2013 was an eventful year for AEGEE: The Europe on Track project was awarded, AEGEE got a new identity and visual identity – and many members in Turkey and Ukraine showed by their protests for more democracy that actions speak louder than words. The AEGEE Golden Times asked many active members how they perceived the year – and what they foresee for 2014. In this first edition: read what Luis Alvarado Matrínez, Mariella Rapa, Miguel Gallardo, Maartje Natrop, Ivan Bielik and Marta Wnuk said.

Luis Alvarado Martínez, President of AEGEE-Europe

Luis Alvarado MartinezWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2013?
I think I have had many, 2013 has been a year full of big things. Being able to move the headoffice in Brussels, approving a new identity, been re-elected for one more term, succeeding in our advocacy together with other platforms for the Education and Youth Programmes such as Erasmus+, succeeding in our advocacy of including International Youth NGOs in the Structured Dialogue process of the EU, receiving big grants from the EU to carry out big research projects in AEGEE-Europe, starting to see how locals start implementing the Visual Identity, seeing how locals appreciate our work and a very long etc…
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2013. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
Maybe one of the many would be seeing the percentage of support at Agora Zaragoza towards the new identity of AEGEE. After one whole year putting a lot of work into it, and finally tackling one of the key obstacles we had been facing in AEGEE for many years, the network joined us and made it possible. A president cannot ask for more from its member organization when pushing for such a reform. Thank you to everybody.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2013?
I would like to show my respects to Maryana Semenyak, for leading the process of activating and empowering Ukrainian speaking locals to fight for their future. My most sincere congratulations and respects for brave people willing to risk their own safety for the well-being of their people. We should have more Maryana’s in AEGEE!
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2013?
I think both Turkish and Ukranian antennae of our Network deserve a big ovation. Being brave enough to go on the streets to defend the freedom of their countries is something not everybody is ready to do. I send them a big bravo from Brussels. It makes me incredibly proud to see the values of which our Network is made of.
What was for you the outstanding project in 2013?
I think Eastern Partnership has done a great job in terms of putting AEGEE directly into the Eastern partnership agenda and process of the EU. We are clearly one of the top NGOs involved in the process and this is only thanks to this project. Europe on Track for achieving what they did with no resources at all, also deserves a big applause. Health for Youth for never losing that motivation they have no matter what; they are an example of constant work. EurStory for being able to have a long term vision of Europe where it is possible that history stops being one of the main obstacles separating European nations.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2014?
The European Parliament elections 2014 is for sure high in the agenda of everybody, but also the road to Riga 2015 in terms of Eastern Partnership, a new leadership coming into AEGEE, and a long etc…
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2014?
Train the new generation of leaders, close chapters and processes and try to ensure as much continuity and sustainability in this Network before the last goodbye.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
At home, in the Canary Islands with my family and friends with whom I don’t have so much time to be in contact these days.

 

Mariella Rapa, EBM organizer, former Agora Chair

Mariella RapaWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2013?
2013 for me is synonymous with the organisation of EBM Valletta in February. The EBM was the result of a long process of thought and of work that started off around two years ago, from which I could personally see so many fruitful results stemming out of it. Many new members joined AEGEE-Valletta merely to give a helping hand, and nowadays they are amongst the most active members in our antenna. It was an honour for all of us to be voted as the Best Antenna of the Month the month after. Also, I have some nice memories from other events I have attended, mainly the ones organised by AEGEE-Napoli and AEGEE-Bergamo.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2013. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
Unfortunately, I didn’t attend any statutory event this year due to work commitments, however, personally, I was very happy to know that one of its projects – Europe on Track – won the Charlemagne Award of 2013.
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2013?
Rather than nominating a single antenna, I would nominate the antennae in Turkey and in Ukraine, whose members went all the way to fight for democracy and human rights. I believe both countries have been and are being very brave to go against their rulers in order to defend their right to voice their opinion.
What was for you the outstanding project in 2013?
Europe in Exchange.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2014?
Definitely, the importance to vote for our representatives in the European Parliament. Unfortunately, it looks like the tendency to abstain from voting is gaining more ground.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2014?
Right now, I’m hoping that it will be possible to attend some statutory event in 2014. On the local level, I look forward to continue working for AEGEE-Valletta in any way possible.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
Still unsure about the destination. For sure, however, with some of the finest friends, a glass of champagne and possibly some nice fireworks to watch!

