The first activity of the Programme – the Summer Academy – was hosted at the Neuhardenberg castle and in Berlin in September 2006. The participants had the opportunity to learn about and discuss a series of topics which concerned the EU and its role in the world and in Southeast Europe, as well as the role of other organisations in the region and transatlantic relations. The speakers were prominent experts in their respective fields and came from the EU, the US and from the region. The Academy hosted, amongst others, a speech by and an open discussion with Carl Bildt, Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs. Several practical sessions to develop research and negotiation skills were also organised. The Academy included a cultural programme with excursions to Berlin and Potsdam, as well as a cinema evening featuring a documentary by a director from the region.
Back in their home countries the participants worked in small cross-border groups to implement their joint activities – seminars and conferences – which drew sizeable audiences and were reported on by the local media.
The second event of the Programme – a three-day workshop – was organised in Brussels and Bruges. It was designed to offer a closer view of the institutions based in Brussels and an opportunity to meet some EU and NATO officials and to discuss with them the issues that concern the region and its future.
