Europe Week 2018

In focus: The significance of European research and theory for politics and society

"For three days, we looked at different perspectives on how we can successfully strengthen the university's European profile in research and teaching," said Monika Eigmüller, Vice President for Europe and International Affairs. The first day was titled "Promoting European Ideas" and dealt extensively with the possibilities of European research funding. The second day, titled "Preparing for tomorrow's Europe", asked how to make European science research more effective in politics and society. "We discussed which career opportunities include a master's degree in European Studies or how European research can influence policy-making processes," said Maria Schwab, coordinator of the interdisciplinary Centre for European Studies, ICES. "It is important, for example, that research projects are prepared from the outset in a problem-oriented and practice-oriented manner."

Europe is better than we think

The discussions, as well as seminars and lectures, included Robert Goebbels, a former Luxembourg Minister and Member of the European Parliament. "Europe is much better than we Europeans think," he commented, "you learn that while traveling outside of Europe". Maria Schwab organized this year's European Week, together with the course leaders of "European Studies", Kira Frankenthal, and "European Cultures and Society", Patrícia Barbosa

Celebrating the differences that connect us

"It was the first Europe Week of my life," said Kemal Nedžibović from Bosnia, who is studying European Studies at the EUF. "The many inspiring events have reminded me once again of my strong European roots: celebrating Europe at the EUF celebrates the diversity that unites us", remarked Kemal, demonstrating the week’s positive reception from students. 

Inaugural award ceremony closes the week’s events

The "Europa Prize of the EUF - donated by the University Council", was newly launched this year. Funded through the five members of the EUF University Council donating their allowances, the € 10,000 prize will be awarded every two years to honour dedicated Europeans. "What could be more obvious than in times when there is a desire to withdraw from the European Union network to award a Europe Prize to people who are committed to the peaceful and non-violent coexistence of states?", explained Eva-Maria Neher, chairwoman of the University Council. The first presentation of the prize to the Danish author Carsten Jensen formed the closing ceremony of the European Week 2018.   

Source: K. Fischer (EUF), excerpts from the press release of 17.05.2018