2016 TRAIN Programme closes with a seminar in Brussels
The seminar in Brussels marked the conclusion of the 2016 TRAIN Programme, which focused on the topic of “fundamental rights.” Twelve participants from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia developed policy research over the course of the year on topics relevant for the EU integration of their respective countries. After workshops and meetings in Belgrade (April) and Berlin (June), the program’s participants convened in Brussels this November to share their findings with European decision makers.
In addition to attending meetings at the European Commission, the Council of the EU, and with members of the European Parliament, the group visited the Permanent Representation of Germany to the EU. In a panel discussion jointly organized with the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), participants entered into conversation with Brussels-based policy analysts. Here again, the central question was how to overcome the current stagnation in the EU enlargement process.
A highlight of the Brussels seminar was participation of TRAIN members in a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the European Parliament. Here Johannes Hahn, EU commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, presented the year’s progress reports and led the ensuing discussion.
TRAIN stands for “Think Tanks Providing Research and Advice through Interaction and Networking” and is dedicated to promoting independent policy research institutes from the Western Balkan region. In a series of workshops, participating researchers prepare policy papers and develop advocacy strategies. TRAIN’s overall aim is to support civil society organizations and foster the national and European policy dialogue on key issues regarding the EU-integration process.
