News letter Vol. 8 • Issue 38 • April - June 2012
Economic Governance
Migration & Diversity
Educational Development
Foreign & Security Policy
Introducing the new cluster
Multilevel governance of immigration
Bridging the Gap: Improving EU Teaching
EUPERFORM-DYNAMUS workshop: The EU and multilateral institutions
Illegal immigrants in Israel
Decoding the EU online course
The future of the ICC
E-learning: new platform
Associates’ News
European Social Science & History Conference
Hendrix semester abroad
USC Brussels program
POLI research grants
Successful Jean Monnet Chair application
Risks and Opportunities for Civil Society in a Time of Crisis (ROCCS)
Keynote at InterACT
3
BISA-ISA conference
International conference in religious accommodation
4
6
Environment & Devt.
IES Publications
Policy Forums: CSDP missions & role of EU special representatives
IES successful in Jean Monnet Application: IES Autumn Lecture Series
Policy Briefs Launched
EP study on Sahel
Policy Forum: The EU and the Arctic: Breaking the Ice
New Book: International History and International Relations
8
European Union in International Affairs Conference a Resounding Success
Academic Articles
10
11
facing the EU in international affairs. The conference was officially opened by the keynote speech of Herman Van Rompuy. The President of the European Council focused on the impact of the Lisbon Treaty on foreign policy with a specific emphasis on the new permanent Presidency of the European Council, the office of the High Representative and the newly created diplomatic service of the EU. Van Rompuy further elaborated on the crucial role of the European Council in identifying the strategic interests and objectives of the European Union. He referred to the relations of the EU with the US, Russia and China, and to the role of the EU in solving the Libya crisis. There was then time for a few rounds of questions, which was highly appreciated by the audience. On the first day, panels covered topics such as EU-Africa relations, the EU’s role in climate change negotiations, and the EU as a global conflict manager. The first Policy Link Panel of the conference, which brought together highlevel academics and policymakers in a roundtable format, concerned the EU’s response to the Arab Spring. The panel proved very popular, with over 80 participants, and the discussion was lively. Richard Whitman (University of Kent) controversially asserted that the Arab spring was a policy success
The Institute for European Studies (IES-VUB)
Approximately 300 participants from over 130
for the EU, whereas Antonio Missiroli (Bureau of
hosted the third European Union in International
different academic and policy-related institutes,
European Policy Advisers) argued that, instead
Affairs (EUIA) conference from 3-5 May 2012 at
covering 40 countries attended the conference.
of the so-called renationalisation of EU foreign
the Paleis der Academiën in Brussels. The biennial
Senior as well as junior researchers delivered more
policy, we have instead been experiencing a
conference was co-organised by the Institut d’Études
than 150 academic paper presentations. Highlights
Europeanisation of domestic politics.
Européennes at the Université Libre de Bruxelles
of the conference included the three keynote
(IEE-ULB), the United Nations University Comparative
speeches and the four Policy Link Panels, which
The second day’s agenda included items as diverse
Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS) and Egmont
brought together academics and policymakers to
as EU trade policy, human rights, the EU’s credibility
– the Royal Institute for International Relations.
debate some of the most important issues currently
in international security, and EU peacemaking.
Continued on p. 2
2
EUIA Conference Report (continued from p. 1)
Moreover, we saw a further three Policy Link Panels
to the High Representative together with more
on the regulation of the financial industry, European
coordination with the rotating European Presidency.
defence policy after the war in Libya, and the future
He asserted that the EEAS must become more
of the EU after the ‘crisis’. Renowned speakers
ambitious, imaginative and assertive to take on the
such as Olivier Guersent (Head of Cabinet Michel
multiple challenges of the ongoing financial crisis,
Barnier), Mathias Dewatripont (Director National
the weakened credibility of the European model,
Bank of Belgium) and Claude-France Arnould (Chief
and the increased competition from BRIC countries.
Executive EDA) shed light on these issues.
It will undoubtedly take some time to establish a new identity for EEAS. Nevertheless, Vimont cited
The panel on ‘Europe in crisis’ painted a particularly
the speed at which a common position over Libya
intriguing picture of the state of the EU, with the
had been reached as an example of this emerging
presentation of many diverging views. While there
assertiveness. The speech was followed by a round
is currently a decline in public support for the EU,
of questions from the audience who were keen to
it was also argued that European politics are closer
learn more about the future of EEAS.
to European citizens than ever before. The tensions were also explored of pleasing markets versus
The EUIA III conference
pleasing the electorate, and the difficulties of trying
was a resounding
to change community rules in a crisis context. The
s u c c e s s
Policy Link Panel on European banking regulation
participants praising its
also revealed differing viewpoints, exemplifying
organisation, diversity
the challenges ahead. The panel highlighted that
and the opportunities
remedial policy in response to the crisis is a matter
it presented to examine
of urgency.
the implications of
w i t h
theoretical insights in Ambassador Lars Faaborg-Andersen delivered
practice and vice versa. Moreover, the conference
the second day’s keynote speech
on behalf of
has built on previous editions and further deepened
the Danish Presidency. As this took place at the
the relations among the growing number of
Stanhope hotel during the conference dinner, it
academics and policy-makers working on the EU
provided a welcome opportunity for all participants
in international relations, from legal, political
to discuss their particular interests in an informal
and economic perspectives. On the basis of the
context. All were eager to thank the conference
overwhelmingly positive feedback, the conference
coordinators for a well-organised and diverse event
coordinators are already planning the next edition
and for the opportunity to hear and interact with
– EUIA IV – which will take place in 2014.
such numerous and varied panels. A great deal of thanks The third and final day once again covered
are due to the many
an impressive range of topics such as: cyber-
individuals
governance, EU-Africa relations, EU and the Western
have helped in the
Balkans, and EU energy policy, among many others.
organisation of the
The conference concluded with the final keynote
conference, and also
speech by Pierre Vimont, the Executive Secretary
to the various institutes
General of the European External Action Service
that have provided the
who
(EEAS). His speech elaborated the identity and role
support to ensure that
of the EEAS in a changing global environment. He
this conference can take place. Visit the website for a
spoke of the application of the Lisbon Treaty and the
photo gallery and more information about the event:
need to provide more continuity in European foreign policy, making a plea for the creation of a deputy
www.ies.be/conference/euia2012
3
Economic Governance Introducing a New Cluster at the IES
EUPERFORM – DYNAMUS Workshop: ‘The European Union and Multilateral Institutions: Towards an Anthology on the State of the Art’
IES research is organised in academic clusters. The clusters serve two purposes: they group academic
On 7-8 June 2012, Jamal Shahin and Lisanne
themes that are related in substance and they function as administrative units to manage the IES
Groen attended a two-day Joint Workshop
academic personnel. The IES Strategic Plan 2011-2015 foresees changes in the cluster structure of the
of EUPERFORM (an ESF research network)
Institute. One of the main elements is the creation of a new academic cluster on ‘European Economic
and DYNAMUS (a research project funded
Governance’. This new cluster builds on and replaces two existing clusters, namely those on Information
by the Spanish Ministry of Science and
Society and European Economics. The new cluster is planned to allow streamlining of internal structures
Innovation), at the Institut Barcelona d’Estudis
as well as to enhance the potential for substantive synergies and multidisciplinary research on issues
Internacionals (IBEI). The workshop focused on
related to European economic law, economic policy and economics.
the EU and multilateral institutions. Jamal and Lisanne are both members of the EUPERFORM network. Jamal participated in the workshop as
T
he new European Economic Governance cluster
by combining research in three areas of economic
a chair of two sessions on 8 June (‘Towards the
is composed of the former members of the
law, trade, competition and Intellectual Property
assessment of EU performance in international
the Economics
Rights. The research project of the starting PhD, Max
institutions’ and ‘The limitations of a single voice
cluster, with Senior Research Fellow, Harri Kalimo,
Jansson, plans to analyse economic value balancing
in EU foreign policy’) and Lisanne presented a
as the cluster coordinator.
tests in selected parts of these areas of law through
paper about the conceptual framework of her
the case study of energy law in the EU and the US.
