For three days, the European University focused on the topic of Europe as part of the traditional Europe Week. This year, the motto of the three days was: "European elections in times of war".

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Glassmann, Vice President for Europe and International Affairs, emphasized at the opening on Tuesday, 14 May 2024, that this was already the second Europe Week to deal with war. " I think it is clear that such challenges are also linked to the question of what role universities want to and can play in these times. My personal answer to this question has always been that we have a responsibility to set an example of civilised discourse. This means that there must always be a space where moderate exchange can take place."

This year's Europe Week created this space.

Interessierte Zuhörende

Offizielle Eröffnung der Europawoche 2024

The panel discussion "War in the Middle East: How can Europe contribute to peace and reconciliation? Under the moderation of Vice President Glassmann, Dr. Zeineh Barakat, Director of the European Wasatia Graduate School for Peace and Conflict Resolution from Jerusalem, and Nemer Shaheen, a doctoral student from Gaza, discussed the current situation in the Middle East. There was great interest and sympathy. For Jennifer Christin Hofmann, a student on the Bachelor's degree course "European Cultures and Society", the panel discussion was a particular highlight, as it is every year. "With the conflict between Israel and Palestine, this year's topic was particularly emotionally charged. Nevertheless, the discussion was very factual and calm. That's one of the things I've come to appreciate about the EUF: the openness with which even difficult topics are addressed. I am very happy that we can have such a debate here. Unfortunately, this is not the case everywhere, especially when you look at the USA or Berlin."

maßvoll und bewegend: Diskussion zum Nahen Osten.

Also in focus: the upcoming European elections. There was the opportunity to talk to Frank Schwalba-Hoth, a former Member of the European Parliament, or an EU translator, to find out about the election process and to design posters with proposals for reforming the EU. Promoting democracy in the classroom was also on the agenda. The exhibition "Borders & Contact Zones" dealt with the topic artistically, while music students performed "Songs about peace and making a better world".

All in all, the lectures, exhibitions, peace dinners, panel discussions and information stands were well attended. "I particularly liked the fact that the focus was on 'peace' rather than 'war'," says Dr Isabella Tegethoff, who organized the Europe Week as an Advisor for European and International Affairs.  "In the panel discussion, the white dinner, the musical lunch break, the guest lecture by Wasatia, the various contributions from the posters, voting pins, the teacher training etc., I noticed a very visible desire to make a contribution to the promotion of democracy."

Marta Wiktoria Gontarz, also a student on the B.A. European Cultures and Society, thinks Europe Week is "a great initiative. It informs people about Europe, its history, politics and much more. It brings students together at EUF, helps them to learn about other cultures and politics, and allows everyone to find something they will enjoy from the diverse program.