THESEUS – establishing a European society

THESEUS is a joint activity of Sciences Po Paris, the Jean Monnet Chair of the University of Cologne, the Trans European Policy Studies Association (Brussels) and the Fritz Thyssen Foundation (Cologne).

Emerging from a Franco-German initiative, THESEUS considers itself as European network of thinkers, actors and ideas, whose aim is to promote the mutual understanding of societies in Europe. THESEUS is striving for an open and constructive dialogue about the future challenges of Europe.

For more information please see http://theseus.uni-koeln.de/

 THESEUS Summer School for Young Leaders

• bring together young excellent professionals and researchers

• address global challenges and European answers

• promote transnational interdisciplinary networks

The THESEUS Summer Schools tackle the internal and external challenges which Europe faces. Climate change, energy policy, migration, demographic developments and terrorism are global challenges for which a new European generation has to find ways forward. These issues concern not only political decision-makers but all actors in European societies. At the same time they require complex interdisciplinary international solutions.

THESEUS aims at participants with different national, cultural and professional backgrounds, enabling them to create a sustainable network of young leaders.

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THESEUS Award for Promising Research on European Integration 2013

The THESEUS Award for Promising Research on European Integration distinguishes an excellent piece of work of a junior researcher in the field oflogo European integration, which analyses an on-going challenge for the European Union and its member states:

 * with regard to the institutions, policies or policymaking processes of the European Union or

 * from a comparative perspective across the member states of the European Union,

 * recommending potential institutional or policy solutions.

The rewarded work will be a Ph.D. thesis or a publication in a major journal (published within the last three years from application deadline). Disciplines covered include especially – but not exclusively – political or social sciences. There is no nationality or geographical criteria for selection. THESEUS accepts both direct applications and nominations through third parties.

The award is endowed with 3000 €and the winner will be involved into the activities of the THESEUS network. The public presentation will take place in October 2013.

THESEUS is a common initiative of the Centre d’études européennes de Sciences Po Paris, the Jean Monnet Chair for Political Science at the University of Cologne, the Trans European Policy Studies Association and the Fritz Thyssen Foundation, Cologne. Its aim is to establish a European network of thinkers, actors and ideas and to foster an open and constructive dialogue between academia and politics about the future challenges of Europe. Emerging from a Franco-German initiative, THESEUS is striving to enhance the mutual understanding of societies in Europe.

Applications: Deadline 15/06/2013

Please send your informal application, consisting of a two-page summary of your work, your academic CV (including publications) and situating your work in your on-going research and academic activities, as well as a copy of your Ph.D. thesis or publication by 15/06/2013 via e-mail to Mirja Schröder, Dipl. Vw. (mirja•schroeder©uni-koeln•de). The language of the application dossier is English; there is no language criterion for publication or Ph.D. thesis.

Contact and further information: Mirja Schröder, Dipl. Vw. (mirja•schroeder©uni-koeln•de  (mirja•schroeder©uni-koeln•de)  ), www.theseus‐europe.net ‐ www.theseus‐europa.net.

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THESEUS Seminar for Young Leaders 2013 “The Future of EU Economic Governance”, 17-21.06.2013, Fondation Universitaire, Brussels

logoTo promote interdisciplinary and international networks among a new generation of Europeans, each year the THESEUS Seminars look for 20 excellent young professionals and researchers to discuss European challenges with high-level experts and decision makers. In view of the current debate on Economic Governance in Europe, the seminar will deal with a Moot Court simulation. Three days of intensive preparation will be followed by the Simulation exercise.

For further information, please see the http://theseus.uni-koeln.de/.

