MGERB has become part of the big European family of YEPP

05/12/09

MGERB has officially gained the status of an observer member in the Youth of the European People’s Party – YEPP! MGERB was also officially recognised by the right-wing centralist youth organisations from all over Europe as a full righted partner. This happened during the international seminar of YEPP in Tirana, Albania. The seminar took hold from the 3rd of December to the 6th of December 2009. MGERB was supported with consent by over 30 youth organisations from all over Europe during the vote, which occurred during the board meeting of YEPP. Having an observer member status is the last step before achieving a full member status in the YEPP. After the achieved success MGERB can take an active part in determining the policies on European level, through it’s participation in the largest international youth organisation. When MGERB is accepted as a full member the representatives of MGERB will have the right to elect the YEPP Board, as well as be elected to be in the YEPP Board.

Hristo Gadzhev – MGERB’s International Secretary took part in the seminar in Tirana. He presented MGERB before the participants and introduced the qualities of the largest right-wing centralist youth organisation in Bulgaria. “At the base of MGERB lay main values, such as supremacy of the law, freedom of personal initiative and the traditional values of the EPP. We have proven our willingness to work for forming policies, regarding people not only on national, but on European level, so we can achieve prosperity for all European citizens. That is why I am certain that MGERB will be a worthy member of the family of YEPP”.

The participants to the conference were welcomed by the Prime Minister of Albania – Sali Berisha. He thanked them for their visit to Albania and introduced the situation in the country. He requested help for the removal of visas from 2010. The ministers of European Integration, Interior, Defence, Infrastructure and Transport and Telecommunications were also present during the meeting. Antonio Tajani the Vice President of the European Commission for Transport was also a special guest to the seminar.

Monika Panayotova the Chairwoman of MGERB will specially meet with the Board of YEPP during the forthcoming congress of the EPP in Bonn to thank personally for the vote of confidence and the acceptance of MGERB in the big youth European family.

The next seminar of the Youth of the European People’s Party will take place in Sofia and Plovdiv – Bulgaria. It will start on the 18th of February and end on the 21st of February. The host of the seminar will be MGERB.

Monika Panayotova: The European Union is turning into a factor with the Lisbon Treaty

02/12/09

Interview made by Miglena Slavova – Novinar

Kuneva can give to Bulgaria as an expert, thinks the MP from GERB

Monika Panayotova was born on the 19th of August 1983 in Sofia. She has a MA in International Economic Relations in the University of National and World Economy with a specialization in “International Project Management”. She is the Chairwoman of MGERB. She was the director of “Projects connected with Society”, in the Economical Policy Institute until 2008. She can wield English, French and Spanish.

Miss Panayotova do you think that the International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response Commission is important enough for the Bulgarian representative to the European Commission and what do you think about the opinions that the Foreign Minister would become the Emel Etem of Europe?

Every commission of the European Union is important if it has been opened. The President of the European Commission forms his team of European Commissioners, so every commissioner is important for his work. It is important that every European Commissioner is vital and everyone can vote. Our European Commissioner needs to keep the balance between the best interests of the whole European Union and of Bulgaria. Keeping the balance is very important and every commissioner can influence his fellow commissioners.

What do you think of the statement of Miglena Kuneva that she intends to transfer her work efforts towards the Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and the President Georgi Parvanov?

I think that Meglena Kuneva has a lot to give to Bulgaria as an expert. The fact that she spent a lot of time in Brussels proves that. I think that everyone who wants to help the Bulgarian Government constructively is welcome to do so. This has always been stated by our Prime Minister. Everyone can help despite his political orientation if he works for the best interest of the country. After we leave the border of Bulgaria we defend Bulgaria’s position and not the position of GERB, BSP or MRF. We go out there with the Bulgarian position. I don’t see any difficulties for anyone who wants to work for this cause.

The Lisbon Treaty takes effect from the 1st of December. What does this mean for Bulgaria?

I have personally been pro-federally orientated from many years and I have been hoping that this becomes reality one day. I am really happy that the Lisbon Treaty will take effect. This is a sign that Europe is moving forward. From now on Europe will become a legal personality in other words - it will become a key figure in the international field. The changes that effect Bulgaria will have effect on the whole European Union. Now we are talking for wider identification – the European identification. We think of ourselves as Bulgarians, but now we would think of ourselves also as Europeans, because the European Union will have an independent foreign policy and a president. The role of the institutions and the new legislation is becoming really important concerning decisions. In order for a certain decision to take effect it would need 55% approval of the member countries and 65% approval of the population of the European Union. There will be double legitimacy regarding the decisions. Every country will have the right to leave the European Union if it considers this to be the right decision. The citizens of the European Union will have the right for initiatives. If one million citizens think that a particular problem is of great importance for the whole Union, they could have it reviewed. There will be greater perspective for the citizens regarding the decision making process. Another important moment is that the national governments will have a greater impact on the European Parliament. In reality before any decision can take effect it first needs to be reviewed by all the national governments. This will be a challenge in front of our government, because we would need greater expertise – the MP’s as well as the experts working for the National Assembly.


Won’t we lose our national identity with the Lisbon Treaty?

No not at all. The motto of Europe – “United in diversity”, will truly take effect. Everyone is contributing to what the European Union looks like and this leads to a wider European identification. Culturally everyone has their own identity. Everyone is equal before the law.

