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EUROPEAN UNION FEDERATION OF YOUTH HOSTEL ASSOCIATIONS |
EUFED e-bulletin
We are pleased to send you the new edition of the EUFED e-bulletin, with latest information from the Federation, a summary of relevant EU developments and a selection of news items from our member Associations.
Sue Cassell, Secretary General
Michèle Obert, Administrator
please contact info@eufed.org
EUFED/ÖJHV to hold International Seminar (with the support of the EU Youth Programme)
EUFED's application to the EU Youth Programme for funding for an International Seminar on the theme of "Youth Hostelling and Active Citizenship at local, national and EU level" has been accepted by the European Commission.
The Seminar will be hosted by the Austrian Youth Hostel Association (ÖJHV) and will take place from 27th to 28th April at Klagenfurt Youth Hostel (pictured right). A total of 31 participants from 19 countries are set to participate in the Seminar. Of these participants, 16 are from the Balkan countries and development of the Youth Hostelling movement within the Balkans will be a key element of the Seminar.
www.eufed.org - www.oejhv.or.at
EUFED e-learning Steering Group meeting
The 5th EUFED e-learning Steering Group meeting took place at Leuven Youth Hostel on 10th March. Participants discussed and finalized the design and content of the e-learning module ("Environmental Sustainability at Youth Hostels"). The project, which is co-financed by the EU Leonardo da Vinci II Programme for vocational training, is foreseen to be presented at the European Commission's "Green Week" (30th May - 2nd June, Brussels).
"My name is Harish Lokhun and I attend Tiffin Boys Grammar School in Kingston (greater London). I am undertaking work experience with EUFED in Brussels for one week, while at the same time improving my French.
For my advanced level examinations at school, I am studying French, English Literature, History and Politics. Following this, I would like to pursue a career in Law, after University.
My passion for law has been further enhanced this week, not least by my visit to the European Parliament."
On 16th February in Strasbourg, the European Parliament voted on the first reading of the European Commission's proposal for a Directive on an EU internal market in services. The vote resulted in substantial amendments to the proposal from the Commission. Of most significance, the Parliament deleted the "country of origin" principle under which a business providing a service in another EU Member State would be subject to the legislation of its home country. Instead, the Parliament has introduced an article entitled "freedom to provide services" whereby businesses must respect the rules of the host country but, in turn, these rules must be non-discriminatory, necessary and proportional.
The European Commission will now draft a revised proposal, based on the amendments agreed by the European Parliament. The Council of Ministers (as co-legislators along with the Parliament) will then decide its position on the revised proposal. If all of the Parliament's amendments are accepted by the Council, the Directive will be adopted in its modified form. If the Council rejects any of the Parliament's amendments, or adds any of its own, the text will return to the Parliament for a second reading.
europa.eu.int/comm/internal_market/services/services-dir/index_en.htm
On 1st February 2006, the European Commission adopted a White Paper on a European Communication Policy. The White Paper is a call for action on how best to bridge the gap between the European Union and its citizens. The White Paper proposes five areas where action needs to be taken: defining common principles to guide communications activities; empowering citizens; working with the media and new technologies; understanding European public opinion; effective joint working ("doing the job together").
The White Paper is now out for public consultation until July: www.europa.eu.int
European Commission sets out its vision for an Energy Strategy in Europe
On 8th March, the European Commission adopted a Green Paper on the development of a common and coherent European Energy Strategy. The Green Paper, entitled "A European Strategy for Sustainable, Competitive and Secure Energy", identifies six key areas where action is necessary to address Europe's energy challenges:
- Competitiveness and the EU internal energy market
- Diversification of the energy mix
- Solidarity at Community level to prevent energy supply crises
- Sustainable development and environmental protection
- Innovation and technology in the field of energy
- EU external energy policy.
The Green Paper will be discussed at the forthcoming Spring European Council, to be held in Brussels from 23th to 24th March 2006. europa.eu.int/comm/energy/green-paper-energy/index_en.htm
The 25 EU Heads of State and Government will meet together in Brussels on 23rd-24th March for the Spring European Council to exchange their views on major developments in the EU and, more particularly, on the European Strategy for growth and jobs.
The 25 EU Heads of State and Government will also assess the national action plans for reform that were introduced by EU Member States in October 2005. Gender equality and the need to invest in trans-European networks are also to be addressed. www.europa.eu.int/growthandjobs
The European Tourism Ministers’ Conference will bring together tourism ministers from the EU-25, the candidate countries, EFTA/EEA and West Balkan states, representatives from international and European organisations, and the tourism industry to create a high level discussion forum on growth and employment in the sector and future tourism perspectives for Europe.
