PROEUROPE1
10th issue December’12-April’13
Opening the eyes to a new way of understanding reality and to new ways of living together 1
Proeurope1 Magazine Eur
oexperience Group
Directive group: Codirector and responsible of “sustanibility or social participation” section: Oriol Josa Codirector, magazine’s representative and presenter of “Sports Zone”: Fidel Badia
Technical group:
Contents responsible and responsible of “We buid Europe” section: Martina Braggion Responsible of “Cultural Europe” section: Eva Schloer Responsible of contents and photography of Sports Zone: Marta Erola Editor: Joan Basomba
Collaborators in this issue: Peter Backa (ERA), Staffan Bond (ERCA) and Nicolas Aguilar
Administration Secretary: With support
C/Calàbria, 120- Barcelona 0034 934254064 proeurope1@gmail.com
Editorial Crisis, more participation This issue is focus on the crisis. For that, the cover of that magazine refers to the fourth album by Supertramp band, released in 1975 with the title Crisis? What crisis? Proeurope1 reflects about the crisis and bring up options to address the situation and overall the importance to work as a network and collectively. Lack economic resources, grants for social initiatives, many organizations and institutions lose the means to continue working. But we understand is necessary to succeed. What we did, we want to do better. And is important to continue weaving networks, now among us, without public funding, strengthening the autonomy and participation horizontal. In fact, this unsustainable social situation in which we have been forced by the behavior of the major economic and political institutions paradoxically awakens for us, civil society, an opportunity for new strategies to organize solidarity, each person, each collective, find a way to give mutual support. This is to invite you in this magazine: awareness and build new opportunities to work with each other for the collective benefit of our communities. And we also have a lot to say, not as Proeurope1 but as citizens: we must assert our rights and community development staff, our civil rights, economic and social. Communication flow needed to optimize the opportunities and knowledge of everyone, and then we suggest you take advantage of these opportunities and knowledge to build together, with autonomy, and European communities as we want and how we need. Crisis, more participation 2
Cultural Europe
We build Europe
Sports zone
Contents Editorial
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Sustainability and social participation
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Training and participation in Europe
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Crisis: opening the eyes to a new way of understanding reality and to new ways of living together. An experience about a Grundvitg project
Cultural Europe
Small is beautiful - Peirene Press
Eurocalendar
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12
We build europe
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Organizations Talk
30
Sports Zone
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A Look At The World
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Look for special festivals, traditions and festivities all over Europe Europe and the crisis
A voice for the rural people in Europe
Sweden: in the Vikings land
Two proposals to discover it by bicycle: Lake Vänern and the GÜta Canal Zacualpan de Amilpas, a villaje with enchantment
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Sustainability and social participation
Oriol Josa
Degree in Humanities, CAP in Philosophy and MBA by BSM Vice-President for Thematic Actions of the CCIVS and Co-Funder of IEPtS! (Iniciatives d’Empoderament per a la Transformació Social).
Crisis:
Opening the eyes to a new way of understanding reality and to new ways of living together.
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crisis is a time for reaction. People need to innovate in their lives and find new solutions to go forwards with their life, to guarantee their rights and their options for happiness and self-achievement in the individual and the collective dimensions. Being innovative sometimes means to find new ideas. But very usually it means to open the eyes to methods and alternatives that already exist since some years but that only now, combining the new needs with new ways of understanding reality, seem to be fitting our own way of living. That’s how, many alternative approaches to lifestyle, social economy, participation, cooperation are getting stronger and shared by more and more people all over the world, more intensively as the crisis advances and produces victims of a system created to strengthen those who often don’t even suffer the crisis.
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The events all over the arabic countries (arab spring), the indignés (mostly) in southern Europe, the Occuppy Wall Street movement have been signs of the strong will of peoples to govern their collective lives with real participation and critical thought. Besides the difficulties of definition for the real renovation of democracy that these movements find, they enlight the will of people not to be dominated and cursed to a system that proved not to be democratic at all, to the point that there’s no money for public services because it has to be put to secure massive private-profit enterprises (banks) that continously give benefits to their managers. This movements are not only reactions, but schools in themselves for participative democracy, where many mistakes are done, precisely the way to learn better methods later. Cooperative economies are growing in Europe, helped by the fact that now it is more and more difficult to access to resources that before were “normal”. Alternative currencies -as the lets iniciatives, or ecosols in Catalonia, etc.- are more and more popularly used -to avoid “official” currencies (like the Euro, the Dollar) that are subject to speculation, to the neoliberal market “principles”- and they are based on the will of equitative exchanges between people, in solidary economies that seek self-sufficiency of people. As well, communities for mutual financial support (as groups with systems to lend money among one another, without bank interventions) are growing and becoming popular. Banks
of time, where people exchange professional services for other professional services without the use of money for that; Cooperative enterprises, where workers own and manage the companies where they work.
Movements such as the Transition Towns are being followed all over the world, in little neighbourhoods and in big cities. Their basis is that a group of people (neighbours, associations, citizens) can have the iniciative to design their own strategies and objectives to make a transition from their present way of life to one which is more sustainable, participative and fair. And this way, hundreds and thousands of little and big groups of people unite in a network of transition towns all over the world. You can start one, with the people around you.
One of the big things that this crisis has brought is that it made it extremely evident that we need each other to survive and have a good life, that each of us needs to be active in finding solutions, and that no more people should be expecting that those in power would know what to do, they would solve things for us, they would be thinking in collective and people’s interest, and even if they did it wouldn’t be right: it is us, the people who have to build our own space in transition that guarantees that where we stand, we are trying to create a good life, for us and for the people around us.
Another big thing is that it broke many barriers and lies in terms of communication and world politics. Now, no more “external debt” is a problem that affects “developping countries”, that have to pay such high interests for loans that the people never asked for, and makes it impossible to invest in social services and development in that countries. Now, also European citizens are victims of this debt: the money of the people is being used (instead of for guaranteeing well-being, social services and education) to pay and secure the banks. And the only thing that is good about it is that it makes it crystal clear that it was not a matter of “underdeveloped countries” (and peoples: never said but often assumed), but of non-democratic systems that use their domination against the interest of people. And it means that it is us, citizens, who need to build bridges of participation, solidarity and cooperation in our neighbourhoods, our cities, and beyond borders to build real democracy and human justice. 5
Training and participation in Europe
An experience about a Grundvitg project Title of the project: International Communication and Active ageing in a Rural Environment Project acronym: I-CARE Organizations involved: • Stichting Welzijn Midden-Drenthe (The Netherlands). Coordinator • Associació per la coordinació de membres i entitats de lleure rurals de catalunya, Coordinació Rural de Catalunya (Catalonia, Spain) • Bíbó István Népfoiskolai Alapítvány (Hungary) • Grobund Aps ( Denmark) • Landelijke Gilden vzw (Belgium) • LEB Kreisarbeitsgemeinschaft Aurich/Ostfriesland e.V. (Germany) Duration of the project: 2years (2012-2014)
Summary of the project:
D
uring the last decades, significant demographic changes took place in small villages in the rural area: not so long ago, people used to work and live in the same area, which leaded to natural commitment with village life. Nowadays, less people work in the own village and newcomers do not always participate in village life. The number of older people is rising while young professionals leave the rural area. In this situation, older people can be active citizens and active volunteers. In I-CARE, project partners want older people to be actively involved in an intergenerational debate about the future of their village. Based on their own strength and together with other generations, seniors need to discuss the changing lifestyles, its
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consequences for new organizational structures and ways to make it attractive for older people to stay in the village. Partners assume that education must play a mayor role in this process and can inspire older and younger inhabitants to take new initiatives together. The project aims at a wider view of possibilities of participatory education close to home, in delivering tools for developing consciousness, knowledge and common practice. With active involvement of learners, partners will arrange study visits, exchange good practices and research on several topics. The aim of I-CARE is to strengthen the vitality of small villages and empower older people within an intergenerational context.
