Cardiff EDC News and Events
Forthcoming events
Our 2011-12 series of events is now complete. Events for 2012-13 will commence in October and will be advertised here.
Past events
Europe Day Quiz, 9 May 2012
The fifth Europe Day Quiz took place on Wednesday 9 May at the Cardiff EDC. Ten teams took part, composed of students and staff from Cardiff University plus members of the local community.
The evening commenced with an introduction by Cardiff EDC Director Ian Thomson. This was followed by a short talk on Europe Day, which was made on behalf of the Representation of the European Commission in Wales by Leri Davies.
Ronen Shayovitz, our regular quizmaster, presented the questions to the audience. The questions covered current affairs, geography, history, sport, cuisine, science and culture. There was also a picture round on European cities.
Left to right: Jorge Montesdeoca Pérez, Ken Wilson, Chaminda Seneviratne, Michael Brodsky, Kate Brown.
After a hard fought contest the winning team was announced. 'Team Euros', composed of Chaminda Seneviratne, Michael Brodsky, Katie Brown, Jorge Montesdeoca Pérez and Ken Wilson, scored a very impressive 43 out of a possible 50. They were each given a Europe Direct goody bag and a bottle of wine.
As part of the event we offered participants a delicious buffet prepared by local caterers 'Dine in Style'. During the evening a collection for charity raised £62, which was donated to the Cardiff University Hardship Fund, which helps students with unforeseen financial needs.
The question sheet for the quiz can be downloaded from the link below. The answers are available on request - please email edc@cardiff.ac.uk.
Librarians from across Europe visit the Cardiff EDC, 20 April 2012
Cardiff EDC Director Ian Thomson (2nd from left) with the visiting librarians
Thirteen university librarians from the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Poland and Spain visited the Cardiff EDC for the morning of 20 April 2012.
They were taking part in an Erasmus Staff Development Programme, organised by Information Services at Cardiff University, consisting of a week of visits and discussions with the University's library staff.
During their visit to the Cardiff EDC they heard about the activities of the Centre and, in particular, the electronic information service European Sources Online.
Discussion on the 2012 French Presidential Election, 18 April 2012
The first round of the 2012 French Presidential Election took place on Sunday 22 April, with a second round on Sunday 6 May. Who becomes the next President of France is important both for the people of that country and for other countries in Europe.
The Cardiff EDC held a preview discussion on the issues and the candidates on 18 April, led by four of the current Cardiff EDC interns. Our special guest for the evening was Madame Claude-Annik Rapport, the Honorary French Consul in Wales. We were pleased to welcome around 30 guests, who were offered French wine and nibbles on arrival.
The event began with Cardiff EDC Director, Ian Thomson, introducing the topic of the evening and telling the guests about the Cardiff EDC and European Sources Online. This was followed by a short speech by Mme Rapport putting the elections in context and relating it to Europe and the United Kingdom.
Left to right: Stanislava Petrova, Madame Claude-Annik Rapport, Lucas Goetz, Chaminda Seneviratne, Audrey Domise, Ian Thomson.
Four Cardiff EDC interns then spoke on their chosen topics.
Audrey Domise, French by nationality but currently living in Berlin, spoke about German-French relations and the relevance of the German economic model for France.
Lucas Goetz spoke about the cleavage the European Union created in France and whether this replaced the traditional Left / Right cleavage.
Stanislava Petrova, our Bulgarian intern who follows French politics closely, provided us with an analysis of Nicolas Sarkozy’s campaign strategy.
Finally Chaminda Seneviratne looked at how the multicultural discussion took place in the campaign of various candidates.
Following each presentation the audience was invited to contribute to the discussion and it was very pleasing to see that there was a high level of audience participation. This allowed for a stimulating and informative exchange of ideas. After a lively discussion the audience and the speakers were thanked and everybody was invited to join us for a final glass of wine and further informal discussion.
European Citizens’ Initiative, 21 March 2012
The EU launched its new European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) on 1 April 2012, an opportunity for EU citizens to play a more active role in EU policy making.
A petition from at least one million EU citizens on a topic within the legal competence of the EU will formally invite the European Commission to put forward a legislative proposal. This innovative idea has aroused considerable interest amongst pressure and single interest groups and individual citizens.
To mark the occasion the Cardiff EDC held an informal event with its team of student interns, who each suggested a topic or issue that they would like to be the subject of a European Citizens' Initiative. Also attending and providing expert commentary was Dominic Brett, Senior Political Officer at the Representation of the European Commission in the United Kingdom.