How would you comment on the increasing civil claims before the Court in Strasbourg by the people with disabilities and the pensioners?

Maybe they know that when a civil suit starts there at one moment there will be a result. This is something that we can’t always see here.

How can we change this?

This can happen with a reform in the justice system, but as you know this takes a really long time. The important thing is that the new government has expressed will for reforms and is starting to achieve them. But everything is happening gradually and by stages, because every fast decision might not be the right one. Every step is well tough by our government. I believe there will be reforms but there is now way that they could happen in the first one hundred days of the new cabinet. It is a question of time before we can see the positive results.

What do you think of the results of the referendum in Switzerland about minarets?

One of the international theories is that of the conflict of the civilizations in other words between Christianity and Islam. I believe it is very important for politicians to be able to keep the balance and to put an accent that religion needs to remain in the frames of personal space. If we start dividing ourselves on religious, sexual or ethnical bases we would never be able to achieve anything good. Normally the more radical parties succeed in doing more negative campaigns. The ones who opposed European integration had a more successful campaign.

One of the last events that drew public attention was also on a religious basis. The Yuzeirovi Brothers attempted to build a second monument of the Unknown Turkish Warrior, but this time in their patio. Don’t you think that the law for registration of new religions or new parties needs to be changed?

As far as I am informed about the case of the second monument it was never discussed with the local authorities and no one asked for a legal approval i.e. it wasn’t done in the necessary manner. No division leads to anything good. Bulgaria has always been a good example for ethnical tolerance. Let’s keep this image - this is my appeal to everyone. We are not a big country. If we start dividing ourselves this won’t be good for anyone. The individual success of everyone will contribute to the success of the country. Let’s have a positive and creative thinking, rather then destructive. 

MGERB was part of a conference which gathered young leaders from the Balkans

23/11/09

The Youth of the Macedonian Revolutionary Organisation – Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity hosted a conference which gathered right orientated young leaders from the Balkans. The conference took place in Mavrovo, Macedonia and started on the 20th of November and ended on the 22nd of November lasting a total of three days. The conference was dedicated to the last 20 years which can be summarized as a time of change. Everyone agreed that the main headline of the conference was European Cooperation and that the Balkan countries need to work so that the whole region can become part of the European Union.
The conference was financed by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. MGERB was represented by Kalin Zahariev – Deputy International Secretary and Member of the National Executive Council of MGERB.

Friday the 20th of November
The three day program began in Skopje, Macedonia with astounding media coverage. The conference was assessed as a step forward regarding the cooperation in the Balkan region. The participants were greeted and welcomed by the official representative of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation for Macedonia – Henri Bohnet. After a short non formal meeting between the participants and the organisers everyone traveled to the mountain village of Mavrovo. During their introductory lunch the participants were greeted by Gordana Jankuloska – Minister of Interior of Macedonia. She revealed that she had been part of the Youth of the Macedonian Revolutionary Organisation – Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity.

Saturday the 21st of November
The first panel of the conference focused on the reasons behind the choice of a young person to get involved with politics. This later led to a discussion about the role of the young in politics. The second panel introduced all of the youth political organisations taking part in the conference and focused on the role of the young in the modern political atmosphere, particularly in the Balkan region. The Youth of GERB was specially congratulated for the convincing win in the past political elections. As well as there contribute. MGERB received a very high mark for the fact that many members of MGERB became part of the executive and legislative government. MGERB received special praise for being one of the few youth right wing political organisations contributing for achieving greater cooperation in the region. The vision of what should be the role of the young when they are part of the government was introduced by Kalin Zahariev, as well as the fact that the Balkan region needs to become part of the EU. The region can be the most united in the EU, because of its similar cultures, traditions and history.

Sunday the 22nd of November
The third panel of the conference concentrated on the cooperation between the countries located in the Balkan region. This later led to the conclusion of all of the discussed topics. The participants produced a vision for an EU and NATO Balkans which put a successful end to the conference!

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23/11/09

The Member of European Parliament – Vladimir Urutchev met with MGERB

23/11/09

“Every country is seeking a variety of energy sources. For countries such as France and Italy this means a pipeline with Russia and that’s why they rely on the “South Stream” project.” Russia is the biggest exporter of natural gas to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. We need to seek a different source – in the Caucasus region, Iran and the Middle East.”, this was stated by Vladimir Urutchev during his meeting with the Youth of GERB in Plovdiv, while they were taking part in a seminar entitled: “Strategic Public Management”. According to the expert - Bulgaria needs to differentiate its energy policy. A permanent solution to the problem is the “Nabucco” pipeline project, which is a priority. The project “South Stream” is very interesting for Bulgaria from an economical point of view, from which the country would have an economical effect of hundreds of millions of euro from the taxes. But in order for those takes to exist we need to uphold property, stated the MEP Vladimir Urutchev answering the youth’s questions. The “Nabucco” project would cost 15 milliard euros, whereas the “South Stream” project would cost 26 milliard euros. According to recent publications of western analyzers the “Nabucco” project might turn out to be a bluff, because there might not be enough gas for it. The opinion of the experts is that both of the projects rely on the Caspian region.

