Dear readers,
It is the time of the year where people come back with renewed energy after the summer, and where a lot is planned until the end of the year. EBU is no exception to that rule! So before letting you read about diverse topics covered in this newsletter, I would like to give a quick overview of key events and highlights scheduled in autumn:
- Our annual conference, hosted by OVN in Amsterdam, will look at the critical item of non-discrimination. A number of concrete cases covering various areas of life will be discussed, and recommendations on how to fight discrimination will be developed. This year, the annual conference is also the concluding event of our PARVIS project; so the event will also feature all the material that has been produced over almost two years. For those who have not done so, please register for the conference There are still places available, but registration will close on September 12th.
- Hosted by our Czech member SONS, the Liaison Commission will hold its annual meeting in Prague from September 30th to October 2nd. This will be an excellent opportunity to take stock of our advocacy work with the EU and to plan forward. Critical items such as web accessibility, accessible payment terminals, the implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty, the support by the EU to audio-description, and many others will be discussed.
- On the 25th and 26th of October, I will have the pleasure of receiving in Paris a number of directors (or equivalent) from within our membership. That meeting, the first of its kind in EBU, will provide an opportunity to look together at better synergies between the European and the national level, joint thematic priorities, etc. This meeting will take place one year ahead of the next EBU General Assembly, so its outcomes can already inform the future orientation EBU wants to take.
All the above-mentioned meetings and events will only be successful if they can count on a strong and active participation by as many EBU members as possible. I count on your involvement!
One of our core commitments outside events and meetings remains the support to our friends in Ukraine and its neighbouring countries. We will continue to monitor the dramatic situation and provide support and relief where needed and where possible. I renew our offer to support organisations who express needs in this terrible context. Please get in touch with me in case you wish to discuss how we can support your action in this field.
Now enjoy reading the newsletter!
Lars Bosselmann, EBU Executive Director