PhD project in a session entitled: ‘Towards the
Harri will be joined by postdoctoral Research Fellow
This challenge of a coherent parallel management
assessment of EU performance in international
Jamal Shahin, doctoral researchers Trisha Meyer
of economic and non-economic values lies at the
institutions’. Lisanne’s PhD project focuses on
and Marie Lamensch (from the former Information
very heart of modern social market economies, as
explaining the changing performance of the EU
Society cluster). Associate/visiting researchers Rami
they strive to combine maximum wealth creation
over time in the UNFCCC and the CBD.
Nissilä and Karim Hamza has also become active
of capitalist systems with all the social values of
members of the Information Society cluster during
an inclusive and sustainable society. The task of
their stay at the IES. In addition, the members of the
balancing economic and non-economic values
former Economics Cluster, Assistant Professor Selen
usually falls on law as the central structure of
Guerin (ES faculty) and doctoral researcher Cem
governing societies. The legal system is, however,
Tintin, will further strengthen the cluster.
under increasing strain in meeting that task. This
Information Society cluster and
www.ies.be/euperform
the other.
due in particular to two trends that are transforming
We wish Max all the best as he joins the IES and
The strategy of the Information Society cluster was
the welfare state: globalisation, on the one hand,
we look forward to informing you about further
focused on two general themes: the EU Digital Single
and fragmentation into a polycentric society of
synergies within this new cluster in the coming
Market (e.g. copyrights, online content, e-commerce
numerous functionally differentiated spheres, on
months.
and taxation) and e-governance (governance and online democracy, participation and engagement). The economics cluster on the other hand was mono-
Risks and Opportunities for Civil Society in a Time of Crisis (ROCCS)
disciplinary, focusing exclusively on economics, and more specifically on trade.
How have civil society organisations reacted to the EU’s financial crisis and what is the forecast in the years to come, as governments respond to the fall out? Has the capacity of civil society organisations
Overall, the existing and planned research
to participate in decision-making processes changed? If so, what are the consequences of this change
themes in the Information Society and Economics
for participation and democracy in the EU?
clusters merge well in the new European Economic Governance cluster. The themes extend from
These three questions will form the basis of a study initiated by the President of the European Economic
economics-related public sector topics to private
and Social Committee. It will examine the interactions between organised civil society and national
sector issues, and from on-line to off-line matters.
(and EU) decision-making processes in light of the drastic political and economic consequences that
The new cluster has also many links to other IES
the crisis has implied for European society. This study will analyse the impact of the crisis on Civil
research clusters, just as the Europe 2020 strategy
Society Organisations (CSOs) in the EU by first examining trends in terms of the evolving relationship
links economic competitiveness with a participatory
between CSOs and public institutions in light of recent austerity measures. The study will focus on
and inclusive society and sustainable development.
a few cases to highlight how different countries in the EU have reacted to these changes. Finally,
The CORPUS and ROCCS are good examples of cross-
the study will focus on risks and opportunities for CSOs in this time of crisis and beyond.The study,
cutting projects.
carried out by the IES, will be delivered in October 2012.
In the quest to build commonalities within the
Contact: Prof. Dr Jamal Shahin
cluster, the first PhD call in the Economic Governance Cluster built on the theme of ‘value balancing in EU
jamal.shahin@vub.ac.be twitter: @jshahin
economic law’. It takes a cross-cutting approach
www.ies.be/roccs
4
Migration Diversity How public institutions deal with ethnic and religious diversity, Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin
From the global to the local level : the IES migration team weigh in on the academic debate on the multilevel governance of immigration Several IES researchers are involved in the current
recently co-organised a session on this theme at the
Senior researcher Ilke Adam participated in a
academic debate on the multilevel governance
Politicologen-etmaal, the conference of the Flemish
ground-breaking, exploratory workshop held on
of immigration and immigrant integration.
and Dutch political science associations. Mathijs Van
24-26 May, 2012, at the Wissenschaftszentrum
Immigration and immigrant integration policies
Dijk participated in this session by presenting his
B e r l i n. It br o ught to get her a group of
have been high on political, public and academic
PhD research design on the interactions between the
international scholars who focus on how
agendas in Europe for the last two decades.
EU and International Organisations in the context of
public institutions deal with ethnic and/or
Scholarly accounts of policy dynamics in this field
the EU’s Global Approach to Migration and Mobility.
religious diversities. Whereas existing research
still tend to focus exclusively on the national level,
consists mainly of single-case studies or cross-
which echoes the still very dominant focus on so-
With the help of remote technology, Ilke Adam also
national comparisons of one institution, or
called ‘national models of integration.’ The recent
participated in a workshop at Edinburgh University
internal comparisons of different organisations
academic debates on the multilevel governance
on 18-19 June, in the framework of a book project
representing one type of public institution, cross-
of immigration and immigrant integration take as
on the multilevel politics of immigration which
institutional comparisons are rare in academic
their starting point the proposition that these policy
will especially focus on key issues relating to the
research. The workshop’s focus fills a critical
issues are shaped in interactions between policy
governance and party politics of immigration in
void in current scholarship, creating connections
actors at the local, national, regional, European
multi-level states including Scotland-UK, Flanders-
between public institutions that existing studies
and international level. Several IES researchers (Ilke
Belgium, Catalonia-Spain and Quebec-Canada. Ilke
have failed to address and, in addition, laying
Adam, Mathijs van Dijk and Hannelore Goeman)
presented a draft chapter on multilevel governance
synergistic groundwork for future cooperation.
have participated in this debate though their recent
of immigration in Belgium. She focuses on the
Ilke presented a paper on how Belgian schools
publications, participations in conferences or
interactions between the central state and the
and hospitals deal with religious diversity. Ilke
projects on the interactions between the different
regions in immigration policy-making, and how the
is keen to stay involved in the future cooperative
levels of immigration governance: the global;
Europeanisation of these policies influences these
efforts of this emerging research network.
European, national and regional levels. Ilke Adam
interactions.