 

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Mirja Schröder, THESEUS programme director, has been awarded the Ehrhardt-Imelmann-Prize

Mirja

Mirja Schröder, THESEUS programme director, has been awarded the Ehrhardt-Imelmann-Prize for her diploma thesis on “A ‘gouvernement économique’ for the Economic and Monetary Union? French and German conceptual convergences within the global financial and economic crisis” (submitted in 2010). Since 1997 the award, remitted by the University Cologne, distinguishes exceptionally motivated and committed students for their excellent theses dealing with socio-political relevant research questions. The award is endowed with 3000 EUR. Congratulations!

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THESEUS Seminar and Conference, 29 November – 4 December 2009, Berlin

THESEUS Seminar and THESEUS Conference on “EU in crisis”

The THESEUS Seminar and the THESEUS Conference to be held in Berlin between 29 November and 4 December will deal with the topic of “EU in crisis”, try to take “one step back” and to ask how we should define the term ‘crisis’, which role major crises played and play for European integration and how the EU governance capabilities are to be evaluated with respect to different types of crisis.

Whereas the THESEUS Seminar targets PhD students and young professionals working in public administrations, diplomatic services, NGOs, national ministries, interest groups or the media the THESEUS Conference will bring together leading experts from both European and national academia and politics as well as the participants of the THESEUS Seminar and interested public.

During the conference the THESEUS Award for Promising Research on European Integration 2009 will be presented.

For further information: http://theseus.uni-koeln.de/

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THESEUS Doctoral Workshop 2013, May 2013 Paris

THESEUS Doctoral Workshop 2013, The EU and the Global Crisis: Challenges to EU Governance, Policy Responses and the Legitimacy Gap, 21-22 may 2013, Sciences Po, Centre d’études européennes, Paris

THESEUS is a European network of thinkers, actors and ideas whose aim is to foster an open and constructive dialogue between academia and politics about the future challenges of Europe. Emerging from a Franco-German initiative, ThESEUS is striving to enhance the mutual understanding of societies in Europe. THESEUS is a joint activity of Sciences Po Paris, the Jean Monnet Chair of the University of Cologne, the Trans European Policy Studies Association (Brussels) and the Fritz Thyssen Foundation (Cologne). For further information about the project and its activities please visit www.theseus-europe.net,

This THESEUS doctoral seminar will allow doctoral students to exchange ideas and discuss their research with their peers and senior academic colleagues. More information available here.

THESEUS

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THESEUS Award 2011

THESEUS Award for Promising Research on European Integration 2011

The THESEUS Award for Promising Research on European Integration distinguishes an excellent piece of work of a junior researcher in the field of European integration, which analyses an ongoing challenge for the European Union and its member states

  • with regard to the institutions, policies or policymaking processes of the European Union or
  • from a comparative perspective across the member states of the European Union,
  • recommending potential institutional or policy solutions.

The rewarded work will be a Ph.D. thesis or a publication in a major journal (published within the last three years from application deadline). Disciplines covered include especially – but not exclusively – political or social sciences. There is no nationality or geographical criteria for selection. THESEUS accepts both direct applications and nominations through third parties.

The award is endowed with 3000 € and the winner will be involved into the activities of the THESEUS network. The public presentation will take place in December 2011.

THESEUS is a common initiative of the Centre d’études européennes de Sciences Po Paris, the Jean Monnet Chair for Political Science at the University of Cologne, the Trans European Policy Studies Association and the Fritz Thyssen Foundation, Cologne. Its aim is to establish a European network of thinkers, actors and ideas and to foster an open and constructive dialogue between academia and politics about the future challenges of Europe. Emerging from a Franco-German initiative, THESEUS is striving to enhance the mutual understanding of societies in Europe.

 

Applications: Deadline 16/05/2011

Please send your informal application, consisting of a two-page summary of your work, your academic CV (including publications) and a cover letter situating your work in your ongoing research and academic activities, as well as a copy of your Ph.D. thesis or publication by 16/05/2011 via e-mail to Mirja Schröder, Dipl. Vw. (mirja•schroeder©uni-koeln•de). The language of the application dossier is English; there is no language criterion for publication or Ph.D. thesis.

