Teaching and Knowledge Transfer
Key activites
- Lecture Series ''Europe in the World''
- Practising Transnational Politics: Model United Nations/ Model EU preparatory courses
- Excursions to Brussels
- Online course on the EU
UCL-Fulda Summer School 2025 - Europe: Enlightenment and Empire
13 Master students joined the second round of the joint summer school with the University College London’s European & International Social & Political Studies programme
From 11th to 14th of Mai, 13 students from the Human Rights Studies in Politics, Law and Society (MAHRS) programme flew to London to participate in a joint summer school. For the second time, the
University College London’s (UCL) European & International Social & Political Studies (EISPS) programme and the Department of Social and Cultural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Claudia Wiesner and
Prof. Dr. Matthias Klemm, collaborated and organised an interdisciplinary programme together. The excursion was partly funded by the Department of Social and Cultural Sciences (QSL) and
organisation supported by Muriel C. Wenzel.
This year´s theme was Europe: Enlightenment and Empire.
The summer school had a great mix of interdisciplinary lectures and field trips. The inspiring programme and interesting field trips covered the breadth of the theme and made it tangible - a
truly innovative approach that worked out very well. Monday 12th May was dedicated to the European Union, starting with two lectures: Claudia Wiesner on “Europe in the World (in times of War)”
and Mark Hewitson on European integration and Brexit.
After lunch, Richard King (FCDO) (Deputy Head of Europe Strategy and Expertise Department, FCDO) provided input on UK-Europe Relations under the Current Labour Government. The first day was concluded by a field trip to the EU delegation in the EU and a talk by Elias Centellas (Counsellor, EU Delegation) on the topic “Shaping the EU’s relationship to the UK before, during and after Brexit.” On Tuesday 13th May, the day started with two lectures by Rory Phillips (EISPS - Philosophy) and Matthias Klemm on European philosophy of race and race-science. In the afternoon, a field trip to the UCL Special Collections for history of science/eugenics took place. On Wednesday 14th May, in the morning session Igor Rogelja (EISPS – Global Politics) and Jack Hume (UCL Philosophy) informed on Museums, looting and colonialism. The summer school was then concluded with an afternoon trip to the British Museum “Enlightenment” room, Elgin marbles, Stone of Rosette, and Benin Bronzes.
Many thanks to all people mentioned above for a great and inspiring experience!
Special thanks to: Rory Philipps, Julia Wagner, Igor Rogelja, Claudia Sternberg, Uta Staiger, and Muriel C. Wenzel
Populism, Twitter and the European Public Sphere: Social Media Communication in the EP Elections 2019. Emilia Palonen (University of Helsinki)
🗓 Date & Time: 11. February, 17:00-18:30
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 217
💻 Online Participation: Available via zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de
We would like to invite you to the upcoming lecture by Dr. Emilia Palonen on ''Populism, Twitter and the European Public Sphere: Social Media Communication in the EP Elections 2019.''
Dr. Emilia Palonen will present her latest co-edited book with Juha Herkman, exploring the role of populism and social media in shaping political discourse during the 2019 European Parliament elections. Using real-time Twitter data from seven EU countries, the study redefines populism as an antagonistic political identity and examines transnational and Eurosceptic narratives.
For those unable to attend in person, online participation is also possible by contacting zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de. Your presence and insights would undoubtedly contribute to the depth of our discussion.
We look forward to your participation and engaging discussions.
Talking Europe with an MEP Damian Boeselager (MEP)
🗓 Date & Time: 04. February, 17:00-18:30
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 217
💻 Online Participation: Available via zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de
We would like to invite you to an engaging discussion with Damian Boeselager, Member of the European Parliament (Volt), as part of the "Europe in the World" lecture series.
Damian Boeselager will provide insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the European Union, touching on key issues such as democracy, EU policies, and the role of young people in shaping Europe’s future. The discussion will offer a chance to ask questions, exchange perspectives, and explore the broader impact of EU decision-making on our daily lives. This event is an opportunity to engage in an open and dynamic dialogue on the future of Europe with an active policymaker.
For those unable to attend in person, online participation is also possible by contacting zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de. Your presence and insights would undoubtedly contribute to the depth of our discussion.
We look forward to your participation and engaging discussions.
Drafting a Democratic Constitution for Russia: Learning from the Past, Looking into the Future Evgeny Roshchin (Center for European Policy Analysis)
🗓 Date & Time: 28. January, 17:00-18:30
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 217
💻 Online Participation: Available via zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de
We would like to invite you to the upcoming lecture by Evgeny Roshchin (Princeton University) on ''Drafting a Democratic Constitution for Russia: Learning from the Past, Looking into the Future''
Evgeny Roshchin will explore efforts to draft a new constitution for Russia amidst President Putin’s dominance. Together with Greg Yudin and Artemy Magun, he has proposed a framework to replace the heavily amended 1993 constitution, focusing on limiting presidential power, decentralizing authority, and strengthening federalism. The draft envisions a governance system grounded in democracy, accountability, and international cooperation, offering a hopeful blueprint for Russia's future.
For those unable to attend in person, online participation is also possible by contacting zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de. Your presence and insights would undoubtedly contribute to the depth of our discussion.
We look forward to your participation and engaging discussions.
