EUROPEAN DIARY.

* Strategies of the EU and the US in combating transnational organised crime: This international conference has been organised by the Belgian Government as part of its preparation for assuming the Presidency of the EU in the second half of 2001. Special consideration will be given to organised crime links with Eastern and Central Europe and the United States and representatives from both areas will be present. The press is invited to plenary sessions but private workshops will also be included. The conference takes place from 23 to 26 January in Ghent. Information: Miguel Chevalier, Tel: (+32) 2/501 02 06, Alain Gerlache, Tel: (+32) 2/501 04 32 - Fax: (+32) 2/513 72 62 - E-mail: ann.somers@premier.fed.be* Meet Europe's Policy-makers: Friends of Europe, a politically neutral, non-profit organisation, is organising a series of evening debates in Brussels, at which major EU policy making figures will speak. On 22 January, Margot Wallstrom, the EU Environment Commissioner will discuss the theme of "Sustainable development - a new vision for Europe". She will be followed on 29 January by Larry Siedentop, author of "Democracy in Europe". On 5 and 19 February respectively, Michel Barnier, EU Commissioner for Regional policy and Pascal Lamy, EU Commissioner for Commerce will be the guests. Question and answer sessions will be followed by cocktails. Information: Zakia Demaghelatrous, Tel: (+32) 2/737 91 48 - E-mail: info@friendsofeurope.org* On-line recruitment in the e-economy: An international conference, followed by a press conference, will take place in Brussels on 20 February, considering some of the major challenges to European employment policy. These include e-recruiting, careers across borders, skills shortages and the related issue of immigration policy. Among the speakers will be Anna Diamantopoulou, the EU Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs. Information: Roberta Bonometti, Tel: (+44) 7770 211 955 - E-mail: roberta.bonometti@forum-europe.com or Claire Richardson, Tel: (+32) 2/ 738 7594 - E-mail: claire.richardson@forum-europe.com - Web site: www.forum-europe.com* Environment 2001: This exhibition and conference, taking place in Abu Dhabi from 4 to 8 February, is being organised by the General Exhibitions Corporation (GEC). The highlight of the exhibition is "Project Village", showing past, present and future projects in the Middle East and North Africa. The Conference will come immediately after a meeting of Arab environment...