The Brussels Document, which has been drawn up by a group of independent and international academic experts, is now available in attachment in 4 languages (EN-FR-DE-NL) and hosted on the Council of Europe website dedicated to the Turin process : http://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/high-level-conference-esc-2014
Following up on the October 2014 Turin Conference, it is the result of the “Conference on the Future of the Protection of Social Rights in Europe”, organised on 12 and 13 February 2015 in Brussels within the framework of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of Europe. Following the Turin Process, and in the wake of the General Report of the Conference of the eponymous city, the “Brussels Document” supplements the legal analyses and develops reflections for an application in synergy with the European Treaties.
Presentation by Michael Diedring (Secretary General of the European Council on Refugees and Exiles) on the occasion of the conference on Immigration – a source of wealth and duties for Europe organised by the EESC, the Council of Europe and the French Economic, Social and Environmental Council in Brussels on 15 March 2013.
"We notice that citizens (in Belgium) emphasize the role of Europe to protect the external borders in order to compensate for the free commute within the EU. A migration policy should be based on clear rules and responsibilities for the inviting countries. This is considered to be the best safeguard against currents of identity politics and populist voices, which put the EU construction under heavy strain. Generally, migration is a
cause for concern."
Presentation by Michael Diedring (Secretary General of the European Council on Refugees and Exiles) on the occasion of the conference on Immigration – a source of wealth and duties for Europe organised by the EESC, the Council of Europe and the French Economic, Social and Environmental Council in Brussels on 15 March 2013.
"We notice that citizens (in Belgium) emphasize the role of Europe to protect the external borders in order to compensate for the free commute within the EU. A migration policy should be based on clear rules and responsibilities for the inviting countries. This is considered to be the best safeguard against currents of identity politics and populist voices, which put the EU construction under heavy strain. Generally, migration is a
cause for concern."
NGO van Soros had 16 vergaderingen met EU in '18Thierry Debels
De NGO Open Society European Policy Institute van Soros had in 2018 liefst 16 vergaderingen met de Europese Commissie om het beleid van de EU te beïnvloeden.
Stichting van Soros had 54 vergaderingen met Europese CommissieThierry Debels
De stichting Open Society European Policy Institute van Soros had de laatste jaren 54 vergaderingen met de Europese Commissie. Soros pleit voor open grenzen en het opnemen van 1 miljoen vluchtelingen per jaar in Europa.
Turkey receives an additional 3 billion euros in 2018 from the EUThierry Debels
The EU-Turkey statement states that "once the
allocated EUR 3 billion are about to be used to the full, and provided all commitments have been met, the EU will mobilise additional funding for the Facility of an additional EUR 3
billion up to the end of 2018"
Slides presenting the report of the Gonzale Wise Men Group - Project Europe 2030 - in a short and dense format. The main message being the need for a common political market. Note that this is author's take on the issue and not necessarily a fair summary of the report. Presented at European Forum Alpbach, August 31, 2010
During the latest Brussels Briefing, organised by The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) in September, Sonja Vermeulen held a presentation on Smallholder agriculture under climate change: Challenges and outlook.
NGO van Soros had 16 vergaderingen met EU in '18Thierry Debels
De NGO Open Society European Policy Institute van Soros had in 2018 liefst 16 vergaderingen met de Europese Commissie om het beleid van de EU te beïnvloeden.
Stichting van Soros had 54 vergaderingen met Europese CommissieThierry Debels
De stichting Open Society European Policy Institute van Soros had de laatste jaren 54 vergaderingen met de Europese Commissie. Soros pleit voor open grenzen en het opnemen van 1 miljoen vluchtelingen per jaar in Europa.
