European Social policy

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.

Latvian Christian academy – in dealing with COVID

COVID-19 has dramatically influenced all our lives around the globe both personally and nationally. Virus has taken thousands around the world, creating psychological, social, economic crises. Latvian Christian academy has come up with several publications dealing with the issue and recovery beyond the pandemic: Gūtmane S. Zināsim vairāk, izdarīsim labāk. [Knowing More, Doing Better], (journal […]

IXE-Group Statement on Human Dignity and Solidarity as Pillars for a New European Asylum System

“Semaines Sociales de France” (SSF) and the “Central Committee of German Catholics” (ZdK) think-tank “IXE-Group” (“Initiatives of Christians for Europe”) have published Statement “On Human Dignity and Solidarity as Pillars for a New European Asylum System”. The meeting between the Think-tank IXE-Group members (D, D, ES, CZ, LU, F, PL – also GB present) was held in Madrid, October 9-10, 2020 (partially online via ZOOM). ector of Latvian Christian academy prof. Skaidrīte Gūtmane attended the meeting. The discussion touched an integrated and comprehensive approach to the multidimensional migration policy in the EU member states. The Document is available here: 201012 IXE statement asylum en final

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.