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- Ideas and Inspirations
  - 2011
    - Winner of the 2010 LUX Prize : The 2010 LUX Prize went to the film Die Fremde (When we leave) depicting the struggle of a young Turkish woman living in Germany and her attempt to build a life outside the cultural norms of her community. The film will be shown on the evening of 6 May at Curzon Cinema Mayfair, London. For information please contact eplondon@europarl.europa.eu .
    - Get involved with your parliament - Shami Chakrabarti at Europe House : The outreach teams of the European Parliament and the Houses of Parliament organised in collaboration with the National Alliance of Womens' Organisations this public event on how to engage with both Parliaments.
    - Questions & Answers on the Citizens' Initiative : The European Parliament's Press service has published a Q&A on Citizens' Initiative, highlighting the key issues and answering the most frequently asked questions.
    - Parlamentarium : Experience the European Parliament as never before. At the Visitors' Centre in Brussels, children and adults alike get to discover in a refreshingly new way more about the institution that represents them.
    - Parlamentarium : The European Parliament new Visitors' Centre in Brussels will open to the public on Friday 14 October at 10.00. It is the largest parliamentary visitors' centre in Europe and the first ever exhibition fully accessible in 23 languages. Citizens, local residents and tourists will have the opportunity to gain a unique insight into the European institutions and particularly the European Parliament through a wide array of interactive multimedia tools.
  - 2010
    - Human rights network : The European Parliament awards the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought annually in December. Each year the prize is awarded to individuals or organizations which - like Sakharov - have distinguished themselves in the struggle for human rights. Using this opportunity, the European Parliament Information Office in the United Kingdom is setting up a network on the human rights aspects of trade and the work of the European Parliament in enhancing the protection of human rights.
    - David Harker CAB : Interview with David Harker, CEO, Citizens Advice Bureaux
    - Impressions of a Euro-Negotiator at the European Parliament; November 24-26 : By Ayca Rodop; MSc Student in International Public Policy, University College London (UCL) Since returning from Brussels I have had some difficulty explaining to friends what exactly I got up to over two intense days spent negotiating at the European Parliament...
  - 2009
    - Euroscola trip in September 2009 with Leicestershire Students (17th-19th September) : The aim of the programme was to bring together secondary school students from the 25 European Union countries and to enable them to gain an insight into the workings of the European Parliament whilst learning about the lives, views and expectations of young people from other EU countries. Students from 6 schools across Leicestershire met up at County Hall at 1:30am, ready to head for Stansted Airport to catch a flight to Baden-Baden (Germany).
    - Scottish students at the EP Strasbourg : At the November plenary session in Strasbourg the European Parliament welcomed a group of 36 sixth-formers from the East Dunbartonshire and Glasgow area as part of a visit linked to an EP-funded project under the auspices of Gerry Toner from Heriot-Watt University. The pupils were given the opportunity to meet (and indeed put questions to) four of the Scottish MEPs, namely, Catherine Stihler, David Martin, Struan Stevenson and George Lyon, they were also able to follow a debate and tune into Question Time to the Council. They thoroughly enjoyed this experience.
    - Euroscola visit in the Parliament from Glasgow : The Glasgow Euroscola visit to Strasbourg among others.
    - COLEG SIR GAR STUDENTS REPRESENT THE UK IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT : A group of 15 students from Coleg Sir Gar took part in the Euroscola day in the European Parliament in Strasbourg on 06 February 2009.
    - Euroscola - Students from Ribston Hall High School in Strasbourg : A group of nine students and their teachers from Ribston Hall High School have recently returned from a triumphant visit to Strasbourg; home of the European Parliament.
    - Building Parliament: 50 years of European Parliament History 1958-2008 : The book 'Building Parliament: 50 years of European Parliament History 1958-2008' was produced by the European University Institute, Florence, under the direction of Yves Mény, for the European Parliament.
    - EUROSCOLA 2009 : 'An amazing inter-cultural experience -meeting people from different nations made me think about my personal views more' 'A superb day - everyone would have got something out of it!' 'I felt like I was part of the EU, I didn't before' 'This was truly an amazing experience and one that I will never forget!'
    - Peter Kirk Memorial Fund & Travel Scholarship : If ever you visit the UK Office of the European Parliament, you can ask to see the published reports, photographic journals, diaries and from later this year for the first time, DVDs produced by the winners of the Peter Kirk Travel Scholarship. And if you do spend an hour or so browsing these records, you will find something unique and worthy of what the fund set out to do in memory of Peter Kirk.
  - 2007
    - UACES The University Association for Contemporary European Studies : In its promotional material UACES styles itself the dynamic interdisciplinary association devoted to European Studies and highlights its role in exchanging ideas on Europe. This is exactly what it is and does.
- Face to face with...
  - 2012
    - Maureen O'Neill, Scottish member of the European Economic and Social Committee : I was asked in 2001, if I would like to put my name forward. The Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) nominated me in the first instance and for the following mandates; my understanding is that several people were put forward and the Minister responsible for the European Affairs made the recommendation to the Scottish Parliament for ratification; and subsequently to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for approval. For the current mandate SCVO and the twenty-two major intermediaries were all sent an invitation to put forward nominees, so I feel that my appointment also reflects the wishes of the sector and that the process is fair and it is open, which is very important.
  - 2010
    - Iain Todd, Renewables Champion, Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) : AREG's main role is to promote the growth of renewable energy in our city - in a phrase, to make Aberdeen as well-known for renewable energy as it is for oil and gas. Our member companies - and there are almost 150 of them - work in all the main renewable technologies - from wind power to wood fuel, from hydro to wave and tidal energy.
    - Peter Kelly, Director of The Poverty Alliance : The Poverty Alliance is the anti-poverty network in Scotland. We bring together community groups, organizations, academics, trade unions - all working with the Government to try to find better solutions to poverty. We have an informal membership of between 130-140, but we have a much wider network - over about a thousand contacts with whom we are in regular contact. We work formally with a whole range of community organizations and members as well as a informal contact with a wide range of groups.
    - Dr Marianella Salapatas, President, European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients' Associations : 'When I was growing up, I noticed how people around me had relatively minor problems with their lungs or were suffering from allergies, and how these problems can require adjustments in every day life. I then imagined what it must be like for people with serious allergies or respiratory diseases, and this got me involved.'
  - 2009
    - Face to face with ... Ian Thomson, President, European Information Association : Ian Thomson is Mr EU Information in the UK. He is Manager, European Documentation Centre, Cardiff University, Consultant to the Enterprise Europe Network Wales, Executive Editor, European Sources Online (ES0), has been Director, South Wales Europe Direct Information Centre (SWEDIC) and also finds time to be President of the European Information Association and Chair of the UK European Information Networks: Steering Group
    - Gordon Lishman CBE, Director General, Age Concern : To start with some general context for Age Concern's activities at EU level. Age Concern is a UK operation. It has never set out to operate internationally (Age Concern England's constitution does not give a geographical limit to its area of benefit) but over the years has tended to take on a leading role in EU and international organisations dealing with ageing.
    - Tony Coleman, Vote Barnet! : Tony Coleman has not always worked for local government. In fact for most of the past twenty years he has been an actor, producer and director at home in Ireland and in the US. What made him make such a dramatic change of career? He recently did an MA in Cultural policy and management and sees a great similarity between the arts and politics. That similarity is engagement.
    - David Orr, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation and President of CECODHAS : David Orr is Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation which represents 1300 independent not-for-profit housing associations in England. He is also President of CECODHAS, the European Liaison Committee for Social Housing which represents 46 regional and national federations across 19 EU member states providing 22 million homes to 70 million Europeans.
    - Aidan Stradling, linking North East England with Europe : Aidan Stradling works as a consultant, trainer and adviser with organisations across North East England, the UK and the EU. He was previously Europe and Government Liaison Manager at the regional assembly in North East England.
    - Steve Elliott, Chief Executive of Chemical Industries Association : The UK's chemical and pharmaceutical sector is a £60 billion industry. Every day those businesses - situated across the UK - add £20 million to this country's balance of trade. The jobs of more than half a million people are dependent on the sector. Those jobs are highly skilled and comparatively well paid. The industry body in the UK is the Chemical Industries Association (CIA). Steve Elliott, CIA Chief Executive is based in London but spends a great deal of his time in Brussels because the majority of policy, legislation and regulation that impacts the chemical industry originates from the institutions of the European Union.
    - Face to face interview with Tim Stone, public affairs officer, Salvation Army : In 2009,The Salvation Army is active in 28 countries around the EU and 117 countries globally. 'There is increasing recognition that the EU shapes the UK and ultimately affects all of our lives. It is our responsibility as citizens to ensure all society's interests are represented and responded to. Failure to participate entails failure to achieve.', Tim Stone says.
    - Face to face with Elisabetta Zanon, Director, NHS European Office : The NHS European Office was set up to represent NHS organisations in England to EU decision makers. We do this through monitoring and engaging with EU policy and legislative developments which have an impact on the NHS as a provider and commissioner of healthcare, an employer and as a business. Although each EU country has its own unique healthcare system, we share common values and objectives and so often work together at EU level. We frequently build alliances and work closely with other like-minded organisations in order to have a stronger voice in EU decision making.
  - 2007
    - Sally Muggeridge, Chief Executive IPT : Industry and Parliament Trust at 30 What is the IPT and what was the original impulse for setting it up? The IPT was established in 1977 to promote mutual understanding between legislators and wealth generators from all sectors of business. Specifically, what we do is provide
    - Stuart Etherington, Chief Executive of the NCVO : This week sees the NCVO Annual Conference in London (21 February) on the theme of leadership and connecting communities. Stuart Etherington, Chief Executive of the NCVO looks back on the past thirteen years of his involvement with the NCVO to see how the voluntary sector has changed and what particular EU influences have affected its development
- Trends and Opinions
  - trends-2011-January
    - EurOpinions Hull : Over a hundred students from all around Yorkshire and the Humber - joined by a delegation of Dutch students from Rotterdam - converged on Hull University on November 26 for a day of quizzes, rap songs and earnest debates about our relationship with Europe.
  - trends-2010-February
    - Focus: The main donor of aid in the world...? : The European Union gives the most humanitarian aid in the world, and when a natural disaster has struck, it can act within hours. Yet these facts remains obscure in the minds of its citizens and little visible on the ground.
  - trends-2010-December
    - Sir Paul McCartney in the European Parliament: 'Less meat - Less heat' : EP President Jerzy Buzek urged everyone "to act globally to face global challenges, but not to ignore what we do at home," when opening the "Less meat=less heat" hearing on 3 December. The idea of one meat-free day a week was highlighted as a way for an individual to make a difference to global warming. "It is very doable," said Sir Paul McCartney, the protagonist behind the campaign.
  - trends-2008-December
    - From Gothenburg to London : by Anna Kjällström The typical Londoner for me, does not exist, since the sense is always shifting, depending on just where you are. London first seemed to me, to be a city of chaos, but the longer I am here the more London seems to me more a place full of different islands with different identities but at the same time they are all connected.
  - trends-2006-December
    - Home thoughts: The time is now for Poland : by Dorota Brauntsch Polska kielbasa, polskie produkty, polski sklep. Polish signs all over London are hard to miss. Wherever I go I hear Polish spoken, I meet Poles, I can buy any Polish product I want. I was literally shocked when I arrived in Britain last year and I saw Polish stores on every corner.
  - trends-2007-June
    - Italia, Mamma Mia ! : Living in a foreign country gives you a not-to-be-underestimated asset: perspective. You learn to look at your own country from a distance. This doesn't mean being detached or indifferent. In fact, never as now have I felt so strongly about my country, my culture, my people.
  - trends-2007-May
    - The Odd Couple - Britain and the EU : by by Luke O'Neill The European Union is an odd creature in Britain. It seems as if its motives are always questioned and its actions are often decried. But, then again, Britain is an odd creature within the EU. Its suspicion is a source of bewilderment to other member states.
  - trends-2007-March
    - Don't mention... Britain, Germany and the debate about Europe : by Kathrin Haimerl Around the date of the 50th anniversary of the EU: 25 March 2007, Kathrin Haimerl, a German student, spent ten days working in the UK Office of the European Parliament. Here she writes of her impressions of the EU debate in the UK and whether it lived up to her expectations.
    - Rara Avis : by Caroline Boyle On 29 March 2007, after 33 years, Avis Furness Librarian with the UK Office of the European Parliament retires. Here she recalls a mixture of historic events and personal highlights and talks about the very many changes her working life has seen in relation to developments in new technology and how they have altered our information needs and expectations.
  - trends-2007-February
    - Siesta, Fiesta, Tapas : by Maria Pomes Maria Pomes is 23 years old, and has been living in London for two years. She combines her full time job in a lobby company with some freelance journalism articles for print and online Spanish publications. She also runs two blogs about London. Maria is a Communications Graduate with a passion for politics, travel and photography.
Your MEPs
- What do MEPs do?
- Political Groups
- List MEPs by Region
- MEP-List
  - 73_McINTYRE_Anthea
  - 1-AGNEW-John-Stuart
  - 2-ANDREASEN-Marta
  - 3-ASHWORTH-Richard
  - 4-Sir-ATKINS-Robert
  - 5-BATTEN-Gerard
  - 6-BEARDER-Catherine
  - 7-BLOOM-Godfrey
  - 8-BOWLES-Sharon
  - 9-BRADBOURN-Philip
  - 10-BRONS-Andrew-Henry-William
  - 11-BUFTON-John
  - 12-CALLANAN-Martin
  - 13-CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN-David
  - 14-CASHMAN-Michael
  - 15-CHICHESTER-Giles
  - 16-CLARK-Derek-Roland
  - 17-COLMAN-Trevor
  - 18-DARTMOUTH-William
  - 19-DAVIES-Chris
  - Bairbre de Brún : Confederal Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left
    bairbre.debrun-office@europarl.europa.eu
  - 21-DEVA-Nirj
  - Diane Dodds
  - 23-DUFF-Andrew
  - 24-ELLES-James
  - 25-EVANS-Jill
  - 26-FARAGE-Nigel
  - 27-FORD-Vicky
  - 28-FOSTER-Jacqueline
  - 29-FOX-Ashley
  - 30-GIRLING-Julie
  - 31-GRIFFIN-Nick
  - 32-HALL-Fiona
  - 33-HANNAN-Daniel
  - 34-HARBOUR-Malcolm
  - 35-HELMER-Roger
  - 36-HONEYBALL-Mary
  - 37-HOWITT-Richard
  - 38-HUDGHTON-Ian : Below is a short clip of Ian Hudghton talking about a typical day in his life of an MEP. A booklet is available featuring all six Scottish MEPs describing a day in their lives. If you would like a copy, please contact the Edinburgh Office
  - 39-HUGHES-Stephen
  - 40-KAMALL-Syed
  - 41-KARIM-Sajjad
  - 42-KIRKHOPE-Timothy
  - 43-LAMBERT-Jean
  - 44-Baroness-LUDFORD-Sarah
  - 45-LYNNE-Elizabeth
  - 46-LYON-George
  - 47-McAVAN-Linda
  - 48-McCARTHY-Arlene
  - 49-McCLARKIN-Emma
  - 50-McMILLAN-SCOTT-Edward
  - 51-MARTIN-David : Below is a short clip of David Martin talking about a typical day in his life of an MEP. A booklet is available featuring all six Scottish MEPs describing a day in their lives. If you would like a copy, please contact the Edinburgh Office
  - 52-MORAES-Claude
  - 53-NATTRASS-Mike
  - 54-NEWTON-DUNN-Bill
  - 55-NICHOLSON-James
  - 56-NUTTALL-Paul
  - 57-SIMPSON-Brian
  - 58-SINCLAIRE-Nicole
  - 59-SKINNER-Peter
  - 60-SMITH-Alyn : Below is a short clip of Alyn Smith talking about a typical day in his life of an MEP. A booklet is available featuring all six Scottish MEPs describing a day in their lives. If you would like a copy, please contact the Edinburgh Office
  - 61-STEVENSON-Struan : Below is a short clip of Struan Stevenson talking about a typical day in his life of an MEP. A booklet is available featuring all six Scottish MEPs describing a day in their lives. If you would like a copy, please contact the Edinburgh Office
  - 62-STIHLER-Catherine : Below is a short clip of Catherine Stihler talking about a typical day in his life of an MEP. A booklet is available featuring all six Scottish MEPs describing a day in their lives. If you would like a copy, please contact the Edinburgh Office
  - 63-STURDY-Robert
  - 64-SWINBURNE-Kay
  - 65-TANNOCK-Charles
  - 66-TAYLOR-Keith
  - 67-VAN-ORDEN-Geoffrey
  - 68-VAUGHAN-Derek
  - 69-WALLIS-Diana
  - 70-Sir-WATSON-Graham
  - 71-WILLMOTT-Glenis
  - 72-YANNAKOUDAKIS-Marina
Media
- Daily News Roundup
- Euromyths - the joke, dear reader, is on you : At the beginning of 2013 we decided to start publishing on our website examples of distortions, mistakes and outright untruths appearing in the major British papers about our institution the European Parliament. We think that criticism not based on fact and reported as news does nothing to enlighten the British voter. The items we will report below will have been raised with (and most often ignored by) the editors and/or reporters of the papers involved and occasionally with the Press Complaints Commission. We think that citizens interested in the evolution and possible reform of EU institutions they pay for (and directly elect, in the case of the MEPs and, indirectly, in the case of the Government Ministers representing the UK in the Council of Ministers) have a right to know when the reporting is incorrect.
  - A sinister conspiracy to inform : 12/03/2013 Welcome to the brave new world of EU reporting at the Daily Express, where information is bad, transparency is dictatorship, civic rights are forms of oppression and checking facts makes you blind.
  - Shock, horror! The European Parliament wants to know what people think : On 3/2/2013 the Daily Telegraph publishes a story online entitled "EU is to set up euro-election 'troll patrol' to tackle Eurosceptic surge'. The article goes on to say that the European Parliament is to spend almost £2 million on press monitoring and trawling Eurosceptic debates on the internet for "trolls" with whom to debate in the run-up and during euro-elections next year amid fears that hostility to the EU is growing.
  - CAP reform : complex yes, secretive er...no. : A Daily Telegraph opinion piece by Andrew Gilligan published on 26 January gives the impression that important debates and votes about the future of the CAP currently going through the European Parliament are somehow taking place in a clandestine way. Nothing could be further from the truth. The information, tonnes of it, has always been out there (click on the image to read more)
  - The 'cost' of MEPs : This story surfaced in early January 2013 following the publication of a reply to an official question by Lord Stoddart of Swindon to the UK Government about the annual total cost and cost per member of The House of Lords, the House of Commons and The European Parliament (click on the image to read more)
- European Parliament Weekly Agenda : The London office gives you an overview of what's happening in the European Parliament this week with particular coverage of issues involving UK MEPs and petitions with UK interest.
  - EP News 2013
    - EP_News_2013_June
      - EP News No.23/2013 : MEPs return to Brussels on 17 June for a full week of committee meetings.
      - EP News No. 22/2013 : European Parliament session, Strasbourg, 10-13 June 2013
      - EP News No.21/2013 : MEPs return to Brussels on 3 June for committee meetings and political group meetings in preparation for the Strasbourg plenary from 10-13 June.
    - EP_News_2013_May
      - EP News No.20/2013 : MEPs return to Brussels on 27 May for a full week of committee meetings.
      - EP News No. 19/2013 : European Parliament session, Strasbourg, 15-18 April 2013
      - EP News No. 18/2013 : MEPs return to Brussels on 13 May for committee meetings and political group meetings in preparation for the Strasbourg plenary from 20-23 May.
      - EP News No. 17/2013 : MEPs return to Brussels on 6 May for committee meetings.
    - EP_News_2013_April
      - EP News No. 16/2013 : MEPs return to their constituencies this week and meet again for a full week of committee meetings in Brussels on 6 May.
      - EP News No. 15/2013 : MEPs return to Brussels on 22 April for a full week of committee meetings.
      - EP News No. 14/2013 : European Parliament session, Strasbourg, 15-18 April 2013
      - EP News No. 13/2013 : MEPs return to Brussels on 8 April for committee meetings and political group meetings.
    - EP_News_2013_March
      - EP News No. 12/2013 : MEPs return to Brussels on 25 March for committee meetings before the Easter break.
      - EP News No. 11/2013 : MEPs return to Brussels on 18 March for a full week of committee meetings.
      - EP News No. 10/2013 : European Parliament session, Strasbourg, 11-14 March 2013
      - EP News No. 9/2013 : MEPs return to Brussels on 4 March for committee meetings and political group meetings.
    - EP_News_2013_February
      - EP News No. 8/2013 : MEPs return to Brussels on 25 February for committee meetings.
      - EP News No. 7/2013 : MEPs return to Brussels on 18 February for a full week of committee meetings.
      - EP News No. 6/2013 : MEPs return to their constituencies next week and meet again for a full week of committee meetings in Brussels on 18 February.
      - EP News No. 5/2013 : European Parliament session, Strasbourg, 4-7 February 2013
    - EP_News_2013_January
      - EP News No. 4/2013 : MEPs return to Brussels on 28 January for committee meetings and political group meetings.
      - EP News No. 3/2013 : MEPs return to Brussels on 21 January for a full week of committee meetings.
      - EP News No. 2/2013 : European Parliament session, Strasbourg, 14-17 January 2013
      - EP News No. 1/2013 : MEPs return to Brussels on 7 January for the first committee meetings, and political group meetings in preparation for the first plenary session of 2013 in Strasbourg from 14-17 January.
  - EP News 2012
    - EP_News_2012_December
      - EP News No. 40/2012 : MEPs return to Brussels on 17 December for the last two days of committee meetings in 2012
      - EP News No. 39/2012 : European Parliament session, Strasbourg, 10-13 December 2012
    - EP_News_2012_November
      - EP News No. 38/2012 : MEPs return to Brussels on 3 December a full week of committee meetings and political group meetings in preparation for the last plenary of the year from 10-13 December in Strasbourg.
      - EP News No. 37/2012 : MEPs return to Brussels on Monday for a week of committee meetings and hearings.
      - EP News No. 36/2012 : European Parliament session, Strasbourg, 19-22 November 2012
      - EP News No. 35/2012 : MEPs are in Brussels next week for a week of committee meetings in preparation for the plenary session in Strasbourg 19 - 22 November
      - EP News No. 34/2012 : As the Brussels plenary scheduled for 7-8 November has been cancelled, Members return to Brussels on 5 November for a week of committee meetings.strong>

