Regional cooperation - CEP

Improving EU’s competitiveness

26. 3. 2024 | PR, Transformative Power of Digital

The Centre for European Perspective is launching a new publication, “Improving Europe’s Competitiveness: Role of Open Markets, Emerging Technologies, and Strategic Alliances,” which explores the critical role of AI and emerging technologies in bolstering the EU’s competitiveness.

The publication will be officially launched following a breakfast discussion organised in cooperation with the European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE).

The breakfast discussion will take place on Monday, 8th April 2024 at 09:00, at the Palace of the Academies, Rubens Hall.

Registration for the breakfast discussion is now open. You are kindly invited to join us. Please register here.

The publication and the breakfast discussion explore how can the EU increase its competitiveness by taking advantage of emerging technologies, open markets and strategic alliances.

The COVID-19 pandemic served as a stark wake-up call, emphasising the urgent need for the EU to improve its resilience against crises. Two years later, with the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the focus of the EU shifted towards urgent improvements to EU’s security. Now, as we stand on the brink of a new era dominated by Artificial Intelligence, our focus is shifting towards enhancing the EU’s competitiveness.

AI and other emerging technologies have the power to accelerate economic growth and reshape industries in profound and unprecedented ways. If the EU is to be a global economic powerhouse, it will have to wholeheartedly embrace the vast potential of AI. The EU’s commitment to embracing AI and other emerging technologies will have to be reflected in substantial investments in research and development, a forward-thinking regulatory environment that fosters innovation while ensuring ethical standards as well as safe and trustworthy technology, and a robust infrastructure that supports the growth of AI technologies and their implementation.

At the discussion and in the event, we will tackle the following question: Is the EU prepared and capable of taking full advantage of the opportunities that the AI revolution is offering? What is holding the EU back, and what are its strengths that can be tapped into? What is the role of open markets in improving Europe’s competitiveness? Developing trustworthy and safe AI demands a collaborative global effort–how and when should the EU engage with international partners to maintain its competitive edge?

Mentorship visit to Idrija begins

20. 3. 2024 | Decentralisation, PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, U-LEAD: with Europe, Ukraine, Waste management

20 March 2024, Idrija – Today, we began the second three-week mentorship of 2024 in the municipality of Idrija under the auspices of the project ‘Post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine’.

The event was opened by the Mayor of the Municipality of Idrija, Mr Tomaž Vencelj. He greeted the participants and expressed Idrija’s openness to cooperating with Pereschepinska municipality. He then presented Idrija through the video of the Idrija geopark and spoke of the possibilities for cooperation between the municipalities.

The following was the project presentation by Ms Jelka Klemenc, CEP’s project lead, who presented the project and its objectives.

On behalf of mentees from Pereschepinska, Mayor Tsvirkun presented the municipality, its challenges, possibilities, and expected outcomes of the mentorship visit.

The mentorship builds upon the needs expressed by Pereschepyne municipality, mainly the preservation of cultural heritage, waste management, and energy efficiency of public buildings, and will address topics crucial for the municipality’s further development, such as project management, project writing, and topics related to the EU enlargement process on the local level.

The Idrija municipality, with its rich heritage in cultural preservation, activities in the area of waste management, sustainability and zero waste, and the successful establishment of the Ljubevč waste collection centre, brings valuable experience that can be a boon to partners from Pereschepyne. Through presentations and site visits, mentees from Ukraine will gain insights into these practices and projects and explore project planning, preparation and management, and EU project funding.

The ‘Post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine’ project is funded by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs through the Slovenian Aid and Partnerships and implemented in partnership with ‘U-LEAD with Europe’. U-LEAD with Europe programme is a partnership of the Ukrainian government and the European Union, and its member states Germany, Sweden, Poland and Slovenia to support the establishment of multi-level governance that is transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of the population of Ukraine.

Announcing the second UA-SI mentorship visit of 2024 in Idrija

13. 3. 2024 | Decentralisation, PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, U-LEAD: with Europe, Ukraine, Waste management

On 20 March, we will begin the second three-week mentorship of 2024 in the municipality of Idrija under the auspices of the project ‘Post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine’.

The fourth mentorship visit of the project will focus on developing collaboration between Pereschepyne and Idrija and enhancing knowledge and cooperation across multiple topics.

The mentorship builds upon the needs expressed by Pereschepyne municipality, mainly the preservation of cultural heritage, waste management, and energy efficiency of public buildings, and will address topics crucial for the municipality’s further development, such as project management, project writing, and topics related to the EU enlargement process on the local level.