Nine Cardiff EDC interns presented proposals for ECIs. Click on the speaker's name to see the text of the proposal.
• Eva Belisova: Ban the trade in primates as pets in the EU
• Michael Brodsky: Roaming: reduce costs of making mobile phone calls within the EU
• Lucas Goetz: Promotion of regional and minority languages
• Camilla Hues: Establish drinking water fountains in European cities and parks
• Hélène Louis: Make 9 May Europe Day a bank holiday
• Chaminda Seneviratne: Harmonisation of marriage rights across the EU
• Stanislava Petrova: Learning about Europe at school
• Ben Smith: Ban the use of animals in circuses
• Liudmila Tsyrenzhapova: Regulation of multinationals in trading with Europe
Ian Thomson and Dominic Brett (centre) with the Cardiff EDC interns.
The proposals were discussed with the audience and at the end a vote was taken to find the most popular. The result was a tie between Michael Brodsky’s ‘Roaming: reduce costs of making mobile phone calls within the EU’ and Stanislava Petrova’s ‘Learning about Europe at school’.
The event was considered a great success. Dominic Brett called the evening ‘original and stimulating’, while an audience member, Charles Whitmore, sent us a message later saying ‘Many thanks for a hugely successful event’. Cardiff EDC Intern Eva Belisova, one of the participants, said ‘It was a wonderful evening, full of great ideas and exceptional people. Huge thanks go to Ian Thomson, Cardiff EDC Director, for organising this event’.
European Film Evening, 8 March 2012
Cardiff EDC and the School of European Languages, Translation and Politics presented an evening of European film on 8 March 2012.
This year the chosen film was The Edukators. Jan, Peter and Jule are united by their passion to change the world. They become 'The Edukators', mysterious activists who warn the rich their days of plenty are numbered.
Professor Alexis Nuselovici (EUROP) introduced the film and led a discussion afterwards. A wine and canapé reception was held prior to the film.
Winning team (Left to right): Tesni Rhianedd Galvin, Sara Megan Watkins, Marged Elen Rees, Eli Edwards
Wales, Europe and the World, 3 February 2012
This annual event for children in Wales highlights Cardiff and Wales's European and wider links and helps pupils to find out more about working, studying, travelling and volunteering in Europe, whilst highlighting the benefits of learning other languages.
The Cardiff EDC hosted a Euro-quiz for fifteen teams from a range of schools and colleges in Wales. The winning team was from Ysgol y Preseli. Tesni Rhianedd Galvin, Sara Megan Watkins, Marged Elen Rees and Eli Edwards scored an excellent 15 out of 16.
Click on the link below to see the questions. Email edc@cardiff.ac.uk if you would like a copy of the answers and sources.
Left to Right: Ian Thomson, Siobhan Gilliam, Andy Klom
ERASMUS Reception, 2 February 2012
Cardiff EDC's fourth annual ERASMUS Reception was held on Thursday 2 February 2012. We welcomed sixty guests, including students visiting Cardiff as part of an ERASMUS exchange and also UK students who are thinking about an ERASMUS exchange in the near future.
Ian Thomson, Director of Cardiff EDC, spoke about 2012 being the 25th anniversary of the launch of the ERASMUS Programme and the desire of the European Commission to further expand the programme in the future. The programme was all about ‘changing lives and opening minds’.
Andy Klom, Head of the European Commission Representation in Wales, also welcomed the guests and spoke of how participating in an ERASMUS exchange can help the job prospects of young people. Finally, Siobhan Gilliam from the School of Healthcare Studies at Cardiff University spoke of her recent experience in Gothenburg on an ERASMUS exchange.
The guests, from Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Turkey and the UK, enjoyed a free buffet and drinks.
What Europe means to me, 13 December 2011
The first event to be organised by the Cardiff EDC in its new location in the Guest Extension Building was held in the evening on Tuesday 13 December 2011. Ten of the current batch of interns working in the Centre each spoke on the theme of 'What Europe means to me'. Amongst the speakers were students from Russia, Slovakia, Germany, France, and Spain currently studying in EUROS and CARBS, as well as others from Wales and England.
Amongst the topics discussed were: European identity, Euroscepticism, the importance of the EU for farming, Diversity in Europe through language and ethnicity, Freedom of movement through such programmes as Erasmus, Fortress Europe and the importance of football in Europe. Following the contributions, Andy Klom, the Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Wales launched a lively debate amongst the students and other guests on themes brought out by the speakers.
