European Summer University
The Greens discuss new ideas for Europe at the German-Polish border

The Greens in the European Parliament are organising their first Summer University at the European level this year. The meeting will take place from Thursday, 28 August to Sunday, 31 August in the German-Polish border cities of Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice. More than 800 participants from 42 countries will participate in this green creative laboratory, in which new ideas for Europe will be conceived and discussed.

"Bridging the Gaps"

The location was chosen symbolically: the motto of the event being  "Bridging the gaps". This does not mean only geographical divides between East and West, South and North, but also divisions between old and young and rich and poor, the EU 15 and EU 27. Frankfurt/Oder and Słubice, situated at one of these fault lines in Europe, on both sides of the river Oder, will host the events of the Summer University, at the Viadrina Europe University and at the Collegium Polonicum. The Summer University is being organised by the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament and supported by the European Green Party and the green parties Bündnis90/DIE GRÜNEN (Germany) and Zieloni 2004 (Poland).

Opening: "What future for Europe?"

After a pre-programme with many field trips, workshops, a football tournament, a culinary event and other activities, the Summer University will open officially on Friday 29th August with a large panel discussion on the future of Europe. Gesine Schwan, president of the European University Viadrina, will hold the keynote speech on this topic, which, since the rejection of the Reform Treaty in the Irish referendum, has become a burning issue again. Furthermore, the political scientist Claus Leggewie, the president of the European Movement in France, Sylvie Goulard, and the Polish journalist Adam Krzeminski, will set out their visions for Europe to the audience.

Panel discussions on climate change, a social Europe and green visions

In addition to the opening discussion, three other major debates are scheduled. On Saturday, two key issues for the Greens will be discussed: In the morning Rebecca Harms, vice-chair of the Greens in the European Parliament will moderate a panel discussion on climate change entitled "From Bali to Poznan to Copenhagen". In the afternoon, the theme of "Social Europe in a globalised world" will be discussed and this discussion will be moderated by the Green MEP Jean Lambert (UK).

On Sunday, in a final debate under the title "A new Europe - we build it", Green leaders from all over Europe will take stock of the results of the Summer University, and Daniel Cohn-Bendit, co-chair of the Greens in the European Parliament, will draw the conclusions.

50 workshops

The four panel discussions will be complemented by 50 workshops, in which almost all topics dear to green-minded Europeans will be treated. Topics range from the Green Economy to eco-green lifestyle, from Internet access to renewable energy, green cities to the new anti-nuclear movement, anti-discrimination policies to campaign training, the situation in Georgia to peace policies.

The Green Future Team

The report of the "Green Future Team" a group of 15 young people under 28 years of age from several European countries - is expected with excitement. This team has been working together since April in order to come up with fresh ideas for Europe and will present the results of their brainstorming at the Summer University.

Europe and Culture

Culture is given a prominent place in the Green European Summer University. Well-known authors read from their works and discuss with each other and with the audience. The literary guests include Geert Maak ("The Bridge of Istanbul", "Europe"), Herta Muller ("Animal Heart"), Zülfü Livanelli ("Mutluluk") and Yuriy Andrukhovych ("My Europe").

Europe in the film

An important part of the cultural programme is dedicated to European film-making. European filmmakers portray in eight top productions Europe and its people from unusual perspectives. The Iranian filmmaker Marjane Satrapi will show her cult film "Persepolis", followed by a discussion. On Sunday morning, a "culture breakfast" with prominent participants will conclude the cultural programme of the Summer University.

Europe celebrates

Finally, the Summer University will not be short of fantastic entertainment. On Friday evening, the Frankfurt (Main) group "Eurofighter" will fill the dancefloor and on Saturday, the Franco-American band "Nous Non Plus" will enchant the audience with their exciting and eclectic sound.

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For the full programme of the Summer University visit http://www.green-summer-university.eu/index.php?id=37

For media accreditation please go to http://www.green-summer-university.eu/index.php?id=60

 

 

 

On the occasion of the first Green European Summer University, Green MEPs are holding a press conference on:

"The future of European foreign policy – Georgia, German-Russian relations and the EU's role"

With:
Daniel Cohn-Bendit, MEP, Co-president of the Greens/EFA Group in the European parliament
Rebecca Harms, MEP, Greens/EFA vice-president
Cem Özdemir, MEP, Greens/EFA foreign affairs spokesman


10.30, Friday 29 August 2008

Bundespressekonferenz e.V.
Pressehaus/0103
Schiffbauerdamm 40
10117 Berlin
 
Tel.: +49 (30) 22 07 99-0
Fax: +49 (30) 22 07 99-22
info@bundespressekonferenz.de