The boys and girls from MGERB also expressed interest about the future of the Belene Nuclear Power Plant. If the project was based on the right economical base there would have been no room for debate. The fatal mistake is that everything is predetermined and we need to find an investor, who would invest in a technology he does not know. The things are predetermined with the choice of equipment and technology. We need investors who would assess the risk of the project, choose the technology and determine the deadlines, said Vladimir Urutchev. The participants in the meeting discussed the future of the “Burgas – Alexandropolis” pipeline project, the use of rechargeable energy sources, the Lisbon Treaty and the election of the President of the European Council for over one hour with Vladimir Urutchev.

Another very important guest to MGERB’s Third Political Academy, other then Vladimir Urutchev was the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Simeon Djankov. He came under the invitation of the Chairwoman of MGERB and Member of Parliament in the 41st National Assembly – Monika Panayotova.

MGERB held a training course on the subject of “Strategic Public Management”

23/11/09

With the help of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation MGERB held a three day training seminar on the subject of strategic public management. The training course was part of MGERB’s Third Political Academy, which took hold between the 19th to the 22nd of November. The training course was attended by over thirty alumni of MGERB’s past political academies, who have all shown excellent results.
   
There were eleven sessions during the three days of the training. They were divided into three groups according to their thematic. The target of the training was to familiarise the participants with the good European practices of public relations, the development of policies and the management of projects. To learn about Bulgaria’s administration and the problems connected with it, as well as the necessity of change. The need to assess the influence of policies and the legislature was also discussed, as well as the need to generate ideas on how to improve public administration.
   
The lecturers during the training were Snejana Dimitrova – a consultant in the sphere of state administration and Pavel Ivanov – an expert in the Council of Minister’s administration. Snejana Dimitrova introduced the good European practices concerning management to the participants. There was a short historic analysis of the development of administration in Bulgaria, as well as its current state. The participants were familiarised in detail with the relations of political and administrative level governance. Pavel Ivanov explained how to develop a political strategy, which was later practiced with practical games. The alumni divided into groups and set their political targets, which were later developed. After that the contestants understood why it is very important to assess the work of the legislature and the policies. They were divided into groups and were given a unique task, which they needed to solve. When the groups had solved their tasks Snejana Dimitrova introduced the importance of leadership when analysing results. The lecture began with a practical exercise, which determined, which of the alumni, were the most willing for radical change. The most important changes in the assessment of the state administration were also discussed. After all the lections the participants formed their own suggestions concerning the upcoming reform in the administration. The alumni had the unique chance to introduce their ideas directly to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Simeon Djankov. Snejana Dimitrova and Pavel Ivanov familiarised MGERB with how to manage projects in the state administration. The discussion passed as a dialogue due to the fact that most of the participants already had experience managing projects.
   
In the end of the training the participants received educational material on public management and management of projects, as well as digital copies of the discussed lectures.  The link was strengthened with excellent marks expressed towards the lecturers and organizers, which was an expression of readiness for further learning in this field by the alumni of MGERB’s political academies.

MGERB learned about “Political Culture and how to communicate with the media” during the second module of the Third Political Academy

23/11/09

The second module of MGERB’s Third Political Academy took place in the Imperial Park Hotel in Plovdiv from the 19th to the 22nd of November 2009. The module was titled: “Political Culture and how to communicate with the media” and was officially opened by Mr. Ivan Totev – Regional Governor of Plovdiv and Regional Coordinator of GERB – Plovdiv and the National Executive Council of MGERB.

During the four day training there were over 50 participants - representatives of MGERB from the whole country. The main topics during the module were: “Media Presence, theory and practice”, “Political Rhetoric, theory and practice” and “Political Culture”.

The target of the training dedicated to “Media Presence, theory and practice” was to teach the participants the difference between the different media, the way they need to behave in front of a camera, microphone, as well as to practically prepare the participants to communicate with the media. The participants learned the different dress codes that are appropriate for the different media’s.  That they should dress appropriately to the decors in the television studios, the light and the cameras. The participants also learned the difference between formal and informal meetings with the media. They learned how to form a press message and headline during several exercises. The participants had the chance to show what they had learned during a simulated press conference and a debate. The simulation included cameras and microphones, so the participants, practiced their speech, as well as behavior. Lecturers of the panel were Sevdelina Arnaudova -PR, Press centre of the political party of GERB in the National Assembly and Nikola Nikolov, journalist Balkan Bulgarian Television (BBT).

The second panel of the training dealt with “Political Rhetoric, theory and practice”. The target of the panel was to prepare the participants to lead a political debate in the reality of today’s Bulgaria. The participants in MGERB’s Third Political Academy had the ability to familiarise themselves with the political ideologies and how to use them in election campaigns. There was a unique exercise, which determined where the participant placed in the political scale, ranging from ultra left, left, liberal, right and ultra right. The participants answered questions, which determined where they place on the scale. After every question there was a debate in which the participants defended their answers and discussed the general answers. The participants learned to determine the left and the right policies. The participants learned about which parties are consider left and which are considered right in Europe and the United States. The lecturer of this panel was Radoslav Tochev – Councillor to the Prime Minister, regarding foreign policy questions.

