Communicating Europe

The UK has been a member of the European Community and the European Union for over 35 years. However what is going on in ‘Europe’ and how we relate to it is, after all these years, for many a closed book; not least because the political culture and the legislative processes often seem alien to us in Britain. The reporting of European issues often reflects entrenched views,however sincerely held, by Euro-sceptics and pro-Europeans alike.

In order to gain a deeper understanding and insight into how ‘Europe’ works we need to take a fresh look at the European Parliament, the implications of the Lisbon Treaty, and the very concept of European Citizenship.

Three speakers will present these topics to facilitate our discussion:

• .Marina Yannakoudakis, MEP (Greenwich,Con.) Member of the Women’s Rights & Equality Committee of the European Parliament. She will talk on 'Violence against Women & Human Trafficking'
• .Brendan Donnelly, Director of the Federal Trust for Education and Research who will talk on ‘The Lisbon Treaty Explained’.
• Dr Susan Collard, Lecturer in French, Dept. of Politics & Contemporary European Studies at the University of Sussex who will talk on ‘Communicating European Citizenship’.

It promises to be a very interesting and informative day, encouraging us to visit the European Institutions in Brussels later in the year and see for ourselves how ‘Europe’ works.

We hope to see you at this European Day on 24 April 10.30-15.30 at BFWG Headquarters, 4 Mandeville Courtyard, 142 Battersea Park Road, London.

The fee is £10 to include all drinks and a sandwich lunch.
Send £10 cheque (one cheque for a group please) with your name, e-mail, telephone number and address to BFWG HQ 4 Mandeville Courtyard, 142 Battersea Park Road, London SW11 4NB before Mon 19 April,please.

Book your place now, first come, first served.

Saturday 24 April 2010