reform process in a number of areas, the implementation of which is additionally hindered by the consequences of the economic crisis.

More is available on the Austro-French Centre for Rapprochement in Europe.

CODEF presents a new websiteThe Central Office for Development Strategy and the Coordination of EU Funds (CODEF) is responsible for monitoring the overall implementation of projects and programmes financed from EU funds and for the monitoring the execution of decisions and recommendations adopted by bodies that oversee the monitoring of implementation.

New CODEF website.

European stabilisation mechanismOn 9 May, the EU’s finance ministers adopted a regulation establishing a European financial stabilisation mechanism with a total volume of up to 500 billion euros. The mechanism is part of a comprehensive package of measures to redress the financial situation in Europe. According to the provision, Member States that are found in difficulties caused by extraordinary circumstances outside of their control, may seek financial assistance from the mechanism. This mechanism by the Union allows that serious deteriorations in the international economic and financial environment may be addressed in a coordinated, rapid and effective manner. On 18 May, Greece received the first instalment of the assistance from the mechanism.

More information on the Delegation’s and European Council’s websites.

Europe DayEurope Day is celebrated on 9 May to remember the day on which in 1950 Robert Schuman, the then French Minister of Foreign Affairs invited France, Germany and other European countries to put years of conflict and animosity behind them and unite their production of coal and steel with the aim of preserving peace. Like every year, the European Union organised a programme of events to mark the occasion. The programme of celebrations was richer than usual considering that this year’s Europe Day celebration coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. Besides concerts, dance performances, stands and similar activities, citizens had an opportunity to visit the buildings of the European Union institutions in Brussels – the Berlaymont building, headquarters of the European Commission, the European Parliament debate hall and the main European Council chamber. Along with participating in the simulation of the work of EU institutions, visitors were able to receive information related to the history of European integration, European culture, biodiversity, animal welfare and numerous other European initiatives.

More information is available on the European Commission’s website.

Young visitors playing at the European ÆCommission


NEWS FROM THE EU

Conference participants Æ

http://www.oefz.at/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=102&Itemid=44

http://www.strategija.hr/en?sid=fdd11d80d9a5a2c93ae1338170c67056


http://www.consilium.europa.eu/showFocus.aspx?id=1&focusId=478&lang=en

http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/100506_en.htm

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Higher standards for new buildings Representatives of the European Parliament approved on 18 May 2010 new regulations regarding energy efficiency for buildings in European Union Member States. The new regulations are to assist consumers in reducing costs for energy consumption while also helping the European Union in achieving its goals relating to climate change and the reduction in energy consumption by 20% in the next ten years. Member States must amend their construction regulations so that new buildings built from the end of 2020 fulfil highly efficient energy standards. Existing buildings must also, if possible, be renovated and adapted for more efficient energy usage.

More information is available on the European Parliament website.

Estonia fit for euroThe European Commission announced on 12 May 2010 that Estonia, six years after becoming a member of the EU, has fulfilled the requirements for adopting the euro and it would recommend to the governments of EU member states to allow Estonia to adopt the euro as of January 2011. This Baltic state, which currently uses the kroon, will therefore become the 17th state to introduce the euro. Eight other EU Member States – Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Hungary, Romania and Sweden, do not yet satisfy the “euro zone” conditions while the UK and Denmark have opted to retain their national currencies.

More information is available on the European Commission’s website.

Films co-financed from the MEDIA program awarded in CannesThe film Des hommes et des dieux by French director Xavier Beauvois, won the Grand Prix at the 63rd Cannes Film Festival. The best director award went to French director Mathieu Amalric for his film Tournee, while the best actress award went to Juliette Binoche for Copie conferme, directed by Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami. All these films were co-financed by the funds from the MEDIA programme. This year there were 20 films (6 of which were in the official programme) co-financed from this EU programme. MEDIA is the EU support programme for the European audiovisual industry. The total budget for the MEDIA 2007 programme, i.e. the budget for the period from 2007 to 2013, is 755 million euro, 65% of which is paid for promotion and distribution of European films outside of their home country. This year’s Palme d’Or went to Thai movie Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives, directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul.

