EU Policy Workshops 2005-2006
Social, Employment and Gender Policies

When? 23-26 January 2006

Where? Madariaga Foundation, Rue Royale 87, B-1000, Brussels

Programme

Download programme [62 KB PDF File]

The workshop will focus on EU policies to promote a "Citizens' Europe", including social and employment issues and gender balance. The policy process will be explained from initiatives and proposals through negotiations to EU decisions. Training sessions will be delivered by specialists, including EU officials, and the participants will be assisted throughout the workshop by the Course Director, Dr Carol Cosgrove-Sacks, an experienced EU analyst and professor at the College of Europe.

The programme will focus on the following specific themes:

• Introduction to the key policy issues in the "Citizens' Europe".
• Partnership between the EU institutions and national and local administrations regarding employment and social policies
• Policies and priorities of the European Social Fund
• Equal opportunities and gender issues
• Patterns of Employment in an enlarged EU
• The Role of the Economic and Social Committee
• Trade Union perspectives on EU social policy priorities
• Negotiating labour migration
• Future scenarios for EU social and employment policies.
• Corporate Social Responsibility in the EU

The participants will have discussions with the European Commission and with members of the European Parliament.

By the end of the workshop, participants will have a much deeper knowledge of EU social and employment policies and a better understanding of the EU policy-making process, enabling them to strengthen their negotiation and representation skills vis-à-vis the EU.

Documentation will be prepared for workshop participants prior to the course.

Participants

The EU Policy Workshop on Social, Employment and Gender Policies is intended for

• Officials from EU Member States, candidate and neighbouring countries
• Diplomats negotiating with the EU
• Officials working for national development agencies
• Representatives from social NGOs
• Social affairs managers in EU companies, trade unions and employers' federations
• International consultants working on EU-funded projects
• Journalists specialised in coverage of EU affairs
• Scholars and academics

Participants should have a good command of English, an understanding of how EU institutions work, and at least three years of relevant work experience. A maximum of 25 applicants will be selected for each EU Policy Workshop to ensure an interactive environment and encourage participation.