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 and Hostelling International.
Constanze Adolf, Operating Director
Michčle Obert, Coordinator

To contribute to this e-bulletin or to tell us what you think, please contact: info@eufed.org

President's Introduction

2009 marked the centenary of youth hostelling, celebrated by associations around the world. Anniversaries are about looking back, and celebration - but the proper celebration also looks forward and plans for the future, which was indeed the theme for that celebration.

Recently Scotland and much of mid-Europe have been through one of the severest winter spells for maybe fifty years. Wonderful fun for our skiers and climbers, well prepared and knowledgeable; not so much fun, though, when you have to struggle to work or to hostel! But doesn't it give us glorious hope for the joys of summer?

WE in EUFED look forward to supporting our members as they plan for those future summers!

Paul Goldfinch

Live from Brussels

Citizenship as one of the priorities of the 2010 Spanish EU Presidency
Spain will be the first country to take the rotating Presidency since the nomination of a permanent EU President and a High Representative for Foreign Affairs. Spain harbours ambitions to "close the gap between Europe and the people" by endorsing a more ambitious social agenda. Spain will be pushing for the adoption of a non-discrimination directive, to fight violence against women. "We want to address gender violence not only from a national, but from a European perspective," said Diego Lopez Garrido (Secretary of State for the European Union in the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation). Implementation of the Lisbon Treaty, jobs and economy, and foreign affairs will be the other priorities. www.eu2010.es

2011 as the European Year of Volunteering
The EU Council decided to designate 2011 as the European Year of Volunteering. The aim of the year is to raise the profile of, and encourage and support efforts across Europe to create good conditions for voluntary work.

Member Associations will want to start thinking now how best to make use of this designation, for almost all of us make use of a strong volunteering component. To read the press release...

Lisbon Treaty into force
Read on how it will affect the third sector here...

Experts look at what it means for climate change and how it relates to decision-making in the parliament. EU experts assess policy impact of Lisbon Treaty

Visa-free travel for citizens of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia
From 19th December citizens of the three former Yugoslav republics who hold biometric passports will not need visas to enter the borderless Schengen area. EU scraps visas for three Balkan states

New EU Commission designated Antonio Tajani Commissioner responsible for tourism, Androulla Vassiliou responsible for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth
Antonio Tajani, the designated Commissioner for Industry and Enterprise who thus will be responsible for the tourism unit stressed during his first presentation that one of his priorities is social tourism. These are very promising perspectives for the CALYPSO preparatory action.

Androulla Vassiliou the new Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilinguism and Youth presented her programme and priorities to the European Parliament on 14th January 2010 concluding that "we have to invest in our youth" and that "mobility should remain a central part of education".

- Climate action: Connie Hedegaard
- Environment: Janez Potočnik

Be ready for the 2010 EU Sustainable Energy Week
We all know it, our energy future must be different from today's situation. New and renewable energy sources must replace fossil fuels, we will need to use energy more efficiently, and the future has to be low-carbon. This is what the EUSEW is set to address. The event will take place from 22 to 26 March 2010. Find out more on www.eusew.eu

EU Sustainable Energy Week 2010: what's in it for you?

1. Many Energy Days across the EU – yours as well? Wherever you live in Europe, you can be part of the EUSEW by organising an Energy Day in your region or town. If your event promotes energy efficiency or renewable energy and will take place during 22-26 March (including preceding and following weekends), sign up your event on www.eusew.eu ("Energy Days in Europe").

2. A series of high-level events in Brussels – be a part of it European institutions, associates of the Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign, and other important players in the field organise a series of events in Brussels during the EUSEW, including a 3-day policy and networking conference in the premises of the European Commission from 23-25 March.

If you plan to organise an event on renewable energy or energy efficiency in Brussels during 22-26 March, it is possible to add it to the agenda of EUSEW events in Brussels. You profit from more visibility and free registration services. How? Simply get in touch with the EUSEW secretariat: eusew@sustenergy.org.

The Council adopts new EU youth policy framework
On 1st December 2009 the Council adopted a Resolution on a renewed framework for European cooperation in the youth field for the next decade. Based on the Commission's Communication on a new EU Youth Strategy (investing and empowering), the new framework invites both Member States and the Commission to work closely together to provide more and better opportunities for young people in the European Union.

This Resolution invites both the Member States and the Commission to develop European cooperation in the youth field and defines two overall objectives of the new framework More and equal opportunities for young people in education and in the labour market Active citizenship, social inclusion and solidarity of young people It outlines initiatives to help young people to face opportunities and challenges in eight new fields of action: education and training, employment and entrepreneurship, health and well-being, participation, voluntary activities, social inclusion, youth and the world, creativity and culture. Press release...

http://ec.europa.eu/youth/news/news1646_en.htm

http://ec.europa.eu/youth/news/news1458_en.htm

A statistical portrait of the lifestyle of young people
Young people make up a significant proportion of the EU population: on 1st January 2009, there were 95 million people aged 15 to 29 in the EU27, almost a fifth of the total population. Statistics on young people confirm that they have their own characteristics compared to the older generation, but also reveal differences in their behaviour between Member States. To read the more: Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities. This publication is issued in connection with the adoption of a resolution by the Council on a new EU Youth Strategy for 2010-2018. Read more...