Events

Upcoming European Parliament Events in the UK

Britain and Europe. Past. Present. Future? - London, 18th July 2013 : How much legislation comes from Brussels and how much from Westminster? Different people give different answers. What is the relationship between the British constitution and the EU legal framework? By looking at the past and the present can we understand what Britain's future can be in the European context? The Constitution Society and the European Parliament information office in London will address these questions and more with a panel of high profile speakers at the next event in the Young People and the Constitution series which was opened in May by The Speaker, John Bercow MP at Europe House. The event is intended for students, young people and academics, but we welcome anyone who is interested. Time 18.30-20.00 followed by networking session Venue Europe House, London RSVP ypc@consoc.org.uk

DemocracyMatters : Elections to the European Parliament are in May 2014. What can civil society and education do to help people know what the elections are about? If you are concerned about democracy and any aspect of the EU or if you're involved in adult or community education, or work with grassroots communities, then this event is for you. This Democracy Forum is being hosted jointly by Democracy Matters and the European Parliament Information Office Discuss the issues at stake in the May 2014 European elections Hear from Jean Lambert MEP about what she does for the UK at the European Parliament Find out what resources are available for education about the EU Hear from the European Parliament about what it does and how people can influence it

PoliticalLondon

EU Events Calendar

Past Events

European Parliament Events 2013

Young People and the Constitution - Launch event with John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons - London, 13 May 2013 : Mr Speaker will be delivering a talk on the role of Parliament in the British constitution. Young People and the Constitution is The Constitution Society's initiative to inform today's young people and tomorrow's leaders on the workings of the British constitution and the arms and levers of our state. Bringing young people from a broad range of experience and backgrounds together with key figures in the workings of the British constitution, we aim to better prepare the politicians and civil servants of tomorrow. Over 150 young people have registered to attend the event and registration is now closed. Date 13 May 2013 Time 17.00-19.00 Venue European Parliament Information Office (32 Smith Square, London SW1P 3EU) Hosted by The Constitution Society, the European Parliament and the UK Parliament

The Future of the EU - Monday 3 June 2013 : With less than a year to go till the European Parliament elections, high-level politicians and senior academics came together at Europe House to discuss the future of the EU Institutions from 2014 and the impact of these changes on Britain's relationship with the EU. Speakers: Martin Callanan MEP, Leader European Conservatives & Reformists Guy Verhofstadt MEP, Leader Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Europe Emma Reynolds MP, Shadow Europe Minister Professor Simon Hix, Head, Dept of Government, LSE, Founder of Votewatch.eu Professor Anand Menon, European Politics, King's College London The debate was moderated by Benedicte Paviot, UK Correspondent, France 24 and live tweeted using #EU2014

The UK/EU 40 Years - in partnership with the Welsh Assembly - 1 May 2013 : To mark the 40th Anniversary of UK Membership of the EU the European Parliament invited you to a public debate on Wales in Europe hosted by the Presiding Officer Rosemary Butler AM. The debate was preceded by a reception kindly hosted by the European Commission Office in Wales. I nodi pen blwydd 40 aelodaeth y DU o'r UE, mae Senedd Ewrop yn eich gwahodd i ddadl gyhoeddus ar Gymru yn Ewrop wedi ei chynnal gan y Llywydd, Rosemary Butler AC. Bydd derbyniad cyn y ddadl gan Swyddfa'r Comisiwn Ewropeaidd yng Nghymru.

Plymouth : City College, Plymouth. Lunch included. "There is a huge appetite for debate and discussion about our future within the EU and some real concerns from Business about the consequences of any potential exit" Julie Girling, MEP for the South West Plymouth Chamber of Commerce hosted a panel discussion on EU Legislation as part of their 200th Celebrations with: • Julia Girling MEP • Alison Seabeck MP • Tim Jones Chair of the Heart of the South West LEP • Adam Marshall Policy (Director of British Chamber of Commerce) It was introduced by John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons Cost: Free Date: 19 April 2013 Time : 11.30 - 14.00

Funding the EU and EU Funding in Wales : On Friday the 19th of April, the European Parliament's offices in the UK organized an event in Cardiff regarding the EU funding and its effect in Wales called "Funding the EU and EU Funding in Wales". Moderated by the BBC Wales journalist Tomos Livingstone, the event had had Jane Hutt AM, Jill Evans MEP, Guto Bebb MP and Derek Vaughan MEP as speakers, as well as Guy Flament (European Commission, DG Regio), Rona Michie (EPRC, University of Strathclyde), Dr Adrian Healy (Cardiff University) and Hywel Ceri Jones (Former European Commission Director- General). Photos from Funding the EU and EU Funding in Wales

Social-mediatisation of politics - London : Social media and the changing trends of news consumption are remaking politics. How does this change political career-paths and the level of control political parties have over their members? How can parties adapt to this change, both vis-à-vis their members and their voters?. But it's not only traditional political parties that must rethink their communication, but also public institutions. Is there a democratic obligation for public institutions to be on social media? If yes, how does that change policy making and traditional boundaries between transparency and confidentiality? Date 29 April 2013 Time 09.00-12.30 Venue European Parliament Information Office (32 Smith Square, London SW1P 3EU) Hosted by European Parliament Information Office in the UK in partnership with Electionista

Europe Day - 9 May 2013 : On 9th May 1950 the Schuman Declaration was presented by French foreign minister Robert Schuman. It proposed the creation of a European Coal and Steel Community, whose members would pool coal and steel production. This was the seed of what has today grown into the European Union. This day is now marked across Europe including in the following ways across the UK.

Meet "The man who capped the banks"* : A briefing by Philippe Lamberts MEP on the new banking regulatory dossiers and the caps on bank bonuses at EU level At the end of February 2013 EU Ministers and the European parliament struck a provisional deal on new financial rules, including a cap on bank bonuses. EU finance ministers met at the beginning of March to confirm the deal. The European Parliament is set to vote on the final agreement on the whole banking regulatory dossier and the bonus cap in its April 2013 plenary session Philippe Lamberts, a Belgian Green MEP and a member of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee of the EP, was the first to raise the idea of pegging bonuses to salaries and has been at the forefront of efforts to impose the rule Europe-wide, to discourage excessive risk-taking in the financial sector. In this 'behind-the-scenes' briefing and Q&A, Mr Lamberts gave his assessment of the state of play on the various banking regulatory dossiers on which the European Parliament will vote on in April. *Financial Times headline, 1 March 2013

The City in Europe: Regulation, Culture and the Bottom Line : As the reputation and economic role of the financial sector continues to be called into question, there are demands for further regulation at national and EU level. Regulators have made it clear that they will act to introduce stricter legislation. Will this just result in more rules and therefore more rule-bending? Are complex rules the right answer to complex problems? Current research shows that simple principles may produce better results. A change in corporate culture is surely an integral part of good regulation. It is clearly in the financial sector's interest to raise its ethical standards, since poor conduct has caused repeated harm to the bottom line. But is improving the bottom line the only reason for business to behave ethically or is there a motivation beyond the books? Why do we need good corporate culture in society? Our panel of specialists discussed how to engage City professionals and politicians in defining culture change in the City and the contribution of traditional concepts of morality. The European Parliament Information Office in the UK and St Paul's Institute and the British Bankers' Association hosted the discussion. Sharon Bowles MEP Leslie Griffiths, Lord Griffiths of Burry Port Anthony Browne, CEO, BBA Bill Michael, Head of Financial Services, KPMG (tbc) The debate was moderated by Brooke Masters, Chief Regulation correspondent, Financial Times.

EU Police & Criminal Justice Measures: Better off in or out? : The European Parliament Information Office in the UK and Open Europe hosted a discussion on: Should the UK continue to be bound by approximately 130 EU police and criminal justice measures and accept the EU Court of Justice's full jurisdiction over them? The British Government will have to give a final answer to this question by the 31st of May 2014. This event aims to provide information on this complex subject for a well-informed public debate. Glancing back, speakers looked at the criticism levelled at these measures, their contribution to Britain's security, and the role of the EU institutions in this area of law. Looking forward, the panel analysed possible consequences for the UK of exercising its right to opt out or opt in. If the British Government decided not to opt out what are the chances of reforming the existing measures? And if the Government does decide to opt out, what are the legal and political conditions of opting back into some measures selectively or cooperating on a new case-by-case basis with European partners. Glancing back

Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Home Affairs Claude Moraes MEP, Labour MEP for London Alex Tinsley, Fair Trials International Stephen Booth, Open Europe George Eustice MP, Conservative MP for Camborne and Redruth Coffee break Looking forward

Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Home Affairs Timothy Kirkhope MEP, Conservative MEP for Yorkshire and The Humber Sarah Ludford, MEP Liberal Democrat MEP for London Martin Howe QC The debate was moderated by Joshua Rozenberg, Legal commentator and journalist. Date | Thursday, 11 April 2013 Venue| Europe House, 32, Smith square, London, SW1P 3EU

EU Clinical Trials Directive: What to expect from the revised legislation : The European Parliament Information Office in the UK organised a specialist discussion on the future of the EU Clinical Trials Directive on Friday 22 February 2013. Leading the debate were: - Glenis Willmott MEP, the appointed European Parliament's rapporteur on the dossier. - Stefano Soro, Head of Unit within the European Commission's Directorate-General Health and Consumers - Dr Liz Philpots, Head of Research, Association of Medical Research Charities - Prof. Michele de Luca, Principal Investigator in European Commission FP7-funded Stem Cell research consortium, OptiStem" - Fiona Fox, (Moderator) Chief Executive, The Science Media Centre The Clinical Trials Directive (2001/20/EC) has been controversial among researchers, industry and patients alike for its heavy regulatory requirements and lack of multinational harmonisation, among other issues. Following a recent European Commission proposal to cut red tape and restore European Union's competitiveness in clinical research, the issue has now been taken up by the European Parliament. This event gave stakeholders and specialist media a chance to find out the latest developments in the revision of the legislation and feed in their thoughts on the direction that the EU should take.

Forty Years of the UK in the EU - Looking Back, Looking Forward : The European Parliament Office in the UK and Business for New Europe would like to invite you to a panel discussion on the 40 year anniversary of UK's accession into the European Economic Community. This event not only looked back over the 40 years since the UK became a member of the Single Market but it also discussed the future challenges for the UK in Europe. We asked what influence has the UK had in shaping the EU as we know it and what are the real political choices facing the UK in its relationship with Europe? This inaugural event of a series held by the European Parliament Office over the course of 2013 consisted of two panel discussions - one looking at the lessons that we can draw from the last 40 years of the UK's membership, another looking at where we are and where we should be heading. There was also an opportunity for audience members to ask questions following the discussion.

Britain in Europe: The Early Years : The European Parliament Information Office in the UK would hosted an audience with Lord Hannay in discussion with John Peet, on the early years of Britain in Europe. The ongoing controversies about the "repatriation" of powers from Brussels and the EU budget negotiations are nothing new. In fact, the UK has been agonising over these issues since the very start of its membership of the EU. Based on his recently published memoirs, Lord David Hannay discussed with John Peet key events from the 70's and 80's, such as the 1975 Referendum and the 1984 agreement on the British rebate and how they are relevant to the debate in 2013.

What has the EU done for gender equality? : What has the EU has done for British women in the past 40 years? And what might arise in the field of gender equality from renegotiation and repatriation of powers by a UK government? Leading the discussion were: Mary Honeyball, Labour MEP, member of the Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee Marina Yannakoudakis, Conservative MEP, member of the Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee Justine Roberts, CEO of Mumsnet Dr Roberta Guerrina, Senior Lecturer and Head of the School of Politics at the University of Surrey Jacqueline Minor, first female head of the European Commission Representation in London, ranked the 24th most influential Briton on EU Policy by EurActiv The discussion was moderated by Benedicte Paviot, France 24.

