I - Background

Canada and the Member States of the European Union have longstanding economic, historical, and cultural links. Europe and Canada share common values - including democracy, human rights and rule of law - that strengthen the two societies and their approaches to social policy. The Forum in Riga, Latvia, is aimed at sharing experiences with regards to social policies in Canada and the EU, and in particular, in the Baltic States: Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.

Social and economic development must go hand in hand to produce harmonious development and progress. Programs of social and economic development have certain elements which are complementary but which may also come into conflict. This is reflected in the numerous dialogues and negotiations on how to satisfy the need for high levels of productivity and growth and also maximize social protection, inclusion and cohesion.

While the economic development aspect and its various components are fully recognized, the social dimension is more diffuse and not always fully integrated in the development process. Understandably, often different interests promote economic growth and social development. However social policy is increasingly accepted as a productive factor. Governments, employers, trade unions, and in civil society are engaging in discussions on this subject throughout the industrialized world.

A number of questions arise:

• How can substantial levels of social protection and development be balanced with economic growth and labour market needs?
• What are the priorities in social protection programs and what delivery modes are most effective, efficient and fair?
• Where there is conflict, how can it be resolved and through what mechanisms?

II - Objectives

The Forum will focus on the importance of the social dimension in the development process of policies and exchange the practical experiences in Canada and a number of selected European states, with the focus on the Baltic States and Nordic countries.

Further, the Forum will raise awareness on social policy issues, and values, common to the countries examined. Participants are invited to exchange practical experiences in the social policy realm. The Forum provides an opportunity for the discussion of social policy achievements, problems, and current visions as well as the interrelations between the labour market, demography, social wellbeing and gender. Policies in the following areas will be the focus of discussions:

• Family support
• Health insurance coverage
• Pensions coverage
• Unemployment coverage

It is anticipated that the Forum will produce a number of suggestions for the further enhancement of the social component in national policies and for consideration by the participating countries.

III - A Brief Overview

The Program and Editorial Committee for the Forum currently includes (in alphabetical order):

‡ Dr. Jolanta Aidukaite, Sodertorns Hogskola (University College-Sweden);
‡ Dr. Alexandre Berlin (Honorary Director, European Commission - The EU Public Diplomacy Project in Canada, Paris -France);
‡ Dr. Joan DeBardeleben, (Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada: Strategic Knowledge Cluster-Canada-Europe Transatlantic Dialogue).
‡ Dr. Maria Jepsen (Research Director, European Trade Union Institute - Research, Education and Health and Safety, Brussels -Belgium);
‡ Professor Eduard M. Lavalle (Capilano University, North Vancouver, BC - The EU Public Diplomacy Project in Canada);
‡ Professor Teodoras Medaiskis (Advisor to the Minister, Ministry of Social Security and Labour, Republic of Lithuania, Vilnius, Lithuania);
‡ Ms. Daina Mezecka (Advisor, Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Riga);
‡ Professor Tatjana Muravska ( Jean Monet Professor & Director of the Centre for European & Transition Studies, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia);
‡ Mr. Peep Myhls (CEO, Estonian Cooperation Assembly, Tallinn, Estonia);
‡ Mr. Thomas Townsend (Executive Head, Policy Research Initiative, Government of Canada - Ottawa, Canada).

The Local Organizing Committee located at the Centre for European and Transition Studies of the University of Latvia is headed by Professor Tatjana Muravska, assisted by Ms. Kristina Pauskens and staff members of the Centre.

The European Commission Representation to Latvia, the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Latvia and the Soros Foundation have all indicated their interest and willingness to serve on the Local Committee. The Canadian Embassy to the Baltic States has also been invited to have a representative in the Local Organizing Committee. This Forum, financed by the European Commission under The EU Public Diplomacy in Canada Project, is organized by Capilano University (Canada) on behalf of the participating Canadian universities associated with the Network for European Studies. The Forum is a partnership with the University of Latvia, Centre for European and Transition Studies. The Forum's host is the University of Latvia in Riga.

IV - Participants

Fifty to one hundred participants from Canada, Baltic States and other selected European Countries (in particular the Nordic countries), and the European Commission: including representatives of the social partners, civil society, national and local administrations, decision makers as well as academia (professors and students actively working and interested in these issues).

V - Confirmed Plenary Speakers

Jolanta Aidukaite (Sweden); Marcel Canoy and Federic Lerais, European Commission; Maria Jepsen, ETUC; Thomas Townsend, (Executive Head, Policy Research Initiative, Government of Canada - Ottawa, Canada).

VI - Programme structure

The programme will include plenary presentations, as well as invited panels and round tables on specific topics. A special panel will be devoted to the Canadian experience in the social field. There will be an open forum for presentations by selected participants on work in progress, interventions, or short papers. Each session will conclude with discussions with the Forum participants. Conclusions of the panels and round tables discussions will be presented at the closing session.

VII - Outcome

The Forum will produce a number of suggestions for the further enhancement of the social component in national policies for consideration by the participating countries. The Forum's key presentations and summary of the discussions will be published and submitted to the governments of represented states, the European Commission, civil society, and the academic community.

VIII - Location

Thinking Europe took place in Riga, Latvia, November 6th, 7th, 8th, 2008. Latvia's accession to the European Union took place on 1 May 2004.

European Commission
University of Latvia
Capilano University