22. 9. 2021 | North Macedonia - Communication, PR
Klikni tu za več o projektnih aktivnostih v slovenskem jeziku. 
Part of Slovenia’s development aid to North Macedonia in the period 2021-2022 is intended to increase the capacity of communication in the negotiation process, for Chapter 24. This is a chapter that defines issues of justice, freedom and security and the field of internal affairs. It is fundamental for negotiations since negotiations begin and end with Chapters 23 and 24. Slovenia is thus upgrading its support to North Macedonia, which is provided in the field of financial investigations.
North Macedonia is waiting to set a date for the start of negotiations with the EU and is in the phase of intensive preparations for negotiations, but at the same time facing the challenge of how to enable the most efficient and inclusive negotiation process.
The effectiveness of the negotiation process is particularly affected by the capacities of the members of the Chapter 24 working group and their teamwork. The working group needs reliable interaction in the field of content (alignment with the acquis), supported by appropriate communication at all levels, from internal, external, horizontal and vertical. Preparations for the strengthening of the capacity of the working group have recently gained new, accelerated momentum with the desire for activities in North Macedonia to take place shortly, 28-30 September 2021 if possible, even before the situation regarding Covid-19 prevents this.
The project is part of the programme activities of Slovenia’s Development Cooperation Programme financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia.
Further information:
Andreja Dolničar Jeraj
Programme Director
Centre for European Perspective
17. 9. 2021 | POTC, PR, Slovenian Development Assistance
Klikni tukaj za branje prispevka v slovenskem jeziku.
After successfully delivered two training courses on Gender equality and gender mainstreaming in peace operations and missions (November 2020 and May 2021), Centre for European Perspective (CEP) is further actively involved in empowering women in the field of peace and security. From 14 to 17 September 2021, a series of online workshops on Negotiation techniques and women empowerment was carried out by the European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA) in coordination with CEP and with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia.
This series of workshops were organized for representatives of the Venezuelan democratic forces who will directly or indirectly participate in international negotiations, mediation, and conflict resolution processes. The program consisted of ground-setting and advanced workshops, where the participants examined the particularities of and advantages for women’s involvement in conflict resolution, negotiation, and mediation processes, analyse negotiation process from a gender perspective (including the analysis of strategies, methods, techniques for negotiation, communication, and influence), and conducted practical exercises to practice the application of various negotiation components.
With the newly acquired knowledge in the field of negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution, will the representatives of the Venezuelan democratic forces, be able to actively participate in these processes and thus increase the representation of women in these areas and bring challenges faced by women in times of humanitarian crises and conflicts to the peace agreements.
Virtual workshop on negotiation techniques and women´s empowerment continues the activities of Centre for European Perspective – CEP, aimed at the empowerment of women that began within the Peace Operations Training Centre and EUPCST project.
The activities are supported by Slovenia’s Development Cooperation Programme of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia and carried out together with the European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA) .
15. 9. 2021 | PR, Young BSF, Youth
From August 29th 2021 until August 31st 2021 , Bled (Slovenia) was once more the meeting point for young leaders, who in the scope of the Young Bled Strategic Forum and Bled Strategic Forum framework joined forces, shared their creativity and ideas in order to contribute their piece of the puzzle (as active citizens) to the challenges (or rather said) opportunities of today and tomorrow, that civil society, decision-makers, private sector, members of academia and all members of society will need to address jointly, with strong voices and decisive actions, to secure a prosperous Future of Europe.
A group of 40 participants, trainers and organisers from the countries of Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Croatia, France, Hungary, Ireland, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine and the United States of America participated in an intensive programme of capacity building and exchange of ideas through workshops, panel discussions, networking and other interactive activities the Young BSF is known for. The Programme was prepared in close cooperation with an international group of trainers and experts, who have extensive experience in the field of European Union policy, regional cooperation and the perspective of the Western Balkans region, economy and employability, resilience and recovery (in the scope of the COVID-19 pandemic), climate change and green transformation, civil society engagement in decision making and other topics.