One day before the end of the academy the participants had the chance to meet with the MEP – Vladimir Urutchev, Member of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and substitute in the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety. The participants had the unique chance to learn about the function of the European Parliament and the recent election for President of the European Union, as well as the newly appointed European Union Foreign Minister. They also asked and received answers about Bulgaria’s energy policy. The participants also met with Simeon Djankov Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. During the meeting the participants engaged in an open dialogue and asked political questions about the governance of Bulgaria, as well as the role of the young people.

The second module of MGERB’s Third Political Academy was closed by Monika Panayotova – Chairwoman of MGERB and Member of Parliament in the 41st National Assembly and by the members of MGERB’s National Executive Council.

The third and final module of MGERB’s Third Political Academy will take place in January 2010. The third and final module will be dedicated to rhetoric and public speech.

Youth from MGERB learned how to develop European Projects

18/11/09

There were over fifty youths from the Blagoevgrad and Kustendil region gathered in the Economics and Management Collage in Blagoevgrad on the 17th of November 2009. They gathered to familiarise themselves with the operative programs and how to apply for them. The training went under the heading: “European Solidarity – European Funds”. The training was organised by the National Executive Council of MGERB. The leading lecturer of the training was Kalin Zahariev – Expert in the Cabinet of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance – Simeon Djankov.

The presentational part of the training included everything about the operative programs, the European funds and what are the steps in the development of a worthy project, which can candidate for European funding. The youth discovered how the European funds are formed, who they need to contact in order to candidate for the funds, who approves the project suggestions. The youth received answers to their own questions which would help them if they decide to submit their own project.

A discussion opened about MGERB’s priorities in the upcoming 2010 at the end of the presentation. Kalin Zahariev explained that MGERB still continues to uphold its three main priorities: the training of members, winning elections and cooperation with other European youth organisations. “After we won the elections our greatest priority is the training of members”, says Kalin Zahariev. Another interesting topic was MGERB’s upcoming Winter University. The university will take place from the 18th to the 20th of December in Borovets. An interesting fact about the MGERB’s first Winter University is that not everyone can participate. In order to take part in the Winter University you need to submit a project for a law regarding youth to GERB’s headquarters. If the project is approved then the candidate can take part in MGERB’s Winter University.

The participants in the training were greeted by Georgi Andonov – Member of Parliament in the 41st National Assembly. He told about his first impressions about the work of a MP. Kalin Kamenov - a youth leader in the region was also present at the training. He expressed his deep satisfaction to the fact that the Blagoevgrad region has the biggest number of members of MGERB and the number is continuing to increase.

Monika Panayotova: We need to send positive messages to our foreign partners

14/11/09

I don’t want to talk only about the presidential institution because all in all we are one whole says Monika Panayotova from GERB before Radio Bulgaria’s “Saturday 150”. “The question is that the politic which needs to be led needs to be especially for a foreign political plan. It needs to be the Bulgarian politic, in other words we need to have a united position”, states the Member of Parliament from GERB.
In her words the events that have occurred this week are not a good signal. Simultaneously she says that, “This has not built a negative image for our country”. According to her we need to focus our attention on two questions. Firstly - the need to improve communication between all the institutions and secondly – why has the focus shifted from the real daily order in the country. Panayotova also stated that, “If our country has a negative image abroad, it is because of the corruption, which occurred during the former government”. 
Let’s find the moral in everything that has happened. Monika Panayotova appealed that the pressure between the institutions must not be increased and that this is absolutely unnecessary. According to her everyone shares the same position - which is that the conflict must not escalate. Monika Panayotova concludes by saying that, “We need to send positive messages to our foreign partners”.

MGERB took part in the international project “Innovation and creativity in community actions”

05/11/09

The project took hold from the 26th of October to the 5th of November in Odessa, Ukraine. The project went under the title: “Innovation and creativity in community actions” and gathered youth from all over Europe. The groups consisted of 12 participants and there were groups from Bulgaria, Great Britain, Ukraine and Russia. Invited by the Tsiolkovsky Association MGERB had two representatives to the international project – Mitya Atanasov and Alexander Kirilov, both members of MGERB, Sofia.

The main goal of the project was to familiarise the participants with everyday life in other countries and how it differs from their own country. During the project the participants exchanged valuable life experience, which would in turn help them improve life and the life of the young on local level. Another crucial part of the project was problem sharing. The participants expressed social and community problems in their countries and discussed how they are being solved, as well as how they could be solved.

An interesting part of the international project was a special seminar on the topic - “How to create community projects”. After the seminar the participants had the unique chance to create their own project.

The international project “Innovation and creativity in community actions”, occurred with the cooperation and co-finance of the European Commission, the local administration and the organising foundations – “WAYC” (UK), “Tsiolkovsky” (BG) and NGO “Good Will” (RUS).

MGERB’s Third Political Academy has begun

02/11/09

The first two modules of MGERB’s Third Political Academy took place in Pazardzhik from 29th of October to the 1st of November. The Academy was held in the Trakia Hotel in Pazardzhik with the kind cooperation of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. There were over fifty members of MGERB from all over Bulgaria who took part in MGERB’s Third Political Academy. The participants were carefully selected after they wrote more then one essay and passed psychological tests.

A unique twist to MGERB’s Third Political Academy is the fact that the participants have the unique chance to exchange experience with the alumni of the First Political Academy, which took place in the end of 2008. During the two modules the participants took part in simulative sessions which further improved their communication abilities and forged a working team.

