European Social policy

Initiative of Christians for Europe / IXE-Group online meeting

Next online meeting of the Initiative of Christians for Europe / IXE-Group scheduled forOctober 9-10, 2020. The Agenda of the meeting foresees discussion of the Covid-19 situation in Europe and sharing on the 5th anniversary of “Laudato si’ – On Care for Our Common Home” by Pope Francis on political and institutional levels.

What does the Academy do for the promotion of the Social Europe Consciousness?

In order to promote development of the Social Europe consciousness, Europan Commission  organizes a “Have Your Say for Reinforcing Social Europe”. Key documents like “European Social Pillar of Social Rights”,  “20 Key Principles” and “Strong Social Europe for Just Transitions” are recommended for discussions and analysis. The seminar for LChrA students was held online in October 6, 2020; the seminar was hosted by specialists of the Caritatyive social work study programme.

Annual RENOVABIS Congress

Rector of LChrA prof. Skaidrīte Gūtmane attended the annual RENOVABIS Congress in September 8-10, 2020 (online). Cooperation models between the Church and educational institutions were discussed. RENOVABIS is a solidarity initiative of the German Catholics with the people in Central and Eastern Europe; Latvian Christian academy is parnering with RENOVABIS since late 1990-ies.

Online EZA seminar for Partners on Communication and Social Media

In order to be qualified for the new Covid-19 situation when meetings and conferences are held online, EZA (European Center for Workers’ Questions) organized online instructing seminar and sharing between partners. Latvian Christian academy was represented by as.prof. Guntis Dišlers. Our Academy is preparing itself for the first EZA online international seminar at the end of May.

Discussion about the future of Europe

Rector of Latvian Christian academy prof. Skaidrīte Gūtmane was invited to attend the discussion hosted by the President Emeritus of European Council
Herman Van Rompuy with Victoria Martin de la Torre, the author of the book “Europe, the Leap into the Unknown”, and Fr. Martin Mayer from “Jesuit European Social centre”. The discussion will be joined by Mr. Jerome Vignon, long-term head of the “Semaines Sociales de France” think-tank group and other members. The discussion is organized by “Chapel for Europe” (Brussels) virtual cafe.

Initiative of Christians for Europe / IXE-Group online meeting

Online meeting with “Initiatives of Christians in Europe” (IXE-Group) was held in June, 2020 and activities related to the Europe Day (May 9) were discussed. Latvian Christian academy is member of the network since 2005.

International EZA seminar on Life-Long Learning in the Baltic States and EU

In May 21-23, 2020, Latvian Christian academy hosted international seminar “Life-Long Learning for Increasing Labour Participation and Inclusive Work-Life in the Baltic States against the Background of Other EU countries”. The seminar was organized in cooperation with European Center for Workers’ Questions (EZA, Germany). Due to Civid-19 restrictions only speakers from the Baltic States were able to travel, whereas all participants and speakers from Germany and Poland were connected via ZOOM. The seminar was introduced by Mrs Sigrid Schraml, Secretary General of EZA. Among the speakers were H.U.Nordhaus ( EZA expert from German Trade Union Federation DGB), Agnieszka Piasecka-Robak (University of Lower Silesia, Wroclaw, Poland), Elvyra Aciene (Klaipeda University, Honorary president of Association of Lithuanian Social Work Universities, Lithuania), Aimar Altosaar (President of “The Golden League” NGO, Estonia), Pēteris Krīgers (member of (European Economic and Social Committee), Baiba Rivža (Vice-president of Latvian Academy of Sciences), Sarmīte Pīlāte (Director Latvian Adult Education Association, Latvia). The seminar was hosted by Skaidrīte Gūtmane, Rector of Latvian Christian academy.

Seminar on Ecotheology and Humanities from Methodology Perspective

Interdisciplinary research seminar for students on “Climate Changes Europe-2030 and Humanities” was held in May 2020. Lecturers and researchers of Latvian Christian Academy and Interdisciplinary Research Institute intrudeced the audience with the use and benefits of the innovative Integrative Theology methodology.

International EZA seminar (using ZOOM)

Important for all students and educators!
Latvian Christian academy in cooperation with EZA (European Center for Workers’ Questions, EC – Germany) hosts international seminar “Life-Long learning for Increasing Labour Participation and Inclusive Work-Life in the Baltic States against the Background of the Other EU Countries” will be hosted by Latvian Christian academy in May 21-23, 2020.
Key topics of the seminar:
Life-long learning in Latvia and Europe after Covid-19? Why life-long learning matters? Why European Commission has emphasized the issue in the context of formal and non-formal education? What are criteria for that type of education?
Experts in higher education and life-long learning from
Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia will be speakers at the seminar.

Lectures on Social Dialogue

DrHC of Latvian Christian academy Mr. Pēteris Krīgers, member of European Economic and Social Committee, former Secretary General of Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia, was lecturing at Latvian Christian academy on Social Dialogue in Latvia against the European background; February 16, 2019.