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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.
Mario Mohr, Operating Director
Michèle Obert, Coordinator
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The EUFED celebratory joint reception with the German Youth Hostel Association DJH, to mark the 20th Anniversary of EUFED and the German EU Presidency, took place in Brussels on 3rd May 2007 in the prestigious premises of the 
Bavarian Representation to the EU.
The reception gathered about 100 participants including EUFED Board Members Peter Kaiser, Patrick Bernard, Roger Clarke and Bernd Dohn, 2 representatives from EUFED Youth Committee Fanny Rouanet and Christoph Parnitzke, 30 Presidents and CEOs of European Youth Hostel Associations and several representatives from like-minded NGOs and the European Parliament.
The EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Vladimír Špidla was a key speaker together with Mrs Christa Prets Member of the European Parliament. They both highlighted the contribution of Youth Hostelling in Europe to the development of a European identity and stressed that EUFED is a welcomed partner for the European Institutions.
The last EUFED Executive Committee meeting took place on 4th May 2007.
During the morning session, EUFED Executive Committee members met with IYHF European Board Members to discuss joint issues, the outcomes of the Task Groups, the progress in the preparation of the XVII European Regional Youth Hostel Conference to be held in Zürich on 24 and 25 November 2007. They also agreed to redefine EUFED/IYHF cooperation and therefore to review the "Memorandum of Understanding between EUFED and IYHF". Board Members also decided to meet on a yearly basis.
On the occasion of the EUFED 20th Anniversary reception, Dr. Bernhard Ensink (left on the picture) presented a letter to EUFED Operating Director confirming that ECF Board Members were pleased to agree on the development of cooperation discussed earlier in 2006.
EUFED Operating Director Mario Mohr attended the European Info Day of the Intelligent Energy on 19 April in Brussels in order to explore funding opportunities for future projects. More on presentation and documents, info Day slides and recording
EUFED Youth Committee Member participates in the Rome Youth Summit
On 23-25 March 2007, Fanny Rouanet, from the French Youth Hostel Association and EUFED Youth Committee Member, participated in the Youth Summit in Rome on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. Youth delegates from all over the EU met and outlined their expectations of the European project for the next 50 years. Rome Youth Declaration ...
For the collective responses (including EUFED contribution) to the questions asked in preparation for a new Paper on Tourism, follow the link...
Green Week 2007 is now open for registration online. The conference programme has been updated with the names of the speakers who will take the stand and answer the questions during the debates. The conference pages are regularly updated as more speakers confirm their participation. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/greenweek
The 11th ICWiP is calling young people around the globe to come together and focus on issues in connection with education. Get cultures and ideas together! Welcome to Pécs between 19 and 29 July 2007!
For further information and application form: http://icwip.hu/htmls/icwip_2007.html
As follow-up to the successful conference on Social Tourism which took place in January 2006, the Tourism Unit organised a stakeholder's conference within the context of the "European Year 2007 of equal opportunities for all" on 6th February 2007 in Brussels. The presentations and speeches (including the
presentation from Igor Jurišič President of HI Slovenia and the
conclusions from Peter Kaiser EUFED President) are now available on the Enterprise & Industry pages of the European Commission website:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/services/tourism/social_tourism_conference2007.htm
The European Commission's LIFE (Financial Instrument for the Environment) programme plays an important role in supporting European energy policy. This edition of the LIFE Focus series presents 24 examples of successful energy projects that contribute to achieving sustainable, competitive and secure energy for Europe. Innovative solutions for sustainable and efficient energy in Europe...