 

Contact and further information:

Mirja Schröder, Dipl. Vw. (mirja•schroeder©uni-koeln•de  (mirja•schroeder©uni-koeln•de)  )

www.theseus‐europe.net ‐ www.theseus‐europa.net

 

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THESEUS International Summer School and Simulation Exercise 2012 ‘The Future of EU Economic Governance’, 2-6 July 2012, Brussels

The International Summer School and Simulation Exercise on ‘The Future of EU Economic Governance’ will take place on 2-6 July 2012 at la Fondation Universitaire, Brussels. This event is co-organised by TEPSA and University of Cologne within the framework of the projects THESEUS (www.theseus.uni-koeln.de). The Summer School and Simulation Exercise will start on Monday 2 July 2012 until Friday 6 July 2012. The Summer School will gather about 20 students as to gain insight in and to discuss the broader subject of the Future of EU Economic Governance as well as to participate pro-actively in a simulation game on an EU Council meeting on Economic Governance together with academic experts and decision-makers.
To promote interdisciplinary and international networks among a new generation of Europeans, each year the THESEUS Seminars look for 20 excellent young professionals and researchers to discuss European challenges with high-level experts and decision makers. As in previous years the seminar will feature speakers and high-level experts from international organisations, business, politics, as well as recognised researchers. Iain Begg from the London School of Economics will accompany the seminar as THESEUS Resident Researcher. Beyond own teaching he will animate the debate and advice students on group and individual basis.
The participants will have the possibility to bring in their own academic/professional contributions and to discuss them with the group and the experts. Three days of intensive preparation will be followed by a European Council simulation exercise discussing future scenarios of a European economic government.

Please click here to read the draft programme.

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THESEUS Award

 

 

THESEUS Award for Promising Research on European Integration 2011

The THESEUS Award for Promising Research on European Integration distinguishes an excellent piece of work of a junior researcher in the field of European integration, which analyses an ongoing challenge for the European Union and its member states

· with regard to the institutions, policies or policymaking processes of the European Union or

· from a comparative perspective across the member states of the European Union,

· recommending potential institutional or policy solutions.

The rewarded work will be a Ph.D. thesis or a publication in a major journal (published within the last three years from application deadline). Disciplines covered include especially – but not exclusively – political or social sciences. There is no nationality or geographical criteria for selection. THESEUS accepts both direct applications and nominations through third parties.

The award is endowed with 3000 € and the winner will be involved into the activities of the THESEUS network. The public presentation will take place in December 2011.

THESEUS is a common initiative of the Centre d’études européennes de Sciences Po Paris, the Jean Monnet Chair for Political Science at the University of Cologne, the Trans European Policy Studies Association and the Fritz Thyssen Foundation, Cologne. Its aim is to establish a European network of thinkers, actors and ideas and to foster an open and constructive dialogue between academia and politics about the future challenges of Europe. Emerging from a Franco-German initiative, THESEUS is striving to enhance the mutual understanding of societies in Europe.

Applications: Deadline 16/05/2011

Please send your informal application, consisting of a two-page summary of your work, your academic CV (including publications) and a cover letter situating your work in your ongoing research and academic activities, as well as a copy of your Ph.D. thesis or publication by 16/05/2011 via e-mail to Mirja Schröder, Dipl. Vw. (mirja•schroeder©uni-koeln•de). The language of the application dossier is English; there is no language criterion for publication or Ph.D. thesis.

Contact and further information:

Mirja Schröder, Dipl. Vw. (mirja•schroeder©uni-koeln•de)

www.theseus‐europe.net ‐ www.theseus‐europa.net

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International Summer School and G20 Simulation Exercise 2011 „Security and Stability in the Contemporary Global Order”

The International Summer School and G20 Simulation Exercise on “New Worlds New Ideas – Security and Stability in the Contemporary Global Order” took place on 3-8 July at la Fondation Universitaire.

