The Institute of Research & Training on European Affairs – I.R.T.E.A. was created by a group of young scientists in 2010 and aims at becoming a strong innovative Think-Tank in Greece and the European Continent. I.R.T.E.A.’s main goals include bridging the gap between the academic knowledge and the business world, politics and society, while fostering knowledge, structured dialogue, innovation and civic participation with youth as a key driver.
Driven by its Mission, I.R.T.E.A. focuses on the following goals to be implemented:
- Rise awareness to all Greek and European citizens and youth, to fully understand the EU legislative procedures and policies, fostering knowledge and promoting structured dialogue.
- Generate and disseminate scientific knowledge, under the principles and values of ethical, innovative and quality research, with the ultimate goal of policy making, in the fields of Environment, Economy and Growth, in order to contribute in the creation of a sustainable society.
- Emphasize on youth empowerment, investment and support. Implement all actions needed, including education and training, with the aim to develop – enrich youth’s skills and competences, making them even more qualified and competitive so as to match labor market needs.
- Bridge the gap between the academic, social and business world in Europe.
- Promote entrepreneurship, smart innovation and specialization to new scientists, entrepreneurs and employees through concrete educational and training actions.
- Stress the importance of democratic values promotion, respect of the Fundamental Rights, equality and non-discrimination within the EU and at national level, while fostering participatory democracy, cultural diversity understanding and multilingualism.
- Ιmplementation of any kind of activity which contributes to the familiarization of the EU Member States’ citizens with different cultures and traditions.
- Support all European citizens and youth regarding their rights as EU citizens, as well as inform-consult them about EU policies and ways of directly or inderectly benefiting.
- Inform European citizens about the external relations of the European Union, its Member States and associate-attached countries within its close and wider region.
Strategic Pillars of Activity
1st Pillar: Economic and Entrepreneurship Policies
Enterprise policies, SME’s, Single Market, Competitiveness, Horizon 2020 Policies, Smart Growth, Innovation, Digital Agenda, Climate Change, Europe 2020, Employment and Social Rights policies, Entrepreneurship, Regional Development under ENPi, INTERREG, RDF instruments, Cohesion Policy, Europe for Citizens, Equality, Non-discrimination, Multilingualism and other related policies.
2nd Pillar: Youth and Educational Policies
Youth Guarantee, Erasmus Plus policies, Council of Europe and European Commission cooperation in the field of youth, young Entrepreneurship, EVS, EU Youth Strategy development and implementation, education and training, health and well-being, creativity and culture familiarization, youth inclusion, employment, youth participation, structured dialogue and other related policies.
3rd Pillar: External Relations, Security and Defence Policies
EEAS – EDA – EUISS actions, European Council, Consilium and SEDE Committee meetings, High Representative’s actions and statements on CFSP, EU external actions, CSDP missions and operations observation, participation in ESDC training courses, European Security Strategy implementation and revision monitoring, EU-NATO relations, European Neighborhood Policy, migration policy, regional instability threats, EU-UN relations and other related policies.
4th Pillar: Environmental and Sustainable Development Policies
Promotion of the EU 2020 climate package for 20% cut in greenhouse gas emissions, EU energy from renewables and improvement in energy efficiency, 2030 Framework on Climate and Energy, 2050 low-carbon roadmap, Environmental diplomacy, the Energy Efficiency Plan and Directive, NER 300 and Horizon 2020 programmes, follow the UN Climate Talks of Bonn, 2015, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Kyoto Protocol, innovative science and technology on safer and cleaner environment, Biodiversity, Consumer protection, Safer Food Goods, Resource efficiency, Sustainable and responsible business and other related policies.
5th Pillar: Social and Humanitarian Policies
Safer and more inclusive Health policies, tackling drugs usage, promoting protection from human diseases, civil and human rights respect, Chapter of Fundamental Rights promotion, respect of persons with disabilities’ rights and promotion of inclusive policies, European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, European Social Fund, employment and social solidarity, Gender equality, Health and safety at work, Labour law, more and better jobs, Social dialogue, inclusion and protection, promotion of children’s rights, tackling discrimination, promoting equality, respect of rights, human security and freedom of expression and movement of persons and other related policies.
The activities of I.R.T.E.A. under the respective Strategic Pillars focus on the following principles:
- fostering civic engagement
- strengthening youth participation
- bringing EU Institutions, legislative Procedure and Policies closer to their main stakeholders, EU citizens by a range of actions
- organizing and implementing awareness rising and informational campaigns promoting our goals
- conducting and disseminating policy papers
- promoting structured and open dialogue between the civil society and EU officials
I.R.T.E.A.’s Advantages:
- Immediacy with the European youth community
- Strong innovative educational and training activity, in the field of non-formal and informal education
- Close cooperation with the labour market and the centers of decision-making
- Innovative actions’ implementation