Illegal Immigrants cause turmoil in Israel – an Identity Crisis ?
and disturbances in south Tel Aviv which is the
a refuge against persecution. Israelis are asking
main refuge of mostly illegal African immigrants
themselves the question: what is the nature of our
who cross the Sinai desert from South Sudan and
country?; in much the same way as the French are
Senior Research Fellow Richard Lewis made a
Eritrea to find work and refuge in Israel. There are
questioning immigration.
presentation on his research into race relations
estimated to be some 60,000 such refugees in
and national identity in France at the Ruppin
Israel. Combined with over 300,000 legal migrants
Government statements show their determination
Academic Center’s second international conference
who have been admitted to the country mostly to
to deal firmly with illegal migrants and there
held at their campus in Israel, May 20-22. The
do menial jobs, as well as the 1.5 million Arab
are media reports that some have already been
topic was very opportune because, at the time
citizens, this has caused controversy on the nature
expelled. Such expulsions are also controversial
of the conference, there were demonstrations
and identity of the Jewish state, itself created as
given Israel’s humanitarian ‘vocation’ and history.
The future of the International Criminal Tribunal In April and May, the two final Policy Forums were held in the series entitled ‘The International Criminal Court’s Second Decade: Quo Vadis?’ On 27 April, the policy forum was dedicated to the ICC and the prosecution of gender-based crimes. Dianne Luping from the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC discussed the track record of the prosecutions of gender-based crimes in the seven situations currently referred to the Court. She discussed the difficulties in prosecuting such crimes, especially with regard to the collection of evidence. On 26 May, the series was concluded with an interesting discussion on the politics of the ICC. With presentations on both the EU, the US, the China and the NGO-community perspective on the Court, a wide variety of viewpoints were discussed by both the panelists and audience.
5 ‘The circulation of ideas and models: the transformation of immigrant integration policies’: two panels at the European Social Science and History Conference, Glasgow
Keynote lecture at InterACT – mainstreaming of cultural diversity in the arts and cultural sector In November 2004, the Justice and Home Affairs Council adopted the eleven Common Basic Principles for Immigrant Integration Policy in the EU. The first of these principles states that “immigrant integration
Do EU member states seek inspiration in other
is a two-way process of mutual accommodation”. It involves adaptation by immigrants as well as by the
member states when reforming their immigrant
receiving societies. The recent focus of the member states’ integration policies seems to lie on fostering
integration policies? How does the EU stimulate
the immigrant adaptation process, through the organisation of compulsory immigrant adaptation
this process of policy diffusion? These questions,
classes. In addition, over the last decade, mainstream organisations in receiving societies have started
amongst others, were debated in two panels at
to adapt to the increasing multicultural context. The initiatives promoting the mainstreaming of cultural
the European Social Science History Association
diversity or ‘inter-culturalisation’ are sometimes initiated bottom-up, and on other occasions stimulated
Conference in Glasgow (14-16 April ). The panels
by public authorities.
were co-organised by Saskia Bonjour (Leiden University) and IES’ Ilke Adam.
In Brussels, the arts and cultural sector functions in an extremely multicultural environment and wants to diversify its programming policy, its hiring policy and its audience. On 15 June, Ilke Adam was a
One of the panels investigated the transfer of
keynote speaker at a training workshop organised by BKO, RAB and Lasso on the mainstreaming of
models and ideas between political entities,
cultural diversity in the Brussels arts and cultural sector. She introduced the participants to different
whether national or local, to inquire if and
concepts of immigrant integration, thus helping participants to understand why organisations that want
how policy transfer contributes to convergence
to become more diverse follow different strategies to reach the same objectives.
of migrant integration policies. Immigrant integration policies reflect conceptions of identity and belonging, of social cohesion, of citizenship and statehood. Perhaps this is why these policies have often been considered as
IES co-organised international conference ‘Religious accommodation in Belgium and Canada’, Brussels, 27-28 April
country-specific, even determined by ‘national
notion can be mobilised for religious practices in Europe. Together with several research centres from the
models’. However, migrant integration policies in
What happens when the faithful of a minority
Université Libre de Bruxelles (IEE, GERME, MAM,
Europe present a certain degree of homogeneity
religion ask to adapt general rules or practices, to
CDP, CENA) and the VUB (RHEA), the Migration
in institutional design and orientation, even
be able to follow their faith? How do employers,
and Diversity cluster of the IES co-organised an
if they are introduced in countries with very
school directors or service providers react to these
international conference on this topic of religious
different migration histories and implemented
demands? What does the law require in these
accommodation in Belgium and Canada. The
in very different contexts. IES senior researcher
situations and what are the normative arguments in
conference united several experts from both sides
Ilke Adam demonstrated how soft European
favour or against these types of requests?
of the Atlantic, practising different disciplines
instruments on immigrant integration contribute
(philosophy, sociology and law). They engaged in
to reducing the differences between Belgian
In the USA or Canada, these questions have for a
an interdisciplinary discussion on the philosophical
regional immigrant integration policies.
long time been dealt with under the legal concept
arguments, and the legal, sociological and political
of ‘reasonable accommodation’. In Belgium,
contexts in which religious accommodation is
Other contributors to the panel focused equally
sociologists have been able to observe, over a
practised. More than 100 professionals and students
on the role of European policy diffusion tools
number of years, the development of the practice
attended the conference.
starting with two historical papers showing that
of reasonable accommodation, without calling it
policy diffusion with regard to migrants with
by that name. Today, due to the development of
social rights in the 19th century, happened long
the notion of ‘indirect discrimination’ in European
before the existence of EU policy diffusion.
law, the question has been raised whether this legal
6
EDU Educational Development Unit
Bridging the Gap: Improving EU Teaching The Educational Development Unit of the IES is organising a series of training workshops and seminars in 2012 with the aim of improving teaching EU issues in secondary schools throughout Europe. The ‘Bridging the Gap: Improving EU Teaching’ project is part of the EU Life-Long learning Programme, ‘Learning EU in Schools’ stream. Various activities and outputs are foreseen in the framework of this project, such as two teacher workshops in Brussels, four seminars delivered in secondary schools, including simulation games on EU issues, six webinars aiming to address various teaching methods and environments, as well as the delivery of an online module and a handbook on teaching the EU.
Brussels Workshop, 14-15 May 2012 On May 14-15 the IES organised the first workshop
which are aimed at a
on teaching the EU for secondary teachers, in the
broader audience of
framework of the ‘Bridging the Gap: Improving EU
teachers, students,
Teaching’ project. We had the pleasure to welcome
and policy makers
22 teachers from 11 countries within and beyond
interested in education,
the European Union (Germany, UK, Romania,
and specifically in how
Bulgaria, Lithuania, Italy, Macedonia, Albania, Latvia,
to integrate EU-related
Luxembourg and Czech Republic). Whereas the first
topics in the secondary
day focused on the essential information on the
school curricula across
latest developments in the institutional structure
Europe.
and decision-making process of the EU, the second day was dedicated to exploring various teaching
The workshop offered a great opportunity for
The webinars address specific teaching methods,
tools and environments, including interactive class
teachers across Europe to discuss their teaching
such as simulation games and the use of online
activities, simulation games and the use of online
methods and share ideas on how to integrate EU
tools and platforms, as well as exploring various
sources. The teachers worked in groups to exchange
topics in their curriculum. The second workshop is
opportunities for establishing partnerships among
good practice and the group leaders presented the
scheduled for 14-15 November.
schools in various countries. The webinars are free of charge and open for everyone. You can visit our
results in plenary. Webinars
website (www.ies.be/training/bridging-the-gap) to register for the upcoming webinars in autumn-
You can watch the presentations on our website. www.ies.be/training/bridging-the-gap/
In the past three months the EDU has also organised
winter 2012 and to watch the recordings of the first
workshop-may
three of the six ‘Bridging the Gap’ webinars,
three webinars. Secondary schools seminars In April the IES organised, together with the Koninklijk Atheneum Brugge, part of their ‘Europe week’ events, consisting mainly of a three-day simulation game on EU foreign policy. This also coincided with the first secondary school seminar delivered in the framework of the ‘Bridging the Gap’ project. The game involved around 70 students and proved to be a useful complementary activity that enhanced the students’ understanding of the complex EU decision-making process. Three more such activities are planned for the second part of the year, within Belgium and possibly also beyond.
