Student-led trip to Brussels

03/04/2007

Student-led trip to Brussels

The History, International Relations, and Politics Society and the Economics Society hosted a student-led trip to Brussels. Students visited the European Parliament (EP) and the headquarters of NATO from Tuesday March 27th to Friday March 30th. Richmond faculty members Dr. Dom Alessio and Dr. James D. Boys accompanied the group of 30 students providing academic expertise.

Richmond students gained a unique perspective of the EP through engaging in a most lively debate between Pro-EU Labour Member of European Parliament (MEP) Robert Evans and Gerard Batton of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) who is fundamentally opposed to the EU. Both sides of the argument, for and against Britain’s involvement in the EU, were put forward from each MEP followed by an intense Q&A session. The debate was followed by a viewing of Parliamentary debate in the Public Gallery in which the future status of Kosovo figured largely, an issue close to the hearts of our Kosovan student contingent.

Students then visited the headquarters of NATO. Robert Weaver of the Political Affairs and Security Policy Division and Michael Rühle of the Policy Planning Section, Private office of the Secretary General, presented students with in-depth presentations of NATO’s role, the relevancy of NATO today, and its future prospects. Followed by a Q&A session, students gained first hand knowledge of NATO’s agenda, including its role in the Balkans and Afghanistan. Much of this discussion was especially relevant to our East European students from Bulgaria who heard first-hand accounts of how and why NATO expansion was initiated following the collapse of the former USSR.

Students enjoyed the international institutions, museums, restaurants, pubs and overall charm of Europe’s “capital.” This educational and engaging study tour will hopefully be a yearly event open to all Richmond students.

Richmond students would like to thank Sarah Wiswell for helping to organise the NATO tour; the Student Affairs staff who supported and helped in the organisational process and allowed for extra funds; Lynnda Robson and MEP Gerard Batton of UKIP (party affiliation is not at all endorsed by the University or the Societies); Labour MEP Robert Evans; and the European Union for subsidising part of the cost.

Isaiah Behnke
Co-Chair of the History, IR and Politics Society

Link to this page: http://www.richmond.ac.uk/n/229.aspx