Geopolitical Tensions & Polycrisis: What Future for Multilateralism? Thomas Tödtling (Konrad Adenauer Foundation New York)
🗓 Date & Time: 21. January, 17:00-18:30
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 217
💻 Online Participation: Available via zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de
We would like to invite you to the upcoming lecture by Thomas Tödtling on "Geopolitical Tensions & Polycrisis: What Future for Multilateralism?''.
The world is confronted with several global crises. At thesame time we face a massive increase of geopoliticaltensions, great power competition, and a lack of trust inmultilateral solutions to those international challenges.Hence, the question is what kind of future there is formultilateralism and what is needed to make multilateralismready to deal with those challenges.
Thomas Tödtling, Director of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation New York, will examine these issues, offeringan assessment of the current state of multilateralism andinsights into its potential evolution amid today’s global uncertainties.
For those unable to attend in person, online participation is also possible by contacting zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de. Your presence and insights would undoubtedly contribute to the depth of our discussion.
We look forward to your participation and engaging discussions.
Thirty Years After the Berlin Wall German Unification and Transformation Research Peter Schmidt (Justus Liebig University Giessen)
🗓 Date & Time: 26. November, 17:00-18:30
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 217
💻 Online Participation: Available via zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de
We would like to invite you to the upcoming lecture by Peter Schmidt on his latest co-edited book, ''Thirty Years After the Berlin Wall: German Unification and Transformation Research''.
The book examines the enduring differences and evolving social dynamics in the regions that once made up the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Even thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the research highlights the varied impacts of the unification process on mental health, political attitudes, and work-life structures, analyzed through advanced statistical methodologies.
For those unable to attend in person, online participation is also possible by contacting zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de. Your presence and insights would undoubtedly contribute to the depth of our discussion.
We look forward to your participation and engaging discussions.
The War Against Ukraine and the EU: Facing New Realities Andrea Gawrich(Justus Liebig University Giessen) and Michèle Knodt (Technical University Darmstadt)
🗓 Date & Time: 19. November 2024, 17:00-18:30
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 217
💻 Online Participation: Available via zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de
Andrea Gawrich (Justus Liebig University Giessen) and Michèle Knodt (Technical University Darmstadt) will discuss their contributions to the open-access book ''The War Against Ukraine and the EU: Facing New Realities'' edited by Claudia Wiesner and Michèle Knodt:
Andrea Gawrich will provide insights into Ukraine's EU accession process amidst the ongoing war, highlighting the challenges faced by the EU in defending democracy and the rule of law while simultaneously striving to prove its geopolitical capacities.
Michèle Knodt will discuss how the war has transformed EU energy policy, focusing on efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy and advance sustainable and secure alternatives, including initiatives like REPowerEU.
For those unable to attend in person, online participation is also possible by contacting zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de. Your presence and insights would undoubtedly contribute to the depth of our discussion.
We look forward to your participation and engaging discussions.
The United Nation's Pact for the Future- Results and Implications Ekkehard Griep and Matthias Eiles (DGVN Hessen)
🗓 Date & Time: 12. November 2024, 17:00-18:30
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 217
💻 Online Participation: Available via zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de
We would like to invite you to the upcoming lecture by Ekkehard Griep and Matthias Eiles on ''The United Nation's Pact for the Future- Results and Implications''.
Eiles and Griep, are members of the The United Nations Association of Germany, UNA-Germany (Deutsche Gesellschaft für die Vereinten Nationen – DGVN), a non-profit association that promotes the United Nations and the vision of a peaceful word. The lecture will discuss the contents and implications of the Pact for the Future, which was adopted at the UN’s Summit of the Future in September 2024 and aims to address global challenges.
For those unable to attend in person, online participation is also possible by contacting zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de. Your presence and insights would undoubtedly contribute to the depth of our discussion.
We look forward to your participation and engaging discussions.
Technologies of Anticipation: Investigating Practices of Future-Making in Contemporary Societies Thomas Lemke (University of Frankfurt)
🗓 Date & Time: 04. November 2024, 18:00-19:30
📍 Location: Hochschulzentrum Fulda Transfer, Großer Seminarraum 3a, Heinrich-v.-Bibra-Platz 1b, 37037 Fulda
💻 Online Participation: Available via muriel.pluschke@sk.hs-fulda.de
Join us for an insightful lecture that explores the cutting-edge intersection of biotechnology and social futures. In this talk, Prof. Dr. Thomas Lemke will delve into the fascinating world of cryopreservation—the technology of freezing organic material—and its role in shaping future possibilities. By examining "frozen zoos" and the freezing of human eggs, Prof. Lemke highlights how these technologies are part of a broader practice of anticipation, allowing societies to manage biological futures.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the profound implications of these practices for society and the future of life itself. Whether in person or online, your participation will contribute to a lively discussion about how we manage and anticipate the challenges of tomorrow.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Lecture Series ''Europe in the World'' 2024-2025
🗓 Date & Time: Winter Term 04.11.2024-11.02.2025
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 217
💻 Online Participation: Available via zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de
We are delighted to invite you to our lecture series "Europe in the World", taking place this Winter Term from November 4, 2024, to February 11, 2025. The insightful lectures will feature distinguished speakers from the fields of academia, politics and NGOs, and cover a wide range of topics. We believe you’ll find the series both informative and stimulating.
The series will explore Europe’s evolving role in global affairs, focusing on key themes and new political challenges. Talks will cover topics such the United Nations, democracy, citizen perceptions, Russia´s opposition, and Europe’s responses to current conflicts, among other timely issues. The lecture series offers a unique opportunity for enlarging your knowledge, getting in touch with current academic and political debates, engaging in-depth discussion, intellectual exchange, and obtain a broader understanding of our world.
