Events

Visit to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

30-31 October 2025

At the end of October our Director of Studies Claudia Matthes visited our TAM partner institution, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill!

Pierantonio D’Elia from the EU Delegation to the US (Competition and Justice Counsellor) opened the Jean Monnet Center for European Studies’ conference on “Challenges to Democracy and Democratic Governance in the EU” with a keynote. Together with Christiane Lemke (UNC Center for European Studies, Department of Political Science), and Konrad Jarausch (UNC Department of History), Claudia Matthes then took part in a panel discussion moderated by Holger Moroff (National Defense University). The contributions centered around the rise and impact of nationalist and populist contestations to democracy and democratic governance in Europe and discussed how peaceful and resilient societies could be further promoted. Claudia’s contribution dealt with the perspective of democratization in Central and Eastern Europe and the challenges of returning to democratic political practices in Poland.

The following day, Claudia was invited as a guest speaker to TAM’s Friday Lecture Series, where she gave a talk on “EU-Actorness towards Serbia and Georgia – how geopolitical and domestic foundations shape current enlargement strategies and responses to crises”.

Both activities provided a wonderful occasion to catch up with colleagues at UNC, and, especially, to meet the students from our TAM programme.

Study trips to Brussels and
Louvain-la-Neuve

10-11 November 2025

From November 10-11, students from the University of Bath and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin came together on a trip to Brussels to learn more about EU institutions on site in the “capital of Europe”. The programme included insightful talks with experts on major topics, as well as visits to vital institutions, such as NATO, the Parlamentarium, the European Parliament, and the House of European History. I am delighted to have shared this experience with my dear colleague Milena Romano from the University of Bath and our dedicated students!

Experts included:

• Chris Ruff – Coordinator for Stakeholder relations EU Commission (DG Trade)
• Jenny Hayhurst – Spokesperson UK-delegation at NATO
• Anna Baierl – Senior Manager for Mobility and Logistics, Bundesberband Deutscher Industrie (BDI)
  

12-14 November 2025

For the fourth time already, our joint course on “The EU and its environmental Policy: Preparing for COP 30” was held at UCLouvain. The programme centered around a simulation of an informal meeting of the Council of the European Union, for which the students from HU Berlin and UC Louvain took the positions EU member states, the European Commission and the European Council). They interacted during two days of negotiations across the delegations and came up with a common resolution. A visit to the EU Commission and talks with experts from DG Near allowed to deepen and crosscheck the experience.

Thanks to the dedicated students, this excursion was a real success! All participants gained new insights from their collaboration, both in terms of content and of building bridges between different political positions.

A special thank goes to my colleague Edoardo Traversa and his team at UC Louvain for this enriching activity in the framework of our Circle U. alliance!

New Publication: Latvia: Parliamentary System and Low Societal Participation

In the chapter „Lettland: Parlamentarisches System und geringe gesellschaftliche Partizipation“, the political system of Latvia is examined, focusing on the contrast between its institutional stability and the limited involvement of its citizens. While a functioning parliamentary democracy has been established, persistent deficits in civic engagement are identified. The chapter emphasises that:

• Voter turnout remains low, and stable party identification is largely absent

• The party system is highly fragmented, often leading to political instability

• Institutional trust is weakened by recurring corruption scandals

• Democratic participation is hindered by a disconnect between formal structures and everyday political engagement

Latvia thus serves as a case highlighting the challenges of democratic consolidation in post-socialist contexts, where democratic institutions may exist, but societal engagement remains limited.

Full citation:
Matthes, C.-Y. (2025). Lettland: Parlamentarisches System und geringe gesellschaftliche Partizipation. In S. Priebus & T. Beichelt (Hrsg.), Die politischen Systeme im östlichen Europa: Institutionen, Akteure und Prozesse (S. 49–65). Springer VS.

