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MAY

EU school competition launched
14/05/2013

The Consumer Classroom website has just launched a competition for schools across the EU. 

Work with a school in another EU country and you could win a trip to Brussels.  All you need to do is be creative and put together a campaign or advert about sustainable consumption.

The deadline to submit your entry is 20 June

Find out more here



EUROPE DAY - 9 MAY
What has Europe done for Carmarthenshire?

 

Wales currently benefits from around £2.5 billion from the European Union to help regenerate local economies through Structural Funds and Rural Development Plan.


Carmarthenshire has been particularly successful in securing European funding and has to date, attracted more than £150 million into the County since 2007.

As a result of this, key projects have been developed ranging from helping people into work, supporting businesses and regenerating rural areas.

To celebrate Europe Day, Europe Direct - West Wales European Centre has put together a video giving a taste of how European-funded projects are helping people and businesses gain new skills.

Watch the video here.

 

New consumer education website launched
26/04/2013

A new website to teach about consumer rights has been successfully launched. The "Consumer Education" website gives secondary school teachers access to a library of resources from across the EU, on themes ranging from consumer rights, sustainable consumption, advertising practices to financial literacy, internet safety and health education. 

The resources available includes worksheets, quizzes, toolkits as well as a forum to share ideas, experiences and lessons with other teachers. 

For more information, visit www.consumerclassroom.eu

Still time to take part in training and study visits in the EU
16/03/2013

The 2013-2014 catalogue for study visits grants under the EU Lifelong Learning programme is now available.
 
If you are teacher in primary or secondary schools, a College lecturer or involved in adult education, there are still grants available for you to take part in a course, seminar or study visit in another EU country.

To view the courses available, please click here.

Remaining deadlines are:
-30 April for courses starting between 1 September and 30 April 2014
-17 September for courses starting between 1 January 2014 and 30 April 2014

For more information or to request a paper copy of the catalogue, please contact Lorena Prist, on 01267 242369 or at lprist@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Help and advice on your purchases abroad - How can the EU consumer Centres network help?
12/03/2013

Have you ever had your flights cancelled? Have you bought something online that didn't work or wasn't what you expected?

The EU Consumer Centre Network (ECC) is here to help with any problems consumers have experienced with their purchases made in the EU.

The ECC has just published a report that gives more information about their role but also includes many examples of issues they have helped resolve throughtout the EU.

To view the report, please click here

For more information about the EU Consumer Centre in the UK,  please visit www.ukecc.net





MARCH

Huge success for the Llanelli Multicultural Week 2013
29/03/2013

From 16-23 March, Llanelli was the centre stage of a busy programme of events, exhibitions and performances to celebrate the various cultures and communities in Llanelli. 

Coordinated by the Llanelli Multicultural Network, who has 500 members representing over 50 different nationalities, this year’s programme was bigger and busier than ever.

With events such as a photographic competition and exhibition in Parc Howard House, International Women Day event, a Latin American evening, there was something for everyone.

The Week culminated at Y Ffwrnes on Saturday 23 March with a free Finale event which gave the whole family a chance to travel the world, from Wales to China and Brazil in one afternoon.
 
Europe Direct – West Wales European Centre took part in the Week and organised a series of European-themed activities, such as such as a Spanish Music activity at the St Paul’s Family Centre, the screening of the EU LUX film prize winner “ Shun Li and the Poet” at Coleg Sir Gâr’ Graig campus  and finally, a Flamenco workshop and performance as part of the Finale event.

To find out more about the Llanelli Multicultural Network and the Week’s events, please visit www.lmcn.org

EU prized film get students thinking
25/03/2013

As part of the Llanelli Multicultural Week, Europe Direct - West Wales European Centre in partnership with EU Parliament UK Office and Coleg Sir Gâr screened the winning entry of the EU LUX Film prize "Shun Li and the Poet" on Friday 22nd March.

The LUX film prize has been awarded by the EU Parliament since 2007 to recognize the best of European cinema and encourage debate about European values and social issues.

"Shun Li and the Poet" is the result of a collaboration between a French and an Italian director and addresses the challenges of a multicultural society as well as issues such as stereotypes and human trafficking. 