The European Youth Foundation (EYF) is a fund established by the Council of Europe to provide financial support for European youth activities. Its purpose is to encourage co-operation among young people in Europe by providing financial support to such European youth activities which serve the promotion of peace, understanding and co-operation in a spirit of respect for the Council of Europe's fundamental values such as human rights, democracy, tolerance and solidarity. The European Youth Foundation contributes to the financing of the following activities:
a) youth meetings
b) youth activities other than meetings
c) the administration of international non-governmental youth organisations and networks
d) pilot projects
In 2007, projects linked to the themes of the European Youth Campaign for Diversity, Human Rights and Participation "All Different - All Equal" will be given priority for EYF funding. For further information: http://galadriel.coe.int/fej
For the fifth time, the Council of Europe is organising the “Young Active Citizens” Award with a view to promoting active participation of young people in society by rewarding outstanding/ innovative projects/actions in this respect. The Council of Europe Award in 2006-2007 “Diversity, human rights and participation”. The Award will be given to actions or projects which are directly and explicitly contributing to “All different–All equal”: European Youth Campaign for Diversity, Human Rights and Participation. Deadline for the submission of projects to National Campaign Committees: 15th July 2007. More information: www.coe.int
The European Commission has adopted new regional aid Guidelines under the EC Treaty state aid rules. These Guidelines will apply from 2007 to 2013, the same period as for the next programming period for EU structural funds. The Guidelines set out the rules for allowing state aid which promotes the development of poorer regions, covering aid such as direct investment grants and tax reductions for companies. The Guidelines specify rules for the selection of regions which are eligible for regional aid, and define the maximum permitted levels of this aid. Further information....
AIG (Italian Youth Hostel Association) - Special airport event
On 4th April 2007, the main Italian airports organised an “Airport Day”, to inform people about airport life and rates. To mark this special event, Assaeroporti (the Association that represents all the Italian airports) in collaboration with AIG (the Italian Youth Hostel Association), held a prize draw “Maturi per Volare” (Ready to Fly). The 600 young winners received a free flight to major European destinations together with AIG 2007 membership and free gifts. The prize giving was held in 17 Italian airports: Bergamo, Turin, Venice, Verona, Brescia, Cuneo, Rimini, Florence, Pisa, Pescara, Bari, Lamezia Terme, Olbia, Palermo, Catania and Milan, with the final award day (19th April) in Rome in the presence of the Mayor of Rome Walter Veltroni. www.ostellionline.org
The Youth Hostel opened on 16th March 2007 and is located in a renovated convent with a newly-constructed extension. It is situated in the heart of the village of Remerschen, close to a swimming lake, to the Moselle river and to a nature reserve. The Youth Hostel offers spacious rooms, a restaurant and a cafeteria with terrace, several meeting rooms, internet access, common rooms and a garden with a pond. There are 150 beds, in 2 to 6-bedded rooms, all ensuite. Cosy attic dormitories are suitable for scouts or nursery schools. The Hostel is also equipped for disabled guests and is open all year round. Remerschen is an ideal spot for active holidays in a beautiful natural environment. Special programmes for schools and groups are available on request. www.youthhostels.lu
DJH (German Youth Hostel Association) - The German Youth Hostel Association strikes a positive balance of the year 2006
In 2006 overnights in Germany’s 544 Youth hostels increased by 67.000 compared to 2005: a rise of 0,7%. Altogether the German Youth Hostel Association achieved 9.972.018 overnights.
During World Cup Year many new guests were welcomed to German Youth Hostels. More than 800.000 international overnights were registered in total, around 16.000 more than the previous year. Most of the guests were from France, followed by England & Wales and the Netherlands.
Although the number of the pupils in Germany is declining, overnights remained stable because of the attractive programmes available. Accounting for 42% of overnights, schools are the most important sector. Families also like Youth Hostels: the positive trend of the last few years continues with an increase of 4,5 %. www.jugendherberge.de
For the first time in Youth Hostelling history, DJH and FUAJ are preparing a border crossing joint project: they are planning to build a youth hostel in the border towns of Scheibenhardt (Germany) and Scheibenhard (France) which are separated only by a small river.
The first talks with the mayors will be held on 24th May 2007 in Strasbourg Youth Hostel.www.jugendherberge.de
In 2007, FUAJ is reviewing and developing its partnerships. FUAJ just just signed a partnership agreement with the French Union of Cycle Touring for a large-scale project "2008 Paris-Peking by bike": 100 experienced cyclists will leave Paris on 15th March 2008 to arrive in Peking on 1st August 2008, some days before the opening of the Olympic Games, having travelled 12.420 km. Their route will cross 11 countries from France to China. FUAJ will provide participants with free overnights or discounts on overnight stays in French Youth hostels, and also called for other Associations within the Hostelling International network to participate.
