15-17 April 2007

Sponsored by GOF - Reuniting Europe

Evaluation visit carried out by the consultant James South, CEDR, and BACEE to assess the outcome of the pilot project after one year. It was clear that the project has been a success with the rate of cases referred to mediation four times higher than expected, excellent feedback from all parties involved and the Ministry of Justice of Croatia planning to roll out mediation to other courts throughout the country. Mediation will continue in the Commercial Court in Zagreb although without the financial support from BACEE and the UK.

19-23 February 2007

Sponsored by Embassy funds

Four day study visit for MP, her assistant and four officials from the Ministries of Finance, Economy, Environment and Foreign Affairs and an academic expert in sustainable development. The programme focused on the UK Government's policy and commitment to managing Climate Change, practical problems that this throws up, and measures being taken by the Government and organisations working with the Government. The group had meetings with for example DEFRA, the Carbon Trust, the Sustainable Development Commission, UK Climate Impacts Programme and also visited the Thames Barrier.

14-18 January 2007

Sponsored by GOF - Reuniting Europe

Three-day long training course in mediation skills for the judges and court staff taking part in the pilot project. The course was tailored to the specific environment in which the judges work. Training delivered by CEDR.

26 November - 2 December 2006

Sponsored by USAID

Study visit for three members of the Croatian Public Procurement Office, six officials from various municipalities, a staff member of the Zagreb School of Economics and Management and an observer. The group were given presentations on the structure and finance of local government in England and Wales and the local government Beacon Scheme and visited the London Borough of Islington and three of the Beacon Councils for procurement, Cambridgeshire CC, Rotherham MBC and Staffordshire Moorlands DC.

13-19 November 2006

Sponsored by PDF

A week-long programme in London for eight journalists from different parts of Serbia. The aim of the study visit was to promote balanced reporting on ethnic minority issues through discussions with journalists and relevant organisations in the UK.

Tatjana Aleksic, B92; Amela Bajrovic, Radio Sto Plus; Dzengis Buljukbas, Balkan Investigative Reporting Network; Nikola Lazic, Novine Vranjske; Atila Marton, www.vajdasagma.info; Pedja Obradovic, B92; Maja Radojevic, Radio Kosovska Mitrovica & Radio Blue Sky; Tamara Skrozza, Vreme

11-14 October 2006

Sponsored by PDF

Two-day programme held in Sofia, Bulgaria, comprising a seminar given by Sir Philip Mawer, Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, Lloyd Clark, member of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, and Peter Preston, former Editor of The Guardian, and private meetings.

26-28 October 2006

Sponsored by PDF

A two-day seminar in Zagreb on Satire for journalists in the region. The aim of the seminar was to use British columnists, cartoonists and broadcasters of the highest reputation to share experiences, to identify new possibilities, and to help the laughter go and little wider, and deeper.

Boris Babic (Bosnia & Herzegovina), Anila Basha (Albania), Klodian Bezhani (Albania), Viktor Donevski (Macedonia), Dejan Garic (Bosnia & Herzegovina), Ajdin Husic (Bosnia & Herzegovina), Dragan Ilic (Serbia), Boris Jaušovec (Slovenia), Vladimir Jokic (Serbia), Mirce Jovanovski (Macedonia), Suzana Kijuk (Croatia), Adrian Krasta (Albania), Ðorðe Ninkovic (Bosnia & Herzegovina), Nikola Plecko (Croatia), Gjultene Redzalari (Macedonia), Gerti Shella (Albania), Zejnula Veseli (Macedonia), Miloš Živkovic (Serbia)

10-12 September 2006

Sponsored by GOF - Reuniting Europe

Monitoring visit by the consultant James South, CEDR, and BACEE to assess the progress of the project. The project was going very well and all parties involved were very happy with what had been achieved so far.

5-10 November 2006

Sponsored by PDCF

A week-long secondment for Gabor Grendel, Moderator of the daily evening program “The issue of the day”, at BBC Panorama hosted by Andy Bell. This follows the seminar on Investigative Journalism organised in Bratislava in June 2005. The project aims to create greater appreciation and understanding of British journalism and its contribution to democracy.