Turkey receives an additional 3 billion euros in 2018 from the EUThierry Debels
The EU-Turkey statement states that "once the
allocated EUR 3 billion are about to be used to the full, and provided all commitments have been met, the EU will mobilise additional funding for the Facility of an additional EUR 3
billion up to the end of 2018"
Slides presenting the report of the Gonzale Wise Men Group - Project Europe 2030 - in a short and dense format. The main message being the need for a common political market. Note that this is author's take on the issue and not necessarily a fair summary of the report. Presented at European Forum Alpbach, August 31, 2010
During the latest Brussels Briefing, organised by The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) in September, Sonja Vermeulen held a presentation on Smallholder agriculture under climate change: Challenges and outlook.
Ekomenzoge; Think Tanks In The European Capital BrusselsEkomenzoge Metuge
Think Tank in the European Capital Brussels, Belgium. A seminar paper 'Political Aspects in European Integration, at Vrije University Brussels, Belgium
Event “Enhancing the skills of youth with learning disabilities” on 22 June 2...Karel Van Isacker
Event “Enhancing the skills of youth with learning disabilities” on 22 June 2018 – Brussels, Belgium
In the context of the “Intelligent Serious Games for Social and Cognitive Competence” project (ISG), we organised the event “Enhancing the skills of youth with learning disabilities” on 22 June 2018, in Brussels, Belgium.
The event highlighted a whole range of initiatives that have as common goal to enhance skills of youth with (learning) disabilities.
Target audience:
People with disabilities, and their families and friends
Teachers / Trainers / Tutors from inclusive and special education
Youth and disability organisations
Personal caregivers
ICT and AT experts
Program:
8.30-9.00: Registration and welcome
OPENING (9.00-9.30)
Opening + introduction to ISG – Karel Van Isacker (CEO, PhoenixKM)
SESSION 1 (9.30-10.30)
Increased independence for youth with learning disabilities
Chair: Jean-Marie Vanhove (inclusion expert)
9.30 – 10.00: More independence for youth with learning disabilities – EU context: Helga Stevens (N-VA), Member of the European Parliament, Vice-Chair ECR, Co-chair Disability Intergroup
10.00 – 10.20: Witness accounts of pilot participants
10.20 – 10.30: Discussion – questions
SESSION 2 (10.30 – 11.30)
Need for skills enhancements: A European perspective
Chair: Shervin Shirmohammadi, Sehir University, Turkey
10.30 – 10.50: EU Disability Policy: Inmaculada Placencia-Porrero (Deputy Head of Unit, for Rights of Persons with Disabilities within the Directorate General for Justice)
10.50 – 11.10: The need for skills training for people with disabilities: Mark Van Assche (TOLBO vzw)
11.10- 11.30: Discussion and questions
Break + exhibition (11.30 – 12.00)
SESSION 3: (12.00- 13.30)
Examples of how skills training is applied in various initiatives towards vulnerable groups
Chair: Petya Grudeva, MCA
12.00 – 12.20: Play2DO – MCA
12.20 – 12.40: Pathway+ and Speech pathology – Karel Van Isacker, PhoenixKM
12.40 – 13.00: Positive Leisure + Access Interact + ST4ALL – NARHU
13.00 – 13.30: Discussion and questions
Closing words by Jan Buysse, Managing Director vleva
Lunch (13.30 – 15.00)
Break and exhibition of wide range of inclusion oriented projects (13.30 – 15.00)
This project (2015-1-TR01-KA201-022247) has been funded with support from the European Commission (Erasmus+ Programme). This communication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Presentation by PROVIDUS researcher Dace Akule in conference "EU Fundamental Rights Charter and the Role of Civil Society in Facilitating Fundamental Rights", organised by Latvian Centre for Human Rights in co-operation with Lithuanian Human Rights Monitoring Institute in Riga on 27, 28 November, 2012.
Further information: http://cilvektiesibas.org.lv/en/news/cenference-eu-fundamental-rights-charter-and-the-r-232/
PROVIDUS pētnieces Daces Akules prezentācija konferencē "Eiropas Savienības Pamattiesību harta un pilsoniskās sabiedrības loma pamattiesību veicināšanā", ko organizēja Latvijas Cilvēktiesību centrs sadarbībā ar Lietuvas Cilvēktiesību uzraudzības institūtu 2012.gada 27.-28.novembrī.