The FUAJ is also meeting its regular partners including sport federations (hiking, cycling, equestrian tourism, caving, diving) to broaden the spectrum of their agreements. Partnerships are also being considered with the Centre of the National Monuments (the Futuroscope in particular) which will give FUAJ’s members new incentives to really enjoy holidays in Youth hostels in France! Finally, FUAJ is revitalising its partnership with "ZE BUS". "ZE BUS" offers a new way to travel in France: from May till October 2007, two buses are going to go across the West of France from Paris to Biarritz. The programme: the Second World War landing beaches, the "Mont-Saint-Michel", the “menhirs” of Carnac and 17 surfing spots! www.fuaj.org
On 4th May 2007, after a year of refurbishment, the Bouillon Youth Hostel opened a gite providing accommodation for 20 people and two more gites, each providing accommodation for 8 people, and which can be rented as a whole unit. The gites offer double rooms and rooms for 4 people. Each gite includes a lounge, a dining room, a fitted kitchen (dishwasher, refrigerator, electric oven, electric cooker) and a fire detection system. Sheets and breakfast are included in the rental and a television and DVD player can be provided upon request. The Youth Hostel is situated on a hill opposite to one of Europe’s most impressive fortresses and offers an outstanding view over the river Semois. More details on www.laj.be
Following an agreement between Movijovem, the Portuguese Institute for Youth and Porto de Mós City Council, a new Youth Hostel in Alvados–Porto de Mós has joined the Portuguese Youth Hostels network. With an investment of about € 1.4 million, the Alvados Youth Hostel is a new building providing 52 beds in 6 twin en-suite rooms (one suitable for wheelchair users) and 10 four-bedded rooms. This hostel, which opened its doors on 9th February 2007, also offers self catering kitchen and laundry facilities, common room, lockers, parking facilities and internet access.
Alvados Youth Hostel lies in the heart of the Natural Park of Aire and Candeeiros Mountains, close to Mira de Aire, Alvados and Santo António grottoes, thus an ideal setting to experience outdoor activities such as adventure sports, climbing, trekking, orienteering and even caving!! Therefore, this hostel specialises in “Nature and Adventure” breaks, offering a friendly and relaxing stay for those who seek tranquillity and nature.
Mina Youth Hostel-Fundão
On 16th February 2007, another Youth Hostel opened in Portugal, Mina–Fundão. This youth hostel, located in a mining village – “Cabeço do Pião” – 25 Km from Fundão, offers modern, comfortable and well-equipped facilities, providing 36 beds in 2 six-bedded rooms, 1 eight-bedded room and 1 fourteen-bedded room. This converted hostel, once home to the mineworkers of Panasqueira Mines (decommissioned in 1995), has facilities for disabled people and offers common room, free wifi internet access, cycle rental, lockers and games.
In the marvellous mountain and river valley scenery near the Zêzere River, visitors can experience all sorts of outdoor sports such as rappel, climbing, trekking, paintball, off road and canoeing, always in close contact with nature!
Lousã Youth Hostel
Following an agreement between Movijovem, the Portuguese Institute for Youth and Lousã City Council, a new Youth Hostel in Lousã has joined the Portuguese Youth Hostels network on 20th of April 2007.
With an investment of 2.115.000 €,the Lousã Youth Hostel is a new building providing 62 beds in seven twin en-suite rooms (one suitable for wheelchair users) and 12 four-bedded rooms. This hostel, offers several additional services, such as self catering kitchen and laundry facilities, common room, bar, lockers, parking facilities and internet access.
Located in the centre of Portugal – about 30 km southeast from Coimbra - Lousã is a charming town due to the beauty of the landscape where the plains join the mountain ridge, and to its magnificent 18th-century houses (such as Palácio dos Salazares).