27 March - 1 April 2006

Sponsored by PDCF

Eleven journalists from Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia & Montenegro received the prize of a week’s visit to London for best reporting of the UK Presidency of the EU. The programme included visits of professional interest, such as the Guardian, BBC Monitoring at Caversham and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, as well as cultural events, including the major exhibition China: the Three Emperors 1662 – 1795.

13-18 March 2006

Sponsored by GOF - Reuniting Europe

Part of the project “EU Integration for Local Self-Government”. Three-day study visit to NI-CO in Belfast. Seminars, meetings and visits aimed at networking and deepening knowledge of the EU and how EU funding can be used to strengthen the region in various ways.

Nikola Mileusnic, Member of Municipal Council, Surcin (Belgrade); Suzana Jovanovic, Member of Municipal Council, Pancevo; Bratislav Blagojevic, Mayor of Pantelej (Nis); Dragiša Živkovic, Senior Adviser to President of the Municipality Rakovica (Belgrade)

12-16 March 2006

The British Embassy in Tirana asked BACEE to arrange a short study visit for five MPs from Albania, who had first been elected in July 2005. The programme focused on the practical running of MPs’ business and the resources available to them, and accountability in various forms.

Taulant Balla, Socialist Party of Albania; Diana Çuli, Social Democratic Party of Albania; Gazmend Oketa, Democratic Party of Albania; Lajla Pernaska, Republican Party; and Pëllumb Xhufi, Socialist Movement for Integration

6-11 March 2006

At the request of the British Embassy in Sofia, BACEE arranged a short visit for a cross-party group of eight MPs from Bulgaria on standards and integrity in public life. The first part took place in London and focused on Parliament and across government. The second part took place in Edinburgh and was intended to contrast the Scottish approach to dealing with standards issues.

26 February - 3 March 2006

Sponsored by British Embassy Kiev

A group of four representatives of the National Council for TV and Radio together with the Deputy Head of the Vice-Prime Minister's Office visited London for a five-day study visit on Media Regulation. Their meetings included the Department for Media Culture and Sport, the BBC, the Advertising Standards Authority, the Government Communications Network and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Vitaly Shevchenko, Head of the National Council for Radio and TV; Vladyslav Liasovskyi, Executive Secretary of the National Council for Radio and TV; Dr Valeriy Ivanov, Co-ordinator of the Public Board at the National Council for Radio and TV, Professor of the National Shevchenko University and President of Academy of Ukrainian Press; Taras Shamaida, Deputy Head of the Vice-Prime Minister's Office; Yuriy Plaksiuk, Member of the National Council for TV and Radio.

20-25 February 2006

Sponsored by British Embassy Belgrade

A visit to London as a prize for winning a competition showing knowledge of the EU for a group of schoolchildren and one of their teachers. The group was accompanied by a team from the Serbian Television RTS. The programme included a visit to the Museum of Immigration and Diveristy, a visit to Vyners School in Uxbridge, guided tours of London and the Palace of Westminster and Afternoon Tea with the Director.

13-17 February 2006

Sponsored by GOF - Reuniting Europe

A week-long training programme for judges, mediators and court staff in preparation for a pilot project on mediation attached to the Commercial Court in Zagreb. Training provided by CEDR.

11 - 18 February 2006

Sponsored by FCO

In February BACEE together with The Department for Constitutional Affairs organised a 7-day judicial study visit for 6 Judges of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Dr Malcolm Simmons. The aim of the visit was to provide an overview, guidance and understanding of the British Justice System. A number of speakers gave presentations to the group including Phillip Taylor MBE, Professor John Peysner of Nottingham Law School, Judge Victor Hall of the Judicial Studies Board and various HMCS representatives. The Judges paid a visit to Rt Hon Lord Justice Brooke at the Royal Courts of Justice and Paul Garlick QC of Outer Temple Chambers who welcomed them at the Middle and Inner Temple. The judges also paid a visit to the Royal Courts of Justice, the Inns of Court Law School, West London Magistrates Court, Lambeth County Court, Southwark Crown Court and the Judicial Studies Board. Tamara Campbell, of Key2Law Solicitors LLP who accompanied the Judges during their visit said: “the visit was further proof of the UK’s leading role in international efforts to assist the transitional judicial reform process of Eastern European Countries which, in this instance, is a step towards the strengthening of Bosnia’s progressive development towards securing its status as a potential candidate country for EU accession.”