Plašāka informācija apr konferenci: http://cilvektiesibas.org.lv/lv/news/konference-eiropas-savienibas-pamattiesibu-harta-u-231/
Prof. Roberto Mastroianni
EUI Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom
Policy Conference, October 29th, 2012
European Union Competencies in Respect of Media Pluralism and Media
Freedom http://cmpf.eui.eu/events/policy-conference.aspx
This session provides a comprehensive overview of the latest updates to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (commonly known as the Uniform Guidance) outlined in the 2 CFR 200.
With a focus on the 2024 revisions issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), participants will gain insight into the key changes affecting federal grant recipients. The session will delve into critical regulatory updates, providing attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate and comply with the evolving landscape of federal grant management.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the rationale behind the 2024 updates to the Uniform Guidance outlined in 2 CFR 200, and their implications for federal grant recipients.
- Identify the key changes and revisions introduced by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the 2024 edition of 2 CFR 200.
- Gain proficiency in applying the updated regulations to ensure compliance with federal grant requirements and avoid potential audit findings.
- Develop strategies for effectively implementing the new guidelines within the grant management processes of their respective organizations, fostering efficiency and accountability in federal grant administration.
What is the point of small housing associations.pptxPaul Smith
Given the small scale of housing associations and their relative high cost per home what is the point of them and how do we justify their continued existance
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
Russian anarchist and anti-war movement in the third year of full-scale warAntti Rautiainen
Anarchist group ANA Regensburg hosted my online-presentation on 16th of May 2024, in which I discussed tactics of anti-war activism in Russia, and reasons why the anti-war movement has not been able to make an impact to change the course of events yet. Cases of anarchists repressed for anti-war activities are presented, as well as strategies of support for political prisoners, and modest successes in supporting their struggles.
Thumbnail picture is by MediaZona, you may read their report on anti-war arson attacks in Russia here: https://en.zona.media/article/2022/10/13/burn-map
Links:
Autonomous Action
http://Avtonom.org
Anarchist Black Cross Moscow
http://Avtonom.org/abc
Solidarity Zone
https://t.me/solidarity_zone
Memorial
https://memopzk.org/, https://t.me/pzk_memorial
OVD-Info
https://en.ovdinfo.org/antiwar-ovd-info-guide
RosUznik
https://rosuznik.org/
Uznik Online
http://uznikonline.tilda.ws/
Russian Reader
https://therussianreader.com/
ABC Irkutsk
https://abc38.noblogs.org/
Send mail to prisoners from abroad:
http://Prisonmail.online
YouTube: https://youtu.be/c5nSOdU48O8
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/libertarianlifecoach/episodes/Russian-anarchist-and-anti-war-movement-in-the-third-year-of-full-scale-war-e2k8ai4
Canadian Immigration Tracker March 2024 - Key SlidesAndrew Griffith
Highlights
Permanent Residents decrease along with percentage of TR2PR decline to 52 percent of all Permanent Residents.
March asylum claim data not issued as of May 27 (unusually late). Irregular arrivals remain very small.
Study permit applications experiencing sharp decrease as a result of announced caps over 50 percent compared to February.
Citizenship numbers remain stable.
Slide 3 has the overall numbers and change.
