Organisational Activities

Call for Prep Team: Eastern European Climate Summer Camp

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Cooperation and Development Network (CDN) is announcing an open call for members of the preparatory team (prep-team) for the Eastern European Climate Summer Camp. The summer camp will take place from 5 – 13th of June 2023 in the Montenegro. More information on the project you can find here. 

With this activity we aim to equip 45 young Eastern Europeans with better understanding of climate crisis and skills for mobilising the youth around the issue, in order to empower them to bring systemic change in their local communities and regions.  

This will be done by meeting the following objectives:

  1. To equip the participants with the knowledge on climate crisis, its history and outcomes;
  2. To explore the causes and effects of the climate crisis on the Eastern European level;
  3. To empower the participants to fight for better climate, in order to sustain the society, culture and the world we live in;
  4. To equip the participants with skills and tools for mobilizing around climate crisis. 

 

If you are young person from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus,  Bosnia and Herzegovina,  Bulgaria,  Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic,  Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Kosovo*, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Serbia, Turkey or Ukraine and if you are interested in the topic of the event, you are more than welcome to apply to volunteer as a member of this preparatory team. 

Prep-team members should speak English, be available during the preparation period, be responsible about fulfilling their tasks, have good organisational skills, be good  team players, committed to the aims of the project and CDN’s values and be familiar with non-formal education methods. We encourage young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply for the Prep-team.

 

Main responsibilities of the prep-team:

  1. Active participation in the regular online meetings prior to the event (January-June / 2-3 h a week);
  2. Participation in two-day live prep team meeting on 18-19th of February (2 full working days), arrival day 17th, departure on 20th;
  3. Other meetings scheduled weekly or bi-weekly;
  4. Dissemination of the call and selection of participants, preparation of participants  for the event and providing them with all the necessary information  regarding the program;
  5. Preparation and facilitation of the  program of the event; designing and preparing sessions based on non-formal education methodology, invitation and communication with speakers, experts and partners in accordance with the project aims (4-6 h  a week);
  6. Helping with the promotion of the event and ensuring media visibility;
  7. Taking care of practicalities and of the general well-being of the participants;
  8. Full participation during the entire event and prep team meeting before and after: Arrival 2nd of June, departure 15th of June;
  9. Supporting the finalisation of the outputs;
  10. Helping with the reporting of the event.

 

Being a prep-team member at this event would offer you:

  1. Working in a lively international environment;
  2. Experience in managing youth projects – preparation, implementation and reporting;
  3. Getting familiar with Green values and the work of CDN;
  4. Getting to know activists from different European contexts and their work;
  5. A possibility to develop your leadership and group work skills;
  6. A lot of work and a lot of fun!

Here you can find provisional agenda.
 

 

Practicalities: 

Accommodation, food, working space, travel and visa costs for the preparatory team will be fully covered. For selection of travel means the condition is to combine the most economic and environmentally friendly way (lowest price + travel time + CO2 emissions).

DEADLINE for submitting online applications is 15th of January, 23:59 CET. You will be informed by email approximately 2 weeks after the deadline. Please add project.coordinator@cdnee.org to your contacts, so that you do not receive our reply in the spam folder.

 

APPLY HERE

 

*All references to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with the United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.

Work Plan “Bring your tote-bag, but smash the system!”

Activities, Educational Activities, News, Organisational Activities, Uncategorized


Project background

Tackling climate crisis comes as a priority for Eastern European Green youth, as shown by the outputs of the Strategic Planning Meeting 2020 of CDN and not without a cause. Contrary to popular perception, Eastern Europe faces significant threats from climate change, with a number of the most serious risks already in evidence. The climate is changing, and the Eastern European region is vulnerable to the consequences, as many other places on Earth. This issue is local and global at the same time. Many of the region’s countries are facing warmer temperatures, a changing humidity, and more extreme weather conditions, droughts, floods, heat waves, wind storms, and forest fires. As it is the case worldwide, climate crisis is disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups, forcing them into climate migrations, deteriorating the work conditions and constantly changing the job and economic markets, creating a hostile environment for these groups. Vulnerability over the next 10 to 20 years is likely to be dominated by these socio-economic factors and legacy issues. Nevertheless, even countries and sectors that stand to benefit from climate change are poorly positioned to do so, while the next decade offers a window of opportunity for these actors in EE countries to make their development more resilient to climate change while reaping numerous co-benefits. We have seen efforts and changes being implemented in Eastern European countries – participations in the international climate movement Fridays for Future and the rise of local climate activism. However, the steps taken currently are not nearly enough for sustaining the life on this planet as we know it and in order to lead a sustainable change, a push for systemic change and mobilisation of Eastern European Climate Resistance movements is undeniably a regional priority. Only by practicing grassroot, youth, informed mobilisation on climate issues we will be able to build resilient, just and Green Eastern Europe, where the human rights and the environment are respected. 

