Latest Developments in the field of Better Regulation in the European Union: Key Principles, Concepts and Practices

Target group
Given that Better Regulation affects all policy areas, attendance to the seminar will be important for officials from most Ministries and agencies, particularly those who are required to work with Better Regulation tools and approaches, such as Impact Assessment, Simplification, Administrative Burden measurements, Consultation and Implementation. It will also be of interest to stakeholder groups and policy researchers.

Description
As Better Regulation – the strategy to simplify and improve the regulatory environment for citizens and businesses – continues to be a key priority for politicians and public administrations at all levels of government in and beyond the European Union, it is becoming increasingly important for public officials, businesses, NGOs and social movements, to understand what Better Regulation is about and what it is likely to mean for them.

Method
The seminar will be interactive and will combine lectures, case studies, and group work. Participants will be encouraged to share their own experiences of working with Better Regulation tools and methods.

Objectives
By the end of the seminar, participants will understand:

• why Better Regulation has been highlighted as a key policy priority within the European Union Institutions and Member States;
• the key principles underlying the development of Better Regulation strategies across the European Union;
• the potential opportunities and challenges for public administrations and stakeholders from introducing and applying Better Regulation practices across Government;
• how the main Better Regulation practices are being applied in the EU Institutions and in Member States, and the lessons learned from their application.
• what the latest developments are at the European policy level regarding better regulation activities.

Programme
The programme will commence on Day 1 at 09.00 and will finish on Day 2 around 17.00.

Seminar Venue

* 15-16 March 2010 – Brussels
The seminar will take place at the Scotland House, Rond-Point Schuman 6, BE - 1040 Brussels, Belgium, tel.: +32 (0)2 282 8315, fax: +32 (0)2 282 8317.

* 18-19 October 2010 – Maastricht
The seminar will take place at the Bordeaux Conference Room (1.16) of the European Institute of Public Administration, O.L. Vrouweplein 22, NL-6211 HE Maastricht, tel.: +31.43.3296222, fax: +31.43.3296296.

Working language
The seminar will be conducted in English.

Fee
The participation fee is €825 and includes documentation, 2 lunches and refreshments. Accommodation and travel costs are at the expense of the participants or their administration.

Hotel reservations
If overnight stay is required when attending the Brussels seminar on 15-16 March 2010, we kindly request you or your organisation to make the necessary hotel arrangements.

If overnight stay is required when attending the Maastricht seminar on 18-19 October 2010, you can make use of the following EIPA offer: Hotel Beaumont**** (www.beaumont.nl) at a rate of ± € 102 p.p.p.n., incl. breakfast and tourist tax. The hotel is in the city centre and close to our Institute, ±10 minutes walk. Should you wish to make use of this possibility, please indicate the dates of arrival and departure on the registration form. Payment is to be made directly and personally to the hotel on checking out. Please note that if you register after the closing date, hotel reservations cannot be guaranteed.

Meals
Lunches will take place at the venue. Should you require a special menu (e.g. vegetarian, diabetic), please inform the Programme Organiser so that this can be arranged.

Registration
Kindly complete the registration form and return it before the closing date (mentioned on the registration form) to Ms Esther Haenen, Programme Organiser, European Institute of Public Administration, P.O. Box 1229, NL-6201 BE Maastricht. Tel.: +31.43.3296246; fax: +31.43.3296296; e-mail: e.haenen@eipa.eu. You can also submit the online registration form. 

Confirmation
Confirmation of registration will be forwarded to participants on receipt of the completed registration form.

Payment
Prior payment is a condition for participation. Please indicate the method of payment on the registration form. For cancellations received after the closing date indicated on the registration form we will have to charge an administration fee of € 150 unless a replacement participant is found.