European Capital of Culture 2010

The European Capital of Culture is a city designated by the European Union for a period of one calendar year during which it is given a chance to showcase its cultural life and cultural development. In 2010 three European cities have been awarded to be European Capital of Culture: Essen (Germany), Pécs (Hungary), Istanbul (Turkey).

Launch of the 2010 European Year for combating poverty and social exclusion
Europe joins forces to fight poverty and social exclusion.

To read more...

UN proclaims International Year of Youth in 2010
In its resolution proclaiming the Year, the General Assembly called on governments, civil society, individuals and communities worldwide to support activities at local and international levels to mark the event.

Under the theme "Dialogue and Mutual Understanding", the Year aims to encourage dialogue and understanding across generations and promote the ideals of peace, respect for human rights and freedoms, and solidarity. It also encourages young people to dedicate themselves to fostering progress, including the attainment of the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which seek to slash a host of social ills, ranging from extreme poverty and hunger to maternal and infant mortality to lack of access to education and health care, all by 2015.

Several international events are already scheduled throughout the year, including the Fifth World Youth Congress from 31 July to 13 August in Istanbul, and the World Conference for Youth in Mexico City from 24 to 27 August. Both gatherings will focus on youth and sustainable development in the context of the MDGs. The inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore from 14 to 26 August will seek to inspire youth around the world to embrace, embody and express the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect. www.un.org/youth

A new arena for Youth Policy in the European Parliament
A new era for youth issues has started. The European Parliament, for the first time in its history has adopted a new instrument to better address the expectations and need of young people. On 10th December 2009, following the decision of the Political Groups, support was given for the creation of a transversal intergroup on Youth. To read more...

Member Associations news

Germany - Deutsches Jugendherbergswerk (DJH) - 100 guests celebrating 100th anniversary in Germany - The “DJH Award” given for the first time
The Executive Board of the German Association has recently created a "DJH Award” to thank people who have been active for many years in supporting a good cooperation with the German Youth Hostel Association. The first gold pins and certificates were awarded by DJH President Angela Braasch-Eggert on the occasion of the 100th anniversary reception on 21st November 2009 in Düsseldorf.

Four Presidents of national Youth Hostel Associations were honoured with the new DJH award: Marc Yseboot and Christian Vanderwinnen of the Flemish and Walloon associations (Belgium), Prof. Max Steiner (HI-Bolivia) and Dr. Peter Kaiser (Austria).
From left to right: Prof. Max Steiner, Dr. Peter Kaiser, Angela Braasch-Eggert, Marc Yseboot, Christian Vanderwinnen - www.jugendherberge.de

Germany - Deutsches Jugendherbergswerk (DJH) - Commitment to the future is cool
Flora (14) thinks it is great to practice commitment for others. She looks after the children of her neighbour, helps in the house and works in the garden, rides to school by bike and collects waste in the woods. Flora is one of the 750 young people in Germany who participate in the Youth Action "Future-Friends". Within only one year they have achieved 6.600 good deeds for a future worth living. On 17th November 2009, Flora and some other young people have been awarded for their commitment by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) in Osnabrück. Ulrike Peters of the DBU and DJH Chief Executive Bernd Dohn congratulated the winners. More Information under www.future-friends.de

Germany - Deutsches Jugendherbergswerk (DJH) - The German Youth Hostel Association extends family membership
The German Youth Hostel Association makes the family membership even more attractive: until now the children who completed their 18th year had to have an individual membership card. Now a new regulation is in force: 18-years-old can furthermore remain in the existing family membership of the parents – free of charge.

This benefit is limited individually: it ends with the completion of the 26th year of the respective member or starting an own family. This requires a new individual or family membership. Membership cards will be issued in the usual way, so that there will be no difficulties for other associations, only the benefit of more members. www.jugendherberge.de

England & Wales - Youth Hostel Association England and Wales (YHA E&W) - Do It 4 Real does it again
Do It 4 Real summer camps run by YHA (England and Wales) in 2009 exceeded the expectations of both young people and their parents, and had a positive impact on the young people themselves, research has shown.

Young people said that going to a camp increased their self confidence, and improved their physical health and well being. They also met other young people from different backgrounds and would be better able to relate to others from different backgrounds since attending camp.

Independent research was conducted before and after camp with both parents and guardians, and the young people themselves. A full report showing the impact of summer camps on young people, on their health, well being and confidence, will be available in 2010.

