“New Challenges or new perspectives for development ?” EDS Policy days of the working year 2009/2010 took place from May 10th until May 13th in Kiev, Ukraine. The event was hosted by EDS member organisation USA(Ukrainian Students Association)
During policy days in Kiev EDS had the possibility to meet with many interesting speakers: representatives from the Parliament of Ukraine(Verkhovna Rada), political parties, government and the senior officials from the Ministry for Family, Youth and Sport. Participants discussed various topics- higher education system in Ukraine and strategy of its development, youth movements in Ukraine, integration of the Ukrainian youth policy in the European structures, elections and campaigning.
Additionally, EDS Chairman Bence Bauer shared his experience on successful parliamentary election campaign in Hungary, where Fidesz Hungarian Civic Union gained a unique 2/3 majority in the Hungarian Parliament recently. However, not only politics and student issues were discussed - EDS also had the meeting with Yevstratiy Zoria - Bishop Vasilkovsky Ukrainian Orthodox Church Kiev Patriarchate who gave us deeper understanding about the history of the country and its links with the politics and society of the 21st century .
Meetings and discussions definitely proved that Ukraine has lot of new perspectives for development towards EU and Ukrainian people, with the support from European friends can overcome any challenges and built prosperous, democratic and strong state.
The last official day of the Policy days was devoted to EDS work.
In the morning EDS bureau gathered to discuss important upcoming issues- the preparation for the EDS Summer University and Annual meeting, publishing of Annual report and other ongoing businesses.
EDS Policy meeting took place on Saturday`s afternoon . The main topic of the Policy meeting was the project of the statutory changes, launched already in Policy days 2009 in Riga and this time presented by EDS Vice-Chairman Samuli Kauranne. The provided amendments will help to regulate many issues- the voting rights in the case of more than 1 member organisation per country, the rights and the duties of the executive bureau etc.
Besides the lectures and EDS work participants had the excursion in the Parliament of Ukraine- Verkhovna Rada- the impressive, neo classical building in the picturesque park. After the visit of Parliament participants also felt the atmosphere of executive history of Ukraine-during the visit to the Cabinet of Minister`s the excursion to the historical office of the Ukrainian Prime ministers was organized.
During all their stay the participants enjoyed the architecture and atmosphere of the industrial, scientific, educational and cultural centre of Eastern Europe –beautiful Kiev, which is built on nine hills and lies on the both banks of Dnieper River. Kiev gives not only feeling of real metropolis with its famous Maidan or Independence square but also is outstanding with its impressive religious heritage-for example the most famous complexes- St. Sophia Cathedral and Kiev Pechersk Lavra. EDS can totally agree with the Bishop Vasilkovsky that Ukraine can not only benefit from EU but also can provide to Europeans unique spiritual heritage. As the historic centre of the East Slavic civilization and a major cradle for the Christianization for Rus', Kiev has retained through centuries its cultural importance and is the centre of the Eastern Orthodox Christianity of the primary importance.
Despite of the serious working programme the participants managed to have their weekend - they had the possibility not only to enjoy traditional and very delicious Ukrainian national food but also to explore the great night-life of Kiev by attending several excellent night clubs.
Ukraine surprised the participants with very hot and sunny weather – almost so warm as the hospitality of the hosts. This was the possibility for some very busy and work-devoted EDS people to understand that the summer time in Europe has officially started .
EDS says big “thanks you” to our Ukrainian friends from USA for their outstanding hospitality and an excellent possibility to have EDS Policy days in such a special place as Kiev! The only regret of EDS is that Policy days are scheduled only for 3 days and the time limit did not allow to discover all beauties of the great city but we hope that this fact will encourage people to come to Kiev at least one more time .
EDS is a member association of