7
Alexandra at the BISA-ISA conference
‘Decoding the EU’ online course On 20-22 June Alexandra Mihai took part in the In May 2012, the EDU organised the first edition of the ‘Decoding the EU’ online course. The course
2012 International BISA-ISA Joint Conference
consisted of four consecutive webinars, held each Wednesday at lunch-time and addressed the role
in Edinburgh. Co-organised by the British
and functioning of the main EU institutions (European Commission, Council of Ministers, European
International Studies Association (BISA) and
Council and European Parliament, as well as the complex decision-making process, with a focus on the
the International Studies Association (ISA), the
Ordinary Legislative Procedure). The webinars could be followed as stand-alone events or in conjunction
conference brought together around 1000
with our EU-modules, as a one-year online course. Taking advantage of the Brussels location but also
scholars from the field of International Relations,
of the flexibility of the medium, we put together a team of lecturers with a balanced mix of academic
from both sides of the Atlantic. The topics were
knowledge and practical expertise. The feedback received from the participants was positive, so that
diverse, ranging from theories of International
we will consider organising similar online courses in the future.
Relations (IR), to political and legal aspects, as well as the economic crisis, the challenges ahead for the EU and last, but not least, teaching International Relations.
E-learning: the way to Chamillo
Hendrix Semester Abroad 2012 Closely linked to the focus of her research,
The transition process towards a new, open
The annual Hendrix
Alexandra attended three panels and round
source e-learning platform is underway. After
Semester Abroad
tables on teaching methods in politics and IR.
analysing the various choices available, Chamillo
p r o gr a mme ha s
The first panel focused on the use of active
was chosen due to its user-friendly interface and
been running for
learning activities, such as simulation games
interactive features and not least because of the
four consecutive
and the added value they bring to teaching
support provided by VUB technical staff. Chamillo
years. Six American
IR, especially in a cross-cultural context.
is an open source learning platform, allowing for
students followed
Examples from Europe, US and Canada showed
active and personalised teaching and learning.
courses at the
the benefits but also the challenges of using
It is currently being customised (thanks to Bram
IES and Vesalius
such tools. The round table tackled the topic
Thielemans) to help us reach our pedagogical
College for one
of employability and skills in teaching IR. The
goals and enrich the overall value of the EU-
semester, focusing
discussion focused around the need to address
modules. The customisation phase will end this
on learning about the functioning of the EU and
students’ expectations and prepare them to
autumn and, following an intensive period of
EU’s role in the world. In parallel to their studies,
face the job market after graduation, with views
testing, the new platform will officially become
they had to do an internship, which allowed
diverging as to whether it is the task of the
the new home of our modules.
them to familiarise themselves with the working
university professors to teach these skills. The
environment and at the same time get first hand
third panel addressed the ‘non-traditional’ forms
In parallel to this change, we took the opportunity
experience of some EU-related issues studied in
of learning, including Problem-Based Learning
to do a complete overhaul of the current
their courses. At the end of the semester they
(PBL), synchronous and asynchronous online
modules. As of early next year, 5 modules will be
defended their final paper and it was a pleasure
learning, as well as the intriguing issue of how
available, offering a total of 20 ECTS: EU History,
to witness, like each year, that the students had
the classroom architecture and design influence
EU Institutions, EU Law and Decision-making,
absorbed and thoroughly processed the great
the way we teach.
EU Policies and EU Information Sources. Taken
amount of information they received on the complex
together with our Summer School in Brussels
EU structure. We look forward to welcoming the new
Alexandra presented her paper on the use of
and Vienna it offers a Postgraduate Certificate
group of Hendrix students in January 2013.
webinars for teaching European Studies and
equivalent to 25 ECTS.
the perception of lecturers on using this tool. The results of the small scale survey show
POLI small research project grants for the EDU
thorough market research will allow us to further
that the synchronous e-learning platform is
customize our modules to best match the needs
seen as a flexible and convenient tool, but it
This spring the EDU received two grants of €5000
of the students and at the same time to place us
is best used in conjunction with face-to-face
each in the framework of the ‘POLI small research
in a competitive position. Moreover, we will use
and/or asynchronous e-learning, in a Blended
projects’ scheme. This will be used in the context
part of the grant to record short interviews with
Learning approach, to allow teachers to reach
of our EU-modules re-launch on the new platform.
practitioners from various EU institutions that we
their pedagogical goals. The main conclusion of
A comprehensive survey of the various existing
will use to enrich the audiovisual aspect of the
the panel was that we, as teachers, should pay
online courses on offer on the topic of European
EU-modules.
equal attention to how we design or teaching
Studies will be carried and we hope that this
and learning spaces, be it physical or virtual, in order to provide the students, and ourselves, with a fruitful experience. The conference was a great occasion to meet colleagues interested in the topic of teaching politics and IR and an opportunity to forge new collaborations for future conference panels and publications.
8
European Foreign & Security Policy Policy Forums: The Impact of CSDP missions and the Role of EU Special Representatives
Associates’ News
Joachim Koops advises UN
On 15 June 2012, Dominik Tolksdorf organised a Policy Forum on ‘The Role and Achievements of EU Special
Joachim Koops has been
Representativs in EU foreign policy’
appointed as Advisor to the
which was attended by Philippe Lefort
Head of the Partnership Unit of
(EU Special Representative for the South
the United Nations Department of
Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia),
Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO).
Pieter Feith (International Civilian
From May - June he advised
Representative in Kosovo and former EU
the Head of the United Nations Liaison Office for
Special Representative in Kosovo), Marc
Peace and Security (UNLOPS) on the UN’s inter-
Otte (former EU Special Representative
organisational relations with the EU and NATO. In
in the Middle East peace process) and
July - August 2012 he will work at UN HQ in New
several political advisors of the ten EUSRs that are currently involved in the EU’s conflict resolution
York on the same issue.
efforts. Issues discussed included the current setting of EUSRs within the EU’s foreign policy system and the current status of international conflict resolution efforts in Central Asia, Kosovo, the South Caucasus and Sudan.
Dominik Tolksdorf awarded Post-doctoral Research Fellowship
On 22 June, the cluster hosted a book presentation for Senior Associate Susan Penksa, for her recently
Dominik Tolksdorf, IES
published book (with Prof. Roy Ginsberg) The European Union in Global Security: The Politics of Impact.