Judge Dr Miloš Babic, Judge Zorica Gogala, Judge Davorin Jukic, Judge Salem Miso, Judge Izo Tankic, Judge Dragomir Vukoje, Dr Malcolm Simmons

6-10 February 2006

Sponsored by GOF - Reuniting Europe

Part of the project “EU Integration for Local Self-Government”. Three-day study visit to One NorthEast in Newcastle. Seminars, meetings and visits aimed at networking and deepening knowledge of the EU and how EU funding can be used to strengthen the region in various ways.

Miroljub Cosic, the Mayor’s Assistant on Economy and Financial Affairs in the Municipality of Kruševac; Suzana Djokic, Projects and Programmes Manager in the Municipality of Sokobanja; Darko Grbovic, Manager of the Municipality of Cacak; Zoran Kostic, President of the City Municipality of Mladenovac

28 January - 4 February 2006

Sponsored by PDCF

A week-long secondment for Monika Zemlova, reporter at the daily SME, at the Scotsman in Edinburgh. This follows the seminar on Investigative Journalism organised in Bratislava in June 2005. The project aims to create greater appreciation and understanding of British journalism and its contribution to democracy.

23-27 January 2006

Sponsored by GOF - Reuniting Europe

Part of the project “EU Integration for Local Self-Government”. Three-day study visit to the West Midlands in Europe office in Brussels. Seminars, meetings and visits aimed at networking and deepening knowledge of the EU.

Miloš Miloševic, Mayor of Šabac; Željko Ožegovic, Mayor of New Belgrade; Saša Paunovic, Mayor of Paracin

12-23 December 2005

Sponsored by FCO

Study visit by Petronela Mihai, radio journalist from Iasi, Romania. Visits were organised to e.g. The Independent, The Guardian, DEFRA, BBC World Service, British Council and the University of Reading.

24-25 November 2005

Sponsored by GOF - Reuniting Europe

Two day seminar held in London for 4 journalists from each target country on reporting EU issues. The purpose of the seminar is to increase understanding of key issues related to the EU and to encourage journalists to be more pro-active, for example by questioning policies, digging around for stories, and asking searching questions at press conferences and interviews. Discussions to be chaired by Charles Reiss, former Political Editor, London Evening Standard.

Start 24 – 25 October 2005

Sponsored by GOF - Reuniting Europe

Support given to the pilot mediation scheme annexed to the Commercial Court in Zagreb. Support to include consultancy on the design of the scheme, monitoring and evaluation, and training for mediators, judges, lawyers, business people and court staff. With the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (UK) and the Croatian Association of Mediators.

21-22 October 2005

Sponsored by PDCF

Two day seminar in co-operation with the Guardian Foundation to be held for 3 journalists from each country in Zagreb. Programme to cover the role of the UK in fighting terrorism and international crime, and how to go about reporting these issues.

