Observatory on the Balkans

Italian Consortium of Solidarity

DA N U BE E URO P E IS ME E T I N G

F r o m V i e n n a t o B e l g r ad e f o r a E u r o p e b e y o n d t he b o r d e r s Under the auspices of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Mr. Walter Schwimmer With the cooperation of: ARCS ARCI Cultura e Sviluppo – Association of the Local Democracy Agencies, Strasburg Belgrade Centre for European Integration, Belgrade – Bottega del Mondo Monimbo of Perugia Centre for Antiwar Action, Belgrade - CEDEUM Centre for Drama in Education and Art, Belgrade Citizens' Pact for South Eastern Europe, Novi Sad – Civic Initiative, Belgrade – European Movement of Serbia, Belgrade Fair Trade Slovakia - Institut für Volksmusikforschung und Ethnomusikologie - Italian Committee for the World Contract on Water Legambiente, Rome – MIMART Theatre of Movement, Belgrade - OneWorld/Unimondo – Consorzio Pluriverso REC Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe, Szentendre - Tavolo Trentino con il Kossovo Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien Supported or under the patronage of: City of Novi Sad - City of Vukovar Paneuropean Transport Corridor VII - Danube TINA Vienna Transport Strategies - Arbeitsgemeinschaft Donaulander - Lombardia Region – Autonomous Region Trentino Alto Adige/Südtirol – Regional Council of Lombardia Autonomous Province of Trento - UNOPS -The Balkan Trust for Democracy. A project of the German Marshall Fund Province of Lodi – City of Milan - City of Rome – City of Rovereto - City of Trento – City of Venice Italian Embassy of Belgrade

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With the participation of: City of Florence – City of Modena – Associazione per la Pace – Associazione Libera -Tavola della Pace

Fair Trade Slovakia

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FFRRO OM MV VIIEEN NN NA AT TO OB BEELLGGRRAADDEE FFO ORR A AE EUURRO OPPEE BBEEYYO ON ND DT TH HEE BBO ORRD DEERRS S The origin of “Europe from below” and “Europe beyond the borders” “Europe from Below, Europe beyond the borders” is an appeal and a network of civil societies and local administrations from Italy and South East Europe (SEE), aiming to promote the quick integration of the whole region into the European Union, and to build together a new idea of Europe, which is based on citizenship, social inclusion, human rights and peace. It re-affirms the idea of commitment to peace, cooperation and integration of the SEE into an open and united Europe, considering SEE as historically, culturally and socially part of the common European house. “Europe beyond the borders ” was first born as an appeal in May 2001 in Padua (Italy), at the International Conference of Civitas, the fair of social economy, and was officially presented in Rome on the 24th of September 2001 in the presence of Mr. Walter Veltroni , the mayor of Rome. In October 2001, in the framework of the Peace March Perugia-Assisi, from the appeal it has been proposed a network of civil societies and local administrations from European Union and South Eastern European countries, aiming to promote quick integration of the whole region into the European Union. The “Europe from Below, Europe beyond the borders” network held its first meeting in Sarajevo on the 5 and 6th of April 2002, in the presence of Mr. Romano Prodi, President of the EU Commission and more than 300 representatives of civil society and local institutions from SEE and the European Union. th

The reasons for “Belgrade 2003“ Following the spiri t of Sarajevo, we are organising in September 2003 a second meeting of “Europe from below” in Belgrade. Since 2001 many things have changed at the international, European and SEE levels. Two years ago, the integration of SEE into the European Union was more a suggestion than an immediate political objective. But if SEE needs the European Union to smother the contradictions that imprinted recent history, today the European Union itself needs to imagine itself as united in order to play a culturally and politically relevant role at the international level. And the need for an enlarged Europe to the South East is very urgent in order to reopen the democracy dialectic at the international level. Therefore, the Belgrade meeting intends to make a step toward Sarajevo’s, putting in the communitarian political agenda the theme of SEE integration into the European Union through concrete actions and shared affirmation of a common citizenship. The meeting will be organized by symbolically linking a western European town, Vienna, with a South East one, Belgrade, along the Danube, which has represented for centuries the bridge between the two sides of Europe. Significant moments will be thematic seminars in the cities of the cruise: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Vukovar, Novi Sad and finally the two-day conference in Belgrade.

