1. About us-International organisation “Danube-Networkers for Europe (DANET)e.V, Network for Learning in Later Life, Social Participation and Intergenerational Dialogue.”

We would like to take an opportunity to introduce ourselves and share our vision and experiences with you. “Danube-Networkers for Europe e. V. (DANET)” is a European not-for-profit association of educational organisations, dealing with and promoting education and scientific research as well as exchange and cooperation in the following areas: learning and education in later life, social participation, cooperation and dialogue of generations- in Europe and particularly in the Danube region.

(mehr …)

2. Background Articles/Feature

Social participation

Tihomir Žiljak[*]

Participation in society is needed to both individuals and society. Isolated and excluded people do not fulfil their basic human needs and opportunities. Without the participation of individuals, meaningful common goals in society cannot be designed and realized, and it becomes impossible to balance the interests and define basic common values. A society in which some social groups are excluded lacks its constituent parts.

(mehr …)

3. National and International Policy

Danube Strategy of the European Commission

The European Commission proposed on 8 December 2010 a strategy to boost the development of the Danube Region (Commission Communication – EU Strategy for the Danube Region). Member States endorsed the “EU Strategy for the Danube Region” (EUSDR) at the General Affairs Council on 13 April 2011 (Council Conclusions). This is the second EU macro-regional strategy after the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region.

The Danube Region covers parts of 9 EU countries (Germany, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Romania, Croatia) and 6 non-EU countries (Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Ukraine and Moldova). The region is facing several challenges: environmental threats (water pollution, floods, and climate change), untapped shipping potential and lack of road and rail, transport connections, insufficient energy connections, uneven socio-economic development, uncoordinated education, research and innovation systems, shortcomings in safety and security.
The strategy is aimed at closer collaboration, creating synergies and coordination between existing policies and initiatives across the Danube Region.
Visit the website: http://www.danube-region.eu/about

(mehr …)

4. Examples of good practice

4.1. DANET Qualification Training aimed at strengthening the civil society and collaboration in the Danube region

Empowering civil society: 50 participants and great ideas at DANET’s first qualification seminar
The „Danube-Networkers for Europe“ (DANET) e.V. has organized its first qualification seminar for 50 civil organization chief executives from all countries situated at the Danube river. The participants stayed in the “Haus auf der Alb” conference house in Bad Urach from December 8th to December 12th, 2014. The goal of the seminar was to enhance the cooperation of civil society organizations in the European Danube Area and strengthen their capabilities in terms of project design and proposal writing.

(mehr …)

4.2 Project “The wanted Danube”/ “Die gewollte Donau” – Results and further actions

The successful project “The Wanted Danube” demonstrates how mutual knowledge and first steps of mutual friendship between people from all over the Danube Area can develop from a hand-crocheted friendship ribbon. The project was initiated in November 2013 by the Ulm-based educational network “Danube-Networkers for Europe (DANET) e.V.” in cooperation with partner organizations from eight Danube countries. The presentation of the “common Danube-River carpet” on the Cathedral Place in Ulm during the International Danube Festival Ulm/Neu-Ulm on July 13, 2014 included representatives of all involved institutions and was a big public success.

(mehr …)

5. Publications and interesting links

The European Map of Intergenerational Learning (EMIL)
EMIL is a collaborative network of members working together to support intergenerational learning taking place across Europe. Established in 2009, the network uses the existing expertise of partner organisations already working in the field to create a learning network for others involved in intergenerational programmes across Europe. More information at: http://www.emil-network.eu/

(mehr …)

6. News

Supernatural festival in Belgrade

SUPERNATURAL, one of the leading environmental movements in Serbia is going to organise a festival in Belgrade on 26. April at Supernatural Park Ada Huja. If you would like get more information about this event, or visit it in Belgrade, you can find out more more information here: http://www.supernatural.rs/about-us/#sthash.9p7Jm4O7.dpuf

(mehr …)