Black Sea Summer University 2025: „Shifting Tides: Exploring Conflict Dynamics in the Black Sea Region“ – Summer School in Georgia

24-30 July 2025

From July 24 to 30, 2025, the Black Sea Summer School brought together students, scholars, and policy experts in Tbilisi, Georgia for an intensive week of academic exchange and regional exploration. Organised by Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin in collaboration with Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University and the Georgian Institute of Politics, the programme focused on critical developments in the Black Sea region through a multi-disciplinary and international lens.

Supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with funding from the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, this summer university offered participants a fully funded opportunity to engage with pressing issues such as democratisation, Europeanisation, regional security, and the role of civil society in shaping political transformation.

Over the course of one week, a selected group of students from Humboldt-Universität, Tbilisi State University, and Middle East Technical University in Ankara participated in expert-led lectures, interactive seminars, and site visits that connected theoretical knowledge with the lived realities of the region. The programme included contributions from leading scholars such as Professors Silvia von Steinsdorff, Özlem Tür, Kornely Kakachia, and Claudia Matthes, as well as guest speakers from organisations including the German Council on Foreign Relations and the European Union Delegation to Georgia.

Key focus areas included:

• The future of democratic governance in the region and the challenges posed by populism and corruption
• The European Union’s strategic engagement in the Black Sea, including hybrid threats and energy security
• The evolving role of civic actors and grassroots movements in democratic resilience
• The geopolitical implications of conflict in and around the Black Sea

In addition to its academic content, the programme allowed for cultural immersion through guided walking tours in Tbilisi, visits to historical sites such as Mtskheta and Ananuri, and shared dinners that fostered informal exchange and cross-cultural dialogue.

All participants received a certificate of participation equivalent to 5 ECTS credits. The event served not only as an academic deep dive into regional affairs but also as a platform for building lasting connections among young scholars with shared interests in international politics, European studies, and conflict resolution.

We are grateful to our partners and supporters for making this programme a success and look forward to future editions that continue to explore the complexities of this strategically important region.

“Displacement, Justice, and Governance in the New Syria: Perspectives from Within and Beyond”

11.06.2025

As part of the Shaping EU series and in collaboration with the Center for Comparative Research on Democracy (CCRD) at HU Berlin, we hosted the event “Displacement, Justice, and Governance in the New Syria: Perspectives from Within and Beyond.”

The event brought together distinguished experts to discuss the current situation in Syria, offering valuable insights into displacement, governance structures, and transitional justice. The engaging talks shed light on the complexity of Syria’s evolving political, social, and legal landscape.

The program featured three insightful presentations:

• “Displacement Inside and Outside Syria: Migration, Borders, and the Politics of Belonging”
  Karam Yahya, Researcher and Analyst, explored the experiences of Syrians displaced both inside and outside the country, highlighting the shifting politics of borders, belonging, and identity.
• “Local Governance Structures in Syria: Fragmentation and Resilience”
  Ezra Karmel, Researcher and Policy Expert, analysed local governance in Syria, discussing how fragmented governance structures continue to operate and adapt under challenging circumstances.
• “Challenges of Transitional Justice in Post-Conflict Syria”
  Mariana Karkoutly, Legal Expert and Human Rights Advocate, addressed the immense challenges of achieving justice and accountability in post-conflict Syria, and emphasized the crucial role of transitional justice in supporting future reconciliation processes. She also highlighted the important efforts made by legal experts and human rights advocates who are documenting violations and preparing the groundwork for future accountability. Drawing on comparative experiences, suggestions from Colombian colleagues provided valuable insights into how other societies have addressed similar challenges of transitional justice, offering possible pathways and lessons that may inform Syria’s own process in the future.

We were very happy to see many of our students and alumni from the GET MA program in attendance, actively engaging with the speakers and discussions. The event provided a valuable opportunity for our community to deepen their understanding of Syria’s current developments and the broader regional and global implications.

We thank all our speakers and participants for making this important conversation possible.

“The 2025 Polish Presidential Election – What’s at Stake for Democracy in Europe?”

21.05.2025

Event link

On May 21, 2025, an engaging and thought-provoking event was held in collaboration with Circle U. at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, titled “The 2025 Polish Presidential Election – What’s at Stake for Democracy in Europe?”