This event was co-organised by TEPSA and University of Cologne within the framework of the projects THESEUS (www.theseus.uni-koeln.de) and MERCURY (www.mercury-fp7.net/). The Summer School started on Sunday July 3rd, 2011 and ended on Wednesday July 6th, 2011. Academic experts from the MERCURY consortium and the broader academic community were invited to share their expertise on the “Security and Stability in the Contemporary Global Order” with the participants.

Preparations of the G20 Simulation Exercise on the topic “New World New Ideas – Security and Stability in the Contemporary Global Order” have been completed and the Simulation Exercise was kicked-off May 6th, 2011. 25 participants have been recruited from the entire MERCURY consortium and have changed their identities for the sake of the simulation exercise. Eleven delegations currently prepare their position papers for the G20 meeting that is scheduled to take place in Brussels 6-8 July 2011. The delegations were composed of participants from different institutes and hence were required to explore the contemporary negotiation tools in order to communicate and fine tune their positions across borders and greater distances.

Please click here to download the draft report.

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THESEUS Award

 

THESEUS Award for Promising Research on European Integration 2011

The THESEUS Award for Promising Research on European Integration distinguishes an excellent piece of work of a junior researcher in the field of European integration, which analyses an ongoing challenge for the European Union and its member states

· with regard to the institutions, policies or policymaking processes of the European Union or

· from a comparative perspective across the member states of the European Union,

· recommending potential institutional or policy solutions.

The deadline for nominations is 16 May 2011. Please click here for more information.


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THESEUS/TEPSA Workshop on the Franco-German relationship seen from the outside on 17-18 February 2011

The TEPSA workshop on the Franco-German relationship seen from the outside will take place on 17.-18.02.2011 in Brussels in the framework of the programme THESEUS. Partners of THESEUS alongside TEPSA are the Centre d’études européennes of Sciences Po Paris, the Jean Monnet Chair of the University of Cologne and the Fritz Thyssen Foundation in Cologne.

The aim of the workshop is to discuss the special role of the Franco-German couple in recent and longer term political and institutional evolutions of the EU. The workshop is especially interested in the perceptions of the ‘Franco-German tandem’ from the point of view of other EU-countries. Together with experts coming from all over Europe we will discuss its impact and role in the management of the current financial and economic crisis and the reform of EU governance in this policy field, for the evolution of EU enlargement and external action, and for the reform of the EU budget. A roundtable will discuss the role of France and Germany in the construction of the EU and their bilateral and multilateral relations at crucial points of the evolution of the European Union and ask what role the couple plays after the entry into force of the treaty of Lisbon.

Please find the workshop report here and the programme here.

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International Summer School and G20 Simulation Exercise 2011 „Security and Stability in the Contemporary Global Order



The International Summer School and G20 Simulation Exercise on “New Worlds New Ideas – Security and Stability in the Contemporary Global Order” took place on 3-8 July at la Fondation Universitaire.

This event was co-organised by TEPSA and University of Cologne within the framework of the projects THESEUS (www.theseus.uni-koeln.de) and MERCURY (www.mercury-fp7.net/). The Summer School started on Sunday July 3rd, 2011 and ended on Wednesday July 6th, 2011. Academic experts from the MERCURY consortium and the broader academic community were invited to share their expertise on the “Security and Stability in the Contemporary Global Order” with the participants.

Preparations of the G20 Simulation Exercise on the topic “New World New Ideas – Security and Stability in the Contemporary
Global Order” have been completed and the Simulation Exercise was kicked-off May 6th, 2011. 25 participants have been recruited from the entire MERCURY consortium and have changed their identities for the sake of the simulation exercise. Eleven delegations currently prepare their position papers for the G20 meeting that is scheduled to take place in Brussels 6-8 July 2011. The delegations were composed of participants from different institutes and hence were required to explore the contemporary negotiation tools in order to communicate and fine tune their positions across borders and greater distances.
Please click here to download the draft report.

