Events
March 2018
|
On March 15, 2018 the European Women's Circle invited members and guests for an author reading with the topic "Empress Maria Theresia and the Enlightenment in Europe". The author was Barbara Stollberg-Rilinger, history professor of early modern times at the University of Münster. For her academic merits she obtained several awards, within the award of the Book Fair of Leipzig 2017 for her oeuvre "Maria Theresia - die Kaiserin in ihrer Zeit". Europe is characterized by an unique development during the Enlightenment in the 18th century. Rational spirit and the reason served as liberation from antiquated structures and ideologies. The result of pursuit of objectives like human rights, education, emancipation and common welfare leaded finally to completely new legislation in several European countries. Empress Maria Theresia as a representative of the court of Habsburg in Vienna, dominating the cultural life in Europe, was key aspect of this lecture and the following discussion. She herself was convinced of the divine right and refused the ideas of Enlightenment as godless. Within this conviction she was in a stark contrast to the opinion of her son and co-regent Josef II and her political adversary Friedrich II the Great from Prussia. The interesting discussion continued with the buffet what for all participants were invited from the European Women's Circle. |
|
February 2018
|
On February 27, 2018 the European Women's Circle toured with a professional guide St. Ursula in Cologne. This church is an example of the European Romanesque ecclesiastical architecture. After destruction of the predecessor edifice from 4th century the contemporary important church of St Ursula was build in the 9th century in place of former roman cemetery. The discovery of so many bones fired the imagination of people. So the 11 companions of St Ursula on her way across Europe became 11.000 virgins, sustaining martyrdom in Cologne. The great plats and the wonderful holy shrine in the apse bear witness to the legend. In the ossuary of this church, the "Golden Chamber", many reliquary caskets are shown and lots of bones forming different designs on the walls. After the destruction of the Second World War St Ursula was rebuilt. |
|
November 2017
|
European Circle
With the issue "Solidarity versus sovereignty - development of the European Union" on November 15th, 2017 the next "European Circle" took place. The presentation from Daniela Topp-Burghardt was followed by an intensive discussion about the reduction of independence and freedom of decision by EU Member States during simultaneous gain in influence in arrangement of international politic and economic. The question was posed if this theory proved true in real development of the EU and if EU Member States and national as well as international operating enterprises and also EU citizens consider loss of sovereignty as equalised by advantages of the EU- community of solidarity.
In this regard recent developments like Brexit, appearance of right-leaning parties and the tendencies of turn away concerning wealthy regions like northern Italy, Catalonia and eastern EU Member States came up. |
|
October 2017
|
The European Women's Circle visited on October 12th, 2017 the wine museum of Cologne. As Hanseatic city Cologne assumed an important role concerning European trade of wine. Even inside the city walls wine was amply cultivated and so it is no surprise that nowadays this city has a museum of wine presenting his history and crop.
Participants were informed by an excellent guiding tour through the small vineyard about the first grape variety of classical antiquity, propagation all over Europe and about the development and refinement in the various producing regions.
In the middle ages in some places wine had been a current food because of the bad quality of drinking water. Today wine, from table wine up to prime quality, is to be seen as a European cultural possession.
