International seminar: The European Union – United in diversity or a house divided?

Termin / Date:
Freitag, 16. November 2018 - Sonntag, 18. November 2018
18:00 Uhr - 14:00 Uhr / 6:00 PM to 2:00 PM CET

Ort / Location:
Universität Kassel, WISO C
Arnold-Bode-Straße 10
34127 Kassel

Raum / Room: Raum 0104

Facebook-Seite zur Veranstaltung / Facebook page for the event


Click here to register

Logo der Europa-Union KasselA joint event by Europa-Union Kassel and JEF Hessen

This event is part of the European citizens’ meetup of Europa-Union Kassel

Register now for our international Seminar in Kassel "The EU - United in diversity or a house divided?", 16.-18.11.2018

The European project is based on the premise that there are more things that unite us than things that set us apart. It is based on the conviction that – despite our differences – we as Europeans are bound together by common values and share a common destiny. According to this narrative, our diversity is not a weakness – it’s a strength. Up to now, the history of European integration has indeed been quite a success story with the community growing from 6 founding members to now 28 members.

But today, 71 years after the signing of the Treaty of Rome, the European Union is arguably in its greatest crises of its history. Its very existence, it seems, hangs in the balance. The attempts of European leaders to contain the repercussions of the economic and financial crisis have not – as one might have hoped – evoked a new sense of solidarity among Europeans. Quite to the contrary, the measures have led to new animosities between the people of North and South Europe. The migration issue has created new fault lines in Europe, particularly between the Western and Eastern member states. Worst of all, some countries, notably Poland and Hungary, have entered a trajectory away from democracy and the rule of law and towards authoritarianism, calling into question the very foundations of the European Union.

These developments raise fundamental questions about the future of Europe: Do we actually have a common understanding of what our European values are and which humanitarian responsibility we have in the world? Are we ready to show financial solidarity across Europe? Do we have a European identity? In short: Will we be able to bridge our differences, overcome the current challenges and emerge from the crises strengthened and more united than before? Or will the centrifugal forces inevitably rip the European Union apart?

These are the questions we want to discuss during the seminar. We would be delighted if you were to be a part of this discussion. If we have piqued your interest, register right away and invite your friends – wherever in Europe they may live.

Practical information

Das Museum Fridericianum in Kassel

The museum Fridericianum at one of the main squares in Kassel
(Foto: “kassel” von harmishhk; CC BY-SA 2.0)

Who can participate? All young people between the ages of 14 and 35 interested in European topics are cordially invited to register!

Start of the event: Friday, 16. November 2018, 06 pm

End of the event: Sunday, 18. November 2018, 02 pm

Participation fee:

  • 35 € for members of JEF
  • 45 € for non-members of JEF

For participants from Kassel (without accomodation and travel expenses reimbursement):

  • 20 € for members of JEF from Kassel
  • 30 € for non-members of JEF from Kassel

Do you want to become a member of JEF Hessen? Hier kannst Du ganz einfach online einen Aufnahmeantrag stellen.

The participation fee includes:

  • participation in the programme of the seminar
  • public transport in Kassel
  • private accomodation with members of JEF or Europa-Union (our parent organization)
  • all meals during the seminar

Travel expenses reimbursement:

  • If you are an international participant (i.e. you are not living in Germany) we will reimburse 80% of your travel expenses up to a maximum of 160 €.
  • If you are a national participant (i.e. you are living in Germany) we will reimburse 80% of your travel expenses up to a maximum of 70 €.

Deadline for the payment of the participation fee: Wednesday, 14. November 2018

Working language: English

Contact


Registration