Nicolas and Carla Sarkozy give new impetus to the 'entente' with the UK

In what has been two days of growing fascination over Nicolas Sarkozy's new wife Carla Sarkozy by the media in the UK, Nicolas Sarkozy seized the opportunity to call for a new "entente amicale" between the two countries over issues such as Afghanistan and an EU military force.

Divisions in the EU over passenger name records

There are deep divisions among the EU countries over proposals for the use of passenger name records with some countries such as Spain and Italy calling these proposals an invasion of privacy while others such as the UK, a necessity to fight terrorism and global crime.

Edited by Morgan Francois Minchin
europeinterconnected press team.

Week Commencing 24/03/08

24/03/08



EU institutions closed European Union
Belgian school holidays start
Easter Monday (Holiday in many Christian countries) National Holiday



25/03/08




EP Committees European Parliament
Independence Day (Holiday Cyprus) National Holiday Cyprus
Independence Day (Holiday Greece) National Holiday Greece



26/03/08




(possible) Coreper II
(possible) PSC - Political and Security Committee Council of Ministers
EP Committees European Parliament

27/03/08

ECB - Governing Council and General Council (Frankfurt)European Central Bank Frankfurt EP Committees European Parliament
Euro Med Parliamentary Assembly (Athens, Greece) (to 28 Mar) Athens

28/03/08

(possible) Coreper I Council of Ministers
(possible) PSC - Political and Security Committee Council of Ministers
EESC - 50th Anniversary European Economic & Social Committee
Gymnich (Brdo, Slovenia) Council of Ministers

Hamas and Fatah on reconciliation path

Amid the despair in Gaza, the Palestinian Hamas and Fatah factions have signed a joint declaration for the "unity of the Palestinian people, territory and authority". It is hoped that such a declaration will first concentrate on the situation in Gaza with a return of Fatah control.

Edited by Morgan Francois Minchin
europeinterconnected press team.

Tuesday, 18 March 2008

Russia blames the UN for the violence in Kosovo

In response to yesterday's riots in Mitrovica, Russia's UN spokesman blamed the UN for their actions in storming into the UN court which they claim escalated the situation. Relations between Russia and the International Community have soured considerably since the declaration of indepence of Kosovo which Russia says cannot be imposed on Serbs to accept.

Merkel becomes the first leader of her country to address the Israeli parliament in an historic trip to Israel

To mark the 60th anniversary of the creation of Israel, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been invited to address the Israeli parliament and to visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial. Germany's Chancellor promised to help bring peace to the region and revealed that in June of this year, Berlin would hold a Middle East Security Conference with nonother than Tony Blair as the peace envoy.

China finally admits violence in Tibet but blames the Dalai Lama

Chinese Prime Minister, Wen Jiabao admitted that there was a worrying escalation of violence in Tibet with more than possibly a hundred killed but refused to recognise genocide and instead blamed the Dalai Lama and demanded that he surrender calls for the independence of Tibet.

Edited by Morgan Francois Minchin
europeinterconnected press team.

Monday, 17 March 2008

UN troops told to pull out of Mitrovica

More problems in Kosovo as Ethnic Serbs raided the UN Court-building in Mitrovica and clashed with UN and NATO forces leaving over soldiers wounded and the UN calling for its troops to pull out of the area.

Sarkozy and his reality check?

Nicolas Sarkozy was reminded once again of how unpopular he has become since his rise to fame as President. His party lost control over many towns in France's local elections and seem to reinforce the notion that his private life got in the way of his running of France's economy.

Edited by Morgan Francois Minchin
europeinterconnected press team.

Week Commencing 17/03/08

17/03/08

ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Slovenia (to 21 Mar)
Agriculture & FisheriesCouncil of Ministers
External parliamentary activities European Parliament

St Patrick's Day (Ireland) National Holiday Ireland

18/03/08

(possible) PSC - Political and Security Committee Council of Ministers
Agriculture & Fisheries Council of Ministers
External parliamentary activities European Parliament

19/03/08

Coreper I Council of Ministers
Coreper II Council of Ministers
EC Weekly College Meeting (Brussels) European Commission Brussels
External parliamentary activities European Parliament
St Joseph's Day (Holiday Malta) National Holiday Malta

20/03/08


EU institutions closed European Union
External parliamentary activities European Parliament
Maundy Thursday (Holiday Denmark) National Holiday Denmark
Maundy Thursday (Holiday Norway) National Holiday Norway
Milad Al-Nabi (Holiday in most Islamic countries - date subject to variation)

21/03/08


EU institutions closed European Union
External parliamentary activities (Parliament closed) European Parliament
Good Friday (Holiday in many Christian countries) National Holiday
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination World / International Day

Preparing for EPSO Open Competitions for the European Institutions (Advanced Level)" - Luxembourg, from 07-11 July 2008 (MAAS)

The European Centre for Judges and Lawyers, the Luxembourg Antenna of the European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA), is organising his Annual Summer School on “Preparing for EPSO Open Competitions for the European Institutions (Advanced Level)” which will take place at the Jean Monnet building of the European Commission in Luxembourg, on 07 - 11 July 2008.