|
|
September 2017
|
On September 28th, 2017 the European Women's Circle organized a day trip to Remscheid/Lennep, an ancient Hanseatic city and the capital of Duchy of Berg. In former times an important city of commerce, specially of drapery, in 1746 Lennep was nearly completely destroyed by a major fire. In 1845 Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, the discoverer of "X rays" was borne here. His epoch-making discovery revolutionized all over Europe e.g. medical diagnostic. The Museum of Röntgen shows Röngten as man in his time, his discovery from 1895, for the reason he got the very first Nobel prize for physics, and the application possibilities and their developments. The participants of the European Women's Circle appreciates the excellent guiding tour by the former director of the Museum. After the tour in the old city the Ladies were guided to the Müngstener Bridge, constructed in 1897 and the highest railway bridge in the whole of Europe for the following 90 years. |
|
May 2017
|
European CircleOn May 4th, 2017 Topp-Burghardt continued the series of lectures, "European Circle" which is intended to be an open discussion forum, with the issue "the European Budget". First the speaker illustrated the aim of the EU, the process of integration, what means a compensation between poorer regions and richer ones, which is the basis for action of the EU and for the structure of European Budget. The amount for 2017 is 157,3 billion €, which is nearly one half of German Budget. The income of the EU is financed by EU member stats corresponding to there economic conditions and represents a legal claim. (Part of Germany is about 27%). The expenditure side can be divided in payments to stats or regions - including the discussion about net contributors and net recipient - or divided in payments concerning areas of tasks. With an amount of 58,6 billion € farming and environmental sector still represent the most important share of the European budget. During administration and personnel cost is 9,4 billion € and thus 5,7 % , the sector of security and European citizenship represents 4,3 billion € , thus 2,6 %. After the talk participants discussed whether it is possible to give a statement about success concerning the realization of the aims of the EU by EU Budget. Even the budgetary information shows only bookkeeping results they communicate significant indications. First subject was eastward enlargement of the European Union 2004 and 2007 by 12 member stats. Looking at the list of net recipients since more then a decade, obviously the great difference in economic strength could not be approximate neither in short term nor in longer term, in spite of the pre-accession aid before the accession to the EU. Then Brexit was the next theme, thereby second largest net contributor will withdraw the EU. Because the other net contributors will be increasingly burden, the question came up why the EU Commission will not reduce correspondingly the EU Budget. Theses and other questions had been reviewed.
During the discussion the desire for more transparency of the EU institution and their actors became apparent, specially to cope with continuance of an entente cordiale.
|
|
April 2017
|
Presentation on April 28, 2017As a top-class specialist concerning international fact and law Klaus M. Brisch LL.M. (USA) gave an outstanding presentation about data security, cyber attack and artificial intelligence on April 28, 2017 for members and guests of the European Women's Circle. This very current topic regards as well private sphere as enterprises and stats comparably. The extremely fast and thereby unforeseeable development of information technology face the desire for data security. Those who like to protect themselves need a technical and lawful security. High-level specialists and a correspondent generous budget are needed to prevent hacker attacks on company secrets or stats secrets, or cyber attacks, for example on power company that might effect a blackout for wide areas. Therefore Germany has a significant and huge need to catch up in comparison with other stats like USA, China or Israel, explained Brisch. 1995 the European Community enacted the directive on data protection of personal data which will be replaced in May 2018 by a new data protection ordinance which counts directly in the EU Member stats.
After a very interesting discussion with Brisch the European Women's Circle invited the participants to a buffet. |
|
March 2017
|
On March 22, 2017, the European Women's Circle invited its members and other women to a talk with Dr. Renate Sommer, MEP who is the European Parliament's commissioner for Turkey, about the very contemporary issue "The development of relationship between EU and Turkey". After the military putsch in summer 2016 tens of thousands of people fell victim to a wave of arrests in Turkey and president Erdogan seeks to establish a presidential system which annul separation of powers by a referendum. The response in the EU-member stats to this development is different. Accession negotiations between the EU and Turkey do not seem reasonable any longer. However, as long as the EU commission and the EU Council of Ministers are non agreed that accession negotiations should be determinate consequently, Turkey is entitled to withdraw between 2014 and 2020 pre-accession aid amounting to euro 4,45 billion. Furthermore it is planned to enlarge the custom's union between the EU and Turkey, from whose export 40% are going to the EU. Since summer 2016 tourists chose other vacation destination, so that Turkey registered a drop of revenue about 50%.
Sincere thanks from European Women's Circle to Dr. Renate Sommer for her extraordinarily
competent talk under historic, economic, and social aspects and the objective and open
following discussion. Conversations continued during the buffet, to which the European
Women's Circle had invited all participants. |
|
November 2016
|
Generalmeeting of European Women's Circle November 21th, 2016 and European Circle Lecture on the topic: The importance of the european education policyDuring the generalmeeting on November 21th, 2016 the chairwoman reported the annual return for the year 2016. Afterwards the treasurer submitted the statement of accounts. Then the members discussed the plans for the next year. The European Women's Circle invited members and interested guests to the following "European Circle" on November 21th, 2016. The vice chairwoman, Angelika Riedel, director of the Cologne Vocational School, gave a lecture on the topic "The importance of the European education policy". The speaker presented the developement of European educational policy by different European programmes as the Bologna and Copenhagen Processes from 1999 and 2002. They should improve education on Hightschools and Vocational Schools and should make qualifications more comparable. The target (ET2020) of the EU is 40% of university graduates in memberstats of the EU till 2020. The EU support programmes focuse thoses targets. Specialy for the german alternance, which effects quite a higher employment quota than the european average, this one-side perspective for education is arising difficulties. The attraciveness of alternance declines, because of the target setting of the EU-Commission, where only the Bachelor counts.