Some of the students brought national food of their country. All of the attendees found the event both enjoyable and stimulating and praised the EDC for organising such events as a way of raising its profile. We will probably repeat the format again in the next few months so please look out for details.
Mock Council Debate, 14 September 2011
The fourth Mock Council of the European Union was held at the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff Bay on 14 September 2011. Schools and colleges from across Wales, plus a school from Poland, participated in the event, which was launched by Leighton Andrews AM, Minister for Education and Skills for Wales. Cardiff EDC staff attended the event and hosted an exhibition stand.
Europe Day Quiz, 9 May 2011
The fourth annual Europe Day Quiz took place on 9 May 2011 at the European Documentation Centre. Twelve teams took part, including students and staff from Cardiff University and UWIC, plus members of the local community. Last year’s winners, from the School of Psychology, continued their winning streak in 2011. They were presented with wine and Europe Direct goody bags. A collection for charity raised £55, which was donated to local charities supported by Cardiff University's Social and Community Action Network (SCAN).
The question sheet can be downloaded from the link below. The answers are available on request - contact us by telephone: (029) 2087 4262 or email: edc@cardiff.ac.uk.
Europe Day, Cardiff Central Library, 9 May 2011
Cardiff EDC staff took part in an all day event at the Cardiff Public Library on 9 May 2011 to mark Europe Day. Ian Thomson, Cardiff EDC Director, and interns Siret Salm and Johanna Kämäräinen answered questions about Europe from the general public. In addition, Ian Thomson gave a training session on European Sources Online to twenty librarians from the South Wales area. Other activities during the day included European story telling, musical entertainment, and job advice.
PSE Day at Ysgol Llangynwyd, 13 April 2011
Two Cardiff EDC interns, George Gurescu and Silvia Caneva, gave presentations on the EU to groups of Year 9 pupils at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd, Bridgend on 13 April 2011 as part of their Personal and Social Education (PSE) day.
Wales, Europe and the World, 8 February 2011
This annual event for children in Wales highlights Cardiff and Wales's European and wider links and helps pupils to find out more about working, studying, travelling and volunteering in Europe, whilst highlighting the benefits of learning other languages.
The Cardiff EDC hosted a short Euro-quiz for teams from a range of schools and colleges in Wales. The winning team, from Ysgol Glantaf in Cardiff, scored an impressive 13 out of a possible 16. Click on the link below to see the questions. Email edc@cardiff.ac.uk if you would like a copy of the answers and sources.
Cardiff EDC Forum, 19 January 2011
The inaugural meeting of the Cardiff EDC Forum took place on 19 January 2011. The Forum aims to develop closer links between the users of the centre and its staff. Thirty seven people have joined the Forum so far.
At the meeting Cardiff EDC Director Ian Thomson outlined the objectives and future plans of the Centre, including the need to relocate in the summer of 2011, and answered questions from those attending.
For more information about the Forum and the planned relocation see our Cardiff EDC Forum page.
Raffaele del Fiore (left) with Ian Thomson
Visit by EESC Librarian, 1 December 2010
Raffaele del Fiore, the Librarian and Administrator of the Information Centre at the European Economic and Social Committee, visited the Cardiff EDC for a day on 1 December 2010. Raffaele first met Cardiff EDC Director Ian Thomson in 2009 when Ian was commissioned by the EESC to write a report on the future development of the EESC Information Centre. The return visit in December 2010 was to see the pro-active operations of the Cardiff EDC at first hand.
Film Presentation, 11 November 2010
To mark the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion 2010, Cardiff EDC and the School of European Studies presented an evening of European film on 11 November. Professor Alexis Nuselovici (EUROS) introduced the French film "Welcome". More than 50 people attended the event, which was preceded by wine and canapés.
ERASMUS Reception, 2 November 2010
Cardiff EDC's third annual ERASMUS Reception, held on 2 November, welcomed students attending Cardiff University, UWIC, University of Glamorgan and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama under the ERASMUS student exchange scheme. Over 100 staff and students from 17 European countries enjoyed a free buffet, drinks and entertainment by traditional music and dance group Pentreffest.
Click on the link below to see photographs of the event. If you would like a copy of any of these photographs, please contact us.
European Jobs Day, 27 October 2010
A European Jobs Day took place at Cardiff City Hall on 27 October 2010. The event was organised by EURES, the European job mobility portal. Cardiff EDC hosted an exhibition stand along with staff from Wrexham's Europe Direct Centre and the European Commission's Office in Wales. Over 1,000 people, ranging from students looking for summer jobs to unemployed labourers hoping to start a new life abroad, attended the event.
