On behalf of the European Fund for the Balkans (EFB – www.balkanfund.org), a joint initiative of the Robert Bosch Foundation, the Compagnia di San Paolo, the ERSTE Foundation, and the King Baudouin Foundation, it is our pleasure to invite you to the opening of the first EFB Community Meeting, to be held in Zagreb, 11 October 2012. The meeting will open with:
Welcome speech by Mr. Ivo Josipovic, President of the Republic of Croatia: “European Future of the Western Balkans”
AndKeynote speech by Mr. Andrew Rasiej, Founder of Personal Democracy Media,USA: “The Power of Networks – How the Internet Enhances Activism”
Reception for EFB Community and EFB Friends
Thursday, 11 October 2012 from 18.00 to 20.00h The Museum of Contemporary Art, Ave. Dubrovnik 17, Zagreb
For five years of intensive work in the Western Balkans and in the European Union, the EFB has developed an extensive network of partners, associates and friends working together for the enhancement and development of their societies. With the aim of giving a firm foundation and support to accomplishing this goal, the EFB has established a Community Programme as a platform for networking, communication, and collaboration. In order to fulfil its commitment to strengthening the cohesion between community members, young leaders, public servants, civil society activists, researchers, policy activists, students, and professionals from all the countries of the Western Balkans, the EFB is organising its first Community Conference in Zagreb. Croatia was chosen to host the first ever EFB Community Conference because of its positive example of successful accession negotiations with the EU. With a target date of 1 July 2013 for joining the EU, Croatia has set the example for the rest of the Western Balkan countries. By organising this event in Croatia, the EFB acknowledges the positive changes that have taken place so far, and gives its support to the work that still needs to be done. Croatia is also showing its support to the rest of the WB counties in their effort to introduce all the political, economic, and social changes needed to become members of the EU. Bus transport will be organised from Belgrade to Zagreb on Thursday morning, 11 October. We would be delighted and honoured if you were to accept our invitation. Please confirm if you are able to join us at info@balkanfund.org by Wednesday 3 October 2012. We are at your disposal for any further questions and arrangements. Join us and be a part of the beginning of some new and exciting partnerships that will bring the whole of the Western Balkans closer to the EU! For more information about the conference please visit EFB Community Conference 2012
