News From the European Union
Entirely submitted by Daniel Schaubacher
Interested to meet more EBBF Brussels friends and members?
Wednesday 21st March 12:30 h. - 14 h.
at Myriam and Daniel Schaubacher, 347 av. Louise, 1050 Bruxelles Tram 93 or 94, or by bus 38 or 60 up to Vleurgat, Parking possible
You are cordially invited at the address above to discuss EBBF activities in Brussels & with the European Union, as well as our partnerships with AIESEC and JADE, and the construction & launch of our EBBF BXL/EU website.
A light lunch will be served.
Do come - please respond ! Let's celebrate Naw Ruz - New Year and the first day of Spring together !
- Article on Arthur Dahl's presentations in the Finnish Press
EBBF thanked in AIESEC's annual report
For the third consecutive year, the Belgian branch of AIESEC www.aiesec.org - the world's largest university student exchange and voluntary training organisation, active with local clubs in eleven Belgian institutions of higher learning, principally in economics and business management, expressed its appreciation for learning, coaching and facilitative services rendered by the Brussels/EU chapter of EBBF - the business ethics network www.ebbf.org .
In its most recent glossy annual report, AIESEC in Belgium lists EBBF under "people development partners" as a "learning partner", and enumerates on page 13 the EBBF speakers and trainers and topics treated at AIESEC conferences and workshops by name.
The report describes EBBF members as being "committed in both their personal and professional lives" to "practicing Corporate Social Responsibility, sustainability and ethical principles". EBBF is also listed as a "Cooperation Partner" of AIESEC International (active in some 90 countries) and as being represented on AIESEC's International Advisory Board.
Note : EBBF members in Belgium contribute their services on a voluntary basis and in a honorary capacity. The AIESEC Belgium annual report also describes the contributions of corporate sponsors who find in AIESECers' ranks motivated and skilled talents who consider themselves "agents of social change" and strive to abide by sustainable, socially responsible, human, if not spiritual values as they embark on their professional careers.
Global Energy - Sustainable Models
In a masterly illustrated presentation on global energy security, which he linked to sustainable development and climate change, as well as world governance issues, Dr. Arthur Dahl, a noted international environmental expert pleaded for a new consciousness and global ethics to counter a mounting crisis for all humanity.
On a visit to Belgium to discuss an academic course in diplomacy linked to the environment considered by a European major college, Dahl spoke on February 19, 2007 in a private home in Brussels to an audience consisting of 25 NGO and environmental experts, business people, students as well as concerned citizens and members of EBBF - the European business ethics group.
After a brilliant analysis of the present status of ecological and energy efficiency measures taken by governments, by international agencies and the private sector, Dahl observed that "sustainable environmental management must come to be seen not as a discretionary commitment mankind can weigh against other competing interests".
Western type ways and standards of living could be maintained and the obscene prosperity and governance divide between rich and poor not deepen in the 20 to 40 next years, provided that mankind, considered as one diversified organism would address these issues now, shouldering a collective "fundamental responsibility".
Said Dahl : "A pre-requisite (is) spiritual development as well as the individual's physical survival." He identified climate change both as a threat and opportunity, since "it may force governments to work together." Far from painting a gloomy picture, he stressed that "the years ahead will be difficult, but there is a reason for hope".
Among solutions and ways to forge ahead, Dahl suggested : "To be sustainable long into the future, the economy must be based on renewable resources (such as agriculture, forests, fisheries, bio-industries), closed materials cycles and integrated product lifecycles". And economics can no longer "ignore the broader context of humanity's social and spiritual existence".
You can download Arthur Dahl's presentation in the EBBF Sustainable Development Knowledge Centre.
Historic EU summit - on EU energy efficiency
Europe is setting a signal for the rest of the world in energy and eco-efficiency and control of climate change. Having reached an agreement for hundreds of billions of Euros to be invested throughout Europe,
Quoting from the EPC analysis report :
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The key decisions of the summit can be summarised as a “triple 20” formula. By 2020, the EU’s Member States have committed themselves to:
1. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 % as compared to 1990.