European Women's Circle thanks Angelika Riedel very much for her highly infomative lecture and the following discussion. |
|
October 2016 |
The European Women's Circle toured the important Museum Wallraf-Richartz of Cologne on October 26, 2016, presenting the exposition "from Dürer to Van Gogh", collection Bührle meets Wallraf. Artistic influences from all over Europe and the common cultural development of our continent is visibly shown specially by painting. The excellent guidance communicated to the group lively the developement during different epochs. |
|
June 2016
|
Lecture on June 14th, 2016 with Elisabeth Winkelmeier-Becker, MP on the topic of: Amendment to the German Prostitution Laws - a short comparison with other EU member statesThe European Women's Circle organized a lecture with Elisabeth Winkelmeier-Becker, MP for the CDU, on the occasion of the amendment to the Prostitution Act in the Bundestag on June 6, 2016. She began her talk with an overview of the Swedish legislation, which has been enacted for several years and is - within the EU - especially rigorous. France followed suit a few weeks ago. Winkelmeier-Becker spoke in great detail about the development of human trafficking in the form of forced prostitution, and the consequences on the one hand for the victims in terms of health, psychology and community, and on the other hand for the entire German society.
The European Women's Circle thanked Elisabeth Winkelmeier-Becker for the in-depth presentation and the subsequent discussion. |
|
May 2016
|
MaastrichtOn May 11th, 2016, the European Women's Circle organized a day trip to Maastricht, the capital of the province of Limburg in the southeast of the Netherlands. The city, which was inhabited by the Celts and derives its name from the Roman period, gave its name to the Treaty of Europe of 1992. The political, cultural, and historical aspects of the city were illuminated by a short lecture and a guided tour. With its internationally renowned university, an Art and a Theatre Academy, Maastricht is also attractive for many young people who shape the cityscape. Large churches, wide open spaces, and small winding streets in the old districts give the city its special charm. The many small, individual shops were very much appreciated by the participants in the afternoon. The restaurant at the monastery is a remarkable example of successful integration with its project for people with disabilities. Thank you for allowing us to have lunch there. |
|
April 2016 |
Visite to the MMC film-studiosOn April 5th, 2016, the European Women's Circle visited the MMC Film and TV Studios Cologne with one of Europe's largest and most modern studio landscapes. The importance and extent of media is increasing not just
in Europe but around the world in the private as well as the public realm;
therefore, an informative tour directly in the studios was interesting and worthwhile.
The program included a TV backstage tour with visits to indoor studios and outdoor sets. |
February 2016
|
European Circle Lecture on February 24th, 2016 with Anne Hauser on the topic: Current trouble spots in Europe - How can they be overcome?The European Women's Circle invited members and interested guests to a "European Circle" on February 24th, 2016. This series of lectures is open to everyone and is intended to be an open discussion forum, started by a short talk. The speaker, Anne Hauser, first highlighted current problems such as the economic crisis in several southern European member states, the separation tendencies of Greece and Great Britain, and the crisis of confidence in individual EU member states in Eastern Europe. Similarly, she analyzed the armed conflict in Ukraine and causes of the refugee influx which affect the EU directly and indirectly to a high extent. Among the political efforts to find solutions, she addressed the diverse international diplomatic meetings and conferences and the financial and economic support of the EU member states in Southern and Eastern Europe and in particular Greece.
The ensuing discussion addressed the significant risk of the EU splitting up, the large influence of economic
interest groups, and global demographic trends. The participants' desire to openly approach the prevailing
problems and to transparently design solutions became apparent, so as to limit a further loss of confidence in governments.