IT students from Coleg Sir Gâr who are involved in a EU Comenius partnership project with a College in Italy took part in the event and the panel discussion that followed.

They said: " we found the film interesting, moving and thought provoking and the discussion afterwards raised some interesting points."

The panel consisted of the Chair and members of the Llanelli Multicultural Network, Carmarthenshire County Council Community Cohesion Officer, Michael Smith, Paolo Piana,CAVS Multicultural Project Worker and Lorena Prist, European Information and Networking Officer.

 

European information (still) on your doorstep
11/03/2013

   The West Wales European Centre has successfully submitted a bid to the EU Commission to provide a Europe Direct Information Centre for Carmarthenshire until 2017. There are now 18 Europe Direct Information Centres in the UK (4 in Wales)  who join a network of five hundred centres throughout the other EU countries.

Having been part of previous EU information networks since its early days, in the mid-1980s, the Centre has extensive knowledge and expertise of European affairs and funding.

Europe Direct – West Wales European Centre is here to: 

-          Answer questions about the EU;

-          Provide Information about EU funding opportunities;

-          Support and organise events to raise awareness of the EU, and the diversity of EU countries, languages and cultures;

-          Help you find partner organisations for  EU exchanges and links.

For further information about Europe Direct, please contact Lorena Prist on 01267242369 or at lprist@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

The 2013 Llanelli Multicultural Week is coming soon…
8/3/2013
 
From 16-23 March, Llanelli will be the centre stage of a busy programme of events, exhibitions and performances to celebrate the various cultures and communities in Llanelli, starting with a multicultural parade on 16th March at noon in Llanelli town centre.

This year’s programme is bigger and busier than ever with a wide variety of organisations and groups organising events, open days and talks throughout the weeks, such as the Fire Brigade’s open day, a photographic competition and exhibition in Parc Howard House, International Women Day event, a Latin American evening and many more.
 
The Week will culminate at Y Ffwrnes on Saturday 23 March with a free Finale event which will give the whole family a chance to travel the world, from Wales to China and Brazil in one afternoon.

Europe Direct - West Wales European Centre is working in partnership with the Llanelli Multicultural Network to organise a series of European – themed events, such as a Spanish Music activity at the St Paul’s Family Centre, and a Flamenco workshop and performance at the Finale event.

Also as part of the Week, the Centre in partnership with the EU Parliament UK office and Coleg Sir Gâr will be showing the winning entry of the EU LUX Film Prize “ Shun Li and the Poet”  at the Graig Campus on Friday 22nd March.

To request the printed programme of the Week or for more information, please contact Paolo Piana at 01554 785954 or at paolo.piana@cavs.org.uk  

There are also great opportunities for volunteers to be involved, for more information please contact Deb at LMCNVolunteerCoordinator@live.co.uk  

FEBRUARY

One patent for Europe – Protecting EU’s innovative ideas
20/02/2013

Thirty years after first discussing the idea of a common EU patent, ministers from 22 EU countries finally signed an agreement this week that will simplify and reduce the cost of patent registration in Europe.

With a single patent system, the EU aims to  boost innovation and improve SME competitiveness.

This week’s agreement – the Unified Patent Court Agreement, ensures a single jurisdiction avoiding multiple court cases on the same patent in different EU countries.

This agreement combined with the existing single patent protection and translation arrangements mean that  it will be easier and cheaper to obtain and protect a European patent.

For more information, please click here 

Multiannual financial framework agreed by EU leaders.
11/02/2013

The European Council on 08 February 2013 reached agreement on the next multiannual financial framework (MFF), which defines the budgetary priorities of the EU for the years 2014-2020.

In line with the consolidation efforts in the Member States, EU leaders agreed to cut, compared to the current MFF 2007-2013, the financial resources which the EU may mobilise.

However, in order to enhance growth and jobs, funds for research, innovation and education have been increased. Leaders also agreed on a new initiative dedicated to tackling the pressing challenge of youth unemployment.

For the new MFF to enter into force in January 2014 a final agreement with the European Parliament has yet to be reached.

Please click here for more information. 


The UK shines at the EU RegioStars Awards ceremony 
05/02/2013

Enworks, an environmental support service for SMEs in North West England has won one of the five awards at this year’s RegioStars Awards ceremony, held in Brussels.