Objectives partnership: • Empowerment of senior citizens in the rural area. • Active involvement of seniors in the realization of village visions with an intergenerational approach. • Promotion of senior volunteering in and related to the rural area. • Getting insight in educational wishes and needs of the rural population (older and younger inhabitants) concerning intergenerational working. • Study in what stage(s) of the process education is necessary, which methods and tools are adequate, who can deliver the education and what can be the role of older volunteers. • Exchange of good examples and studies on active ageing, on intergenerational and on intermunicipal cooperation in the rural area.
• Exchange of strategies to motivate the older population to become active in the village, especially those who are socio-economic disadvantaged and/or in risk of isolation.
Approach:
There will be 6 international partner meetings. During the 1st first meeting - staff only - a detailed work programme will be made. The next 5 meetings will involve staff, learners, volunteers and network partners of the host organization. Each of these 5 meetings will have a specific topic and will consist of study visits, practical research and discussion meetings. During these meetings good practices and innovative approaches will be discussed, pitfalls and common mistakes will be analyzed. The result of every meeting will be reflected in reports that are readable for interested outsiders and published on the projects webpage. This webpage will be maintained for a minimum of 1 year after finalization of the project. Partners will translate the main documents in the own language and disseminate them through their own channels.
1st meeting: Catalonia (Spain) 23rd-26th October 2012
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n that meeting the organisations met each other; also every one explained their expectations and what they can bring on that project. Besides, they planned the next meetings and discussed about which results they are looking for and topics which they are going to work in every meeting. Moreover, the hosting organisation prepared a guided discovery activity to show to the partners its rural area and the importance its work and two study visits.
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Training and participation in Europe Study visits:
1. Associació d’Amics de la Gent gran de Pinós- Association of elderly people’s friends of Pinós. Pinós is a municipality of Solsonès region with 307 inhabitants and has 104,3 km2. Other characteristic of the region of Solsonès is that is known as “a region of 1.000 farmhouses” because houses are isolated and in almost all the municipalities don’t have a nucleus as a village. So, villages are formed for farmhouses scattered in the area, that aspect is really important because usually is a disadvantage to move to the local where take place events or others. Also we have to keep in mind that some women don’t have the driving license. This association created in 2009 is formed by 56 members of the entire municipality. On the study visit came almost all persons of the board members to explain their association detail by detail. After the presentation started a debate between participants of Grundvitg project and Board members of the association. It was really interesting to
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discuss because they could see that in other countries have same problems and same situations in rural areas and focus in elderly people. Two important points: • The association gives a chance to people from the rural area to share time and be together, so, promoting a social life and the interaction between them. This fact is remarkable because some people live alone at home and if they don’t go to the activities of the association can spend all time alone. • People from that association are so worried about a residence or some space to host elderly people specially who has some mobility problems and so on. The big problem is the money, is a huge inversion and however they have some spaces or ideas also the project is disapproved for the number of beneficiaries. During the discussion participants from Grundvitg told them a proposal: Arrange an old farmhouse as a residence building, the answer was hey thought already on that but problem still being the money or from where they can receive some grants. They really believe on that and they were so motivated to work it.
2. Associació Peramola et crida- Association Peramola calls you Peramola is a municipality of Alt Urgell region with 384 inhabitants and has 56 Km2. Peramola is a village, so is really different situation and has other problems if we compare with Pinos. In fact, the idea was to see different situations of rural areas in Catalonia. And also see how different could be live in a rural village or life in the countryside in a farmhouse. Also, we noted that Peramola has half extension in Km2 that Pinós and has more or less the same population. This is really important just to understand how difficult is the mobility and the big dimension of the neighbourhood for the reason we talked, houses are isolated in the territory. The association “Peramola et crida” is an umbrella organization created in 2011 with the aims to work all the associations from Peramola as a net to share resources, fiscal identification to apply for grants and do activities together, besides, an interactive and intergenerational work.
That project was a really very good experience and intergenerational work. And all villagers are waiting for the second edition, also is necessary to tell that give some job to youngsters from Peramola as a leaders and the village hall gave support on that. So, as a conclusion is important to work all together for the village but mix local projects with international ones. All of them could help to develop rural areas and is a good opportunity to receive people from other countries and to show knowledge, cultural, gastronomic, natural, social and historic rural heritage, moreover, is a good time to learn from others. Participants and chairwoman discuss and dialogue about the association. Finally, we visited the village and the rural school and she explained the education system.
The chairwoman told to the participants how important is work as a net and if all people believe on the project but specially in the village and they want to contribute to have a life village this is the key. Also, she told all is volunteering work and one project was made in the last summer time in 2012, July, was the first international work camp in the Alt Urgell region.
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CULTURAL EUROPE
Eva Schloer
Having grown up in Germany and studied and worked in Munich, London and Barcelona, Eva lives in Brooklyn and works at a big technology company.
Small is beautiful - Peirene Press
M
uch has been said and written about the impact of the digital age (and it’s plethora of new distractions) on book publishing. The middle of the spectrum has been hit the hardest. The midlist, the titles acquired for a moderate advance, content that gets little to no marketing budget--until recently, these types of books comprised a large majority of annual publications, but now they’re in trouble. The big fish are fine. In fact, they’re selling more than ever thanks to an increasingly globalized market (think 50 Shades of Grey, Stieg Larsson, Hunger Games, etc.). And--excitingly--a fair number of smaller, more nimble players have established themselves on the market as well and are now enriching the literary scene. It is one of those small, independent publishers I want to write about for this issue. Reader, meet Peirene Press. Peirene Press is a small independent publisher in London. (The office is located in the home of the publisher, Meike Ziervogel, to be exact.) It exclusively publishes contemporary European fiction in English translation that is on the short side and never takes more than 2 hours to read (the same time it would take you to watch a movie). Peirene Press is named after the mythological Greek nymph, who makes regular--and delightful--appearances on Ziervogel’s blog. The company’s secret to success might just be the combination of an old fashioned sense of quality with mastery of the new media and a deep understanding that
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literature has never been as entirely solitary an endeavor as it might seem. If you want to apply marketing speak, Peirene Press understands what it takes to build a strong brand. Start with the need for community building. A mere 4 years in existence, Peirene’s salons are already legendary and have long waitlists. Peirene also organizes coffee mornings, has a travelling (“roaming”) bookstore, a subscription model, attends fairs and other literary gatherings. And it’s the first publisher I’ve ever heard come out saying that they “are not afraid of making personal choices.” Bravo.
Secondly, its books are incredibly stylish and instantly recognizable as Peirene. The gorgeous design was developed by Sacha Davison-Lunt. Big credit is also due to Ziervogel herself. Time Out and the Hospital Club have listed her as one of Britain’s 100 most innovative and influential people in the creative and media industries 2012. A German expat, writer and journalist, Ziervogel started the press in 2008. Since then, Peirene has chronicled the “pain and passion of a small publisher” on its charming blog. The blog and all other digital efforts (Facebook, Twitter and a YouTube Channel) feel very natural to their medium-unlike some traditional publishers, which assign the marketing department with the task of promotion, leading to an outcome that can be wooden or slightly awkward. Or take this cool map of Peirene books, featuring their settings: Lastly, Peirene incorporates the en vogue concept of curation. Since all titles are published in translation, each has already been published in their native territories and then are adopted by Peirene at a later point, carefully hand-selected, rather than raised from scratch. Also, every year has a theme (2013 it’s “Turning Point”) that unites the three books that Peirene Press publishes annually.