|
September 2015
|
MünsterOn September 23rd, 2015, the European Women's Circle offered a day trip to Münster, a city with European significance and a special historical background. It was here that the Peace of Westphalia was signed on October 24th, 1648 which ended the Thirty Years' War, a fierce power struggle between two religious ideologies. The Hall of Peace (named after this event) can still be visited today in City Hall. Also, it is the birthplace of the modern Netherlands, as the Peace of Münster, agreed upon during the Congress of January 1648, ended the 80-year Spanish-Dutch war. This was another harsh fight of oppression that was founded on the claim of sole rule of a religious conviction. The program included sights which showed the development of the city through different European building styles as well as the spiritual-secular and civic demonstrations of power: St. Paul's Cathedral with its significant Astronomical Clock, City Hall with the famous Hall of Peace, the Prinzipalmarkt which was situated on the historic European trade routes, St. Lambert's Church, and the so-called Baroque Island with the magnificent Erbdrostenhof and St. Clemens' Church. Since Münster was almost completely destroyed by bombing during World War 2, the citizens took care to rebuild as true to the original as possible. |
|
August 2015
|
Lecture on 25 Aug. 2015 with Jaklin Chatschadorian and Minu Nikpay on the topic: Integration policy, willingness to integrate, integration barriers - an attempt at a definitionPeople from different countries have been coming to Europe for decades. Viewed long-term, there are predominant countries of origin, which differ depending on the EU member state. After the Second World War, for example, people from former colonies often permanently immigrated to France and the UK. In Germany, however, initially mostly Southern Europeans were looking for and finding work, learned the language of the host country, and yet returned to a large extent in old age. Since the 80s, and especially during the last two decades, a change occurred both in terms of countries of origin as well as in the number of migrants all over the EU and currently especially in Germany. Based on this, the European Women's Circle took the opportunity to invite Jaklin Chatschadorian, Deputy Chair of the Integration Council of Cologne and Minu Nikpay, Chair of the Armenian Community of Cologne as speakers on the topic: Integration policy, willingness to integrate, integration barriers - an attempt at a definition. The talk was about the definition and imparting of values of our enlightened European democracies as well as willingness to integrate on the one hand, and the increasing emergence of parallel societies on the other hand. It was followed by a lively discussion. The subsequent buffet, to which the European Women's Circle had invited, gave the participants ample opportunity to further exchange views.
|
|
April 2015
|
Visit of the European Parliament in BrusselsBrussels is the seat of the EU administration with 33,000 employees and officials as well as the EU Parliament with 751 deputies at this time. In addition, 15,000 lobbyists live in this cosmopolitan city. At the invitation of Axel Voss, MEP, the European Women's Circle visited the European Parliament in April 2015. In his presentation, Axel Voss named the growing problems in the EU caused by high unemployment rates, particularly among young people, the massive debt of all member states, the Greek financial crisis with ever new rescue plans, and the growing number of refugees from Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The current developments in the EU showed us again how different member states are, and how important it is to know the people and their history as well as the economic and political structures. After the presentation and a discussion, the participants had the opportunity to sit in on the plenary session of the mini plenary. |
|
March 2015
|
Tour through the Historic Town Hall of Cologne in March 2015 for the European Women's Circle by Bernd Ensmann, former long-time councilor.At the time of the construction of the Historic Town Hall, Cologne was one of the largest cities in Europe. The early economic strength of the Free and Hanseatic City of Cologne becomes apparent when considering the magnificently built town hall. The tower, at 61 meter high, is a sign of the citizens' power and is similar to the Belgian belfries of this period. The Renaissance alcove's decorations also testifies to a self-confident, wealthy citizenry. The Hansa Hall is adorned by precious Gothic sculptures of significant Christians and European rulers. It was here that in 1396 the citizenry gave itself a kind of constitution in the form of the Verbundbrief that broke the hegemony of the patricians. Unique throughout the Holy Roman Empire was the fact that the Verbundbrief was also signed by women having equal rights as men. Through this tour, the participants were given deeper insight into the development of citizens' self-determination in medieval Europe by the example of Cologne. |
|
November 2014
|
Talk on November 17th, 2014 with Dr. Necla Kelek with the topic:
|
|
October 2014
|