More information is available on the Cannes Film Festival’s and European Commission website.

Europeana – online library, museum and archive – moves onEuropeana, a unique multilingual online portal, aims to make Europe’s cultural and scientific heritage accessible to all. On 10 May 2010, the Council adopted conclusions outlining the further development of the web site. The tool currently gives access to more than 7 million digitised works, including books, paintings, films, newspapers, photographs and maps. The target is to make 10 million objects available by the end of 2010. The conclusions confirmed the need to increase the number of items accessible through Europeana and defined the target of reaching 10 million works by the end of 2010. The need for a broader geographical spread, a better balance between the types of works, and the need to fully respect copyright laws was also emphasised. The content accessible through Europeana is sourced from more than a thousand institutions across the European Union.

More information is available on the European Council’s and Europeana website.

NEWS FROM THE EU

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/051-74642-137-05-21-909-20100517IPR74641-17-05-2010-2010-false/default_en.htm

http://ec.europa.eu/news/economy/100512_1_en.htm

http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/archives/inCompetition.html

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/10/560&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN

http://www.consilium.europa.eu/showFocus.aspx?id=1&focusId=477&lang=EN

http://www.europeana.eu/portal/

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EU pavilion at the World Expo in ShanghaiAs of 1 May 2010, at the specific invitation of China, its second biggest trade partner, the European Union participates at the World Expo in Shanghai. More than 70 million visitors are expected at the Expo event. This is the first presentation of the EU at a World Expo occurring outside of Europe. Under the theme “intelligent Europe”, the EU wants to showcase its achievements - such as the Erasmus student exchange programme and the euro. Other presentations include a three-dimensional animated presentation within the pavilion itself, covering topics such as environmental protection, the history of Europe, and tourist attractions such as the Acropolis and the Eiffel Tower. One of the first visitors of the pavilion was the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso.

More information is available of the European Commission’s website.

Young European journalists awarded in IstanbulA radio report on how traditional folk dancing has built a bridge between Belgium and Bulgaria, a glimpse at the impact of Poland’s EU accession on Europe’s labour market, and a portrait of Kosovo (under UNSCR 1244/1999) as an emerging European hub of culture, were the European Young Journalist Award 2010 reports that caught the European jury’s attention. The winners of special prizes – Vladislav Velev (Bulgaria) for the most original report, Prune Antoine (France) for the best research and Verena RIngler (Austria) for the journalism style, were published on 11 May 2010 in Istanbul, and chosen amongst 35 winners from their countries. The national winner for Croatia was Miho Dobrašin.

More information is available on the European Young Journalist Award website.

Winners of the “Southeast Europe: People and Culture” photo competition A jury consisting of internationally acclaimed professional photographers selected the best 24 photos of the competition at the end of January 2010. The semi-finalists were then published on www.southeast-europe.eu, where the public was able to vote for their favourite from 19 February until 26 March. From these semi-finalists jury then chose three prize winners. Over 3800 people from all over Europe casted their votes, choosing the fourth and final winner. The winners of the competition are: First prize - Tuna Akçay, Turkey, Second Prize: Aga Luczakowska, Poland, Third Prize - Abdurrahman Antakyali, Turkey and Public’s Favourite Award - Arzu Dogru, Turkey.

You can see the winning photos of the competition here.

EU GLOSSARY

Structural Funds and the Cohesion FundThe Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund are the financial instruments of European Union (EU) regional policy, which is intended to narrow the development disparities among regions and Member States. For the period 2007-2013, the budget allocated to regional policy amounts to around €348 billion, comprising €278 billion for the Structural Funds and €70 billion for the Cohesion Fund. This represents 35% of the Community budget and is the second largest budget item. There are two Structural Funds; the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is currently the largest. Since 1975 it has provided support for the creation of infrastructure and productive job-creating investment, mainly for businesses and the European Social Fund (ESF), set up in 1958, contributes to the integration into working life of the unemployed and disadvantaged sections of the population, mainly by funding training measures. In order to speed up economic, social and territorial convergence, the European Union set up a Cohesion Fund in 1994. It is intended for countries whose per capita GDP is below 90% of the Community average. The purpose of the Cohesion Fund is to grant financing to environment and transport infrastructure projects. Croatia will as a future EU member have the opportunity to use financial assistance, amounting to €3.5 billion over two years from these funds.

