Berlin: 10.04.2013 Russian civil society at risk - ...

[Saboteur]

von Austausch.org

Invitation

Discussion with NGO representatives of the EU-Russia Civil Society Forum

Russian civil society at risk –

how can international solidarity be of help?

10 April 2013, 7pm

in cooperation with Robert Bosch Stiftung

Berlin Representative Office of Robert Bosch Stiftung (Lampensaal)

Französische Straße 32, 10117 Berlin

Dear friends and colleagues,

EU-Russia Civil Society Forum (CSF) and Robert Bosch Stiftung cordially invite you to the abovementioned open discussion on the chances and challenges of collaboration between Russian Federation and European Union. Atje Drexler of the Robert Bosch Stiftung will be the moderator for the event. Members of the CSF Steering Committee will present the work of CSF, and discuss various perspectives on cooperation between the Russian and European NGOs with regards to EU-Russian relations.

The following topics will be raised in the evening: In what ways can the experience of civil society in the EU be adapted to the context of Russia and how to find a potential for a common work? How political does cooperation between the EU and Russia have to be, for instance on the question of human rights? Can the EU-Russia Civil Society Forum serve as a bridge between the EU and Russia, despite EU economic crisis, differences in interest as well as repeated pressure on independent NGOs by Russian government?

EU-Russia Civil Society Forum was founded on March 2011 and has currently 107 members organisations, twice the number since its foundation, with an increased role and significance in Russia and the EU. The Forum members currently undertake 15 projects; its representatives take part in a number of official meetings geared towards strengthening the interests of the civil society. Robert Bosch Stiftung has been an active supporter of the CSF since its foundation and has also recently joined the Forum. This public discussion is held in conjunction with the meeting of the CSF Steering Committee on 11-12 April, 2013 in Berlin, organised by Deutsch-Russischer Austausch (German-Russian Exchange).

English will be the language for the discussion. A reception will be held at the end of the event. The event is free of charge and registration is not required. All are welcome.

Kind regards,

Stefan Melle

Deutsch-Russischer Austausch

On behalf of the EU-Russia Civil Society Forum