Role of European and global institutions in the Balkans (social and environmental impact)

Facilitator: Spyros Psaroudas, Greek Social Forum
Main objective of the seminar:
Contribution to the establishment/enlargement of European and Balkan networks for a “just and lasting peace in the Balkans”, and for “defending social and political rights in the Balkans”. Emphasis will be given to networking between social organisations, associations, or unions, and grass root initiatives.
Questions for discussion:
e#61607; Do European and global institutions deal with the main and urgent economic, social and environmental problems in the Balkans?
e#61607; Do they contribute to the development of the region? In which direction?
e#61607; What are the reality and the necessities, from the perspective of the social movements and NGOs? How should they co-operate to create common alternatives?
Working languages/Interpretations:
e#61607; Main working language will be the English
e#61607; Interpretation will be provided to the Greek language
e#61607; Subject to availability of interpreters, interpretation will be provided also to other languages (e.g. Serb-Croatian, Italian, French, etc.)
Timetable/Plan of the seminar:
12:00-12:10 - IntroductionSpyros PSAROUDAS, Thessaloniki Social Forum (Greek Social Forum)
12:10-12:30 - “Balkan Internationalism”
Vangelis KOUTALIS, Ioannina Social Forum (Greek Social Forum)
12:30-12:50 - Questions on integration of Balkan countries in the EULjubisa VRENCEV, “Europe from Below” Initiative, Serbia 12:50-13:10 - Stability Pact, Slavery for the Balkans
Ivona MALBASIC, Coordinator for SEE, CEE Bankwatch Network, Croatia
13:10-13:30 - The role of European Investment Bank in the Balkans - The Sofia Airport caseAnelia STEFANOVA, CEE Bankwatch Network, Bulgaria
13:30-13:50 - "How South Eastern Europe was made?" - reflections on history of the symbolical violence against the Balkans
Andrej GRUBASIC, “Initiative for Economic Democracy”, Serbia
13:50-14:10 - The role of Greece in BalkansPanos TRIGAZIS, “Observatory of International Organisations and Corporations”, Greece
14:10-14:30 - Should movements support EU enlargement to Balkan countries?
Catherine SAMARY, University Paris-IX Dauphine, ATTAC France
14:30-15:00 - Discussion (brief interventions from the audience)