Senior Associate, has
The presentation and discussion focused on ways to assess the impact of the EU’s security policy, and
been selected as a fellow
the way forward for CSDP.
at the American Institute
Parliamentary Study on the Sahel
for Contemporary German Studies (AICGS) at Johns
Prof. Dr Amelia Hadfield, EDU Director, and
Eva Gross draws lessons from the end of the EU Police Mission (EUPM) in Bosnia and Herzegovina
EFSP postdoctoral
Hopkins University in Washington where he will conduct research on the project ‘EU-US cooperation in supporting constitutional reform in Bosnia and
researchers Dr
On 14 June, Eva Gross spoke at
Herzegovina’. Furthermore, Dominik was awarded
Luis Simon and
a policy forum at the European
a Transatlantic Post-Doctoral Fellowship for
Dr Alexander
Policy Centre (EPC): ‘After the
International Relations and Security (TAPIR). Thus,
M a t t e l a e r
EU Police Mission in Bosnia and
from November 2012 to October 2014, Dominik
r e c e n t l y
Herzegovina – Lessons learned for
will conduct research on ‘EU-US cooperation in
p u b l i s h e d
the CSDP?’ Speakers - including
assisting rule of law reform in Kosovo’ at Johns
A
Stefan Feller, Head of the EUPM mission and
Hopkins University, the Institut Français des
Coherent Strategy for the Sahel, undertaken at
Hansjörg Haber, Director of the EU Civilian
Relations Internationales (IFRI), and the EU Institute
the request of the Development Committee of
Planning and Conduct Capability in the European
for Security Studies (EUISS). A big congratulations
the European Parliament.
External Action Service (EEAS) – analysed the EU’s
to Dominik!
their report
engagement through the EUPM in Bosnia and
Sigrid Winkler presents paper and book project
The report examines the main challenges
Herzegovina, the lessons learned for CSDP, and
affecting the region and provides a critical
the future development of the policy. Earlier in
evaluation of the 2011 EU ‘Strategy for Security
the month, Eva also presented a paper entitled ‘EU
and Development in the Sahel’, offering some
responses to the Arab spring: assessing the role and
Sigrid was in Hong Kong for
policy recommendations.
impact of the European External Action Service’ on
the conference ‘China, Cross-
1 June at a workshop on ‘Critical Perspectives on
Strait Relations and Regional
Luis, Alexander and Amelia presented the main
European-MENA relations’ at the School of African
Security’ on 24-25 May where she
findings of the report before the Development
and Oriental Studies (SOAS), London.
presented a paper on the impact
Committee on 18 June 2012, where they engaged
of improved cross-Strait relations
in a lively discussion with MEPs. They have also
during the first term of Ma Ying-jeou’s presidency
been invited to speak about the security situation
Amelia Padurariu travels to Sarajevo
in the Sahel before the Foreign Affairs Committee
in Taiwan on Taiwan’s participation in international organisations.
of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives on 19
PhD researcher and IES associate, Amelia
July. Last but not least, Alexander presented the
Padurariu, conducted field research in Bosnia
On 22 June, Sigrid presented her book project on
report to a broader audience on the talkshow
and Herzegovina and, in this context, attended
EU-Taiwan relations in international organisations at
‘Trio’ of the Flemish public radio station Klara.
the EUPM end of mission seminar in Sarajevo
a Taiwan Fellowship Colloquium organised by the
on 8-9 June.
Centre for Chinese Studies in Taipei.
9 EU-Russia Relations On 7 June, Amelia Hadfield took part in an interesting
IES successful in application for Jean Monnet Chair project: ‘Springboard Brussels 2015’
1-day workshop entitled ‘The EU and the BRICS in the Wake of the Eurozone Crisis’, which was held
The IES is delighted to annouce that
at the Aston Centre for Europe. With contributions
Dr Amelia Hadfield’s bid under the
from European and Asian colleagues, and with an
Jean Monnet Chair project has been
audience that mixed academics with civil society,
successful. Understanding the EU’s
the workshop examined the EU’s wide-ranging
widening diplomatic engagements is a
relationships with the BRICS, the volatile nature
challenge for scholars, students, and
of some of these relationships (like Russia), and
the interested public alike. Dr Amelia
explored whether the concepts of ‘BRICS’ existed
Hadfield’s Jean Monnet Chair project Springboard Brussels 2015 focuses on teaching the modes
in practical terms. Invited to speak on the role EU-
of EU foreign policy innovatively and excellently to a wide cross-section of students. Springboard
Russia trade, investment and energy relations within
Brussels 2015 ensures first that students positively benefit from high quality teaching on EU
the BRIC context, Amelia concluded that whilst core
foreign policy and secondly that academics, students and civil society are beneficially influenced
interdependencies buoyed the relationship, grave
via innovative blended learning format. The impact of its 6 activities will help propel teaching and
problems about perceptions and insecurities over
learning on EU foreign affairs more effectively into the VUB-IES‚ inter-institutional relations with
energy supplies continued to keep the EU-Russia
other universities and to more genuinely connect with civil society elements via blended learning:
relationship challenging. •
QUO VADIS EU: A compulsory 60-hour advanced class on EU foreign policy within the VUBIES EuroMaster. The module supports 4 webinars, teacher training sessions and an annual
Commission Personality Disorder? Between 20-22 June, Amelia took part in the
public colloquium. •
EU REDUX Hendrix: A permanent module for US undergrads from Hendrix College providing
2012 International BISA-ISA Joint Conference in
a comprehensive overview of EU institutions and decision-making methods, public and
Edinburgh. In addition to attending panels on EU
foreign policy.
political and economic developments and progress in blended learning, she joined fellow colleagues
•
EU REDUX VeCo: The centerpiece of an MSc in European Union Studies newly co-instituted by
for a panel surveying challenges to European
the IES and Vesalius College, providing advanced grounding in EU institutions and decision-
security. Entitled ‘Entrepreneur, Reformer or
making methods, public and foreign policy.
Bully? The European Commission’s Adventures in Energy Policy’, Amelia’s paper investigated the
•
seemingly separate ‘personalities’ displayed by the
EU Foreign Affairs Podcasts: The 5 IES online modules support Dr Hadfield‚s current blended learning and will anchor the production of 8 x 15 minute podcasts on breaking EU fp issues.
Commission in developing European energy security, from discourse entrepreneur to market reformer to
•
IES Online Diplomacy Depository: A practical series of public webpages listing ALL EU foreign
institutional intimidator, by tracing major and minor
policy modular readings used by Dr Hadfield, and a number of key EU primary documents
policy developments, the responses of the Member
and secondary analyses.
States, and the multi-layered policy nexus that now typifies European energy security.
•
IES Diplomacy in Action Webinar Series: Six 1 hour webinars convened by Dr Hadfield featuring academics and practitioners from ENP states & Strategic Partners (Russia, US, China)
USC Brussels programme - 5th edition 30 June marked the successful completion of the 5th edition of the University of Southern California Summer School. 11 students from the University arrived on 26 May to spend five weeks in Brussels - taking a course on European Foreign and Security Policy at the IES (convened by Luis Simon). They also carried out an internship in a Brussels-based organisation dealing with foreign and security policy issues. We were happy to have two students, namely Rayven and Jordan, as interns at the IES.