Miro Ascic (Croatia) News programmes, Croatian Radio Television Aleksandra Bogdani (Albania) Editor, Court and Crime Issues, Shekulli, Tirana Saša Cavrag (Bosnia & Herzegovina) Chief of the desk, Nezavisne novine, Banja Luka Dejan Garic (Bosnia & Herzegovina) Journalist, BH Radio 1, Sarajevo Boris Grubešic (Bosnia & Herzegovina) Journalist, BHT1 , Sarajevo Ivana Jakelic (Croatia) Vecernji list, Zagreb Tanja Jovanovska (Macedonia) Journalist, Vest, Skopje Sükrü Küçüksahin (Turkey) Deputy Bureau Chief, Hürriyet, Ankara Veljko Lalic (Serbia) Reporter, Vecernje novosti, Belgrade Anduena Llabani (Albania) Reporter, Crime Investigation, Top Channel Television, Tirana Snezana Lupevska (Macedonia) Deputy Editor, A1 National Television, Skopje Suela Musta (Albania) Top Albania Radio (only national private radio station), Tirana Saygi Öztürk (Turkey) Gözcü Gazetesi, Ankara (daily newspaper) Vanja Pirc (Slovenia) Journalist, Mladina (political weekly magazine), Ljubljana Miha Plementaš (Slovenia) Journalist, POP TV (major commercial television station), Ljubljana Lorik Pustina (Kosovo) Editor, Express (daily newspaper), Pristina Živojin Rakocevic (Kosovo) Editor-in-Chief, Radio KIM; Director, Glas Juga (magazine), Gracanica Isen Saljiji (Macedonia) Journalist, Lajm (daily newspaper), Skopje Fatmire Terdevci (Kosovo) Journalist, Koha Ditore (Albanian-language daily newspaper), Pristina Ivanka Toma (Croatia) Jutarnji List (independent daily), Zagreb Senka Vlatkovic (Serbia) Journalist, RTV B92, Belgrade Zravko Vucinic (Serbia & Montenegro) Journalist, Vijesti (daily newspaper), Podgorica

20-21 September 2005

Sponsored by Home Office

BACEE, together with the Home Office, organised a conference in Budapest on ‘Crime Prevention – A Strategic Approach’ as part of the UK EU Presidency. The conference focused on developing national strategies on community crime prevention as opposed to organised crime. Delegates from all EU member states as well as candidate states were invited. The conference was opened by Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP, Dr Mónika Lamperth (Minster of the Interior, Hungary) and Dr József Petrétei (Minster of Justice, Hungary). Baroness Henig of Lancaster chaired the conference and speakers were Katalin Gönczöl (Hungary), Katja Hengerer (Austria), Madeleine Mathieu (France), Radim Bureš (Czech Republic), Hannu Takala (Finland) and Martin Bryant (UK).

14-15 September 2005

Sponsored by British Embassy Tallinn

One day of talks on current European issues with officials, journalists, academia etc. UK team of six with similar backgrounds. Second day in form of a seminar / lectures at the university by UK team. On-going and well-established series.

9–10 November 2005

Sponsored by PDCF

Two-day visit to Novi Sad by Peter MacMahon, Deputy Local Government Ombudsman, aimed at strengthening the regional ombudsman’s office in Vojvodina. The visit included a seminar for local government officials, journalists and academics; a public talk; private meetings and media interviews. In co-operation with the European Movement in Serbia.

29 August – 3 September 2005

Sponsored by PDCF

Providing eight journalists from Russia, Finland and Estonia with opportunity to cover the UK Presidency’s Gymnich meeting (informal Foreign Ministers’ meeting). Additional calls for the group to meet representatives of UK media to learn effective coverage of international events. Encourage direct coverage of UK issues during their stay. One day of study visits in Cardiff to be followed by the Gymnich in Newport.

Vadim Belobrovtsev (Estonia), television reporter with the First Baltic Channel (PBK) Angelina Davydova (Russia), Editor of Special Foreign Issues, Expert publishing house Jevgenia Garanza (Estonia), Head of the News Department, Molodjozh Estonii Vladimir Izotov (Russia), Editor-in-Chief, Political Department, of Radio Russia in St. Petersburg, and freelance correspondent with the Russian service of Deutsche Welle Alina Matvejeva (Estonia), reporter Vesti Dnja Anton Mukhin (Russia), political observer of Gorod magazine Irina Selezen (Finland), journalist Ostromedia Oy

12-17 July 2005

Sponsored by British Council

Visit of three MPs involved in British Council’s young leader programme. They met MPs and peers and visited Westminster, as well as visiting a constituency. They were followed by a film crew.