For more information about Do It 4 Real summer camps visit www.doit4real.co.uk

France - FUAJ - IOU RESPECT, building a culture of peace – 31st July to 14th August 2009, France
After Egypt in 2008, it was France’s turn to host the 2009 edition of the international youth exchange programme, IOU RESPECT. This year, 30 young participants from 6 countries – Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Germany, USA and France – spent 3 days in Paris to discover the wonders of the French capital, and then headed to Annecy a charming city on the shore of one of the greatest lakes in France, treasure of Haute-Savoie.

They were gathered to discuss peace and understanding within dialogue sessions and team building activities that facilitate debate about stereotypes, religion, gender and tolerance. Conflict resolution, social and cultural gaps were also discussed during free time, excursions and evening parties. Once again this programme was a very rich experience for all the participants thanks to their great personal application during the two weeks. www.fuaj.org

Israel - IYHA (Israel Youth Hostel Association) - "AMEN" Youth Volunteer Programme in Israel
As an integral part of the educational activities that IYHA chose to operate, "AMEN", Youth Volunteer Program, is a partnership between the Israel Youth Hostel Association, the JDC, the Ministry of Education and Amutat Alon. IYHA launched "AMEN" to mobilize young Israelis to adopt volunteer behaviour as a way of life. "AMEN" rallies young people within a given city to take a leading role in local volunteer activities needed by their communities.

"AMEN" works through existing local resources to recruit new teenage volunteers, assign them with specific activities and set up forums for the volunteers to meet and support each other. Organizations working with volunteers receive training to help them motivate the young volunteers. "AMEN" creates a local volunteers' system that becomes an integral part of a city, ultimately crafting Israel's next generation of leaders and active citizens who are there to assist the country's most disadvantaged population. www.iyha.org.il

Slovenia - Popotniškego združenje Slovenije (PZS) - The Belgian Youth Hostel Association LAJ, visits PZS (Slovenia) and HFHS (Croatia)
After many years of great friendship between the 3 Youth Hostel Associations, representatives from LAJ recently visited Slovenia and Croatia on a four day tour. On this occasion, the group visited Youth Hostels in Rijeka and Zagreb (Croatia) and Postojna, Podcetrtek, Maribor and Ruse (Slovenia) and had the opportunity to discover some cultural heritage trails such as “The old village”, open air ethnographical museum in Kumrovec and the birth place of former Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito in the historical centre of the Croatian capital Zagreb.

In Slovenia the Belgian delegates explored the country's cultural and technical heritage, visiting a traditional blacksmith museum and a floating mill on Mura River, with old pottery and pumpkin oil production. They finally visited the oldest Vine in the world, recorded by the Guinness book of records, and met the Director of the Maribor Tourism Organisation, Mr. Milan Razdevšek. These tours are a great opportunity for Youth Hostel Associations to build new friendships and also to promote the network of Youth Hostels. www.youth-hostel.si

Slovenia - Popotniškego združenje Slovenije (PZS) - Opening of a new Youth Hostel
The hostelling network in Slovenia has developed its network with another youth hostel. The new youth hostel is located in the centre of Radovljica in a house built in 1634 – making it the oldest building in the Slovenian hostelling network. Despite the age, it meets all the high standards and is ranked in the highest category of the five blue triangles.

The opening ceremony took place on 28th December 2009 with the presence of the Mayor of Radovljica. It is the fifth youth hostel in the "Gorenjska" region, which already provides first-rate Youth Hostels such as Youth Hostel Bled, Youth Hostel Kranjska Gora, Youth Hostel Bohinj and Youth Hostel Vogel. www.youth-hostel.si

HI news

HI announces "Best Hostels in the World"
The best hostels in the world are found in Thailand, Norway, Japan, USA, Switzerland and Luxembourg. This was revealed when Hostelling International (HI) announced the winners of the “HI Best Hostel Awards 2009”.

Cleanest Hostel 2009 - Grindelwald, Switzerland. Grindelwald is normally known for the stunning surroundings and breathtaking views of the Alps, but the hostel also has the highest customer rating when it comes to cleanliness. The architecture of the hostel is spectacular, with large panoramic windows, airy rooms and wooden panels. www.youthhostels.ch

Best Hostel Country 2009 – Luxembourg. This award is given to the country with the highest average hostel rating. The Luxembourg Youth Hostel Association is a network of 10 hostels, the vast majority with an overall rating way above average. The hostels are set in some of the country's greatest beauty spots where accommodation varies from modern chalet-style buildings to an old brewery and an atmospheric castle. www.youthhostels.lu

Friendliest Hostel 2009 - Třnsberg, Norway. At Třnsberg Hostel, located on the east coast of Norway, the staff go out of their way to look after the guests. And it is very much appreciated. Every single guest has given the staff the highest “Friendliness” rating. The hostel attracts a wide variety of guests: back packers, families with young children, sports groups and even business travellers. www.hihostels.no