5. 9. 2019 | BIH - Supporting the way to the EU, PR
Click here to read more about the project in Slovenian language. 
In the framework of the project “Supporting BiH on its way to the EU” the Centre for European Perspective (CEP) will implement its second training for selected chapters of the acquis communautaire which is intended for Bosnian civil servants. A two-day training will be held on 11 and 12 September 2019 and will cover the topic of the free movement of services – postal services.
Slovenian experts will share experiences and good practices with their colleagues from BiH in the field of operation, liberalization and regulation of the postal services market.
The project is part of the CEP program activities financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the scope of international development cooperation.
4. 9. 2019 | Global Education Network Europe, PR
Click here to read more about the project in Slovenian language.
As part of the project ‘Global Responsibility for the Future’, in which the Centre for European Perspective is collaborating as a partner together with the youth entrepreneurship accelerator “Ustvarjalnik” and NGOs: Forum for Equitable Development, SLOGA Platform and HUMANITAS is coming to an end. The final event of the project will take place on Monday 9 September under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor. The event will feature ten of the most promising young entrepreneurs in the country who can boast concrete business success. The event will be part of a conference organized by the Entrepreneurial Sandbox “Ustvarjalnik” for the 8th consecutive year, at which the President of the Republic of Slovenia will award the title “Best Youth Startup 2019”. The purpose of the event is to promote to the general public that entrepreneurship has no age restriction.
The main objective of the Global Responsibility for the Future project, with the support of NGO representatives, is to empower young entrepreneurs for better global entrepreneurship, promoting a sustainable lifestyle, including respect for human rights, gender equality, the promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, citizenship of the world and respect for cultural diversity. Therefore, in addition to the “Best Youth Startup 2019” award, the award for “The Most Globally Responsible Idea” will be given. Young entrepreneurs will also be joined by representatives of the mentoring companies that have helped them along the way.
The activities of ‘Global Responsibility for the Future’ are financed by the Global Education network Europe – GENE and co-financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the framework of Slovenia’s development cooperation.
29. 8. 2019 | PR, Serbia - management of patrols
Click here to read more about the project in Slovenian language.
In the 2019-2020 period, Slovenia helps Serbia with the upgrade of development potentials on a case of enhancing capabilities for better management of patrols. The assistance is part of the reform processes in the area of rule of law and good governance that is among priority conditions for the membership of Serbia in the EU since this is of vital importance for citizens and precondition for reforms that follow. The project is conceptualized as a trilateral process of development learning, which will provide new capacities and experiences that can be used in future development projects. Within the framework of their international development cooperation programs, Slovenia and Switzerland cooperate in providing this official development assistance to Serbia. After a series of preparatory activities, the operational activities in Serbia will commence with the meeting, which will be organised on 5 September 2019 in Belgrade.
The project is part of programme activities finances by Development Cooperation Programme of Slovenia and Switzerland and carried out together with Ministry of Interior/ Police of the Republic of Slovenia as well as CVS Mobile.
28. 8. 2019 | Learning compass, PR, Youth
Click here to read more about the project in Slovenian language.
Centre for European Perspective is together with Center for Communication, Hearing and Speech, Portorož, Institute for Promotion of Education from Kosovo and ALB – AID Kukes, Albania, organizing a three day training titled “Learning Compass – teacher training for work with children with disabilities”. The training will start with an INFO Day in Prishtina on 4th of September 2019, where an informative session for stakeholders will be held. On 5th of August 2019 participants from Kosovo and Albania will gather in Durresh, Albania, where three Slovenian experts will be holding lectures and interactive workshops on teacher training for work with children with disabilities.
Short info about the project:
In the countries of the Western Balkans, the knowledge of experts and especially teachers for children with special needs (also considering ways of pedagogical work with them) is still very lacking. On the other hand, Slovenia has a great deal of knowledge and practical experience in this field. The similarity of school systems, the historical and geographical connection and the linguistic proximity of most Western Balkan countries facilitates the transfer of knowledge and experience from Slovenia to other countries involved in the proposed project. The project will provide Slovenian knowledge and experience in the field of education and assistance to children with special needs in the Western Balkan countries.
The project that will be implemented in two years and will take place in four countries shall:
- Contribute to improving the situation of children with special needs in primary education;
- Contribute to the development of the school systems of the countries involved;
- Strengthen links and cooperation between teaching staff and educational institutions (involved in the project) of the Western Balkan countries and contributed to the peaceful coexistence in the region.
The project will educate 20 experts in each country (special educators, educators, school counselors) from the countries involved:
- to work with children with disabilities within school systems;
- to disseminate basic knowledge about children with special needs among primary school teachers;
- to implement acquired knowledge of helping professionals with special needs work and to educate primary school teachers about the needs and approaches of children with disabilities.