Peirene’s sold-out events, financial survival in these tough bookselling times and--last but not least--the consistently stellar quality of its publications are indicators that things are working out for the press and the strong-headed nymph. And now I strongly encourage you to order a book (or even better, get a subscription): http://www.peirenepress.com/shop
• Friedrich Christian Delius: Portrait of the Mother as a Young Woman (Translated from German by Jamie Bulloch.) Rome one January afternoon in 1943. A young German woman is on her way to listen to a Bach concert at the Lutheran church. Innocent and naïve, the war is for her little more than a day-dream, until she realizes that her husband might never return. This is a mesmerizing psychological portrait of the human need to safeguard innocence and integrity at any cost - even at the risk of excluding reality. • Maria Barbal: Stone in a Landslide (Translated from Catalan by Laura McGloughlin and Paul Mitchell.) The beginning of the 20th century: 13-year-old Conxa leaves her home village in the Pyrenees to work for her childless aunt. After years of hardship she finds love with Jaume – a love that will be thwarted by the Spanish Civil War. Approaching her own death, Conxa looks back on a life in which she has lost everything except her own indomitable spirit. The Catalan modern classic, first published in 1985, now in its 50th edition, for the first time in English. •Jan van Mersbergen: Tomorrow Pamplona (Translated from Dutch by Laura Watkinson) A professional boxer and a family man meet by chance on a journey to the Pamplona Bull Run. The boxer is fleeing an unhappy love. The father hopes to escape his dull routine. Both know that, eventually, they will have to return to the place each calls “home”. A story about anger, aggression and the desire for intimacy by a rising star of modern Dutch literature.
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EUROCALENDAR
BELGIUM Mons
Mons International Love Film Festival February-March 2013 (annual)
AUSTRIA Salzburg/Filzmoos
International Hot Air Balloon Week 12 to 19 January 2013 (annual) Each January, thousands of people flock to the tiny village of Filzmoos (just south of Salzburg) for the International Hot Air Balloon Week an event that dates back almost 100 years. Two main factors account for Filzmoos’ status as a pilgrimage site for balloonists - the challenging winds off the surrounding mountains and the fact that enthusiasts can take off from the middle of the village. Enjoy races, fireworks and the sight of these colorful balloons illuminated (by the gases that keep them afloat) in the night sky. More related information clicking on Filzmoos’ tourist office website: http://www.filzmoos.at/en/winter/mountain-village/balloon-week.html
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The Festival, which is traditionally set in February during the week of Saint Valentine’s Day, deals with the theme of “Love” in all its forms attracting some 30,000 viewers. Every year, the programme incorporates an international competition, premières of international releases, world cinema, European cinema, low-budget films, an Italian panorama, children’s cinema and events to cater for special-needs children. Exhibitions and debates run throughout the festival. More related information visiting the festival website at
http://www.fifa-mons.be/english/essential_news
Brussels
Museum Night Fever 2 March 2013 (annual) Museum Night Fever is back featuring museums as you’ve never seen them before! No fewer than 24 Brussels museums will be staying open until the early hours for an offbeat programme of events: a sparkling winter cocktail of exhibitions, concerts, performances, video, workshops and DJs! The programme will be online as from the beginning of February at
http://www.museumnightfever.be/en/
BULGARIA Plovdiv
Vinaria 3 to 6 April 2013 (annual) Bulgaria is among the countries with longstanding traditions in winemaking and Vinaria is one of the most representative wine industry events. Every year, it brings together vine-growing and wine-producing exhibitors from more than 30 countries. A wine festival is held parallel to the exhibition, including the Wine & Love, Love & Wine national wine competition, during which the Golden Rhyton Prize is awarded to the best wines. Related information at Plovdiv International Fair webpage
http://www.fair.bg/en/events/vinaria13en.htm
Sofia
Adventure & Extreme Expo April 2013 (annual) Held at Sofia’s Inter Expo & Congress Centre, the Adventure & Extreme Expo features the latest in biking, bungee jumping, alpinism and other exciting disciplines. Along with product presentations there is the interactive Zone of Action. Full details of this year’s programme are still not available but if you are interested in, have a look at Sofia’s Inter Expo & Congress Centre website.
http://www.iec.bg/en
CYPRUS Larnaca
Musical Sundays March 2013 (annual) On selected Sundays during March, Larnaca’s municipality presents Musical Sundays, a programme of traditional Cypriot, classical and contemporary music and dance. Join the musical feast along the Palm Trees Promenade. Check out Larnaca’s municipality website to have more information and keep you up to date about it!
http://www.larnaka.com/english/ 13
EUROCALENDAR
DENMARK Copenhagen
Copenhagen International Fashion Fair 31 January to 3 February 2013 Copenhagen International Fashion Fair (CIFF) first emerged on the Scandinavian fashion scene in 1993. Today, CIFF is the largest fashion fair in Northern Europe with over 40,000 sqm and countless brands housed under one roof. The trade-only event, coinciding usually with Copenhagen Fashion Week, is televised, and analyses and updates are posted on the website for the curious who don’t have their foot in the door. Go join it for discover all the latest trends and brands!
http://ciff.dk
CZECH REPUBLIC Prague
One World Film Festival 4 to 13 March 2013 (annual) Prague’s One World Film Festival is currently the world’s biggest documentary festival with a human rights theme. It provides a platform for the exchange of views and experiences; viewers have the opportunity to discuss the subjects of films with their makers, as well as with experts on the issue in question.. With its current affairs topics the festival aims “to expose abuses, encourage dignity, inspire solidarity and foster mutual understanding.” Please, find more information here.
http://www.oneworld.cz/2013 14
Copenhagen
Copenhagen Puppet Festival 28 February to 3 March 2013 Based entirely on puppetry, Copenhagen Puppet Festival targets the theatre loving audience opening a window into the magic world of puppetry. The festival features workshops, installations, performances - including night performances - and seminars. It is to become a self-governing institution so the puppet theatre festival for adults will now be organizationally separate from Puppet Junior, which focuses on children. It will give the festivals two distinct profiles, appealing to different audiences, and is a happy “divorce” for both parties. Discover more about the genius art of puppetry at
http://www.puppetfestival.dk
ENGLAND
ESTONIA
Nottingham
Nottdance 7 to 17 March 2013 (annual) Nottingham’s Nottdance is an annual festival which aims to challenge the limitations of dance. Bringing the best in local and international choreographic talent to the city it pushes to the extremes the possibilities of movement and choreography. It takes place across a number of city venues, many of which are small enough to allow for a closer relationship between performer and audience. With a full festival programme over ten days, this Nottdance Festival edition asks ARE YOU DANCING? To find out about Nottdance Festival news as it’s announced - sign up to the mailing list at
http://www.dance4.co.uk/about/project/nottdance-festival-2013
Tallin
Jazzkaar in Jazzikuu April 2013 (annual) When the sun starts rising higher and the days growing longer, it means that the time of Estonia’s biggest jazz party, Jazzkaar, is drawing ever nearer. Since 2007 Estonia has chimed with the international designation of April as jazz month (jazzikuu) and within the month Jazzkaar plays host to many talented musicians and top jazz performers. More info at
http://www.jazzkaar.ee/en/
Tartu
Tartu Ski Marathon 17 February 2013 (annual)
This world-renowned annual exhibition at the Natural History Museum provides a spotlight on the rarely seen wonders of the natural world. The 100 winning images on show are selected from 1,000s of international entries and are beautifully displayed in sleek backlit installations. Have a look at the Natural History Museum website and ravel the globe through the eye of a lens, from the cold Arctic to the deepest tropical rainforests!