To achieve this, our project aims to equip the young people from the Eastern Europe with better understanding of climate crisis and skills for mobilising the youth around the issue, in order to empower them to bring systemic change in their local communities and regions. 

This will be done by reaching the following objectives:

    1. Equip young people from the Eastern Europe with better understanding of climate crisis;
    2. Empower young people from the Eastern Europe to bring systemic change in their local communities and regions.

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Project summary:

The project will incorporate two phases: an Eastern European Climate Summer Camp which will be followed by Local, Regional and Cross-Country Actions across Eastern European countries. Both activities aim to bring a greater understanding and mobilisation on topics of climate rights and the climate crisis, as well as expand on the long term consequences of the climate crisis. These activities will help raise awareness among young people from the Eastern Europe on the importance of addressing the issues and actively campaigning for change.

 

1st phase –  Eastern European Climate Summer Camp

The first event of the Work plan is a nine days long Summer Camp with the aim to equip the young people from the Eastern Europe with better understanding of climate crisis and skills for mobilising the youth around the issue. This will be achieved by reaching the following objectives:

    1. Equip the participants with the knowledge on climate crisis, its history and outcomes;
    2. Explore the causes and effects of the climate crisis on the Eastern European level;
    3. Empower the participants to fight for better climate, in order to sustain the society, culture and the world we live in;
    4. Equipping the participants with skills and tools for mobilising around climate crisis.

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Date: 5-13 June 2023
Location: Montenegro

Call for Prep-team

Call for Participants (coming soon) 

Provisional agenda

 

2nd phase –  Eastern European Climate Campaigns

The second phase of the work plan is the direct outcome of the first phase –  participants will apply in organising local, cross regional or regional (maximum 4 countries) activities in order to kickstart context-specific discussions and campaigns on climate activism. The aim of this activity will be to empower young people from the Eastern Europe to bring the systemic change in their local communities and regions. This will be achieved by reaching the following objectives:

    1. To provide the participants with an opportunity to practically apply gained knowledge;
    2. To provide the participants with an opportunity to influence relevant stakeholders and climate crisis related processes across Eastern European countries;
    3. To showcase different practices of fighting for climate in countries of the Eastern Europe with different levels of shrinking space for the civil society.

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Funding will be provided for Climate Campaign related activities for participants from 10 countries throughout a 4 month period of preparation, implementation and reporting. In this period, campaign  organisers will create an activity which will contribute to project aims and build the capacity of organisations in implementing local and regional events.

Date: September-November 2023

Duration: Optional 

Location: Participating countries

Call for Climate Campaigns (coming soon)

 

Methodology

The program of the International Activityies will be based on the principles of non-formal education and intercultural learning. We strive for active, inclusive and direct communication and transfer and sharing of knowledge. Sessions of the International Activityies will be balanced between theoretical inputs, training, workshops, discussions, reflection, planning, brainstorming and other interactive methods of learning.

 

 

*All references to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or   population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with   the United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1244 and without   prejudice to the status of Kosovo

Practicalities for Delegates and Guests

Activities, CDN News, General Assembly, News, Organisational Activities, Organization

You will find detailed information regarding practicalities, financial support and reimbursement rules.

 

General Information

We would kindly ask all participants to register by January 23.

NOTE: A registration form is not enough to register as a delegate! Delegates of Member, Partner and Observer organisations need to be confirmed by their organisation. Therefore, an official email from your organisation’s email account should be sent to office@cdnee.org confirming the name(s) of your delegate(s).

In order for CDN to be able to provide financial support for the delegates’ travel costs, the above-proposed deadlines shall apply. The deadline is determined by the IRPs “Each member and partner organisation shall inform the Secretariat of the names of their representatives at least 45 days before the General Assembly”

Guests and WG members can register for the GA by filling in the same form and notifying office@cdnee.org if they would like CDN to book accommodation in the same venue.