Miguel Gallardo Albajar, Projects Director of AEGEE-Europe

Miguel GallardoWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2013?
I think I am quite satisfied personally with how the whole Strategic Plan has been approved. It was not something that was my favourite part of the tasks of Projects Director, but working with the Planning Team and trying to involve as many people as possible was quite a challenge that I enjoyed. And I am happy with the result, I think the four Focus Areas are clearly defined and provide space for AEGEE to have an impact. And even if due to problems in the Agora we could not dedicate as much time as I had wished to discuss the Strategic Plan, in the end I think we managed to give more power to the Agora to decide. Also related to the Strategic Plan, I am quite happy with the EBM Valletta, since we received very positive feedback on the changes we implemented, and we are now preparing the EBM in Lublin with great ideas.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2013. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
I guess the emotion of being in Aachen when Europe on Track was the winner of the Charlemagne prize is on the top three. Martin Schulz was giving the reasons for the winning project to be selected, and even if at the beginning it could be any project, when more hints were given and we saw it could be Europe on Track, my heart started to beat really fast. I really like Europe on Track because it was a crazy idea that became true thanks to the work of many people: Réka Salamon, the Ambassadors, the locals who prepared activities…
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2013?
I would go without any doubt for the anonymous members who stood up in the protests of Turkey and Ukraine. This is AEGEE at its best, fighting for a better Europe. And to extend it to the whole network which supported them, giving them strength to stand against repression and violent police, against winter freezes and tear gas. I am sure the results of the #GeziPark and #EuroMaidan will be seen in the next years.
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2013?
I find this very hard since there have been many great achievements by our locals. But I guess the strong cooperation of the locals that made possible the Agora Rhein-Neckar sent a very powerful message “Together we can”.
What was for you the outstanding project in 2013?
As projects director, you cannot ask me that!
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2014?
I guess the results of the European Parliament Elections will condition a lot our work in the next years. And well, we will also spend a lot of time talking about the new Erasmus+. But well, in the end it will be reality which determines a big pàrt of our discussions. I just hope that we can proceed further and leave behind the economic crisis, see the first positive signs in Youth Employment…
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2014?
My AEGEE plans for the year include have an amazing EBM in Lublin, meet the successors for our work in CD and help them to be ready for the challenge, and maybe go to the SU Transsiberian Dream. And in the second half of the year, I plan to get a cool job in a place where I can still contribute with my work to improve Europe, but getting a salary…
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I will spend it in Brussels with my boyfriend and other members of the Straffe Ketten, my rugby team in Brussels. I would like to thank to all the locals, which invited me to attend their New Year events, but I hope they understand that a break in my case should not involve AEGEE.

 

Maartje Natrop, Academy Speaker

Maartje NatropWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2013?
Becoming the speaker of the Academy at Spring Agora Mannheim, and then being reelected with 90% of the votes at Agora Zaragoza!
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2013. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
For me it was the CD recandidating as a whole team. I find it incredibly admirable that they are willing to give up another year of their lives to work on making our organisation stronger and better.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2013?
Mayri and Matu from AEGEE Tartu as they started the Health4Youth project with the mission to make AEGEEans more healthy and happy. It is absolutely one of the most innovative and valuable initiatives we have had in AEGEE so far.
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2013?
Honestly, I cannot say. All of our antennae contribute it their own way to building a stronger and better network, whether it is by organising an Agora, Network Meeting or other interesting events – or by simply stimulating their members to contribute on European level. We are all pieces of that brilliant puzzle called AEGEE!
What was for you the outstanding project in 2013?
I would say the Self-development European School (SES) here in Utrecht in May 2013. It was a very new concept focused on the self-development of 15 motivated AEGEEans. Sure, we had some struggles as it was a pilot, but in the end it was one of the most memorable weeks of my life.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2014?
The complete reform of the Academy, the noticeable effects of Health4Youth making AEGEEans more healthy and one kick-ass Greek Agora!
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2014?
I will keep rocking the Academy board, revisit my beloved AEGEE-Patra members at the Agora in May, give as many trainings as I possibly can and meet even more awesome, inspiring AEGEEans all over Europe!
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
Partying with my friends here in my lovely little home town of Gouda – yeah, the cheese city – since they always complain I do not have time for time since I am too busy with AEGEE…