Everyone is welcome to attend single or several lectures without previous registration.
ICEUS goes Brussels- Exploring the Heart of the European Union
Students of the Master's programme Intercultural Communication and European Studies at Fulda University of Applied Sciences went on a field trip to Brussels from 21 to 24 May as part of Prof. Dr Claudia Wiesner's seminar "European Policy Fields". This field trip, which was organised by Ilka Gersemann (course coordinator) and accompanied by Zhylien Kaja (research assistant at the SK department), offered our students the opportunity to gain in-depth insights into the institutions, decision-making processes and policy fields of the European Union.
The field trip began with an informative city tour by Stefaan Debrabandere, who showed the students around famous neighbourhoods and prominent sights of the city. On the second day, the students focused intensively on the Council of the European Union and the role it plays within the EU, with a presentation by ICEUS alumnus Ignacio Nuno Molina. The day was rounded off with a visit to the Representation of the State of Hessen to the EU, where Nicolai von Wilcken provided insights into the work there.
On the third day, a visit to the European Committee was on the program, where the students listened to three interesting presentations. Mr Janos Schmied explained the role of the EU Committee as a political executive body of the EU. Ms Martina Tornkvist spoke about the funding of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights in the member states, and Mr Thorsten Bargfrede shed light on the EU's foreign and security policy. The day ended in the Parlamentarium, in which the students deepened thrir understanding of the work of the European Parliament and the history of the EU through a dynamic and interactive exhibition.
On the fourth day, the students were welcomed to the European Economic and Social Committee by ICEUS alumna Ramona Codrea, who explained the Committee's role as a representative of organised civil society. The visit ended with a management tour of the plenary of the European Parliament, where the students were given an insight into the workings of this important legislative body.
This field trip was an exceptional opportunity for our students to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience, exchange ideas with experts and deepen their understanding of the EU.
International finance and international politics: Professional experiences Christina Müller (Dubai/London Stock Exchange)
🗓 Date & Time: 23 January 2024, 17:00-18:30
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 302
💻 Online Participation: Available via zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de
We are delighted to invite you to the upcoming lecture by Christina Müller from the Dubai/London Stock Exchange on the topic " International finance and international politics: Professional experiences" scheduled for January 23, from 17:00 to 18:30.
Christina Müller, with her extensive professional background at both the Dubai and London Stock Exchanges, will provide attendees with a detailed and seasoned perspective on the intricate relationship between international finance and politics.
The lecture will be held online and streamed in Building 22, Room 302.
Online participation is also possible via zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de. Your presence and insights would undoubtedly contribute to the depth of our discussion.
We look forward to your participation and engaging discussions.
What is political legitimacy? Internal and externaldimensions and comparative findings Philipp Harfst (University of Göttingen)
🗓 Date & Time: 16. January 2024, 17:00-18:30
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 302
💻 Online Participation: Available via zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de
We are delighted to invite you to the upcoming lecture by Philipp Harfst from the University of Göttingen on the topic "What is Political Legitimacy? Internal and External Dimensions and Comparative Findings" scheduled for January 16, from 17:00 to 18:30..
Philipp Harfst will delve into the empirical investigation of a two-dimensional approach to political legitimacy research, bridging the institutionalist and political culture perspectives. By combining external normative and internal empirical perspectives, he will explore the relationship between these dimensions in an internationally comparative framework.
The lecture will take place in Building 22, Room 302. For those unable to attend in person, online participation is also possible via zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de. Your presence and insights would undoubtedly contribute to the depth of our discussion.
We look forward to your participation and engaging discussions.
Europe wants to progress united Yannis Xenakis (European Commission-former Head of Unit)
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 302
💻 Online Participation: Available via zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de
We are delighted to invite you to the upcoming lecture by Yannis Xenakis on the topic "Europe Wants to Progress United," scheduled for December 19, from 17:00 to 18:30.
Despite populist criticism, doubts about Europe’s future, and challenges to its values, Yannis Xenakis will delve into how the people of Europe aspire to progress united in the pursuit of peace and prosperity. The lecture will explore Europe’s significant economic achievements, including the internal market, a single currency, solidarity mechanisms for crisis management, and global leadership in the effort to save the planet.
The lecture will be held online and simultaneously live-streamed in Room 302 in Building 22 at Hochschule Fulda. For those unable to attend in person, online participation is possible via zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de.
We look forward to your participation and engaging discussions.
EU – Großmachtambitionen –real und wenn nötig mit militärischer Gewalt Özlem Demirel (MEP)
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 302
💻 Online Participation: Available via zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de
Wir möchten Sie herzlich zu dem Vortrag "EU-Großmachtambitionen – real und wenn nötig mit militärischer Gewalt" von Özlem Demirel, Mitglied des Europäischen Parlaments, am 05. Dezember von 17:00 bis 18:30 Uhr, einladen.
Özlem Demirel wird einen tiefgehenden Einblick in die historischen Hintergründe der EU-Militarisierung geben, beginnend beim Pleven-Plan von 1952 bis zu den aktuellen Entwicklungen unter der Leitung von Kommissionspräsidentin von der Leyen. Der Vortrag wird die geopolitische Ausrichtung der EU sowie die Dringlichkeit einer Europäischen Verteidigungsunion eingehend beleuchten. Ebenso werden besorgniserregende Signale im Kontext globaler Machtspannungen thematisiert, darunter der aktuelle Krieg in der Ukraine und der Machtkampf um den afrikanischen Kontinent.