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The issues in discussion In the framework of the topics of the EU enlargement process, we have chosen some that we think have particular importance for SEE and on which we could contribute original thoughts “from below”, proposing best practice and lessons learned as well as practical suggestions. In Szentendre – Hungary, we will address the topic of environment with a seminar on “Environmental issue and water resource management in the civil society workshop of the Europe of 25”. We believe that environment is more than ever a sensitive issue for the whole of Europe that involves individuals and organisations regardless of borders and international status. We believe as well that the environmental issue, for its political nature, could not be addressed without the urgent issue of SEE democratisation processes into the new Europe. In Vukovar - Croatia, we will address the topic of communication with a seminar on “The role of media and communication as social facilitator and the EU integration process”. The media system has been deeply and dramatically involved in the conflicts which characterised SEE in the 90. Either they followed the nationalistic flow or they were strongly repressed. Sta rting from what happened in the recent past, we believe that the right of freedom of expression and the media power of building social reality have an essential role in the actual process of democratisation and integration of SEE into the EU. And therefore we believe that at the communication and information level it is one of the main challenges of European identity building . In Novi Sad - Serbia and Montenegro, we will address the topic of local communities in promoting development and peace paths. The seminar “Local communities of Europe: the role of cities and citizens in the building of a new Europe” will focus on local development and international decentralised cooperation as fields and tools of political action of authorities and local communities, and as privileged ways of strengthening citizens’ and local authorities’ relationships and to create a deep civic feeling. We believe that a Europe of citizens and local authorities is part of that Europe “from below”, which should go along with the building of an enlarged Europe. In the Belgrade final Conference, “Europe from below, Europe beyond the borders”, besides presenting the outcomes of the previous seminars, we will address three specific themes (in as many seminars), that we consider very sensitive both for the future of SEE as a region and as a part of the European Union. In the first seminar, titled Citizenship rights in a Europe without borders, we will discuss “from the civil society point of view” European rights and a European Charter towards a common citizenship. The second seminar, Towards a sustainable economy for SEE, will focus on traditional and institutional models and tools of economical development and alternative approaches “from below” in the globalisation framework. The third one , Building a new Europe: institutional actors and actors “from below”, will underline synergies and perspectives of integrated and alternative approaches of civil

From the 18th to the 20th in Belgrade, the “Second International Danube Conference on Art and Culture”, organised by the Belgrade Cultural Centre, will be held in Belgrade. Due to the similar issues and the interesting synergies derived from it, the organisers of both Conferences have planned some links and joint moments. The participants of the two Conferences will therefore have the opportunity to attend some sessions in both Conferences, as well as to attend common artistic moments.

Please note that for the detailed version of the programme you can see: Observatory on the Balkans http://www.osservatoriobalcani.org/danube

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Draft programme of the event (Please note that some contacted speakers and artists have yet to confirm their attendance) Day 1 (Friday, 12 September 2003) VIENNA (Austria) 14:00

Italian Embassy – Metternich Palace – Rennweg 27 Official opening of the initiative “Danube: Europe is meeting” Europe as Union of Minorities Promoted by the Region Trentino Alto Adige/Sudtirol In the presence of representatives of the City of Vienna, Ambassadors of European Union and South East Europe in Vienna, OSCE and participants to the Vienna-Belgrade cruise.

17.00

Institut für Volksmusikforschung und Ethnomusikologie - Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien – Anton von Weber Platz 1 Musical notes between the two sides of Europe Music from the multicultural tradition of Vienna edited by the Institut für Volksmusikforschung und Ethnomusikologie - Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien. With the participation of Hungarian Dance House, Rom traditional group and Italian Destrani Taraf Band.

20:30

Schwedenplatz Boarding and departure to Bratislava

23:00

Arrival in Bratislava and Hotel accommodation

Day 2 (Saturday, 13 September 2003) BRATISLAVA (Slovak Republic) 9:30

Bratislava City Hall – Primacialne Namestie 1 Seminar “Fair trade beyond the borders. Comparing experiences” Promoted by Fair Trade Slovakia and Bottega del Mondo Monimbo of Perugia - Italy In the presence of representatives of the City of Bratislava, City of Perugia and with the participation of NGOs dealing with fair trade from UE and Slovak Republic.

14:00

Klezmer and zigan music, Destrani Taraf (Italian Group) Welcoming buffet

15:00

Depart to Szentendre (Hungary) From Bratislava to Komaron with the bus and then by boat until Szentendre

23:00

Arrival in Szentendre and Hotel accommodation

Day 3 (Sunday 14 September 2003) SZENTENDRE (Hungary) 9:30

Regional Environment Center for Central and Eastern Europe Palace – Ady Endre ùt 9-11 “Environmental issue and water resource management in the civil society framework of Europe of 25” Promoted by Legambiente and the Italian Committee for the World Contract on Water, with European Commission support through Phare Programme With the participation of representatives from EU and SEE environmental NGOs, international and national institutions dealing with environmental issues, and participants to the Vienna-Belgrade cruise. 4

19:00

Boarding and Departure to Budapest

BUDAPEST (Hungary) 20:30

Italian Cultural Institute – Bródy Sàndor ùt. 8 Reception at the Italian Cultural Institute of Budapest Promoted by the Italian Embassy in Hungary In the presence of representatives of the City of Budapest, Ambassadors of European Union and South East Europe in Budapest, Autonomous Province of Trento and participants to the Vienna-Belgrade cruise. Klezmer and zigan music, Destrani Taraf (Italian Group)

22:30

Return by bus to Szentendre and Hotel accommodation

Day 4 (Monday 15 September 2003) 6:30

Depart to Vukovar Till Batina (Croatia) by bus, and then by boat During the trip lunch, seminars and artistic events.