The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including scholars, students, journalists, and policy professionals, for a timely discussion on the political dynamics shaping Poland’s future and their broader implications for European democratic values.

With the recent presidential election in Poland as its starting point, the session explored key issues such as democratic backsliding, populism, political polarisation, and the role of civil society. The discussion emphasised the interconnectedness of national elections and EU-level democratic structures.

The atmosphere was intellectually stimulating, marked by rich contributions from both speakers and audience members. Participants left with deeper insights into the complexities of European democracy and the importance of cross-national dialogue in facing shared political challenges.

We thank Circle U. and all contributors for making this such a dynamic and meaningful exchange.

Event link

New Publication: Presidential Election in Poland – Article for bpb.de

👉 Präsidentschaftswahl in Polen – bpb.de

We`re pleased to share Dr. Matthes`s latest article, published by the Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung (bpb), titled “Präsidentschaftswahl in Polen”. The piece explores the upcoming Polish presidential election, scheduled for 18 May 2025, and reflects on its potential impact both within Poland and in the wider European context.

The election comes at a particularly dynamic moment in Polish politics. With the new government under Donald Tusk facing institutional pushback and navigating a still-divided political landscape, the presidency could play a decisive role in shaping the country’s direction.

In the article, Dr. Matthes examines:

• The powers and political weight of the Polish presidency
• The key candidates and their political affiliations
• Tensions between the executive and legislative branches
• Broader implications for EU-Poland relations

The goal was to offer a clear and balanced overview for readers interested in Central European politics and democratic developments in the EU.

While the presidential role in Poland is often underestimated, it holds significant influence, particularly in moments of institutional friction. This election will not only determine the next head of state but could also influence Poland’s future trajectory—especially in relation to rule-of-law reforms and its place in the European Union.

Please read the full article on the bpb website:
👉 Präsidentschaftswahl in Polen – bpb.de

Thank you for reading—and as always, we welcome your thoughts and reflections.

Global Dignity and the Act of ‘Seeing Others’: Comparative Perspectives on Political, Ecological, and Workplace Recognition

07.05.2025, DEZIM

Honored to welcome Prof. Michèle Lamont (Harvard University) for her keynote on “Seeing Others: How Recognition Works and How it Can Heal a Divided World” 🌍✨. She shared powerful insights from her book and new research on how young workers in the US and UK, indigenous communities in Canada and Micronesia, and many others are seeking recognition in challenging times — through environmental justice, jobs, and in spaces where recognition is often impossible to obtain. It was an honor to comment on her keynote and to discuss this refreshing and stimulating topic. Grateful to everyone at DeZIM and Circle U who made this event possible.

More info: DeZIM

EU Enlargement in Challenging Times

Consider It All! 2025

29 April 2025

The Black Sea in Focus: Perspectives on Security, Strategy, and Regional Importance

08 January 2025

Guest Lecture by Filip Balunović “The Revival Of The Left In The Balkans: Counterhegemonic Activism And Ideas That Fueled It“

19 December 2024

Just before the holiday season, ShapingEU had the pleasure of hosting Filip Balunović, a distinguished researcher and author, for an insightful guest lecture. Balunović presented findings from his research and his book, The Revival of the Left in the Balkans: Counter-Hegemonic Activism and Ideas that Fueled It.

This book provides a detailed exploration of how social movements in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia disrupted the post-socialist transitional status quo through critical discursive breakthroughs. While critical ideas have long inspired social and political actions, their intricate relationship with activism has often been overlooked in scholarly discussions.

Balunović’s work sheds light on the emergence of new left actors in the Western Balkans, not as a result of structural opportunities or momentary circumstances, but as a maturation of consciousness. His research emphasizes that these movements arose from the exposure of segments of society to critical ideas, which were essential in shaping their cognitive underpinnings and social engagement.

Central to his analysis are questions about the origins of the discursive strategies employed by these movements, the relevance of various types of knowledge in contemporary activism, and the organizational dynamics that influence the adoption of critical ideas within social collectives. By delving into both theoretical and non-theoretical forms of knowledge, the book provides a nuanced understanding of how critical thought drives activism and social change.