The Idrija municipality, with its rich heritage in cultural preservation, activities in the area of waste management, sustainability and zero waste, and the successful establishment of the Ljubevč waste collection centre, brings valuable experience that can be a boon to partners from Pereschepyne. Through presentations and site visits, mentees from Ukraine will gain insights into these practices and projects and explore project planning, preparation and management, and EU project funding.

The ‘Post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine’ project is funded by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs through the Slovenian Aid and Partnerships and implemented in partnership with ‘U-LEAD with Europe’. U-LEAD with Europe programme is a partnership of the Ukrainian government and the European Union, and its member states Germany, Sweden, Poland and Slovenia to support the establishment of multi-level governance that is transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of the population of Ukraine.

Razpis za delovno mesto – Projektni vodja II

8. 3. 2024 | Employment, PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance

Ustanova – Center za evropsko prihodnost (CEP) razpisuje delovno mesto: PROJEKTNI VODJA II (1 delovno mesto) – M/Ž

Postani ključen del strokovne in zagnane ekipe razvojnega stebra CEP, ki udejanja zunanjepolitične cilje v državah in regijah ključnega pomena, prispeva k njihovem razvoju ter približevanju standardom EU.

Ponujamo zanimivo, raznoliko in fleksibilno delo v okviru operativnega izvajanja zunanjih politik, t.j. v obliki kompleksnih projektov in programov, prilagojenih potrebam držav v razvoju, analize politik, koordinaciji mednarodnih dogodkov in svetovanje institucijam držav prejemnic pri načrtovanju in implementaciji političnih ciljev. Tukaj je moč najti nabor zanimivih vsebin in aktualnih področij nacionalnih in evropskih politik, kjer je tudi potencial za nadaljnji karierni razvoj.

Nudimo možnost dolgoročnega sodelovanja;
Vzpodbujamo nove ideje in odprto izmenjavo mnenj, idej in inovativen pristop ter poglobitev v vsebine;
Nudimo priložnosti za soustvarjanje naše strategije in vidnih prispevkov v okviru ciljev Republike Slovenije v mednarodnih odnosih;
Nudimo sodelovanje z vladnimi institucijami in nevladno sfero znotraj in izven meja Slovenije ter z EU akterji na področju izvajanja politik, kot so med drugim razvojno sodelovanje, širitev EU, zunanje-varnostne politike (kot sta kibernetska varnost, boj zoper dezinformacije), pravosodje in notranje zadeve, vladavina prava, regionalna politika in razvoj.
Poslanstvo razvojnega stebra CEP bogati vrsta horizontalnih aktivnosti naše organizacije, med drugim strateški in politični dogodki o aktualnih temah zunanje-varnostnih politik našega, evropskega in globalnega prostora, sodelovanje pri mednarodnih publikacijah, raziskavah, analizah politik.

Iščemo vodjo mednarodnih projektov CEP, kar vključuje načrtovanje, koordinacijo in implementacijo mednarodnih aktivnosti, svetovanje pri načrtovanju in izvajanju politik, sodelovanje z vladnimi institucijami Republike Slovenije ter institucijami v državah prejemnicah (državah Zahodnega Balkana, držav Evropske sosedske politike) ter z akterji EU/mednarodne sfere;
Iščemo zainteresiranega kandidata/ko, ki bi prispeval k našemu poslanstvu v stebru razvojnega sodelovanja – v dobrobit držav v razvoju in za izpolnitev ciljev zunanje politike Republike Slovenije;
Iščemo timsko naravnano, zanesljivo osebo s sposobnostjo postavljanja prioritet ter visokim standardom za kakovostno opravljeno delo.

Opis del in nalog:

Pomoč pri načrtovanju, spremljanju in izvedbi raznolikih projektov, predvsem za področje Zahodnega Balkana, Ukrajine, Moldavije, ki se izvajajo v okviru zgoraj naštetih politik;
Priprava pisnih produktov, analiz in produktov za načrtovanje, vezanih na aktivnosti, implementacijo projektov in povezane vsebine;
Poročanje o aktivnostih, zastopanje CEP na zunanjih dogodkih;
Upravljanje s projektno dokumentacijo, pomoč pri finančnem načrtovanju in upravljanju; pomoč pri pripravi finančnih poročil;
Komunikacija z deležniki projekta – s slovenskimi organi ter organi v partnerskih državah, z mednarodno skupnostjo, tujimi akterji – ter zunanja koordinacija;
Sodelovanje pri strateškem komuniciranju;
Spremljanje dogajanja in razvoja politik in vsebin na zgoraj omenjenih področjih;
Koordinacija izvajanja mednarodnih dogodkov, ki dopolnjujejo naše poslanstvo.