European Parliament Events 2012

Opportunity Europe and Beyond fair and exhibition show : On 14th & 15th of October, the European Parliament Office in the UK participated in the annual two-day Opportunity Europe and Beyond fair and exhibition show, held in St. Georges Market, Belfast. This award-winning event, which was attended by around 1300 schoolchildren from around Northern Ireland, is the only one of its kind in Northern Ireland and highlights European links and helps participants find out about working, studying, volunteering and travelling throughout Europe and beyond. Most of the children passed by our stand and our materials were extremely popular especially our materials about how the European Parliament and also our maps and wallcharts. The event encourages understanding and enjoyment of the variety of different cultures in Northern Ireland, Europe and beyond and brought together a vibrant programme of events, including music, dance, quizzes, visual arts, food, workshops, exhibition stands and discussions. It helps promote linguistic and cultural diversity and highlights Northern Irelands European and international links. As 2012 is the European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity Between the Generations there were also workshops and exhibition stands will reflected and promoted intergenerational activity.

U3A Meeting in Shropshire : On 12 March 2012, staff from the European Parliament Information Office in the UK attended a meeting organised by the U3A Whitchurch, Shropshire branch which included U3A members from neighbouring Market Drayton and Oswestry. Presentations were given by the Outreach team on the role of the European Parliament in the EU Legislative procedures and followed by a Q&A session

How the EU Works - U3A : "How the EU works" talk was given by the European Parliament UK Information Office at the U3A Discussion group in Stanmore, North London.

Simulation Exercise : A Simulation exercise is being organised at Europe House on 2 November for students from the University of Westminster, Unversity of Surrey, LSE and UCL . Students will simulate tabling a resolution (subject is the Financial Transaction Tax) at the European Parliament and in doing so will enhance negotiating skills as they take the part of different political and national players within the European Parliament. For further information, please contact: gergely.polner@ep.europa.eu

British Youth Council : Europe House hosted a day with young people who learnt how EU democracy works and raised their issues with MEPs in a discussion forum.

London Digital Diplomacy - Mapping Exercise : The EP Information Office in the UK hosted an event entitled London Digital Diplomacy - Mapping Exercise bringing together think-tanks and diplomats to discuss the nuts and bolts of modern diplomacy. This was the second in our series of think-tank summits. Click here to find below the programme, documents that were available during the event and videos from key speakers at the event.

Regional Discussion Forum - South West farmers to have a say on European policy : Lunchtime Debate: Sowing the seeds of a new Common Agricultural Policy Farmers in the South West were given the chance to tell local MEPs what they thought of European policy for agriculture (CAP) at this event with the European Parliament. The event was organised by the European Parliament in association with NFU South West. Feedback from the South West rural community was used to help develop and influence policy in areas such as agriculture, employment, regeneration and EU regional funding. This is the first time that the European Parliament office in the UK has held an event of this kind in Exeter. It gave farmers, rural businesses and countryside organisations in Devon the opportunity to hear more about how the CAP is being reformed and to have their say on how current EU policies are affecting them. Local MEPs Julie Girling (Con) and Sir Graham Watson (Lib) debated the latest developments of the CAP reforms with representatives from the local farming and business community. Discussions also focused on other key issues that are affecting the South West agriculture sector including Bovine TB, Marine Protected Areas, the EU Water Framework Directive and the Nitrate Directive.

European Year of Active Ageing - EY2012 : As part of its activities marking the European Year of Active Ageing, AGE UK hosted its Awards Volunteering event at Europe House on Monday 1 October, International Day of Older People.

LUX Prize Film Screenings : This year we teamed up with the UK Film Festival in London and screened the three finalists' films as part of the festival on 14th, 15th & 16th of November. The films were screened at The Aubin Cinema in Shoreditch. For more information on the LUX Prize finalist films please click here - http://www.europarl.org.uk/view/en/infocentre/LUX_Prize.html

Annual Sakharov Prize Debate on Human Rights : Each year the announcement of the Sakharov Prize laureate provides the opportunity for a public discussion on freedom of thought, organized by the European Parliament's office in London in conjunction with University College London. This year, one year on from the death of Václav Havel, and in the light of a contemporary reinvention of dissident practice in the Arab Spring, the Occupy Movement, Charter 08 in China and the neo-dissidence of Pussy Riot and others in Russia, we have formulated topics for discussion that pick up on themes from Havel: dissent as the 'art of the impossible' and as a point of intersection between politics and aesthetics, both apparently present in the work of the two Iranian activists, lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh and film director Jafar Panahi, joint winners of the Sakharov Prize in 2012.

Can Digital Democracy Work? : The European Citizens' Initiative has been effective since April this year and it, along with other initiatives such as the petitions system of the Houses of Parliament, is creating a new layer of direct influence by citizens on the legislative agenda. But what does this really change? Are the institutions ready for the sort of challenge this could bring? Are these processes representative, and do they need legal substance? And what does the machinery of digital citizenship mean for the relationship between governments and citizens and what are their obligations to each other in this emerging world?

Democracy listens to dissent - what have eurosceptics done for the EU? : "Politics can be not just the art of the possible, especially if that means the art of speculation, calculation, intrigue, secret deals and pragmatic maneuvering, but that it can even be the art of the impossible, namely the art of improving ourselves and the world." Vaclav Havel, inaugural speech as President of Czechoslovakia

Joint Information Session on the European Parliament and the Houses of Parliament : A panel discussion took place on the morning of 16 November at the Physics Institute, NET Park in Sedgefield with Phil Wilson MP, Fiona Hall MEP, Dr. S. McGinness, Clerk of the House of Commons Science & Technology Committee, Tom Smyth from the Dept for Business, Innovation and Skills and was chaired by Sir Peter Knight Chairman of the Institute of Physics.

The Single Market 20 years on: What's in it for the UK? : To mark the 20th anniversary of the single market, the European Parliament Office and European Commission Representation in London invite you to Europe House to discuss the UK's role and future in the single market. Guest speakers include Lord Brittan of Spennithorne, former vice-president of the European Commission and Malcolm Harbour MEP, chair of the Committee for the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, European Parliament, amongst many others. During the course of the day there will be ample opportunity to discuss matters such as better regulation, social entrepreneurship, the digital agenda and consumer protection, both during Q&A and the afternoon breakout sessions.

The Economic Agenda for the South West in Europe : Breakfast Debate with South West MEP, Ashley Fox organised by the European Parliament Information Office in the UK. How the EU can reduce regulatory burdens, ease access to credit and support the South West economy

Promoting Global Transparency: a Transatlantic Challenge : The European Parliament Information Office in London, the Embassy of the United States, London, and the European Institute at UCL invite you to attend a conference on how the UK, EU and U.S. can work together to promote open and transparent business practices in emerging markets. The morning conference opens with keynote remarks by Minister Barbara Stephenson, Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy, London, followed by two panel discussions, both moderated by Shawn Donnan, World News Editor, Financial Times. The first panel discussion, "Promoting Transparency in Global Investment," will focus on successful efforts to promote transparency. The second panel discussion, "U.S., UK and EU Transparency Efforts: how and where they can converge" will review American, British and European Union government perspectives. Confirmed speakers include: Arlene McCarthy MEP, Vice-Chair, Committee on Economic & Monetary Affairs; John Breidenstine, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs, U.S. Embassy ; Dr. Ioannis Lianos, UCL Director of Centre for Law, Economics & Society; Co-Director Institute of Global Law; Co-Director Centre for Law and Governance in Europe; and Diarmid O'Sullivan, Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, amongst others. Where: Europe House, 32 Smith Square, SW1P 3EU When: 10 December 2012 Time: 08:30 - 12:00 If you wish to attend please RSVP: Agnieszka.PIELA@ext.ec.europa.eu

Breast Implants and Medical Devices: What the EU will do next : European Commission is about to present proposals to tighten up legislation on Medical Devices, such as hip and knee replacements. But following the recent PIP breast implants scandal the European Parliament is pressing for rules on implants to also be stepped up at European level. Linda McAvan, Labour MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber, who has been leading the campaign for a pan European register for breast implants, and Jacqueline Minor, Director of Consumers Affairs (European Commission's Directorate General for Health and Consumers) briefed an audience of stakeholders and specialist media on the regulation that is likely to emerge for this sector later in the Autumn.

Come by Europe House and pick up your Nobel Prize : The European Parliament information office in the UK will be screening the full Nobel Peace Prize ceremony live from Oslo on 10th December from midday to 2pm. The award was bestowed this year to the EU " for six decades of advancing peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights". Please come along to watch and - as one of the EU's 500 million citizens - pick up your own symbolic certificate....it's your Nobel Prize too. Where: Europe House, 32 Smith Square, SW1P 3EU When: 10 December 2012 Time: 12:00 - 14:00

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

Kinship Carers' Summit : The European Parliament hosted 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 took 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.

London think-tank summit at the intersection of traditional and social media : This seminar focused on using traditional media and social media in public policy debates. The event gathered 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.

Information Seminar - How the EU Works : Europe House in London hosted members of the Wildlife Trust on Friday 7 September at a meeting on 'How to Engage' with the European Parliament. Catherine Bearder, MEP for the South East and member of the European Parliament's Environment Committee, were present as was a representative from the Department for Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

Joint Information Session on the European Parliament and the Houses of Parliament : The European Parliament and the Houses of Parliament Outreach teams gave a presentation to interested parties among civil society groups in the East Midlands on "How to Engage" with these respective Parliaments.

Review of the Balance of Competences : On the 12th July 2012, the Foreign Secretary announced a review of the balance of competences. This, he said, was intended to guide and inform debate about the European Union for years to come. It is clear that the result of the review and whatever decisions are taken on it will have far-reaching consequences for business and civil society stakeholders. So it is of crucial importance that the preparation and presentation of their evidence must be effective. As a starting point of this process, this event was held. It consisted of: - A detailed explanation of the review process by FCO experts who will also answer practical questions from the audience. - A panel debate to discuss the exercise and the political environment in which it is being held. First reactions from important stakeholders were also heard. Panel discussion were moderated by David Seymour (former political editor, Mirror Group, currently consultant editor to Nucleus). The panel included Baroness Sarah Ludford (MEP, ALDE), Mr Sajjad Karim (MEP, ECR), Phillip Souta (Business for New Europe).

A Woman's Place Is Europe: Should we legislate quotas? : Should the EU legislate on quotas for women in public company boards? Some countries, both inside and outside the EU, have already gone down this route, in an effort to improve women's representation at the top in business. But is this the best approach and should it be adopted across Europe? Just days ahead of the announcement of a long awaited European Commission's proposal which might kick-start legislation in this area we held a debate on these issues with: Mary Honeyball MEP (London, Labour) Marina Yannakoudakis MEP (London, Conservative) Helena Morrissey, CEO Newton Investment, founder of The 30% Club Petter Sørlien, Mission of Norway to the European Union Moderator: Andrew Hill, Management Editor, Financial Times Twitter: #EUquotas

EP Information Session - U3A : "How the EU works" talk was given by the European Parliament UK Information Office at the U3A Discussion group in Fleet, Hampshire.

Local Democracy Week : Portsmouth City Council are hosting an event for the general public on Thursday 18 October at Menuhin Theatre, Guildhall Sq, Portsmouth between 15:00-19:00. There will be briefings on how the UK Parliament and the European Parliament work followed by panel discussions with Catherine Bearder, MEP, Keith Taylor, MEP and Mike Hancock MP. For more information contact: Communities Engagement Officer at Portsmouth City Council clare.seek@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Joint Information Seminar : The European Parliament and the Houses of Parliament Outreach teams gave a presentation to members of the Hull Chamber of Commerces in Scunthorpe on "How to Engage" with these respective Parliaments.

South West Seniors Network : As part of the regional outreach work in the South-West of England during 2012's European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity between the generations, staff from the Outreach team of the European Parliament Information Office in the UK attended an event organised by the South West Seniors Network in collaboration with the South West forum on Ageing and Age UK that was held at Taunton Conference Centre in Somerset on 30 March.

Intergenerational Futures All Party Parliamentary Group, Europe House : 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

Interpreting4Europe : 19-21 October - "Interpreting for Europe" at Language Show Live, London The interpretation services of the European Union showcased their stand at the Language Show Live in London this month and showed what the interpreter's job is really like. A number of language professionals told about their work for the EU and the bravest of guests were able to give simultaneous interpretation a try in out pop-up interpreting booth. http://www.facebook.com/interpretingforeurope

Preston Rise Business Week 2012 : The European Parliament UK Office held a stall on 6-7 September during Preston Guild, England's oldest festival which takes place once every 20 years. Preston Guild is an historic celebration, which dates back to 1179 - sharing a heritage of over 800 years. It is the only Guild still celebrated in the UK and, as such, is truly unique. Held only once every 20 years, the 2012 celebration will be the first Guild in the 21st century and the first since the granting of Preston's city status in 2002.

Giving a face to EU action on Human Rights : Edward McMillan Scott MEP, Vice President of the European Parliament lead a round table discussion on the newly agreed EU Strategy on Human Rights, including the appointment of an EU Envoy on Human Rights, the first such special representative for the EU dedicated to a theme

Europe's Parliament: People, Places, Politics - Book Launch : A vivid portrait of what the European Parliament is really like - its atmosphere, the people, the politics and the daily working life. The European Parliament's former Secretary General, Julian Priestley, and Stephen Clark, its current head of web communications, paint an 'impressionist's canvas' that brings the European Parliament to life. What is the European Parliament really all about? What is the reality behind the pre-conceptions, beyond the procedures? While other books tell you about the structures and processes of the EU, this new publication goes under the surface to reveal the human reality of Europe's parliament, to unearth what really makes it tick. What do MEPs actually do all day, how does an EU law really get made, how come the Parliament sits in two different cities, what is the European Parliament doing on Facebook and how do interns spend their Thursday nights? All this and more in a vivid portrait of this rich and often surprising institution, important to so many, known well by so few.

A common EU immigration and asylum policy: is the UK in or out? : Simon Busuttil MEP hosted a discussion on "A common EU immigration and asylum policy: is the UK in or out?"in conversation with Tim Finch, Researcher, Institute for Public Policy Research & Vincenzo Scarpetta, Researcher, Open Europe 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 to be 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 on this issue and what is at stake.

Grandparenting in Europe : 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. During this event at Europe House interim findings on this project were discussed.

Teacher training days on the EU : The UK Office of the European Parliament is running a series of teacher training days. The first of these took place at Europe House on 5 October 2012. Over the coming months further training days will take place across the UK. The purpose of the training days is to provide teachers with politically neutral, practical ideas for delivering engaging Citizenship lessons on the European Parliament and the EU more generally.

European Parliament - Simulation Game : On the 24th of October, a training day will be held at Europe House to help students understand the different political arguments around the subject of the FTT. Speakers are invited from both from the British Bankers Association and the Robin Hood Tax campaigning groups, in order to provide the participants with different perspectives on the same topic. For more information, please contact: gergely.polner@europarl.europa.eu

Skelton Show, Penrith, Cumbria : 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. When: 09:00- 17:00 Where: Penrith, Cumbria Website: http://www.skeltonshow.com/

Europe - is austerity moving politics in Europe to the extremes? : This event is co-organised with the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and aimed at Public Affairs professionals and anyone interested in European politics. Matthew Goodwin, University of Nottingham who is an expert on extremism and Benedict Paviot, correspondent of France24 in London will both address this event.

EY2012 Debate - The Benefits of a Multi-Generational Workforce : 6 March 2012 A European Year to start building a better society for old and young There is a lot to life after 60 — and society is coming increasingly to appreciate the contribution older people can make. That's what active ageing is about — getting more out of life as you grow older, not less, whether at work, at home or in the community

Defusing the Age Bomb : Defusing the Age Bomb, an event created by the European Parliament UK Office and The Amazings to showcase leading thinking, and rethinking, in how we treat retired and older people in the UK. An ageing society and the financial crisis have increased the pressure on financing retirement and services for older people. At the same time social and economic changes disrupt traditional family units, cutting the two-way flow of experience and support between the older and younger generations. Alongside this, modern society has an ever greater need for lifelong learning and new skills. The challenge is to reframe the potential of ageing, and make the most of its potential.  This challenge creates an opportunity for social enterprise to rethink and redesign the way we treat retirement and older people. The Amazings have decided to collect older people with valuable skills and bring them together with a younger audience willing to learn these skills and pay for it. This creates revenue and activity for older people, thus increasing their independence, while facilitating the transfer of skills between generations. When: Tuesday, 8 May 2012 (16h00 - 20h30) Where: Europe House, 32 Smith Square, London SW1P 2EU RSVP: joanna.zywotko@ext.ec.europa.eu

Seminar on ACTA : ACTA is an international treaty aiming to standardise copyright protection measures. It seeks to curb trade of counterfeited physical goods, including copyrighted material online and foresees preventative measures include possible imprisonment and fines. It has however proved highly controversial, with critics arguing that it will stifle freedom of expression on the internet. ACTA has been signed by 22 EU member states, including the UK, but is yet to be ratified by the European Parliament. David Martin, the MEP appointed by Parliament to draw up its response, has recommended that the Parliament should say no to ACTA. The final vote in the International Trade Committee is due in the next few weeks and Parliament, as a whole, will vote on the issue before the summer. The purpose of the seminar is for Mr Martin to provide an update on discussions in the European Parliament and to set out his thinking in drawing up his report. There will then be a panel discussion and a Q&A session. The panel will be made up of: David Martin MEP, European Parliament Rapporteur on ACTA Susie Winter, Director, Alliance Against IP Theft Jim Killock, Executive Director, Open Rights Group [ Name tbc ], US Embassy Moderator: Jon Worth This event is free to attend and open to all, but advance registration is required. When: Thursday, 17 May 2012 (14h00 - 16h00) Where: Europe House, 32 Smith Square, London SW1P 2EU RSVP: lucinda.pickersgill@europarl.europa.eu

Annual Conference of UK Liquid Petroleum Gas Industry, Durham : The Outreach Team of the European Parliament Information Office in the UK will take part in workshops on parliamentary processes for delegates of large national and multinational companies, senior managers within the industry; small business owners. The Houses of Parliament Outreach Team will also be present.