Young participants contributed their voices and vision through the preparation of a joint declaration on the Future of Europe they desire, deserve and wish to help create, that will be further supported and promoted within the Conference on the Future of Europe and the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The Young BSF programme began on Sunday 29th of August at Bled (Slovenia) with introductory remarks presented by Mr. Peter Grk, Secretary-General of the Bled Strategic Forum, Ms Katja Geršak, Executive Director of the Centre for European Perspective, Mr Jernej Grahor, BSF Project Manager (Responsible for Young Bled Strategic Forum) and Ms Dafina Peci, Young Bled Strategic Forum Master of Ceremony.
On Monday, 30th of August 2021 the programme continued with workshops structured on decisive elements of creating an inclusive and engaging environment for the active participation of youth, and discussions on global challenges where perspectives (ideas) of youth need to be further supported. The first session was prepared by Ms Krisela Hackaj, Western Balkans Youth Cooperation Platform Executive Director and Ms Gresa Smolica, Cooperation and Development Institute Project Officer. Participants explored different initiatives, strategies and projects on the topic of economy and development, leading to the drafting of recommendations on how to take action towards youth participation in sectoral policymaking. Mr Jan Kulenović, Regional Youth Cooperation Office Director of Programs continued with a workshop on the topic of diversity, working on the important roles and opportunities of actors within society in the process of advancing the implementation of tolerance and inclusivity. Building on the broad experience and knowledge of V4SDG on the topic of climate change and green transformation, Ms Lilla Judit Bartuszek, V4SDG Secretary-General, engaged the participants in a discussion on the potential for cooperation, joint opportunities and responsibilities of promoting sustainability through cross-sectoral opportunities and actions towards a long term vision. The evening programme of Young BSF Day one was devoted to a structured approach towards the drafting of a joint Young BSF declaration, and an evening Night owl session presented by Mr Matt Jacobs, Digital Coordinator at the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and Coordinator of the European Digital Diplomacy Exchange Programme. An open discussion tackled the challenges of successful digital communication and social listening, that within the opportunities of the digital environmental space, hold the opportunity of further bridging the gap between decision-makers (or institutions they represent) and civil society, the opportunity to in effect contribute to the safeguarding of digital resilience and information integrity protection.
On Tuesday, 31st of March the intensive programme continued with presentations of partnering organisations. The first session foresaw the implementation of the Third Fundamental Rights Dialogue, organised by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights in the form of a live event streamed on social media and online platforms. Participants cooperated with Mr Michael O´Flaherty, Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, in an open discussion on topics of fundamental rights protection and advancement. The discussion was moderated by Ms Dafina Peci, Young BSF Master of Ceremony. Dr Staša Mesec, Government Office for Development and Cohesion Policy and European Union Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) and Mr Jernej Grahor, European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) Priority Area 10 Coordinator continued the programme of the day, and engaged the participants in a workshop on civil society engagement in decision making. Young leaders began by exploring the opportunities for cooperation and work within the established structures of the Macroregional strategies, moving towards group work on specific topics closely supported by the Danube and Adriatic-Ionian region, discussing opportunities for closer engagement of civil society and youth in decision making on a local, regional and transnational level. The first-afternoon session was prepared in cooperation with the Regional Cooperation Council and the Western Balkans Youth Lab, presented by Ms Petra Balažič, Regional Cooperation Council Political Advisor. The discussion included the opportunities for better cooperation on a regional level as within the Western Balkans six economies and a bridge between regions as the WB6 together with the European Union, with a strong emphasis on economical cooperation, mobility and other cross-cutting topics that contribute to the creation of a more prosperous environment for youth, as well as contribute to progress and advancement of the region as a whole. The final session of the day included a panel discussion organised in cooperation with the Youth Council of Slovenia. Participants discussed the topic of youth participation in the European Union and exchanged their ideas with the session moderator Mr Patrik Bole, National Youth Council of Slovenia Vice President for International Cooperation, Ms Lucija Karnelutti, United Nations Youth Delegate of Slovenia, Mr Jaša Levstik, Project Manager of the 94th International Session of European Youth Parliament – Ljubljana 2021 and Ms Tjaša Božič representing the Institute for Political Management.
The programme of the Young BSF continued with the participation of young leaders in the proceedings of the Bled Strategic Forum as active participants of the workshops, panel discussions and meetings taking place between September 1st and September 2nd 2021.