This target is more ambitious than that adopted by the EU in the framework of the Kyoto Protocol (8 % by 2012). The Presidency Conclusions add that it could even be raised up to 30 % “provided that other developed countries commit themselves to comparable emission reductions, and economically more advanced developing countries to contributing adequately” - a not-too-veiled hint to both the US and to China, India and Brazil, amid fears that they could try to ‘free-ride’ on Europe’s unilateral reduction and, indeed, “example”.
2. A 20 % saving on EU energy consumption compared to projections for 2020.
This target is a follow-up to last year’s Commission Green Paper on energy efficiency, and emphasises the need for a more rational use of energy - especially in private households, as exemplified by the planned switch to energy-saving light bulbs. Some Member States have underlined the difficulty of meeting this target in such energy-intensive sectors as construction and steel.
3. A “binding” target of increasing the share of renewables in the overall EU energy ‘mix’ to 20%.
This target proved the most contentious before and during the summit, with virtually every Member State stressing its own particular situation - in terms of the current energy mix and/or potential for developing renewables (geography, climate and even size) - to argue for a more flexible approach. A secondary but related target is a “binding minimum of 10 %” for biofuels’ share of overall petrol and diesel consumption, again by 2020.
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People and Organizations that take risks, build bridges, and break new ground
EBBF member Judi Neal Founder and CEO of the Spirit at Work Association, on her way to giving a fully booked seminar on how to walk at the leading edge, in London, stopped in the European capital to address the Brussels/EU Chapter of EBBF - the European business ethics group.
On February 16, she shared her experiences with business people, students, and management consultants, over a business luncheon meeting.
After graduating in behavioral sciences and working in management for business organizations, and as a professor emeritus of the management department of the University of New Haven, she identified the need to harness the wholesome qualities in human nature - its spirit, for the good of society and any organization.
Far from inviting to join a new age cult, from engaging in esoteric practices or from serving a hidden agenda, the Spirit at Work Association provides an opportunity to share in the vision of effectively expanding the role of businesses, groups and organizations in transforming human society. Her remarks were extremely well received and led to discussions and fellowship for more than two hours during and after the luncheon, well beyond the usual closing hour of 2 p.m.
The participants requested a copy of her presentation slides, including the president and founder of SPES-the European Spirituality in Economics and Society Forum - an international academic network operating from KUL - the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium. A Brussels-based management consultant and EBBF member volunteered to launch a European chapter of Spirit at Work this coming summer.
- Judi Neal signs her book "Edgewalkers" for a group of motivated ladies at Nicola's Bookshop.
In the evening, Judi Neal was invited by Nicola's English Bookshop to introduce in Brussels her latest book "Edgewalkers - People and Organizations that take risks, build bridges, and break new ground". Judi gracioulsy greeted the professional and business people and students, including two professors of sociology and of psychology, by singing an introductory medley, accompanying herself on her guitar.
By doing so, she vouched for the friendly spontaneity and the warm informality of an exercise in personal development based on characters and traits treated in her Edgewalkers book. Judi's charming nature and another brightening musical interlude before refreshments induced all attendees in participating in a heartening debate. By inspiring the audience to explore one's inner brims and orientating one's efforts to the edge of initiative and responsible entrepreneurship, she encouraged us to forge ahead as agents of social change.
Nicola Lennon was a perfect host. Nicola does not just sell books; she matches literature contents with her bookshop visitors' needs and interests. She acts as a self-ignored edgewalker. She had managed to read Judi's book in advance and had stocked ten copies of Judi's Edgewalkers' book which were all sold and autographed on that evening. Her wholehearted recommendation : "Excellent book !"
Once again, at a late hour, the last group of fervid or prospective "edgewalkers" were repeatedly entreated to now let Judi go for a regenerating walk to the historic "îlot sacré" and Grand'Place of the European capital. After all, this brief sightseeing tour was a must prior to her taking the Eurostar train at an early hour on the next morning to befittingly answer the call of the Centre for Excellence in Leadership and of the Journal of Management, Spirituality and Religion which both hosted her two-day workshop in London.
