International Training - The European Union

While the European Union is certainly not the only model for nation states to work together, its institutions and procedures can be regarded as a useful source for reference, and as a possible template for political and administrative development programmes.

Designing administrative and political systems which meet European Union and other international requirements can also be crucial to successful public sector development and reform.

These seminars look at the institutions themselves and their interaction with the member states. They will also draw on the experiences of transferability of the former accession states and will examine whether their models for incorporating new legal frameworks and administrative structures can be usefully taken to the delegates’ home countries and built into their own thinking and development plans.

Brussels Explained: An Introduction to the Institutions and Workings of the European Union

This one-day training session will provide an invaluable overview of the European Union. It will provide delegates with essential knowledge of the workings of the core institutions of the EU, notably the European Commission, the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament. It will also look at the role and work of the Committee of the Regions and the Committee of Permanent Representatives.

Implementation of European Union Policy and Legislation

This one-day seminar provides an in-depth study of how European Union legislation and policy decisions affect the member states at all levels. It will include a detailed look at directives, regulations and decisions that now help to shape national government policy. Transposition and goldplating will also be examined.

An overview of scrutiny of legislation in the UK, particularly the House of Lords, which is regarded as a model throughout Europe, will be presented, as will how the national European agenda is co-ordinated throughout the UK civil service.

The implications and timescales of enlargement of the European Union will then be examined, followed by an examination of other existing models for scrutinising and incorporating EU legislation. The experience of the former accession states will be looked at with a view to informing the planning and development plans of nations beyond the European Union.

Securing European Union Funds

The European Union remains one of the largest donors for development funding in the world. The successful procurement of European Union funding for reform and development programmes requires a detailed knowledge of procedures and opportunities. This day-long event will take delegates through the necessary procedures in practical detail, demonstrating how to write successful proposals, how to present yourself in the optimum light, and how to ensure you do not miss out on funding for development opportunities.

The programme will be equally interesting for not-for-profit organisations looking to expand on their donor base as for companies and other organisations interested in increasing success in EU aid tenders.

Developing Political and Public Development Programmes to meet World Bank Criteria

This one-day seminar looks at the design of political and public administration reform programmes and development initiatives, to ensure that plans will be compatible with the criteria of funding programmes, providing information which can be vital in securing either funding or buy-in, so as to work most effectively in partnership with, or supported by, international organisations.