The Academy was officially opened by Mr. Tsvetan Tsvetanov - Chairman of GERB, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Miss Monika Panayotova – Chairwoman of MGERB and Member of Parliament in the 41st National Assembly and Mr. Ivan Ivanov – Regional Governor of Pazardzhik and Member of Parliament in the 41st National Assembly.

Mr. Tsvetan Tsvetanov stressed that he is part of the young and told the youth from the organisation that they should support each and work together while they are improving themselves. Only after this is achieved they can be part of the future governance of GERB. Mr. Tsvetanov also said that “It is very important that the people who are holding high positions remember where they started from and who they worked with to achieve this. It is very easy to say that this is due to the time consuming program, but people holding those positions must always find time to work with the organisation and not grow cold.” Monika Panayotova added to this and said that with this academy MGERB has over 200 trained members and mentioned the important role of the young – 45% of the voters who voted for GERB were between 18 and 30 years old. This only means that the apathy in the young can be diminished when it is invested in them. This can be clearly seen and proven when they don’t become observers in the democratic process, but participants.

Lectures during the first two modules of the Academy were Professor Rumen Stamatov – Vice Dean in the University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, Senior Lecturer Tsvetan Davidkov Ph. D – Faculty of Economics and Business Administration to the Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. During the four days in Pazardzhik the participants worked on self improvement and further developed their ability to work in a team, as well as their management and leadership abilities. On the last day there was a game which focused the attention of the participants of the Third Political Academy on campaign management it was organised by the participants in the First Political Academy.

The training was concluded by Mr. Ivan Ivanov and by Mr. Dimitar Karpachev – Regional Coordinator of MGERB, Pazardzhik. The conclusion of their speech focused on the fact that it is very important that the work of the regional structures is synchronised. Mr. Ivanov wished luck to all of the participants and stressed out that he really counts on young people.

National Executive Council of MGERB ended the Academy in Pazardzhik with one though directed at all of the participants – “The target is a dream, which has a date for achievement”, our target is to be the alternative in the country and we have four years to achieve it!

Representatives of MGERB took part in the program for “Young Bulgarian Politicians”

28/10/09

Young Bulgarian politicians visited Brussels from the 26th to the 27th of October, being invited by the Bulgarian representatives of the European Commission and the program for “Young Bulgarian Politicians”. The young politicians who took part in the program were from the politically represented parties in the National Assembly, as well as young leaders who took part in “The Big Choice”. GERB’s representatives in the program were Milen Nikolov and Maria Papratilova. The target of the program is to familiarise the young politicians with the European Institutions.
The main topics during the two days were youth policy, energy policy, the fight against corruption and the trade policy of the European Union. There were several presentations carried out by representatives of the European Commissions, which gave a further chance for the young Bulgarian politicians to improve their knowledge about the sector policies of the European community.

The program for “Young Bulgarian Politicians” is financed by the European Commission. The target of the program is to introduce the work of the European Institutions to young socially active people and further explain the specifics of the work of the commissions. The next step of the program is to help the participants develop and contribute to the mutual economic, social and cultural situation.

There was a special highlight on the importance to work on an integrated method concerning energy and climate change in the Union and the world as a whole.

There is serious attention concentrated on youth policy. The young are viewed as a generator of ideas and innovations. Attention is also focused on the development of the young. The innovative and socially responsible thinking of the young is becoming a valuable resource to the aging European Union.

The European Union didn’t miss the chance to praise the actions of the new Bulgarian Government and the hard work put forth to earning back the trust of the European Institutions. The efforts put forth towards fighting the corruption and dealing with the financial crisis meet the approval of the European Union. The Sofia Metro was given as an example of a fine industrial project and there was reassurance that the European Commissions are ready to help finish other industrial projects with strategic purpose.

MGERB took part in the 25th consecutive learning seminar of the IRI

27/10/09

The 25th consecutive learning seminar of the IRI – International Republican Institute started on the 22nd of October and lasted till the 26th of October. The seminar was held in Budva, Montenegro and gathered young leaders, representing their organisations. MGERB’s representatives to the seminar were Joanna Dochevska – Coordinator of MGERB, Sofia and Ivaylo Petkov – Member of MGERB, Sofia.

The seminar focused on campaign management and organisation. One of the main topics was how to reach the voting citizens and witch are the techniques, methods and instruments to achieve this. Many experienced lectors from different countries shared their techniques of successful campaign management with the attendants on all of the election levels, from local to national level.

One of the most interesting things explained during the seminar was how to build a successful strategy for upcoming elections.  Specifically the message intended for the voters, which needs to be delivered. Firstly the campaign manager needs to collect all of the information needed for the upcoming elections and then he needs to pick the best possible media, which will deliver the information to the voting citizens. The media ranges from the social networks on the Internet to the mass media, such as television, newspapers and radio. Special attention was addressed to negative campaign and weather it should be used or avoided. The negative campaign is characterized as a dagger with two sides. The nicely selected videos, interactive trainings and role playing games during the four day seminar revealed the right way for campaign management and showed just how much organisation is needed to lead a positive and successful campaign. The participants understood how important it is to have a clear and open campaign and a united team, organisation and party structure. The possibility of Bulgaria hosting an IRI seminar in the early 2010 was discussed before the conclusion of the seminar! 