Eine Online-Teilnahme ist unter zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de möglich. Für diejenigen, die vor Ort sein möchten, wird die Vorlesung auch live im Raum 302 im Gebäude 22 an der Hochschule Fulda gestreamt.
Wir freuen uns auf Ihre Teilnahme und anregende Diskussionen.
Shaping Tomorrow: EU's Role in a Dynamic World Ignacio Nuno Molina (Council of the European Union)
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 302
💻 Online Participation: Available via zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de
We are delighted to invite you to to the second lecture by Ignacio Nuno Molina, on November 28th from 17:00 to 18:30. Molina, representing the Council of the European Union, will share his insights on "Shaping Tomorrow: EU's Role in a Dynamic World." The discussion will delve into the European Union's pivotal role in addressing contemporary global challenges and its influence in shaping the future of international relations.
The lecture will take place in Building 22, Room 302. For those unable to attend in person, online participation is also possible via zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de. Your presence and insights would undoubtedly contribute to the depth of our discussion.
We look forward to your participation and engaging discussions.
University Tour in the Run-up to the European Elections 2024 The European Parliament Liaison Office in Germany
🗓 Date & Time: 14. November 2023, 17:00-18:30
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 302
💻 Online Participation: Available via zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de14
We warmly invite you to our first lecture "University Tour in the Run-up to the European Elections 2024," by the European Parliament Liaison Office in Germany on November 14th, from 17:00 to 18:30.
Featuring expert insights from Michael Gahler, a Member of the European Parliament, and Elizabeth Pender and Julia Thunecke from the Liaison Office, this lecture provides a valuable platform for engaging in a meaningful discussion on the European Union's role and the upcoming elections.
Whether you prefer to attend online or in person, our hybrid approach ensures accessibility, with the lecture live-streamed in Room 302, Building 22 at Hochschule Fulda.
We look forward to your participation and engaging discussions.
Brussels Excursion
June 12- 16, 2023
Last week, students from the ICEUS and MAHRS masters program visited Brussels to gain more insight on the functions of various EU institutions. Their excursion began with a guided city tour, led by Stefan Debrabandere, through famous quarters and spots through out the city. Their tour ended on a sweet note right in front of one of the most famous chocolatiers in all of Brussels, Neuhaus.
The first institution the MAHRS and ICEUS students visited during their visit in Brussels was the Council of the European Union. ICEUS alumni Ignacio Nuno Molina shared information on the role of the European Council and the Council of the European Union within the European institutions. Ignacio also shared some of his personal work in the communications sector with the students.
Following the visit at the Council of the European Union, ICEUS and MAHRS students had the pleasure of visiting the Commission’s visitor center. At the Commission, they heard presentations on various topics focusing on migration, disinformation, and EU enlargement in the time of the war against the Ukraine.
The visit and reception at the Representation of the Federal State of Hesse at the EU gave students a little taste of home in Brussels. Nick Aiossa of Transparency International shared his experiences is lobbying and advocacy with the students. Following the presentations, students were welcomed to join the Jugend Forscht reception in the evening. There they learned about biodegradable plastics, stair-climbing vacuum robots, and technology that will allow neurologists to identify the form of a tumor without having to perform an invasive surgery. Students under the age of 18 from all over Hesse were able to share their findings.
European HomeParliament "European Democracy in Transition" in the framework of the European Weeks
16 May, 2023
Under the direction of Zhylien Kaja the Fulda Centre of Transnational Governance organized a European HomeParliament at Fulda University of Applied Sciences on May 16, 2023.
At this year's European Home Parliament, students from the Social Law Department at Fulda University of Applied Sciences, had lively discussions about the importance of citizen participation in strengthening democracy in the European Union (EU). They all agreed that low turnout in European elections is a concern for both the EU and citizens. Citizens have the right to complain about issues they care about, but it is important that they also exercise their right to vote in order to bring about the change they desire.
Sub-questions that were also discussed with students included:
- Should a European referendum be introduced in which all EU citizens can participate and thus have their say on issues concerning the future of Europe?
- Should EU citizens also be able to vote for candidates from other EU Member States in European elections via transnational lists?
- Should EU citizens decide at the local level how many refugees they want to accept in their region and thus facilitate a Europe-wide distribution?
A Home Parliament is a private discussion group of 4 to 8 people with the slogan ‘‘Have a say in the big issues!‘‘. It is moderated by a host, who can either invite his/her friends or have him/herself assigned to an interesting discussion group. It all takes place either online via Video-HomeParliament, WebEx, Zoom etc. or in a face-to-face meeting. European HomeParliaments are an initiative of the NGO “Pulse of Europe”, an independent citizens’ initiative founded in Frankfurt am Main in 2016. “Pulse of Europe” aims at making the idea of European Citizenship visible and audible, and at strengthening the links between EU-politicians and ordinary citizens.