Since 1960, the university town of Tartu has been hosting its own Ski Marathon, a 63km race. Within years the small group’s skiing trip has grown into a big marathon that brings together thousands of skiers from all over the world. The day ends with an awards ceremony, followed by an afterparty at a local pub. Besides the main 63 km race the Tartu Marathon program includes a 31 km short race introduced by the Open Track and Women’s races a week before, TILLU and MINI races for children a day before the main event. Are you interested in? Check out Club Tartu Marathon webpage at
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/index.html
http://www.tartumaraton.ee
Bristol
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 19 October 2012 to 3 March 2013 (annual)
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EUROCALENDAR
FRANCE Agen
Chocolate Festival March 2013 (annual) Agen’s annual Chocolate Festival (Journées Chocolat et Gourmandise) is a must for sweettoothed tourists. Held before Easter, the fair combines workshops for kids and adults with dozens of stalls plying you with their gourmet confections. It’s a chocoholic’s paradise. The dates are still to be confirmed but you can read more about the last festivals at
http://www.chocolat-agen.com
Chamonix
Winter Sessions Weekender March 2013 (annual)
FINLAND Helsinki
Musica Nova Helsinki 8 to 16 February 2013 (annual) Musica Nova Helsinki is one of Europe’s most important contemporary music events and it takes over various venues around the city, presenting concerts, debut performances, composer workshops and dance theatre. After a break in 2012, the festival will come back in 2013 presenting music from Asia, Middle East and the Mediterranean region. See the whole program and more related information at
http://www.musicanova.fi 16
Set in the crisp white mountains of ChamonixMont-Blanc, the Winter Sessions Weekender is a two day boutique snow fuelled music festival in the heart of the French Alps. Expect parties ’til dawn, mountain top action, an all star line up of world class DJ’s and bands and some of the best terrain you’ll find in Europe. So, what are you still waiting for? Go and discover Winter Sessions – a goose-bump inducing experience you’ll never forget! For more related information, please, take a look at its website
http://wintersessions.net
Toulouse
Flamenco Festival 9 to 15 April 2013 (annual) Every year, the world’s greatest flamenco artists come to Toulouse to share their Spanish culture and the art of flamenco. The Toulouse Flamenco Festival gives the public the chance to discover all the different aspects of flamenco through a large number of song, dance and guitar performances. Throughout the event, exhibitions and instruction courses will also be available to the public. Are you interested in? Check out Toulouse Flamenco Festival webpage
http://www.festival-flamenco-toulouse.com
GERMANY Berlin
Tower Run 13 January 2013 (annual) The Tower Run sees competitors racing up the 465 stairs to the top of Germany’s highest residential building, the IDEAL-Hochhaus in Berlin’s Gropiusstadt neighborhood. After a few warmup laps around the car park, contestants dash up 29 flights of stairs. If you want to be part of it or to have more related information, click on the organizer website
http://www.tus-neukoelln.de
Munich
The Yoga Expo 18 to 20 January 2013 (annual) Dress in comfortable clothing and take part in the interactive Yoga Expo at Messe Munich’s MOC. Whether you already know plenty or are a novice this fair can teach everyone (kids, too) something about practicing yoga and ayurveda for a healthier life. If you are interested in and you want to keep you posted, go to
http://www.yogaexpo.de
Aachen
GREECE Athens
Aachen Carnival 10 to 16 February (annual)
Athens International Sci-Fi and Fantasy Film Festival March 2013 (annual)
The locals take the Aachen Carnival so seriously that it has been dubbed the “fifth season”. It is a much-loved institution in Germany, attracting thousands of spectators every year. The festivities last almost four months, from 11 November to Ash Wednesday. Every weekend, parties, concerts and costumed balls fill the city streets with enough color and music to beat the winter chill. The event culminates in the traditional Mardi Gras parade. Keep an eye on the event website for full line-up details, clicking on
Sci-Fi fanatics and celluloid fantasists are well served at the Athens International SciFi and Fantasy Film Festival. Celebrating the best productions to emerge from this fantastical genre, the week-long festival shows shorts and features at Mikrokosmos Theatre. Check the page to learn more about the past events and also about the current one
http://www.aak-aachen.de
rated-2013-content-special
http://sffrated.wordpress.com/2012/08/20/sff-
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EUROCALENDAR
ICELAND Reykjavík
Dark Music Days January 2013 (annual)
HUNGARY Mohács
Mohács Busójárás Carnival 7 to 12 February 2013 (annual)
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Reykjavik’s long winter nights are brightened up by Dark Music Days (Myrka músíkdaga), a classical music festival organised by the Iceland Composer Society in collaboration with many of the country’s top performers. The programme comprises concerts and composer workshops around the capital.
Reykjavík
Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival 7 to 10 February 2013 (annual)
The annual Busójárás Carnival takes over Mohács from “Greasy Thursday” to “Shrove Tuesday”. On the Sunday before Lent, the legendary busó parade fills the streets with Croation mummers: revellers in truly scary masks, covered in long pelts and waving torches. According to legend, 17thcentury locals pretended to be animals, dressing up in hideous masks and costumes to frighten away occupying Turkish forces. Read more at
With the longest, darkest winter nights coming to an end, Reykjavikites celebrate with the Winter Night’s festival. Incorporating the popular Museums Night on the Friday, the event is aimed at those aged 1425, but is enjoyed by all. Back for 2012, the festival can boast an increase in museums and galleries opening for Museums Night - up to 43 - with a special bus laid on to facilitate getting from one to the other. If you are interested in and you want to keep you posted, go to
http://www.mohacsibusojaras.hu
http://www.vetrarhatid.is
ITALY Cento
Cento Carnival of Europe 10, 17, 24 February and 3 March 2013 (annual)
IRELAND Dublin
Temple Bar TradFest 22 to 27 January 2013 (annual) Began in 2005, the Temple Bar TradFest is now one of the biggest and best traditional Irish music and culture festivals in Ireland. The TradFest attracts visitors from all over Ireland and all over the world to The Ark, along with other Dublin venues. The festival takes place over five days and five nights with over 200 events. As well as concerts, there are workshops and films at the Button Factory and Project Arts Centre. For more details of the programme, please see the festival website
http://www.templebartrad.com
Belfast
Out to Lunch Arts Festival 2 to 27 January 2013 (annual) Belfast’s brightest, boldest boutique arts festival returns for the eighth time to invigorate the extremities with its welcoming, warming stew of music, comedy, theatre and literature. The Black Box on Hill Street will extend New Year celebrations in a gloriously unseemly fashion and illuminate the darkest month of the year with a programme to stimulate, delight and entertain audiences. Please, browse the full programme at
http://www.cqaf.com
Twinned with the Rio Carnival since 1993, the historic Cento Carnival of Europe features five consecutive Sundays of samba dancers, dazzling costumes and impressive papier-mâché floats. Collateral events include choreographed exhibitions, street performance and the samba schools parade, competing for the chance to join Rio’s Sambodromo during the “Night of Champions”. Please, read more at