10-16 July 2005

Sponsored by British Embassy Skopje

Week long visit to the UK by editor-in-chief of the Macedonian daily, Vest, to examine the role of editor-in-chief in the UK. Including visits to the Daily Mail, Guardian, Edinburgh Evening News, Glasgow Herald, Daily Record and Press Complaints Commission

14 June 2005

Sponsored by PDCF

One-day seminar on investigative journalism in Bratislava, by David Hencke of the Guardian and John Ware of BBC Panorama. To be followed by secondments of two Slovak journalists to the UK.

13-17 June 2005

Sponsored by UNDP

Study visit for 15 Magistrates, representatives from the Ministry of Justice of Serbia and 2 UNDP representatives looking at how petty offences are dealt with in the UK.

Milanka Dimitrijevic, Magistrate in Kragujevac Biljana Gavrilovic, Head of the Magistrates in the Municipality of Vrnjacka Banja Vesna Kovacejic, Adviser to the Minister of Justice Biljana Ledenican, Programme Asistant, UN Development Programme Mirjana Markovic, Magistrate, Leskovac Mirjana Micic, Magistrate; President of the Misdemeanours Chamber, Užice Sinisa Milatovic, Project Manager, UN Development Programme Goran Mladenovic, Head of the Magistrates, Doljevac Nevenka Pancic, Magistrate, Zajecar; President of Midemeanours Chamber Gordana Pualic, Deputy Minister of Justice Biljana Rakic Grujic, Magistrate, Valjevo Ivana Ramadanovic Vainomaa, Project Manager, UN Development Programme Bojana Šolevic, Co-ordinator in the Ministry of Justice Svetlana Stanivukovic, Chief of the Magistrates’ Division, Belgrade Vladen Stanojev, Head of the Magistrates, Novi Sad. Ljiljana Stevanovic, Head of the Magistrates, Zvecan Nebojša Vesic, President of the Misdemeanours’ Chamber, Smederevo Ivana Vlaovic, Magistrate, Belgrade

6 September 2005

Sponsored by Embassy funds

One-day seminar held in Istanbul for journalists on how to report the accession negotiations. Speakers were Michael Lake, Nicholas Jones and Leyla Boulton.

8-9 June 2005 21-22 June 05 4-5 July 2005

Sponsored by PDCF

Seminars for journalists in Kiev, Kharkiv and Simferopol covering areas such as the UK presidency, the EU Action Plan for Ukraine, the role of the UK in Europe and sharing expertise in reporting EU issues. See article in Newsletter July 2005.

June 2005 - March 2006

Sponsored by GOF-Reuniting Europe

Specialised training of reporters covering local government and EU regions. Programme developed together with the Center for Professionalisation of Journalism and the European Movement in Serbia.

1-8 May 2005

Sponsored by World Learning (USAID)

One week study visit to London by a mixed group from the NGO, media and political communities, examining areas as engaging citizens in the democratic process, the role of civil society during elections, the need for balanced reporting by journalists and encouraging politicians to develop electoral platforms instead of simply slandering their opponents.

Mr Sabit Brokaj, Deputy Chairman, LSI Party Mr Neritan Alibali, Deputy Chairman, Republikan Party Ms Gerta Meta, Executive Director, Society for Democratic Culture Mr Ferdinand Pone, Head of Department, Democratic Party Mr Pjerin Marku, Executive Director, Albanian Coalition against Corruption Mr Arben Ristani, Senior Attorney, Citizen Advocacy Office Mr Arbjan Mazniku, Deputy Director, Mjaft Ms Valbona Kurti, Journalist, TV Arberia Mr Aleksander Cipa, Coordinator, Journalists’ Union Mr Bashkim Hoxha, Journalist, Teuta TV Mr Erjon Tase, Deputy Director, Gazeta Shqiptare Ms Etleva Mullaj, Local Adviser, NDI Ms Emanuela Deneku, interpreter

30 April – 6 May 2005

Sponsored by PDCF

Visit for 20 participants (2 from each country) to demonstrate how the British electoral system works and give them a chance to see it in action. Background talks on the current political scene, the role of the media during elections, and the electoral system, and by each major political party. Followed by constituency visits.