This session resonated strongly with postgraduate students, particularly those interested in social movements, Eastern and Southeastern European politics, and the relationship between critical knowledge and activism.

We extend our gratitude to Filip Balunović for sharing his valuable insights and to everyone who participated in the discussion.

Borders and Boundaries in Europe

17 December 2024

The borders of Europe have shifted quite frequently, both in the past and in contemporary times, and their meaning is not only dynamic but also contested. These different notions of Europe’s borders and boundaries were discussed and challenged in this engaging hybrid seminar.

Today’s perceptions of security and the narratives surrounding European identity create invisible yet powerful distinctions, alongside severe physical barriers. Depending on the perspective—whether as an insider or an outsider—the implications of these borders can vary significantly for societies, political systems, and individual human beings.

The seminar brought together students, scholars, and guest speakers to explore the multifaceted realities of European borders. Students from Prof. Dr. Gökçe Yurdakul’s Crossing Boundaries: Migration Processes, Democratic Governance, and the Challenges of Climate Change and Dr. Claudia Matthes’s Enlargement of the European Union – Processes and Policies engaged deeply with key themes such as European identity, European institutions, the EU Neighborhood Policy, and the broader concept of the European space along with topics including migration, inclusion, and the forces driving these dynamics. Scholars from the Circle U. community, joined by guest from Istanbul Bilgi University, contributed valuable perspectives that enriched the discussions.

Hosted at Humboldt Universität Berlin, the seminar was part of the Circle U. Climate and Democracy Hubs initiatives, offering both in-person and online participation. With the support of distinguished guest speakers, participants gained diverse insights into theoretical approaches, policy implications, and research on Europe’s evolving borders.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the speakers and attendees who made this event a success with their thought-provoking contributions and discussions. Stay connected for future events that continue to challenge and explore the critical issues shaping Europe today!

Brussels Excursion with the students from the course, Actorness of the European Union and inter-institutional dynamics

13-15 November 2024

🌍✨ Shaping the Future of Europe! ✨🌍

As part of the Actorness of the European Union and Inter-Institutional Dynamics course led by Dr. Claudia Matthes at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, students participated in a significant academic excursion through the ShapingEU project, in collaboration with UC Louvain and the Circle U. alliance.

This initiative, centered on the bloc seminar The EU and Eastern Europe: Peace, Democracy, and Cooperation, began with online preparations, including group simulations focused on a scenario in which the European Council convened an extraordinary meeting to negotiate a new Strategy for Enlargement. This immersive process illuminated the intricate interplay between EU institutions, member states, and aspirant countries, while addressing the geopolitical stakes of enlargement.

The excursion opened with presentations by Dr. Claudia Matthes and Prof. Ivana Radić Milošavljević from the University of Belgrade, offering a comprehensive overview of the EU’s enlargement procedures, along with the political, economic, and legal benchmarks that guide accession. Students also presented their research and began group negotiations as part of the simulation. The program continued with an insightful presentation by Benjamin Bodson, followed by group simulations where students worked toward reaching an agreement and drafting a conclusion on the enlargement strategy.

The final day featured a visit to the European Commmission, where students explored the institutional mechanisms underpinning enlargement and engaged with European Commission representatives. Mr. Hugo Keizer delivered a presentation on The European Commission: The Political Executive of the European Union, outlining its central role in shaping and implementing enlargement policies. Mr. Maarten Lemstra provided an update on the State of Play in EU Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy 2024, offering an in-depth analysis of the EU’s ongoing enlargement process, with a specific focus on the geopolitical and policy dimensions. Mr. Martin Muehleck then followed with a presentation on Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations, concentrating on enlargement, rule of law, anti-corruption, and fundamental rights.

This enriching academic experience demonstrated the multifaceted nature of EU enlargement, intertwining institutional procedures with broader geopolitical dynamics. It offered students valuable insights into how the EU employs its enlargement policy as a strategic tool to promote regional stability, uphold democratic values, and foster coherence in a complex global environment.