The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) regularly announces open competitions for positions within the EU institutions. They are highly competitive, which makes thorough preparation essential. With this course, EIPA offers comprehensive training on how to prepare for the written and oral tests. The focus will be on topical issues, such as the latest developments in certain EU policies, recent changes in the EU institutional design and the future of the EU. The training will also provide tips and tricks on how to pass the verbal and numerical reasoning tests, write a good essay and pass the oral examination.

This summer school is designed mainly, but not exclusively, for those applying for positions within the EU institutions at Administrator level (“AD grades”). The training may also be of interest to those applying for other grades or those who simply wish to update their knowledge of EU affairs and obtain a comprehensive overview.

For registrations received and the referring payment effectuated before May, 26th 2008, the registration fee is € 1200 (including documentation, beverages, 5 lunches and a cocktail/Reception). The fee for registrations after this date is € 1425. The working language of the Summer School will be English.

Further information about the programme, the registration form or hotels in Luxembourg is available on EIPA’s website: http://www.eipa.eu/en/activities/show/&tid=2433 or via the Programme Organiser, Ms Stéphanie GEMNIG (Tel.: +352 426 230 301, Fax: +352 426 237, E-mail: s.gemnig@eipa.eu). We would be most grateful if you could distribute this information to other persons who may be interested. Thank you.

Thursday, 14 March 2008

EU summit in Brussels with its bag of goodies?

EU leaders are in Brussels today for the EU summit on many important issues ranging from climate change to Sarkozy's "Club Med". It is hoped that an agreement will be reached on tackling global warming and carbon emissions with a framework that acknowledges the responsibility that human activity plays towards climate change by cutting emissions by 20% by 2020.

Edited by Morgan Francois Minchin
europeinterconnected press team.

Week Commencing 10/03/08

Monday 10 March 2008

(possible) PSC - Political and Security Committee Council of Ministers
EESC - Open Door Day European Economic & Social Committee
EP Session European Parliament
GAERC - General Affairs and External Relations Council Council of Ministers
Orthodox Shrove Monday (Holiday Cyprus)National Holiday Cyprus
Orthodox Shrove Monday (Holiday Greece)National Holiday Greece

Tuesday 11 March 2008

EC Weekly College Meeting (Strasbourg) European Commission Strasbourg
EESC - Bureau NATO
EP Session European Parliament
GAERC - General Affairs and External Relations Council Council of Ministers
Ministerial conference on external border management (Brdo, Slovenia) Council of Ministers
Restoration of Statehood (Holiday Lithuania)National HolidayLithuania

Wednesday 12 March 2008


(possible) Coreper II Council of Ministers
50th anniversary of the European ParliamentEuropean Week / Day / Event
Coreper I Council of Ministers
EESC - Session European Economic & Social Committee
EP Session European Parliament
Ministerial conference on external border management (Brdo, Slovenia) Council of Ministers

Thursday 13 March 2008


EESC - Session European Economic & Social Committee
EP Session European Parliament
European Council, Brussels Council of Ministers Brussels

Friday 14 March 2008

European Council, Brussels Council of Ministers Brussels

Thursday, 13 March 2008

EU leaders meet for energy policy reforms

This Thursday and Friday, EU leaders are meeting in Brussels to try and obtain ambitious energy policy reforms. Part of the climate change control measures being highlighted are cutting greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy sources and biofuel. EU leaders are trying to reach a March 2009 deadline set for this new EU legislation before the anticipated June elections.

Edited by Morgan Francois Minchin
europeinterconnected press team.

FAQ on working for the EU

Many of you have sent us specific questions and comments about how confused you were with the different types of categories and contracts on offer by the EU and as a result, were not sure about the different conditions involved.



All EU permanent officials are selected by means of open competitions that are published in the Official Journal of the European Union and on the EPSO web site :



http://europa.eu/epso/


EPSO cannot consider any applications or CVs that are submitted outside the framework of an official competition. All relevant information about recruitment for the EU institutions can be found on the EPSO web site.