University of Portsmouth : 5 March 2012 Politics students at Portsmouth University will hear about the current challenges facing the EU. This will take place during an evening lecture given by a member of staff from the European Parliament Information Office in the UK. The audience will be invited to take part in a question/answer session.

Enfield 50+ Group - The results of EU funded research on older people : 22 March 2012 The European Parliament Information Office in London hosted the Enfield 50+ group. Jean Lambert MEP was on the panel which also includes 3 researchers from the Enfield group. The panel looked at the findings of some research they have undertaken in Denmark, Greece, France and the UK about how national governements look after their older population.

A woman's place is Europe - International Women's Day : 2 March 2012 How far are we to closing the gender gap in pay in Europe? On the eve of the 101st anniversary of International Women's Day, a strong line up of female speakers will discuss with an audience what Europe has done, is doing or should be doing to improve gender equality in the workplace. Speakers: Mary Honeyball MEP (Lab) Marina Yannakoudakis MEP (Cons) Emma Reynolds - Shadow Europe Minister Heather McGregor - Businesswoman The website 'Women's Views on News' will be conducting a live forum during the event allowing its readers to pitch in questions and suggestions. http://www.womensviewsonnews.org/

Leeds University - Student Briefing : 29 February 2012 Language students at Leeds University will hear how the EU institutions work and in particular the important role interpreters play at the European Parliament at workshops organised by the Interpretation Department and assisted by the European Parliament UK Office. 23 official languages of the EU are in use at parliamentary meetings in Brussels/Strasbourg and interpreters play an essential role in the language diversity of a multi-cultural European democracy. An evening lecture open to other students at the University on current EU affairs will also be given.

Mortage credits: what's Europe up to? - A briefing : 10 February 2012 Location: Europe House, 32 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3EU Legislation creating new consumer safeguards for residential mortgage credit is making its way through the European Parliament. At the end of February, members of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee are expected to vote on a report which considerably widens the scope of the initial proposals by the European Commission. One of the shadow rapporteurs in the Committee, Vicky Ford (Eastern, Cons) will brief participants about the current state-of-play, listen to key stakeholders (from the industry and consumer side) as well as answer questions from the specialist media.

Greening the CAP (Armagh) : Event Start: Friday 2 December - 09.30 am Event End: Friday 2 December - 14.00 Location: Armagh City Hotel, Friary Road, Armagh, County Armagh BT60 4FR European Conference on Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, featuring key decision-makers. With the proposals for major reform of the EU CAP now on the table, discussions are underway in the European Parliament, National Parliaments and in National and Regional Assemblies. These reforms will have potentially far-reaching impacts on Northern Irish farmers and consumers, and on the countryside. At this important juncture, the European Parliament is hosting a public conference to discuss these proposed reforms, with a particular emphasis on the environmental dimension. Speakers include all three Northern Irish MEPs: Bairbre de Brún MEP, Diane Dodds MEP & James Nicholson MEP as well as: Michael Hammel (European Commission), Kaley Hart (Institute of European Environmental Policy), Harry Sinclair (UFU Deputy President), Eddie Downey (IFA Deputy President), John Martin (RSPB Northern Ireland), Lord Elis-Thomas AM, John O'Mahony TD. This conference is open to all and FREE to attend. To book your place email april.spallin@europarl.europa.eu

Annual Sakharov Debate on Human Rights : Event Start: 8 December 2011 - 4:30pm Event End: 8 December 2011 - 6:00pm Location: Europe House, 32 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3EU The European Parliament's Annual Sakharov Debate on Human Rights will take place on Thursday 8 December from 4.30-6pm at Europe House in London. This year's title "The European Court of Human Rights - What's at stake ?" will ensure a lively debate to be led by a panel of experts which will include Charles Tannock, MEP, Robert Buckland, MP, Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty, Richard Bellamy, Director European Institute at University College London, Colm O'Cinneide also from UCL. The event will be chaired by Joshua Rozenberg. Followed by drinks reception. For more details download the event's infosheet (pdf, 100 KB) To register: please contact joanna.zywotko@ext.ec.europa.eu or tel: 0207 227 4300

Events in November & December 2011

What Future For Social Europe? Conference : Event Start: 21/11/2011 - 10:30am Event End: 21/11/2011 - 4:00pm Location: Apex International Hotel, Grassmarket, Edinburgh New headlines are currently dominated by the financial crisis still causing havoc to economies across the EU, leading to austerity measures that are hitting the poorest hard. But there is another side to the EU, one that is supposed to ensure that all European citizens can live in dignity and free of poverty. In the light of the current crisis, this conference is asking 'What Future for Social Europe?'.

Seminar on the Euro Crisis : Event Start: 09/11/2011 - 5:30pm Event End: 09/11/2011 - 7:00pm Location: Edinburgh University, George Square, David Hume Tower, Faculty Room North The European Movement and EP Office in Edinburgh will host a seminar on the Euro Crisis on 9th November 17.30-19.00. Confirmed speakers are: Jacques Cailloux, Chief European Economist, RBS; Dr David Howarth, Jean Monnet Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at Edinburgh University; John Purvis CBE, Conservative MEP 1979-84 and 1999-2009, Formerly Vice Chairman of the European Parliament Economic & Monetary Affairs Committee (2001-09).

2011 European Parliament Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought : Event Start: 03/11/2011 - 5:30pm Event End: 03/11/2011 - 7:30pm Location: Glasgow University, Wolfson Medical School Building, Seminar Room 2 (Hugh Fraser) The Glasgow Human Rights Network and the EP Office in Edinburgh are organising a discussion event to promote the 2011 European Parliament Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought at Glasgow University on 3 November 17.30-19.30. The event will see students mirror the process by which MEPs will choose the winner of the Sakharov Prize, considering each of the nominees in turn before a debate and vote - and we will see if the choice in Glasgow is the same as the choice made in Brussels!

Learning, Living and Working in Europe : Starts: 10/03/2010 - 1:30pm Ends: 10/03/2010 - 4:30pm Location: Stirling University The Scottish European Educational Trust, in conjunction with the National Union of Students, is running a series of Information Days at Scottish Universities. These raise awareness of EU programmes (e.g. Erasmus, Comenius, IAESTE, Language Assistants) and of post-graduate study and employment opportunities in other European countries. Volunteering is also covered. Contact SEET for further details

Edinburgh University Debate: Has the European Parliament Come of Age? : Starts: 14/10/2011 - 1:00pm Ends: 14/10/2011 - 2:30pm Location: Seminar Room 1, Chrystal Macmillan Building, Edinburgh University This roundtable discussion event brings together speakers with competing perspectives on the European Parliament's contemporary role and status in the democratic life of the European Union (EU). All will address the questions: has the EP Come of Age? Is it now established as the legitimate voice of European citizens in the EU's institutional system? Or does it remain a weak, unloved, and ineffective institution that has failed to capture the hearts and minds of average Europeans? Featured speakers will be

Framework Programme 7 - NMP Call 2011 Info Day : Event Start: 22/04/2010 (All day) Event End: 22/04/2010 (All day) Location: Bristol Enterprise Europe Network South West, in partnership with FP7UK and the Sensors KTN is hosting an event in which delegates can gain an overview of the upcoming fifth NMP (Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies Materials and new Production Technologies) FP7 call. NMP is a 3.5 billion programme that is broad-based and relevant to all key industrial and technology sectors in the UK.

Regulation, Speculation & World Food Prices : Starts: 16/09/2011 - 10:30am Ends: 16/09/2011 - 12:30pm Location: European Parliament Office in Edinburgh In conjunction with the World Development Movement (WDM), the European Parliament Office in Scotland will host a debate on how the European Union and UK should regulate the food commodity markets and the financial traders and pension funds who speculate on the price of food.

20th Education Show, Birmingham : Starts: 04/03/2010 (All day) Ends: 05/03/2010 (All day) Location: NEC, Birmingham Stand M47, Hall 6 The UK Office of the European Parliament will be attending the Education Show in Birmingham, 4 - 5 March 2010. Please come and visit us at our stand M47 in Hall 6! www.education-show.com

Reporting Europe in the Age of New Media : Starts: 25/08/2011 - 4:00pm Ends: 25/08/2011 - 5:00pm Location: Scottish Parliament Room, P1.02 Much of the most incisive coverage of European affairs is now available in the form of blogs and social media postings. Why is this, and how does it fit in with traditional press and broadcast reporting? Poacher turns gamekeeper in this unusual event, in which a leading politician, Catherine Stihler MEP, keeps order as a panel of journalists and new media contributors discusses the issues.

European Parliament Office in Scotland Europe Quiz 2010 : Starts: 20/05/2010 - 6:00pm Ends: 20/05/2010 - 10:00pm Location: Edinburgh Organised by the European Parliament Office in Scotland in cooperation with the European Movement in Scotland this annual event will take place in Edinburgh on 20 May 2010. Teams of four will face a series of rounds of questions related to the EU and Europe including a picture round and, for the first time, an audio round! Pre-registration of teams is required. Please contact the European Parliament Office in Scotland for further details.

Get involved with your Parliaments : Event Start: 14/07/2011 - 10:30am Event End: 14/07/2011 - 3:00pm Location : Europe House, 32 Smith Square, London SW1P 3EU A free workshop on the work of the UK and European Parliaments and how you can engage with them. The event will focus on how you can get involved and everyone is welcome. Guest speaker: Shami Chakrabarti Arranged by the Houses of Parliament Outreach Service and the European Parliament Outreach Service.

Europe Day: BRISTOL - LABOUR MARKET MOBILITY AND BUSINESS IN EUROPE : Event Start: 10/05/2010 - 5:00pm Event End: 10/05/2010 - 7:30pm Location: Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee Location : Cabot Room, The Hawthorns, University of Bristol, Address: Woodland Road, BS8 1UQ On 10th May at the University of Bristol, the discussion will focus on the benefits of the European labour market for business and job opportunities for young graduates and professionals in Europe.

Polish Presidency Information Day : Starts: 02/07/2011 - 11:00am Ends: 02/07/2011 - 7:00pm Location: St Andrew Square, Edinburgh To mark the Polish Presidency of the EU starting on 1 July 2011, the Consulate-General of the Republic of Poland is organising an Information Day on 2 July at St Andrew's Square in Edinburgh. The event will take the form of public stands which will provide a range of materials about the EU, its institutions and Poland to passers-by and visitors. The European Parliament Information Office in Edinburgh will be among the stall-holders. It is free and open to everyone. It will be accompanied by an extensive programme of cultural events.

"Getting Involved Beyond the Vote" in Durham : Starts: 24/06/2011 - 10:00am Ends: 24/06/2011 - 5:00pm Location: Durham Town Hall Find out more about European politics and the work of MEPs at two free events on Friday 24 June at Durham Town Hall. Sixth form and college students can attend a Question Time style debate with the North East Region's MEPs between 10am -12 noon. Questions should be submitted in advance but will only be put to MEPs on the day.

"YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT?" - PUBLIC QUESTION TIME DEBATE : Event Start: 16/06/2011 - 6:30pm Event End: 16/06/2011 - 8:00pm Location : Aberdeen City Council Chamber, Town House, Broad Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1FY What do we know about the food we eat? Do our food labels tell us too much or not enough? Who verifies the claims on the food we buy - if it 'helps weight loss' or keeps you 'fuller longer'? Should Scottish products get special protection, or should we welcome cheaper imports? Are you concerned or optimistic about Genetically Modified foods? Is our food healthy enough or are we getting too fat as a nation? How can we produce enough food to feed the world in the future?

Get Involved with Your Parliaments : Starts: 20/05/2011 - 1:00pm Ends: 20/05/2011 - 5:00pm Location: St Peter's Centre, Charles Street, Coventry, CV1 5NP A free workshop on the work of the UK and European Parliaments and how you can engage with them. The event will focus on how you can get involved and everyone is welcome. Arranged by the Houses of Parliament Outreach Service and the European Parliament Outreach Service in partnership with the National Alliance of Women's Organisations and Coventry Women's Voices. Guest speaker: Diane Whitfield, Centre Manager, Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC)

Europe Quiz : Starts: 19/05/2011 - 7:30pm Ends: 19/05/2011 - 9:30pm Location: The Pleasance Bar in Edinburgh The European Parliament Information Office in Edinburgh will organise its fifth annual Europe Quiz on 19 May 2011 at the Pleasance Bar in Edinburgh. This event will be a great opportunity to gather people of all ages and fields with a common purpose: to prove their EU knowledge and (just as importantly) to spend a fun evening in the company of the EP office in Scotland. Max 4 per team. Pre-registration is essential. To register your team, send an email to: epedinburgh@europarl.europa.eu

Careers Day on Europe Day in Europe House : Starts: 09/05/2011 - 9:00am Ends: 09/05/2011 - 4:00pm Location: Europe House, 32 Smith Square, London SW1P 3EU This networking event "What it's really like working for the EU" on the 9 May 2011 will give students, teachers, careers advisers and anyone seeking a career change a chance to talk to people currently working for the EU civil service in a range of jobs, from interpreters and translators to scientists, policy-makers to clerical and secretarial support.

LUX Screening Glasgow : Starts: 08/05/2011 - 2:00pm Ends: 08/05/2011 - 5:00pm Location: Glasgow Film Theatre To celebrate Europe Day, The European Parliament Office in Scotland together with the Goethe Institute will host the LUX Screening on 8 May 2011 at Glasgow Film Theatre. The German film "Die Fremde" (When we leave) won the European Parliament's annual film prize LUX in 2010 as well as many other prestigious international prizes.

LUX Screening Edinburgh : Starts: 08/05/2011 - 6:00pm Ends: 08/05/2011 - 9:00pm Location: Edinburgh Film House To celebrate Europe day, the European Parliament Office in Scotland together with the Goethe Institute will host the LUX screening on 8 May 2011 at Edinburgh Film House. The German film "Die Fremde" (When we leave) won European Parliament's annual film prize LUX as well as many other prestigious international prizes.

Study tour to Brussels : Starts: 12/04/2011 (All day) Ends: 15/04/2011 (All day) Location: Brussels The European Atlantic Movement is organising a Study Tour to Brussels for lecturers, teachers and other professional and business people. The party will visit the European Parliament, European Commission, and Council of the European Union, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, UK Permanent Representation to the EU, and other institutions of international cooperation.

The 'new British politics' and Europe: Conflict or cooperation? : Starts: 31/03/2011 - 6:00pm Ends: 31/03/2011 - 7:30pm Location: Dunedin Suite, Radisson Blu Hotel, Royal Mile, 80 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1TH Speakers: * Struan Stevenson MEP, Conservative * David Martin MEP, Labour * Alyn Smith MEP, SNP * Further speakers to be confirmed

International Women's Day - "Having your voice in Europe" : Starts: 11/03/2011 - 11:00am Ends: 11/03/2011 - 3:00pm Location: The Teacher Building, 14 St. Enoch Square, Glasgow G1 4DB The European Parliament Information Office in Edinburgh and Engender, a partner in the EU-funded Women Into Public Life project, invite you to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day along with Catherine Stihler MEP. With female representation at Holyrood set to drop significantly following the Scottish election in May, it is a timely moment to consider the role that Scottish women have played and can play in future in Scottish political life at all levels.

Still the Europe of Milward? Is the EU Still Rescuing the Nation State ... And Should it? : Event Start: 07/03/2011 - 5:30pm Event End: 07/03/2011 - 7:00pm Location : Europe House, 32 Smith Square, London SW1P 3EU This public panel discussion, organised by the UCL European Institute at Europe House, combines both historical and present-day perspectives on how the European Union and its relationship to the nation-state is evolving.

"This House Believes that the EU should allow Turkey to join" : Event Start: 04/03/2011 - 6:00pm Event End: 04/03/2011 - 8:00pm Location : Strathclyde University Glasgow On Friday 4th March, the European Parliament Office in Edinburgh and Strathclyde University Debating Society will host a debate on Turkish membership of the EU in the Debating Chamber at Strathclyde University in Glasgow. The address is: USSA, 90 John Street, Glasgow, G1 1JH The debate will run from 6.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. on Friday 4 March 2011. A bar will be available from 6pm to 9pm and sandwiches will be provided after the debate, which is free to attend.