The annual RegioStars awards are open to all EU regions which have received investment through EU Regional Policy since 2000.  The Awards were launched to highlight good practice projects in urban and regional development.

This year, alongside Britain, innovative projects from Portugal, Poland, Germany and Lithuania have been singled out as good practice examples to creating jobs for the future.
 
For more information, please visit www.ec.europa.eu/regiostars  

European Charlemagne Youth prize 2013
30/01/2013

The Charlemagne Youth prize is awarded to young people who have been involved in projects to promote understanding between people from different European countries.

The deadline for the submission of applications has been extended until
18 February 2013.

For more information, please click here
 

Marseille and Košice show off the best of their culture
 22/01/2013

As the 2013 European Capitals of Culture, Marseille (France) and Košice (Slovakia) have prepared a comprehensive programme of cultural events with a strong European feel.

This annual title gives the selected cities a unique opportunity to show Europe what they have to offer, put their names on the map and encourage visitors to come and discover the area by taking part in cultural events.

For more information, please click here

Public consultation on the future of EU funding programmes
16/01/2013

Deputy Minister for Agriculture and European Programmes, Alun Davies, has announced plans for a formal public consultation on future EU Programmes in Wales.

During a statement in Plenary he said that while the development of the next round of Structural Funds and Rural Development programmes (RDP) in Wales was already well underway involving partners from all sectors, a formal public consultation, ‘Wales and the EU: Partnership for Jobs and Growth, will begin on January 14 with the publication of the Structural Funds consultation documents for West Wales and the Valleys and East Wales. This will be followed by the publication of the RDP consultation document later that month.

To view the full article, please click here  

2013 EU Year of Citizens – This Year is all about us, the people and our EU rights.
10/01/2013

The EU Year slogan “It’s about Europe, it’s about you. Join the debate” reflects the aim of the EU Year; better informing the people of the European Union of their rights so that they can make full use of them and make informed decisions, especially in light of the upcoming elections of the EU Parliament in 2014.

Here are some examples of our EU rights:
 
-The right to move and reside freely within the EU and not to be discriminated against on grounds of your nationality. 

-The right to petition the EU parliament. This enables individuals to complain about any issues that is of EU responsibility. 

For more information, click here


Ireland takes over the EU Presidency

3/1/2013

"Ensuring sustainable growth and jobs is the main theme of Ireland’s EU Presidency, and Education and training have a key role to play in this and in tackling the unemployment crisis.” Says Ruairí Quinn T.D. Irish Minister for Education and Skills.

It is Ireland’s turn to lead the 6-month presidency of the Council of the EU and a number of legislative priorities in Education have already been identified, including  establishing the “Erasmus for All” programme and addressing the recognition of professional qualifications.

For more information, please visit http://www.eu2013.ie/ 

DECEMBER

Intelligent Energy Europe - call for proposals now open! 
18/12/2012

In 2013, there will be € 65 million available for funding for projects in areas such as energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, clean transport and local energy investments.

The call closes on 8th May 2013 for all types of actions except the BUILD UP Skills initiative which has different deadlines. 

For more information, please click here 
 

Beginners’ guide to EU funding - latest edition
Overview of the financial rules and funding opportunities 2007–2013
10/12/2012 

Are you a researcher looking for a grant to develop your idea? Are you a student wishing to study abroad? Or, maybe, you simply want to develop your own business and you’re looking for financial support?

This edition of the Beginners’ Guide will give you an overview of the funds available in the different sectors, contact details, information on the rules you need to follow to access the funds and advice on where to start looking for more detailed information on a particular funding opportunity.
 
To view the publication, please click here



NOVEMBER

The MEDIA funding programme
30/11/2012

The EU MEDIA funding programme offers support to the various areas of the media industry, from producing, distributing to organising training courses or festivals.

Since its creation, the MEDIA programme has supported the development and distribution of thousands of films as well as training activities, festivals and promotion projects throughout the continent.

The programme support schemes in the following areas: training professionals developing production projects distributing films and audiovisual programmes promoting films and audiovisual programmes supporting film festivals new technologies.