http://www.carnevalecento.com
Verbania
Lake Maggiore Half Marathon 10 March 2013 (annual) In just three years the Lago Maggiore Half Marathon has become one of the most important Italian half marathons with a growing number of participants. It is open to international individuals and teams and it follows a scenic route that stretches from Stresa to Verbania, along the stunning coast of the Piedmont side of the lake. The newly introduced wheelchair and hand bike categories are expected to draw even more participants! Application forms can be downloaded from the marathon’s website
http://www.lagomaggiorehalfmarathon.it/ index.php?lang=en
Verona Mostra Mercato del Disco 28 April 2013 (annual) Held at Fiere di Verona, Mostra Mercato del Disco is a popular music fair with more than 80 stands offering music genres in different formats. Everything on display, from the Beatles to Elvis Presley, can be purchased and participants can also sell, swap or get their music gadgets valued by professionals. Read more information about it at
http://www.kolosseo.com 19
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LATVIA Riga
Berimor’s Cinema - International Children’s Film Festival April 2013 (annual) The friendly pug dog Berimor will bring the best new films from all over the Europe and will show them in cinema “Riga” and “Parex Plaza” during a long week full of exciting stories about various adventures, friendships and unbelievable transformations. TThe children’s jury will decide, which film deserves to be awarded with the main prize – Berimor’s “Big Pillow”; the audience decision will determine, which film is going to be awarded with the Berimor’s “Small Pillow”. Please, find more information about the festival visiting its website at
http://festivali.arsenals.lv/berimors/en
LITHUANIA Vilnius
LUXEMBOURG Luxembourg city
Printemps Festival March to May 2013 (annual) In 2013, the annual “Printemps Musical” jazz and world music festival organised by the Luxembourg City Tourist Office (LCTO) celebrates its 31st anniversary. The 2013 edition of the renowned music festival of the luxembourgish capital city plays host to an innovative programme blending both international artists as well as some new faces worth discovering. Concerts take place at the music club “Den Atelier” or the Conservatoire de Musique de la Ville in Luxembourg city. Keep an eye on the event website for full line-up details, clicking on
http://www.printempsmusical.lu/en/
Kaziukas Fair March 2013 (annual) Saint Casimir, Lithuania’s patron saint, is honoured every year in Vilnius during Kaziukas Fair (also known as St Casimir’s Fair) that dates back to the 17th century. The main marketplace fills with folk art, crafts, music and dance, attracting thousands. Casimir (Kazimieras) was prince of both Poland and Lithuania who died young, on 4 March 1484. Today, Lithuanians commemorate his death day with a celebration that welcomes the spring. Epitomizing the fair are lily-shaped palms made of colourful dried flowers and herbs, called verbos, traditionally taken to church on Palm Sunday. If you are interested in, here you can have more related information
http://www.kinopavasaris.lt 20
MALTA Malta
Eis Total 18 to 20 January 2013 (annual) Eis Total, in the small resort of Malta, offers the chance to test the newest equipment for extreme ice sports. Chat with other fanatics or let the professionals show you the ropes of ice climbing, snowshoeing and building igloos. If you are interested in and you want to keep you posted, go to
http://www.mc2alpin.at/eis-total/
POLAND Krakow
Shanties International Sea Song Festival 21 to 24 February 2013 (annual)
NORWAY Oslo
by:Larm 13 to 16 February (annual) New young hopefuls join established artists at by:Larm, Oslo’s Scandinavian music festival in the heart of the city. Metal, pop, rock, jazz, electronica and folk music belts out from dozens of stages hosting hundreds of events at various venues. Over three major concerts new bands from Denmark, Sweden and Finland join the majority of Norwegian bands after days full of workshops for up-and-coming wannabes. For full line-up details, clicking on
Despite being entirely land-locked, Krakow has been host to the Shanties International Sea Song Festival since 1981, where people from all over Poland and Europe come to sing about sea adventures and voyages. During four days of the festival almost eleven thousand people of different age participate in six concerts at main concert halls and also in concerts in a festival tavern. The Festival gives the opportunity to listen to about 40 groups and performers and it is organized each year under a different leading motto, which is often based on events from marine history. If you want to be part of it or to have more related information, click on http://www.shanties.pl/pl/index.php?id=1044
Warsaw
Ludwig van Beethoven Easter Festival 25 March to 6 April 2013 (annual)
The flood-lit Spikersuppa Ice Rink in the heart of Oslo plays music while skaters glide. Skates are available for hire and admission is free. Those watching from the sidelines can fill up on hot dogs, popcorn or hot drinks on sale. Please, read more at
Always held in and around the Passion Week and thematically linked to the reflexive and dignified mood of the period, Warsaw’s Ludwig van Beethoven Easter Festival is Poland’s largest festival of classical music. It attracts world-class virtuosos, choirs, and orchestras presenting at the same time alongside For many music lovers, the Festival’s extraordinary affordability, is a great opportunity to listen to upmarket artists at a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere. There is also an exhibition, held in the Jagiellonian Library where visitors can admire the autographs of Bach, Hayden, Mozart and even Beethoven himself. See the whole program and more related information at
http://www.visitoslo.com/en/
http://www.beethoven.org.pl/en
http://www.bylarm.no
Oslo
Spikersuppa Ice Rink November 2012 to February 2013 (annual)
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PORTUGAL Lisbon
Lisbon Book Fair May to June 2013 (annual) Almost two months long and held within the centrally located Edward VII Park (Parque Eduardo VII), Lisbon’s open-air book fair has been one of the great events in the city’s cultural life since the 1930s. Visitors can browse dusty old tomes, new reads and comics while enjoying wide cityscape views. Don’t miss this good opportunity to meet authors and purchase some great cut-price books and find more related information clicking on
http://www.feiradolivrodelisboa.pt
Funchal
Festival of the Flower 9 to 12 May 2013 (annual) Every April, the smell of fresh flowers fills the streets of Funchal for the Festival of the Flower (Festival da Flor). A parade of cars carries flowers arranged into amazing creations ranging from parrots to elaborate patterns. Thousands of children gather to place a flower at the Municipal Square to make up the floral “Wall of Hope” (Muro da Esperança), and there are classical concerts and live folk music too. Learn more about this special event at http://www.visitingmadeira.com/index. php?view=details&id=65%3Aflowerfestival-2013&option=com_ eventlist&Itemid=39
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ROMANIA Bucharest
Masters of Lyrical Art March 2013 (annual) Masters of Lyrical Art is an international singing competition hosted by the Bucharest National Opera. Each year, the event is dedicated to one of Romania’s lyrical masters and sees a glamorous awards gala and laureate’s concert take place. A €3,000 cash prize is awarded to the judges’ favourite as well as two leading roles in productions by the Bucharest National Opera. The new programme is still not available and if you don’t want to wait you can directly call the Box Office at +40 21 313 1857.
