The objective of the project is to develop, promote the exchange of ideas, knowledge, research information to ensure greater visibility of theoretical and practical EU problems. The project will build a network between academia, governmental, NGOs and civil society by• Promoting the exchange of ideas, knowledge and research information related to EU • Disseminating knowledge among the Latvia’s general public, academic, political, professional, and other circles on EU activities including EaP. Latvia EU Presidency in 2015 envisages a priority focus on EaP• Promoting, assessing and supporting activities related to the Latvia EU Presidency among academia, business community and civil society• Fostering the development of new transversal knowledge and advanced skills in European Studies including expert knowledge in EU external relations• Exposure of students and educators to EU related activities in a non-academic learning environment • Fostering the dialogue between academia and policy makers by conducting joint activities, exchange of experience, networking and establishing a vertical forum for debate Activities: • reconstruction of LECSA website• development of virtual platform• publication of studies• organisation of annual congresses, conferences• seminars• round- tables• colloquies• study visits Main outputs: • Publications• Virtual platform• Reports, policy briefsOutcomes: • Networking of researchers, practitioners and policy makers • Conferences, seminars, roundtables, workshops• Tailor made seminars upon the government’s requests Impact:• enhanced and enlarged pool of experts • engaged civil society, public officials and business communities• increased awareness• increased and diversified employment opportunities for European Studies graduatesIndicators:• number of people in LECSA activities• number of people participating in the virtual platform• publications in indexing data bases• employment rate of graduates