For more information about the MEDIA programme in the UK, please click here

LUX  Film Prize 2012 -supporting the best of European Cinema
23/11/2012

"lo sono Li" won the 2012 LUX Prize. The film by Andrea Segre explores the problems of immigration and conflict between belonging to a traditional community and individual aspiration.

"We strongly believe that the stories told by European cinema help the European citizens to understand better each other, from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean.” declared Isabelle Durant, Vice-President of the European Parliament and Doris Pack, President of the Committee on Culture and Education in a joint declaration.

Since 2007, the European Parliament’s LUX prize has been awarded to recognize the best of European cinema and to encourage debate about European values and social issues.

This year, and for the first time since launching the prize,  the three short-listed films were screened in all of the 27 EU countries before the MEPs voted for their favorite film on 21 November.

For more information, please click here.

Winners of Your Story competition announced!
15/11/2012

Find out how the EU Lifelong Learning funding programme benefited teachers and students from primary schools to adult education.

“Could I have done it without travelling to project meetings? Without meeting all these wonderful people? Not a chance. I was taken out of my comfort zone and confronted with a whole host of new and different experiences. Such a great experience makes you think about your own teaching, your school and about yourself. I have finished this project a different person from when I started. I approach school life with a different mind-set. I take on responsibility and have the confidence to try something new”, said Sioned Hughes from Llandrindod Church in Wales School, Ysgol Trefonnen about her Comenius partnership with 10 other EU countries.

Get inspired with real life stories on how a study visit in Latvia inspired a Science teacher to use innovative methods and educational games with his students or how a work experience in Berlin turned a young architecture graduate’ s dream job into reality.

For more inspiring projects, please visit: http://www.competition.lifelonglearningprogramme.org.uk

Zoe makes a splash – Free app for children on the importance of water
07/11/2012

The interactive digital story book, entitled Zoe Makes a Splash!, is aimed at children between the ages of 7 and 11 and is free to download to Apple and Android devices.

The app tells the story of two inquisitive children who are shown the importance of water. Their guide is a frog who alerts them to the impact of polluted water.

The book includes animations and interactive features, along with more serious educational sections where users learn about the hydrological cycle and water treatment.

An online version of the story is also available, with a set of teaching notes to encourage project-based activities in the classroom.

The app and its online version are available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Polish.

For more information, please click here 

Use your voice during International Education Week  (12-16 November)
01/11/2012

This year, the International Education Week (IEW) runs from 12-16 November. This is a fantastic opportunity for schools to take part in a week of celebrations to mark the importance of international education in the UK. 

This year’s theme is ‘Use Your Voice’ and schools from across the UK are invited to get interactive with the British Council and the BBC through a host of exciting initiatives, including:
-      Online live debates on a series of topics around getting involved and using  our voice in and outside schools. For more information, please click here  


-      Young BBC reporters – pupils are invited to write a news report for the BBC on the difference that their international links has made in their school.

There are also various opportunities for teachers to get involved such as at an online workshop on how to best use skype in the classroom and for Higher Education students to find out more about becoming an English Assistant in other parts of the world. 

This Week also gives schools an opportune time to look more into the range of EU and international programmes the British Council manages, from online European projects and links via the etwinning website, to classroom exchanges and hosting a foreign language and culture assistant via the Comenius programme.

For more information, please visit http://schoolsonline.britishcouncil.org/international-education-week-2012  

 

OCTOBER

All together to fight climate change
26/10/2012

An EU-wide campaign, called “A world you like. With a climate you like” has just been launched to raise awareness of ideas and practical solutions from around Europe in the fight against climate change.

The campaign is based around a website where individuals, businesses and local groups are encouraged to upload, promote and discuss their low-carbon solutions.
 
These innovative and practical ideas go hand in hand with the ambitious EU targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, improving energy efficiency by 20% and boosting the use of renewable energy to 20% by 2020.
 
Here are some examples that may inspire you…

SWEDEN

As one of the capital's busiest commuter thoroughfares, Stockholm Central Station has adopted an ingenious heat transference plan that converts excess body heat generated by commuters into energy. Heat exchangers in the ventilation system convert the body's natural heat into hot water. This water is pumped into the heating system of a nearby office building, thereby lowering its energy bill by 20 - 25% and significantly reducing its emissions.
 