Zahtevana izobrazba:

Visokošolska 1. stopnje (prejšnja) oz. bolonjska stopnja družboslovne smeri, novinarstva ali informacijske znanosti

Zahtevano znanje jezikov:

Angleški jezik – tekoče (pisno, ustno komuniciranje in bralno razumevanje) (C1/C2)

Jezik ciljnih držav/regij (bosanski jezik ali hrvaški jezik ali srbski jezik ali ukrajinski jezik) (B2/C1)

Zahtevana računalniška znanja:
urejevalnik besedil – osnovno
delo s preglednicami – osnovno
delo z bazami podatkov – osnovno
poznavanje računalniških omrežij – osnovno
poznavanje operacijskih sistemov – osnovno
računalniško oblikovanje – osnovno

Drugi pogoji:

Državljanstvo države članice Evropske unije
Vsaj štiri lega delovnih izkušenj
Vozniško dovoljenje B kategorije
usposobljenost za delo z računalnikom (delo z urejevalniki besedil, delo s preglednicami, delo z bazami podatkov, poznavanje računalniških omrežij, poznavanje operacijskih sistemov,
poznavanje področja mednarodnih odnosov in politik EU, razumevanje delovanja vladnih struktur.

Prednost bodo imeli kandidati:

s poglobljenim poznavanjem politik do Zahodnega Balkana in držav Evropske sosedske politike;
z interesom za dinamično delo na ravni politik oz. njihovega operativnega izvajanja ter interesom po soustvarjanju programskih ciljev naše organizacije;
z izkušnjami na področju posredovanja znanja in izvajanja mednarodnih aktivnosti;
z izkušnjami na področju načrtovanja projektov in priprave projektnih predlogov;
z izkušnjami s pripravo mednarodnih dogodkov;
z izkušnjami sodelovanja z EU in mednarodno skupnostjo;
z izkušnjami z delom v mednarodnem okolju in/ali sodelovanjem z institucijami v državah Zahodnega Balkana in državah Evropske sosedske politike.

Izbrani kandidat/ka bo delo opravljal/a na sedežu CEP, Grajska cesta 1, 1234 Mengeš.

Prijava naj vsebuje življenjepis in motivacijsko pismo. Kandidati naj prijavi pošljejo po elektronski pošti na naslov: [email protected] s pripisom v naslovu – »Prijava – razpis za delovno mesto Projektni vodja«.

Rok za prijavo poteče dne 20. 3. 2024 ob 23:59. uri. Upoštevane bodo vse prijave, ki bodo pravočasno prispele na zgoraj navedeni elektronski naslov.

Izbrani kandidat/ka bo o izbiri obveščen/a v roku 15 dni po odločitvi o izboru. Razpis je objavljen tudi na spletni strani Zavoda RS za zaposlovanje.

Rok za oddajo prijav: 20. 3. 2024 (do 00:00).

Successful conclusion of “TWO YEARS ON” discussion with reflections on Ukraine’s post-conflict recovery

16. 2. 2024 | PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, U-LEAD: with Europe, Ukraine

Mengeš, 16 February – Today, the Centre for European Perspective – CEP hosted a high-level roundtable discussion, “TWO YEARS ON,” to mark the conclusion of the second year since the initiation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

The event, opened by the Executive Director of the Centre for European Perspective, Ms Nina Čepon, brought together the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, H. E Mrs Tanja Fajon, Dr Damir Črnčec, State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Slovenia, H. E. Mr Andrii Taran, Ambassador of the U.S to Slovenia, Ms Jamie L. Harpootlian, and Slovenian Member of the European Parliament, Dr Klemen Grošelj. It provided a platform to discuss the ongoing efforts of Slovenians, the EU, and the global community for Ukraine’s support and a look toward the future.

Minister Fajon, in her opening address, emphasized the importance of continued support for Ukraine, stating, “Slovenia, as a staunch supporter of the EU enlargement process, continues to stand by the Ukrainian side.”

CEP Executive Director Čepon expressed her gratitude to the speakers, partners and participants, stating, “CEP remains dedicated to promoting dialogue and supporting initiatives that contribute to the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.”

Ambassador Taran acknowledged the significance of the local and regional authorities in the recovery and reconstruction process, pointing out that the concept of Ukraine’s restoration is wider than just reconstruction, stressing that assistance begins with ensuring the security of the country in a military sense, which will allow to focus efforts on reviving Ukraine’s economy and creating conditions for the return of Ukrainians to Ukraine.

