Venice, 16 December 2000

Restricted CDL-SP (2000) 4 rev Or. Fr.

 

 

 

 

EUROPEAN COMMISSION FOR DEMOCRACY THROUGH LAW

 

(VENICE COMMISSION)

 

 

 

 

 

SEMINAR ON THE LAUNCH

OF THE UNIDEM  (Universities for Democracy)

PROJECT ON LEGAL TRAINING FOR CIVIL SERVANTS

 

 

Trieste 11-12 December 2000

 

 

CONCLUSIONS

 

1            Themes and Dates of Seminars

 

Seminar One

 

"Public Administration and the Individual in the light of the European Convention of Human Rights" (March 2001)

 

- Substantial principles: transparency, impartiality, respect of legality, equality and proportionality (one day).

 

- Procedural principles: access to public service, right to be heard, legal representation and assistance, deadlines, notification, motivation and indication of means of legal recourse (one day)

 

 - those entitled to rights; the relationship between European and national protection - the principle of subsidiarity (one day)

 

 - Concrete application: Interpersonnel relations between the adminstration and those affected by administrative acts (two days);

 

Seminar Two

 

"The Principle of Non-Discrimination and the Protection by the Public Administration of the Rights of Ethnic, Cultural and Lingustic Minorities" (May 2001)

 

 - The principle of non-discrimination in aspects of national and international law (two days);

 

 - Non-discrimination in respect of minorities, particularly in the context of linguistic rights (two days);

 

 - Principles of tolerance; case studies (one day). 

 

Subsequent seminars

 

- Control of administrative bodies: judicial control, parliamentary control, the Ombudsman;

 

 - The guarantee of property rights in the new democracies of Central and Eastern Europe, in particular in the context of privatisation and restitution. 

 

- Efficiency of the public service and fundamental rights of functionaries. 

 

2            Proceedings of the Seminar

 

The seminars will be of a participatory nature and will consist of:

 

a            Introductory sessions of a comparative nature, taking into particular account the application of common European standards;

 

b          The discussion of practical examples proposed by the lecturer;

 

c          An exchange of experiences between the participants.

 

3            Working Languages

 

In  principle, each seminar only takes place in one of the official languages of the Council of Europe.

 

Seminar One will take place in English, seminar Two in French and Three again in English . 

 

Interpretation between French and English or indeed between one of the official languages of the Council of Europe and the language of a national seminar is envisaged if sufficient funds are available. 

 

 

4            Lecturers

 

It is proposed that a pool of lecturers be established.  Participants, particularly those responsible for training establishments, are invited to propose such experts.  The average number of lecturers in each session should be five. 

 

Fee:  215 Euros per day. 

 

5            Intended Participants

 

a            Number of participants:  the majority of seminars will consist of three participants from each of the nine beneficiary states (27 participants in total); seminars of a more specific theme can be aimed at representatives from one particular state.

 

b            Selection of participants: National authorities  propose nine participants per State for each seminar.  Upon the basis of presented dossiers, the Venice Commission will undertake a selection of three representatives per country so as to ensure a certain degree of homogeneity. 

 

The dossiers should include information on:

 

 - functions exercised by the individual (area of work, level of responsability):  in general, such seminars are intended for high level functionaries;

 

 - personal qualifications and training;

 

 - linguistic ability.

 

The participants shall demonstrate their commitment originating from their hierarchical superior to transmit knowledge acquired as a result of the training, and shall report on their experiences. 

 

The participants in the Launch Seminar are invited to indicate from now until 10 January 2001 to the national organ for the selection of participants. 

 

The participants are to be proposed by the Commission of Venice no later than one month before the start of the seminar.

 

 

6            Location of the Seminars

 

In general Seminars will take place in Trieste (Italy) as well as at other sites which can provide appropriate facilities.

 

 

7            Accommodation and Expenses

 

Accommodation - Issue to be arranged with the local authorities.

 

Expenses - Expenses shall be borne by the Venice Commission on the basis of contributions to the Stability Pact. 

 

 

8          Travel Arrangements

 

Pre-paid tickets will be arranged if possible. 

 

9            Planning and evaluation of the UniDem campus activities

 

The Venice Commission Sub-Commission of South East Europe will meet prior to the Plenary Meetings at least one every six month, to discuss the planning and evalutation of seminars as well as other activities concerning the UniDem campus.  Between Plenary meetings, the Sub-Commission will carry out its planning and evaluation functions through nominated representatives.

 

10            Network of academic training institutions

 

The Secretariat will contact schools interested in participating in the training programme in order to create a network of training institutions.

 

11        On-Site Representatives

 

To be determined with the University of Trieste. 

 

12            Certificate

 

The UniDem campus will issue a certificate which certifies participation in these activities.