EZA

EZA seminar “Ready for AI? – The world of work in the upcoming revolution”

An international seminar “Ready for AI? – The world of work in the upcoming revolution” was held in Sofia, Bulgaria, November 23-24, 2023. Experts from various EU countries discussed topical issues related to AI and challenges for humanity in the fast changing situation across the globe. The seminar was introduced by President of EZA Luc […]

EC-EZA seminar at the Academy

25.-27. maijā, 2023, Akadēmijā norisinās starptautisks EK-EZA (Eiropas Centrs Strādājošo Jautājumos) seminārs “Sociālais dialogs un ražošanas attiecības Baltijas valstīs un citās ES valstīs Eiropas Sociālo tiesību kontekstā”. Paredzētas diskusijas un darbnīcas. Tēma nozīmīga sociālajiem darbiniekiem, karitatīvajiem sociālajiem darbiniekiem, makro līmeņa speciālistiem.

EZA conference in Brussels

International conference “Workers’ organizations as motivators of social innovations” organized by EZA (European Center for Workers’) was held in Brussels, March 21-23, 2023. Participants form European Christian Academy – Rector Skaidrīte Gūtmane and assist.prof. Guntis Dišlers took part in the panel discussion “Innovations and industrial future in the changing world”.

EC-EZA General Assembly

EZA General Assemby of EC organization EZA (European Center for Workers’ Questions) conviened in Vilnius (LT), December 2022. The key topic was development of the European Social dialogue. European Christian Academy is one of the key partners with EC organiztions since 2004. Rector of EZA prof. Skaidrīte Gūtmane took part in discussions and group work.

EC-EZA international seminar, May 26-28, 2022

European Christian Academy hosted annual international EC-EZA (European Center for Workers’ Questions) seminar “The Future of Work in the Baltic States and Other EU Countries: Automation, Workforce Transition and Quality of Employment” in May 26-28, 2022. Experts from European Academy of Sciences, Latvian Trade Unions Confederation, Bank of Latvia, Ministry of Economics, as well as […]

International EZA seminar at Latvian Christian Academy

Annual international seminar “Young qualified workers: empowerment and participation strategies in the Baltic States and EU” will be held in May 27-29, 2021. The seminar will deal with the importance of qualification for young workers for themselves and their integration and further development in the labour market, but also for social development. A key question is what steps are necessary to integrate young people successfully and sustainably into the new world of work – also taking into account the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The employability of young people is seen as a cornerstone of social development. Particular attention is paid to the digital economy and new business models resulting from it which require special knowledge and skills. The seminar will host experts from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Link to EZA webpage.

Meeting with EZA experts at the Academy

Meeting with experts from EC-EZA (European Center for Workers’ Questions) was held at the Academy in May 13, 2021. Modual study programs were discussed with reference to experience of the University of Leuven aiming at consortial master study program “Specialist in Community Work and European Social Dialogue” (working title). From the EZA side – former Secretary General, DrHC Roswith Gottbehut (DE) and Mr. Bruno Machiels (BE), from the Academy – former Secretary General of LBAS (Latvian Free Trade Unions Ass.) Dr.HC Pēteris Krīgers, ass. prof. Lāsma Līcīte-Ķurbe and assist. prof. Juris Jefuni.

EZA seminar on “Adult education on the European social dialogue in the digital age”

An international EZA (“European Center for Worker’s Questions”) seminar on adult education on the European social dialogue in the digital age was held via ZOOM in March 9-10, 2021, from Portugal. Assist. prof. Guntis Dišlers from Latvian Christian academy attended the seminar online. The seminar speakers explained key differences and encouraged to apply diverse teaching methods in the Covid pandemic time.

The European Centre for Workers’ Questions (EZA) mourns the death of its co-founder and Honorary President Leo Pauwels

The European Centre for Workers’ Questions (EZA) mourns the death of its co-founder and Honorary President Leo Pauwels, in 19 October 2020 at the age of 84. We at Latvian Christian academy were priveldged to know Leo since beginning of EZA extension in Latvia in 2004.
Leo Pauwels was President of EZA from 07.11.1998 to 02.12.2006. The General Assembly elected him Honorary President in 2006 after his retirement as President.
Leo was a European through and through. For him, education was an essential element for human freedom and for the development and strengthening of democracy.
Since 1960 Leo was active for the Christian labour movement in Flanders. His untiring commitment to workers’ rights and decent work was deeply rooted in his faith and deep conviction that Christian social teaching could make an essential contribution and be a source of inspiration for shaping the economic order and the world of work.
From the very beginning in the mid-1980s and especially after the opening of the Iron Curtain, Leo has shaped all the steps towards the foundation and further development of EZA, so that from the five founding countries a Europe-wide network with 70 members in 30 countries has grown. He brought with him his rich knowledge of the Christian workers’ movement in Europe and his conviction of the importance of European integration.
Leo was therefore also significantly involved in the development of the EUCDW.
Without Leo the European Social Week in its present form would not be conceivable. Since the first European Social Week in 1997 in the European Parliament in Brussels, the exchange between representatives of workers’ organisations, employers’ associations, science, churches and politics about basic Christian social values as a compass and how they can be translated into concrete political action was close to his heart.
With Leo we are losing a cornerstone of our network and a friend.
We are grateful for all the encounters we have had with Leo over the years. He managed to bring people together and to integrate them, to be a source of strength for others. With his optimism, his creativity, his sense of mysticism and beauty, his devotion he has touched our souls and left traces that remain. His life will continue to be a source of inspiration for EZA.
All our sympathy goes to Leo’s wife Ann, his children and grandchildren.
We live in the confidence that he will return home to God.

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.