Over the last three years, EBBF has enjoyed a close relationship with Judi's Spirit at Work Association. This joint partnership has been a mutually enriching experience and has led at least two corporate EBBF members to be distinguished by receiving the International Spirit at Work Award for their efforts in corporate cultural transformation and for heeding spirituality in their organization.
Healthy citizens, sustainable car industry - Traffic jam on a motorway
ec.europa.eu/news/energy/070208_1_en.htm
Stricter standards proposed by the EU in February will curb pollution and boost the development of safer transport fuels, as part of a long-term strategy to ensure the future of the car industry in Europe.
Pumps offering a wide variety of cleaner fuels - petrol blends with high levels of ethanol, bio-fuels, low-carbon fuel and diesel with ultra low sulphur content - will be waiting for drivers at the garage forecourt of the future.
Between 2011 and 2020 fuel suppliers in the EU will have to achieve a 10% reduction in the greenhouse gas emissions their fuels produce when they are refined, transported and used. The reduction will save 500m tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions by 2020. Improvements in the quality of fuels will further lower emissions while protecting public health.
Describing the proposed new standards as one of the most important steps the EU needs to take in the fight against climate change, environment commissioner Stavros Dimas explained, "These proposals will help achieve a significant reduction in the noxious pollutants from transport that can harm our citizens' health".
While combating emissions associated with cars is vital, the importance of the industry is clear. 7% of the workforce in the manufacturing sector is employed by the car industry. To keep cars affordable and their manufacture secure in Europe, the EU this week agreed on a long-term strategy to cut red tape, improve road safety and boost overseas markets and research.
EU commission president José Manuel Barroso explained that by taking up the climate change challenge, the industry will preserve its long-term competitiveness. "The strategy we adopted today covers the issues – from road safety to the environment to research that […] will make sure EU car industries remain strong and innovative world leaders."
- Participants at one of the workshops
EBBF "Putting Values to Work"
I (Daniel Schaubacher) was invited to give a workshop on values-based leadership and CSR, with interactive participation in addressing ethical deilemmas, at the AIESEC in Belgium National Conference which took place February 9-11 in the Hautes Fagnes Youth Hostel near Malmédy. My intervention was "advertised" as follows :
"Values-driven Leadership - Putting values to work"
Trainer ˆ Daniel Schaubacher from EBBF
A workshop on CSR, sustainability, participatory decision-making and other human/spiritual values for people who wish to make a difference in serving a higher purpose & who seek fulfillment in business & in their personal career. With interactive case studies illustrating team dynamics, decision making and actual implementation based on leadership values. Come and learn the basics of future leadership and decision making - what really matters for your professional career" (- see attachment "skills, comptencies development, etc.)
After a formal presentation, "my" 10 hard-working students, including the incumbent National President of AIESEC Belgium who prepares his post-graduate work on values-based management at EHSAL business school in Brussels, would split into four groups to work on specific case studies linked to values or ethical dilemmas : 1° the case of Robert Nardelli's severance at Home Depot (and how values played a role in his dismissal - based on WSJ and other press articles); 2° Warren Buffet's Words of Wisdom on Management (compliments of a Forbes.com story and review of his daughter-in-law's book); 3° Your Resume : How to Embark on a Successful Career (based on a Forbes Mag story "Did You Lie on Your Resume ?) - and 4° Keeping your eyes on governance (based on a WSJ article underlying the convergence of corporate governance and CSR). - (see Word-attachment "AIESEC NatCon,f Feb07 Workshops"). At the end of the workshop, each group would then briefly report to the rest of the audience on its perception of the ethical dilemma it treated.