 

Ivan Bielik, AEGEEDebate Manager

Ivan BielikWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2013?
The conference organized by AEGEE-Brno in April in cooperation with the Eastern Partnership project – and starting my own initiative AEGEEDebate.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2013. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
The prize awarded to Europe on Track.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2013?
Alla Resheten
What was for you the outstanding project in 2013?
Europe on Track.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2014?
The European elections.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2014? 
To finish the term in the board of AEGEE-Brno with successful results.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
At home with my family in Slovakia.

Marta Wnuk, Eastern Partnership Project Content Manager, SubCommissioner

Marta WnukWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2013?
It’s really hard to choose, as 2013 was my most intensive year in AEGEE so far, with many milestones along the way. Several projects, beginning of my activity in the European level – 2013 is definitely a year to remember. However, the most significant one for me was the second “I’m for the East! Festival” – an event dedicated to the Eastern Partnership Countries that took place in Poznań in May. Along with the team we dedicated our minds and hearts to the creation of this initiative. As a result, we enjoyed a unique and valuable project that gained European recognition.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2013. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
The Agora Rhein-Neckar. It was absolutely an outstanding event that had a big impact on me. It was my first Agora. I was truly amazed by having the possibility to experience and discover all the aspects of AEGEE and to create a full picture of the organization. It motivated me a lot to become more active and take up new challenges.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2013?
I would like to name Justyna Zielska, main coordinator of the Network Meeting in Poznań that took place in the end of November. She took up an uneasy challenge to organize the first interregional NWM and by that, to change the unsatisfying level of so-called Polish NWMs. She certainly managed to do that. I was happy to see so many people from different European countries participating very actively, sharing their knowledge, enthusiasm and AEGEE spirit.
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2013?
For me the winners are the antennae from the Rhein-Neckar area – organizers of the Spring Agora. It was a very well-organised event that proved great cooperation between all the locals and really brought the motto “Together for Europe” to life.
What was for you the outstanding project in 2013?
YVote 2014 is worth mentioning here. As one of the biggest students’ organisation in Europe, we should be involved in the European Parliament elections campaign and contribute the youth voice to this cause. It’s also important to make the young people more aware of functioning of the EU and its impact. YVote 2014 for sure fulfils that objectives. That’s why I find this project a valuable and needed one.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2014?
Well, we are just after a big reform – AEGEE’s mission, vision and statement of principles have been redefined. There is also a new Visual Identity too. I suppose in 2014 we will continue taking steps towards making our association more coherent and professional. There is already an important and interesting discussion going on after the European Level Meeting in Zaragoza regarding improving the work of European level bodies and having more coordination in this sphere.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2014?
2014 will be as significant and intensive, or maybe even more, as 2013. Currently, I’m working on developing the second phase of the Eastern Partnership Project, which will result in signing the contract with AEGEE-Europe at Agora Patra. So definitely, the project is my number one priority. What’s more, I just have become a Subcommie, responsible for the European Level for the Polish area locals that are under the care of Mateusz Dokurno. I’ll do my best to fulfil all the tasks that await me in this field. I’m also looking forward to the EBM in Lublin.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I’ll spend this New Year’s Eve in a very AEGEE atmosphere at the NYE event in Gdańsk!


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