Interactive Workshop on European Integration in Berlin
Why is the controversy on the European Union’s migrant policy so fundamental, how could it emerge and what does it tell us about the stability of the EU? These were questions addressed during a workshop on Friday 27 November with our MAEIS European Integration and Global Studies students.
To begin, the students held a debate on the right approach towards refugees – arguing either in favour of cherishing the EU’s self-obligations in the Charter of Citizens’ rights and the treaties or for an approach deemed more “pragmatic” or “realistic”. After exploring a broad range of potential arguments, the workshop shifted to personal opinions, to the light this controversy sheds on the European Union as a joint project of European nations and to concrete policies debated in this field.
The aim of the event was for the students to apply their knowledge and question personal convictions within an interactive framework, to exchange their views and learn from each other, and to develop a better understanding of the European Union as a complex phenomenon shaped by many with different intentions. Last but not least, everybody involved enjoyed it as a group activity, bringing together the students present in Berlin and the ones that are following online. The workshop was developed and moderated by Frank Burgdörfer from polyspektiv.
NB: In Berlin, our students study and live together as a big family. Therefore, face masks are only necessary when they are following courses.