MGERB attended the annual congress of the Junge Union

18/10/09

The annual meeting of the Junge Union – the youth organisation combining the CDU and the CSU and the Council of Germany the Deutschlandtag took place in Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia – Germany. The congress started on the 16th of October and ended on the 18th of October. There were over a thousand participants in the congress, ranging from different fields. Representatives from the media, international guests and members from the German Bundestag honored the youth organisations congress. MGERB was represented at the congress by Pavel Hristov – Councillor in the Municipal Council of Varna and Coordinator of MGERB Varna. During its 60 year old tradition this was the first time that the congress was held in Münster, know for its high life standard.

The congress started with a symbolic farewell to the Big Coalition, which governed Germany in the past four years. The discussion focused on the results after the elections, on future politics and targets and priorities for the next mandate. The delegates insisted that the youth interests need to be defended in the future shaping of the new governments, as well as in other fields such as social politics, finance and national security.

A highlight in the discussion was the fact that the young need to ensure the progress of the democratic system and secure it from radical extremism in the political field in the left as well as the right side. There was a special focus on the fact that the government needs to continue to integrate the young in the democratic system.

A big disappointment was the fact that Mrs. Angela Merkel - Chancellor of Germany, could not attend the congress, because she had to hold important meetings to discuss the forming of the new federal government of Germany. This was a moral blow to the spirit of the participants and showed in their proceeding speeches, as the Junge Union was a big factor in the election campaign. Despite this the Junge Union received the support of many well know politicians such as Mr. Edmund Stoiber – Honorary Chairman of the Christian Social Union and past Minister President of Bavaria, Ole von Beust – First Mayor of Hamburg, Prof. Dr. Otto Wulff – Chairman of the Senior Organisation of the CDU and Laurent Schouteten – President of YEPP.
Another important question, which was discussed were the predicted election results which were 42% and the real value which was 33%. The phenomenon of the elections was the German Pirate Party, which received 2% of the cast votes which were taken away from the CDU/CSU.

As an end to the congress the delegates voted the Münster Declaration. The target of the declaration was to show the disapproval of the compromises which were made during the government of the Big Coalition, the strong disapproval of the policies of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) and stating the strong course of government which needs to be applied by the new government. The declaration also focuses on a simpler tax policy, as well as lower and more realistic taxes, rebuilding the labour market, insuring better opportunities for the young, control on the federal budget, reducing bureaucracy and better social and health care policy.

All of the representatives and guests to the congress left impressed by the German hospitality and professionalism. Pavel Hristov received invitations to attend future meetings in Russia, Lebanon and other countries.

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MGERB attended a meeting with the German representatives from the “Konrad Adenauer Stiftung”

13/10/09

MGERB was invited to attend a meeting between scholarship students from the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung with the bureau of the foundation. The meeting took place on the 13th of October from 19:00 o’clock in the Architect’s Club in Sofia. The topic of the meeting was “Elections in Germany, elections in Bulgaria. What will change?” The discussion was opened by the director of the Sofia office of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation - Dr. Andreas von Below, who welcomed all the participants and congratulated the scholarship students.

During the meeting every participant had the opportunity to express their opinion and view on the past elections in Bulgaria and Germany.

MGERB Sofia was represented by Tania Tsvetkova. She used the opportunity to express the gratitude of MGERB for the cooperation and support received from the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. The past elections were the highlight of the discussion and especially the active role of the young, as well as the fact that there are 21 members of parliament below the age of 35 from the parliamentary group of GERB.

The three main priorities of the Young Citizens for the European Development of Bulgaria were introduced to the participants. The three main priorities are the development of its members (there was a highlight on the multiple Summer Universities organised by MGERB and MGERB’s Third Political Academy which will take place at the end of this month) the conduction of civil initiatives on national and local level and active international activity.

A lot of question occurred during the meeting about the role of the young during the elections and their role in politics as a whole.

Opportunities for the future cooperation between MGERB and the scholarship students of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation were discussed.

Monika Panayotova attended the Program for Young Political Leaders which took place in the U.S.A from the 21st of September to the 9th of October 2009

12/10/09

The European regional project “Current social, political and economical problems for young European Political Leaders” will took place in the U.S.A from the 21st of September to the 9th of October. The target of the project was familiarise the young political leaders with the current social, political and economical problems on different levels – Federal, State and those which are connected to the local government in the United States of America. The attendants had the chance to gain better knowledge about the United States Foreign and State politics and the wide variety of factors and beliefs which form the shape of the plural politic of the United States. There was a special focus on the important role of the young in the political process and their influence in the new administration.

The program was attended by European leaders from different spheres – politics, administration, business and media. Bulgaria was represented by Monika Panayotova – Chairwoman of MGERB and Member of Parliament in the 41st National Assembly.

The program started in Washington, D.C. with a short walkthrough on American Federalism and a sightseeing tour of the U.S. Capital. The participants met with representatives from the Department of State and the Department of Defence and discussed their role in foreign politics as well as current affairs. A main topic was the relations between NATO and the European Union as well as the relations with Russia. The participants had the unique opportunity to visit the United States Department of Defense – The Pentagon where they discussed questions connected with international security concerning Iran and Afghanistan.