The delegates are expected to arrive at the venue in location the on 8th in the evening (dinner will be provided) and depart on the 13th in the morning (breakfast will be provided).

Note: We strongly encourage you to follow the good practice of having one experienced delegate (preferably, someone who has been to previous GAs) and one less experienced delegate (to ensure the transfer of knowledge).

In addition, according to IRPs  8.1 Participants of CDN events can’t be older than 30 at the moment of applying. Delegates, whom we will reimburse, are considered participants. Guests, coming at their own expense, can be any age.

For any additional information regarding the financial arrangements, please get in touch with the Secretariat.

REGISTER

To whom will we be covering the costs?

If you’re coming as the 1st Delegate:

CDN will cover all of your costs (travel, accommodation, and meals) during the GA and Strategic Planning Meeting.

If you’re coming as a 2nd Delegate:

CDN will cover all of your costs (travel, accommodation, and meals) during the GA and Strategic Planning Meeting.

According to CDN IRP’s second delegates of Member Organizations have to pay a participation fee of 10 EUR, unless delegates are younger than 25.

If you’re coming as a 1st Delegate:

We will cover all of your costs (travel, accommodation, and meals) during the General Assembly.

If you’re coming as a 2nd Delegate:

CDN will not be able to cover any costs.

According to CDN IRP’s second delegates of Partner Organizations have to pay a participation fee of 10 EUR, unless delegates are younger than 25.

CDN will not be able to cover any costs (travel, accommodation, meals), however, there is no participation fee for Observer Organisation delegate.
 

We will cover all of your costs (travel, accommodation, and meals) during the General Assembly.

Non-elected EC Candidates will still have accommodation and meals covered for the duration as if they were elected.

Should get in touch with the office and financial assistance will be decided on an individual basis.

We will cover all of your costs (travel, accommodation, and meals) during the General Assembly.

CDN will cover all of your accommodation and meal costs during the event.

CDN will not be able to cover any costs of the guests of the General Assembly and Strategic Planning Meeting. 

The participation fee for the guests is 10 EUR and is to be paid via bank transfer prior to or in cash during the GA.

Other information about travel and financial conditions
 

We encourage traveling by land whenever possible and it’s the only option if the journey takes less than 15 hours (IRPs §9.1), for reducing CO2 emissions. Since it might a long way to Warsaw for some of you, flying can be the only option. However, we ask you to organise your travel in the most economic way. Only 2nd/economy class reservations will be reimbursed. This also applies to train reservations.

 

As a principle, we only cover travel expenses from your place of residence to Warsaw and back. In case you need to travel from or to somewhere else, please contact office.assistant@cdnee.org (cc office@cdnee.org) with a justification of the circumstances, after which we will let you know what to do.

 

Once you are nominated and registered as a delegate, send your travel proposal to office.assistant@cdnee.org and keep office@cdnee.org in CC. Proceed with booking as soon as it’s approved.

 

Don’t wait for the last chance to register and purchase tickets as it will get expensive. The deadline to booking tickets is 35 days prior to the GA – 2nd of February.

 

Travel to Warsaw

 

– By Land:

Warsaw Central Central is located at the very heart of Warsaw. It is reachable by train from various places in Europe: including direct connections from Vienna and Budapest that makes traveling by land from the Balkans possible. There are also connections from Ukraine and Lithuania.

You can check for the train connections here: PolRail, ÖBB, Rome2Rio, RailCC

 

You can also reach Warsaw by Bus. Check for routes here: FlixBus, getbybus, and Rome2rio.

 

– By Air:

Warsaw has two airports, so make sure you check both airports for the cheapest option.

Chopin Airport (WAW) is the main airport in Warsaw with regular flights by airline companies such as LOT Polish Airlines, Wizz Air and Smartwings. It is located 10 kilometers south of the city center. You can reach city by Bus or Train.

Modlin Airport (WMI) mostly used by low-cost airline companies such as Ryanair and Enter Air. It is located 40 kilometers northwest of the city. You can reach centre both by Bus or Train.

We recommend looking for affordable flight options here and here.

 

Reimbursement rules

There is no participation fee for the delegates and we will be reimbursing 100% of the travel costs.

In order for us to proceed with your reimbursement, we need to receive all original proofs (tickets, bank statements, bills, bank slips, invoices, boarding passes, reservations and other proofs of payments) for the expenses that you are claiming. A cost that doesn’t have its original proof, unfortunately, is a cost that never happened and will not get reimbursed!