RUSIA Moscow
Vyugovey Ice Sculpture Festival December 2012 to March 2013 (annual) Every winter in Moscow, the famous Vyugovey Ice Sculpture Festival enchants the residents of Moscow and visitors to the city alike. You will see sumptuous scenes and figures with exquisite detail which will charm the whole family. Each year a particular theme is chosen for the festival, giving the professional sculptors a new challenge, with the artist behind the best creation receiving a prize. This open air exhibition will show you how charming the Russian winter can be! Read more at
http://www.icefestival.ru
Moscow
Maslenitsa Festival 11 to 17 March 2013 (annual) This too, is an annual festival celebrating the end of Russia’s long winter. Maslenitsa meaning the Butter week is an old folk tradition which is now celebrated in the Christian tradition of Shrovetide pancakes. The week-long carnival that includes riding traditional troikas through the snow-filled streets, parades of Russian fairytale characters, open-air theatre, dancing, fireworks and folk songs keeps all happy and lively. If you want to be part of it or to have more related information, click on
http://www.russian-moscow.com/maslenitsa-a-week-of-festivities
SCOTLAND Edinburgh
Great Winter Run 5 January 2013 (annual) Too much festive indulgence? Turn over a new leaf in Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park by joining the 5km Bupa Great Winter Run. In addition watch the world’s best middle-distance runners in the Bupa Great Edinburgh International X Country. You can find more related information visiting Bupa Great Winter Run website at
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SLOVENIA Ljubljana
Tango Festival 1 to 31 March 2013 (annual) Tango enthusiasts and great performers from all over the world flock to Ljubljana for the annual Tango Festival. First milonga was organised on February 3rd, 1998 by Matej Orešič and Nina Klančnik. When both left Slovenia, Janja Frank and friends developed tango scene that is now 10 years old. As the scene grew so did the number of organisers in Slovenia, but the initial group (Tango Argentino Klub Ljubljana) remains the largest and most vivid. Previous festivals have seen the likes of former world tango champions such as Osvaldo and Coca perform. Read more at
SERBIA Belgrade
Guitar Art Festival 12 to 17 March 2013 (annual)
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http://www.tangoslovenia.com
Ljubljana
Druga Godba 7 to 14 March 2013 (annual)
Held at venues throughout Belgrade, Guitar Art Festival was founded in 2000 and today represents a professional and expert event that gathers classical guitarists of all kinds: amateurs, primary and secondary music schools pupils, students, as well as their teachers and professors and eminent guests, leading world guitarists. During the festival visitors can enjoy music competitions, masterclasses, lectures and evening music sessions at the Sava Center and Kolarac Foundation Hall. If you are interested in and you want to keep you posted, go to
Druga Godba, or Different Music, is a festival of alternative, world music, and jazz organized at various venues around the city center and drawing leading performers from different backgrounds and musical traditions. Started in 1984 with the aim of presenting a more radical and alternative approach to music, the festival slowly evolved into an ethno music spectacle, Besides musical performances, you will be able to enjoy workshops lead by the singers, or watch music themed films. If you are interested in, here you can have more related information
http://www.gaf.rs/en2013/#top
http://www.drugagodba.si/en
SWEDEN
SPAIN Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez Festival 22 February to 9 March 2013 (annual) Jerez’s theatres snap awake to the clack of castanets and the stomp of tacones (heels) during the annual Jerez Festival. The event has gained global recognition and its performance programme features world-famous masters of Spanish flamenco dancing. As well as colourful shows with singers, guitarists and dancers, the Jerez Festival also features dance courses, concerts and exhibitions. Jerez itself is often referred to as the cradle of flamenco making it the perfect place for a vibrant flamenco festival like this. For full line-up details, clicking on
www.festivaldejerez.es/
Terrassa
Stockholm
Supermarket Art Fair 15 to 17 February 2013 (annual) Stockholm’s Supermarket Art Fair is an artist-run event that aims to provide a showcase for artists’ initiatives from all over the world and to create opportunities for new networks in the Swedish and international art scenes. It is also an art fair that strives to offer the visitor an experience, rather than focusing on sales. It returns to Kulturhuset, in the heart of the Swedish capital. If you are interested in and you want to keep you posted, go to
http://www.supermarketartfair.com
Malmö
BUFF Film Festival 11 to 16 March 2013 (annual)
Jazz Terrassa, held annually in Terrassa on the outskirts of Barcelona, has been happening for more than 30 years, attracting top names from around the world. Performances take place at the Nova Jazz Cava and other venues around town. Keep an eye on the event website for full line-up details, clicking on
Malmö’s BUFF Film Festival is dedicated to children and young people. Aiming to inspire through education and entertainment, it showcases films from around the world, providing an insight into different cultures. The BUFF Film Festival, which has been going strong since 1984, was designated an official Swedish film festival in 1995. It shows around 100 films, there is a short film competition and the middle days of the festival also feature BUFF:FF: a symposium about film financing. Read more at
http://www.jazzterrassa.org
http://buff.se/en
Jazz Terrassa March 2013 (annual)
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THE NETHERLANDS Rotterdam
International Film Festival Rotterdam 23 January to 3 February 2013 (annual) The International Film Festival Rotterdam is one of the most consistently innovative film events in Europe. Filmmakers present around 450 films (including 200 features) to large audiences at venues throughout the city centre. The festival screens a selection of worldwide independent, innovative and experimental feature films, shorts and documentaries. There is also a series of film-related visual arts exhibitions, career retrospectives and live performances. If you are interested in and you want to keep you posted, go to http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en
SWITZERLAND Geneva
Smashing Valentine 14 to 17 February 2013 (annual)
Geneva’s Archipel Contemporary Music Festival explores new musical forms that lie between electronic music, rock and aural installations. Held throughout town, hear the vibrations of seemingly silent installations, witness a classic symphony being deconstructed and watch sounds come alive. The 2013 programme is still not available but if you are interested in, here you can have more related information
Smashing Valentine is an indoor tennis tournament and attracts approx. 250 participants from the Netherlands and abroad annually. Everyone is welcome to join: women, men, gays, lesbians, bisexuals and straight people; beginners and advanced tennis players. For an adventurous Valentine’s Day, join the city of Eindhoven! A range of other activities, including a celebratory dinner, are organised before revellers in fancy dress dance the night away at the Saturday night party. Keep an eye on the event website for full line-up details, clicking on
http://www.archipel.org/2012/?lang=en
http://www.smashingvalentine.nl/en
Archipel Contemporary Music Festival March-April 2013 (annual)
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Eindhoven
TURKEY Instanbul
TanGO TO Istanbul 6 to 10 March 2013 (annual) The first international event of its kind in Istanbul, TanGO TO Istanbul is a 5-day rendezvous in Istanbul, where tango dancers from throughout the world will meet to share their knowledge and experience, dance with joy, and make new friends. In the daytime, unlike other festivals, you will have the opportunity not only to take classes but also to take part in uniquely Turkish activities with your Tango companions. If you want to be part of it or to have more related information, click on
http://tangotoistanbul.com/en 27
WE BUILD EUROPE
Martina Braggion
Degree in International and Diplomatic Science
Europe And The Crisis
I
n the faced of Euro crisis, it arises again the burning question: how can Europe guarantees its citizens peace, freedom and security in the risk storms of the globalized world? In other words, will measures taken to save the euro remove Europe? The “saved” EU will no longer be the European Union we know. It seemed that the crisis raised the old question of the European unification purpose: Europe must become a great nation, a confederation, a federal state, a mere economic community, an informal UN or something historically new, that is, a “cosmopolitan” Europe, based on European law and able to politically coordinate national Europeanized States? Suddenly, all this seems past folklore. Even the simple question: “Which Europe we want?” implies that one can choose an option or the other one after saving the euro. The train seems to be left, at least for Greece, Italy and Spain. Do we have now to add the role of Germany in the Europe of the crisis? It’s just the way it appears the new Merkel’s Europe: the power’s grammar follows the difference between the countries that lend money and those who receive it. It is not determined by military factors, but by economic factors. Its ideological basis is what it would be called the mark nationalism, extended and applied to a European dimension. In this way the German culture of stability is raised to guiding idea for Europe.