Guest Lecture by Prof. Priscilla Layne “Drawing on Experience: Graphic Medicine and the Concept of Erlebnis“

31 October 2024

Thrilled to share that we at ShapingEU recently hosted an inspiring guest lecture with Prof. Dr. Priscilla Layne—Director of the UNC Center for European Studies and our longstanding Transatlantic Masters Program (TAM) partner!

Her lecture, “Drawing on Experience: Graphic Medicine and the Concept of Erlebnis,” offered a deep dive into the distinction between Erlebnis (lived experience) and Erfahrung (observed experience), alongside critical insights into ableism, neurodivergent communities, and the unique impact of graphic medicine.

As Prof. Layne explained, graphic medicine—a subgenre of comics—combines comic studies, medical humanities, and trauma and disability studies. It emphasizes illness, trauma, and disability, often through graphic memoirs that capture these experiences from an insider’s perspective. By using both imagery and text to portray illness and trauma, creating narratives that transcend traditional language’s limitations. This genre questions stable identity constructs, promoting a more inclusive and less ableist understanding of human experience.

Thank you, Prof. Layne, for such a thought-provoking session!

#ShapingEU#TAM#TransatlanticMasters#uncchapelhill#Neurodiversity#Ableism#Comics#GraphicMedicine#Erlebnis#jeanmonnetchair

Guest Lecture by Prof. Dr. Umut Bespinar “Parenting Values, Goals, and Practices Across Social Classes in Turkey: A Comparative Perspective“

29 October 2024

Thrilled to host a captivating guest lecture under the Jean Monnet Chair Project #ShapingEU! Prof. Dr. Fatma Umut Beşpınar from METU and the GETMA program delivered an insightful talk on “Parenting Values, Goals, and Practices Across Social Classes in Turkey: A Comparative Perspective.” Her research opened up meaningful discussions on how social class shapes parenting in Turkey, sparking reflection on cultural and societal influences. Thank you, Prof. Beşpınar, for sharing your expertise with us! 🌍✨

Guest Lecture by Dr. Nicolai von Ondarza “EU-UK relations after the change of government to Labour“

08 October 2024

We were honored to host Dr. Nicolai von Ondarza from Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik for a guest lecture titled “EU-UK Relations Following the Change of Government to Labour.”

Dr. von Ondarza provided valuable insights into how the recent Labour Party victory in the UK may reshape domestic relations and the broader EU-UK dynamic. He also explored the complexities of Brexit, highlighting both challenges and opportunities for the UK in redefining its relationship with the EU.

The lecture concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where students and faculty posed thoughtful questions on Labour’s policies. Dr. von Ondarza’s insightful responses enriched the discussion and fostered a lively exchange of ideas.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. von Ondarza for sharing his expertise with us. The ShapingEU series continues to promote meaningful dialogue on pressing European issues, and we look forward to more enlightening events in the future. Thank you to all who participated!

Guest Lecture by Erinn Whitaker “A day in the life of an intelligence analyst”

2 July 2024

We were thrilled to host an enlightening session with Erinn Whitaker, a distinguished US intelligence analyst from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, for a talk titled “A Day in the Life of a US Intelligence Analyst – Including an Outlook on US Elections, Transatlantic, and Geopolitical Relations.” This engaging event not only offered valuable insights into the world of intelligence analysis but also doubled as a wonderful transatlantic networking opportunity and an end-of-semester celebration for our community. 🎉🤝

Erinn Whitaker shared a behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day activities of intelligence analysts in the US, providing students with a rare glimpse into this vital and often mysterious profession. Her talk was full of engaging details about how analysts process information, navigate complex political landscapes, and provide crucial insights that shape government policies.

The session also included an outlook on the upcoming US elections and how they could influence both transatlantic relations and global geopolitics. As the US election approaches, these discussions are especially timely, considering the impact they may have on the political climate in Europe and beyond.