 Examples:

  • Train/bus/ferry tickets and reservations, clearly stating the price of the ticket/reservation. This includes local transport, for example a ticket for the bus from an airport to the city centre, including the bill and bank slip (if paid by card).
  • Invoices of flight bookings (if bought online, it is usually an e-mail which states the total price of the flight) and all boarding passes (all need to be sent to office.assistant@cdnee.org). Online boarding passes are accepted. In case you do the online check in through a mobile application, please make sure to make a print-screen of the boarding pass, as they have a tendency to disappear. The flights should also have the proof of payment attached. In case you bought it through a bank transfer or credit card, it would be a statement from your bank system and if you paid in cash, you should always demand a paper bill.

All the reimbursement will happen via bank transfer after the event.

 

More details regarding reimbursement and practicalities (venue, accommodation, etc.), will be shared later with the registered delegates through e-mail.

 

Register for the 2023 General Assembly

Join us in Warsaw, March 9-12, for the most important political and decision-making event for our network.

Click Here

General Assembly 2023

Activities, CDN News, General Assembly, News, Organisational Activities, Organization

 

We are happy to officially announce the 14th General Assembly of Cooperation and Development Network Eastern Europe, which will take place between 9-12 March in Warsaw, Poland, hosted by Ostra Zieleń (Polish Young Greens).

 

We invite you to nominate your delegates to the General Assembly (GA) which is the highest decision-making body of CDN. GA consists of delegates from Member and Partner (factual members) organisations and brings other friends from the Green European family to share, network and discuss. GA elects Executive Committee, adopts activity and financial plan for the next year and makes other relevant decisions.

 

This year’s General Assembly is exceptionally important for two reasons. One is that we are celebrating 20 years of CDN and we will dedicate some time to evaluate the past, discuss the present and plan the future. Second, and more importantly this year we will be amending our Statutes for which we will need a higher than usual quorum – two-thirds of all factual member organisations. Therefore, your participation is crucial. In addition, 2023 General Assembly includes the Strategic Planning Meeting during which the delegates will shape the upcoming priorities, scope of work and general development of CDN.

 

 

Regarding the Delegates:

Member organisations has a right to be represented by two delegates with voting rights at the General Assembly and has the full right to nominate its candidate for any organisational group/position or submit amendments to any organisational document. We will cover the full travel and accommodation costs of the two delegates of each Member Organization.

Partner organisations has a right to send one delegate with no voting right to the GA and has the full right to nominate its candidate for any organisational group/position or submit amendments to any organisational document. We will cover the full travel and accommodation costs of one delegate from the partner organisations.

Observer organisations also have a right to take part with one representative in the GA without a participation fee however CDN will not be able to reimburse any costs.

Guests are also welcomed at the GA, bearing in mind that CDN can’t cover their GA-related costs and they will be subjected to participant fees.

 

Note: We strongly encourage you to follow the good practice of having one experienced delegate (preferably, someone who has been to previous GAs) and one less experienced delegate (to ensure the transfer of knowledge).

 

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Secretariat at office@cdnee.org.

Practicalities

Register for the 2023 General Assembly

Save the dates, and decide on the delegates and your participation.

Click Here

Call for Host Organisation: CDN General Assembly 2023

Activities, CDN News, General Assembly, News, Organisational Activities, Organization

9-12 March, Warsaw, Poland

General Assembly 2023

We are happy to officially announce the 14th General Assembly of Cooperation and Development Network Eastern Europe, which will take place between 9-12 March in Warsaw, Poland, hosted by Ostra Zieleń (Polish Young Greens).

Save the dates, decide on the delegates and your participation.

 

Check here

Dear CDN Members and Partner Organisations,

The Executive Committee is hereby announcing an open call for a host organisation for the 2023 General Assembly (GA) and Strategic Planning Meeting scheduled for (time is to be decided between the 3rd or 4th weekends of February or the 1st weekend of March).

General Assembly – which is the highest decision-making body – is the most important political event throughout the year for CDN; while Strategic Planning Meeting will determine the future trajectory and development of the organisation.

We are envisioning having a 3 to 4-day event which only adds to our excitement about holding the GA, finally, live and we will be very happy to receive applications from all MOs and POs that believe they have the capacity to host this event.