10
Environment Sustainable Development IES successful in Jean Monnet application: IES Autumn Lecture Series
today will largely determine the structure of our
The lectures will take place from October to
energy system into the future. While there is general
December 2012 on Wednesday evenings from
acceptance of the need to move to decarbonisation,
18:00 to 20:00 at the IES premises. Each lecture
little awareness of the implications of this goal is
will feature 2-3 high quality speakers with various
evident in wider society. These lectures will fill a
viewpoints, and mixed experience (from civil
gap in the policy discussions and raise awareness
society, policymaking and academia). Each lecture
among an audience drawn from wider society.
will allow for discussion, comments and questions
The topics of the lectures speak to the current
between the speakers and the audience.
debates on energy policy in the EU (e.g. on energy
EU Energy Policy: on the Road to Decarbonisation?
infrastructure, on energy efficiency directive, on
The current schedule for the lectures can be found
upcoming reviews of the internal energy market,
on the back of this newsletter.
etc.), and broader EU strategies (such as the EU 2020 strategies) by placing them in the context of
Please go to www.ies.be for updates and event
With a positive response for its application to the
achieving decarbonisation goals. These lectures
registration (available soon).
Jean Monnet Life-Long Learning programme, the IES
can play a crucial role in enhancing understanding,
environment and sustainable development cluster
and stimulating debate, on policy options to 2050.
is now busy organising the next Autumn Lecture Series. The 2012 series focuses on the theme: EU
As a follow-up to the lecture series, 2013 will see
Energy Policy: On the Road to Decarbonisation?
the release of an edited book volume discussing the main theme in more depth. Those attending the
This is a topic of high relevance in the European
lectures can look forward to a high-level academic
Union today. As highlighted by the European
analysis to accompany the informative discussions
Commission, decisions made in energy policy
of the lectures.
Policy Forum: ‘The EU and the Arctic: Breaking the Ice’
as to what will be expected from the upcoming EU
the potential of the EU in the Arctic. As Secretary-
Arctic Communication.
General of the EU Arctic Forum he was able to
On 21 May 2012, the IES hosted a policy forum,
Ms Anastasiya Kozubovskaya-Pellé, legal project
organised by the Environment and Sustainable
manager for the Aurora Borealis – European
Development cluster, in cooperation with the
Icebreaker project, presented us with a thorough
In the discussion following the presentations, the
Vrije Universiteit Brussel faculty department
overview of this interesting research project.
audience posed questions on whether climate
Internationaal en Europees Recht (IERE). The event
The Aurora Borealis icebreaker is conceived as
change in the Arctic is taken for granted and
focused on the current and future interest and
one of the most advanced research icebreakers
therefore accepted to be exploited. The audience
involvement of the EU within the Arctic. Prof. Dr
in the world and will act as a multi-disciplinary
also questioned how, if at all, concessioning will
Erik Franckx (VUB) was assigned as moderator.
all season research platform. Ms Kozubovskaya-
be handled in the future and how the peoples
Pellé explained why this research vessel is a true
from the North will profit from the Aurora Borealis
opportunity for both Europe and the Arctic.
project.
share his knowledge from both the institutional
Mr Ramon Van Barneveld, Policy Officer at DG MARE opened the policy forum by giving a comprehensive overview of the objectives and
Mr Steffen Weber, Secretary-General of the EU
efforts of the EU within the Arctic, both now and
Arctic Forum, was the third and final speaker of
for the future. He highlighted the importance of
the event. Mr Weber built upon the presentations
current developments and provided some insight
of the previous speakers and further highlighted
and industry perspective.
11
IES Publications IES Policy Briefs Launched In May the IES was proud to launch its new ‘Policy brief’
Academic Articles Boone, Laura. 2012. ‘Book Review. Reducing Air Pollution from Marine Vessels to Mitigate Arctic Warming: Is it Time to Target Black Carbon’. Carbon and Climate Law Review, vol.1 pp. 13-20.
series. The first edition, ‘EU 2020 Renewable Energy Goals Insufficient’ written by IES researcher Claire Dupont,
Devuyst, Youri. 2012. ‘The European Union’s Competence in International Trade after the Treaty of Lisbon’. Georgia Journal of International and Comparative Law.
comments on renewable energy policies to 2020. It is clear that any action to
Devuyst, Youri and Jing Men. 2012. ‘Political Dialogue as an Instrument of EU Diplomacy: the Case of China’ College of Europe Studies No 15.
combat climate change must involve extensive efforts in reducing the greenhouse gas
Gouritin, Armelle. July 2012. ‘La question du droit à l’alimentation.’ in Sentinelle.
(GHG) emissions from the energy sector. In the EU, nearly 80% of total GHG emissions come from the energy sector
Gouritin, Armelle and Bourel, Michel. July 2012. ‘Une réforme institutionnelle a minima aux modalités de mise en œuvre imprécises’. in Sentinelle.
(European Commission, 2011, p. 21). Any credible action within the EU on combating climate change therefore requires deep shifts in the way we produce and use our energy. Claire’s paper highlights that renewable energy policies to 2020 are insufficient to meet the EU’s long-term
Gouritin, Armelle. ‘Droits environnementaux, Convention d’Aarhus, Droit de l’Union Européenne, accès à la justice’. in Sentinelle.
climate policy objectives of reducing GHG emissions by between 80 and 95% by 2050. These objectives aim to avoid an increase in global temperatures of more than 2°C. Such an ambition would likely require a very high share of renewable energy (in the range of 80 to 100%) in the overall energy mix of the EU, given current uncertainties about the feasibility of potential technological developments (e.g. carbon capture and storage technology).
In June the second Policy Brief
Gouritin, Armelle. 2012. ‘Vers une normativité du droit à l’alimentation devant les Cours régionales des Droits de l’Homme ? Complémentarité, paradoxes et apports du « droit à l’environnement ‘, in C. Cournil and C. Colard-Fabregoule (Eds.) Changements environnementaux globaux et droits de l’Homme, Bruylant, pp. 391-417. Gross, Eva. 2012. ‘The end of the EU Police Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina : What lessons for the Common Security and Defence Policy?’ European Policy Centre.
was published: ‘The Role of EU Special Representatives in the Post-Lisbon Foreign Policy System: A Renaissance?’ authored by Dominik Tolksdorf, Senior Associate Researcher of
Koops, Joachim. 2012. ‘NATO’s Influence on the evolution of the EU as a Security Actor’ in Oriol Costa and Knud Erik Joergensen (eds.) The Influence of International Institutions on the European Union: When Multilateralism Hits Brussels, PalgraveMacMillan.
the IES. EU Special Representatives have been deployed since 1996 in order to contribute to the EU’s crisis management efforts in various crisis regions. As
Koops, Joachim, Zuber, Robert and Fiott, Daniel. April 2012. Operationalising the Responsibility to Protect: A Contribution to the Third Pillar Approach. Madariaga College of Europe Foundation, Global Action to Prevent War, the Global Governance Institute and the International Coalition for the Responsibility to Protect, Brussels.
they are not part of the formal hierarchy of the European External Action Service and thus a rather flexible foreign policy instrument at the disposal of the
Meyer, Trisha. ‘Graduated Response in France: The Clash of Copyright and Internet.’ in Journal of Information Policy 2 (2012): 107-27.’
Member States, new special representatives have been appointed in 2011 and 2012. This Policy Brief argues that the representatives’ autonomy must not necessarily lead to ‘clashes of competence’ with the EU’s diplomatic service.
