Frontex and the respect of fundamental rights: from better protection to full responsibility. EPC Policy Brief, 3 June 2014

The European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union (Frontex) was created to improve border management cooperation between Member States. Seen from its inception as a security-oriented body, tools and rules have been gradually developed to enhance the human rights dimension and protection regarding Frontex activities. However, this step has not been accompanied with the explicit recognition of Frontex’s legal responsibility regarding violations of human rights occurring during joint operations it coordinates. Despite Frontex position rejecting such a responsibility, it is no longer clear whether this position can be maintained, as Yves Pascouau and Pascal Schumacher demonstrate in this Policy Brief.

The Effects of Civic Education on Political Knowledge

Traditionally political knowledge was regarded as an important potential outcome for civic education efforts. Most of the currently available research, however, tends to focus on non-cognitive goals, despite the fact that studies repeatedly have shown that political knowledge is an important resource for enlightened and engaged citizenship. In this article, we investigate whether civic education contributes to political knowledge levels. The analysis is based on the Belgian Political Panel Survey, a two year panel study among 2,988 Belgian late adolescents. The analysis shows that experiences with group projects at school contribute significantly to political knowledge levels two years later on. Furthermore, we can observe an interaction effect as those who are already most knowledgeable about politics, gain most from these group projects. Classes about politics, on the other hand, did not have an effect on knowledge levels. In the discussion, it is argued that civic education can have strong cognitive effects, but that these effects are not always related to classical civic education efforts.

The Relation Between Civic Education and Political Attitudes and Behavior

It is generally assumed that civic education efforts will have a positive effect on the political attitudes and behaviors of adolescents and young adults. There is less agreement, however, on the most effective forms of civic education. In the present study, we distinguish between formal civic education, an open classroom climate and active learning strategies, and we explore their effect on political interest, efficacy, trust and participation. To analyze these effects, we rely on the results of a two-year panel study among late adolescents in Belgium. The results indicate that formal civic education (classroom instruction) and active learning strategies (school council membership and, to a lesser extent, group projects) are effective in shaping political attitudes and behavior. An open classroom climate, on the other hand, has an effect on political trust. We conclude that there is no reason to privilege specific forms of civic education, as each form contributes to different relevant political attitudes and behaviors.

Development of a test methodology for evaluating crash compatibility and aggressiveness. Test report 1: 1975 Honda Civic CVCC-to-NHTSA test device.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

National system of highways and landscape designing. Address delivered before the American civic association at Washington, D.C., on December 31, 1915,

Mode of access: Internet.

The ministry of reconciliation, its authority and responsibility : the primary charge delivered to the clergy of Indiana, delivered in St. Paul's Church, New Albany, at the opening of the Annual Diocesan Convention, on Thursday, May 11, 1854 /

Mode of access: Internet.

A 1993 Honda Civic CX into a 50% left offset barrier in support of CRASH3 damage algorithm reformulation. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

A non-deformable crabbed impactor into a 1990 Honda Civic SI in support of CRASH3 damage algorithm reformulation. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

Reducing heavy truck aggressiveness moving heavy truck into a 1993 Honda Civic 3-door hatchback at 80.1 KPH. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.