NEWS FROM THE EU

http://ec.europa.eu/news/external_relations/100503_en.htm

http://www.eujournalist-award.eu/

http://www.southeast-europe.eu

http://www.southeast-europe.eu/photo-competition/winners0.html

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European instrument for democracy and human rightsThe Delegation of European Union to the Republic of Croatia published a call for proposals within the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights. The objective are strengthening the role of civil society in promoting human rights and democratic reform, supporting the peaceful conciliation of group interests and consolidating political participation and representation. Country specific objectives for Croatia are: initiatives supporting activities and capacity building of new or fragile civil society organisations formed by groups whose interests are underrepresented or otherwise contributing to the empowerment of such groups for instance minority groups, people with disabilities, women workers, children and LGBT groups.

The deadline for applications is 13 August 2010. Details may be found here.

Second public tender for IPARD fundsThe Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development issued a notice on the opening of a second round of tenders for the IPARD programme for Measure 101 – investments in agricultural businesses for the purpose of restructuring and achieving Community standards, and Measure 103 – investments in processing and marketing agricultural and fishery products for the purpose of restructuring such activities and achieving Community standards.

The deadline for applications is 7 June 2010. More details may be found here.

Strengthening institutions related to work and safety at workThe Central Finance and Contracting Agency of the Republic of Croatia, published a Procurement Noticefor the Supply of Equipment for Strengthening the administrative capacity of the institutions related to work and safety at work. The purpose of this project is to supply equipment which will be done through three lots. Equipment in lot 1 will be used to ensure an efficient IT working environment and easy communication in the field. Medical equipment in lot 2 will ensure the quality of medical exams and lot 3 for vehicles will ensure the mobility of the inspectors.


Media 2007 - Support for the Implementation of Pilot Projects The Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) published a call for proposals for supporting the Implementation of Pilot Projects within programme MEDIA 2007. The global objectives of the programme are the following: preserve and enhance European cultural and linguistic diversity and its cinematographic and audiovisual heritage, increase the circulation and viewership of European audiovisual works inside and outside the European Union, and strengthen the competitiveness of the European audiovisual sector in the framework of an open and competitive European market favourable to employment. The companies and organisations whose business activity falls under the introduction and use of information and communication technology may apply.

Deadline for applications is 14 June 2010. Details may be found here.

Development of faunistic and speleological databasesThe Central Finance and Contracting Agency of the Republic of Croatia published a call for proposals for Development of faunistic and speleological databases (CRO fauna and CRO speleo). This project aims at improving biodiversity data acquisition, organisation and availability. Applications may be forwarded by all legal entities founded in the European Union and international organisations.


Equipment for Anti-smuggling UnitsThe Central Finance and Contracting Agency of the Republic of Croatia, published a Procurement Notice for the supply of equipment in order to enhance operational capacity of the Croatian Customs Administration to perform controls and surveillance on the whole customs territory of the Republic of Croatia in order to prevent breach of customs and excise regulations and to facilitate investigation and prosecution of smuggling activities and other forms of organised crime.

The deadline for applications is 19 July 2010. More details may be found here.