ZGB - The Role of Generative AI in Government transformation.pdfSaeed Al Dhaheri
This keynote was presented during the the 7th edition of the UAE Hackathon 2024. It highlights the role of AI and Generative AI in addressing government transformation to achieve zero government bureaucracy
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
2024: The FAR - Federal Acquisition Regulations, Part 36
Brussels document en_presentation
1. The Brussels Document
The Future of the Protection of Social Rights in Europe
Belgian Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe 2014-2015
Manuel PAOLILLO
Public Federal Service Social Security - Belgium
slides to be used with the authorization of the author
2. Plan
A. The context
1. The Turin process
2. The Brussels Conference
B. The key ideas of the Brussels Document
1. Protecting social rights in times of crisis
2. Ensuring the consistency of the protection of social rights
3. Enhancing the effectiveness of the European Social Charter
4. Maximising the potential synergies
C. Contacts & Bibliography
3. The “Turin process”
Renewed political interest in Europe to-day for the European Social Charter & the
Collective Complaints Protocol
Turin Conference of 17-18 October 2014
- Italian Chairmanship of the Council of the European Union
Brussels Conference of 12-13 February 2015
- Belgian Chairmanship of the Council of Europe
A. The context
“Nicoletti Report”
“Brussels Document”
Action plan p.46
4. Brussels Conference of 12-13 February 2015
- Belgian Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe
(CoE)
Organisation : FPS Social Security & FPS Employment, Work and Social Dialogue + CoE
- 300 participants (States, international and academic institutions, INGOs, NGOs, …)
- High-level speakers
- Political representatives JAGLAND – THYSSEN – DE BLOCK – PEETERS – NICOLETTI
- 2 political round tables
- 6-page background note
- Thematic area : Future of the protection of social rights in Europe
socio-economic crisis – European and international mechanisms for the protection of social rights – social
policy – European Courts – relations between the EU and the Council of Europe (legal systems)
- “Continuity” of the Turin Conference
- Deliverable : The Brussels Document
o Synthesis of the Conference & Areas of work
o Enhancement of the protection of social rights
o 31 independent academic experts – Prof. Akandji-Kombé (coordinator)
o Available in 4 languages : FR - EN - NL - DE
A. The context
5. B. The Brussels Document
Introduction : general consensus
1. Protecting social rights in times of crisis
1. Ensuring the consistency of the protection of fundamental social rights
2. Enhancing the effectiveness of the European Social Charter
3. Maximising the potential synergies between the Council of Europe and the
European Union in the area of social rights
6. B. The Brussels Document
Introduction : general consensus
• Need to better take into account the requirements of social rights in policies implemented
in Europe
• Need to strengthen the possibilities of legal remedies
• Need to give full effectiveness to the Revised European Social Charter
• Need to improve coordination across different European systems of protection of social
rights (EU and CoE)
7. B. The Brussels Document
1. Protecting social rights in times of crisis
• Findings related to the social impact of the economic and financial crises on the European
social model and the social rights. Potential social regression.
• Impacts on social rights attributable to the crises and national and international responses
to them.
• Existence of budgetary margins to strengthen social rights (ILO).
• Reference to the case-law of the ECSR : reforms are possible but they should not destabilise
the situation of those who enjoy the rights enshrined in the Charter.
• Gap emerging in terms of protection of social rights and impact on democratic processes –
European project ?
• The Charter can serve as a framework for an economic recovery “social rights-compliant”.
8. B. The Brussels Document
2. Ensuring the consistency of the protection of social rights
• Guarantee of social rights: diverse national & international sources without harmonisation
• Compliance with the “most favourable treatment”
• In case of contradictory international obligations, application of the principle of the
relativity of treaties
• Acknowledgment of the normative autonomy of each legal sphere
• Interrelations between the ECHR and the ECSR
• Interrelations between the Social Charter and the Charter of Fundamental Rights … and
other international instruments for interpretations
• Open and transparent interpretative approach (spirit of Article 31§3 of the Vienna
Convention )
• No lowering of standards in case of several legal orders/instruments
9. B. The Brussels Document
3. Enhancing the effectiveness of the European Social Charter
• Uniform application throughout the regional space of the Council of Europe
o All States should ratify the Revised European Social Charter (appeal from the
international bodies)