ESTONIA

The Seaplane Harbour is a maritime museum that recently opened in Tallinn. The large museum building sources its energy from a method based on sea-heating, which not only keeps the visitors warm, but also the energy bills down. For more ideas, please visit: http://world-you-like.europa.eu/en/success-stories    

CARMARTHENSHIRE

Carmarthenshire County Council, in conjunction with the Llanelli Star and the Carmarthen Journal, has launched a 12-month campaign to encourage communities to jump on board and help reduce impact on the planet, shrink their carbon footprint and improve the place they live.

The Carmarthenshire Community Challenge has already inspired people across the county into action and groups have developed their own pioneering ways to protect the environment and save resources.

To find out more about existing project, please click here or to register your project, please contact sustainability@carmarthenshire.gov.uk 


The European Union: What is it all about?  A free teachers’ conference
Cardiff, 16 November

18/10/2012

The European Parliament Office in the UK is organising a free conference for secondary school teachers in Cardiff on 16th November. The conference will give an overview of the European Union and give an insight into the role of the European Parliament. In addition workshops will also give the teachers an opportunity to try for themselves the several free interactive citizenship resources developed by the EU Parliament.
 
To register, please visit  http://teacherconferencecardiff.eventbrite.co.uk  

Celebrating the 20^th anniversary of the Single Market
10/10/2012

From 15-20 October, we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the single market. Single Market week provides an opportunity to celebrate what has been achieved but also to reflect on and address the challenges that remain.

What is the single market and how does it benefit us?

The single market is about removing barriers and simplifying rules to create a Union where people, money, goods and services move freely from one EU country to another.

Here are some examples of how we can benefit from the single market:

• Individuals from any EU country can move, study, work or retire in another EU country more easily;
  
• Rules have been simplified to enable companies to provide cross-border services and trade across borders. As a result, trade between EU countries has increased from €800 billion in 1992 to €2,540 billion in 2010.

• Consumers have a wider choice of products and services and more transparent and comparable prices;
  
• Better protection for consumers,  with common EU consumer rights put in place;
  
• Prices for a variety of goods and services have been reduced. For example, mobile phone costs have been reduced by 70% and the cost of airline tickets has dropped by 40%;

Despite these achievements, there are still some challenges to address, such as

-       People moving to another EU country often have to deal with complex administrative procedures and sometimes discriminatory rules and practices;

-       Individuals and institutions are still not sufficiently aware of their rights and how to enforce them;

-       Professional qualifications as well as degrees or diplomas are not automatically recognised in other EU countries.

For more information, please visit http://www.singlemarket20.eu  

 

European Day of Languages: celebrating languages and cultures across Europe
25/09/2012

It is the European Day of Languages on 26^th September and countries across Europe are celebrating the rich and diverse culture behind every single one of the 200 plus languages spoken in Europe.

This is a great opportunity for everyone to polish up their language skills or start learning a new language by joining classes nearby or online courses.

The West Wales European Centre has free mini-language guides available for anyone interested in learning how to say “hello” and “thank you”  in the 23 EU official languages.

For more information about the European Day of Languages, please click here and to order your mini language guide, please contact Lorena.

Free information workshop -
support and funding to bring the EU into the classroom 
REGISTER NOW 

20/09/2012

The West Wales European Centre and Ceredigion County Council Education department are organising a free workshop for schools in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion on how to make the best use of online tools to bring the European dimension into the classroom and to develop EU partnerships.
 
The workshop is aimed at teachers who want to know more about the funding and support available to introduce the EU in the schools' activities as well as to start a link with schools in other European countries.

The workshop will highlight free resources and support locally as well as information about the etwinning website, the EU Comenius funding programme and the International School Award.

The session will take place in Ysgol Y Dderwen, Carmarthen on Thursday 27 September at 4 pm.

Due to the limited number of computers available, please register your interest as soon as possible and before 25 September.

For more information and to register, please contact Lorena Prist, on 01267 242369 or at lprist@carmarthenshire.gov.uk  for Carmarthenshire schools or Polly Seton at Polly.Seton@ceredigion.gov.uk for Ceredigion schools.

 

Free resources to celebrate the European Day of Languages
12/09/2012

To celebrate the European Day of Languages, on 26 September, the West Wales European Centre, as part of Europe Direct information service, has free publications and resources available such as the “languages take you further” and “Let’s explore Europe” booklets as well as laminated wallmaps and fun maps for the classroom.