With a view to an innovative and coordinated approach to tourism discussions on a European level, Austria and Finland in cooperation with the European Commission undertook to prepare the event together. Austria is focusing on the topic of “Tourism and Culture - partnership for growth and employment” and Finland on “Information and Communication Technologies - tool for growth and employment in tourism”.
www.eu2006.at/en/The_Council_Presidency
European Commission Green Week 2006: 30th May - 2nd June
The theme of this year's Green Week, which will take place in Brussels from 30th May to 2nd June, will be Biodiversity (biological diversity). The focus will be on four main components to halt the loss of biodiversity:
- Biodiversity as a global issue
- The management of natural resources
- Space for nature
- Biodiversity and society
Green Week will provide an opportunity for exchange of experience and best practice among NGOs, businesses, regulatory authorities, and the public. europa.eu.int/comm/environment/greenweek/index.html
Spring Day in Europe 2006
Every school in Europe is invited to take part in Spring Day 2006. Spring Day, which is held on 21st March 2006, on 9th May 2006 and/or in between those dates, gives schools the opportunity to find out more about the European Union and to debate the future of Europe. Europe's future belongs to its youth and with this in mind, Spring Day, reaches out to teachers and pupils across the continent. www.springday2006.org
This is the largest annual global celebration of young volunteers, where millions of young people in countries across the world highlight and carry out thousands of community improvement projects. For more information: www.gysd.netYoung people aged between 15 and 26 can take part in this picture competition. Contributions can cover 23 subjects, from love, joy and family to discrimination, unemployment, youth culture, leisure activities and work. The best pictures will become part of a travelling exhibit which will be shown in the context of the 'Luxembourg and the Greater Region, European Capital of Culture 2007' campaign.
To find out more about "'Family of Man 2007, connecting cultures" including details of how to participate, visit: www.foma.lu
"Europe for a Change II" is a trans-European research initiative of the European Youth Card Association, supported by the European Commission. The project engages young people across Europe in dialogue on the EU following enlargement, and encourages them to vote for their priority values for the future of Europe. To date, over 3.750 young people across 41 countries have participated in the online voting at www.change-europe.org.
Apart from the web site, the project includes various materials available free of charge for non-commercial use. For more information: www.change-europe.org. Voting ends 10th April 2006; the campaign itself ends 30th April 2006. www.eyca.org
A special programme for schools starts this Spring. It takes place on the Tyrrenian Sea and follows the adventures of Homer's legendary Greek hero Ulysses.
Aboard the Sailing Youth Hostel "Peter Pan", groups can visit historic sites of the ancient epics: Circeo Cape, Ventotene Isle, Palmarola and Ponza Isles, and Nettuno.
During the voyage, the captain will narrate full details about Homer's epic poem.
The new Youth Hostel in Rijeka is a 19th century villa. The building was given to CYHA by the City of Rijeka which has also contributed financially to the reconstruction. Seven months of work and an investment of 3 million Kuna has transformed the building into a modern 61-bed Youth Hostel with good quality facilities. The Hostel offers accommodation in double and multi-bedded rooms, a restaurant and a garden with a sea view.
Rijeka is the third biggest city in Croatia and a major student centre as well as an important destination for international travellers. The official opening ceremony took place on 22nd February with many officials and CYHA members and friends. The Hostel was opened by the Mayor of Rijeka. Dr Harish Saxena, IYHF (International Youth Hostel Federation) President, addressed the audience. www.hfhs.hr
From 20th until 23rd February, CYHA had the pleasure of welcoming and hosting IYHF's President, 
Dr Harish Saxena. The programme of his official visit included the opening ceremony of the new Youth Hostel in Rijeka. During Dr Saxena's visit, several official meetings were organized including with the Vice-President of the Croatian Government, State Secretaries at the Ministries of Tourism and Education and meetings with senior officials of the City of Rijeka, including the Mayor.
At the official meetings, Dr Saxena underlined the importance of the Youth Hostel network development in Croatia and the vital educational role that HI Hostels are fulfilling for young people. www.hfhs.hr
The most famous carnival in Croatia takes place in the city of Rijeka, every year at the end of February.
This year, the carnival main celebration took place on 22nd February. Together with many participating groups from Croatia and abroad, the Croatian Youth Hostel Association along with CYHA young members from across Croatia, formed a group called "the Hostellers" that marched through the city centre.