In addition, the EU institutions also take on a limited number of temporary and auxiliary staff as well as a few agency staff on a fixed-term contract. By 30 April 2006, it was envisaged that temporary and auxiliary staff contracts would be replaced by new type of contracts, and non-permanent staff known as contractual agents.


What do current temporary agents in the Commission do?

Temporary agents may be employed to perform a wide variety of tasks, within one of the following categories:
(a) for non-standard (highly specialised jobs) or temporary tasks;
(b) to make up for staff shortages in cases where competition reserve lists have been exhausted ;
(c) for Commissioners' private offices ('cabinets');
(d) for specific requirements in the scientific sector.

As a temporary agent in type (d), you could work in one of the various research centres set up by the EU to promote research and to manage European framework programmes for research and development. As a temporary agent in type (c), you could work in the private office of a Commissioner during their term in office.
Temporary agents in types (a) and (b) can be employed to do a wide variety of work, essentially the same kind of work as permanent Commission officials. However, this depends on factors such as the temporary needs of the Commission and the situation with regard to filling vacant posts.

Where can I find out about temporary agent posts?

If a Directorate-General wants to recruit a temporary agent for a highly-specialised job or temporary task (type a), they will send the job notice and the profile of the person they are looking to recruit to the Permanent Representations of the Member States and also publish it on the EPSO website. They may also publish the vacancy on their own DG website; so it is worth checking these sites regularly if there is a particular DG where you would particularly like to work.
You can also apply to be a temporary agent by introducing your details into the EU CV online database (or the ELSA database, if you are interested in the research field).

Once you have been recruited as a temporary agent, you will be graded according to the type of post you occupy, and your previous professional experience.
Although the rules on the length of initial contracts and subsequent contract extensions vary, as a rule, temporary agents in types (a), (b) and (d) may be hired by the Commission for a maximum period of six years and temporary agents who work in Commissioner's private offices are hired for a duration linked to the mandate of their Commissioner.
Temporary agents take part in the annual staff appraisal system that applies to permanent officials.

Your salary, benefits, and working conditions as a temporary agent are essentially the same as those of permanent officials. This covers the range of family allowances (including expatriation allowance), social security benefits such as medical insurance and pensions (pension rights are accumulated on the same basis as permanent officials), tax conditions, family-related leave, annual leave and working hours. Find out more in the section Permanent Officials.
As a temporary agent you may also be entitled to a temporary unemployment allowance, when your contract expires. For more information see Title 2 (Temporary Agents) in the Conditions of employment of other servants of the European Communities.


For more specific information please see the Staff Regulation of Officials of the European Communities link below;

http://ec.europa.eu/civil_service/docs/toc100_en.pdf

The Commission employs staff on a temporary basis, mainly for secretarial work, on short term contracts through temping agencies.

Start People Rue Montoyer, 40B-1000 BruxellesTel : 02/234.64.20Fax : 02/234.64.29
E-mail : eu@startpeople.be

Vedior Rue Montoyer, 41B-1000 BruxellesTel.
E-mail : ec@vedior.be

Unique Avenue des Arts, 57 AB-1000 BruxellesTel.
E-mail : ec@unique.be


Luxembourg ;
VEDIOR Interim 5 place de la Gare L-1616 Luxembourg Tel.

ADECCO 26 place de la GareL-1616 LuxembourgTel.

MANPOWER 44, route d'Esch L-1470 LuxembourgTel.


Specific questions on CAST25/27 as a contract agent;


I'm in the CAST 25 database; am I obliged to participate also in CAST 27?

If a candidate is already in the database of CAST 25, the validity of which continues to the end of the three years, he/she is not obliged to participate in the CAST 27 selection but may do so even in a different profile and function group; in this case, successful candidates will be listed under 2 different profiles.

What type of contract can I expect?

There are two sub-categories of contract agent;

The first covers those who are hired to work:- in Commission Directorates-General and all other Institutions to do manual or administrative support-service tasks (Function Group I) ; - in Commission Offices attached to a Directorate-General, such as the two Offices for Infrastructure and Logistics in Brussels and Luxembourg and the Paymasters Office; - in Agencies; - in Commission Representations and Delegations. As a contract agent of this type (contract staff "3a") you would enjoy longer-term employment prospects, with an initial contract running for a maximum period of five years and renewable for a maximum of five years. The contract can be converted into a contract of indefinite duration.