The Centre is also planning a programme of information sessions in secondary schools from 24-28 September to raise awareness of EU grants and opportunities for young people to explore Europe, improving their language skills and knowledge. 

To order your publications or book an information session for your school, please contact Lorena Prist, on 01267 242369 or at lprist@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Looking for a grant to organise a project with schools in the EU or organise students’ exchanges in another EU country?
Calls for proposals are out now!
5/9/2012

The 2013 calls for proposals for the EU Lifelong Learning programme have been announced

• Comenius Funding programme for EU school partnerships and projects

   If you are a nursery, primary or secondary school or FE college, you can apply for a grant:

  -to organise a projects with one or more schools from other EU countries: Deadline to apply: 21 February

   -to host a Comenius culture and language Assistant for up to a full academic year Deadline to apply: 31 January

  You can find more information, including the 2013 priorities here.

  • Leonardo Funding programme for work experience placements in the EU

   If you are a vocational education institution, you can apply to:

  -Organise work experience placements for students for up to 3 months

  Deadline to apply: 1 February

  -Organise staff development opportunities

  Deadline: 1 February  

  For more information, please click here

   

AUGUST

Planning your professional development for the new school year? 
31/08/2012

A Comenius In-Service Training grant gives you the opportunity to carry out professional development in another European country. 

Travel to one of 32 countries to job shadow a colleague in a partner school, participate in a training course or attend a conference. 

The grants, worth up to €3000, enable you to learn new skills, network with teachers from other countries and bring fresh ideas back to the classroom. 

If you are involved in a Comenius or eTwinning partnership, job shadowing through In-Service Training is also a great way to strengthen links with your partner schools. 

Grant applications are open to all school staff.

Apply by 17 September 2012 to travel in January, February, March or April 2013.

For more information, please click here.


"We care, we act”, 20 years of EU humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection

23/08/2012

The EU Community Humanitarian Office (ECHO) was set up in 1992 and its job was, and still is, to mobilize aid speedily and effectively when disaster strikes.

To mark the date, ECHO has set up a webpage with a timeline of videos and photos featuring its work in action all over the world, from humanitarian aid, civil protection to prevention.

For more information, please visit  http://ec.europa.eu/echo/20/index_en.htm

 

European Year 2012 Awards launched!
30/07/2012

As part of the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations 2012, the European Commission has just launched the European Year 2012 Awards in order to celebrate organisations and individuals that promote active ageing and solidarity between generations through their activities.

 The EY2012 Awards includes five categories:

 

 

1. Workplaces for all Ages, open to employers, trade unions and not-for-profit organisations that promote better working conditions for older employees;
   
2. Towards Age-Friendly Environments, open to regional or local authorities that create an age-friendly environment (inclusive and accessible local environment which facilitates active ageing and improves the quality of life of all generations) ;
   
3. Social Entrepreneurs, open to social entrepreneurs which are promoting active ageing and solidarity between generations;
   
4. Reporting on Ageing and Relations between Generations, open to journalists (written and audio-visual media) whose work have contributed to a better understanding of the challenges of an ageing population and the way to address them;
   
5. Life Story Challenge, open to members of the younger generation which are invited to tell the story of an active older person and present his/her noteworthy contribution he/she is making in the family, in society, or at work.

 

The competition is open to all citizens of EU Member States until 1 September 2012.
The finalists in each category will be invited to the EY2012 Active Ageing Awards ceremony, which is planned to take place in Brussels in November.

More information on the Awards and on how to participate is available here.

Get help and advice on your purchase abroad

 27/07/2012

 

• Problems with your EU online purchase - what should you do?
• Having trouble getting a faulty product you bought in another European country replaced?
• Cancelled flight? Long flight delay? Denied boarding? Lost or damaged luggage?

 

If things go wrong, the European Consumer Centre-Net offers free help and advice.

For more information, please visit 

 

 

 

 

Holiday season: useful tips for a worry-free summer
16/07/2012

With the holiday season already starting and millions of Europeans intending on travelling within and outside the European Union, there are certain travel considerations that every European should be aware of.