The event was further enriched by lively discussions between Erinn Whitaker, Claudia Matthes, Ingo Peters, and our students. The interactive nature of the session allowed for a dynamic exchange of ideas, with our students at Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and those from UNC at Chapel Hill sharing their perspectives and engaging with one another across the Atlantic.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Erinn Whitaker for joining us and to everyone who participated in this collaborative event. The exchange of ideas, knowledge, and experiences truly made this a memorable occasion, rounding off the semester with a fantastic opportunity for growth and networking.

Thank you to all who made this event a success! 🙌💡

Following Up on the Conference on the Future of Europe and the EP Elections

18 June 2024

Exciting moments at the Jean Monnet Chair ShapingEU’s event! We hosted an enlightening conference on “Following up on the Conference on the Future of Europe and the EP Elections.” Our talented students from the “Analysing the Conference on the Future of Europe” course delivered outstanding presentations, with valuable insights from Dr. Andrej Demidov (Bertelsmann Foundation) & Oliver Krenz (Team Europa). They covered various themes of the Future of Europe Conference and ignited some fantastic discussions.

We also had an engaging Panel & FishBowl Discussion on the European Parliament Elections, featuring Jonas Roleder (Liaison Office of the EP, Berlin), Dr. Nicolai von Ondarza (Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik), Oliver Krenz (Team Europe), & Emmeline Charenton (Junge Europäische Föderalist), moderated by Dr. Claudia Matthes.

A big thank you to Sebastian Rösner and the Deutsche Gesellschaft eV team for providing an excellent venue and facilitating great discussions! Looking forward to our future collaborations!🌟

Guest Lecture by Zarina Burkadze “Opportunities and Challenges for Georgia on the Path of its Euro-Atlantic Integration”

15 May 2024

Yesterday’s guest lecture by ShapingEU, brought us invaluable insights from Zarina Burkadze at Ilia State University. Exploring EU-Georgia relations and the challenges along Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration journey, Dr. Burkadze’s expertise truly enlightened us. A huge thank you to our colleague for sharing her knowledge, and to our students for their active engagement! 🌍🇪🇺

Guest Lecture by Bálint Magyar and Bálint Madlovics “Ukraine`s Patronal Democracy and the Russian Invasion”

08 May 2024

Grateful to everyone who made tonight’s event a success! 🙏 Bálint Magyar & Bálint Madlovics from CEU Democracy Institute shed light on ‘Ukraine’s Patronal Democracy and the Russian Invasion,’ expertly moderated by Prof. Dr. Silvia von Steinsdorff. Huge thanks to he Center for Comparative Research on Democracy (CCRD) and Integrative Research Institute Law & Society (LSI) for the collaboration. Stay tuned for more enlightening talks! And a special shoutout to our amazing students for their support. 🌟

Guest Lecture by Prof. Dr. Dan Banik “State Legitimacy and Governance in Low-Income Countries”

29 April 2024

We’re thrilled to share that Professor Dan Banik from the University of Oslo recently delivered a captivating talk on “State Legitimacy and Governance in Low-Income Countries.” Professor Banik, who is renowned for his expertise in development and governance studies, provided valuable insights into this crucial topic.

Professor Banik, in addition to his academic contributions, also hosts the thought-provoking podcast titled “In Pursuit of Development.” This podcast serves as a platform for exploring diverse perspectives on development issues, enriching our understanding of global challenges and solutions.

During his talk, Dan Banik delved into the enduring discourse surrounding the role and impact of the state in development, shedding light on various governance approaches undertaken by states in low-income countries. In particular, he reexamined the notion of state legitimacy in light of factors such as state scope, capacity, and resilience.

One compelling case study explored during the talk was the establishment of permanent and ad-hoc roadblocks by the police in Malawi to regulate traffic and combat crime. Through this lens, Banik examined the perceived legitimacy of the Malawian state among the general public.