Seminar on 'The Value of Volunteering' : Event Start: 03/03/2011 - 2:00pm Event End: 03/03/2011 - 4:30pm Location : Europe House, Smith Square London Volunteering leads to positive changes in people's lives: bringing communities together,increasing a person's sense of pride and belonging, in turn impacting positively on their health and well‐being. While it also makes a significant economic contribution, its social value can be even greater: where volunteering activities are present, there is a higher percentage of growth. Such activities, replicated throughout the EU, have the capacity to generate social capital, innovative solutions and respond to newly‐emerging policy needs.

The Lisbon Treaty: One Year On : Starts: 25/02/2011 - 11:00am Ends: 25/02/2011 - 12:30pm Location: European Parliament Information Office in Edinburgh, The Tun, 4 Jackson's Entry, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8PJ The European Parliament Information Office in Edinburgh is pleased to announce it will be hosting a seminar entitled 'The Lisbon Treaty: One Year On' on Friday 25 February.

The Gathering : Starts: 23/02/2011 - 9:00am Ends: 24/02/2011 - 5:00pm Location: Edinburgh International Conference Centre The Gathering is Scotland's largest voluntary sector fair, organised by the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations. With over 3000 visitors over the course of two days, it is the largest event of its kind in the United Kingdom. The European Parliament will have a presence at the fair to publicise the fact that 2011 is the European Year of Volunteering.

Get Involved Beyond The Vote - Women in Parliament : Event Start: 18/02/2011 - 10:00am Event End: 18/02/2011 - 3:00pm Location : The Attlee Suite, Portcullis House, Houses of Parliament, London SW1A 0AA A free workshop on the work of the UK and European Parliaments and how you can engage with them. The event will focus on how you can get involved and everyone is welcome. Arranged by the Houses of Parliament Outreach Service and the European Parliament Outreach Service in partnership with the National Alliance of Women's Organisations.

The Lisbon Treaty Evaluated - Conference : Event Start: 31/01/2011 (All day) Event End: 01/02/2011 (All day) Location : Woburn House, Tavistock Square, London UACES will be holding a 2-day conference in London in 2011, to reflect upon the impact of the Lisbon Treaty in key areas of institutional, political, economic and legal integration.

EU External Relations Law and Policy in the post-Lisbon Era - Public Conference : Event Start: 13/01/2011 (All day) Event End: 14/01/2011 (All day) Location: University of Sheffield, Sheffield (United Kingdom) EU External Relations Law and Policy in the post-Lisbon Era

European Union Baroque Orchestra series of concerts : Starts: 11/12/2010 (All day) Ends: 12/12/2010 (All day) Location : 11 December 2010 At Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, York - Maladies and Melodies various concerts 12 December 2010 At St. Johns on Smith Square - Handel, a dramatic genius - selection of pieces For more information, visit: http://www.eubo.org.uk/

Events during Opening Fortnight in Europe House : Starts: 08/12/2010 (All day) Ends: 16/12/2010 (All day) Location: Europe House, 32 Smith Square, London SW1P 3EU The European Parliament Information Office and the European Commission Representation in the UK have moved into shared premises in Central London's Smith Square, a stone's throw from the Houses of Parliament. The building will be the first port of call for any citizen seeking information about the two institutions and the EU in general, and for organisations that are interested in organizing discussions, meetings and events with an EU theme.

EurOptions: citizen's forum for young people : Starts: 26/11/2010 - 10:00am Ends: 26/11/2010 - 4:00pm Location: Hull, UK Aims of the day Delegates from a broad range of education, training, employment, informal and other settings

Specialist Schools and Academies Trust Conference and Exhibition : Starts: 25/11/2010 (All day) Ends: 26/11/2010 (All day) Location: ICC in Birmingham Specialist Schools and Academies Trust Conference and Exhibition For free resources for Citizenship teachers and other resources for schools visit us at Stand No. D16. in Hall 3

COPD Seminar : Starts: 19/11/2010 - 11:00am Ends: 19/11/2010 - 1:00pm Location: European Parliament Office in Scotland, The Tun, 4 Jackson's Entry, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh On Friday, November 19th the European Parliament Information Office in Edinburgh will host a seminar on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), organised under the title "COPD - why is it such a silent killer in Scotland?".

Does God Matter? Representing Religion in the European Union and the United States : Starts: 12/11/2010 (All day) Ends: 13/11/2010 (All day) Location: Birmingham Aston Centre for Europe, Aston University, 12-13 November 2010

UACES Student Forum Conference : Event Start: 08/11/2010 (All day) Event End: 08/11/2010 (All day) Location: School of Public Policy, University College London

Modern Studies Association Conference : Event Start: 06/11/2010 - 10:25am Event End: 06/11/2010 - 3:30pm Location: Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh The Modern Studies Association (MSA), bringing together teachers of Modern Studies in Scotland's schools, is hosting its annual conference at the Scottish Parliament on November 6th. The conference, which is anticipated to attract over 200 delegates, will feature renowned professor of politics John Curtice as its keynote speaker. The European Parliament Office in Scotland will be present at the conference with an information stand where it will distribute and showcase its educational materials.

Public Lecture : Starts: 04/11/2010 - 2:00pm Ends: 05/11/2010 - 12:45pm Location:LSE

Glasgow University Internship Fair : Starts: 19/10/2010 - 10:30am Ends: 19/10/2010 - 4:30pm Location: Hunter Halls, University of Glasgow The Edinburgh Information Office of the European Parliament will be present at the Glasgow University Internship Fair with a stall in Hunter Halls on October 19th. Staff from the office will be informing prospective interns about traineeships with the European Parliament or other EU institutions, answering questions students might have about the application process, deadlines, qualification criteria or other important aspects of internships with the European Union.

LUX Screening Edinburgh : Starts: 14/10/2010 - 7:30pm Ends: 14/10/2010 - 10:00pm Location: Reading Room, Glasgow University Union, 32 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8LX The European Parliament Information Office in Scotland is hosting one of its regular Europe Pub Quizzes in Glasgow on the evening of Thursday, October 14th. With five rounds testing general knowledge of European countries and the European Union, including music and picture rounds, the winners will be crowned with eternal glory and receive the Europe Quiz trophy.

Spark in the Park : Starts: 02/10/2010 - 11:00am Ends: 02/10/2010 - 4:00pm Islington Paradise Park, mackenzie Road, Lower Holloway, N7 8NT A day of free actiities for families and residents in the frame of the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion. Come and visit the stand of our office! For more info visit www.sparkinthepark2010.blogspot.com or or contact Ingrid on 020 7538 4309 Flyer

Scottish Learning Festival : Starts: 22/09/2010 - 9:00am Ends: 23/09/2010 - 4:00pm Location: The SECC, Exhibition Row, Glasgow The European Parliament Office in Scotland will be attending the Scottish Learning Festival to showcase the educational resources available from the European Parliament for schools and young people as well as providing information about the European Union and European Parliament.

The Impact of the EU and the Lisbon Treaty on Sport in Scotland : Starts: Starts: 10/09/2010 - 11:00am Ends: 10/09/2010 - 1:00pm Location: The European Parliament Office in Scotland, Edinburgh The European Parliament Office in Scotland and Scottish Sports Association are hosting a seminar on 'The Impact of the EU and the Lisbon Treaty on Sport in Scotland' to inform Scottish sports organisations about recent developments in EU sports policy, and in particular what may change as a result of the Lisbon Treaty.

Primary Schools Calendar Competition : Starts: 01/09/2010 - 9:00am Ends: 08/10/2010 - 1:00pm Location: Scotland The aim of the European Parliament Office in Scotland 2011 Calendar Competition is to find a picture that would be used to illustrate one month in a European Parliament 2011 calendar. The theme for 2011 is 'Me and Europe'. Pupils might like to think about: what does Europe mean to me? Which countries in Europe have I visited and what have I seen in these countries? What does Scotland look like in Europe?

Edinburgh Festival of Politics Debate: Changing Politics in Europe : Starts: Starts: 17/08/2010 - 1:30pm Ends: 17/08/2010 - 2:30pm Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP (Committee Room 1) The Lisbon Treaty entered into force on 1 December 2009. For some, this Treaty was a mere tidying up exercise of the EU's legal framework; for others it constituted a decisive step towards a federal Europe. Nine months on, a panel of leading European politicians from Scotland's four main political parties will debate who was right and whether, or how, the EU's newest Treaty is changing politics in Europe.

Free Screening of 'Welcome' by Philippe Lioret, winner of the 2009 LUX Film Prize : Starts: Starts: 15/08/2010 - 4:00pm Ends: 15/08/2010 - 6:00pm Location: Filmhouse, Lothian Road, Edinburgh Set in Calais, France, Welcome tells the tale of a French swimming instructor who chooses to help out a young Kurdish refugee who needs to swim across the English Channel to join his girlfriend.

The 2010 Innovation Forum Events - Bristol : Starts: 22/07/2010 (All day) Ends: 22/07/2010 (All day) Location: HP Labs, Bristol Enterprise Europe Network South West and the South West Science & Industry Council invite you to attend The South West Business Innovation Forum

Kkowledge, power & policy on immigration : Starts: 02/07/2010 - 11:00am Ends: 02/07/2010 - 4:00pm Location: ICOSS (Interdisciplinary Centre of the Social Sciences), University of Sheffield This workshop aims to explore the politics and power of knowledge of, for, and about immigration policies. The event is part-funded by the ESRC as part of a post-doctoral research grant which was awarded to Dr Balch on the subject of the impact of knowledge and ideas in the policy process. The workshop is intended to serve as a platform for discussion, bringing together academics, experts and policymakers to discuss the implications of new practices of knowledge management for policymaking and the politics of immigration.

R&D Funding Information for the Environmental Sector (in Cardiff) : Starts: 29/06/2010 - 9:30am Ends: 29/06/2010 - 3:00pm Welsh School of Architecture, Bute Building, King Edward 7th Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB Enterprise Europe Network South West and Enterprise Europe Network Wales are joining forces to hold an R&D funding information for the environmental sector event.

The 2010 Innovation Forum Events : Starts: Starts: 24/06/2010 (All day) Ends: 24/06/2010 (All day) Location: Location: Bournemouth University Enterprise Europe Network South West and the South West Science & Industry Council invite you to attend The South West Business Innovation Forum

Children in Scotland Conference: A Sense of Place : Starts: 08/06/2010 - 8:45am Ends: 08/06/2010 - 4:00pm Location: Drumossie Hotel, Inverness Place and community as well as families can shape children's lives, informing their sense of identity, social relationships and understanding of the world. Services have an important role to play in enhancing children's environments as well as in developing their understanding of 'place' and community. A special conference is being organised at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness in June to explore some of the issues raised by the latest issue of Children in Europe magazine.

THE EUROPEANNESS OF EUROPEAN CINEMA, postgraduate conference : Starts: 04/06/2010 (All day) Ends: 04/06/2010 (All day) Location: King's College London Postgraduate Conference - THE EUROPEANNESS OF EUROPEAN CINEMA : will take place on 4th June 2010, at King's College London. (CALL FOR PAPERS - SUBMISSION DEADLINE was: 5 February 2010)

Screening of 'Welcome' by Philippe Lioret, winner of the 2009 LUX Prize : Starts: 21/05/2010 - 6:00pm Ends: 21/05/2010 - 10:00pm Location: Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee 'Welcome' by Philippe Lioret, winner of the European Parliament's LUX Prize 2009 will be screened at an event hosted by the European Parliament Office in Scotland. 'Welcome' is set in Calais and charts the surrogate father/son bond that develops between an illegal Kurdish immigrant from Iraq and a French swimming instructor.

The European Movement celebrates Europe Day in London - What has Europe ever done for us? : Starts: 19/05/2010 - 6:30pm Ends: 19/05/2010 - 8:30pm Location: Tuke room 301, at the Institute of Contemporary European Studies (iCES), in Regent's College, Inner Circle, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4NS This year, to mark the 60th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, the European Movement and the Young European Movement, with the support of the European Movement International and the Education and Culture Directorate General of the European Commission, are celebrating Europe Day, organising three conferences in Bristol, Leeds and London during which various professors and other experts will discuss the benefits of a united Europe. The question "What has Europe ever done for us?" will be debated and answered during the conferences.

Does Europe Care? - The Future of Carer Support in Europe : Starts: 17/05/2010 - 12:00pm Ends: 19/05/2010 - 3:00pm Location: Roxburghe Hotel, Edinburgh, Scotland Organised by EUROCARERS in partnership with Scotland's national carer organisations. Supported by the Scottish Government, the European Commission Office in Scotland, NHS Lothian and the City of Edinburgh Council.

Reconnecting the European Parliament and its people : Starts: 21/05/2010 - 4:00pm Ends: 21/05/2010 - 5:45pm Location: Neuadd Room, The Senedd, The National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, CF99 1NA This is the final event in a series of seminars held across the UK by the Foreign Policy Centre and European Commission Representation in the United Kingdom examining public attitudes towards the European Parliament, assessing some of the problems that it faces and exploring possible remedies. The event is open to anyone interested the link between the European Parliament and the public.

Screening of 'Welcome' by Philippe Lioret, winner of the 2009 LUX Prize : Starts: 16/05/2010 - 4:00pm Ends: 16/05/2010 - 6:00pm Location: Flimhouse, Lothian Road, Edinburgh 'Welcome' by Philippe Lioret, winner of the European Parliament's LUX Prize 2009 will be screened at an event hosted by the European Parliament Office in Scotland. 'Welcome' is set in Calais and charts the surrogate father/son bond that develops between an illegal Kurdish immigrant from Iraq and a French swimming instructor.

The European Movement celebrates Europe Day in LEEDS - Conference on SOCIAL POLICY AND STUDENT MOBILITY IN EUROPE : Starts: 14/05/2010 - 2:00pm Ends: 14/05/2010 - 4:30pm Location: Leed's Central Library, Calverley Street, Leeds, LS1 3AB This year, to mark the 60th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, the European Movement and the Young European Movement, with the support of the European Movement International and the Education and Culture Directorate General of the European Commission, are celebrating Europe Day, organising three conferences in Bristol, Leeds and London during which various professors and other experts will discuss the benefits of a united Europe. The question "What has Europe ever done for us?" will be debated and answered during the conferences.

Screening of 'Welcome' by Philippe Lioret, winner of the 2009 LUX Prize : Starts: 09/05/2010 - 6:30pm Ends: 09/05/2010 (All day) Location: A Service for Europe Day to mark the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Schuman Declaration will be held at Westminster Abbey on Sunday 9 May at 6.30 pm. The preacher will be Canon Guy Wilkinson, Secretary for Inter-Religious Affairs to the Archbishop of Canterbury. The service cleberates the signing of the political initiative which gave birth to the European Union.

Framework Programme 7 - NMP Call 2011 Info Day : Starts: 27/04/2010 (All day) Ends: 27/04/2010 (All day) Location: HP Labs, Bristol Gain an understanding of future opportunities for European R&D funding for ICT projects at this forthcoming Enterprise Europe Network South West event. Attendees will learn what European funding is available for ICT projects and will get advance notification of the likely call contents. This is also an opportunity to meet with regional and national support teams and network with potential partners and experienced FP7 participants.

The Enduring Legacy of Robert Schuman VIisions and Values for Europe in the 21st Century : Starts: 20/04/2010 - 12:30pm Ends: 20/04/2010 (All day) Location: UK office of the European Parliament, 2 Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1H 9AA THE WYNDHAM PLACE CHARLMAGNE TRUST in conjunction with THE EUROPE PANEL OF THE HOUSE OF BISHOPS OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND has pleasure in inviting you to participate in a discussion meeting to mark THE 60th ANNIVERSARY OF THE SCHUMAN DECLARATION.

The South West Business Innovation Forum : Starts: 08/04/2010 - 9:00am Ends: 08/04/2010 - 4:00pm Location: Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA Enterprise Europe Network South West and the South West Science & Industry Council invite you to attend The South West Business Innovation Forum This is your chance to

What is the future for political parties in Europe? : Starts: 31/03/2010 - 2:00pm Ends: 31/03/2010 - 5:30pm Location: London Metropolitan University, 31 Jewry Street, London EC3 Political parties are in a crisis of membership in many European countries, just at a time when European political parties are trying to establish themselves. What is the future for political parties in Europe? Can European political parties seize the chance to define a new kind of party that is better suited to contemporary forms of political engagement which often take place outside 'formal' political institutions, and what new means of participation can they define? What are the possibilities opened up by the Lisbon Treaty now that it is in force?