Whether these concern having a health insurance, resolving travel disputes with an operator or travelling with a pet, these tips provide a useful insight into the ways in which the EU is working to help and assist EU travellers.

For more information, please click here

Euroscola: young students get to find out what European Parliament is all about
13/07/2012 

European teenagers have a unique chance to experience what it is like to be an MEP for a day through the Euroscola programme, which has been running for 20 years already.

At each plenary session about 480 students aged 16 to 18 get a taste of how EU politics are conducted in Strasbourg.

Find out more about this amazing opportunity on the new Euroscola website at www.europarl.europa.eu/euroscola  

Competition - Generation 92
02/07/2012 

This EU competition is aimed at young people born in 1992 to give their opinion on their understanding of EU single market (eg. freedom to travel, study, work, live in other EU countries).

Through this competition, young people can share their experiences, stories, complaints, give their opinions, and suggestions to make Europe a better place to live and work.

There are various themes to choose from, such as travelling, studying in another EU country or shopping online. There are also various format available, from writing an article, making a video or smartphone app to photos or cartoons.  It can be an individual or a group entry.
 
There are prizes for the top 4 winners in each format categories, ranging from digital camera, ipods to vouchers for online shopping.  Also, they will all be invited to Brussels to take part in creative workshops and celebration events.  

Deadline: 9 September

For more information, visit http://www.generation1992.eu  

JUNE

 EU organic logo becomes obligatory
26 /06/ 2012 
  On 1 July 2012 the EU organic logo becomes obligatory for all pre-packaged organic food products that have been produced in any of EU Member States but will stay optional for non-packed and imported organic products. Other private, regional or national logos will continue to appear alongside the EU label.

For more information, please click here


Consulation - Harnessing Ocean Power
22/06/2012
 
All citizens and organisations are welcome to contribute to this consultation, which runs from 14 June to 14 September.
Ocean energy – currently mainly generated from tides and waves – is a potential source of jobs and growth in Europe. However, its development has faced challenges.
This consultation aims at gathering opinions and ideas from individuals and stakeholders on whether and how to help the sector make its contribution to the security of Europe’s energy supply, and meeting targets for a 'green' future.

For more information, please click here


Carmarthenshire celebrates its sustainable drive
18-22 June 2012 

From 18-22 June, countries all over Europe have been celebrating European Sustainable Energy Week, and so was Carmarthenshire with a programme of activities highlighting initiatives and projects under way aimed at reducing the County’s carbon footprint and energy consumption.

The West Wales European Centre, part of the Europe Direct EU information network worked in partnership with Carmarthenshire County Council Sustainable Development Team to raise awareness of the County’s ongoing sustainable drive. 

For more information, please click here

 

Commission appoints new Head of Office in Wales
01/06/2012

Mr. David Hughes took office on 01 June 2012 as the Head of the Office of the European Commission in Cardiff.

Mr. Hughes, formerly Head of Sector at the Directorate General of Education and Culture of the European Commission, brings to this new appointment over 17 years of experience in the Commission.

Mr Hughes' experience in the Commission and his previous background in education will enable the Commission Office in Cardiff to play a key role in communicating with local citizens and the media and will help enhance relations between the European Commission and the Welsh Government, local authorities and stakeholders.

Full press release: http://ec.europa.eu/unitedkingdom/about_us/office_in_wales/releases/pr1201_en.htm

MAY

Consultation on your EU rights
9/5/2012

In the run up to the 2013 European Year of Citizens, the Commission has launched a major public consultation on the citizens' agenda: what citizens think about their EU rights, problems they have encountered when using them and their own vision for what the EU should be doing.

This consultation will feed directly into the next EU Citizenship Report, to be adopted on 9 May 2013.  It represents an excellent opportunity to tell the EU Commission how they can help address problems relating to EU rights in everyday life.

The consultation closes on 9 September.

For more information, please visit http://ec.europa.eu/your-rights-your-future

 

Active Mind, Active Body – Celebrating Active Ageing on Europe Day
9/05/2012

“We have found today really helpful for getting across the information on our Befriending scheme.” said Peter Morgan from Age Cymru.

Steve Corner, Volunteer at Communities 2.0 said “We’ve had a really positive response to our scheme from visitors today.”