Democracy, the Global Order and the War Against Ukraine Claudia Wiesner (Fulda University of Applied Sciences)
🗓 Date & Time: 07. February 2023, 17:00-18:30
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 302
💻 Online Participation: Available via maria.keller@sk.hs-fulda.de
As the last event of our lecture series will be a presentation of the results of Prof. Dr. Claudia Wiesner's research sabbatical. Prof. Wiesner will talk about what she found out in her research semester in summer semester 2022. After the presentation there will also be time for questions and discussion. The presentation will take place at Fulda University of Applied Sciences in room 22.302. Since the event is hybrid, you can also participate online. For online participation please register here.
Europe in the World and Its Position in the War Against Ukraine Reinhard Bütikofer (MEP)
🗓 Date & Time: 31. January 2023, 17:00-18:00
📍 Location: Online
💻 Online Participation: Available via maria.keller@sk.hs-fulda.de
Reinhard Bütikofer, another Member of the European Parliament (Greens), will virtually visit Fulda University of Applied Sciences. He will talk about his work in the European Parliament and in this context discuss the role the European Union plays in the war against Ukraine and how his work is related to that. There will also be room for questions after the presenation. The visit will be online, if you wish you are also welcome to watch the streaming on-site at Fulda University of Applied Sciences (room 22.302). For online participation please register here.
EU as a Global Player Sven Simon (MEP)
🗓 Date & Time: 24. January 2023, 17:00-18:00
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 302
💻 Online Participation: Available via maria.keller@sk.hs-fulda.de
Sven Simon, Member of the European Parliament (EPP), will virtually visit Fulda University of Applied Sciences. He will talk about his work in the European Parliament, with a special focus on his work on international relations, partners and trade. This visit will be online-only. If you wish to participate, please register here.
Hope in the Anthropocene, David Chandler (University of Westminister)
🗓 Date & Time: 16. January 2023, 19:00-20:30
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 302
💻 Online Participation: Available via maria.keller@sk.hs-fulda.de
David Chandler, Professor of International Relations of University of Westminster visits us at Fulda University of Applied Sciences. Everyone interested is welcome to join the lecture and discussion. It is possible to either participate on-site or online. For an online participation, please register here.
Populism: A Threat or Challenge to Democracy Emilia Palonen (University of Helsinki)
🗓 Date & Time: 20. December 2022, 17:00-18:30
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 302
💻 Online Participation: Available via maria.keller@sk.hs-fulda.de
We will welcome Emilia Palonen at Fulda University of Applied Sciences where she will reference on "Populism: a Threat or Challenge to Democracy". Everybody who is interested is welcome to join the lecture as well as the discussion that will follow.
Since the event is hybrid, you can also participate online. If you wish to participate online, please register here.
Global Challenges: The Russia-Ukraine Conflict Muge Kinacioglu (Leiden University)
🗓 Date & Time: 05. December 2022, 19:00-20:30
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 302
💻 Online Participation: Available via maria.keller@sk.hs-fulda.de
Muge Kinacioglu (Leiden University) will visit Fulda University of Applied Sciences to give a lecture on "Global Challenges: The Russia-Ukraine Conflict". The lecture will be followed by a discussion with the audience.
For online participation please register here.
Politics and Policies in the EU Amrei Bahr (Heinrich-Heine University)
🗓 Date & Time: 02. December 2022, 09:50-11:20
📍 Location: Online
💻 Online Participation: Available via zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de
The guest of our first event of the lecture series "Politics and Policy in the EU" is Dr. Amrei Bahr of Heinrich-Heine Univesity Düsseldorf. All faculty students of Fulda University of Applied Sciences and everyone interested is warmly invited to join the discussion.
If you wish to participate, please register here.
Democracy And The Freedom of Speech René Pfister (DER SPIEGEL)
🗓 Date & Time: 29. November 2022, 17:00-18:30
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 302
💻 Online Participation: Available via maria.keller@sk.hs-fulda.de
Cordial invitation to the book presentation and discussion "Democracy and Freedom of Speech" with René Pfister
René Pfister, journalist (Der Spiegel) and author will visit Fulda University of Applied Sciences on 29.11.2022 and discuss the topic of freedom of expression with us. All interested parties are cordially invited!
The event will start at 17:00 (end around 18:30) and will take place in building 22, room 302.
It is also possible to participate in the event online. To do so, please register at maria.keller@sk.hs-fulda.de.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Lecture Series Winter Term 2022/2023: EUROPE IN THE WORLD: Conflicts, Politics, Values
🗓 Date & Time: Winter Term 03.11.2022-07.02.2023
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 302
💻 Online Participation: Available via maria.keller@sk.hs-fulda.de
We are delighted to invite you to our lecture series "Europe in the World", taking place this Winter Term from November 4, 2024, to February 11, 2025. The insightful lectures will feature distinguished speakers from the fields of academia, politics and NGOs, and cover a wide range of topics. We believe you’ll find the series both informative and stimulating.
The series will explore Europe’s evolving role in global affairs, focusing on key themes and new political challenges. Talks will cover topics such the United Nations, democracy, citizen perceptions, Russia´s opposition, and Europe’s responses to current conflicts, among other timely issues. The lecture series offers a unique opportunity for enlarging your knowledge, getting in touch with current academic and political debates, engaging in-depth discussion, intellectual exchange, and obtain a broader understanding of our world.
Everyone is welcome to attend single or several lectures without previous registration.
European Home Parliaments - 7th Edition
The European Home Parliaments give citizens the opportunity to engage in discussions about current European topics in an interactive way. For our students this is a great chance to apply the knowledge they have gained about the European Union and thus we participated again in the 7th round of the European Home Parliament.