o Compliance with all articles and at least of those provisions that form the core
o Ratification of the Collective Complaints Protocol + right of national NGOs to lodge
complaints
• Promotion of the role of the national institutions
o Training of judges, lawmakers, administrative authorities
o Structured exchange of good practices
o Translation of the decisions of the ECSR in the language of the State concerned
• Turin Protocol (1991)
o Election of the members of the ECSR by the PA // the ECHR
o Role of the committees
• Declaration by the Committee of Ministers & publicity of the decisions of the ECSR
• Material & human resources (number of members of the ECSR, increase of the number of
legal specialists assisting the Committee, and promotion of social rights)
• Equality of treatment between the ECHR and the European Social Charter
• External communication policy & internal reorganisation of the CoE
• Policy for executing decisions
10. B. The Brussels Document
4. Maximising the potential synergies between the CoE & the EU in the area of social
rights
• The role of the EU and of the CJEU has been strengthened in the area of social rights … but some
difficulties remain
o The Charter of Fundamental Rights remains selective
o The Interpretations of the ECSR are not necessarily followed
o The CJEU hesitates to acknowledge the European Social Charter as a source of inspiration for
the development of fundamental rights because not all MS have ratified it
The Charter has not been materially incorporated in the EU legal order
Consequence : no “Bosphorus” or presumption of compatibility of social rights for the CJEU and
risk of contradictions between the European Social Charter and EU law
11. B. The Brussels Document
4. Maximising the potential synergies between the CoE & the EU in the area of social
rights
Practical ways to resolve the contradictions between the European Social Charter and the EU law :
I. Recommendation by the Commission to the MS to ratify the Revised European Social Charter
(to accept a number of provisions of it, due to their specific relevance to the EU law)
II. The Commission could seek to systematically take into account the Charter in the design of
the secondary legislation and the Memoranda of Understanding concluded with the MS
benefiting from the Support of the ESM (// horizontal social clause of Article 9 of the TFEU)
III. Establishment of a joint working group by CoE & EU on the legal and technical issues raised
by the accession of the EU to the European Social Charter (Resolution of the EP of 27
February 2014 & Resolution of the PA of 8 December 2014)
12. C. Contacts & Bibliography
Website of the Turin Process
Documents of the Turin & Brussels Conferences
http://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/high-level-conference-esc-2014
Coordinator of the Turin Process (CoE)
Mr. Riccardo PRIORE
DG I – Department of the European Social Charter
Organisers (Federal Public Services)
FPS Social Security – Manuel PAOLILLO – manuel.paolillo@minsoc.fed.be
FPS Employment, Work & Social Dialogue – François VANDAMME
13. C. Contacts & Bibliography
Bibliography Documents referred to in the Brussels Document
• General report of the Turin Conference, 17-18 October 2014
• Social protection global policy trends 2010-2015 : from fiscal consolidation to expanding social protection: key to crisis recovery,
inclusive development and social justice (International Labour Office, Geneva: ILO, 2014)
• Resolution 1884 (2012) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
• Situation of Democracy, Human Rights and the Rule of Law in Europe, Report of the Secretary- General, presented at the 124th meeting
of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, held in Vienna on 5 and 6 May 2014 – SG (2014)1
• E.C.S.R., General Introduction to the Conclusions XIX-2 of 2009 on the impacts of the economic crisis on social rights
• Resolution of the European Parliament of 27 February 2014 on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union (2012)
(2013/2078(INI))
• Resolution 2029 (2015) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
Case law
• E.C.S.R., GENOP-DEI and ADEDY v. Greece, Complaint No. 66/2011
• E.C.S.R., IKA-ETAM v. Greece, Complaint No. 76/2012
• E.C.H.R., Matelly v. France judgment of 2 October 2014
• E.C.H.R., Al-Saadoon and Mufdhi v. United Kingdom judgment of 2 March 2010
• E.C.H.R., Bosphorus Hava Yollari Turzim Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi v. Ireland judgment of 30 June 2005
• E.C.S.R., Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO) and Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees (TCO) v. Sweden, Complaint
No. 85/2012,
• E.C.H.R., National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers v. United Kingdom judgment of 8 April 2014
• E.C.S.R., Defence of Children International (DEI) v. Belgium, Complaint No. 69/2011, Decision of 23 October 2012
• E.C.S.R., Confédération générale du travail (CGT) v. France, Complaint No. 55/2009, Decision on the merits of 23 June 2010