Ei-iE

What’s been described as a near final draft of the controversial Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) was released in October amidst confusion over whether a deal had in fact been reached.

The launch of negotiations follows an impasse in talks between the EU and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that began in 2007.

In an apparent about-turn, South African officials now say they are prepared to conclude an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union and the five-nation South African Customs Union (SACU) by the year’s end.

A report released the end of August cautions a comprehensive free trade deal between Canada and the European Union could lead to rising greenhouse gas emissions, privatization of water services, and disruptions to "First Nations" communities.

The French Republic is currently experiencing a huge social movement. The outcry against the pension reforms, imposed by Nicolas Sarkozy’s government, has brought the French masses out into the streets.

The High Court in Izmir has yet again postponed until 1 February 2011 its decision in the case concerning 31 public sector unionists, including 27 teacher unionists from Egitim Sen.

This year’s theme of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, “From Poverty to Decent Work: bridging the gap”, is highly relevant to EI’s First World Women’s Conference.

EI is supportive of teacher unionists in Northern Cyprus which face a condemnation by court on 25 October for protesting at funding cuts in education.

EI is inviting member organisations and all concerned individuals to sign an international civil society statement that will be delivered to G-20 leaders during their summit in Seoul from 11–12 November, 2010.

School leaders and representatives of EI member organisations have expressed serious concerns about the impact of the financial and economic crisis on education budgets, trade union and labour rights.

EI and its affiliate, Colegio de Profesores, have welcomed the successful rescue of 33 miners in Copiapó, Chile, and called on authorities to guarantee workers’ rights to health and safety in the workplace.

The EI Pan-European Higher Education and Research Standing Committee (HERSC) met in Leuven, Belgium, from 14-15 October to discuss the challenges confronting the sector in the European region.

In the face of cuts to public services, leaders of trade unions, governments and civil society have made the unprecedented joint commitment to work together.

At the final event of the joint project with the European Students’ Union currently taking place in Leuven, Belgium, Education International launched a toolkit for staff and students to promote the concept of student-centred learning.

EI has sent a message of solidarity to the World March of Women taking place in Bukavu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is set to close its third international action from 14 to 17 October, 2010.

In a rousing call to action, Greenpeace’s Kumi Naidoo has told 400 delegates at the Quality Public Services - Action Now! Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, to challenge the threat to vital public services with “peace, principles and courage”.

“There is no work-life harmony; there is only work-life integration – you have to live as you work.” This joke set the tone for the Young Workers’ Forum held on 11 October, leading into the Quality Public Services, Action Now! Conference.

“Academics and students are ready to create a stimulating learning environment,” says EI Deputy General Secretary, Monique Fouilhoux, ”but are higher education institutions ready to provide the necessary support?”