Tonight: Scotland Talking Europe – Latvia and Estonia

How much do you know about Estonia and Latvia and their economic, cultural and social links with Scotland?

This evening Edinburgh4Europe, supported by the European Movement in Scotland, is hosting a live webinar that aims to take a deep dive into these two Baltic countries that both joined the European Union in 2004.

Scotland now needs to use soft power to maintain our links with EU member countries. But to do this effectively it is essential to audit our relations with each of the 27 members.  With that in mind this evening’s webinar focuses on Latvia and Estonia.

The two speakers this are Christopher Kenmore Consul for Latvia in Scotland and Peter Ferry, the Consul for Estonia in Scotland.

The event will be chaired by Mark Lazarowicz, Chair of the European Movement in Scotland.

Despite their size and recent membership Latvia and Estonia already hold considerable influence in the EU.  Yesterday it was announced that the past Prime Minister of Latvia, Valdis Dombrovskis, will take on the key Trade portfolio, and another Another strategically important portfolio – Energy – is held by Estonia’s Kadri Simson.

Whilst research by Kirsty Hughes from the Scottish Centre for European 
Relations has found that irrespective of the constitutional context “it will be hard for Scotland to influence future EU developments from the outside. But bringing expertise, building long-standing bilateral relationships, participating in debates and stepping in early and constructively …. will all pay dividends”.

So, increase your knowledge of Latvia and Estonia and join in the conversation this evening from 7pm by registering your email using this link:

 https://lu.ma/EMiS-Scotland-EU-Relationship 

and engaging on social media using the hashtags #ScotlandTalkingEurope #Latvia #Estonia.

Anti-fascism festival at Summerhall this Saturday

Edinburgh Unite Against Fascism proudly presents this Saturday (24 November):

the Love Multiculture Hate Racism Festival

celebrating our multi-cultural society with music, song, dance and comedy.

The festival line-up just gets better and better. In the last week we have confirmed: Bollywood dancers, award winning singer Penny Stone, an Indian Stick Dancer, acoustic sets from James Campbell & Scottish folk singer Eileen Penman.

The daytime cultural event will start at 3pm with jazz from Alistair McDonald backed by “Quatro Macjazz”! Between 3 and 7pm we will squeeze in a packed lineup including an African choir, Indian and Kurdish dance workshops, Indian head massage, drummers, Henna Hand painting and speeches by Show Racism the Red Card and Martin Smith from Unite Against Fascism.

Asian and Turkish food, tea and coffee and entry is by donation.

The comedy packed evening will start with the BAFTA nominated rapper Northern Xposure who has performed with Dizzee Rascal and Amy Winehouse. Then Scottish Comedian of the Year runner up Rick Molland will MC a night of four rowdy
comedians, headlined by “the lord of filth” Richard Coughlan. Your entry fee of £5 includes a free curry courtesy of the Kasbah restaurant and there will be an all-night bar. Doors open at 7.30pm, the event starts at 8pm.

Both these events will be hosted at the Summerhall Art Gallery which is showing a great exhibition of anti-racist posters. Entry from Hope Park Terrace – we apologise but there is no wheelchair access.

Facebook event: please invite your friends!: http://www.facebook.com/events/482507955105412/

United Against Fascism Edinburgh