60th Political Studies Association Annual Conference : Starts: 29/03/2010 - 9:00am Ends: 31/03/2010 - 5:00pm Location: The George Hotel, Edinburgh, UK The PSA is one of the world's longest established political studies associations. Its 60th anniversary in 2010 is an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of political studies over the last 60 years, in the UK and internationally, on the issues and ideas that are now at the cutting edge of political analysis, and on the new directions we need to pursue in the future. The 2010 PSA Annual Conference is the largest UK gathering of researchers in politics and international relations. It will include sessions on examining 'What has political science done for the study of Europe?' and 'David Cameron's Conservatives and Europe'. For more information please visit the PSA website

Financial Regulation: Britain's next European challenge? : Starts: 25/03/2010 - 5:30pm Ends: 25/03/2010 - 7:00pm Location: London Metropolitan University, 31 Jewry Street, London EC3 Britain, and more specifically the City of London, are leading players in the global financial industry. The global crisis of this industry has led to a number of regulatory initiatives by national and international actors, including the European Union, which will inevitably affect the way the City goes about its business. A working party from the Federal Trust, headed by Sir Brian Unwin, formerly President of the European Investment Bank, and Graham Bishop, the leading technical analyst of European financial affairs, has been examining these initiatives, particularly those of the E

BETT Show : Starts: 13/01/2010 (All day) Ends: 16/01/2010 (All day) Location: Olympia, London, Stand L48 National Hall The UK Office of the European Parliament is attending the BETT Show at Olympia, 13 - 16 January 2010. Do come and visit us at our stand L 48 in the National Hall!

Everything you wanted to know about the Lisbon Treaty (but were afraid to ask!) - information seminar at our Scotland office : Starts: 14/01/2010 - 11:00am Ends: 14/01/2010 - 1:00pm Location: Location: European Parliament UK Office in Scotland, The Tun, 4 Jackson's Entry, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH3 6PX The European Parliament Office in Scotland invites you to a seminar exploring the impact of the EU's new Lisbon Treaty on Scotland.

Lisbon Explained : Event Start: 23/03/2010 - 3:30pm Event End: 23/03/2010 - 5:00pm Location: UK Office of the European Parliament, 2 Queen Anne's Gate, Westminster SW1H 9AA Following the entry into force on 1 December 2009 of the Lisbon Treaty the UK Office of the European Parliament is organising a seminar (Word doc., 800 KB) to explain key changes arising from this Treaty.Those whose work is directly affected may find this seminar particularly useful.

European Information Clinic: Aberdeen : Starts: 23/03/2010 - 12:00pm Ends: 23/03/2010 - 4:00pm Location: committee Rooms, Aberdeen City Library, Aberdeen As part of the Enterprise Europe Network, Enterprise Europe Scotland is the local entry point to a wealth of information on business opportunities throughout Europe. This European Information Clinic, run in partnership with Europe Direct Aberdeen, will allow Scottish companies to meet with a member of the team on a one-to-one basis, who will be fielding questions, answering queries and providing guidance and support on a variety of different European topics:

EU Careers event organised by the European Personnel Selection Office in London : Event Start: 22/03/2010 - 1:00pm Event End: 22/03/2010 (All day) Location: Bristol Location : European Commission Representation in the UK, 8 Storey's Gate, London, SW1P 3AT Careers with the EU Institutions offer everything- a lifetime of different jobs, an international focus and the chance to make a difference to the lives of millions. This session aims to inform you about the wide range of opportunities we offer graduates from all academic backgrounds.

European Citizen's Initiative discussion with the European Ombudsman : Starts: 16/03/2010 - 12:00pm Ends: 16/03/2010 - 2:00pm Location: European Parliament Office in Scotland, The Tun, 4 Jackson's Entry, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH3 6PX The Treaty of Lisbon, which entered into force on 1 December last year, provides for the introduction of a "European citizens' initiative" (ECI). In view of the interest expressed in this matter, in particular from NGOs and local government in Scotland, the European Parliament Office in Scotland is hosting a seminar to discuss the European citizens' initiative.

Mini-conference at the University of Abertay Dundee : Starts: 26/02/2010 - 9:30am Ends: 26/02/2010 - 6:00pm Location: University of Abertay, Dundee This network takes a wide definition of 'policing', taking an interdisciplinary approach to the development of the cross border policing provisions which are increasingly being legislated for by the EU.

Europe Direct Aberdeen- Annual School Debate 2010 : Starts: 23/02/2010 - 10:00am Ends: 23/02/2010 - 1:00pm Aberdeen Beach Ballroom Professor Trevor Salmon, Director of Teaching & Learning at the University of Aberdeen will chair the event. Judges include Mr James Temple-Smithson- Head of the European Parliament Office in Edinburgh, Councillor Kate Dean and Mr Iain Todd- Renewables Champion at AREG. The aim of the event is to encourage debate on topics that will help & encourage pupil understanding of various important European issues and how they impact on the lives of citizens throughout the European Union.

This spring's European Forum Programme of guest lectures : Starts: 11/02/2010 - 5:00pm Ends: 12/03/2010 - 5:00pm Location: ARTS Building Room 3.01 This spring's European Forum Programme of guest lectures starts next week (Friday) with Sir Stephen Wall. Please see below for the full programme. EUROPEAN FORUM Guest lectures - Spring 2010 Fridays 5pm VENUE: ARTS Building Room 3.01

Postgraduate Conference: THE EUROPEANNESS OF EUROPEAN CINEMA : Event Start: 05/02/2010 (All day) Event End: 05/02/2010 (All day) Location: 4 June 2010 - King's College London Postgraduate Conference - THE EUROPEANNESS OF EUROPEAN CINEMA : will take place on 4th June 2010, at King's College London. CALL FOR PAPERS - SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 5 February 2010

Reconnecting the European Parliament and its People : Starts: 29/01/2010 - 5:00pm Ends: 29/01/2010 - 6:45pm Location: Committee Room 1, Scottish Parliament, Palace of Holyrood House, Edinburgh EH99 1SP This event is part of a series of seminars being held across the UK by the Foreign Policy Centre

KCL European Week 2010 : Starts: 25/01/2010 - 6:30pm Ends: 29/01/2010 - 9:00pm Location: King's College Strand Campus: The Strand LONDON WC2R 2LS A week in which experts from the world of European affairs come to debate and discuss Europe and the Union. European Week holds a tradition of prestige both internally at King's and amongst its external community and this year's events promise to be our best yet. Programme: Monday 25th January at 6.30 p.m. "The Eastern Enlargement: a win or a loss for the European Union?

Ideas on Europe 2010: Europe at a Crossroads - UACES 40th Anniversary conference : Event Start: 22/01/2010 (All day) Event End: 22/01/2010 (All day) Location: College of Europe, Bruges,Belgium Ideas on Europe 2010: Europe at a Crossroads - UACES 40th Anniversary conference Come and join us for the UACES 40th Anniversary conference at the College of Europe in picturesque Bruges, at the College of Europe in Belgium! 6-8 September 2010 CALL FOR PANELS AND PAPERS Deadline: 22 January 2010 For all those interested in presenting a paper from an Economic or Political Economy perspective on Europe at the forthcoming UACES Annual Conference in Bruges 2010.

A conference on "The German experience of federalism" : Event Start: 20/01/2010 - 5:30pm Event End: 20/01/2010 - 7:00pm Location: 34 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8QB The main speaker, Professor Rudolf Hrbek of Tübingen University, will discuss the development of the federal system in Germany, the effects of unification on the federal system and recent efforts to modernise German federalism. He will also give an insight into the German view of the European Union and its possible federal development. Mr Johannes Leithäuser of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung will provide further comment before a general question and answer session.

Special Events

European Day against terrorism : European Day against terrorism - 11 March

Europe Day : Europe Day - 9 May

European Neighbours Day : European Neighbours Day - 26 May 2009

Green Week : Green Week - 23-26 June 2008

European Day of Languages : European Day of Languages - 26 September

Local Democracy Week : Local Democracy Week - 12-18 October 2009

Salford City Council for European Local Democracy Week

European Parliament Sakharov Prize : European Parliament Sakharov Prize, December

European Years : List of European Years

European Capitals of Culture : List of Capitals of Culture

EU Presidencies to 2020 : List of EU Presidencies

Events Newsletter

Events Newsletter - June 2013

Events Newsletter - May 2013

Events Newsletter - March 2013

Events Newsletter - February 2013

Events Newsletter - December 2012 : Click here to find a full list of events organised by the European Parliament Office in the UK

Events Newsletter - November 2012 : Click here to find a full list of events organised by the European Parliament Office in the UK

Events Newsletter - October 2012 : Click here to find a full list of events organised by the European Parliament Office in the UK

Events Newsletter - September 2012 : Click here to find a full list of events organised by the European Parliament Office in the UK

July 2012 : Click here to find a full list of events organised by the European Parliament Office in the UK

June 2012 : Click here to find a full list of events organised by the European Parliament Office in the UK

MAY 2012 : Click here to find a full list of events organised by the European Parliament Office in the UK

MARCH 2012 : Click here to find a full list of events organised by the European Parliament Office in the UK

FEBRUARY 2012 : Click here to find a full list of events organised by the European Parliament Office in the UK

JANUARY 2012 : - Mortage credits: what's Europe up to? - A woman's place is Europe

DECEMBER 2011 : Highlights in the first months 2012: Mortage credits: what's Europe up to? A woman's place is Europe

NOVEMBER 2011 : Debate on the UCITS Directive Monday 21 November Seminar Get Involved beyond the vote, Liverpool European Parliament Simulation Game, Europe House Crossborder Fora in Cavan and Armagh Education Show in Birmingham Annual Sakharov Debate on Human Rights, Europe House

OCTOBER 2011

JULY 2011 : >Get Involved with your Parliaments (Guest speaker: Shami Chakrabarti,Director of Liberty) >Europe House in summer

JUNE 2011

MAY 2011

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LUX Prize 2012 : The European Parliament LUX prize casts an annual spotlight on films that go to the heart of the European public debate. The Parliament believes that the cinema, a mass cultural medium, can be an ideal vehicle for debate and reflection on Europe and its future. The films selected for the LUX Prize competition help to air different views on some of the main social and political issues of the day...Don't forget to vote for your favorite film on the LUX Prize Website or on the LUX Prize Facebook Page

Sakharov Prize 2012 : The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is awarded each year by the European Parliament. The prize was set up in 1988 to honour individuals or organisations for their efforts on behalf of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The European Citizens' Initiative : The European citizens' initiative allows citizens to participate directly in the development of EU policies, by calling on the European Commission to make a legislative proposal, having presented their case at a European Parliament hearing.

2013 Charlemagne Youth Prize : The European Charlemagne Youth Prize aims to encourage the development of European consciousness among young people, as well as their participation in European integration projects. The Prize is awarded to projects undertaken by young people which foster understanding, promote the development of a shared sense of European identity, and offer practical examples of Europeans living together as one community. The Prize is awarded jointly and annually by the European Parliament and the Foundation of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen.

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Forthcoming events

Food security or food sovereignty: What direction for Europe? : With fighting hunger being a key priority for the European Union, and the G8 hosted by the UK this year, this event will debate the principles of food sovereignty and food security and examine some of the policies that the EU, UK and Scotland need in order to tackle the root causes of hunger. Speakers will include Deborah Doane, director of the World Development Movement, Pete Ritchie, director of Nourish Scotland, Alyn Smith MEP, David Martin MEP and Gearge Lyon MEP. Registration is encouraged but not required. Please email office@wdmscotland.org.uk

Film Showcase of the finalists of Our Europe Competition : SEET has partnered with Edinburgh Filmhouse for a showcase of short films created by high school pupils in Scotland for "Our Europe Competition", funded by the European Parliament and supported by Radio Lingua.The screening will showcase the six semi-finalist European short films. Guests are asked to arrive from 4.30 PM for refreshments with a 5.30 PM showcase.

Scottish Parliament hosts Euroquiz final : On Monday 13th of May, twenty-nine primary schools from around Scotland will face each other in the grand final of the Scottish European Trust's Euroquiz, held in the Scottish Parliament Debating Chamber. The final is sponsored by the European Parliament and the Scottish Government, among others.

2013 Europe Day Pub Quiz : Are you smarter than a 10-year old? Come to our 2013 Europe Day Pub Quiz and find out! The European Parliament office in Edinburgh organises its annual pub quiz, on Thursday 9th of May at 6:30 PM (Doors open at 6:00 PM. The location will be the Pleasance Bar at Edinburgh University. Everyone is welcome to participate, but registration is essential, so please e-mail your team details (maximum 4 people per team) at epedinburgh@ep.europa.eu. Free buffet provided.

European Year of the Citizen - The EU and you : The 8th of May, at 1pm, the European Parliament office in Edinburgh will host the event organized by SCVO regarding the European Year of Citizenship. Alyn Smith MEP will participate, introducing the day by explaining the importance of civil society and active citizens in Europe today. After that, two workshops devoted to explain why and how Scottish organisations can engage in the EU will take place. The afternoon will finish with panel questions. Lunch will be provided at the beginning of the event.

Europe Day : On 9th May, St Andrew Square in Edinburgh will be taken over by an event to mark Europe Day. The European Parliament Office, the European Commission, the Edinburgh Consular Corps, Scottish Government, Scotland Europa and other will have stands in the square, highlighting their work in Scotland. In the EP office case, we will be giving information about the job of the Parliament and the Scottish MEPs. It will be open to all, and run from 11:30 to 3:30, with activities involving many of the EU countries.

It's our Europe: Let's get active! : In Strasbourg on 23rd April, the European Ombudsman will host an event to help focus how European citizens can contribute to shaping the EU, either by using the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI), by turning to the European Ombudsman, or by mobilising large groups of citizens to carry out grassroots initiatives. He will be joined the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz MEP. The event will be webstreamed at www.ombudsman.europa.eu and broadcast live at the EP Edinburgh Office. Contributions via Twitter will be invited throughout the event from those participating at all 33 EP Information Offices around Europe. The event runs from 8.30 to 11.30. If you wish to participate, please send an e-mail to epedinburgh@ep.europa.eu

Funding the EU and EU Funding in Scotland - Friday 22nd February 2013, 09.00- 14.00, Glasgow Grand Central Hotel : In the wake of the Europe Council debate on the future funding of the EU, this conference will examine the implications for EU funding programmes in Scotland, including a Q&A session with George Lyon MEP, David Martin MEP and Struan Stevenson MEP, as well as other leading experts. Date |Friday, 22nd February 2013 Time | 9.00 am- 14.00pm Place| Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow RSVP |epedinburgh@ep.europa.eu or call 0131 557 78 66 It is free to attend, but pre-registration is required. Please email epedinburgh@ep.europa.eu or call 0131 557 78 66 to reserve your place.

The Future of European Fisheries - Thursday 21st Febuary 2013, 18.00- 19.00, Oban : Following the EP vote on reform of the CFP at the start of February, Struan Stevenson MEP will hold a talk on the future of fisheries at the Scottish Association for Marine Science. This talk will be followed by Q&A with the audience. Date |Thursday, 21st February 2013 Time | 18.00pm- 19.00pm Place| Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban RSVP |epedinburgh@ep.europa.eu or call 0131 557 78 66 It is free to attend, but pre-registration is required. Please email epedinburgh@ep.europa.eu or call 0131 557 78 66 to reserve your place.

40 Years in the EU: Business and the Economy Friday 25th January 2013, 16:30-18:30,The Tun, Edinburgh : The European Parliament Information Office in Scotland will be hosting a range of seminars and debates to commemorate 40 years of the UK in the EU. Each event will focus on a different policy area or aspect of EU membership. First Event was held on Friday January 25th, will look at the e impact that UK membership of the EU had had on Scottish business and the Scottish economy. The speakers will include: Alyn Smith MEP (SNP), Nick Soper (Scotch Whisky Association) and Anis Mourad (Scottish Enterprise). Date |Friday, 25 January 2013 Time | 4.30pm- 6.30pm Place| European Parliament office in Scotland, The Tun, Edinburgh RSVP |email: epedinburgh@ep.europa.eu There will be an opportunity for the audience members to ask questions following the discussion The event will finish at 6.30 pm and will be followed by a whisky tasting for Nick Soper.

Europe in the world: Can EU foreign policy make an impact? Thursday 21st February, 6.00-7.30pm : The Foreign Policy Centre and European Commission Office in Scotland in conjecture with the University of Edinburgh are hosting an event on 21st February titled 'Europe in the world: Can EU foreign policy make an impact?' Speakers will include David Martin MEP, Christina McKelvie MSP and Prof John Peterson. It will be held at6.00-7.30pm in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Edinburgh.

2013 European Parliament Calendar Exhibition : The European Parliament Information Office in Edinburgh hosted a reception to launch its 2013 Calendar on 6 December 2012.

20 Years of the Single Market, with Catherine Stihler MEP- 23rd November : The Scottish European Resources Network (SERN) will hold its annual meeting at the EP Office in Edinburgh on 23rd November. They keynote speaker will be Catherine Stihler MEP, who will be speaking about the 20th anniversary of the completion of the Single Market. What has been achieved, how and to what extent do Scottish businesses and consumers benefit, and what does not work and need to change? For more information about this event, please contact the European Commission Office in Edinburgh 0131 225 2058 or email Janet.Williamson@ec.europa.eu

The EU Budget; Deal or No Deal, with George Lyon MEP-16th November at 15:00 : MEP George Lyon will be hosting a short discussion on the issues surround the EU budget and future EU spending. He will give a short presentation followed by Q&A session which will look at the conflict between EU parliament and member state on the purposed increase in the long-term EU budget. He is better-place than almost any other UK politician to answer these, and other questions on this topic. He is Vice President of the European Parliament Budgets Committee and a Member of the President's Strategy Group on the EU long-term budget (the Multi-Annual Financial Framework). The event is free to attend but places are limited so you need to register by emailing epedinburgh@ep.europa.eu or calling 0131 557 7866

Sakharov Prize 2012 Panel Discussion- Thursday 18th October 17:30-19:30, Glasgow University : The European Parliament Office in Scotland and the Glasgow Human Rights Network host this event at which students will mirror the process by which MEPs choose the winner of the Sakharov Prize.This Event will take place at University of Glasgow Wolfson Medical School Building Seminar Room 2 between 17:30 and 19:30. This discussion will be follow by refreshments. This event is free and all are welcome please register here.