Initially, the project has established cooperation between the Center for the European Perspective, Slovenian experts working with children with special needs, local decision-makers (competent ministries and school leaders) and local actors working in the field in the target countries. All stakeholders will be involved in preparing an analysis of the current state of inclusiveness of school institutions and working with children with special needs. The analysis of the situation will show where the greatest needs for the transfer of Slovenian good practices are. Content for 3-day workshops will be prepared with participants from four countries (Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina). The 3-day workshops will receive 20 teachers from each country through active lectures and workshops. Two teachers from each country will be further tasked with preparing the so-called Train the Trainer (ToT) workshops, which they will jointly conduct at their school for at least 10 additional teachers. As a result, 40 one-day workshops will be organized to train at least 400 additional teachers.
The first activity of the project will be conducted in Durres, Albania, between 5th and 8th September.
Within the framework of the project, a publication will also be prepared. The lather will analyze the situation in the target countries and, based on the workshops carried out an on the analysis of primary and secondary sources and Slovenian experience, present concrete proposals for improving the situation of working with children with special needs in primary schools.
Through meetings and regular briefing, the project will also involve decision makers (relevant state, federal, regional and / or local ministries of education and school leaders) who will be informed about the project and our activities.
The project is financed from the funds for international development cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia.
7. 8. 2019 | Bled Strategic Forum, PR, V4, Youth
Centre for European Perspective has together with Bosnia and Herzegovina Association for United Nations and supported by International Visegrad Fund, organized a 2-day event that opened the floor to youth and civil society of the Western Balkans, V4 and EU, giving them a chance to discuss their concerns, challenges, ideas and prospects with policy makers and experts.
Event was held on 5th and 6th August in Hotel Europe, Sarajevo and was attended by around 50 participants coming from different spheres of the society.
Opening words to the event were delivered by Mr Amer Kapetanović, Head of Political Department at Regional Cooperation Council. Mr Kapetanović stressed the importance of youth and regional cooperation, while also gave some insight into the latest Balkan Barometer, that shows a gloomy situation in the Balkans.
First panel titled “Youth and Euro-Atlantic Integrations of Western Balkans and the role of V4” featured
- Katja Geršak, Director, Centre for European Perspective (CEP)
- Jan Zlatan Kulenović, CEO, Social Innovation Incubator MUNJA
- Dr Filip Radunović, Sector Fund Manager, Open Regional Fund Southeastern Europe – EU Integration, GIZ Sarajevo
- Anna Orosz, Research fellow, Institute for Foreign Affairs and Trade (IFAT)
- Vladimír Bartovic, Director, EUROPEUM
and was moderated by Jasmina Banjalučkić, Secretary General, Youth Council of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Panel explored the experience of EU, V4 and WB in better involvement of youth, as well as their role in Euro-Atlantic integrations of WB.
Second panel titled “Let’s talk about Cross-Regional Cooperation: WB6, V4 and EU” featured
- H.E Jakub Skalník, Ambassador of the Czech Republic
- Ms Ágnes Angyal Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of Hungary
- H.E Jarosław Lindenberg, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland
- Mr Attila Szép, Counsellor, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Slovak Republic
- Borut Valenčič, Charge d’affaires, Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia
and was moderated by Mak Selimović, President, Bosnia and Herzegovina Association for United Nations, discussed why is cross-regional cooperation important in the SEE region and whether or not the-already-existing cross-regional cooperation between V4 and WB6 can be further developed in resolving complex matters of common interest. Round-table also served as an occasion to asses cross-regional opportunities, threats and obstacles in cooperation. Event was concluded by a reception where all the participants and speakers continued the discussion in an informal atmosphere.
Second day was dedicated to Visegrad Café where each table covered one topic and each table had project representatives who moderated and facilitated the discussion. Public contributed to the discussion on each of the topics and supported it with a pre-prepared set of data, research conclusions and materials. Participants have switched the tables after 30 minutes to converse with a new mix of participants. Once all rounds of conversation were complete, project partner representatives presented the main conclusions of each discussion. Topics discussed were Democratization, Human Rights, Sustainable Development and Reconciliation.
25. 7. 2019 | PR, V4
We are cordially inviting you to attend a 2-day event organized by Centre for European Perspective in cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina Association for United Nations, supported by International Visegrad Fund. The event will be held on 5th and 6th August at Hotel Europe, Sarajevo. It is part of a series of preparatory events, leading to the Young Bled Strategic Forum 2019 conference. More info is available in the attachment Invitation Sarajevo.
Organizations are with this opening the floor to youth and civil society of the Western Balkans, V4 and EU, giving them a chance to discuss their concerns, challenges, ideas and prospects with policy makers and experts. Special emphasis will be given to cross-regional cooperation. Participants will demonstrate such cooperation is not only necessary, but inevitable for positive next steps in democratization, human rights, sustainable development, EU integrations of WB, climate change and other cross-border topics. Young leaders have to learn from their peers from different regions, share their knowledge, ideas and know-how. Sustainable regional cooperation programs are therefore key towards a comprehensive, inclusive, and innovative approach that engages youth and prepares agents for change. In order to strengthen the regional cooperation and know-how exchange between V4, WB6, EU and beyond, project will in one place join experts from leading institutions in V4 and WB6, as well as leading youth organizations.
You can apply by 1st of August 2019.
