UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Poland:

In 2007 EFIL focused on the cooperation with the Father Siemaszki Foundation in Krakow. Being a partner for a number of years of AFS Germany it made sense to further develop this cooperation and involve other EFIL member organisations in their work. Relevant progress has been made, resulting in the establishment of exchanges with several partners, besides AFS Germany.

Western Balkan:

During the first half of 2007, partner development in the Western Balkan focused on Slovenia and Croatia. Relevant progress has been made, resulting in the establishment of interesting contacts with groups of local volunteers, increased interest in exchanges with the potential partners by member organisations, concrete commitments by partners regarding immediate support and regarding exchanges for the 2007- and 2008-cycle, and the identification of potential sources for scholarships and institutional support.

In the second half of 2007 initial steps have been made towards the (further) development of two other countries in the Western Balkan: Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia. In Bosnia-Herzegovina exchanges have been taking place for a number of years with AFS Germany, whereas in Serbia EFIL had the contact details of an interested AFS returnee.

At the start of 2007 only Slovenia had been identified in the region as a country where EFIL should focus on for its partner development initiative. However, throughout the year it made sense to include the above mentioned countries for obvious reasons: already existing initiatives in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, interest among AFS returnees in Serbia and possible funding for developing AFS-activities in the entire region. .