CYHA's participation was also a part of the celebration of the new Youth Hostel in Rijeka. www.hfhs.hr
A generous private donation has enabled the building of a new Youth Hostel in Jever in the north of Germany.
The publisher Dr Fritz Blume donated € 1.5 million (of a total of EUR 4 million) to the building costs. On 28th January 2006, 10 bungalows (which can accommodate a total of 138 guests) were unveiled.
This is the first time in many decades that a benefactor has donated such a generous amount. www.jugendherberge.de
Ten years ago the exchange of young people between DJH and the Tunisian Youth Hostel Association began.
From 18th to 24th January 2006, a delegation from DJH, under the direction of the President Angela Braasch-Eggert, visited Tunisia for discussions with the national Association about further developments. It was agreed to extend the scheme. There are plans for a Summer Camp in the USA for young people from Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, the USA and Germany later this year.
DJH has taken steps to improve the training of its staff. For the first time, about 1000 Youth Hostel managers and their assistants can acquire a special diploma, which is officially recognized by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
Youth Hostel staff who pass the DJH management course and examination receive a certificate. DJH General Secretary explained: "With this certificate we are aiming to improve our standards, for the benefit of our guests". www.jugendherberge.de
The Internet is very important for Youth Hostels. In 2005, 5.640.000 prospective customers visited www.jugendherberge.de to find out about Youth Hostels in Germany. Compared to 2004, this is an increase of 36 %. "This result has exceeded all our expectations" said DJH General Secretary Bernd Dohn. The number of Youth Hostels where customers can book online has grown to 243 (out of a total of 542). The online booked overnights has increased from 85.000 (in 2004) to 109.000, a growth of about 18 %.
A National conference took place on 23rd January, gathering 150 representatives from Associations all over France.
The meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister of France (pictured right with Edith Arnoult-Brill, FUAJ General Secretary and IYHF Vice-President ) as well as by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Life.
Edith Arnoult-Brill presented the results of a consultation on proposals for future actions in the sphere of community life as she is also President of the Community Life National Council. www.fuaj.org
FUAJ blows out 50 candles this year.
Two big events will take place in 2006 to celebrate this anniversary:
- Firstly, 60 Youth Hostels across France will hold an “open day” on Thursday 6th April (the exact anniversary date) with a range of events continuing right up until the Sunday 9th April. An exhibition relating FUAJ's history will be shown in each Hostel and some have also plan to stage concerts, games and other activities.
- A competition with a quiz will be held in each Youth Hostel. Three national prizes will be awarded during the second big event of this year, the November national meeting. To be held in Paris, this meeting will gather political figures, volunteers, young people, staff members, IYHF (International Youth Hostel Federation) and other national associations’ members.
Ten years after its inauguration, the Youth Hostel Georges Simenon blew out its birthday candles on 3rd February. In ten years, the Youth Hostel has not ceased to develop its sociocultural activities and increased its number of visitors. Indeed, 250.000 people of many nationalities already stayed there! “Le Guide du Routard” even calls it "the Roll Royce of Youth Hostels"!
To celebrate the event, a reception gathered all the actors of this success and, in particular: the Governor of the Province of Liege, Mr Michel Forest; the Burgomaster of the Town of Liege, Mr Willy Demeyer; the Minister for the Culture, Audio-visual and the Youth of the Government of the French Community, Mrs Fadila Laanan; and the Minister for Agriculture, Rurality, Environment and Tourism of the Walloon Government, Mr Benoît Lutgen. The celebration is not finished yet! In June, during the Festivals of Music, the Youth Hostel will organize themes days about the world of youth, travel, associations, theatre and music. www.laj.be
The Youth & Family Guesthouses in Austria are starting a new health programme for schools this Spring 2006. Inspired by a major health exhibition in Styria, the “Check your health” programme will involve hundreds of pupils in dozens of schools. Experts in nutrition, health, psychology and sports will visit schools to increase pupils' and teachers knowledge in all health related areas.
The schools and pupils will have the option to choose between different topics and activities ranging from sports to cooking. All participants of these “health days” will be encouraged to develop programmes for themselves. These projects and activities will be compiled in a “Guidebook for Schools”. www.jfgh.at
2006 is the year of the 75th anniversary of the Youth Hostels in Flanders, Belgium (www.jeugdherbergen.be). The Youth Hostel "De blauwput" in Leuven can not let this opportunity pass by without organising a great event for everybody that is interested, 
for the weekend of 13th-14th May.
