Press Release: EDS Gathers In Slovakia And Elects New Bureau

Published on Thursday, 29 July 2010 13:04 | Written by Bence Bauer | Print

P r e s s   R e l e a s e

Slovakia: European Democrat Students (EDS) gathered in Žilina, elected new Bureau

Žilina, 18-25 July 2010

The European Democrat Students (EDS), a member-association of the European People’s Party (EPP), concluded in Žilina, Slovakia its 34th Summer University entitled “Living together in diverse societies.” The event coincided with the change of the country’s government, where Iveta Radičová (SDKU-DS) was sworn-in earlier this month as Slovakia’s new Prime Minister (and EPP’s 13th EU Prime Minister).

EDS Bureau 2010-2011 (from left to right): Andraž Kastelic, director; Tatiana Gostieva, director; Juraj Antal, vice-chair; Samuli Kauranne, vice-chair; Georgios Tsielepos, vice-chair; Ildze Kanepaja, secretary general; Bence Bauer, chairman; Andreas Willersrud, vice-chair; Cathrin Graber, vice-chair; Andreas Perotti, vice-chair; Matija Magerl, vice-chair; Jean-Baptiste Dabezies, vice-chair

The Summer University also hosted the 40th Annual Meeting of EDS where its new Bureau was elected. The incumbent Chairman, Bence Bauer, and 5 out of 8 Vice-Chairmen were re-elected. They were joined by 3 newly elected Vice-Chairmen:

Bence Bauer, chairman of EDS

Chairman:

Bence Bauer - Fidesz Youth Hungary - 24 votes

Vice-Chairmen:

Georgios Tsielepos - Protoporia Cyprus - 24 votes

Juraj Antal - ODM Slovakia - 23 votes

Samuli Kauranne - Tuhatkunta Finland - 23 votes

Andreas Perotti - AktionsGemeinschaft Austria - 23 votes

Cathrin Gräber - RCDS Germany - 21 votes

Matija Magerl - HAZ Croatia - 20 votes

Andreas Willersrud - HSF Norway - 19 votes

Jean-Baptiste Dabezies - UNI-MÉT France - 13 votes

Ildze Kanepja (LCYU Latvia) was appointed as the new EDS Secretary General and EDS founder Dieter Ibielski (Germany) was appointed as Honorary Member. The Directors are: Mr. Andraž Kastelic (SAU Slovenia) for Policy and Ms.Tetiana Gostieva (USA Ukraine) for European Integration.

Also, the new Bureau established again the responsibilites of Bureau members:

Mr. Bence Bauer                             Leadership & Coordination & Representation

Mr. Samuli Kauranne                    Statutory & Membership Questions

Mr. Andreas Perotti                         Input Strategies & Policies

Mr. Matija Magerl                             Internal Relations & Communications

Mr. Andreas Willersrud                  Activities & Alumni

Mr. Jean-Baptiste Dabezies          Output Strategies & Policies

Mr. Georgios Tsielopos                  Publications & Campaigns

Mr. Juraj Antal                                 External Relations & Memberships

Ms. Cathrin Gräber                         Events & Fundraising

 

The EDS Bureau decided to appoint the following new Working Group co-chairs:

Bernhard Krall                     AktionsGemeinschaft Austria Higher Education

Kalin Zahariev                     MGERB Bulgaria Higher Education

Vasia Alexandri                   DAP-NDFK Greece Higher Education

Alexandru Bejan                 PNTCD Romania Policies f. Europe

Alexandros Politis               DAP-NDFK Greece Policies f. Europe Annelien Lefevre                        CDS Belgium Human Rights

Amanda Wollstad               FMSF Sweden Human Rights


The resolution “Living together in diverse societies” was adopted unanimously, stating the positive factors of diversity and its manifold aspects such as linguistic and cultural diversity.

EDS Chairman Bence Bauer stated the importance of having this event in Žilina and sending a strong political signal: “the EDS is going to places where we can demonstrate our commitment to freedom, democracy and diversity.”

The Mayor of Žilina, Ivan Harman, greeted participants and underlined the importance of centre-right unity in order to overcome isolationism and help build open, diverse societies, which are inclusive and tolerant to all people.

Contact:

Ildze Kanepaja, EDS Secretary General

email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , tel:+371 25 917314