Mock Council Debate, 14 September 2010
On 14 September 2010 the third Mock Council of the European Union was held at the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff Bay. Schools and colleges from across Wales participated in the event, which was launched by the First Minister for Wales, Carwyn Jones. Cardiff EDC staff attended the event and hosted an exhibition stand.
Romanian visit, 21 June 2010
20 librarians and academics, from twelve European Documentation Centres (EDCs) in Romania, spent the morning at the Cardiff EDC on 21 June 2010. They were on a study visit to the United Kingdom to see how EDCs operate in this country. They had made a special request to visit the Cardiff EDC as it has a high profile and reputation in Romania through its website, European Sources Online and the external training work of Director Ian Thomson.
The visitors were very impressed with the facilities and space available in the Cardiff EDC and with the range of events and innovative activities carried out by the Centre.
Europe Day Quiz, 10 May 2010
The third annual Europe Day Quiz took place on 10 May 2010 at the European Documentation Centre. Eleven teams took part, including participants from Cardiff University, UWIC, Coleg Gwent, and local schools. The winning team, from the School of Psychology, were presented with wine and Europe Direct goody bags. A collection for charity raised £55, which will be donated to SCAN (Cardiff University's Social and Community Action Network).
The question sheet can be downloaded from the link below. The answers are available on request - contact us by telephone: (029) 2087 4262 or email: edc@cardiff.ac.uk.
Wales, Europe and the World, 9 February 2010
Cardiff EDC participated in this schools event, which offered a range of information sessions and workshops aimed at 14-19 year-olds, featuring music, dance, careers, language tasters and useful information about studying and working abroad. The theme for this year's event was combating poverty and social exclusion.
In addition to hosting an exhibition stand, Cardiff EDC staff organised a Euro-Quiz.
Film Presentation, 19 November 2009
To mark the 20th anniversary of the liberated and reunited Europe, Cardiff EDC and Cardiff School of European Studies (EUROS) held an evening of European cinema. Goodbye Lenin (Germany, 2003), a satirical comedy about the reunification of Germany and nostalgia for the old East, was introduced by Professor Alexis Nuselovici (EUROS).
ERASMUS Reception, 11 November 2009
The 2009 ERASMUS Reception was a great success, attended by over 100 students from 13 European countries, plus lecturers and University ERASMUS Coordinators. A free buffet was provided and the guests were entertained by traditional music and dance group Pentreffest.
Erasmus Reception a great success for the European Documentation Centre
Europe Day Quiz, 7 May 2009
To mark Europe Day 2009 Cardiff EDC hosted a light-hearted Euro-quiz at the European Documentation Centre. A free buffet with wine and soft drinks was provided, and the winning team were presented with wine and Europe Direct goody bags.
Wales in Europe, 23 February 2009
This Cardiff schools event aimed to highlight Cardiff and Wales's European links and to help pupils to find out more about working, studying and travelling in Europe, whilst using their languages to enable them to get the most out of the experience.
As well as hosting an exhibition stand, SWEDIC contributed to the day's activities by organising a Euro-quiz.
Film Presentation, 18 November 2008
To mark the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008, SWEDIC and Cardiff School of European Studies (EUROS) held an evening of European cinema on 18 November 2008. Professor Alexis Nuselovici (EUROS) introduced the film Miguel & William (Spain, 2007).
ERASMUS Reception, 6 November 2008
A buffet reception was held on 6 November 2008 to welcome students visiting Cardiff on the ERASMUS Exchange Programme during 2008-09. The event was attended by 50 students from all over Europe, who are studying a wide variety of subjects at Cardiff University and UWIC.
My Voice in Europe, 11 June 2008
Children from a number of local schools were invited to SWEDIC on 11 June 2008 for a day of activities organised in collaboration with the Community Development Foundation. The aim of the event was to encourage young people to come together and express their opinions and concerns about the European Union.
Europe Day Quiz, 8 May 2008
Europe Day was the occasion for a light-hearted quiz on all things European, hosted by SWEDIC on 8 May 2008. The winning team received prizes of chocolates, wine and SWEDIC goody bags. A raffle, with prizes generously donated by local companies, raised money for cancer charity Tenovus.
Launch of European Sources Online, 31 January 2008
SWEDIC welcomed Mrs Margot Wallström, Vice President of the European Commission, to Cardiff on 31 January 2008. Mrs Wallström, who has special responsibility for the EU's communication policy, was the guest of honour at the official launch of European Sources Online (ESO), the electronic information service published by Information Services at Cardiff University.