In order to have a better understanding of what it takes to organise, and what will be the responsibilities as well as the rights, you can access the guiding document HERE. The preparations will be challenging but at the same time very fulfilling and a valuable experience for any organisation of the network. In addition, hosting the General Assembly has several benefits including:

  • gaining experience in hosting an international political event
  • having a space to organise a session during the topical part of the GA
  • visibility via CDN’s social media

If your organisation is interested in hosting the 2023 GA, fill in this application form.

Deadline: Sunday, 13th of November, 2022.

The application includes information regarding the motivation, previous experience with organising events, and possible propositions for the event (location, accommodation, venue, etc.); your answers will help the committee to decide on the appropriate/suitable location.

Of course, we will follow the COVID-19 situation and organise the GA accordingly, to ensure a safe and inclusive event for all participants.

The Executive Committee will evaluate the applications and make a decision during the committee meeting in November and have a decision by the 20th of November.

For any further questions, don’t hesitate to write to us at giorgi.ptskialadze@cdnee.org.

The Future of Eastern Europe Conference

CDN News, General Assembly, News, Organisational Activities

https://www.cdnee.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/The-Future-of-Eastern-Europe-Conference-2022.png

30 years ago a major shift has happened in global politics and Eastern Europe – states dissolved and collapsed and new ones have been established, the system has been changed. During this period there was a promise that after a long struggle we would achieve democracy and well-being.

 

But as we look back from today it is clear that this has not happened and if it did it was not sustainable.

 

These last decades have been full of hope and misery, protests and revolutions, conflicts and wars, economic uphills and downfalls, democratisation and backsliding.

 

This story has not ended, it is developing and continuing, there are more challenges and opportunities ahead. And all of us, Young Greens and activists in Eastern Europe, are part of this.

 

Therefore we in CDN decided to organise a conference where we would discuss all these issues we are facing.

 

How did we end up where we are now? What is the role of global powers such as the EU, Russia and China in our region? Should we be hopeful for the future as we see emerging environmental movements and progressive political actors? Can we achieve climate prosperity and what challenges do we have regards energy and transition?

These will be questions that we will ask during the conference and try to find answers to through panel discussions with invited speakers, informal talks and sharing our perspectives.
 
 
With this conference, we are aiming to provide a space for Young Greens from EE to discuss what is the common vision for building an authentic Green movement in EE and what is our role in it. We want to explore existing good potentials a have the space to meet with other progressive political actors from the region.
 
 
The Conference is a part of the transnational project “Future of Eastern Europe and (Eco)democracy” that we are organising in cooperation with the Green European Foundation, Green Institute of Greece, Sustainable Development Forum Green Window, Green Green Thought Association and Ecopilis Foundation.
 

Although the Conference was planned to happen prior to the CDN General Assembly in March 2022, taking everything into consideration minding everyone’s concerns and safety, the Executive Committee (EC) has accessed the ongoing situation and has come to a conclusion in agreement with GEF partners for the Conference to be postponed.

Having this in mind, The Future of Eastern Europe Conference will be taking place in Riga, Latvia on 6-7th June 2022.

Location: Rija VEF Hotel, Brīvības 199c, Riga, Latvija, LV-1039 

Practicalities:

Language: The main language of this activity will be English. But not being comfortable with interacting in English should not prevent you from applying. CDN strives to create an inclusive atmosphere at the events, where participants are encouraged to express themselves and ask for clarifications or translations from peers that speak the same language.

Costs: Anyone is welcome to take part in the conference with their own expenses. There is no participation fee.

In addition, CDN can cover the participation of a limited number of applications of young greens and activists from Eastern Europe (with a maximum age of 30). Meaning the cost of travel, and lodging (accommodation in multi-bed rooms, vegetarian/vegan food and refreshments).

In any case, take into consideration choosing the most economic and environmentally friendly means of travel (lowest price + travel time + CO2 emissions) and in case the trip would take less than 15 hours only travelling by land (train+bus) is reimbursed (IRPs §9.1).

Deadline: 20th of May (if applying for CDN to cover your participation.)

You will be informed by e-mail approximately 1 week after the deadline. Please add office@cdnee.org to your contacts, so that you do not receive our reply in the spam folder.

