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A network for democracy: schools of political studies in South-East Europe French version | German version "What makes the difference between success and failure of democracy is that in a healthy democracy all the actors accept that their main interest is to make the whole system work. This is why I believe we need a network of schools of politics in South East Europe." Walter Schwimmer, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, 1999-2004)." WHY do we need a network of Schools in South-East Europe? In the aftermath of war and conflict, South-East Europe now needs to train a new generation of young decision-makers committed to values such as democracy, tolerance and European ideals. A network of Schools of Politics, taking in the region's political, linguistic and cultural differences, could provide these skills by offering flexible and practical training to future leaders of democratic institutions. A network of individual schools (national initiatives) throughout the region would strengthen co-operation and develop good neighbourly relations.. The network of Schools WHAT is a School of Politics? It is a civil initiative to promote democracy, human rights, the rule of law and European values in the transitional nations of south east Europe. The Schools provide training and development in democratic practice to young political leaders and decision-makers in the emerging democracies at all levels (national, regional and local) and in all fields - lawyers, judges, media professionals, businessmen/women, NGO leaders, policy-makers and officials. HOW will the network function? The network will be based on: . harmonised curricula; . selection of experts sharing the work of the Schools; . exchange of participants and experts; . joint sessions of participants from various Schools; . stressing the European dimension. The Sschool Directors and their main partners will meet once a year to plan their working programme, with the emphasis on synergy and cost-effectiveness. The concept HOW is a school organised? The Schools of Politics are flexible "schools without walls". They offer a series of one-week seminars in the country concerned or in a foreign country; with closing seminars at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. On average the one-year cycle comprises three or four seminars. At the end of the series participants receive a Diploma from the Council of Europe's Secretary General and the School's initiator. Who teaches what! The Schools' curricula cover all aspects of running a pluralist, democratic, free-market society - running for an election, combating corruption, conflict management and developing independent, pluralist media. They emphasize the practical aspects of running a democracy, so the teaching panel comprises people with specific responsibilities in running democratic institutions, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, as well as academics. Teaching methods Teaching methods include interactive sessions and lectures stressing practical experience in various cultural, institutional, political and legal environments, followed by question and answer sessions, panel discussions, role games, study visits and recommended reading. How are participants and lecturers selected? Most candidates apply in writing, with a CV. Others are co-opted by previous participants. The School administration makes the final selection, usually following an interview. The School's Board recommends a balanced panel of national and foreign animators and lecturers, all of them acknowledged experts in the seminar's theme. It maintains contact with previous participants through active alumni associations and internet sites. The target group The target group Participants in the Schools of Politics include young political leaders (MPs, members of regional and local bodies, on average below 35 years of age), judges, lawyers, journalists, businessmen and civil activists who are already involved in public affairs and would like to extend their knowledge and experience. Former participants include ministers and their deputies, heads of major administrations, parliamentary committee chairpersons and members of the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly. What will participants learn? They will learn how to run a responsive democratic society by exchanging practical experiences with local and foreign experts and professionals. The present Schools The first initiative was the 'Moscow School of Political Studies' (MSPS), created in 1992; it sets up national and regional programmes The Tbilisi School of Political Studies was established in 2000. It runs programmes for Georgia and the whole Caucasian region. A Bulgarian School of Politics began work in 2002. Management Who runs the school? The initiator (individual or NGO) is responsible for managing the Schools and is assisted by a Board representing the School's main national and international partners. Each school has a permanent staff of 3-5 and recruits additional staff for the seminars (including interpreters). Assessing the results Participants and lecturers evaluate the Schools activities internally. They are assessed externally by the Schols' main partners. HOW much does it cost? The annual cost of an initiative is between ? 300.000 and ? 500.000, depending on the school's activities, in particular the number and location of seminars, the number of participants and the administrative and interpretation costs. Participation has so far been free of charge; the School provides material and accommodation during the seminars. Who pays? Initially the Schools of Politics rely mainly on foreign funding (national governments, international institutions or Foundations). The Moscow and Tbilisi Schools are funded jointly by the European Commission and the Council of Europe under Joint programmes. Contributions from foreign institutions include providing experts free of charge and organising study visits as well as direct financial assistance. Domestic sources should progressively replace international funding in the medium or long-term. Current donors The current donors include: the Council of Europe, the Government of Liechttenstein, the European Democracy forum and the Propter Homines Foundation. Actual state of play The Bulgarian School of Political Studies is the first operational element of a future network. It opened in the spring of 2002 and the first year's Closing Seminar will take place in Strasbourg in November 2002. The network's potential members (local initiatives and international partners) will meet in Strasbourg by the end of 2002. The Council has already contacted potential partners in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Moldova and is seeking donor support for a network of Schools.. The role of the Council of Europe The Council of Europe provides the European dimension, acting as a political umbrella for the Schools, mobilising financial resources and providing lecturers. It offers the school its political support, depending on the credibility and viability of the SPS and its partners. It also provides: . specific financial support for the seminars, including the closing seminars in Strasbourg and participants' diplomas; .tutors/lecturers for various School Seminars on subjects affecting the Organisation; . assistance with funding; . advice on the curriculum and the recruitment of tutors/lecturers; . evaluation criteria for activities. October 2002