What are the Home Parliaments?
European Home Parliaments are an initiative of the NGO “Pulse of Europe”, an independent citizens’ initiative founded in Frankfurt am Main in 2016).
The aim of the home parliaments is to bring European debates to citizens’ homes and discuss current European topics in small groups. This can work among family members, friends or in our case students. Usually, three questions of European matter are discussed and then voted upon (just like in a real parliament).
This year’s topics:
The overall question of this years’ round was: Europe on the next level: Do we need a deeper cultural and political integration?
This included three further proposals and questions:
- European Public Holiday: Should there be a joint European Public Holiday to commemorate Europe’s shared history and values?
- History in Europe’s Classrooms: Should history education in Europe’s schools provide more common European content and go beyond national narratives?
- EU Membership Process: Should EU enlargement be accelerated for countries with candidate status?
The discussion
Students were divided into three groups and discussed one question each. They engaged in lively discussions and then presented their results to the other students. After that, we voted on each question and finally on the overall question. Students were very engaged in the debate and enjoyed the interactive nature of the home parliaments. It was interesting to see, how the opinions varied from being very critical to agreeing very much with the question.
We thank everybody for participating in the debate and are curious to see how these debates continue on the European level.
Visit of the EU-institutions in Brussels
30 May - 02 June 2022, Brussels
Finally in Brussels! After 2 months of prepatory seminar sessions (and several cancellations due to the covid-19-pandemic over the last few years), 30 master students of Intercultural Communication and European Studies accompanied by Maria Keller had the chance to visit Brussels and visit the European institutions in Belgium’s capital.
On the program: European Commission, European Parliament, Representation of the Federal State of Hesse (Hessische Landesvertretung) and the Council of the European Union. Within the institutions, we discussed topics like migration, external actions, climate as well as the tasks of the institutions, the everyday-life within and career and internship perspectives.
The students were fascinated by finally experiencing the European policy-making they had learned about during the last semester(s). Thus, they asked many questions about various aspects of each institution. Apart from the official institutions, the students also got a guided city-tour and some also visited the Parlamenatrium or the House of European History in the European Quarter.
In the end, all agreed that the trip had been a huge success and everyone enjoyed the appealing and thought-provoking program of the trip. Now we are looking forward to visiting Brussels again next year and maybe some students will return for internships or might even start a career there.
European Home Parliaments
12 May 2022
For the second time, students of Fulda University of Applied Sciences participated in the European HomeParliaments - this time live on campus. Maria Keller and Zhylien Kaja organized the event and five students acted as moderators for the discussion groups.
European HomeParliaments are an initiative of the NGO “Pulse of Europe”, an independent citizens’ initiative founded in Frankfurt am Main in 2016. “Pulse of Europe” aims at making the idea of European Citizenship visible and audible, and at strengthening the links between EU-politicians and ordinary citizens. A Home Parliament is a private discussion group of 4 to 8 people with the slogan ‘‘Have a say in the big issues!‘‘. It is moderated by a host, who can either invite their friends or have themselves assigned to an interesting discussion group. It all takes place either online via Video-HomeParliament, WebEx, Zoom etc. or in a face-to-face meeting.
This years' questions included
- Should the principle of unanimity in the council of the European Union be abolished and replaced by a qualified majority? (Soll das Einstimmigkeitsprinzip im Rat der Europäischen Union abgeschafft und durch eine qualifizierte Mehrheit ersetzt werden?)
- Should a representative citizens' council advise the EU institutions on fundamental decisions? (Soll ein repräsentativer Bürgerrat der EU Institutionen bei grundlegenden Entscheidungen beratend zur Seite stehen?)
- Should the European Parliament be able to introduce its own legislative proposals in addition to the EU Commission? (Soll neben der EU-Kommission auch das Europäische Parlament eigene Gesetzesvorschläge einbringen können)
The students - who got divided into three groups - had some lively discussions about the questions. Most of them agreed on questions 1 and 2 but disagreed on the third question. We are now keen to see what the overall results of the HomeParliaments will show and especially what the EU politicians will make of the results.
Lecture and Discussion: Investigating and regulating Big Tech: the European Commission’s enforcement of the competition against Google Nicholas Khan (Legal Services, European Commission)
🗓 Date & Time: 27. January 2022, 17:00-18:30
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 302
💻 Online Participation: Available via zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de
The European Commission has found Google to be dominant on various internet markets and between 2017 and 2019 adopted three decisions against Google, condemning as abuses of Google's dominant position various practices relating to; the promotion of Google’s own specialised services in search results, Google’s exploitation of the Android operating system for mobile devices and Google’s imposition of exclusivity requirements towards certain customers of its internet advertising service.
The talk will explain the conceptual and practical challenges relating to the application of EU competition law to the internet, through the process of lengthy investigations conducted by the European Commission, followed by litigation before the European Courts. The talk will also consider how competition law enforcement fits into the wider policy concerns about the dominance of internet services by a few companies, looking ahead to the regulatory initiatives now being taken in Member States and by the EU’s proposed Digital Markets Act.
Public Design - democratizing decision-making for a common future Caroline Paulick-Thiel (Politics for Tomorrow)
🗓 Date & Time: 20. January 2022, 09:50-11:20
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 302
💻 Online Participation: Available via zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de
The public is a sphere with special features. This special space between state and society does not exist per se but needs to be brought to life and be cultivated - again and again. Both, state and society struggle with silos, which in part can only be brought to mutual exchange through major efforts. This raises the responsibility of the citizens, especially in the face of the upcoming systemic transformations, which demand participatory impact assessment and collaborative governance.