Simultaneously, other trainers held workshops on more practical subjects such as "Negotiation Skills", "Organizational Management Skills" and "Effective Presentation Skills", followed by a plenary meeting for the 110 participants from all business colleges in Belgium. The trainers were invited to offer their views on the competencies and skills in which AIESECers had requested training through these workshops (see pdf attachments). On that occasion, EBBF was again formally introduced as the European business ethics network and an AIESEC in Belgium's learning partner. I then briefly took a few questions pertaining to integrity, trustworthiness and similar spiritual values. No objection was ever voiced when I spoke of spiritual values. These youth who consider themselves as agents of social change appear to be sincerely seeking to make a difference.
I have been asked to present the same 2-hour workshop at AIESEC Belgium's next conference, April 1 in Ostende, and on March 2 at the Presidents' Conference of JADE-the European Confederation of Junior Enterprise, in Brussels.
EU Makes Environmental Offences Cross Borders
The European Commission has unveiled plans to turn environmental offences over to criminal courts across the European Union.
Under the plans, people could face jail not only for dumping toxic and nuclear waste but also for illegally trading in endangered plants or species.
Presenting the proposal, EU Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini said studies on organised environmental crime showed that nearly three-quarters of cases had cross-border implications.
It was impossible to punish or prevent green crimes at national level, he said: the differences in the laws of member states were too many, and too great.
The commission says Germany, Finland and the Czech Republic are among the best at enforcing environmental law, while Italy, Malta and Cyprus are among the worst.
Report on JADE European Confederation of Jr Enterprise Presidents' Conference, March 1-4, Brussels
JADE, the European Confederation of Junior Enterprises, which is one of the world's largest network of junior and student entrepreneurs with 20,000 members in 31 countries, staged its annual Presidents' Conference, March 1-4, in Brussels. I was invited to deliver the keynote address at the opening session, at the ING Bank's auditorium, on "Responsible Entrepreneurship - Making a Difference". 120 student entrepreneurs from all over Europe participated in this motivational and training event whose agenda included internal elections and excellence awards for the “Most innovative project”, the “Most entrepreneurial Junior Enterprise”, and “Most engaged Junior Entrepreneur”. On March 2, I gave a 2 1/2 hour interactive workshop, with three case studies, on "Values-based Leadership and CSR".
For the third consecutive year, I am honoured to represent EBBF on JADE's Advisory Board A breakfast meeting of the board took place in the early morning of March 2, at JADE's European executive board's office and housing building in the populous St. Josse ten Node Brussels district. It was attended by Arnaldo Abruzzini, Secretary General of Eurochambres, Tony Long, Director of the WWF European Policy Office, Lawrence Baker of the Baker & McKenzie Law Offices in Paris, and Natascha Waltke, Senior Advisor at BusinessEurope. It was hosted by Linh Ta Cam, (from the Netherlands) this year's Vice President for External Affairs, Johannes Weissmann (from Bavaria), President, and Agustin Rosa (from Portugal) Treasurer and Event Manager; these young people are giving one year to serve JADE at its headquarters in Brussels. This meeting provided a good opportunity of discussing JADE - which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, its coming events and future programs. Contributions are being sought for a JADE conference in October and JADE's activities. See here I plan to continue to advise JADE's executive board on events, topics and programs of interest to this network of skilled young student entrepreneurs. Even though JADE officers change every year, the continuity which permeates JADE's enthuisiasm and strategy in promoting entrepreneurship in Europe is remarkable.
The response of these motivated student entrepreneurs was heart warming. Be it from Spain, Germany, Austria, France, Portugal even my home country Switzerland, and the host country, Belgium, they expressed a keen interest in values expounded by EBBF. A Paderborn young entrepreneur, running Campus Consult, stayed on after the Friday workshop to tell me that he is a practicing Christian and wants to join an organization in Germany promoting our values. The preceding night, at the conference gala dinner, toward midnight, as I was already physically worn out, the president of the Jade UK branch (originally from Bulgaria) came to the head table to chat about the keynote presentation I gave earlier that day. Back home in Edinburgh on Monday morning, she wrote me : "It was a pleasure to meet you at the JADE Meeting in Brussels last weekend. As I said before, I was very inspired by your presentation and I am looking forward to meeting you again so we can discuss further. Best regards from Edinburgh, Desi."
