Björn Kjellström, Head of Office

As the sun finally starts shining, we at Europe House will be tackling topics ranging from the challenges of immigration to the rewards of caring and grandparenting, in seminars, debates, regional discussion fora and events featuring MEPs, stakeholders and think tanks.
We'll also take a peek at the fascinating world of social media and its increasing use in public policy, a field in which the European Parliament has played a leading role.

So come and join us. What's not to "like"?

Best wishes,
Björn Kjellström

Simon Busuttil MEP will host a discussion on a common EU immigration and asylum policy.

Immigration and asylum rank high in the list of concerns of European citizens, who are worried about the levels of irregular migration as well as the humanitarian duty of safeguarding the rights of people who are fleeing persecution. The EU has been working hard on building a common immigration and asylum policy for what it considers a European problem. The United Kingdom has won the right to choose whether to opt in or out on such matters of EU law and policy.

As decision time approaches, we will discuss the likely British stance in this debate and what is at stake. The event is free and open to all but the space is limited. If you wish to attend please
RSVP: Agnieszka.PIELA@ext.ec.europa.eu

The European Parliament is hosting an event marking 2012 as the European Year of Active Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity in collaboration with Grandparents Plus, a national charity bringing together grandparents and other kinship carers together.  The event will take place with policy makers from central and local government to provide an opportunity for an exchange of views with Tim Loughton, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families, local authorities and a wide range of interested parties.  

When: 10:00 - 16:00
Where: Europe House, 32 Smith Square, London SW1P 3EU
RSVP: www.grandparentsplus.org.uk
All welcome to attend with pre-registration via Tel 0208 981 8001

This seminar will focus on using traditional media and social media in public policy debates. The event will gather think-tanks, academics and public policy specialists to look at the intersection of traditional and social media, with special regard to the leading role of the European Parliament in using social media for public sector communication.

Undergraduates from the Politics Department of the University of Chester will visit Europe House for a presentation on how the EU legislative procedures work. The students will also be in London to visit the Houses of Parliament.

Grandparents Plus has been collaborating with the Institute of Gerontology at King's College London, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and the Beth Johnson Foundation on a major two year project to explore the role of grandparents within family life across Europe.  Interim findings will be explored at this event in the presence of Jean Lambert, MEP.

When: 12:30 - 16:00
Where: Europe House, 32 Smith Square, London SW1P 3EU
RSVP: www.grandparentsplus.org.uk
All welcome to attend with pre-registration via Tel 0208 981 8001

The Outreach Team of the European Parliament Information Office in the UK along with the Houses of Parliament Outreach team will be present at the largest village show in Cumbria.  There will be a drop in session for the general public with their elected representatives (MEPs & MPs) and a stall providing information on how the decisions made at EU level affect daily life in areas such as food, employment and the environment.  Staff will be available to answer questions and activities provided to encourage old and young to play together, highlighting 2012 as the European Year of Active Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity.

The Centre for Intergenerational Practice is an initiative of the Beth Johnson Foundation based in Stoke and works in the areas of positive ageing, a specialist advocacy programme for older people with dementia. The group meets regularly with its members to discuss progress.

When: 12:00 - 16:00
Where: Europe House, 32 Smith Square, London SW1P 3EU
RSVP: http://www.centreforip.org.uk

A Regional Discussion Forum in the South West of England will take place during the week beginning 16 July with Members of the European Parliament.
This is a chance for key players in the business and agricultural communities across the region to engage in a series of forums with their elected representatives at European level. There will be sessions also for the general public. Details of locations and dates to be announced shortly

When: Monday, 16 July 2012
Where: TBC
RSVP: elisabeth.sweeney@europarl.europa.eu

The headquarters of the European Parliament and the European Commission in London hosts regular exhibitions that are open to the public. Please visit the 12 Star Gallery website to find out about the exhibitions coming up in Europe House.

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