All of us can build bridges and open new horizons for deliberation: By broadening our imagination, we can reconsider the existing, question assumptions and create something new.
New architectures for decision-making have to be designed with anticipation and by co-creation - in order to change the way in which public administration and politics deal with complexities and capacities. Too much too ask or a prerequisite for a common future? Caroline Paulick-Thiel will present selected examples from her work with Politics for Tomorrow and open them for debate.
GLOBALMEU 2022
13-15 January 2022
January 2022 four master students of the department of social and cultural studies (M.A. Intercultural Communication and European Studies; M.A. Human Rights Studies in Politics, Law and Society) participated in GLOBALMEU. The international conference with participants from the US and different countries in Europe was a simulation of council meetings of the European Union. Students from Fulda acted as ministers of environment, foreign affairs and finance and represented the countries Cyprus and Poland. Through this simulation students learned a lot about the processes of the European Union, international discussions and the difficulties of finding consens and compromises.
Verena, M.A. student (IECUES) describes her experiences (German):
"Eine Simulation der Europäischen Union? Als mich eine E-Mail erreichte mit Werbung für diese Veranstaltung war ich zunächst skeptisch. Doch meine Freude am Theater und das Verlangen nach praktischen Erfahrungen waren dann so groß, dass ich neugierig auf diese Simulation wurde. In den letzten drei Semestern habe ich in meinem Studiengang ICEUS sehr viel über die Europäische Union gelernt. Mir ist aber auch bewusst geworden, dass ich die Tiefe und die Komplexität der EU trotz Studium nicht gänzlich begreifen werde. Eine Simulation schien jedoch genau die richtige Erfahrung zu sein, um die Theorie in die Praxis umzusetzen. Learning by Doing, wie es so schön heißt.
In Zusammenarbeit mit Hochschulen und Universitäten auf der ganzen Welt fand die Simulation dieses Jahr Online statt. Der
Hauptzweck von GLOBALMEU besteht darin, einen Rahmen für die Simulation einer Tagung des Europäischen Rates zu schaffen, um den Studierenden mehr Wissen über die Europäische Union zu vermitteln
und ihnen gleichzeitig die Möglichkeit zu geben, mit Studierenden aus der ganzen Welt in Kontakt zu treten.
Ich entschied mich für die Rolle als Umweltministerin und sollte die Interessen Polens vertreten. Die Nähe zu Polen machte
dieses Land besonders interessant für mich und da ich mich privat sehr für Umweltschutz interessiere schien diese Rolle für mich sehr geeignet zu sein. Auch wenn meine persönliche Einstellung
nicht unbedingt mit der Polens übereinstimmte, hatte ich doch ein Ziel als Delegierte vor Augen: Die Interessen meines Landes zu vertreten. Besonders die Recherche im Vorhinein war sehr ergiebig
und hat mich einem europäischen Land in diesem Zuge nähergebracht.
Für mich war die Simulation ein einzigartiges Erlebnis, dass ich Komiliton:innen nur ans Herz legen kann. Die Veranstaltung
war sehr professionell und gut strukturiert aufgebaut und es war eine seriöse, konstruktive Atmosphäre. Die Simulation hat mir verdeutlicht, wie schwierig es ist gemeinsam an einem Strang zu
ziehen, selbst wenn das Ziel klar ist. Es gibt viele Wege, die zum Ziel führen und jedes EU-Land hat seine eigenen Bedürfnisse und Vorstellungen der Union. Mir ist klar geworden, dass es in der
Europäischen Union sowohl um das große Ganze als auch um jeden einzelnen Mitgliedsstaat geht. Dennoch habe ich auch erleben dürfen, dass ein Konsens möglich ist und die EU dadurch neue Ziele in
Angriff nehmen kann."
Virtual Visit of the European Commission at Fulda University of Applied Sciences
🗓 Date & Time: 18. November 2021, 09:50-13:45
📍 Location: Online
The European Commission will virtually visit Fulda University of Applied Sciences and the master students of Intercultural Communication and European Studies. Three different topics will be
presented:
1. EU-Asylum Policy presented by Unit Asylum of the Directorate general for Migration and Home Affairs
2. The Green Deal (achieving climate neutrality and financing the transition) presented by the Unit Climate Finance, Mainstreaming, Montreal Protocol by the Directorate general Climate Action
3. Development and cooperation presented by the Unit Political Strategy and Communication by the Directorate general International Partnerships
Politics and Policies in the EU - Workshop and Discussion "Covid Rescue and Gender"
🗓 Date & Time: 09. December 2021, 09:50-11:20
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 302
💻 Online Participation: Available via zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de
"How gender responsive were Finland's covid-19 recovery policies", Dr. Anna Elomäki
"Large-Scale and Green? The German Covid-19 Stimulus Package in international comparison", Prof. Dr. Stefan Wurster
"The German covid-rescue package and gender equality", Prof. Dr. Claudia Wiesner
The second event of the lecture series politics and policies in the EU focuses on covid rescue packages that were introduced in response to the covid-19 pandemic. There will be a focus on how gender-repsonsive these packages were by using Germany and Finland as an example.Everyone is welcomed to participate and discuss with our three presenters, Dr. Anna Elomäki (Tampere University, Finland); Prof. Dr. Stefan Wurster (TUM, Germany); Prof. Dr. Claudia Wiesner (Fulda University of Applied Sciences).