18:30

Arrival in Vukovar and Hotel accommodation

21:00

ArbeGarbe in Concert (Italian Group) In the framework of “Vukovar summer concerts”

Day 5 (Tuesday 16 September 2003) VUKOVAR (Croatia) 9:30

Public Library Seminar “The role of media and communication as social facilitator and the EU integration process” Promoted by Local Democracy Agency Osijek - Vukovar and SEE - Oneworld In the presence of representatives from the City of Vukovar, Council of Europe and the Association of the LDAs, and with the participation of representatives from EU and SEE radio and TV networks, local journalists and NGOs and participants to the Vienna-Belgrade cruise.

16:00

Boarding and departure to Novi Sad During the trip “Antigoni” Theatre event performed by Pec-Peja Youth Centre with the sponsorship of Tavolo Trentino con il Kossovo

21:00

Arrival in Novi Sad and Hotel accommodation

Day 6 (Wednesday 17 September 2003) NOVI SAD (Serbia & Montenegro) 9:30

Seminar “Local Communities of Europe: the role of cities and citizens in the building of a new Europe” Promoted by City of Novi Sad, City of Modena, City of Rome, UNOPS,

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In the presence of representatives EUROCITIES East West Committe, Standing Conference of the Town and Municipalities of Yugoslavia, Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (CLRAE), OSCE and with the participation of mayors and NGOs representatives from EU and SEE. 15:00

Rectorate building The Local Communities Fair Promoted by Citizens' Pact for South Eastern Europe, ARCI ARCS, City of Modena and Pannonia With the participation of local NGOs with music, projections and presentation of local and international materials on Europe from Below experiences

20:30

Rectorate building Concert of Local groups

Day 7 (Thursday 18 September 2003) NOVI SAD 8:30

Boarding and departure to Belgrade During the trip books presentation

BELGRADE 13:30 Port of Belgrade – under Kalemegdan fortress Arrival in Belgrade and traditional Serbian welcoming Promoted by Civic Initiative On the boat Press Conference and presentation of the initiative “Danube: Europe is meeting” 15:30

Hotel accommodation

“Danube Conference on Art and Culture” 16:00 The Danube region, a unique civilisation circle in the past, in the 21st century processes Participation of a delegation to the afternoon session of the conference

20:30

“Cities and rivers” Joint cultural event of the European Cultural Institutes in Belgrade

Day 8 (Friday 19 September 2003) BELGRADE (Serbia & Montenegro) 9:15

Conference “EUROPE FROM BELOW, EUROPE BEYOND THE BORDERS” 1st session in three parallel panels

Panel a)

Citizenship rights in a Europe without borders Promoted by Citizen’s Pact, Italian Consortium of solidarity and City of Venice In the presence of representatives from the City of Venice and with the participation of representatives of EU and SEE NGOs dealing with migration, human rights, minorities at operative and research level.

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Panel b)

Towards a sustainable economy for SEE Promoted by Consorzio Pluriverso and Region Emilia Romagna In the presence of representatives from the Region Emilia Romagna and with the participation of representatives of NGOs, University institutes and international organisations such as UNDP from EU and SEE dealing with economics, local development privatisations and re- conversion of productive districts, recovery of industrial areas, ecological improvement of natural resources from polluting agents, social enterprise, organized crime and action of the civil society.

Panel c)

Building a new Europe: institutional actors and actors “from below” Promoted by Belgrade Center for European Integration, Civic Initiative, Centre for Antiwar Action and Region Lombardia In the presence of representatives from the Region Lombardia and with the participation of representatives of NGOs, Research institutes and international organisations from EU and SEE dealing with European enlargement such as European Stability Initiative, Berlin, European Movement of Serbia , Balkan Trust, Belgrade

17:45

Closing of the panels

Day 9 (Saturday 20 September 2003) BELGRADE (Serbia & Montenegro) 9:15 Conference EUROPE FROM BELOW, EUROPE BEYOND THE BORDERS 2nd session : Plenary Presentation of the 3 panels discussion and of the seminars held in Bratislava, Szentendre, Vukovar, Novi Sad 2nd International Danube Conference on Art and Culture Presentation of outcomes and adoption of final documents 14.30

Official re-launching of the appeal “Europe beyond the borders” Promoted by Italian Embassy in the framework of Italian Presidency of EU, European Commission Delegation and Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs In the presence of representatives form European Commission, European Parliament, Council of Europe Mission in Serbia & Montenegro, OSCE Mission in Serbia & Montenegro, Ambassadors of European Union and South East Europe in Belgrade, City of Belgrade, national and local authorities

17:30

From Trg Republik via Knez Mihajlova to Kalemegdan Street Theatre event “The river Danube: across, along and over” Performed by MIMART-Theatre in movement and by CEDEUM - Center for Drama in Education and Art, Belgrade

Day 10 (Sunday 21 September 2003)

PARTICIPANTS DEPARTURE

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