Great habour tour in CologneCologne was part of the Hanseatic League since medieval times. The league was a union of Low German merchants and towns with the aims to secure shipping on the North and Baltic Seas and to have commonly represented economic interests. The Hanseatic League was an important factor not only in terms of economy but also in terms of politics and culture. On October 24, 2014 the European Women's Circle went on an interesting and informative boat trip of the various ports of Cologne. |
|
September 2014
|
TrierThe European Women's Circle visited Trier on September 24, 2014 as a German town which bears witness to Europe's ancient cultural history and is situated in close proximity to the three EU member states of Belgium, Luxemburg, and France. Germany's oldest town, Trier, is named for the celtic settlement of the tribe of the Treveri. Under Roman rule, the town grew to be the largest one north of the Alps with 100,000 inhabitants, and many historical buildings from this era - the Porta Nigra, the Cathedral, the Constantine Basilica, the Imperial Baths, among others - are designated as UNESCO World heritage sites. Trier has been rebuilt each time it suffered destruction due to marauding Vandals and Vikings, seizure by French and Spanish troops during the Thirty Years' War, and bombings during World War II. Karl Marx, born here, changed Europe and influenced large parts of the world with his theories; a third of the visitors to his birthplace today comes from China. Concluding the trip, the participants enjoyed an interesting tour a vineyard of the Mosel Valley, home to vineyards and viticulture for two millenia. |
|
May 2014
|
Public lecture on Friday, May 9, 2014 with
|
|
February 2014
|
Visit to the WDR (West German Broadcasting) and discussion with Ruth Hieronymi, Chairperson of the Broadcasting Council, on the topic:
The West German Broadcasting (WDR), one of Germany's largest broadcasters, has its seat in the heart of Cologne. The WDR reaches millions of people on a daily basis. The European Women's Circle visited the WDR broadcast center on February 20, 2014. During the tour, the group was given insight into the film and radio studios. The size of the house and the technical facilities were very impressive. Following the tour, the participants and the Chairperson of the Broadcasting Council, Ruth Hieronymi, discussed the possibility of common policies for radio and television in Europe. The public broadcasters in Germany are financed through fees and can thus meet their educational mission and cultural diversity. In the internet age there is the danger that programs are funded solely through advertisement, and that program content will be determined this way. To prevent this, public and private broadcasters and the European Union must act in common, according to the Chairperson of the Broadcasting Council. |
|
October 2013
|
"10-year celebration of the European Women's Circle"The European Women's Circle celebrated its tenth anniversary on October 11, 2013. The organisation proudly looked back on ten successful years with 50 guests and guests of honor. "The European Women's Circle's mission is to strengthen the understanding of commonalities and differences between the European Union's member states through an exchange of ideas among women in Germany and other EU states, and by that to work towards countries growing together and a lasting peace for the international community" , as the chairwoman stated in the beginning of the anniversary address.
The European Women's Circle's patron, Ruth Hieronymi, who currently serves as the chairwoman of the WDR broadcast council after serving as member of the European Parliament for many years, highlighted the significance of civic and social committment by the organisation, its chairwoman Daniela Topp-Burghardt, and all members for a unified Europe during her anniversary address.
Anne Hauser, foundational member of the European Women's Circle, looked back on events and international encounters in her laudation.
Dr. Renate Sommer, member of the European Parliament, emphasized in her address: "How unified is Europe", that Europe faces other continents with over a billion people and huge economic regions, and that it can attain an important role in the globally competitive economy only as a community. Laura Nürnberger (vocals) and Constantin Chepa (piano), who are both students at Cologne's Conservatory, presented beautiful arias and chansons from different musical eras and styles. Their musical talent contributed to the festive atmosphere of the anniversary celebration. The European Women's Circle invited the guests to a buffet in conclusion of the evening. |
|
September 2013
|
Tour of the European Women's Circle to AhrweilerThe European Women's Circle visited the Ahr valley on September 25, 2013, where the participants experienced European cultural history and historic monuments as witnesses to political changes in the region.
The visit started with a lead tour of the "Roman Villa", a roman excavation of exceptional quality, which was discovered by chance during construction work on a street on 1980. The group continued to the medieval town centre of Ahrweiler, where the impressive 13th-century city wall was a fantastic backdrop to the historic talk about the town's past. The Regierungsbunker", bunker of the government, from the time of the cold war was the next destination. A guided tour through the bunker, which has been converted into a museum, explained its significance.