The second sub-category covers contract agents that can be hired to work in Commission's DGs and other Institutions dealing with other tasks than manual and administrative support tasks (contract staff "3b"). That is to say, they are recruited:- temporarily to replace officials absent due to illness, maternity leave, etc.; - as a response to acute staff shortages at times of intense work pressure; - to undertake work for a temporary period providing additional capacity in specialised fields where officials with the required skills are not available. As a contract agent of this type, you would have short-term employment prospects, working on the basis of contracts running up to a maximum of three years. The minimum length of contract is three months.

Can a contractual position lead automatically to permanent employment?

No. Permanent recruitment is only possible via open competitions.

Is there a quota system for recruiting candidates of each Member State?

There is no national quota system for European civil servants, but the Institutions aim to recruit a broad geographical balance among the different Member States.

All contracts offered are managed directly by the Institutions, services or agencies concerned on a case- by-case basis and they are independent from the Office’s activities and principle mission.

Tips

Constantly check the EPSO website for all the latest calls for open competitions in order to get as organised as possible.

Preparatory courses
Member States - via their Permanent Representation office or other relevant organisation within their home country - sometimes organise courses aimed at training EU nationals for the European Institutions' open competitions. These courses are the sole responsibility of the Member State/accession country concerned and are entirely independent of the Selection Office.

http://ec.europa.eu/civil_service/docs/toc100_en.pdf

All information given is provided in the following external links;

http://europa.eu/epso/index_en.htm

http://ec.europa.eu/civil_service/job/temp/index_en.htm

What's on in Brussels

In this page you will find posts and information about cultural and social events in Brussels that are highly recommended. Please keep sending us events that you want us to make people aware of or just post your information in the commentary boxes available below.

Here is an updated list of highly recommended events;

Exposition
Jan Fabre. Le temps emprunte. Photos, dessins preparatoires et maquettes des spectacles. Palais des beaux-arts de Bruxelles, rue Ravenstein, 23, jusqu'au 18 mai. Entree libre.

Danse
Quando l'uomo principale e une donna. Solo de danse interprete par Sung-Im Her. Les Brigittines, petite rue des Brigittines a Bruxelles, du 12 au 15 mars et du 18 au 21 mars. www.brigittines.be

Theatre
Le roi du plagiat. Spectacle solo par Dirk Roothooft. Theatre Varia, rue du Spectre a 1050 Bruxelles, du 18 au 27 mars. www.varia.be

Alumni Network

This is your chance to share your stagiaire experience with past, present and future stagiaires of the European Union. Please feel free to add any comments or share any information which you feel can be useful to us all of the stagiaire world.

Either send us an email at ; europeinterconnected@yahoo.fr and we will publish your input

or alternatively,

Post your comments directly here in the comments box for everybody to see instantaneously.

Thursday, 6 March 2008

Prime Minister Gordon Brown survives calls for a referendum on the European Union Reform Treaty

In 2005, all parties pledged to hold a referendum on an EU constitution. However, the EU constitution has now become the new Lisbon European Union Treaty. As a result, Gordon Brown stated that because this was no longer a constitutional issue, a referendum would not need to be held. Yesterday, the Conservative and Labour backbencher's calls for a referendum were defeated as MPs voted against calls for a parliamentary motion for a referendum and supported Gordon Brown's claims. However the Conservatives claim that the modified Lisbon Treaty is not all that different from the past EU Constitution and that Labour and the Liberal Democrats are running away from their promises to hold a referendum.

Despite the motion not getting passed, the Liberal Democrats saw thirteen of their MPs go against their leader's calls for abstention, three of which have stepped down from the Liberal Democrat frontbench as a result.

The majority of people in the UK now want to debate the European Union and feel that issues such as the Lisbon Treaty should be explained more comprehensively to them. However, many feel that Labour is not willing to risk such referendums given the history of the UK to lambast and to use the EU as spitting cup when things are going wrong and to praise their Nation state when things have gone according to their interests. With this impulsive love-hate relationship in mind, it will be sometime before any Prime Minister in the UK has the courage to open up the truth about the European Union.

Condoleeza Rice visits Israel and gets a renewed promise for peace talks

The Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, has managed to get a renewed commitment from Israel and Palestine to restart peace talks. However, more rockets are being fired into Israel and more Israeli bombs are killing innocent civilians in Gaza. In an historic area of war and antipathy, much more is needed than an ambiguous commitment to a future peace talk. The international community must confront the real causes of this conflict rather than the consquences. Only time will tell if the international community is prepared to give peace or chance or would rather not risk their political relationships.

Morgan Francois Minchin
europeinterconnected press team.