The Young Bled Strategic Forum and Bled Strategic Forum platform once more wish to express gratitude and admiration to the sponsor and partner organisation, who contributed their expertise, knowledge and trust in the creation of a comprehensive programme. The organisation of the Young Bled Strategic Forum would not be possible without the support of the Regional Cooperation Council programme co-funded by the European Union, The Danube Transnational Programme, Triglav d.d. and the Central European Initiative.
Young Bled Strategic Forum Opening
Young Bled Strategic Forum Day 1
Young Bled Strategic Forum Day 2
Third Fundamental Rights Dialogue
7. 9. 2021 | Bled Strategic Forum, PR
Bled Strategic Forum 2021 has come to its end, but its vision still echoes among us to this day. After such a resonating event it is not easy to put all the feelings into words but what can be said is that this year everyone has truly outdone themselves – Bled Strategic Forum 2021 undoubtedly bears the signature of excellence.
With more than 164 participating panellists and speakers from around the world, this year’s event was the most visited, visible, high-profile, and comprehensive Forum thus far. It hosted 12 prime ministers, several foreign ministers, two presidents, four former European heads of state, senior representatives of European and international institutions, members of the European Parliament and representatives of think tanks, civil society, businesses, and academia. More than 170 journalists, who spread the messages of the Forum to a broader international audience, covered the event. In over 40 hours of the programme, we all managed to create an inclusive space, which enabled an open exchange of different ideas and views on various aspects of the future of Europe and the world in the 21st century.
This year’s Forum focused on the future of Europe and the call to increase its resilience. The topics of the discussion touched on the priorities of the second Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which takes place under the “Together. Resilient. Europe” slogan.
On the first day, European leaders and EU high representatives discussed main challenges of Europe’s future, including EU enlargement, post-epidemic recovery, the green and digital transformations, and the future of European integration. The second day of the Forum was dedicated to economic recovery and tourism, laying the foundations for a more resilient EU, strengthening cyber resilience and digitalisation. Key topics of the second day included talks on mounting a stronger and more effective response to climate change, the importance of transatlantic cooperation, cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, the challenges of the Eastern Partnership countries and the stability of the Mediterranean.
The recipient of this year’s “BSF Distinguished Partner Award 2021” is Pedro Opeka, a priest and missionary who has devoted more than 30 years of his life to humanitarian work and the fight against poverty in Madagascar.
As an introduction to the Forum, the tenth Young Bled Strategic Forum was held at the beginning of the week in Bled, bringing together more than 30 young people from 12 different countries who discussed the future of Europe, thus enabling active social participation for the younger generations.
You can relive this year’s Forum here:
Thank you note
Centre for European Perspective, as a proud co-organizer of the Bled Strategic Forum, wishes to thank partners, supporters, and friends of the Forum. It was a great honour and pleasure to organise this year’s Bled Strategic Forum – with you and for you.
A sincere thank you for co-shaping with your support the largest Forum to date.
27. 8. 2021 | Bled Strategic Forum, PR
The 2021 edition of Bled Strategic Forum will take place between 1st and 2nd of September in Bled under the title “Future of Europe”. It will for the 16th time and in spite of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in one place gather distinguished foreign and Slovenian political leaders and leading experts from spheres of economy, research and development, science, technology and civil society.
Main event will be between 30th and 31st August preceded by Young Bled Strategic Forum where young leaders will try to find solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues through interactive discussions and workshops.
Europe and with it the EU have been faced, over a relatively short period of time, with a number of difficult situations, ranging from financial and migration crises, Brexit and COVID-19 pandemic that have challenged the organization’s values and standards, but also decreased the level of trust in international law and organizations. It would therefore be fair to say that those experiences affect the social, economic and political structure of the world, Europe, the EU, its member states and every single individual. Tackling demographic challenges, investing in youth, R&D, digital and green projects, infrastructure, energy, digital connectivity and artificial intelligence is therefore an essential part of EU’s post-crisis recovery alongside with putting more emphasis on increasing its political power on the global stage and building strong partnerships with its allies. Consequently, this year’s Bled Strategic Forum will through a plethora of panels and with the help of numerous experts try to shed light on our common way forward.