This year’s Europe Day event was all about being active, in the mind and the body.

WWEC teamed up with the 50+ Forum to organise a full day of activities to celebrate Europe Day and the EU Year of Active Ageing on Wednesday 9th May in Carmarthen Leisure Centre. The aim was to encourage people to be active and involved in their community.

The Active Mind & Active Body event was a great opportunity for people to try something new, like Tai Chi, and to find out more about leisure and sports activities, volunteering, as well as further learning opportunities.

There were over 35 stalls present on the day providing a wide range of information, advice and free demonstrations, such as free taster massages from Utopia Hair and Beauty salon and First Aid demonstrations from the British Red Cross.

Members from the public also had the opportunity to take part in a programme of free taster sessions running throughout the day, such as: Tai Chi, indoor bowls, salsa dance, digital media, aqua aerobics, yoga, arts and crafts and badminton.

The two prize draw winners took home a Scarlets ticket for next season and a gift voucher kindly donated by Utopia Hair and Beauty salon.

Celebrating Europe Day with a tribute to the Founding Fathers of the European Union
09/05/2012

How much do you know about the people who worked assiduously to create the kind of Europe we live in today.  There have of course been many men and women involved in the process of European integration over the past decades, but we can identify eleven of them as having played a major role in this process.

The European Commission has now prepared a series of fact sheets and video clips focusing on each of these individuals and their role in the history of European integration.

The fact sheets contain not only details about their professional and political careers, their war experiences and their beliefs in the benefits of European integration, but a fascinating personal profile of each of them, including information about their diverse backgrounds. Who would have guessed for example that one of them was a Nobel Prize winner and another a Davis Cup tennis player?

For more information, please visit http://europa.eu/about-eu/eu-history/index_en.htm

APRIL

'Active Mind & Active Body' event - Europe Day 2012
WWEC has teamed up with the 50+ Forum to celebrate Europe Day and the EU Year of Active Ageing on Wednesday 09 May in the Carmarthen Leisure Centre, from 10am until 3pm.

The Active Mind, Active Body event is for everyone interested in finding out more about leisure and sports activities, volunteering as well as further learning opportunities. The aim is to encourage people to be active and involved in their community.

Along with the wide range of information stalls, there will be a programme of free taster sessions running throughout the day, such as Tai chi, indoor bowls, arts and crafts, dance, digital media, language classes and many more.

There will also be a fantastic prize to win - just enter the free draw on the day.

Mark James, Chief Executive of Carmarthenshire County Council commented “There will be something for everyone on 9th May, whether you want to try something new or just find out more about what is available in Carmarthenshire. This event will highlight how beneficial staying active is, whatever your age.”

Please click here to view the poster and programme.

For more information and to register for the free taster sessions, please contact Lorena Prist on 01267 242369 or at lprist@carmarthenshire.gov.uk  

Pupils' global showcase
25/04/2012

On Wednesday the 25th April 2012, the biennial WAW Factor (Wales and the World) celebration and awards event took place at the University of Wales, Trinity St David in Lampeter, Ceredigion, bringing together the staff and pupils from primary and secondary schools from both Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire to share the positive impact of their long term international links and celebrate gaining the full International School Award.

The successful event was hosted by Ceredigion County Council in partnership with Carmarthenshire County Council’s West Wales European Centre.
In the morning pupils from each of the participating schools delivered a performance highlighting what they had learnt from their partner schools, providing the audience with an insight into their international work and how they achieved the International School Award.

From discovering the “haute cuisine” in France, dancing flamenco, to singing in Finnish or dancing the traditional “gumboot dance” from Lesotho, the audience travelled all around the world and learnt about other countries, languages and traditions.

The afternoon was devoted to internationally-themed workshops including craft, Nigerian drumming, and Latino Zumba dancing, enjoyed by both the pupils and staff.

Gareth Morgans, Carmarthenshire County Council Head of Inclusion and Governance said ‘I was privileged to be present at the WAW Event at Lampeter. I would like to congratulate the schools on a wonderful presentation highlighting the impact of European and international links.’

For more information on the International Schools Award, grants for EU projects, or finding partner organisation, please contact Lorena, on 01267 242369 or at lprist@carmarthenshire.gov.uk