Collaboration top priority for government communication

Using the “One Bus Away” app – a frequent site at bus stops in Seattle!

Collaboration, customer service and mobile are the three top trends in government communication to look out for in 2013, according to a survey of US state, county and city governments published on 19 March 2013 by GovDelivery.  The survey stresses the need to streamline collaboration between government agencies in order to improve efficiency and reduce costs, as well as the growing demand for digital engagement opportunities from citizens:

School’s out for … Spring break!

This is the last week of the Winter Quarter at the University of Washington, and I can’t believe that I have completed almost half of my fellowship here already!

Jackson School of International Studies EU Task Force 2013

On the road!

I’ve spent a lot of my time during the last couple of months giving talks about the European Union here at the University of Washington, as well as other Universities in Washington and neighbouring States.  My European Commission colleague, Michel, asked to see more photos on this blog.  So here are some images and impressions from recent visits to Washington State University, the University of Idaho and Lewis-Clark College.

West Coast Model EU

The University of Washington hosted the “West Coast Model EU” in Seattle on 22-23 February 2013.

More than 60 students attended, representing Universities from across the Pacific North West.  They had an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the European Union by participating in simulated negotiations.  The themes chosen for the 2013 edition included the reform of EU Cohesion Policy, Banking Union and EU own resources.