Deadline: 20 September 2015 (extended)
Open to: professionals from V4 and EaP countries with a minimum of 3 years of experience
Venue: 20-22 October 2015 Warsaw, Poland
Description
The Visegrád School of Political Studies is a joint project of the European Academy of Diplomacy, the Council of Europe and the International Visegrad Fund that brings together young politicians, civil society activists, journalists and civil servants from the countries of the Visegrád Group – Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland & Slovakia – for seminars to help increase involvement in the democratic processes, foster exchange of know-how and strengthen regional cooperation among a new generation of Central European “movers and shakers”.
VSPS + Balkans initiative is an extension of current activities of the Visegrad School of Political Studies (VSPS), promoting experiences of V4 democratic transition, European integration and cooperation to young political, social and governmental leaders from Western Balkan countries. The VSPS + Balkans will consist of one 3 day session, addressed to 16 participants from Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. The VSPS + Balkans will be continuation of Visegrad School of Political Studies efforts of promotion of V4 cooperation to Western Balkan region and further investment in human capital under the framework of CoE’s Schools of Political Studies that will recruit young high potential leaders from media, public administration, political parties and civil society activists from V4 and Western Balkans.
The sessions will be organized by the EAD, Antall Jozsef Centre, the Slovak Atlantic Commission, Diplomatic Academy of Prague, with with promotion, recruitment and methodological support from from Academy of Political Studies in Albania, School of Political Studies Bosnia and Herzegovina, Academy for Political Development in Croatia, Pristina Institute for Political Studies, School of Democratic Leadership in Montenegro, Belgrade Fund for Political Excellence and School of Public Policy in Macedonia.
Eligibility
The VSPS Western Balkans Program is open to young professionals from Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. Recruitment efforts are directed to attract participants from political parties, civic and non-governmental organizations, public administration, and media. The ideal candidate has a proven track history of involvement and engagement within their community, demonstrating a leadership potential and desire to take an active role in positively shaping the world around them. Participants should be between the ages of 26-40 with 3+ years of working experience and proven track history of involvement and engagement within their community society (i.e. involvement in NGO sector, student’s unions, local and national political parties). English language competency level C1 is required. The program targets a minimum of 50% female participants.
Costs
Program is a scholarship initiative covering all costs except for visa (if applicable) and travel to Warsaw. Participants will be accommodated in twin occupancy, same gender rooms.
How to apply?
The deadline for application is 20 September 2015.
All applicants are required to submit CV, Letter of Motivation and Essay on one of the following topics:
- The Western Balkans: 15 Years of Economic Transition;
- Rocky Path to Brussels: European Perspectives for the Balkans;
- Visegrad Transformation – Lessons Learned for the Balkans?
Applicants must fill out the application form.
For more informatio please visit the official website.