Ambassador Harpootlian focused on the active role of the U.S. in supporting Ukraine, highlighting initiatives for Ukrainians living in Slovenia, remarking, “Don’t let our noisy politics distract you from our resolve to support Ukraine”.

State Secretary Črnčec pointed out the importance of support between EU countries, “It is important to support a country that is a victim of an aggressor. Our history teaches us that. It is a question of values, a question of democracy”.

In the continuation of the discussion, Dr Grošelj focused on the EU’s role in supporting Ukraine, stressing, “It is not only military support, it is also the support of the EU accession process; this is another sign of strength and not weakness of European Union. “

The roundtable focused on various aspects of cooperation in the recovery and reconstruction process, including the role of local authorities and the ongoing efforts for post-conflict reconstruction.

The discussion on the role of local communities in the reconstruction process was continued in the “Fireside Chat” with Mr Iaroslav Tsvirkun, Mayor of Pereschepyne municipality, who provided perspectives on the challenges and opportunities at the local level, highlighting the importance of international cooperation, pointing out that “The support of Slovenian and other European communities and cities is not measured in terms of money value, but creates working places and recreates the lives of Ukrainian citizens in our communities”.

The event, supported by the U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs through the Slovenian Aid and Partnership project Post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine, also offered an opportunity for the presentation of a new publication by the Centre for European Perspective “Slovenia supporting Ukrainian communities: Integrating reconstruction with local development”, by Dr Janez Šušteršič, Ms Jelka Klemenc and Mr Jurij Kobal. You can find the brochure here.

The link to the stream of the event can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/live/bcTBCVCaZts?si=86Dt_qgSka7l21Xh

The event is supported by the U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana, alongside the Slovenian Aid and Partnerships project ‘Post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine’, financed by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia.

TWO YEARS ON

7. 2. 2024 | PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, U-LEAD: with Europe, Ukraine

Centre for European Perspective cordially invites you to a roundtable discussion

TWO YEARS ON

on

Friday, 16 February 2024, 09:30 – 14:00 CET

As the second year since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine comes to a close and the discussions on continued support for Ukraine intensify, it is necessary to highlight the unwavering determination of the Ukrainian people to continue with inclusive reforms, democratization and modernization, incl. an active approach in the state-led European integration processes.

Despite the still ongoing conflict, the recovery and rebuilding processes have already begun with many major achievements, but the post-war recovery process for Ukraine also means achieving democratic security – and here is where the local level comes in. Local and regional authorities are an important factor in the recovery process and a key guiding force for the reconstruction process. Slovenia and many other EU countries have recognized the role of local communities and are already transitioning from offering humanitarian and material aid to development projects. Capable and strong local communities will be able to accomplish the objectives of the decentralization reform and aid the transformation of Ukraine.

Another key stakeholder in the post-conflict recovery process is youth. Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion, youth has been on Ukrainian frontlines, both literally and figuratively, but they will need to play an integral part in the post-war reconstruction, helping to shape important initiatives and continue the democratization process.

Programme of the event

09:10 – 09:30 Arrivals

09:30 – 10:45 High-level roundtable

Welcome speech by Ms Nina Čepon, Executive Director, Centre for European Perspective

Opening address by H. E Mrs Tanja Fajon, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia

Speakers:

- Mrs Oleksandra Azarkhina, Deputy Minister, Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine
- Dr Damir Črnčec, State Secretary, Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia
- H. E. Mr Andrii Taran, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Slovenia
- H. E. Mrs Jamie L. Harpootlian, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Slovenia
- Dr Klemen Grošelj, Member of the European Parliament for Slovenia

Moderator: Ms Nataša Briški, M.Sc., TV presenter, editor and journalist.

10:45 – 11:30 Coffee break

11:30 – 12:00 »Fireside Chat« / One-on-one with Mayor of a Ukrainian Municipality

Mr Iaroslav Tsvirkun, Mayor, Pereschepyne hromada, Ukraine

Moderated by Ms Nataša Briški, M.Sc., TV presenter, editor and journalist

12:00 – 13:00 Informal reception / Lunch buffet

13:10 – 14:00 About Ukraine from Ukraine’s future – the perspective of Ukrainian youth

Moderated by Mr Jernej Grahor, Project Manager, Centre for European Perspective

Register HERE.

Following the high-level roundtable discussion and fireside chat, you are kindly invited to join us at the lunch buffet at Jable Castle, which will be followed by a discussion with Ukrainian youth.