CALLS FOR APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT

https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/europeaid/online-services/index.cfm?ADSSChck=1274193574734&do=publi.detPUB&searchtype=QS&orderby=upd&orderbyad=Desc&nbPubliList=15&page=2&aoref=130091

http://www.apprrr.hr/

http://www.safu.hr/en/tenders/view/194/supply-of-equipment-for-strenghtening-the-administrative-capacity-of-the-institutions-related-to-work-and-safety-at-work

http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/media/newtech/pilot/forms/index_en.htm

http://www.safu.hr/en/tenders/view/221/development-of-faunistic-and-speleological-databases-cro-fauna-and-cro-speleo-as-part-of-npis-nature-protection-information-system

http://www.safu.hr/en/tenders/view/180/equipment-for-anti-smuggling-units

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Support to Croatia in the area of protection of human health and the environmentThe EU Delegation and representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development presented on 20 May 2010 at the EU Information Centre an IPA 2007 Twinning Project titled “Further capacity improvements in the area of allocated funds for the protection of vegetations and pesticide residues”. The project, worth 650,000 euro, is directed towards protecting human health and the environment by improving standards for funds allocated for vegetation protection and institutional infrastructure. The Twinning Project partner is the Chemicals Regulation Directorate, UK Directorate for Health and Safety.


Encouraging more intensive inclusion of disabled persons into the workforceOn 7 May 2010, at the EU Information Centre, the project “Encouraging more intensive inclusion of disabled persons into the workforce” was presented. The project was implemented from the Component Iv of the IPA Programme “Human Potential Development”. The beneficiary is the Croatian Bureau of Employment with the Fund for Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities as a partner in implementing the project. The general goal of the project, valued at 960,000 euro, is to improve the social inclusion of disabled persons and their integration into the workforce, primarily by developing and implementing active labour market and job creation policies for disabled persons at a regional level.

More information on the Delegation’s website.

Implementation of air-quality monitoring and management systemThe PHARE project titled “Implementation of air-quality monitoring and management system”, worth 700,000 euro, was presented on 6 May 2010 at the EU Information Centre. The project has improved institutional capacities in the area of air-quality monitoring and management systems in compliance with EU requirements and Directives on air quality and the final objective of protecting the ecosystem and people’s health from the negative impact of air pollution. The project is of great importance in Croatia’s EU accession process, especially in the light of negotiations between Croatia and the EU relating to Chapter 27 - Environment, of which air quality is an important part.


Results from the navigation safety project presentedThe Twinning Project “Strengthening administrative abilities of VTMIS and FIS”, worth 500,000 euro and financed through the PHARE 2006 pre-accession programme, was presented on 3 May 2010 in Split. Establishment of the Supervision and Management of Maritime Traffic Service (vTMIS) is an obligation of the Republic of Croatia in the EU pre-accession process, and is implemented in accordance with European directives. Prior to 1 November 2010, a trial run of the service with the associated vTMIS system is planned. Establishment of the Supervision and Management of Maritime Traffic represents is significant step in improvement of maritime safety and protection of Adriatic from ships pollution. The Twinning partners of the Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure were the Maritime Administrations from Finland, Italy and Sweden.



The drawing competition on gender equality “Once upon a time there were a girl and a boy; together they wanted to make the world a better place...” is now closed. The names of the winners and selected works will be announced on 7 June on the Delegation’s website and published in the next issue of the EUbulletin.





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Presentation of the main tourism plan for the Croatian-Hungarian trans-border region The project from the IPA trans-border programme between Croatia and Hungary, called the “Tourism Action Plan for the Croatian-Hungarian trans-border region” for period between 2007 and 2013, was presented in April at the international tourism expo CroTOUR. It is the first document of its kind, and will be the starting point for future projects in the area of sustainable tourism developments financed by the European Union for the Mura-Drava-Danube region. The project valued at almost 350 thousand euro, involves four partners, two from each country. The Hungarian partners are the Pannonia University from vezsprema and the Centre for Regional Studies at the Hungarian Science Academy in Pecs. Croatian involvement in the project includes the Slavonia and Baranja Regional Development Agency and the Čakovec Town Development Agency.

More information is available on the Ministry of Tourism website.