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The consequence is that Europe splits. It follows, first, the new internal conflict among the Euro countries and the EU countries outside the Euro zone. Those who have not adopted the Euro have been excluded from decision-making processes determining the present and the future of Europe. The point is not only that the Euro crisis break Europe. This is certainly true. The point is, above all, that in this context the basic rules of democratic Europe are suspended or even reversed, bypassing the parliaments, governments and EU institutions. Multilateralism is turning into unilateralism, equality into hegemony, sovereignty in the removal of sovereignty, recognition into disregard of the democratic dignity of other nations. However, in the shadow of this hegemonic structure the EU self-locking might loosen. Indeed, the question of how to go ruled this huge space of twenty-seven Member States if, prior to any decision, must be convinced twenty-seven Heads of Government, twenty-seven councils of ministers, twenty-seven parliaments, seems somehow to be answered its own. Here the institutional imagination, so urgently required, might have a chance. Far-back it speaks about “economic government”. It should define, negotiate, make sure what is behind it.
Six months in brief
May 2012
T
his year’s G8 summit under the motto “Acting Together” was chaired by U.S. President Obama in Camp David on 18-19 May 2012 and for the European Union it represented an opportunity to contribute actively to finding common solutions to most pressing global challenges on the agenda. Europe showed its determination to exit the crisis and return to growth thanks to a twin-track approach of sound public finances and growth-boosting measures. The EU was also taking decisive action to foster sustainable development, increase agricultural resilience and reduce poverty, promoting democratic values and the rule of law and enhancing international stability.
August 2012
O
n 23rd August EIB’s President Hoyer travelled to Pacific and Indian Ocean countries in his first official visit to partner countries outside of Europe. In addition to the high-level Presidential and Ministerial meetings and discussions with representatives of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, Mr Hoyer announced a new funding initiative for SMEs in the Seychelles, to be supported by technical assistance for capacity building measures. Mr Hoyer, accompanied by local officials and representatives of the local EU Delegations, also had the opportunity to witness first-hand some of the projects financed by the Bank in these countries.
June 2012
July 2012
T
S
September 2012
October 2012
he theme of this year’s World Environment Day, celebrated on 5th June, was “green economy: does it include you?” The EP, answering with a resounding “yes”, proposed to move towards a green economy based on renewable energy and to stimulate Europe’s technological development. In a resolution on a resource-efficient Europe, adopted 24 May, the EP said the EU must make a better use of resources to boost economic growth and protect the environment. A resolution on green energy voted in March supports the EU strategy to cut CO2 emission 80-95% by 2050 but wants concrete targets including inclusion of aviation emissions in the emissions trading system, binding renewable energy targets by 2030 and curbs on emissions from ships and agriculture.
M
ore than 20 million people participate in the European Heritage Days taking place every September in 50 countries across Europe. This joint action of the European Commission and Council of Europe gives access to visitors to thousands of rarely opened sites and unique events. This year, a stunning variety of events and monuments were open to the public during these special days and some countries or regions established an overarching theme over a series of events. The cultural events highlight local skills and traditions, architecture and works of art, but the broader aim is to promote mutual understanding among citizens.
tarting from the 27th of July, for 19 days athletes from across the world tested their limits in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. But it wasn’t just a sporting event, it was also about bringing different nations closer together. EP president Martin Schulz hailed the Olympics as a source of inspiration and he reminded that the traditional Olympic Truce dating back to Ancient Greece still has relevance today: it encourages the search for peaceful and diplomatic solutions to the conflicts around the world. Sports have featured on the EP’s agenda several times this year. In February MEPs adopted a resolution that aims to strengthen the European identity by organising a European day of sports every year and setting up a European mobility programme for young athletes.
T
he parliamentary elections in Ukraine on 28 October made Catherine Ashton and Stefan Fule concerned about irregularities, delays in the vote count and lack of transparency in the electoral commissions. They first expected to see swift and determined action to bring Ukraine’s electoral legislation “into line with European norms and standards on the basis of an Election Code”. For that reason, the EU negotiated an association agreement with Ukraine, which has yet to be signed. On several occasion, MEPs raised questions about how the Ukrainian government treats political opponents, calling on Ukraine to respect the principles of the rule of law and democracy if it wants closer relations with the EU.
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organisations talk
A voice for the rural people in Europe The Swedish Rural Parliament, held in Ronneby September 6-9, was the focus for a development of European significance. The merger of two pan-European rural networks, the European Rural Alliance and European Rural Community Association will pave the way for a major network to enable the voice of rural people from across Europe to reach policy makers in Brussels. It will also enable the thousands of rural communities across Europe to forge links and share their experiences of making rural development work.
The European networks also pledged to initiate the first European Rural Parliament, to take place within the next 2 years. This will provide a direct link to politicians and policy makers at European and also national levels. Staffan Bond, General Manager of Swedish Village Movement ‘Hela Sverige skal leva’ said: “I am glad we decided to merge the two networks. Unity gives 30
power! The great support for a European Rural Parliament makes another important step possible. I hope we can have the first European Rural Parliament in Brussels late autumn 2013 backed up by MEPs from several countries. Dedicated Swedish MEPs already invited us to a preparatory meeting”. Speaking of these significant achievements, Eero Uusitalo, President of the European Rural Alliance said: “Rural affairs are complex with so many interest groups, that we must build a European rural voice and policy, step by step. If we want to go forward, which we do, we need a common platform for handling our common European rural affairs and issues. This will enable us to benefit from the knowledge from experiences everywhere in Europe, and to influence politically. The EU needs a real rural partner, because we must improve, together, the EU tools for rural development.”
Bert Broekhuis, President of the European Rural Community Alliance said: “Rural areas are made up of many types of people and many types of employment, and rural policy must reflect that if we are to continue to have vibrant rural communities. We welcome the involvement of all rural interests and actors in this network, but we stand for the broad interests of rural areas. The new organisation is a partner to the EU and to the national governments, and we look forward to our future co-operation.�
NOTES FOR THE EDITOR The European Rural Community Association (ERCA) is the network for the national and regional rural movements of Europe to share and strengthen their work and to raise the voice from the rural communities. Website: http://www.ruralcommunities.eu Contact for information: Staffan Bond, 0046-70-5341350
The European Rural Alliance (ERA) is a platform for co-ordinating and expressing the interests of the rural networks across Europe. Website: http://www.europeanrural.eu Contact for information: Peter Backa: peter.backa@ssc.fi 0035840590444
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SPORTS ZONE
Fidel Badia
Outdoor and mountain activities guide and trainer
IN THE VIKINGS LAND
Welcome to Sports Zone Our destination for that issue has been Sweden, in particular, East and West of Gรถtaland. Sweden, Scandinavian country, is the third largest country in the European Union with 450.295 square Kilometres. 32
A country with passion for nature and is Known for its amazing landscapes. Peace and democracy are deep-rooted civic values in the population. A Viking country ideal to practice sports with its privileged nature.
We took our bicycles and we went to Sweden!
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SPORTS ZONE
Vänern Lake The biggest swedish lake and the third of Europe. Lake Vänern covers an area of 5,655 km2 . Its surface is 44 m (144 ft) above sea level and it is on average 27 m (89 ft) deep. The maximum depth of the lake is 106 m (348 ft). Geographically, it is situated on the border between the Swedish regions of Götaland and Svealand, divided between several Swedish provinces: The western body of water is known as the Dalbosjö; the eastern body is known as Värmlandsjön. Its main tributary is Klarälven, which flows into the lake near the city of Karlstad, on the northern shore. It is drained to the southwest by Göta älv, which forms part of the Göta Canal waterway, to Lake Viken into Lake Vättern, southeast across Sweden. The economic opportunities Lake Vänern offers are illustrated by the surrounding towns, which have supporting themselves for centuries by fishing and allowing easy transportation to other cities or west by Göta älv to the sea of Kattegat. This directly includes: Karlstad, Kristinehman, Mariestad, Lidköping, Vänersborg, Amal, Säffle and indirectly Trollhättan. The Djurö archipelago surrounds the island of Djurö, in the middle of the lake, and has been given national park status as Djurö National Park. The ridge (plateau mountain) Kinnekulle is a popular tourist attraction near the south-eastern shore of Lake Vänern. It has the best view over the lake (about 270 m (890 ft) above the lake level). Another nearby mountain is Halleberg.