Reforming the EU Public Procurement Regime: Scottish Perspectives : On Friday 7th September 2012, from 11.00-13.00, the European Parliament Office will host a discussion event with Scottish MEPs and stakeholders to consider the key issues involved in the current passage of new public procurement legislation. The event will take place at The European Parliament Office in Edinburgh, The Tun, 4 Jackson's Entry, Holyrood Road, EH8 8PJ. Speaking will be Alyn Smith MEP, Catherine Stihler MEP, Mark Clough QC (Brodies LLP), and the talks will be chaired by Duncan Osler, Partner, MacRoberts LLP and accredited as a specialist in Public Procurement Law by The Law Society of Scotland.

LUX Prize 2013 Screen - 9th,10th & 11th at Edinburgh Film house : Edinburgh Filmhouse, with sponsorship from European Parliament Office in Scotland, will be screening the three shortlisted films for the 2012 European Parliament's LUX Prize for European Film; Just the Wind directed by Benedek Fliegauf, Shun Li and the Poet directed by Andrea Segre, and Tabu by Miguel Gomes. Tickets are free but you must register with Filmhouse in advance for a ticket. If you attend all three screenings, you will have the chance to nominate your favourite as part of a 'Citizen's Jury' to choose the winner of the 2012 LUX Prize. More information on the LUX Prize can be found here.

'Linking Scotland to Europe through the Arts'- Festival of Politics 2012 : The Festival of Politics is an annual event organised by the Scottish Parliament. This year it is themed - 'Politics. Culture. Creativity. A Force for Positive Change'. Accordingly, as part of the Festival, the European Parliament Information Office in Edinburgh and European Movement in Scotland are organising an event entitled 'Linking Scotland to Europe through the Arts'. It will be held on Saturday (18th August) at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.

8th World Congress and Active Ageing 13th-17th August : The 8th World Congress on Active Ageing this year will be held at the SEEC in Glasgow between 13th -17th of August. Held every 4 years, this event will gather scientists and practitioners, experts and enthusiasts from a range of professional interests and disciplines involved in the promotion of Active Ageing. The WCAA will cover a number of topics ranging from broader issues of ageing to specific interests including motivation, measurement, the environment and professional development and training. It will also offer a range of social and participatory activities

Debate: Re-thinking Russia 26th August : Between 11th and 27th August, within the Festival season in Edinburgh, the annual Edinburgh International Book Festival will be taking place. The Book Festival is regarded to be one of the largest public celebrations of the written word in the world, bringing over 800 writers and thinkers from across the globe. During the event on 26th August (19:00-20:15), MEP Struan Stevenson and Russian expert Masha Gessen will be debating if Vladimir Putin is an Unmitigated Disaster for Russia?

LUX Prize 2011 - 'Play' in the Glasgow Youth Film Festival : On 13th of February, the European Parliament Office and the Glasgow Film Theatre organise a screening of one of the nominees for the European Parliament 2011 LUX Prize: 'Play' by the Swedish film maker Ruben Östlund is set in Gothenburg and deals with the fate of five boys with a migration background. It is a Swedish, French and Danish joint production. A panel discussion will follow the screening. More information about the screening is available on the Glasgow Film Theatre's website. More information on the LUX Prize can be found here.

Exhibition of the European Parliament's 2012 Calendar

Lecture: France, the G20 and the Euro crisis

What Future for Social Europe? Beyond the European Crisis

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Contact the Office in Edinburgh

Activities

Scottish Parliament hosted the Euroquiz final : On Monday 13th of May, twenty-nine primary schools from around Scotland faced each other in the grand final of the Scottish European Trust's Euroquiz, held in the Scottish Parliament Debating Chamber. Cradlehall Primary School from Inverness were 2013's winners, winning a closely contested final round against the St Leonard's team from South Lanarkshire.

Europe Day Pub Quiz at The Pleasance : Keeping up a now-established tradition, the European Parliament Office in Edinburgh and European Movement in Scotland hosted our annual pub quiz at the The Pleasance Cabaret Bar at Edinburgh University, on Europe Day, 9th May. With questions about the EU and its Member States covering history, culture, geography and much else besides, the different teams that took part, from a range of organisations, pitted their wits against each other.Photos from Europe Day's Pub Quiz

Europe Day Exhibition in St Andrew Square, Edinburgh : The EU took to the streets of Edinburgh on Europe Day (9 May), with an open air event in St Andrew Square. Over 20 information stands were present, including the European Parliament and European Commission, as well as the Scottish Government and Scotland Europa, and representatives of the consulates from several EU Member States. Hundreds of members of the public braved the bracing Edinburgh breeze to visit the stands and listen to the entertainment on stage.Photos from Europe Day

Annual School's Debating Competition in Aberdeen : On 7th March, the Europe Direct Centre in Aberdeen, run by Aberdeen City Council, organised its Annual School's Debating Competition at the Aberdeen Beach Ballroom. A panel of distinguished judgess was chaired by Ian Hudghton MEP and the event was chaired by James Temple-Smithson, Head of the Edinburgh EP Office.

Funding the EU and EU Funding in Scotland : On 22 February, the EP Office hosted a Conference entitled "Funding the EU and EU Funding in Scotland". It comprised two sessions.The first session considered the recent European Council agreement on the long term EU budget (the Multi-Annual Financial Framework) and its implications for Scotland. The second, more technical session, considered what changes in EU funding programmes had been proposed, what lessons had been drawn from previous programmes and how organisations in Scotland keen to pursue European funding should approach the issue in future.

news_activities_2013

Future of European Fisheries: discussion with Struan Stevenson MEP : On 21st February, The European Parliament Office in Scotland and Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) in Oban hosted a discussion with Struan Stevenson MEP on the Future of European Fisheries. This event took place at a time when key votes on major reforms to the Common Fisheries Policy were taking place in Brussels. The talk examined some of the remaining barriers to agreement on CFP reform and what the possible outcomes might mean for Scottish fishermen, fishing communities and the Scottish marine environment. Photos from The Future of European Fisheries

Forty Years in the UK: Business and the Economy, with Alyn Smith MEP : Throughout 2013, The European Parliament Information Office in Scotland an UK will be hosting a range of seminars and debates to commemorate 40 years of the UK in the EU. The First event in Scotland was held on on Friday January 25th, with a senimar on how UK membership of the EU has had on Scottish business andeconomy. Speakers will included: Alyn Smith MEP (SNP), Nick Soper (Scotch Whisky Association) and Anis Mourad (Scottish Enterprise).

Activities Edinburgh 2011

Euroscola Day at the European Parliament in Strasbourg : An enthusiastic group of students from eleven Glasgow City Council schools and one North Ayrshire school attended the annual visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg in October 2011.

Napier University Students Visit European Parliament in Brussels : A group of international students from Napier University in Edinburgh visited the European Parliament in Brussels in November 2011; their visit was sponsored by the Struan Stevenson MEP, who talked to the group about his work and what it means for Scotland. During their stay in Brussels, the students also learned more about the European Parliament in its new visitors' centre, the Parlamentarium. Several students have shared their impressions on visiting the European Parliament with the European Parliament Office in Scotland.

news_activities_2011-december

European Parliament Office in Edinburgh's 2012 Calendar Exhibition : In December, the European Parliament Office in Edinburgh hosted an exhibition to launch the Scottish edition of the European Parliament's 2012 Calendar. It features some of the best drawings from about 1000 primary school children across Scotland who participated in the calendar competition with the theme "European emergency number 112".

Lecture: France, the G20 and the Euro crisis : Marking the French presidency of the G20, the European Parliament Office in Edinburgh, the Consulate General of France and the Franco-Scottish Business Club hosted a lecture by Ms Laurence Dubois-Destrizais, Minister Counsellor for Economic and Financial Affairs to the French Embassy in London, on "France, the G20 and the Euro crisis". She particularly focused on the role and interest of the UK in the international and European economic and financial spheres. An interesting discussion followed the lecture whose popularity left no seat in the audience unoccupied.

news_activities_2011-november

Annual Meeting of Scottish European Resources Network (SERN) : On 25th November, staff from the European Parliament Office in Edinburgh attended the 16th Annual meeting of Scottish European Resources (SERN). Against the backdrop of the changed Scottish political landscape, the participants discussed the implications of the new majority government for Scotland's future relations with the UK and the European Union. Elspeth Macdonald, Head of Constitution and Europe Division, provided a Scottish Government perspective on the issue and addressed issues arising with the Scotland Bill, the Joint Ministerial Committee and the negotiations leading up to the EU's Multi-Annual Financial Framework.

What Future for Social Europe? Beyond the European Crisis : On 21st November, a conference on the Future of Social Europe was organised by the European Parliament Office and the Reverse link define here : ActivitiesPoverty Alliance to look at the circumstances of the current crisis and its impact on employment, equality and poverty across European states. As Peter Kelly of the Poverty Alliance put it, the timing of this conference could not have been better or, depending on one's perspective, it could not have been worse. Several expert speakers and the EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, László Andor, addressed the question what 'social' has come to mean in Europe.

Seminar on the Euro Crisis : On 9th November, the European Parliament Office in Edinburgh and the European Movement in Scotland hosted a seminar at Edinburgh University which addressed the financial, economic and political implications of the Euro Crisis. The expert speakers sought to consider how and why the Eurozone has arrived at the situation in which it now finds itself, to assess what is at stake and, looking ahead, to consider what economic and political consequences might follow different possible courses of action that Eurozone leaders might take.

Modern Studies Conference : The European Parliament Information Office in Edinburgh participated on 5 November 2011 in the Modern Studies Conference in Stirling. Organised annually by the Modern Studies Association, the conference gathered together more than 150 Modern Studies teachers from Scottish secondary schools.

European Parliament and Glasgow Human Rights Network discussion event on the Sakharov Prize : The European Parliament's Sakharov Prize is awarded annually and intended to honour exceptional individuals who combat intolerance, fanaticism and oppression. This year, MEPs put forward five nominees for the award. In an event that mirrored the process by which the winner is chosen, students studying for a Masters in Human Rights and International Politics at Glasgow University gave presentations on each of the nominees. These presentations were based on documentation provided by the European Parliament and the students' own research, which was extremely thorough and uncovered a great deal of interesting and thought-provoking detail.

news_activities_2011-october

Has the European Parliament come of Age? : On 14 October, the European Parliament Information Office and the University of Edinburgh's Transatlantic Seminar jointly organised a roundtable discussion addressing the question "Has the European Parliament come of Age?". It brought together speakers with competing perspectives on the European Parliament's contemporary role and status in the democratic life of the European Union (EU): Richard Corbett, former MEP (1996 - 2009), Michael Shakelton, Head of the European Parliament Information Office in the UK, and John Peterson, Professor of International Politics at Edinburgh University.

Internship Fair in Glasgow : On 11 October 2011, the European Parliament Office in Edinburgh attended the Internship Fair at the University of Glasgow to provide students with information on the European Parliament's traineeship options. It engaged with students from a variety of academic and cultural backgrounds to answer questions about the opportunities to gain work experience in Brussels and Luxemburg and informed about the different options and requirements.

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Regulation, Speculation and World Food Prices : On 16 September, the European Parliament Office in Edinburgh and the World Development Movement (WDM) hosted a debate on the regulation of food commodity markets in the context of an anticipated revision of the EU's Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) which may propose new rules on the trading of commodities when it is published later this year.

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Edinburgh Festival of Politics 2011 : On 25 August 2011, the European Parliament and the European Movement hosted an event at the Edinburgh Festival of Politics entitled "Reporting Europe in the Age of the New Media".

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St Columba's High School visit to the European Parliament : In June, Catherine Stihler MEP sponsored a trip to Brussels for 29 pupils from St Columba's High School in Dunfermline. The pupils visited the European Parliament where John Fordham, from the European Parliament Visitor Service, gave the group an overview of the work and role of the institution. The pupils also met three Scottish MEPs: Catherine Stihler, David Martin and Struan Stevenson to discuss some European issues. They made the most of this chance, asking a range of questions. After the visit to the EP they had time for some sightseeing, which gave the pupils an insight into many aspects of Belgian history and contemporary culture, and included a visit to the Grande Place in Brussels.

Information Day on the Polish Presidency of the EU : To mark the Polish Presidency of the EU starting on 1 July 2011, the Consulate-General of the Republic of Poland organised an Information Day on 2 July at St Andrew's Square in Edinburgh. The event took the form of public stands which provided a range of materials about the EU, its institutions and Poland to passers-by and visitors. The European Parliament Information Office in Edinburgh was among the stall-holders. It was accompanied by an extensive programme of cultural events, comprising traditional and contemporary music, dance, artistic workshops, children's activities and food tasting. The Information Day proved to be a huge success.

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Round Table on CAP Reform : The European Parliament organised a Round Table on CAP Reform on Friday 17th June at Aberdeen University, as part of a new pilot scheme to take discussion of topical EU issues on the road to hear the views of local people. Aberdeen was chosen because the North-East of Scotland is such an important food-producing area. The Round Table was attended by Struan Stevenson MEP and Alyn Smith MEP, as well as by representatives of the National Farmers' Union of Scotland (NFUS), the Scottish Government, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City Councils, Aberdeen University and a number of other experts, including some specialist agriculture journalists.

Schools Question Time : The European Parliament and Europe Direct Aberdeen organised a discussion event for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire schools on Friday 17th June in Aberdeen City Council Chambers. The discussion was mainly about food and farming, with some more general issues addressed later. It was part of a new pilot scheme to take discussion of topical EU issues on the road to hear the views of local people. Aberdeen was chosen because the North-East of Scotland is such an important food-producing area. The MEPs at the event were Ian Hudghton (SNP) and Struan Stevenson (Conservatives). Just under 50 students from eight local schools attended.

You Are What You Eat : The European Parliament organised a public discussion event on Thursday 16th June in Aberdeen City Council Chambers all about food and farming. It was part of a new pilot scheme to take discussion of topical EU issues on the road to hear the views of local people. Aberdeen was chosen because the North-East of Scotland is such an important food-producing area.

The audience raised a wide range of topics : The audience raised a wide range of topics, from food labelling to cultivation of Genetically Modified crops and from how best to promote education about nutrition to the recent E-Coli outbreak in Germany. A show of hands was take on some of the controversial issues and showed, for example, a majority of those present through the labelling to show the calorie content of alcoholic drinks would be a good idea. The MEPs reported that legislation in this area might come forward in the next year or two. Professor Peter J. Morgan, said: "Food is crucial to our health and to the economy, yet in the future its production and consumption provide some real challenges, so it was a good opportunity to debate what our options may be."

Pupils compete in SEET Euroquiz finals : Pupils from Edinburgh Academy won the 2011 SEET Euroquiz finals which took place in Holyrood chamber on 6 June, beating Cairneyhill Primary School in Fife by just a single point in the final round. The winning team was awarded a trophy, medals, and a globe for their school. Jamie Miller, one of the winning pupils from the Edinburgh Academy team, said: "We've had a fantastic day and we're ecstatic to win. The four of us gave up the first day of our school trip to Holland to compete today so it's all been worthwhile."

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The SERN Briefing : The European Parliament Information Office in Edinburgh hosted the annual SERN (The Scottish European Resources Network) briefing in its office on 27 May 2011. SERN includes 32 member organisations from around Scotland including Local Authorities, MEP's Assistants, Members of Committee of the Regions, European Movement in Scotland, Scotland Europa, Scotch Whisky Association, The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Chambers of Commerce, the National Library of Scotland, Public Libraries, and the Aberdeen Europe Direct Centre.

Europe Quiz : On 19 May, the European Parliament Office in Edinburgh, together with the European Movement hosted their 5th annual Europe Quiz at the Pleasance bar in Edinburgh. Eighteen teams entered, but the winning team of the five round quiz was The Comitologists from the Scottish government with a grand total of 72 points. The winning team was awarded a magnificent trophy.

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Europe Day - 9 May 2011 : TransEuropa, a transnational Festival of Culture, Politics and Art which "promotes democracy, equality and culture beyond the nation" took place on 8 May in the Scottish Storytelling Centre on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh to celebrate Europe Day. The festival features events in 12 cities simultaneously, and Edinburgh participated this year for the first time.

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Activities Edinburgh 2010

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SERN Annual Meeting : The European Commission Representation in Scotland and the Edinburgh Information Office of the European Parliament jointly hosted the annual meeting of the Scottish European Resources Network (SERN) at the European Parliament Office on November 26th.

Talk your way to Brussels : On 25 November 2010 pupils from six secondary schools from the Glasgow area took part in the third of four regional heats of the 2011 Speaking Competition. Organised by the Scottish European Educational Trust (SEET) it constitutes a great opportunity for pupils to debate and for winners and first runners up of each heat to participate in the final in Brussels.