Adriatic cities in bloom - INFIORE projectThe “Adriatic cities in bloom - INFIORE project”, worth almost 680 thousand euro, is implemented within the framework of the PHARE 2005 programme. The project has the goal of promoting urban green areas, with a special emphasis on public urban green areas, contributing to a better quality of life in towns and increased tourist offer. Partners in the project were the towns of Pula and Dubrovnik, the Italian town of Brindisi and Cervia Municipality, and the Albanian town of Elbasan. The project allows the towns to landscape public greenery and urban parks in order to draw in local residents and visitors. Its aim is to raise awareness of the value of natural resources.

More information is available on the website of Adriatic cities in bloom - INFIORE project.

At the initiative of the Center for Croatian Traditional Culture at Æthe Dubrava Community College, one of Brussels ’ landmarks, the Manneken Pis, was dressed in Slavonian folk costume.

Frank De Winne, a Belgian ESA astronaut, presents the ÆEuropean Flag he took in space on his six-month mission, to Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council.

PHOTO NEWS


http://www.mint.hr/default.aspx?id=5873

http://www.adriaticoinfiore.eu/english/infiore-project.html

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including a number of important Trans-European roadway networks, such as for example, the one linking Dresden with the Czech border. Thanks to the EU’s Cohesion Policy in the area of research and development, a few hundred thousand working places were opened up. Also, through various trans-border cooperation programmes, Germany has implemented many programmes with neighbouring states, mostly with the Benelux countries and France. Special emphasis is given to trans-border worker exchange. One other area in which Germany has implemented important projects, 460 in total, is water protection and the construction of waste water treatment facilities. More than €370 million has been invested in these projects, giving tens of thousands of people access to clean water.

Germany can be also be proud of its numerous attractive tourist destinations, amongst which Berlin stands out within the last decade. Along with its rich Germanic cultural heritage ― boasting great names such as Goethe, Bach, Beethoven and Wagner ― the feeling of an evening stroll through the centre of Berlin is a unique experience. It combines tradition, culture, a large offer of evening outings and restaurants, which offer both traditional local food and world cuisine as well as some of the best beers in the world. The fascinating buildings of the Museum Island take us back to the country’s past, while three opera houses, numerous theatres and small art scenes, are an appealing combination making Berlin a city that enchants its visitors at first glance. In February of each year, thanks to the renowned film festival, Berlin also becomes centre-stage for the movie world and the arts.

ec.europa.eu/regional_policy www.germany-tourism.de

Germany is one of the founding members of the European Union and one of the countries crucial for the project of European economic and political integration.

The Bundesrepublik Deutschland or the

Federal Republic of Germany, comprising

16 federal units (Bundesländer), is one

of the economic backbones of modern

Europe. With its 82 million inhabitants,

Germany is also the country with the

largest population of any EU Member

State, which also makes German the

most widely spoken first language in the

European Union. The Bundestag, the main

legislative body, and the Regierung, the

federal government, are located in the

capital city of Berlin. At the head of the

government is the federal chancellor, the

Bundeskanzler, elected by parliament.

After the Second World War, Germany

was divided into the democratic West and

the communist East (German Democratic

Republic). The Berlin Wall became the

symbol of this division. It fell in 1989 and Germany was reunited a year later. Building on the success of the Coal

and Steel Community Treaty, Germany

and five other Member States expanded

cooperation to other economic sectors by

signing the Treaty of Rome ― thus creating

the European Economic Community

(EEC), or “common market“. The idea was,

and still is, for people, goods and services

to move freely across borders.

Today, Germany is the world’s third largest economy, producing automobiles, precision engineering products, electronic and communications equipment, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and much more besides. Its companies have invested heavily in the central and east European countries which joined the EU in 2004. Due to legal security, excellent infrastructure and its geographical position, Germany is also a desirable market for foreign investors. Hence, in the period between 2005 and 2008, foreign investments in Germany reached €141 billion. The inflation rate, despite the world economic crises, remained at less than 1%. Small and medium-sized businesses ― the backbone of the country’s economy ― owe their development to considerable resources obtained from the European Union’s structural funds. More than 1,500 small and medium-sized businesses have received direct financial support while incentives for start-ups of businesses, were obtained by more than 800 new companies. Small and medium-sized German enterprises succeeded in utilizing allocated incentive funds totalling a value of €3.7 billion. In terms of infrastructure, almost €1 billion was invested in the development and modernisation of railways and roadways,