For any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] and [email protected]
25. 7. 2019 | ENTRi, IECEU, LET4CAP, POTC, PR
Slovenia is now opening the Centre for Education and Training for Participation in Peacekeeping Operations and Missions at Centre for European Perspective (CEP)
Click here to read more about the project in Slovenian language.
Centre for education and training for participation in peacekeeping operations and missions will be implementing certified trainings and education for soldiers, police officers, civilian personnel of the ministries and other civilian experts that can be deployed to peacekeeping operations and missions within the UN, EU, NATO and OSCE. Skills and knowledge that experts at the peacekeeping operations and missions need, are very specific and diverse and are closely linked to the needs of the international institutions and their cooperation. These most commonly refer to the work and life in a multicultural environment, protection of human rights, cooperation with local personnel, training of trainer’s skills, as well as techniques and skills for work in a hostile environment.
Centre for European Perspective (CEP) has been for over a decade actively involved in European projects that aim at improving the competences of Slovene and foreign experts, who are deployed to peacekeeping operations and missions of the UN, EU, NATO and OSCE. Through our projects we are enabling access to diverse trainings for Slovene experts in Slovenia, we are sharing expertise of our experts with rich international experiences and continue to learn from the best European partners. CEP has been currently working on three projects: ENTRi – Europe’s New Training Initiative for Civilian Crisis Management , LET4Cap – Law Enforcement Training for Capacity Building and EUPCST – European Union Police and Civilian Services Training, that are striving to align trainings among participating countries, or better said, training institutions across Europe. CEP has also gained valuable experiences though the research project that was financed through the Horizon 2020, IECEU – Improving the Effectiveness of Capabilities in EU Conflict Prevention.
Organization and implementation of trainings for participation in peacekeeping operations and missions would not be possible without the support and cooperation of the ministries of interior, foreign affairs and defense. All these years, the cooperation and coordination were done informally. As activities have largely increased, an inter-ministerial analysis in close cooperation with Ministry of defense, Ministry of interior and Ministry of foreign affairs about potential synergies in the field of training, proved – also due to the membership of Slovenia in UN, EU and NATO – that an inter-ministerial cooperation with CEP should be formalized. This was the basis for the establishment of the Centre for education and training for participation in peacekeeping operations and missions that will be operating within CEP.
11. 7. 2019 | LET4CAP, PR
The LET4CAP training that took place at Castle Jable (Slovenia) in this week has finished successfully. The event was organized by the Centre for European Perspective and is the first of three sessions that have been dedicated towards solidifying the development of a common law enforcement capacity building culture.
The second day of the Law Enforcement Training for Capacity Building (LET4CAP) included the LEO’s in a discussion on training techniques and the application of these skills in a practical and personalized way. The morning session offered a theoretical overview of the different forms trainings can be organized with the use of demonstrative or scenario-based approaches and the application of simulations, World Cafès or Gallery Walks. The afternoon session that followed included group presentations, where participants took turns to explain their own envisaged training scenarios. The delivered presentations were later on evaluated by each individual participant along with the course mentor, so to provide mutual feedback and further improve their learning capabilities.
The third and final day of the LET4CAP training was dedicated to the topic of training environments management and the challenge of creating effective communication. The training was delivered by psychologist Karolina Ribacka of the Polish Policja. Her extensive experience in the field provided students with a more cognitive perspective on classroom conduct by explaining character traits that can help secure a positive training environment.
The session addressed the skills required for a proactive and attentive interaction between trainers and their potential audience. The lather is achieved through verbal and non-verbal modes of communication (mannerisms, facial expressions or gestures). The interactive activities trainees participated in, namely role-plays and buzz groups, aim at enhancing capabilities in terms of listening skills and learning to distinguish between more or less effective language, that can be used in the training room more generally. Developing sensible attitudes by trainers is also crucial for the strengthening of reciprocal expectations with trainees during international missions.
The knowledge and experience gained in the 3 day training was put to the test in the final part of the session in the form of a training exercise. Participants were divided into 4 teams and had to propose strategies for dealing with a situation of confrontation with other people (whether security related or character related), and diffusing the circumstances. An example of the group work was a presentation and role-play exercise that amplified the importance of color codes in routine (UN-Standardized) police control operations in the environment of UN-mandated international missions. Creating effective team building was also crucial for the success of this exercise.
The 3-day training course concluded with a final ceremony. Participants of the training were awarded diplomas of participation by H.E. Ambassador of Italy Paolo Trichilo.
The course is part of a framework of the Internal Security Fund of the European Union, where the Italian Carabinieri are leading a training initiative called “Law Enforcement Training for Capacity Building project” – LET4CAP”. Members of the consortium are: the Centre for European Perspective (CEP), founded by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies of Pisa, the Polish police force “Policja” and the in-house agency of the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance “Studiare Sviluppo”. The overall objective of the project is to contribute to a more consistent and efficient assistance in law enforcement capacity building towards third countries, which will be achieved through the harmonization of a training package for Law Enforcement Organisations and with the development of a common, law enforcement capacity building culture.