Wednesday, 5 March 2008

Senator John McCain wins the Republican nomination

Following the results of yesterday's primaries, John McCain will represent the Replublican party for this November's US presidential elections.

Clinton fights back and ends the Obamamania machine

Hillary Clinton won vital votes in Rhode Island, Ohio and Texas to prolong the Democratic race to find their next President.

Ian Paisly to leave in May 2008

The Northern Ireland First Minister Ian Paisly, will resign from his position at the age of 80 this May. After more than 40 years in politics, Ian Paisly has decided that it is time for him to step down.

Morgan Francois Minchin
europeinterconnected press team.

Tuesday, 4 March 2008

Harsh words given by Jose Luis Zapatero and Mariano Rajoy ahead of the Spanish General Elections

The Socialist Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero, and the Popular Party leader Mariano Rajoy, traded insults in a live television debate yesterday in preparation for Sunday's General Election. Mariano Rajoy accused Zapatero of laxism towards immigration and terrorism and said that Spain wanted a change. Despite Rajoy's passionate performance, national polls still give Zapatero a margin of leads ahead of Sunday's elections.

German Chancellor Angel Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy agree to compromise

Both Angel Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy played down rumours over their differences on the Mediterranean Union and stated that compromises had been reached.

Medvedev to maintain Putin's policies

In light of recent economic boom and prosperity, Russia's new president Dimitry Medvedev has promised to maintain Vladimir Putin's legacy and policies. Many just wonder how much influence Putin will have over his chosen successor.

More sanctions for Iran

The UN Security Council passed a third round of sanctions on Iran for the refusal to suspend its nuclear activities. Iran refuses to acknowledge or to cooperate with the UN over this issue.

Morgan Francois Minchin
europeinterconnected press team.

Monday, 3 March 2008

Dimitry Medvedev is Russia's new President

After obtaining more than 70% votes of the electorate, Dimitry Medvedev has become Russia's new President. Former President Vladimir Putin, is expected to become Russia's next Prime Minister although there are still many debates as to whether or not the elections were fairly held. Time will tell.

Israel leaves more than 100 dead as it pulls out of Gaza

As the normally divisive international community urged Israel to leave Gaza after what many have described has been a 'bloodbath' in Gaza, many questions remain as to when or how will this conflict ever end.

Iranian historic visit to Iraq

Not since the Iranian Islamic Revolution in 1979, has an Iranian President visited Iraq. And Mahmoud Ahmedinejad was going to make the most of his vist by claiming that the US military presence in Iraq has provoked rather than prevented terrorism in Iraq.

Morgan Francois Minchin
europeinterconnected press team.

Week Commencing 03/03/08

Monday, 3 March 2008;

CoR - Bureau (Brdo, Slovenia)
Committee of the Regions


Environment
European Parliament



EP Committees
European Parliament


Eurogroup
Council of Ministers


National Day (Bulgaria)
National Holiday
Bulgaria

Tuesday, 4 March 2008;
CFO European Summit, London (to 5 Mar)
Conference / Exhibition


CoR - Bureau (Brdo, Slovenia)
Committee of the Regions


ECOFIN - Economic and Financial Affairs Council
Council of Ministers



EP Groups
European Parliament


PSC - Political and Security Committee
Council of Ministers


The 2008 Growth and Jobs Summit, Brussels.
With José Manuel Barosso, Slovenian Minister Žiga Turk and OECD Chief Statistician Enrico Giovannini. Hosted by the Lisbon Council.
Conference
www.lisboncouncil.net.

Wednesday, 5 March 2008;
'Migration and Integration' debate
chaired by Shada Islam (EPC), IPC Residence Palace, starts 18:00
Seminar / Debate
Brussels, BE
http://www.interculturaldialogue2008.eu


Coreper I
Council of Ministers


Coreper II
Council of Ministers


EC Weekly College Meeting (Brussels)
European Commission
Brussels, BE


Economist Conferences' 1st Business Roundtable with the Government of Sweden, Stockholm
Conference
Stockholm, Sweden



EP Groups
European Parliament


PSC - Political and Security Committee
Council of Ministers

Thursday, 6 March 2008;

Coreper I
Council of Ministers


ECB - Governing Council (Frankfurt)
European Central Bank
Frankfurt, DE



EP Committees & Groups
European Parliament


NATO Foreign Ministers meeting (NATO HQ)
NATO

Friday, 7 March 2008;
Coreper II
Council of Ministers


NATO Foreign Ministers meeting (NATO HQ)
NATO