Central theme of this year’s Bled Strategic Forum is the future of Europe and a call for increasing its resilience. As the leading international conference in Central and South-Eastern as well as unique, open and inclusive platform on Europe’s key challenges of the 21st century it will host over 170 visible speakers and panellists. Among them are EU senior representatives, such as President of the European Parliament David Sassoli, President of the European Council Charles Michel, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi and European Commission Vice-President for Democracy and Demography Dubravka Šuica. They will be accompanied by former ministers, current ministers and presidents of governments and countries, senior representatives of European and international institutions, civil society representatives such as Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, representatives of global companies such as Facebook, Google, ESA, NASA, Microsoft and Generali, and representatives of academic and research organizations.
Key topics for panel discussions
Bled Strategic Forum 2021 is also one of the main events taking place during the second Slovenian Presidency of the EU Council, under the slogan “Together. Resilient. Europe.” Future of Europe, sustainability, digitalisation and Transatlantic relations are common key topics on which Slovenia and with it Bled Strategic Forum build and encourage dialogue. That is why, on the first day, European Heads of State and senior representatives will discuss the main challenges for the future of the EU, including enlargement. Among the topics to be discussed on Day 1 will also be post-epidemic recovery, green and digital transformation, and the future of European integration.
Key topics of the Day 2 will be the importance of transatlantic cooperation and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, regional challenges in the Eastern Partnership countries, stability in the Mediterranean and joint governance of the Adriatic Sea, climate change and responses to it, digitalisation, cyber security, and economic recovery and tourism.
Young Bled Strategic Forum
The Young Bled Strategic Forum, this year under the title Future of Europe – Youth at the Centre, has been held as part of the main event since 2011 and enables the younger generations to actively participate in society. 2021 edition will focus on the possibilities and opportunities for the active participation of young people in European affairs while also addressing problems they face and the tools they lack to guarantee that youth really is the future of Europe. Two-day event will enable young participants to actively work towards constructing a draft declaration or rather a blueprint of the European future through capacity building, consultations, interactive workshops, round table discussions and other structured activities.
Partnerships and cooperations
Since 2006 Bled Strategic Forum has hosted more than 100,000 participants from 100 countries, more than 30 Heads of State and Government, more than 300 ministers, more than 100 representatives of international organizations and followed more than 400 hours of discussions.
This year’s and all previous years’ realisations of the Forum would not be possible without the support of the partners and sponsors. Among them this year are numerous institutional partners with whom we co-create expert side events and talks.
* Event will be live streamed online and therefore open to anyone. Look for the link on the Bled Strategic Forum website and Facebook page.
7. 7. 2021 | Macedonia - Finance, Macedonia - Resources, PR
Klikni tukaj za branje prispevka v slovenskem jeziku.
As part of the Slovenian Development Cooperation Program, from 29 June to 2 July 2021, workshops were conducted in North Macedonia needed for the development of capacities in conducting financial investigations and for confiscating assets of crime and property of illegal origin from criminals.
The European Union pays particular attention to the prevention and fight against organized and serious crime by stepping up the activities of law enforcement agencies to confiscate proceeds of crime and property of illegal origin. This issue is important within the EU, as well as in the integration of the Republic of North Macedonia into the European Union. Financial investigations will be one of the key indicators that the EU will monitor when assessing the fulfilment of the criteria for EU membership.
Financial investigations are an extensive professional interdisciplinary field, where Slovenian development cooperation has been providing support to law enforcement agencies in North Macedonia for several years, and this time the work was carried out by exchanging expertise in analytics and standard operating procedures in conducting financial investigations. Thirty-two representatives of all relevant Macedonian institutions actively attended the workshops: the Ministry of Interior, State Prosecution, Financial Police, Customs Administration, Tax Administration and Financial Intelligence Office. On the Slovenian side as well, comprehensive cooperation was ensured – representatives of key Slovenian bodies for conducting financial investigations participated: the Ministry of the Interior and the Police, State Prosecution for Organised Crime and Corruption and Financial Administration.
The project is part of the programme activities of Slovenia’s Development Cooperation Programme financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia and carried out together with the State Prosecution, Financial Administration, Ministry of Interior and Police of the Republic of Slovenia.
Further information:
Andreja Dolničar Jeraj
Programme Director
Centre for European Perspective