The group also met with lobbyists, academics and representatives from “Think Tank” organisations. They explained the role of the media and the lobbyists in America’s political and health care system. The main topic of discussion here was the reform in the health care system and the civil opinion on the matter. The International Economic Crisis was discussed as a chance for change. Change can happen when the market is rebalanced on the different levels – environment, finance, real economy, capital and labour force.

Among the participants in the program were Clyde Wilcox Ph D (Professor teaching Management in the Georgetown University), Congresswoman Linda Sánchez, David Cantor Ph. D (Managing Director with the Glover Park Group), Mr. Robert Moran (Executive Vice President at StrategyOne), Melanie Sloan (The Executive Director of Citizens for responsibility and ethics in Washington) and many more.

After the conclusion of the program in Washington the group divided into three new separate groups and traveled in different directions. They traveled towards San Diego, California, Portland, Oregon and Seattle. The target of the division was to focus on different local governments, social and health care policy, education and civil rights. Participants in the regional program were local civil associations, non government organisations supporting immigrants, representatives from local associations, students and academic staff. Visits to small seaside towns from the West Side were also planned so the participants could meet the local population and discuss questions on state, national and global scale. The young leaders had the opportunity to stay overnight at local families from the seaside towns and exchange life experience.

The group of Monika Panayotova went to Seattle. There they met the deputy mayor and representatives from the Council. They discussed the role of the local government as well as the upcoming elections for mayor in Seattle in November. Some other important questions were health care and education. A series of meetings took place with OneAmerica and El Centro de la Raza – organisations taking care of the problems of immigrants, discrimination and criminal activity of the minorities.

The young leaders visited the University of Washington and especially the wing dedicated to European Studies. They also visited a college in the small town of Roslyn where every participant introduced his country. Monika Panayotova introduced the political situation in Bulgaria and mentioned the fact that the role of the young people has greatly increased in the new Bulgarian government. She gave an example with MGERB whose members have become a valuable part of the executive and legislative government.

The groups met up in Madison, Wisconsin and in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where they learned about the role of the governments politic in the development of agriculture.

The program ended in New York. The main topic discussed there was the foreign policy of North America and particularly the relations with the EU, the American Mission to the UN and the policy concerning the Middle East region. Special attention was given to the conflict in Iran and Afghanistan and the role of NATO and the UN for its resolve. As an end to the event the whole group visited Broadway and had a tour of New York before heading home the next day.

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The selection for MGERB’s Third Political Academy has finished

05/10/09

The selection for MGERB’s Third Political Academy took place on the 3rd and 4th of October at the Imperial Park Hotel in Plovdiv.

The selection to the Academy was similar to the last two Academies held by MGERB. There were several stages which determined weather the candidate is accepted to the Academy. The candidates had to submit a CV and if they were selected they needed to pass a series of psychological tests, write an essay and prove themselves in a debate. In total there were 71 youths from all corners of Bulgaria. They had a couple of hours to fill in their tests and choose and write an essay on one of the following topics: “The effective leader” or “My strong sides, which can help GERB”. After the written work the candidates took part in several debates: “The pros and cons for a quick educational reform”, “The pros and cons for returning the political past in our country” and “The pros and cons for increasing the minimum pension application age”.

The psychologist and Member of Parliament from GERB Irena Sokolova and the vice-dean of the Faculty of Education to the Plovdiv University Rumen Stamatov monitored the selection process. The Third Political Academy will begin at the end of October in Pazardzhik.

MGERB took part in the consecutive IRI seminar

19/09/09

From the 16th to the 19th of September the International Republican Institute (IRI) held a consecutive training seminar for young leaders in Bratislava, Slovakia. Irina Velkova a member of MGERB Sofia was MGERB’s representative to the seminar.

The main topic of the seminar was how to reach and communicate with the voting citizens concerning elections for National Parliaments. Apart from the theoretic trainings the young leaders took part in many interactive trainings as well. They learned how to reach the voters through the Media and how to use the most efficient social networks and the Internet in the best possible way for the campaign. The young leaders also learned how to lead open and transparent policies. A simulation of an upcoming election was held on the last day of the seminar. It included strategy-making and setting priorities for the elections. It will lead up to a realisation of the campaign and the communication with the voters and the setting up of a volunteer network, which will take part in fulfilling the priorities of a political party. The participants took the role of strategists and devised an imaginary candidacy for mayor.

50 youths visited the National Assembly invited by Monika Panayotova Member of Parliament and Chairwoman of MGERB

18/09/09

On Friday the 18th of September 50 youths from Sofia and Plovdiv visited the National Assembly on a day of Parliamentary Control. They were invited by Monika Panayotova – Member of Parliament and the Chairwoman of MGERB.

They could observe the procedures connected with parliamentary control and were able to witness how the MP’s used the function of parliamentary control on the ministers. MGERB also managed to propose their green idea to the President of the 41st National Assembly – Mrs. Tsetska Tsacheva. The proposal goes under the heading “Go on-line”. The Youth of GERB wants to point the attention of the MP’s towards environmental awareness and the optimisation of work resources.

The idea was proposed by Stefka Ikonomova the Organisational Secretary of the National Executive Council of MGERB, Joanna Dochevska Coordinator of MGERB Sofia and Rozaliya Mizeva Coordinator of MGEBR Plovdiv. After the meeting with Mrs. Tsetska Tsacheva the youths went through the corridors of one of the most historic building in Bulgaria. They learned about Bulgaria’s Parliament and will remember the good experience when they look through the photos they took.  