In case of having any questions, do not hesitate to write us at office@cdnee.org

 
Register (Closed)

Programme

Time Zone: Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) / Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) + 3

Day 1, Monday, June 6

10:00-10:15 Opening of the conference
 
10:15-11:30 Eastern Europe as a region – a story of turbulent transformation (Live Stream)
 

Speakers: 

– Sonja Schiffers, Director of Heinrich-Boell Foundation, South Caucasus Office

– Anastasiya Dorofeeva, Belarusian Green party, Belarusian anti-nuclear campaign, hub “Green foundations”

 
Description: For more than thirty years Eastern Europe is a region of independent nation-states. During this period there was the promise that after a long struggle democracy and well-being would be achieved. Looking at it today, it is clear that most Eastern European countries are far from democracy and the well-being of citizens.
In this session, we will try to analyse and reflect on the last decades of Eastern Europe, mainly focusing to find the roots of current problems and possible solutions by looking back at the recent history – what shaped the region, how the democratisation and transition took place.
 
 
12:00-13:30 Influence of Global Powers: Eastern Europe at the crossroads between democracy and autocracy (Live Stream)
 
Speakers:

– Anton Cherepenko, the Free Hong Kong Center in Kyiv

– Zarina Burkadze  Associate Professor of Political Science, Ilia State University

– Raluca Besliu, contributor of Green European Journal focusing on Eastern European affairs

– Teo Comet, European Greens

Description: Discussing political dynamics and transformation of Eastern Europe cannot take place without paying attention to global powers and their involvement in the region. 
With this session we aim to map global powers: EU – China, Russia and US – and their interests; What role do they play in supporting democracy and progressive agenda or the opposite – encouraging and financing anti-democratic, right-wing and authoritarian forces. 
 
15:30-17:00 War in Ukraine: Context, Present and the Effect on the region (Live Stream)
 
Description: Russian aggression against Ukraine is continuing. Every day we are witnessing atrocities, war crimes and violations of international law from the Russian side, at the same time Ukraine is bravely defending its people, sovereignty, democracy and even Europe as a whole.
In this session, we will take a look at a few different aspects of the conflict: the context of the war, the historical roots of Russian aggression, the current events, as well as what greens should do to help Ukraine, and how the ongoing war affects countries in the region.
 
 
17:30-19:00 Energy – a veto point and/or a chance for democracy? (Live Stream)
 
Speakers:

Manana Kochladze, Bankwatch Strategic Area Leader – Democratization and Human Rights

Yevheniia Zasiadko, Head of climate and transport department at Ecoaction – Centre for Environmental Initiatives
 

Workshop: 

Sandy-Kyriaki Fameliari, ElectaEnergy Cooperative
 
Description: The energy we choose reflects the systems we support. In this session, we will discuss energy as the core factor for sustaining authoritarian regimes and the way the energy sector influences political dynamics. As well as we are going to focus on the possibility of democratisation through energy – decentralisation, renewables and the prospect of energy cooperatives in Eastern Europe. 
 

Day 2, Tuesday, June 7th

10:00-11:30 Eco-Democracy as a new paradigm for Eastern Europe
 
Facilitators:
– Annie Maniadi and Dimitris Papageorgiou, Green Institute of Greece
 
Description: The Workshop aims to add a philosophical, ethical and institutional dimension to the conversations on the Future of Eastern Europe happening at the Conference. It hopes to bring together the different voices and ideas from the wealth of participants and facilitate a meaningful discussion on how to put Ecology at the Centre of Democracy.

How can we make democracy more ecological? What kind of changes do we need to apply to our thinking about participation, institutions and decision-making to put ecology and the environment at the forefront of our political systems?

These are some of the questions that we’ll be asking and trying to answer at our Ecodemocracy Workshop!                                         
 
 
12:00-13:30  Conflicts in Eastern Europe: the theory and beyond
 
Description: The session aims to provide participants with the basis of conflict theory and conflict resolution and analyze the conflicts in EE through case studies.  The session encompasses theoretical and practical parts that will be conducted through non-formal education methods. The objectives of the session are 1)to understand the concept of conflict (origin, causes, consequences), 2) to discuss the mechanisms of handling conflict, particularly, conflict resolution, and 3) to explore the conflicts that happened in EE in recent years, their consequences and current state.
 