The discussion, enriched by Professor Banik’s depth of knowledge and engaging delivery, sparked profound engagement from our students, fostering insightful discussions and prompting critical reflections on the complexities of governance and legitimacy in the pursuit of development in diverse contexts

We extend our sincere gratitude to Professor Dan Banik for his enlightening contribution to our academic community and look forward to continued collaboration and exploration of development issues through platforms like “In Pursuit of Development.”

Guest Lecture by Dr. Ronja Kempin, “Reordering European Security”

08 April 2024

We are delighted to share highlights from a recent event within ShapingEU, where we had the privilege of hosting Dr. Ronja Kempin from Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik for an enlightening guest lecture. Dr. Kempin’s expertise in European security and defense policy illuminated the discussion on ‘Reordering European Security’.

During her presentation, Dr. Kempin provided invaluable insights into Europe’s foreign and security dynamics, with a special focus on recent developments following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Her analysis of the evolving EU policies offered essential context and understanding, enriching our perspective on the subject matter.

Following the lecture, engaging discussions ensued among our students and alumni, delving deeper into the implications of Dr. Kempin’s insights. These post-talk exchanges provided an opportunity for thought-provoking dialogue and knowledge-sharing.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Ronja Kempin for her informative contribution and to all participants who engaged in this enlightening dialogue. Stay tuned for more enriching events within ShapingEU!

Ronja Kempin’s research focuses on European security and defence policy issues, in particular the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) as well as France and Franco-German relations.

Guest Lecture by Prof. Dr. Özgür Ünal Eriş, “How will the ‘Zeitenwende’ affect Germany’s role in the world and its relationship with Türkiye?”

11 January 2024

Within ShapingEU, we had the privilege of hosting a guest lecture titled “How will the ‘Zeitenwende’ affect Germany’s role in the world and its relationship with Türkiye?” presented by Prof. Dr. Özgür Ünal Eriş in the course “Germany – a Federal System in Europe” taught by Dr. Matthes. The event brought together students from both Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Istanbul 29 Mayis University, providing them with an invaluable opportunity to engage in collaborative learning.

Following the enlightening presentation about German politicians’ various notions of this term and the resulting political demands, students engaged in a fruitful question-and-answer session, further enhancing their understanding of the complex dynamics shaping Germany’s global role and its intricate relationship with Türkiye.

Prof. Ünal Eriş, who teaches at Istanbul 29 Mayis University and specializes in soft security threats and European Union. Her expertise includes topics such as illegal migration and Türkiye’s role as a transit route between Europe and the Middle East, conflict resolution strategies with a focus on the EU as a conflict manager, European Neighbourhood Policy, external relations of the EU, politics of oil and energy security, and Türkiye-EU relations. Additionally, she explores the impact of the EU on the democratization of Türkiye and German politics. Prof. Ünal Eriş also holds the prestigious Jean Monnet Chair on EU Awareness, Relations, and Cooperation.

Brussels Excursion with the students from the course, Rule of Law and Democracy in the Western Balkans

14-17 November 2023

Our students, part of the ‘Rule of Law and Democracy in the Western Balkans’ course led by Dr. Claudia Matthes at Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, embarked on a transformative excursion as part of the ShapingEU project in collaboration with UC Louvain and the Circle U alliance. From insightful bloc seminar at UC Louvain to immersive site visits in Brussels, every moment between November 14-17, 2023, deepened our understanding of the EU. Grateful for these enriching experiences! 🇪🇺📚

Opening Event of ShapingEU

13 October 2023

We are happy to announce our new project, a Jean Monnet Chair “ShapingEU”.

During the next three years Dr. Claudia Matthes will cover issues related to “Shaping the EU’s functionality and trust – internal reforms and policies for further enlargement” in her teaching and research.

On October 13, Our guest speaker Dr. Ronja Kempin (Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, SWP) gave a talk on EU’s Foreign and Security Policy.

Including our guests from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, Prof. Bob Jenkins, our students from the German Turkish Masters Program, Euromasters and Transatlantic Masters had an intensive and informative exchange on recent developments with Dr. Kempin. This was a wonderful and enlightning occasion for opening the Jean Monnet Chair ShapingEU.