The 3rd Summer University for Democracy, organized by the Council of Europe, took place from June 30-July 4, in Strasbourg.
More than 650 participants from the Schools of Political Studies in the Balkan countries, Russia, and the former Soviet republics attended the event.
The Bulgarian Commissioner Meglena Kuneva delivered a speech during the opening ceremony of the Summer University and praised the role of the Bulgarian School of Politics for the creation of a new generation of political leaders in the country. Representatives of the Bulgarian School of Politics served as moderators and presenters in plenary sessions and participated in the workshops, organized by the Council of Europe.
For the class of 2007 of the School, this was an opportunity to meet with leading politicians and experts from Europe, to exchange ideas and experiences with aspiring political and civic leaders from the neighboring countries, and to discuss issues and topics which will be on the agenda of the political parties and civil society in Europe in the near future. Graduates of this year’s National program received their certificates for specialization in political management at a special ceremony, hosted by the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Bulgaria at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.
One of the highlights of the Summer University was the establishment of the European Association of the Schools of Political Studies (replacing the currently existing network of schools). The association will have no profit-making, political or religious purposes. It will be administered by a board of administration, consisting of directors of the schools of political studies and elected members. Catherine Lalumiere, former Council of Europe Secretary General, will be the first Chair of the Association.
Upon conclusion of the Summer University, a declaration was adopted on behalf of all the participants in the event.
Read the opening speech of Terry Davis, Secretary General of the Council of Europe:
http://www.coe.int/t/dc/press/news/20080630_disc_sg_univer_democr_en.asp
Read the full text of the Declaration: http://www.coe.int/t/DC/Files/Source/polschools_declaration_en.doc)