The economic basis of Ahrweiler and the surrounding region has been closely tied to wine production for centuries. |
|
May 2013
|
"Great Britain's exceptional position in the EU"As a preparation for its politico-cultural trip to London, the European Women's Circle invited members and guests to a talk about “Great Britain's exceptional position in the EU“ by Great Britain became a member of the EU in 1972. The country has intensive commercial ties with the EU and exports four times as many goods to the Single European Market than to the Commonwealth. |
|
April 2013 |
Presentation at the Federal Institute for vocational education (BIBB)The high rate of unemployment among young people, especially in the south of the European Union, is a pressing problem for which solutions need to be found. Vocational education is crucial in this context. The mobility of job seekers within the E.U. is steadily increasing while educational systems vary by member state. The European Women's Circle was invited to a presentation at the Federal Institute for vocational education (BIBB) in Bonn on April 23rd, 2013. An agreement was signed among European states with the effect that the different educational systems will be mutually recognised, provided that EU member states provide transparent measurements and evaluations of attained levels of vocational qualifications. |
|
March 2013
|
Cologne Cathedral and European GothicThe European Women's Circle toured Cologne Cathedral on March 19, 2013 with Dr. Klaus Hardering, director of the Cologne Cathedral Building Archives. The topic of the tour was "Cologne Cathedral and European Gothic". Modeled after the Gothic cathedral of Amiens, France, Cologne
Cathedral represents the height of the Gothic period in Europe. Cologne Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. |
|
October 2012
|
The European Women’s Circle visited the ZDF (Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen)On October 4, 2012 the European Women’s Circle visited the ZDF (Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen), a public service television broadcaster, in Mainz. The ZDF, regulated by public law, has a mission of information and education. A detailed talk about the history and structure of the ZDF was followed by an in-depth tour of the recording and editing studios. The participants were impressed by the complex preparations of news broadcasting. The sunny fall weather invited us to enjoy the old town of Mainz, including its historical landmark, the cathedral on a walk concluding the visit. |
|
September 2012
|
European Women’s Circle: Talk – Food Industry, September 6, 2012On September 6, 2012, members and guests of the European Women’s Circle met for a talk about the food industry in Germany and the EU. The informative and detailed talk focused on questions about the influence of producers on the prices of their products, the development of market shares of small retail businesses, and large-scale grocery chains and the development of consumer prices. Dr. Bohlen explained that a clear concentration of market shares in the hands of large scale grocery stores could be seen over the last twenty years, disadvantaging the small retailers.
The influence of producers and consumers on product prices is relatively small, based on the low degree of organisation of these two groups. In the tradition of the European Women’s Circle’s invited talks, the conversation about this complex topic continued during the evening’s buffet dinner. |
|
May 2012
|
Talk - Women in the Penal System, May 9, 2012On May 9, 2012 the European Women's Circle invited members and guests to a talk about "Women in the Penal System" with Ms. Angela Wotzlaw. Ms. Wotzlaw reported that 95% of inmates in Germany are male and are imprisoned predominantly for violent crimes. The percentage of women is just 5%. Women are imprisoned most often for theft or fraud. Among young women and girls an increase in violent behavior towards the victim has been recorded, which occurs frequently in conjunction with gang-related crimes. Women have different needs within a jail than men, and as jails were conceived as housing male inmates it is often difficult to accomodate these needs. After her arresting talk, the speaker led a lively discussion with the participants about the situation of women in the penal system. The conversations continued during the buffet, to which the European Women's Circle had invited all guests. |
|
April 2012
|
Talk - Denmark, April 11, 2012On April 11, 2012 the European Women’s Circle invited members and guests to a talk about Following the talk, the guests and Ms. Jeppesen discussed especially the status of women in Denmark, the economic development of the country, and differences between Denmark and Germany. |
|
March 2012 |
Visit to the special exhibition “The return of the Gods“
|
|
October 2011
|
Trip to the European Central Bank in Frankfurt/Main.On October 11th, 2011, the European Women’s Circle, prompted by current events, organized a trip to the European Central Bank in Frankfurt/Main. The extensive and detailed presentation of the ECB’s tasks by a member of the staff was followed by a lively, open discussion. Questions and comments, including critique, were answered competently.
After the visit to the ECB, the participants enjoyed a traditional Frankfurt lunch and continued to discuss the bank’s policies. With the concept of Europe as a political entity in mind, the group visited Frankfurt Cathedral and spent time in the cathedral’s Wahlkapelle, in which the kings of the Holy Roman Empire were elected for 650 years.