Simon, Luis. April 2012. ‘CSDP, Strategy and Crisis Management: Out of Area or Out of Business’ in The International Spectator.
12
IES Publications INTERNATIONAL HISTORY INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
AND
by Andrew Williams, Amelia Hadfield, J. Simon Rofe
war, peace, empire, international organisation and identity. The book is organised thematically around these key issues with each chapter providing an overview of the main historical context, theories
In collaboration with fellow authors Andrew J.
and literature in each area and applies this to the
Williams (St Andrews) and J. Simon Rofe (SOAS),
study of international relations.
Amelia Hadfield has published a new book entitled International History and International Relations,
Providing a fresh approach, this work will be
with Routledge (June 2012).
essential reading for all students of international relations and international relations theory.
Providing students of international relations with an in-depth historical analysis of some of the key
http://www.routledge.com/books/
‘IR touchtones’, the text stresses the need to
details/9780415481793/
bridge the gap between international history and international relations, and to grasp the complex context that underwrites themes of sovereignty,
IES in the media Sigrid Winkler: ‘Was getan werden muss, damit Frauen “alles haben können”: Eine Replik auf Anne-Marie Slaughter im österreichischen Kontext’ in: Der Standard (Wed, 04-072012) Ilke Adam : ‘Flandre: l’identité au coeur’ in: Migrations Magazine (Sun, 01-07-2012) Sigrid Winkler: ‘Taiwan’s UN Dilemma: To Be or Not To Be’ in: Brookings (Sat, 30-06-2012) Eva Gross: ‘Mission EUPM en Bosnie : trois leçons pour la PSDC in: Bruxelles2 (Mon, 18-062012) Alexander Mattelaer: ‘De Sahel: eyes wide shut?’ on: Klara (Sat, 09-06-2012) ‘Teachers from Targu-Mures at the Institute for European Studies in Brussels’ (Mureseni la Institutul pentru Studii Europene din Bruxelles) in: Zi de Zi (Wed, 23-05-2012) ‘EU’s Olli Rehn signals end of ‘Merkozy’ austerity drive’ (40 Years PILC) in: The Telegraph, (Sat, 05-05-2012) ‘EU to Show Flexibility on Budget-Deficit Rules, Rehn Says’ (40 Years PILC) in: Bloomberg (Sat 05-05-2012) Joachim Koops: ‘NATO and Afghanistan: Implications of the 2014 Withdrawal’ on: Radio France Internationale, Thu, (19-04-2012) Claire Dupont : ‘Leading or muddling through? The EU and Durban’ in: Ideas on Europe: European Council on Foreign Relations (Mon, 2012-04-16) ‘Summer schools in EU studies are becoming more popular with universities and students’ in: European Voice - Special Reports - Courses for all seasons (Thu, 12-04-2012)
New faces @ the IES
13
Ruxandra Cracea is currently
the University of Modern Science & Arts in Egypt,
following the “Communications
and holds a Master of Business Administration
Studies: New media and society
(MBA) from Edinburgh Business School (UK) and an
Evgeny Postnikov is a
in Europe” Master Programme
MPhil from the Maastricht School of Management
doctoral candidate in the
at the VUB, and will join the IES
(Netherlands).
Graduate School of Public
rights, social justice and Latin American literature.
for a three month internship,
and International Affairs at
as part of her course. The
the University of Pittsburgh.
topic of her master thesis concerns the relation of
Evgeny’s research interests
competition and cooperation between Facebook
Marion Hascoët joins the IES
revolve around international
and newspapers, a taboo subject among the parties
as a trainee in the Educational
political economy, especially trade policy, and
involved in the process of media consumption. Aside
Development Unit. She
EU external relations. His dissertation compares
rom her passion for the communication and social
graduated in European Project
domestic politics behind the inclusion of social
media field she also enjoys going to film festivals,
Engineering from the University
clauses dealing with labor and the environment in EU
traveling, volunteering, improving her French and
of South Brittany (France) –
and US bilateral trade agreements. Before moving to
University of South Bohemia (Czech Republic)
the US he was educated in both Russia and Germany.
and Universidad de Vigo (Spain.) Her thesis was
Evgeny is happy to be back in Europe and get a
on ‘European Union policy on Corporate Social
first hand perspective on the issues he is studying.
hopes to learn Flemish in the near future.
Responsibility.’ She also holds a BA in International Astrid Edwards started in
Trade. Prior to joining the IES, she was training at
April at IES as a ‘jobstudent’
the European Agency for Development in Special
and will be working with and in
Needs Education
Rayven Vinson is in her
the secretariat. She is currently
second year at the University
enrolled as a student at the
of Southern California (UCS) in
VUB in Communication Science,
the United States, and comes
with an emphasis on globalisation and Information
Jordan McKeen is a student
from Baltimore, Maryland. At
Society.
at the University of Southern
USC, she’s pursuing a double-
California (USC) in the United
major in International Relations
States. Originally from Chicago,
and Spanish. She’s here in Brussels with the USC
Illinois, he’s entering his third
School of International Relations for a 5-week
is a visiting
year at USC pursing a major
summer programme. She will be interning at the IES
researcher at IES. He is a Juris
in International Relations with concentrations in
as well as taking a course in contemporary issues
Doctorate candidate at the
Foreign Policy analysis and European Studies. He’s
in European foreign and security policy.
University of Pittsburgh School
in Brussels for five weeks through a programme
of Law studying International
offered by the USC School of International Relations
and Comparative Law with a
and he will be an intern at IES for four weeks, as
specific focus on Trade Law
well as taking a class through IES-VUB covering
Irene Wieczorek is a PhD
and Policy. Prior to his legal studies, Brian obtained a
Contemporary Issues in European Foreign and
researcher at the VUB under
Bachelor’s of Science in Economics and a Bachelor’s
Security Policy.
the supervision of Paul De Hert
Brian Fraile
of Arts in Architectural Studies from the University
and she is part of the Research
of Pittsburgh. While at IES, he plans to study the
Group on Fundamental Rights
economic impact of contract law and trade policy
and Constitutionalism (FRC).
on Eastern European nations. Outside of his studies,
Ewa Perfikowska recently
Her field of analysis is European
Brian enjoys skiing, travelling, running, and sports.
completed her traineeship at
substantive criminal law. She studied Italian law at
the European External Action
Trento University (2004-2010), French law at Paris13
Service where she worked on
(2006-2007), and European law both at Maastricht
EU-Latin America relations.