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SPORTS ZONE
MariestadTorsobrönnBrommösundTörso We propose you depart from “Hamnkiosken Grillen” parking of Maristead, North direction. After crossing the railway, we continue to East direction (we follow poster: Snapens 4) Km 5 we arrive at Snapens (where we can find cyclar and recreational area) we don’t stop here we follow the track. Km 6.200 Crossroads. We turn left, East direction. We leave the main track and a cul-de-sac. Km 8. Crossroads. Go straight on, South-East direction (Go into forest). km 8,800 Crossroads. We turn right. Then the left that leads to the main road, North direction (we can see the poster: Torsö 8)
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km 17 We arrive in Torsobrรถnn (Sundson, Bryghhuset parquing). We cross the bridge to arrive till the capital of the island.
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SPORTS ZONE
Km 22 Crossroads. We turn right I to go to Brommรถsund. (We follow the poster). We find two crossroads and we follow the signs to Brommรถsund both times. km 26 we turn right to go to Plankevik. We arrive in Farnastorp we turn left, West direction We arrive at a tarmacked road, we turn right to reach Brommรถsund. km 29 we arrive there.
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Way back: We departure from that point straight on until to reach in a crossroads which shows right to Brommon and ahead to Ostersundet, we take this one, is a road. We continue during 7 kms until to reach in new crossroads which shows Torsรถ Ka, we take it and we leave the main road. At that moment, is just 3kms far away from Ostersundet.
Km 8,800 We arrive in Torsรถ Ka (close to Bjork), capital of the island. We pass the chapel and we turn left to go to Bjork. Crossroads. We turn left to reach a tarmacked road, where we find a poster that indicates Bjork, again. We continue until crossroads which brings us to main road. We turn right and in a few meters we cross the Torsobrรถnn Bridge again. And from here we have to undo all the way to return to Mariestad, departure point.
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Göta Canal The Göta Canal (Swedish: Göta kanal) is a Swedish canal constructed in the early 19th century. It formed the backbone of a waterway stretching some 614 km (382 miles ), linking a number of lakes and rivers to provide a route from Gothenburg (Swedish: Göteborg) on the west coast to Söderköping on the Baltic Sea via the river Göta älv and the Trollhätte Kanal, through the large lakes Vänern and Vättern. The canal itself is 190 km (118 miles) long, of which 87 km (54 miles) were dug or blasted, with a width varying between 7–14 m (23–46 ft) and a maximum depth of about 3 m (9 ft). It has 58 locks and can accommodate vessels up to 32 m (105 ft) long, 7 m (21 ft) wide and 2.8 m (9 ft) in draft. Göta Canal is a sister canal of Caledonian Canal in Scotland, which was also constructed by Thomas Telford. The canal is nicknamed the "divorce ditch." It earned this nickname from the troubles that couples have to endure while trying to navigate the many locks by themselves. Nowadays the Göta Canal offers a good chance to realize a crossing by bicycle between the nature and the history of this country. In fact, is one of the most popular bike trails in Sweden.
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SPORTS ZONE
Sjรถtorp-Lyrestad-Hajstorp-Tรถreboda-Tatorp Km 0. We depart from Sjรถtorp (Sjรถtorps Grillen parking). We cross the bridge Gรถta Kanal and we turn left to go to Lyrestad. Km 2,2. We cross the road and we continue to Lyrestad. Km 7. We arrive in Lyrestad, we cross the road and we continue cycling for the path along the Canal. We pass under the bridge and we take again the path close to the Kanal.
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Km 9 Norrkvarn, we cross the road.
Km. 14,20 Häjstorp and we continue direction to Töreboda
Km 18.60 Töreboda and we continue to Tatorp.
Km 29,40 Vassbacken. We continue to Tatorp.
Km 34,90 Tatorp. 45
SPORTS ZONE
When we arrive in Tatorp, we are in Lake Viken. Here there is the option to rent a boat transport across Lake Viken, important do a reservation: +46(0)70-3020523, +46(0)506-53086. In our case, we go back by the same way to return to Sjรถtorp.
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Is important to talk about the locks, in general, when cyclists are arriving to a village can see them. Also sometimes you have to cross the road, but these points as well all the entire route, are really well indicated.
www.gotakanal.se
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A LOOK AT THE WORLD
Report realized by Nicolas Aguilar
Zacualpan de Amilpas, a villaje with enchantment
Z
acualpan is a little village situated in the slopes of the Popocatepetl volcano in central Mexico. The place of many traditions that resume Mexican history, Zacualpan has what I called a sustainable lifestyle as it keeps the habits and customs as well as the enchantment of the old times where the market on Sundays hosts the people from neighboring villages who bring their products to exchange with the local populations and visitors. Zacualpan has a long tradition of the Trueque, an ancient method of exchanging goods and crafts and in which money is not involved and which exists still today. How do they manage to keep this tradition alive? Sustainable practices. The locals are so proud of their heritage and culture that is not even a question to stop doing this millenary exchange. The strong bonds the villagers maintain among themselves allow them to walk more or less in the same direction keeping their traditions alive. The participation of young people in the different aspects of the celebrations of ancient traditions is very significant. 50
And these sustainable practices are carried out by quite a few members of the community. They conform themselves into groups that take care of the main aspects of the traditions, going from the famous Mojigangas, groups of villagers who design and make their customs, to the processions taking place during the celebration of the Virgin of Rosario at the beginning of October. Other celebrations are the traditional market on Sundays, Las Malinches and the celebration of Virgin of the Asunción. It is worth mentioning that many young people take part in the preparation of the activities which make it some kind of sustainable practice that assures the continuation of these very important traditions. This delightful village boasts an Augustinian convent complete with fortified church dating from the 16th c. It is one of the ex convents on the slopes of the Popocatepetl, World Heritage since 1974. The ex convent is a place that conveys most of the traditions as pretty much everything functions around it. It is possible to see the Voladores de Papantla, an old tradition that dates back to ancient times and has been passed down through the generations. The voladores, “fliers,” sometimes called hombres pajaro, “bird men,” launch themselves from the top of a pole of up to 150 feet in height, and slowly descend circling the pole. It is a breathtaking spectacle performed at a great height.
Intangible and tangible heritage mixed in this village make this place a wonderful place to visit with its stone-built streets delimited by the tecorrales, walls made out of volcanic stones that delimit the houses and give them a very rustic appearance. Despite its old traditions and its peculiar lifestyle, Zacualpan uses a great deal of solar panels to illuminate the village and to contribute to the betterment of the place. Other events, cultural and sports are also organized throughout the year in order to allow the population to participate fully in the development of their village. The integration of international volunteers in the tasks of raising awareness about the importance of protecting the World Heritage site as well as the intangible heritage – traditions, is a titanic labor but it has being welcomed by the municipality and the local population. The volunteers participate in the preparation tasks of the celebrations doing presentations of their countries, cleaning certain areas, among other manual secondary work in the world heritage site. Zacualpan is therefore a very important place to visit as the touristic aspect is one of the possibilities to assure some income for the community and gives the inhabitants the possibility to share their traditions and sustainable practices with the visitors and among themselves and ensure a more sustainable lifestyle without damaging the environment. 51
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