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To Mrs. Tsetska Tsacheva
President of the 41^st National Assembly

P R O P O S A L

From the Youth of GERB /MGERB/

“Go on-line”

Dear Mrs. Tsetska Tsacheva,

We would like to direct your attention towards a reform in the current administrative function of the 41^st National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria with the green idea “Go on-line” by our organisation.

We would like to propose the following measures which will decrease the paperwork handled by the National Assembly.

• To provide the information needed for plenary sessions, the work of the commissions and for parliamentary control in an electronic format.
• To project the needed information through multimedia, so it can be accessed in a fast and efficient manner.
• To only print documents which are pre requested by the secretariat of the political parties beforehand.

We live in a century dedicated to information. When this fact is combined with our green idea we can reach many efficient results, which will save time, resources and will ensure the optimization of the whole work process.

“Go on-line” is our appeal to you as the President of the 41^st National Assembly, which has the ambition to be open towards innovative ideas. We would be glad if our green idea manages to ease the work of the MP’s. It is also synchronized with the environment.

We remain ready for further dialogue concerning our proposal.

Sofia

18.09.2009

Monika Panayotova: 2009 Year of the West Balkans?

15/09/09

Many suggest that 2009 will be the year of the West Balkans, but is this really true?

If we make a quick analysis of what’s happening in Europe we will notice that there are three main problems which stand before the West Balkans and their chance of joining the EU. None of these problems can be measured on the same scale however all of them need to be solved. Those problems are the Global Financial Crisis, the two way dispute between countries members of the EU and the countries who want membership from the West Balkans and the possibility for the denial of the Lisbon Treaty.

In order to paint the whole picture we need to view how these factors look through the eyes of the European Institutions.

Concerning the World Financial Crisis the European Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn comments: “We must not turn the enlargement of the EU into a victim of the World Financial Crisis, because it does not deserve this and isn’t guilty for our social problems”.

The commission on Foreign Policy is working on a resolution concerning the second problem - the blocking of three Balkan countries – Croatia, The Republic of Macedonia and Serbia by respectively Slovenia, Greece and The Netherlands. The resolution will state that, “countries who are Members of the European Union do not have the right to block countries who want to join on a basis of a two way conflict”.

Concerning the third problem, Olli Rehn says that after the Irish “No” to the Lisbon Treaty the enlargement of the EU is not the biggest issue at the moment. But countries such as Croatia or Serbia shouldn’t be the casualties as a result from this. “My motto states, it is better to export stability rather then import instability”.

If we base our statement on what’s said above we can say that the problems are easily solved, but is this true?

If we start from the saying that states “Strong Balkans, strong Europe” and we view the perspective for membership of the countries from the West Balkans we can state that membership in the EU will help stabilize the West Balkan region, will help ensure liberal democracy and will spread European values. The enlargement of the EU is very important process and as much as a positive answer is wanted it can not be given at the moment.

The Financial Crisis is raising many questions before the future perspective of the West Balkans concerning the economic situation in Eastern Europe. The collapse of money value, the deficit on current accounts, loans in foreign currency and the heavy recession will lead to a crisis with the Euro if there is a collapse in the Eastern Europe Economy.

The foggy position of the public is also a factor which adds to the insecurity. At the current moment no one knows how the integration of Croatia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Albania continue. The fogginess also reacts on the potential members. It takes effect on the chance for compromises to be made and the urge to actually join the EU. The problem can clearly be seen before Presidential Elections or elections for National Parliament where political parties can win or lose the support of voting citizens. A clear perspective for membership needs to be delivered to the countries from the West Balkans.

Concerning the two way conflicts, despite the efforts put forth on a national level the international conflicts still keep growing.

The urgency for improving the fight against organized crime and taking anti-corruption actions still figures in all European reports concerning the waiting members and the potential members from the West Balkans.

The denial of the Lisbon Treaty makes it institutionally impossible for more countries to join the EU, because of the Treaty signed in Nice early in the XX centaury.

This leads to the next important question that the future acceptance of new countries will lead to a change in the integration model. The current model of the EU – Sovereign Countries gradually starts to shift and becomes more and more like EU – Federation. Many political science experts are putting there thoughts on this question.

In the context of the West Balkans the arrow clearly points away from the Treaty signed in Nice to the Lisbon Treaty. The structure of the whole integration process goes towards a Federation, which leads to tighter integration.

This can especially be said for the countries from the West Balkans who have been part of a Federation – Yugoslavia. This will be a new historical chance for identification in a bigger society. The mistakes of the past must not be repeated. European Identity needs to be universal, unreligious and there must be political identity. The European politic must not be ethicized. The civil rights for joining the Union need must be the most important. This is the only way the model of a Federation can turn out successive and universal.

All in all as a conclusion we can say that the acceptance of the West Balkans in the Union is not possible before the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. But if it is accepted we can say that 2009 is the Year of the Balkans and of the whole European Union. The enlargement exports stability and will lead to changes in the Union and the whole integration model, which will lead towards a Federation with the necessity of a clear European Identification.

Monika Panayotova
Member of Parliament in the 41st National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria  

Director of “International Projects and relations with Society” (2007-2008)
Economic Policy Institute