COPD Seminar : On Friday 19 November Catherine Stihler MEP hosted a seminar at the Edinburgh Information Office of the European Parliament about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The event, titled "COPD - why is it such a silent killer in Scotland?" featured a number of experts in the field of respiratory diseases. Some thirty-five people attended, including members of the public as well as medical professionals.

Cohesion Policy Seminar : The European Commission Representation and the European Parliament Information Office for Scotland jointly hosted a seminar on 12 November on the future of the European Union's Cohesion Policy at the European Parliament office in Edinburgh.

Modern Studies Association Conference : On Saturday 6 November 2010 the Modern Studies Association held its Annual Conference at the Scottish Parliament. Grace and Marta from the European Parliament Office in Scotland participated at the event by distributing many of the European Parliament's educational resources. Over 200 Modern Studies teachers from Scotland were delighted to receive these resources and very keen to start using them in their classrooms.

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Internship Fair at Glasgow University : The European Parliament Office in Scotland had a stall at Glasgow University's Internship Fair, held on October 19th in the University's Hunter Halls. Staff from the office was in Glasgow to raise awareness among the city's student body of the opportunities available to them to apply for both paid and unpaid internships with the European Parliament. The event was extremely successful, as the fair drew in some 2000 students who had come to explore the thirty or so stalls offering a diverse range of internships.

Euro Quiz Glasgow : The Scotland Office of the European Parliament joined forces with the European Movement Scotland on October 14th to organise a Euro pub quiz at the Glasgow University Union in Glasgow's West End. The participating teams were quizzed on their knowledge of all things Europe for five rounds, including a musical round featuring some foreign languages and musical MEPs, and a picture round that involved identifying famous people, coastlines, cityscapes and cuisine from across the EU.

Poverty Alliance Annual Conference : On October 1st, a conference entitled 'It's Everyone's Business' - Working Together to Combat Poverty' was hosted in Glasgow by the Poverty Alliance - which brings together a range of Scottish organisations dedicated to the eradication of poverty - with the support of the European Parliament Office in Edinburgh.

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Benefits of the Low Carbon Economy: the Evidence from Scotland : On 23 September 2010 at the European Parliament Office in Scotland hosted a Scottish Government Ministerial Briefing on the evidence from Scotland of the benefits of an early transition to a low carbon economy, a key issue for the EU and the wider international community in the run up to the UNFCCC Conference in Cancun in December.

Scottish Learning Festival : The European Parliament Office in Scotland participated for the fourth consecutive year at the annual Scottish Learning Festival at the SECC in Glasgow on 22-23 September 2010. This year saw an estimated 6400 visitors to the Festival, an increase of 14% on last year's figures, and the European Parliament was delighted to respond to questions from nearly 200 teachers, both from the primary and secondary sectors on specific issues such as how the European Parliament's educational resources can be applied to the Scottish curriculum and ways and means of how to bring Europe into the Scottish classroom.

Seminar on Sport in Scotland and the EU : On 10th September 2010, the European Parliament Office in Scotland hosted a seminar to discuss the impact of the EU and the Lisbon Treaty on sport in Scotland. The Treaty states that "the Union shall contribute to the promotion of European sporting issues, while taking account of the specific nature of sport, its structures based on voluntary activity and its social and educational function."

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European Parliament at the Festival of Politics : On Tuesday 17 August, as part of the Edinburgh Festival of Politics, the European European Parliament Office in Scotland hosted a debate on Changing Politics in Europe. The debate took place in the Scottish Parliament and was chaired by James Temple-Smithson, Head of the EP Scotland Office. Almost a hundred people attended.

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Chairman of the EP Agriculture Committee visits the Royal Highland Show : On 24 June, the Chairman of the European Parliament's Agriculture Committee, Paolo de Castro MEP, visited the Royal Highland Show. The Royal Highland Show, is Scotland's leading outdoor event showcasing all that's best in Scottish farming, food and countryside. The 2010 took place at Ingliston, near Edinburgh from 24-27 June and attracted al most 180,000 visitors over the four days.

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2013 European Parliament Calendar Exhibition : The European Parliament Information Office in Edinburgh hosted a reception to launch its 2013 Calendar on 6 December 2012. This event celebrated the creativity of Scottish primary pupils and featured an exhibition of the 25 drawings which will appear in the calendar. Rewards and certificates were presented to the winner and the two runners up. The theme of this year's calendar competition was 'Europe's rich animal kingdom'.

EU Budget; Deal or No Deal? With George Lyon MEP : On Friday 16th November, the European Parliament Office in Edinburgh hosted a talk and Q&A session with George Lyon MEP entitled: 'The EU Budget; Deal or No Deal?' Mr Lyon is Vice President of the European Parliament Budgets Committee and a Member of the 'President's Strategy Group' on the EU long-term budget (the Multi-Annual Financial Framework). In addressing the controversial topic, discussed the broad political issues that will shape the eventual EU budget as well as the implications for Scotland.

MacCormick European Lecture : This years Royal Society of Edinburgh's MacCormick European Lecture, which was support by European Parliament Office in Edinburgh, was given by journalist Allan Little. The Royal Society of Edinburgh's annual MacCormick European Lecture is named after the late Professor Sir Neil MacCormick, a former Member of the European Parliament, in recognition of the contribution made by him to Scottish and European politics and the international work of the RSE.

Scottish European Resources Network (SERN) : On 23rd November the Scottish European Resources Network (SERN), which is co-organised by the European Commission and European Parliament Offices in Scotland, held its annual meeting at the EP Office in Edinburgh. It was attended over 30 members of SERN who heard three presentations on the "20th anniversary of the completion of the Single Market."

Sakharov Prize 2012 Panel Discussion- Thursday 18th October at Glasgow University : On 18th October the European Parliament Office in Edinburgh and the Glasgow Human Rights Network co-hosted an event at Glasgow University which looked at the 2012 Sakharov Prize

Scottish Learning Festival : The European Parliament Office in Scotland was one of the exhibitors at this year's Scottish Learning Festival that took place at the SECC in Glasgow on 19-20 September 2012. More than 4500 delegates had an opportunity to visit the stands of 120 leading exhibitors and participate in a wide range of seminars. The European Parliament stand proved to be very popular, with around 500 visitors from primary, secondary and university sectors.

Reforming the Public Procurement Regime: Scottish Perspectives : On Friday 7th September 2012, the European Parliament Office in Edinburgh hosted a discussion about the reform of public procurement regime in the EU, relating particularly to a recent directive brought forward by the European Commission and intended to modernise existing public procurement legislation. Speaking at the event were MEPs Catherine Stihler and Alyn Smith, and Mark Clough QC. It was chaired by Duncan Ossler.

2013 European Parliament Calendar Competition is launched : Primary schools from Scotland and Northern Ireland can now enter the annual competition. This year's theme is "Europe's rich animal kingdom". Primary schools from Scotland and Northern Ireland are welcome to send their entries between 1 September and 9 October 2012 to the EP Office in Scotland. The drawings will be judged by a panel of MEPs from Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as officials from the European Parliament Office in Scotland.

'Linking Edinburgh to Europe through the Arts' at the Edinburgh Festival of Politics : On Saturday 18th August the European Parliament Office in Edinburgh, in conjunction with the European Movement in Scotland and the Polish Consulate in Edinburgh, hosted a discussion entitled ´Linking Scotland to Europe through the Arts´. The event took place at the Scottish Parliament as part of the Edinburgh Festival of Politics and was chaired by Struan Stevenson MEP. It featured Prof Richard Demarco and Alexander Moffat. A number of MSPs also attended.

World Congress on Active Ageing 13th-17th August : On 13th-17th August, the European Parliament Office in Scotland participated in the 8th World Congress on Active Ageing 2012, held at Glasgow's Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre. The event brought together scientists, academics, representatives of many professional interests and members of the general public to discuss active ageing across society. The Office jointly hosted a stall with the European Commission to discuss the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations, while MEPs David Martin and Heinz Becker also participated.

Big Tent Festival on 21st-22nd July : On 21st -22nd July one of the biggest environmental festivals in Scotland took place in Falkland Estate in the Kingdom of Fife. This year the Big Tent Festival attracted over 6,000 people. As well as music, arts and family activities a number of a wide range of debates and workshops on social and environmental issues took place over the weekend, which brought together leading thinkers from Scotland and beyond to consider what each of us could do in the face of climate change, green issues and other environmental challenges.

Scotland Debates EU Economic Governance 31st May - 1st June 2012 : On the 31st May - 1st June, leading European academics and officials got together at Edinburgh University to debate the future of Economic Governance in the EU. The conference marked the first instance when such wide-ranging debates were held in Scotland. During the event, sponsored by the European Commission and Edinburgh University's Europa Institute, a variety of issues ranging from social policies, competition law, Scotland's role in the EU, economic regulation and governance in the era of the crisis were discussed. Speakers included Scottish MEP Alyn Smith, who was a member of the European Parliament's Temporary Committee of Inquiry on the Financial Crisis, as well as a large number of other experts from the worlds of academia, government, journalism and banking.

Europe Quiz 2012 on 10th May : On 10th May the European Parliament Office in Scotland marked Europe Day with its annual European Pub Quiz, organised jointly with the European Movement in Scotland. The Quiz took place in the University's of Edinburgh Pleasance Bar, where eighteen teams pitted their wits against each other on a range of European political, cultural, historical and other trivia. After a challenging and entertaining five rounds the Europe Quiz was won by a team ironically called the 'Wooden Spoons', who collected the prestigious Tyrell-Orr trophy by a narrow margin.

Anual Public Speaking Competition in Aberdeen : On 23 February, eight teams participated in a public speaking for local schools competition organised by Europe Direct Aberdeen. In the semi-final, teams debated whether or not the EU should make better use of social media to communicate with young people and in the final the question of whether compulsory language exchanges for all Scottish school children should be introduced was the topic. Judges included Ian Hudghton MEP and representatives of the European Commission, which funds Europe Direct Centres.

SEET Schools Quiz 2012 on 14th May : On 14th May the final of the annual schools Euro-quiz, organised by the Scottish European Eductational Trust (SEET), took place in the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament. Thirty teams took part, representing schools from Shetland to Dumfries and Galloway. The finlaists had won through from almost 1500 pupils from 370 schools competing in the heats held across 30 of the 32 local authorities throughout the school year.

Modern Languages Conference on 25th May : On 25th May the European Parliament Office in Scotland participated in the conference ' One city, many voices: Taking Modern Foreign Languages forward in Edinburgh schools' organised by the City of Edinburgh in Broughton High School. Liz Gray (Quality Improvement Officer Languages and Literacy, City of Edinburgh Council) and Gillian Tee (Director of Education, City of Edinburgh Council) opened the conference while Sarah Breslin from Scottish Centre for Information on Language Teaching (SCILT) gave an overview of the recent reforms in language teaching in Scotland.

Seminar on ACTA with the MEP David Martin in Edinburgh on 13th April 2012 : On 13th April the European Parliament Office in Scotland held the seminar on the highly controversial Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA). ACTA is an international treaty aimed at combating Intellectual Property Rights infringements, namely counterfeiting and piracy, by enhancing international cooperation and enforcement.

The Big Fisheries Question Time and Debate in Peterhead on 30th March : On 30th March 2012 the Scotland Office of the European Parliament organised a series of activities in Peterhead, in the North East of Scotland, with three MEPs: Struan Stevenson (Conservative, Scotland), Ian Hudghton (SNP, Scotland) and Chris Davies (LibDem, North West England)

The 5th Congress of Polish Student Societies in Great Britain : 5th Congress of Polish Student Societies in Great Britain took place on 22-25 March 2012 in the Universities of Edinburgh and St Andrew's.The European Parliament Office in Edinburgh was one of the sponsors of the Congress. This year, due to the Polish presidency in the Council of the European Union, the event was entitled: "Poland PLC on the European Market".

LUX Prize 2011 - 'Play' in the Glasgow Youth Film Festival : On 13th of February, the European Parliament Office and the Glasgow Film Theatre organised a screening of one of the nominees for the European Parliament 2011 LUX Prize: 'Play' by the Swedish film maker Ruben Östlund is set in Gothenburg and deals with the fate of five boys with a migration background. A lively panel discussion followed the screening.

RNIB European Conference Glasgow- 16th March 2012 : On 16th March, David Martin MEP and James Temple-Smithson, Head of the Edinburgh EP Office, were among speakers at a European Conference organised by the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) Scotland. Other speakers also included Lord Colin Low, Former President of the European Blind Union and Dr Graham Paterson, Director of Operations at CityBuilding Glasgow.

Euroscola - Scottish Students in Strasbourg in February 2012. : In early February, a group of Scottish students participated in the Euroscola Day in Strasbourg, where the students experienced the multi-lingual and multi-cultural atmposphere of the European Parliament.

International Women's Day 2012 : On International Women's Day, 8th March 2012, Catherine Stihler MEP was among the keynote speakers at a conference entitled: "Women in Scotland 2012 - The Big Picture" at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. The day-long conference was sponsored by the European Parliament Office in Scotland and organised by Engender. It attracted 200 delegates from a wide range or organisations including Women in Technology, Values into Action, White Ribbon Scotland, Edinburgh University Students Association, The Association of Scottish Businesswomen, Scottish Human Rights Commission and Equality North East.

First German Career Fair in Scotland : On 2nd March 2012 the European Parliament Edinburgh Office participated in the first "Think German" Careers Fair which took place in the Forrester High School, Edinburgh. The event was organized by the German Consulate, the City of Edinburgh Council and the German-British Chamber of Industry and Commerce Scotland. Almost 500 students from 14 schools and universities from all over Scotland attended and about 20 companies and organisations with links to Germany exhibited.

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Newsletter from the European Parliament Office in Edinburgh

Publications : The Publications of the European Parliament Office in Scotland.

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Articles : Below are a series of regular articles written by Scottish MEPs for the Scotland Europa publication 'Insight Europe'. For more information please contact:

Blacklisting : According to the Oxford Dictionary a blacklist is '...a list of people or groups regarded as unacceptable or untrustworthy and often marked down for punishment or exclusion.' And on Wikipedia '...a blacklist (or black list) is a list or register of entities who, for one reason or another, are being denied a particular privilege, service, mobility, access or recognition.' As a verb to blacklist can mean to deny someone work in a particular field, or to ostracize from a certain social circle - as a concept it runs totally counter to the ethos of the European Union (EU).

EU must recognise the Kurdish Genocide : March the 16th marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of the massacre of almost 5,000 people in the Kurdish village of Halabja in northern Iraq. The gas attack on these defenseless villagers was the deadliest assault carried out by Saddam Hussein during his al-Anfal campaign against the Kurdish population. Three quarters of the victims in this horrific chemical-weapon attack were women and children. I believe that it is important for the European Parliament to support the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in formally recognising the massacre in Halabja and the al-Anfal campaign as a "genocide" and March 16 as an international day against the use of chemical weapons.

Food, unfit for purpose : Over the past few weeks, we've had a good long look at the state of our food chain, and we definitely don't like what we see. Horsemeat in processed meals being passed off as beef (in some cases the "beef" consisted 100% of horse!); horsemeat containing traces of the painkiller phenylbutazone entering the food chain (found in eight carcasses in the UK, of which six may have entered the food chain in France); the removal of dozens of product lines from supermarket shelves; traces of pork DNA found in prison meals labelled as "halal"; the discovery of slaughtered dogs in Spain intended for processing into animal feed...

Making Public Money Work for Us : As we continue to struggle with the ongoing economic crisis, the importance of public contracting as a tool to promote sustainable economic growth and jobs has come in to sharp focus. A stated aim of the revision of the public procurement directive is to ensure better use of public procurement in support of common societal goals such as energy efficiency, combating climate change and protection of the environment. This is combined with the intention to create a simplification of the rules to remove barriers for a greater take-up of sustainable procurement.

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EP News No. 496 : MEPs return to Brussels on 11 July for the last week of committee meetings before the summer recess. Please note that this will be the last edition of EP News until September.

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Introducció al concurs : El Parlament Europeu (www.europarl.europa.eu) i la Fundació del Premi Internacional Carlemany d'Aquisgrà (http://www.karlspreis.de) conviden als joves de tots els Estats membres de la UE a participar en un concurs sobre el desenvolupament de la UE, la integració i els temes relacionats amb la identitat europea. El termini per presentar sol·licituds finalitza el 14 de febrer.

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L'Oficina del Parlament Europeu a Barcelona publica retrats audiovisuals dels set eurodiputats catalans a la seva pàgina web : El Parlament Europeu, actualment format per 736 diputats, compta amb 50 eurodiputats escollits a Espanya, set dels quals són catalans. Com ja es va fer a la VI legislatura amb els llavors eurodiputats catalans, l'Oficina del Parlament Europeu a Barcelona ha publicat retrats audiovisuals als seus respectius perfils a la secció "Els seus diputats" a la pàgina web www.europarlbarcelona.eu. En clips de dos minuts els diputats descriuen les seves responsabilitats dins la institució i els seus principals objectius polítics.

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