The trip ended with a cup of coffee at the magnificently restored Old Opera. The participants returned home with many interesting impressions and beautiful memories. Frankfurt, especially its exquisite museums, has much to offer – also for a second trip.
|
|
May 2011
|
Talk: “The current situation in Turkey"On May 16, 2011, the European Women’s Circle invited its members and other women interested in the topic to a talk about “The current economic, social, and religious situation and the status of women in Turkey with respect to the country’s wish to join the EU”. The European Women’s Circle enjoyed Dr. Sommer is the European Parliament’s commissioner for Turkey and has – as a result of frequent travelling to the country – well-founded insight into Turkey’s development, especially with respect to the fulfillment of the entry conditions imposed by the EU. Her talk was followed by an objective and open discussion with numerous guests. With this talk, the European Women’s Circle took a look at the consequences of Turkey joining the European Union under historic, economic, and social aspects.
|
|
March 2011
|
Talk: „China – recent historical developments and the status of women..."On March 2011 the European Women’s Circle invited its members and other women interested in the topic to a talk about „China – recent historical developments and the status of women in this important Asian country“. We were happy to have Ms. Zhou Meng as speaker. Ms. Zhou Meng grew up in China and has been living in Germany for more than 20 years. This evening on China concluded the European Women’s Circle’s series of talks focusing on globalisation and its effects on Europe.
|
|
November 2010
|
Talk: "Afghanistan, recent historical development ..."On Nov 16, 2010 the European Women’s Circle invited its members and women interested in the topic to a talk about "Afghanistan, recent historical development and the status of women in this central Asian country." Laura Gläser-Weisser graced the event as speaker. Laura Gläser-Weisser worked for several years in development aid, both as a member of the German consulting team for the Afghan broadcasting service and as a correspondent for German newspapers and broadcast stations reporting about the country. After her expansive and in-depth talk Ms. Gläser-Weisser was happy to answer questions and discuss with the participant. The topic "Afghanistan" continued a series of talks organised by the European Women’s Circle which, in times of increasing globalisation, aims to widen the scope of knowledge about countries outside of Europe with respect to their development and importance to Europe.
|
|
October 2010
|
Day trip to the Benedictine convent of the Abbey of St. HildegardOn October 14, 2010 the European Women’s Circle organised a day trip to the Benedictine convent of the Abbey of St. Hildegard in Rüdesheim/Eibingen, where the participants retraced – both physically and historically – the footsteps of St. Hildegard, a remarkable woman of Europe’s intellectual history. After a tour of the pilgrimage church in Eibingen the participants enjoyed a “Hildegardis meal” and a walk through the convent’s vineyard. The day ended with a talk about the life of St. Hildegard and life in the convent today by one of the Benedictines. |
|
May 2010
|
Talk: “The Russian Federation – social, religious, and political developments”In November 2009 the European Women’s Circle initiated a series of four talks intended to draw our attention to countries outside the European Union to exemplify historical, social, and economic developments and women’s status. The first talk in this series was given by Dr. Büchner about Nigeria. On May 20, 2010 the European Women’s Circle organised talks by Dr. Julia Bryk and Oxana Arnold about “The Russian Federation – social, religious, and political developments” in preparation for its 2010 trip to St. Petersburg. After the talks, the participants were invited to a discussion with the speakers. The conversations were continued during the buffet offered by the European Women’s Circle. |
|
April 2010 |
Talk: “Media Policy in Europe”Nowhere is innovation as rapid as in information and communication technology. This holds true not only for the private sector but also for the public sector. We are not always aware of the goals and means of decision makers. The European Women’s Circle organised a talk about “Media Policy in Europe” on April 27, 2010 and was fortunate to be able to invite Ruth Hieronymi, chairwoman of the broadcasting council and former MdEP, as speaker. After the ensuing discussion, the European Women’s Circle invited participants and guests to a buffet. |
March 2010 |
Guided Tour through the exhibition “Meissen’s baroque porcelain in Cologne”On the occasion of the Museum of Applied Arts’ exhibition “Meissen’s baroque porcelain in Cologne” the European Womens’ Circle a guided tour for its members in March 2010. The discovery of white porcelain in Meissen during the reign of elector Augustus II the Strong about 300 years ago was highly significant for all of Europe. The nobility was suddenly independent of the cumbersome import of porcelain from China, and the development of an outstanding european tableware was enabled. Only after a long time could members of the lower social strata replace wooden, stone, and metal tableware with porcelain. The exquisite exhibits helped to visualize the dominating taste in art in contemporary Europe. |
November 2009
|
Talk: “Nigeria – demographic, ethnic, religious, and political developments of an African state”After the European Women’s Circle’s multiple trips within Europe we initiated a series of talks focusing on countries outside Europe to depict the direct and indirect influences of globalisation on the European Union. On November 25, 2009 the European Women’s Circle organised a talk about “Nigeria – demographic, ethnic, religious, and political developments of an African state”. The speaker, Dr. Eva Büchner, has become acquainted with Nigeria through her volunteer work as medical doctor over the course of many years. Dr. Büchner’s vivid talk gave an extensive account of Nigeria’s social and political situation by visualizing facts and personal experiences for the audience. The European Women’s Circle invited the speaker and the audience to continue the ensuing discussion during the buffet.