Bledar Doracaj, Albania, Legal and Legislative Councillor in Vice Prime Minister’s Cabinet; Secretary General, Socialist Youth Forum Voltana Ademi, Albania, Deputy Mayor, Shkodra; Democratic Party Vehid Sehic, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Chairman of the BiH Election Commission Mirsad Behram, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Journalist, BiH TV, Mostar Tatiana Doncheva, Bulgaria, MP, Bulgarian Socialist Party Peter Ivanov, Bulgaria, Capital weekly newspaper, International Department Sanja Simic, Croatia, Journalist, Jutarnji List Dario Runtic, Croatia, Urban Institute; associated with LS (Liberal Party) Dr Sasko Kedev, Macedonia, MP, VMRO DPMNE Slobodanka Jovanovska, Macedonia, Journalist, Utrinski Vesnik Oleg Tulea, Moldova, MP, Democratic Party, member of parliamentary commission for human rights Grigore Petrenco, Moldova, MP, Communists' Party Cristian Busoi, Romania, MP, PNL (National Liberal Party) Victor Ponta, Romania, MP, Social Democratic Party Ksenija Milivojevic, Serbia & Montenegro, MP, G17+ Nebojsa Vasiljevic, Serbia & Montenegro, Member of the Board of Directors of CeSID Vladimir Jovanovic, Serbia & Montenegro, MP, Democratic Party Faruk Unsal MP, Turkey, MP, AKP (Justice and Development Party) Metehan Demir, Turkey, Kanal D Iana Kazmirenko, Ukraine, Journalist, Gazeta Po Kievski Tetyana Pasova, Ukraine, Journalist, Holos Ukrainy

19-21 April 2005

Sponsored by DPB

3 day visit of Professor Bulmer-Thomas, Director of the Royal Institute of International Affairs, to Belgrade. Public speech on “Living with the Megapower: Relations with the US”, and visits.

April 2005

Sponsored by BACEE

Visit by Lord Carlile to Budapest to give three lectures on the theme of EU and the European Convention on Human Rights and its influence on counter terrorism legislation and criminology.

22-23 March 2005

Sponsored by British High Commission Nicosia

Two-day seminar to be held in-country for journalists on how the EU came about, and how it works; the role of the EU in the world; how to explain it and the issues, especially within the time constraints of TV and radio; and the importance of new members and near neighbours and how to get this across.

2-3 March 2005

Sponsored by PDCF

Two day programme in Belgrade, with a team of three British experts: Jim Barron, Secretary to the Committee on Standards in Public Life; Elizabeth Filkin, former Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards; and David Hencke, Westminster correspondent at The Guardian. One day seminar for invited audience and one day for private meetings with key personnel in the Serbian government, parliament and academia.

19-26 February 2005

Sponsored by DPB

In UK. A cross-party group of members and clerks from the state-level legislature will spend a week in the UK Parliament, looking at whole legislative process, through consultation, debate and committee stages. The programme will focus especially on the work of the select committees, their role in holding the government to account and standards in public life. It will also include presentations on the media and politics, visits to Members’ constituencies and meetings with a variety of politicians and clerks.

Azra Hadziahmetovic (SBiH, BiH Parliament, House of Representatives) Martin Raguz (HDZ, BiH Parliament, House of Representatives) Goran Milojevic (PDP, BiH Parliament, House of Peoples) Halid Genjac (SDA, BiH Parliament, House of Peoples) Nermin Vila (EEP, Federation BiH Parliament, House of Representatives) Damir Masic (SDP, Federation BiH Parliament, House of Representatives) Ante Colak (HSS, Federation Parliament, House of Representatives) Snjezana Milavic (SBiH, Federation BiH Parliament, House of Peoples) Slavko Matic (HDZ, Federation BiH Parliament, House of Peoples) Igor Radojicic (SNSD, National Assembly of RS) Tarik Sadovic (SDA, National Assembly of RS) Srebrenka Golic (SNSD, RS Council of Peoples)

16-17 February 2005

Sponsored by PDCF

Two-day programme in Tirana, with a team of three British exerts: Sir Philip Mawer, Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards; Dr Brian Woods-Scawen, member of the Committee on Standards in Public Life; and Peter Preston, former Editor of The Guardian. One-day seminar for invited audience and one day for private meetings with key personnel in the Albanian government, parliament and academia.