 
15:30-17:00 Open Mic
 
 
17:30-19:30 Movements into politics: Green Wave in Eastern Europe (Live Stream)
 
Speakers:

– Justine Pantelejeva, Progresīvie, Latvia

– Sopo Shubitidze, Mtsvaneebi, Georgia 

– Predrag Momčilović, Ne davimo Beograd, Serbia

– Stefan Vukmanovic, Ura Montenegro

– Koray Doğan Urbarlı, Green Party Turkey 

 

Description: For the last decades, if you checked the electoral map of Europe intending to see how Green parties have been performing, you would see a clear pattern: Greens in the west and north do well – they get elected in national and regional parliaments, city councils, win mayorships and even participate in governing coalitions; while in the east – you would see a grey colour representing either absence of Green parties from the political landscape or lack of support and therefore relevance. However, in recent years the pattern is dissolving and becoming a blur, the Green wave spreading to the East.

During the panel, we will discuss the ongoing Green wave with newly established Green political parties across Eastern Europe with the aim to analyse current success, find the patterns and similarities, understand the importance of grassroots movements and civil society, map challenges, envision the future and their influence on the political landscape.

This event is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of CDNEE and with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this event.

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General Assembly 2022 – Report

CDN News, General Assembly, Organisational Activities

Cooperation and Development Network Eastern Europe held its 13th General Assembly in Belgrade, Serbia/Hybrid 12-13th of March 2022. The GA was planned to happen in live in Tbilisi, Georgia and practice democracy in physical space once again after long COVID-19 years. However, this was not possible anymore due to the Russian invasion and ongoing war in Ukraine. Taking into account instability in the whole region and consequent risks the Executive Committee had decided to move the event to an online/hybrid format.

The General Assembly once again, decided on the direction the Network should take over the next year by adopting the Activity and Financial Plan, electing the new EC and adding amendments to Internal Rules of Procedure, Political Platform and Strategy Statement 2022-24, Safe Space Policy as well as adopted four resolutions.

Apart from the statutory part, we organised a discussion regarding the current situation in Ukraine and listened to the presentation by Yevheniia Zasiadko, former Executive Committee Member of CDN from Ukraine, about dependence on fossil fuels from Russia and the importance of sanctions and embargo, as well as how can we support. Based on the input and discussion the resolution was developed by the Executive Committee, amendments made by the delegates and finally adopted by the General Assembly.

The newly elected Executive Committee consists of Selma Levrence (Protest); Edna Sadikovic (Revolt); Onur Elmas (Young Greens of Turkey); Kateryna Andrieieva (Belarus Young Greens); Lusine Kosakyan (Frontline Youth Network) and Pablo Luīze Pastore (Protest).

Moreover, we are happy to welcome Youth Forum URA as the newest Member Organisation as was approved by the General Assembly.

We want to say a big thank you to all delegates, candidates and guests who contributed to another amazing GA which we leave with big plans and EC motivated to pursue. We should also should express our gratitude to Young Greens of Georgia for fruitful cooperation and support in organising the GA as well as an understanding for the last-minute cancellation.

Here are the documents amendment and/or adopted by the General Assembly:

Statutory:

• Internal Rules and Procedures

• Political Platform

• Strategy Document 2022-2024

• Activity:

• Plan

• Report

• Financial

•  Plan

•  Report

• Safe Space Policy

• Minutes of the 2021 General Assembly

Resolutions: 

• ReClaim The Rainbow

• The Future of Work

• Cities for All

• Geopolitics of Eastern Europe: In Solidarity with Ukraine and Against Russian Aggression

You can can find the Minutes of the 2022 General Assembly to be adopted by the next GA blow:

Minutes

CDN General Assembly 2022 Online

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CDN General Assembly 2022 was planned to happen live next weekend in Tbilisi, Georgia and practice democracy in physical space once again after long COVID-19 years.

 

However, this is not possible anymore due to the Russian invasion and ongoing war in Ukraine. Taking into account instability in the whole region and consequent risks the Executive Committee has decided to move the General Assembly & accompanying events in an online/hybrid format.

 

This means the following:
– Feminists in Environmental Movement Training (7th March, for selected local reporters only) – fully online;
– Working Groups Meeting (8-9th March, for WG members only) – fully online;
– Conference on the Future of Eastern Europe (10-11th March) – postponed;
– General Assembly (12-13th March) – hybrid.

 

HYBRID meaning: Only current EC, Secretariat, Presidency and EC Candidates will travel as planned, however, they will be joining us in Belgrade, Serbia. No delegates/observers/representatives/guests will be present live.