|
|
December 2008
|
Event on educational policy: “ Bologna and Copenhagen Process”The European Women’s Circle organised an event on educational policy in December 2008. The topic was the Bologna and Copenhagen Process which aims at the comparability of education at universities and through vocational training all throughout Europe. Dr. Martina Ernst, director of the Union of the Chambers of Industry and Commerce in North Rhine-Westphalia e.V., and
Members and guests were welcome to discuss the talks and enjoy the buffet. |
|
May 2007 |
Visit to the European Documentation Centre in CologneIn May 2007 the European Women’s Circle organised a visit to the European Documentation Centre in Cologne, one of 54 institutions of this kind in Germany. In Cologne, the centre is integrated into the university to supply researchers and research facilities with information about the European Union. The reference section of the library is open to all visitors. The Documentation Centre’s director, Cornelia Linnartz, guided our group on a tour of the centre and explained the set-up of the extensive collection, which includes materials ranging from official documents like those of the EU Commission and 100 current journals to literature relevant to the EU and dictionaries. The EDC is part of a global network of information facilities of the European Commission. |
January 2007
|
Discussion about “Key Topics in Equal Opportunity Policy”In January 2007 the European Women’s Circle organised a discussion together with the Europe task force of the CDU Women’s Union Mittelrhein and the EU information centre at the Andreas-Hermes-Academy on the occasion of the German presidency of the Council of the European Union. Ruth Hieronymi MdEP, Marlene Lenz, task force director and former MEP and Eva Maria Welskop-Deffaa, director of the bureau of equal opportunity in the federal department of family, seniors, women, and youths, led the discussion on key topics in equal opportunity policy. The topics of the discussion were directly related to the talks about the public and private situation of women in the numerous countries the European Women’s Circle visited on its politico-cultural trips. |
|
March 2006 |
Discussion about “Mobility in Europe”In March 2006 the European Women’s Circle organised a discussion about “Mobility in Europe” together with the Europe Direct information centre in Cologne. The Expansion of the European Union in 2004 prompted us to discuss the future development of both the European job market and the mobility of young people. Projects which work towards the acknowledgement of educational degrees throughout Europe based on international comparability are of central importance and are supported by the European Commission. The large audience gained detailed insight into the topic and the possibility of occupational mobility for young people during and after their education within the European Union. Members of the group of speakers were: |
November 2004
|
EuropatagOn November 5, 2004 the European Women’s Circle under the direction of chairwoman Daniela Topp-Burghardt organised a Europe Day with the slogan “Growing and Growing Together”, in cooperation with Ruth Hieronymi, MEP. The reception by Mayor Müller in the historical town hall was followed by a discussion about difficulties and chances for women in the expanded European Union. Over a hundred women from North Rhine-Westphalia enjoyed talking to Ljudmila Novak, MEP from the new EU member state Slovenia, Christine Bruneau, Mayor of Boulogne-Billancout/Paris and Anna-Maria Cervone, from Rome, president of the umbrella group of Christian Democratic Women. The Europe Day’s second part took place in Cologne’s International Kolping House. Willy Landsberg, chairman of the “Organisation for European e-Government” gave a talk on current developments in electronic communication. Practical examples livened the rather dry material up and made the topic more palpable and understandable. A tasty buffet set the scene for more in-depth talks between politicians and guests. The evening’s cultural highlight was the performance by the young and highly talented opera singer Katrin Glaser and pianist Birgit Klösters. We are proud of a Europe Day which contributed to communication and understanding through international meetings and discussions and is hoped to be continued by so many. |
|