Starting February 2005

Sponsored by GOF - Reuniting Europe

In partnership with the European Movement in Serbia. Twenty two-day seminars in selected regional centres for groups of 7-10 municipalities, represented by up to 70 participants from local governments, public institutions, NGOs, media, academic institutions and youth organisations. Team of 15-18 Serbian lecturers to be trained by selected international experts (from new and old Europe), particularly on issues related to EU programmes and funds, as well as the role of local authorities. Team will then hold seminars on European institutions and policies, the role of local authorities in the process of EU integration and information on EU programmes and funds. Part-funded by NOVIB, OSCE and Balkan Trust for Democracy. To be followed up by secondments for selected civil servants to regional development agencies and local/regional representations in Brussels.

24–31 January 2005

Sponsored by EC office in Armenia micro-grant

Subcontracted by LGIB. Four day visit by four representatives, looking at local government responsibilities, training of officers and budgetary matters.

13-14 January 2005

Sponsored by British Embassy Riga

One day of talks on current European issues with officials, journalists, academia etc. UK team of six with similar backgrounds. Second day in form of a seminar / lectures at the university by UK team. On-going and well-established series.

4-11 Dec 2004

Sponsored by DPB

Study visit for 12 Macedonian government press officers and journalists on how government communicates its policies and actions and how to detect and combat “spin”.

Tatjana Cvetkovska, Channel 5 TV Lidija Jancovska-Hristova, A1 TV Katerina Blazevska, Dnevnik Dzeljal Neziri, Koha Ditore Valentin Nikoloski, President Crvenkovski's Spokesman Sašo Colakovski, Government Spokesman, Prime Minster's Office Zeqir Zeqiri, PR / Information Adviser of Vice PM (Musa Dxaferi's) Office Mirjana Konteska, Government State Councillor for Information and PR Jovan Despotovski, SDSM Aleksandar Bicikliski, VMRO Ermira Mehmeti, Spokesperson for the Democratic Union for Integration, Albanian Coalition Party Natalija Velkovska, Spokesperson of the Liberal Democratic Party

25-28 Nov 2004

Sponsored by GOF

In UK. Three-day seminar at The Guardian for 34 participants (two per country). The aim was to explore a current issue and show best UK practice of its treatment by the media. Organised by Peter Preston, former Editor, and included leading journalists from The Guardian, The Observer and other papers. Minority issues and their portrayal in the media.

20–27 November 2004

Sponsored by NDI

In the UK, for 10 Macedonian MPs. Study visit on the structure and functioning of parliamentary committees.

Hisni Shaqiri, Vice-president of the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia Tome Trombev President, Committee on Transport, Communications and Ecology Karolina Ristova-Aasterud President, Committee on European Affairs Vanco Stamenkov Vice-Chair of the Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Water Resources Management Gjorgji Orovcanec President, Committee on Health Nevzat Bejta President, Committee on Economic Matters Zoran Sapurik President, Committee on Political Systems and Inter-community Relations Sonja Lepitkova President, Committee on Education, Science and Sports Liljana Petreska Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia, staff Marija Aleksovska Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia, staff Maja Ermilova-Levkova Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia, staff Sandre Nonkulovski Head of Committee Sector Chris Henshaw, NDI Country Director Aleksandra Cvetkovska, NDI Senior Program Manager Emil Atanasovski, NDI Program Manager

28–29 October 2004

Sponsored by GOF

In country. Follow-up to 2004 seminar on mediation. Having given foundation seminars to judges and lawyers, two British experts ran a workshop on how to set up a court annex pilot mediation scheme.

25-26 October 2004

Sponsored by GOF

In country. Follow-up to 2003 / 2004 seminars on mediation. Having given foundation seminars to judges and lawyers, a team of three British experts gave presentations to lawyers and other professionals to disseminate the message further. The aim was to gain support from those likely to become mediators, those who influence decisions to opt for mediation and the potential clients.