There will be many activities in a multicultural atmosphere, not only for adults but also for children. On Saturday: fun international workshops for children, a walking tour for adults, a dinner with different meals from all over the world. On Sunday: a tasteful brunch with entertainment...
For more information: www.leuven-hostel.com - leuven@vjh.be
YHA aims to slash its total annual carbon dioxide emissions by more than 40 per cent when it switches its entire network of more than 200 Youth Hostels in England and Wales to renewable electricity.
The Association has shown a substantial commitment to "go green" by signing a three
year contract with British Gas Business who will provide electricity generated from renewable sources. The contract is worth nearly £ 2.5 million and will reduce the total annual output of the harmful greenhouse gas as a result of consumption by YHA Hostels by 42 % - or an estimated 15.000 tonnes.
YHA environmental officer Ewan Boyd said: "As a fully-committed supporter of the UK Government's drive to reduce carbon dioxide emissions this is an excellent step forward for YHA." John Beddoes, Corporate Customers Director for British Gas Business added “We are very pleased that we could help YHA achieve its key environmental aims through buying renewable electricity from us." www.yha.org.uk
YHA’s Andy Bickerstaffe has completed the equivalent of a "round-the-world" trip using "green" transport to produce a car-free travel guide to all Youth Hostels in England and Wales. 
The completed guide is designed to increase the use of YHA Hostels and promote the use of sustainable transport.
The "Car Free and Easy" guide was produced as part of the Empty Roads project, which scooped a Laureate prize at the Ecologically Sound Travel in Europe conference in January in Vienna - a major event held as part of the Austrian's EU presidency. YHA’s Sustainable Transport Officer Rob Brock travelled with Andy to Vienna - by train, of course - to collect the honour for "Empty Roads".
"Empty Roads" was established to encourage a shift from private cars to more sustainable and enjoyable alternatives of travel, while at the same time introducing new audiences to Youth Hostels and encouraging them to cycle, walk and use public transport. www.yha.org.uk
Hundreds of disadvantaged children can now join their friends staying in YHA accommodation on residential trips thanks to a major new funding initiative. Breaks 4 Kids provides grants to cover 50 % of the cost of the food and accommodation for young people from low-income families.
Thanks to the generosity of leading liquid petroleum gas supplier Flogas, the scheme is off to a flying start. YHA will make £ 100.000 available in grants through the scheme with Flogas agreeing to contribute £ 20.000 in each of the next three years.
Head of Fundraising for YHA Tim Diggle said: "This funding will make a tremendous difference by allowing groups to take children on trips who would not otherwise be able to afford to go and would have no holiday at all." Flogas UK Marketing Manager Margaret Shaller said: "Flogas is committed to initiatives which benefit young people."
For more information: www.breaks4kids.co.uk - breaks4kids@yha.org.uk
YHA Thurlby is now fully open to guests following its £650,000 revamp. The work carried out is the culmination of a successful partnership between YHA and Lincolnshire County Council, who will give back control of the building to YHA on Wednesday March 8th.
Charlotte Judson, YHA Regional Manager for the Midlands said: "We’re delighted with the transformation of YHA Thurlby."
The county council led the scheme to save the Youth Hostel and made a substantial contribution towards the final figure required to purchase and re-fit the building. With additional funding assistance from South Kesteven District Council, the Welland Sub-regional Strategic Partnership and YHA, the former family home in High Street, known as Capstone, has undergone a total transformation. www.yha.org.uk
On 2nd March an official cooperation agreement between the ANT (the National Authority for Youth) and the Romanian Youth Hostel Association was signed.
Fifteen of ANT’s properties have now become part of the Hostelling International network, including various locations in the country, at the seaside, as well as in the mountains and in historic Romanian towns. We now welcome you now in fifteen new locations with a total of 1.500 beds! More information on the website coming soon: www.hihostels-romania.ro
On the picture from right to left : Aurelian Chiriac - director of all ANT Youth and Recreation Centers, Borbely Karoly - President of ANT, Marian Paul Bengus President of Youth Hostel Romania, Ildiko Matyas secretary general of YHR
EUFED
Hoogstraat 25, rue Haute
B-1000 Brussels
Tel.: +32 (0)2 502 80 66 - Fax: +32 (0)2 502 55 78
info@eufed.org - www.eufed.org
Hoogstraat 25, rue Haute
B-1000 Brussels
Tel.: +32 (0)2 502 80 66 - Fax: +32 (0)2 502 55 78
info@eufed.org - www.eufed.org