 

Once again, we want to express our solidarity with the Ukrainian people fighting for their freedom, democracy and life. Our heart goes to our colleagues, activists and Young Greens who have been at the forefront of fighting for social justice, human rights, climate and environmental protection. Now they are under permanent threat and are facing the Russian military.

 

Therefore, besides the regular decision-making about the current and the future of our network, we will also be discussing and reflecting on the ongoing situation, showing support, sharing our perspectives and building solidarity even in an online format.

 

All the relevant calls and forms you can find available on CDN General Assembly 2022 page as well as the CDN GA website.

 

Hoping for peace and to see you soon online!

 

CDN EC & Secretariat

Call for Amendments to CDN Documents

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CDN is opening a call for amendments to the statutory and general documents of CDN for the upcoming General Assembly.

To work on the documents, read and make amendments, table resolutions, etc. we will be using our GA website.


All technical instructions are given on our GA website but you can also access them HERE.

Who can submit amendments and resolutions:

According to our IRPs amendments and resolutions can be tabled by: Member and Partner Organisations, as well as Working Groups.

Deadline

According to our IRPs, the amendments can be submitted until the voting on that
certain motion, however, it is highly advised not to use this as a deadline and submit them as early as possible.

We would kindly ask you to table resolutions and amendments by Monday, February 28, 23:59, so that other delegates can timely discuss them with their organisations and EC can adjust the draft agenda accordingly.

Call for Executive Committee Candidates 2022

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Dear Young Greens from Eastern Europe,

 

CDN is looking for Executive Committee Candidates for the mandate 2022-23. This is your chance to contribute to the growing Green movement in Eastern Europe.

The presentation of candidates and election of the new Executive Committee will take place at the CDN General Assembly that will take place 12-13th March 2022 in Tbilisi, Georgia.

The Executive Committee tasks:

  • Work on the implementation of CDN’s Activity Plan, approved by the General Assembly (including project writing, coordination, implementation and reporting);
  • Maintaining close and continuous communication with CDN Member and Partner
    Organisations and Network Partners;
  • Actively following and supporting the smooth work-flow of the Working Groups;
  • Representing and promoting CDN during its and partners’ activities as well as in the digital
    space;
  • Answering challenges and making decisions throughout the year, between GAs, based on the CDN Strategy and CDN’s best interest;
  • Actively participating in the regular (biweekly) EC meetings (that usually last around 2h).
  • Keeping track of the well-being of CDN’s Office.


The candidate for the Executive Committee should:

  • Be motivated to advance the Green movement in Eastern Europe;
  • Be dedicated to the goals of CDN, subscribe its political platform and the Green Ideas;
  • Be comfortable working in an international environment and have good communication and organisational skills;
  • Be willing and available for active online engagement throughout the 1 year mandate;
  • Be prepared for frequent travelling (if Covid-restrictions allow), participating in the live EC meetings, CDN activities and likely several other occasions;
  • Be regularly available on the e-mail for the ongoing discussions, work and decision making, together with regular online conferences;
  • Have a good command of English (written and spoken);
  • Have the interest to follow political developments in Eastern Europe and react to them with available tools such as producing statements, organising and supporting campaigns, assisting member and partner organisations, communicating with other Green stakeholders, etc.


More details about the responsibilities of CDN EC members and the election procedure can be found in the CDN Statutes and Internal Rules of Procedures. If elected, candidates are asked to stay for the transfer meeting with the current EC and the first EC meeting. Departure day for EC Candidates is the 17th of March. CDN will cover the costs of accommodation for all Candidates, no matter if they are elected or not.


The candidate should submit:

  • Filled Application form (access here);
  • Candidate’s CV;
  • Photo (Optional);
  • Introduction to your candidacy;
  • Official letter of support from a Candidate’s organisation or any CDN Member or Partner organisation*


*Only CDN Member and Partner organisations can nominate a candidate for the Executive Committee.

 

Applications can be submitted HERE.


All technical instructions are given on our GA website but you can also access them HERE.


DEADLINE for submitting candidacies is February 25, 23:59 CET. However, the earlier you apply the more chance delegates will have to see your candidacy on cdn.discuss.green.

NOTE: In addition to the candidacy related documents, each Executive Committee candidate needs to fill in the REGISTRATION FORM for GA attendees as well.

In case of any questions do not hesitate to write to office@cdnee.org.