University (2008-2009) and at the College of Europe
Karim Hamza is a visiting
Before coming to Brussels she
(2010-2011), where she also studied European
researcher at the IES, joining
studied International Relations of Europe at the
Politics and Policies and European Economics. After
the European Economic
London School of Economics and wrote her MSc
her studies she was an intern for six months at
Governance to complete his
thesis on the impact of China on EU development
Eurojust (Sept 2011-March 2012), both within the
PhD in Political Science under
policy in sub-Saharan Africa. Ewa also completed a
legal service and the Italian representation.
the supervision of Dr Jamal
Master’s degree in Latin American Cultural Studies
Shahin. His research focuses
at the University of Manchester where she devoted
on the impact of network governance and social
her MA dissertation to the biofuel industry and its
media on states’ stability. Karim has a background
implications for Latin America. Ewa has joined the
in project management and information systems,
Environment and Sustainable Development cluster at
both at a professional and an academic level. He
the IES to continue her research on biofuels and will
teaches at the American University in Cairo and
work with Harri Kalimo. Her interests include human
14
Master Programmes
40 Years PILC/LLM Celebration
T
his year marks 40 years of excellence of PILC (Programme on International Legal Cooperation, now the LLM International & European Law). With over 1200 alumni, we definitely have a reason to commemorate this special year. To celebrate PILC’s 40th anniversary in style, IES organised a Gala Dinner and party at the impressive Château Sainte-Anne in Brussels on Saturday 5 May 2012. Our guest speaker, Olli Rehn, the Vice-President of the European Commission, gave a timely and important speech that has been widely covered in the international press. The event was a great success with over 130 alumni and members of staff present. Congratulations to all staff involved in making this a big success! For a photo gallery of the event go to www.ies.be/pilc40
15 This trimester IES-VUB EuroMaster student and
concentration is key in guaranteeing an informed
During the Conference, two key elements were
VUB PhD student, Mark Verheyden, writes on his
citizenship. Therefore, it should not come as a
identified as future potential threats to the European
experience of the Pan-European forum on media
surprise that a heated discussion broke out between
Media Industry. First, consensus emerged among
pluralism and new media.
Mr. Grant and a board member of the Italian
the panelists that nation states have to be cautious
company ‘Mediaset’. It was striking that media
not to be lured into the temptation of wanting to
industry representatives in general believed that a
control the media. This threat seems to become
certain degree of concentration actually safeguards
reality in Hungary, where policy makers adapted
media pluralism.
legislation that is in violation with Art. 7 of the
Pan-European forum on media pluralism and new media by Mark Verheyden
Charter of Fundamental Rights. Possibly even more Another point of discussion during the debate
worrisome is a state controlled by the Media, as is
The European Parliament
was related to the question of whether New Media
to a large extent the case in Italy where the tentacles
Hemicycle in Brussels is not only
are able to contribute to the empowerment of the
of the Berlusconi media empire reach (if not control)
the beating heart of democracy
citizenry. The EU itself is said to be dealing with a
the upper layers of the political system. A second
at European level, for one day it
democratic deficit. Proof of an empowered citizenry
threat that should be countered is the dominance
was also a place of Civil Society
could therefore contribute to the legitimacy of
of (mostly US) companies in the Internet sphere.
discussion. The organisers of the Pan-European
European politics with regard to media. Neelie
European industry has been able to secure a strong
Forum on Media Pluralism and New Media succeeded
Kroes argued that Members of the European
position in a fair amount of media domains, but
in creating a debate on new trends in media between
Parliament (MEPs) will soon be legislating in the
seems to be losing the Internet race against mega-
media professionals, politicians, and European
field of the Internet. Whether this prediction
corporations like Facebook and Google.
citizens.
will become reality can be met with scepticism. MEPs are only able to legislate when the ordinary
To conclude, the Pan-European forum on media
The line-up of speakers was impressive. Of all
legislative procedure (called co-decision pre-Lisbon)
pluralism and new media can be called a success.
the top-notch participants that took part in the
is applied. This is not yet the case in the field of
The debate is possibly only the start of a broader
event, three left the most memorable impression.
media and it seems unlikely that it ever will, due
movement towards closer cooperation across
Both the Flemish Minister of Media, Ingrid Lieten,
to the subsidiarity principle. Furthermore (and I
borders in the field of media and communication
and the Vice-President of the Commission, Neelie
quote from the European Parliament website), “the
technology. The forum also proved that Civil Society
Kroes, stressed that government regulation of the
EP has emphasized that the EU should stimulate
can be mobilized where vital societal interests
media sector should only be used as a last resort
the growth and competitiveness of the audiovisual
are concerned. The future of European media
in guaranteeing media pluralism. The government
sector whilst at the same time recognizing its wider
industries is closely intertwined with the survival of
should however take an active role when it comes
significance in safeguarding cultural diversity.”
the European project as a whole. Both seem to be
to monitoring the media landscape. Media pluralism
(Nogueira, 2011, p. 4) This underlines that media
clearly building on a key strength of Europeans, to
also emerged as a key theme in the speech of
products still occupy a somewhat peculiar position
be ‘United in Diversity’.
Hugh Grant. According to him, avoiding media
in the European Single Market.
IES student wins Franz Stein Memorial Award Competition
Congratulations to Viktoriya Petrikova, former IES-VUB student, who has won the Franz Stein Memorial Award Competition for her article “The New Common Commercial Policy: Who has the power to conclude investment protection treaties post-Lisbon? – The EU and/or its member states”, which formed part of her LLM thesis. The Franz Stein Memorial Award Competition was sponsored in 2011 by Law Publishers Europe.
16
Events Calendar Date Fri 28/09
Event 10 Years IES Official opening of the Academic Year - LLM & EuroMaster
Wed 03/10
Autumn Lecture Series: Introduction to the EU’s energy acquis
Wec 10/10
Autumn Lecture Series: Introduction to the EU’s climate acquis: policy gaps?
Wed 17/10
Wed 24/10
Autumn Lecture Series: Decarbonisation by 2050: roadmaps and scenarios compared Autumn Lecture Series: Decarbonising the power sector: opportunities and
Contributions to this Newsletter: Ilke Adam Claire Dupont - Lisanne Groen - Eva Gross - Amelia Hadfield - Harri Kalimo - Joachim Koops - Richard Lewis Alexander Mattelaer -Trisha Meyer - Alexandra Mihai - Dominik Tolksdorf - Marie Tuley - Mark Verheyden Sigrid Winkler
challenges
Edited by: Marie Tuley
Wed 31/10
Autumn Lecture Series: EU gas pipelines and electricity grids in 2050
Wed 07/11
Autumn Lecture Series: Decarbonising transport and industry
Wed 14/11
Autumn Lecture Series: The role of energy efficiency improvements to
Pictures courtesy of IES
decarbonisation
Newsletter of the Institute for European Studies Published by
Wed 21/11
Autumn Lecture Series: Evolving external energy interdependencies: past partners
Wed 28/11
Autumn Lecture Series: Evolving external energy interdependencies: new and
Anthony Antoine Institute for European Studies Vrije Universiteit Brussel Pleinlaan 2 (IES) B-1050 Brussels (Belgium)
emerging partners Wed 05/12
www.ies.be ies@vub.ac.be
Autumn Lecture Series: EU decarbonisation in 2050: views from abroad
10 Years IES
10
Friday 28 September 2012
12:00 15:00 17:00 P o l i c y
F o r u m
Policy Forum and book launch ‘Economic Efficiency: The Sole Concern of Modern Antitrust Policy?’ with Dr. Ioannis Lianos, University College London, and Dr. Ben Van Rompuy, IES Associate Researcher Location: IES conference room
Expo
Reception
Inaugural Lecture
An afternoon reception and desert buffet to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Speaker: VUB Vice-Rector for Internationalisation Jan Cornelis.
Mr. Allan Rosas, Judge at the European Court of Justice will deliver a guest lecture on ‘The EU Constitutional Order: some particularities’. Opening of LLM & EuroMaster academic year.
Location: IES Event Space
Location: VUB (building D)
room
D.002