Press releases of Europa-Universität Flensburg (EUF)

The EUF is very honored to be hosting the Irish Ambassador in the North. The flourishing Centre for Irish Studies, together with the Interdisciplinary Centre for European Studies (ICES), the European Cultures and Society BA program, and the European Studies MA program, have invited the first female Irish Ambassador to Germany to a lecture at EUF in Flensburg. Here, she will talk about how Ireland is navigating its role in the changing arena of European politics. 

The director of the northernmost “Centre for Irish Studies” in Germany is Michelle Witen, Junior Professor of English and Irish Literature at Europa-Universität Flensburg. “I am delighted that Her Excellency Maeve Collins is making this special visit to us in the North. Brexit has changed the political position of Ireland and Northern Ireland within the EU,” she explains: “Ireland will continue to gain in importance in the European context and remains a key player in its economic growth. The changing political landscape is also reflected in the title chosen by the Ambassador. With the growing interest in Ireland - its literature, history, politics and culture - research is also gaining in importance.” 

With the Centre for Irish Studies, EUF has created an important place for research and teaching. Founded in 2023, the aim of the center is to unite EUF's interdisciplinary research approaches on Ireland, Irish-German relations and aspects of the Irish diaspora worldwide. Transfer and outreach activity is also a very important element to Director Witen, and the Centre organizes a range of activities highlighting Irish culture and the accessibility of Irish Studies, geared towards a wider audience. For example, on June 14, she has planned a “Bloomsday at EUF”, a day in honor of the Irish writer James Joyce’s novel, Ulysses. It was celebrated with plays, music and culinary delights on campus. 

The annual Midsummer & Minerva Lecture is open to students, researchers, and interested members of the public. All Flensburg residents are invited to the university campus for this political discussion. The lecture by the Irish Ambassador entitled “Navigating Change: Ireland and Europe Today” will take place on June 19 at 6 p.m. on campus in the Helsinki building (HEL 67), Auf dem Campus 1a, 24943 Flensburg. The lecture will be held in English and followed by a small reception.