The Lectures

Introductory lecture

In order to discuss European perspectives, a profound understanding of the historic aspects is essential. Therefore, an introductory lecture will outline the EU’s development from the beginnings of the European Coal and Steel Community to the Europe of today. This will provide a foundation for the entire conference and the workshops.

In a time frame of two hours the key aspects of the creation of the EU, the different draft constitutions and the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty will be highlighted. If possible, a member of the historical faculty of the University of Münster will hold this lecture.

Main lecture

The main lecture will be about the perception of the EU from an exterior point of view. This aspect is often neglected in the current debate. Therefore, a speaker from a non-member state (e.g. USA, China) will discuss his view on the EU. The question whether the European Union is considered an entity or an alliance whose member states operate on their own will be raised. In this context, the EU’s reaction to the financial crisis will be analyzed and the reaction of the international community to its policy assessed.

Panel discussion

After the main lecture has shed light on the perception of the EU from the outside, the Europeans‘ self-perception will be topic of a panel discussion. The central question will be whether the member states‘ citizens consider themselves primarily to be Europeans or citizens of their respective country. Speakers from different academic fields will participate, since the creation and application of European statutes must take economic and cultural aspects into account. The participants will have the possibility to actively take part in the discussion.

During the panel discussion, the vision of a unified Europe and its implementation in the member states can be outlined: depending on the cultural background, Europe is perceived differently and its legislative power is accepted to a varying degree.

The panel discussion is open to the public, thus students and citizens of Münster can participate as well. We will also invite the media.