Starting in Summer 2007, during holiday periods or bank holiday weekends ÖJHV will offer a new Youth Hostel in Wolfsberg. The Hostel provides 42 beds in single, 2 or 3-bedded rooms. All rooms are equipped to the highest standards including ensuite facilities and internet access. The youth hostel has a variety of leisure activities: tennis, basketball or a home cinema centre! Wolfsberg is not only a centre for hiking or skiing in the surrounding mountains of Koralpe, Saualpe or Klippitzthörl, but also benefits from sport facilities in the city, which make it very attractive to youth and sport group visitors. Rich in culture and arts, whether it is a Tudor-styled castle or an art gallery, guests will have to choose how to discover the “paradise of carinthia”. www.hiyou.at
In February 2007 the "Young Hotel Obertraun" in Upper Austria was reopened after a long construction period. The building has been completely renovated and is now one of the most modern Youth Hostels in Austria. 
More than € 500.000 has been invested and the meeting-rooms, the ski cellar and two guest room wings have all been completely refurbished. The entrance hall and the reception have been modernised and are now very customer-friendly. All 28 rooms (93 beds) are now en-suite..
The Youth Hostel is open all year and its surroundings offer a great variety of leisure activities: a bathing resort, places for mountain bikers, kayakers, rafters, hang and para gliders, climbers, mountaineers... In winter it is an international meeting point for alpine and cross country skiers, and snow boarders.
Since 1997, the region “Hallstatt – Dachstein” is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage regions with its famous salt mine and ice caves. Both the natural and the historical/architectural aspects of the area are amazing and invite a pleasant stay. http://www.jungehotels.at/oe/youth_hostels
After a year of renovation, the Youth Hostel
Stayokay Maastricht re-opened in April 2007. Ideally situated on the west bank of the Maas in the heart of Maastricht, the hostel offers spacious rooms, conference facilities, bicycle rental and a brilliant riverside terrace.
The huge tree incorporated in the building is intriguing and was the only thing left untouched by the builders together with the foundations, from a former Chinese restaurant. The new Hostel is now providing 200 beds in 4, 5 and 6-bedded rooms. 4 rooms are equipped for disabled people.
This website, in Dutch and English, not only gives general information but also a lot of details on the 22 Youth Hostels in Flanders and Brussels (North of Belgium) as well as links to the Youth Hostels in the Walloon provinces (South of Belgium) and to the rest of the world.
YHA E&W (Youth Hostel Association England & Wales) - Get ready for real action
YHA today unleashed Do it 4 Real 2007 - an action-packed programme of residential summer activity camps for young people. Around 10,500 places will be offered to 10-17 year olds and, thanks to a grant of £5.5 million from the Big Lottery Fund, heavily discounted rates will be available to disadvantaged children.
YHA Sales and Marketing Director Alan Hopley said: "We know from experience that Do it 4 Real can make a big difference to children's lives, particularly those who have never tried the activities we offer before, or have never stayed away from home. "These camps break down barriers between children from different backgrounds, build confidence and encourage them to lead active lives."
New camps for 2007 include "Live like a star", a week at a gothic manor house where young people will produce and star in their own pop DVD, learn about costume and design and enjoy a celebrity outing to Alton Towers. A much bigger range of Watersports Action camps is also on offer following their popularity in previous years. All-day surfing at Okehampton, in Devon, and ghyll-scrambling, at Derwentwater, in the Lake District, are two more of the new challenges available. Further information is available at www.doit4real.co.uk.
The Youth Hostels at Locarno, Stein and Rhein Beinwil have now a new appearance. The toilet/shower area now provides modern facilities for guests, which make their stay even more comfortable. The rebuilding of the three Youth Hostels is shaped by modern simplicity and corresponds to the philosophy 
of the Swiss Youth Hostels.
www.youthhostel.ch/stein
www.youthhostel.ch/locarno
www.youthhostel.ch/beinwil
The Youth Hostel "Fortress" in Arad, joined the Romanian YHA in December 2006.
The Youth Hostel provides 15 2-bedded rooms all equipped with TV and a refrigerators. The Youth Hostel is open all year, 24 h/day and offers catering for lunch and dinner as well as a self-catering kitchen, laundry facilities, parking area, air conditioning.
With support from the General Budget
of the European Communities
The information contained in this publication does not necessarily reflect the position
or opinion of the European Commission
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