VISIT THE EU: GERMANY

http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy

http://www.germany-tourism.de

http://hr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kancelar_Njema%C4%8Dke

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Æ

Fundamental Rights of the European Union ÆBook – Tamara Ćapeta and Siniša Rodin – Official Gazette 2010

Discover Europe in motion - Danube by bike 2009 ÆEuropean Commission, 2009

Water sector Development and Governance ÆPublications Office, 2010

Regions cities of Europe March/April 2010 ÆPublications Office, 2010

The EU provisions on social security ÆPublications Office, 2010

Eurostat Pocketbooks - Labour market statistics ÆPublications Office, 2010

Eurostat statistical books: Using official statistics to calculate Ægreenhouse gas emissions Publications Office, 2010

Fisheries and Aquaculture in Europe ÆPublications Office, 2009

An overview of other titles available in the EU Information Centre can be found in the electronic catalogue.

25 MAY – 1 JUNE 2010European Week for Small and Medium-sized EntrepreneurshipsThroughout Europe and Croatia

26 – 28 MAY 2010 4th Regional Conference of State ProsecutorsBrijuni, Croatia

26 MAY 2010 Round table - Human rights of people in Croatia with intellectual difficultiesEU Information Centre, Zagreb (10.00 – 15.00)

31 MAY 2010 Visibility event EIDHR 2008 project “In the abyss of discrimination: the program of emotional, cultural and social empowerment of women with sensor impairment” - workshop “Rights of deafblind patients - experience of deafblind women”EU Information Centre, Zagreb (13.00 – 16.00)

9 JUNE 2010“Opportunities for financing in the area of culture”, pre-accession funds, Structural funds - good-practice exampleEU Information Centre, Zagreb (10.00 – 16.00)

10 JUNE 2010HRT - TV Show Croatia Live Euromagazin Live (HTV 1)Šibenik (16.10 – 17.20)

17 JUNE 2010Closing visibility event PHARE 2006 project “Presentation of project outcome -Revision of classifications and upgrading the subject matter statistics - technical assistance’EU Information Centre, Zagreb (11.00 – 13.00)

18 JUNE 2010Closing event PHARE 2006 “Strengthening the enforcement of the intellectual property rights”EU Information Centre, Zagreb (10.00 – 16.00)

CALENDAR OF EvENTS

Schuman Declaration ÆEU Delegation to the Republic of Croatia, 2010

Hidden disaster – Erik ÆBogners comic Publications Office, 2010

NEW PUBLICATIONS IN THE EU INFORMATION CENTRE

NoticeThe electronic EU-bulletin was sent on behalf of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Croatia. It is published on a monthly basis. Editor: Avis Beneš, EU Information Centre Manager. The bulletin is available in English and in Croatian. This information is of a general nature only and is not intended to address the specific circumstances of any particular individual or entity.

Feel free to forward this message to all those you think might be interested in this bulletin. If you want to unsubscribe from receiving the bulletin, please send an e-mail to [email protected].

EU Information Centre is open to visitors daily from 10:00 until 17:30. Send your inquiries regarding EU issues by e-mail to [email protected] or call us on 01 4500 110.

Æ

DELEGACIJA EUROPSKE UNIJE U REPUBLICI HRVATSKOJ

DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA

Tiskano od strane Delegacije Europske unije u Republici Hrvatskoj povodom 60. obljetnice

Schumanove deklaracije

Published by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Croatia on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration

www.delhrv.ec.europa.eu

Schumanova deklaracija

Schuman Declaration

OD 9. SVIBNJA 1950. OF 9 MAY 1950

delegation of the european union to the republic of croatia … · 2010-05-31 · 2 delegation of...

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