School of European Integration has begun with new generation of participants on Initial Seminar in Vrnjačka banja. The aim of the seminar was to introduce the participants and provide them with knowledge on basic concepts and processes related to the European Union and accession process. From 13th to 15th of July, interactive lectures with eminent experts on EU institutions, Enlargement policy and Instruments for Pre-Accession Assistance were organized, with special focus Negotiation Process and Western Balkans Accession to the EU.
Selected participants of Rule of Law and Sustainable Development modules had the opportunity to openly discuss and exchange views with lecturers during and in-between interesting lectures on whether the EU is a state or an international organization or different EU approaches in the Western Balkans.
On the first day, EMinS Secretary General, Suzana Grubjesic, discussed with participants about developments and integration of European communities as well as the EU state elements. Participants went through the EU decision making procedures with Vladimir Ateljevic, Advisor to the Ministry of European Integration and Vladimir Medjak, EMinS Vice-president.
After the break, they had the opportunity to discuss about EU Economic and Budget policies, as well as the trends in global trade and the role of the EU with Predrag Bjelic, Professor at the Faculty of Economics. Interesting debate has occurred among them about Eurozone crisis and the consequences of the current changes. The next lecture was held by Vladimir Ateljević on the topic of the EU Accession Negotiations. The influence of the previous EU enlargements on current ones with WB gained high attention from participants and triggered discussion.
The following day, participants went through the Stabilization and Association Process with Vladimir Medjak and discussed its transformation powers and membership criteria. With Suzana Grubješić, they had the opportunity to openly discuss and express opinions and views on the Western Balkans and the future within the EU. At the end, Ivan Knezevic from EMinS explained the EU financial framework, the allocation of the funds the level of integration in the existing financial framework. The participants discussed ways of applying for Pre – Accession Instruments as well as the possibilities for their utilization.
Kosovo Foundation for Open Society, in cooperation with the European Movement in Serbia and NGO AKTIV, launched the School of European Integration in 2014 for key actors in northern Kosovo. In 2018, Communication for Social Development from Gračanica joined the project team which will contribute to the expansion of the School achieving better results in other local communities. Find more info on the project here.