Voices from the Past: Economic and Political Vulnerabilities in the Making of Next Generation EU Klaus Armingeon (University of Zurich)
🗓 Date & Time: 16. December 2021, 09:50-11:20
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 302
💻 Online Participation: Available via zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de
This week's guest is Prof. Dr. Klaus Armingeon of University of Zurich. He will present a paper that he has written together with the collegues (Caroline de la Porte; Elke Heins; and Stefano Sacchi) and will focus on the recovery fund Next Generation EU which has been established in response to the economic crisis resulting from the covid-19-pandemic.
You are welcome to join and discuss with us.
Virtual Lecture Series: Policy and Politics in the EU
🗓 Date & Time: Winter Term 18.11.2021-10.02.2022
📍 Location: Hochschule Fulda, Building 22, Room 302
💻 Online Participation: Available via zhylien.kaja@sk.hs-fulda.de
We are delighted to invite you to our lecture series "Europe in the World", taking place this Winter Term from November 4, 2024, to February 11, 2025. The insightful lectures will feature distinguished speakers from the fields of academia, politics and NGOs, and cover a wide range of topics. We believe you’ll find the series both informative and stimulating.
The series will explore Europe’s evolving role in global affairs, focusing on key themes and new political challenges. Talks will cover topics such the United Nations, democracy, citizen perceptions, Russia´s opposition, and Europe’s responses to current conflicts, among other timely issues. The lecture series offers a unique opportunity for enlarging your knowledge, getting in touch with current academic and political debates, engaging in-depth discussion, intellectual exchange, and obtain a broader understanding of our world.
Everyone is welcome to attend single or several lectures without previous registration.
Virtual Visit - Engin Eroglu, MEP
Engin Eroglu, MEP, is coming to Fulda University of Applied Science
30 November , 2021
MEP Engin Eroglu virtually visited Fulda University of Applied Sciences and talked in the class "Introduction to European Integration". He answered questions of students of Intercultural Communication and European Studies and Human Rights Studies in Politics, Law and Society. The lively discussion covered topics of EU-politics, finance and economy, migration, Mr. Eroglu's CV and way into the European Parliament and many more.
We thank Engin Eroglu for taking the time to come visit us and hope to meet him again to further discuss European topics.
2021
- European Commission, "Rechtsstaatlichkeit in der Europäischen Union" ("Rule of Law in the European Union"), by Annegret Kempf (Unit JUST.C.1 – Judicial policy and rule of law, Directorate-General Justice)
- European Commission, "The pact on migration", by Giuliana Benedetto (Directorate-General Migration and Home Affairs)
- Council of the European Union, 22nd of June 2021, "Die Rolle des Europäischen Rates und des Rates der Europäischen Union innerhalb der europäischen Institutionen" ("Role of the European Council and the Council of the European Union within the European Institutions"), by Thomas Brandtner (Head of Unit of the Directorate-General Economic and Competition)
- European Commission, 6th of July 2021, "Die Konferenz zur Zukunft Europas" ("The Conference on the Future of Europe"), by Steffen Schulz (Directorate-General Communication)
- European Commission, 6th of July 2021, "Promoting Human Rights", by Luigia Di Gisi (European External Action Service)
European Home Parliament
22 June 2021
Under the direction of Prof. Dr Claudia Wiesner and Zhylien Kaja the Centre of Transnational Governance organized a European HomeParliament at Fulda University of Applied Sciences on June 22, 2021.
European HomeParliaments are an initiative of the NGO “Pulse of Europe”, an independent citizens’ initiative founded in Frankfurt am Main in 2016. “Pulse of Europe” aims at making the idea of European Citizenship visible and audible, and at strengthening the links between EU-politicians and ordinary citizens.
A Home Parliament is a private discussion group of 4 to 8 people with the slogan ‘‘Have a say in the big issues!‘‘. It is moderated by a host, who can either invite his/her friends or have him/herself assigned to an interesting discussion group. It all takes place either online via Video-HomeParliament, WebEx, Zoom etc. or in a face-to-face meeting.
The European HomeParliament at Fulda University of Applied Sciences offered students the opportunity to discuss the following question: ‘‘Soll die EU in zukünftigen pandemischen Krisen entschiedener europäische Interessen vertreten? / Should the EU represent European interests more decisively in future pandemic crises?‘‘ in a setting that incorporates parliamentary time frames and rules.
They were divided into three discussion groups of 4 to 8 students and had about 2 hours to discuss three proposals on an issue of EU politics such as: the vaccine production in the future, the question of vaccine export, and unrestricted travel within the European Union after vaccination.
The results of the discussions are uploaded to the European Home Parliament’s platform (you can find it here), where the results of all European house parliaments are collected. The results reach top EU politicians such as Ursula von der Leyen (the President of the European Commission); Othmar Karas (EVP); Manfred Weber (EVP); Pedro Marques (S&D); Helmut Scholz (GUE/NGL); Gabriele Bischoff (S&D) etc., who are looking forward to exchanging ideas with citizens, students etc. These politicians have agreed to take the findings into account in their deliberations and then give feedback in webinars, video statements or in writing as Ursula von der Leyen did.
Icons by Adrien Coquet from the Noun Project