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THESEUS Conference on “Which way forward? Three Years after Lehman, Two Years after Lisbon”, Cologne, 24-25 November 2011

The conference will take place in the Fritz Thyssen Foundation in Cologne from 24 to 25 November 2011. This year’s THESEUS conference will discuss present challenges and future perspectives of the EU two years after the Lisbon Treaty has come into force.

Therefore, pressing questions and core issues will be discussed with a special focus on the German perspective. How can Europe’s economic future be shaped? Which role and obligation does the Franco-German couple assume? Does leadership mean active search for European compromises or simply crisis management in European affairs?

Moreover, the Lisbon Treaty introduces profound institutional innovations. The conference will try to assess the impact on the institutional landscape. Particularly with regard to EU external action the conference will discuss if the innovations and substantive changes stand the test of time.

In the evening of 24 November 2011 THESEUS will remit the Awards for Outstanding and Promising Research on European Integration 2011. This year’s THESEUS Award for Outstanding Research will be given to Prof. Dr. Beate Kohler Koch from the University Mannheim. She has been selected for her outstanding academic record in the field of European integration research. The first award winner, Prof. Dr. Helen Wallace (London School of Economics) will also attend the conference.

Please click here to download the report of the conference.

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THESEUS Award

THESEUS Award for Outstanding Research on European Integration

Call for nominations

THESEUS calls for nominations for its research award. The award distinguishes a person with an outstanding academic record in the field of European integration, whose work

  • contributed substantially to the progress of the state of the art, and/or
  • demonstrates a profound comparative understanding of the states and societies of Europe, and/or
  • has influenced academic and political debates in Europe.

Disciplines covered by the award include especially – but not exclusively – history, humanities, philosophy or social sciences. The award is endowed with 5000 € and the winner will be involved into the activities of the THESEUS network. The public presentation will take place in December 2010.

THESEUS is a common initiative of Centre d’études européennes de Sciences Po Paris, the Jean-Monnet-Chair for Political Science at the University of Cologne, the Trans European Policy Studies Association (Brussels) and the Fritz Thyssen Foundation (Cologne). Its aim is to establish a European network of thinkers, actors and ideas and to foster an open and constructive dialogue between members of the academic world and political actors about the future challenges of Europe. Emerging from a Franco‐German initiative, THESEUS is striving to enhance the mutual understanding of societies in Europe.

Nominations: Deadline 31/05/2010
Please send the filled nomination form, including a short justification, an academic CV of the nominee and a list of his or her main publications via e-mail to Nicole Ahler (ahlern©uni-koeln•de) and via ordinary mail to the address indicated below. A major book publication can be an asset (please send a copy).

The language of the application dossier should be English, there is no limitation concerning the language(s) of the nominee’s publications, neither any restrictions in terms of national or geographical origin. Direct applications are not accepted.

Please find the nomination form at: http://www.theseus-europe.net/.

Contact and further information:

Nicole Ahler, M.A. (ahlern©uni-koeln•de)
www.theseus‐europe.net ‐ www.theseus‐europa.net

THESEUS Award for Promising Research on European Integration 2010

 

Call for applications

The THESEUS Award for Promising Research on European Integration will distinguish an excellent piece of work of a junior researcher in the field of European integration, which analyses an ongoing challenge for the European Union and its member states

· with regard to the institutions, policies or policymaking processes of the European Union or

· from a comparative perspective across the member states of the European Union,

· recommending potential institutional or policy solutions.

The rewarded work will be a Ph.D. thesis or a publication in a major journal (published within the last three years from application deadline). Disciplines covered include especially – but not exclusively – political or social sciences. There is no nationality or geographical criteria for selection. THESEUS accepts both direct applications and nominations through third parties.

The award is endowed with 3000 € and the winner will be involved into the activities of the THESEUS network. The public presentation will take place in December 2010.

THESEUS is a common initiative of the Centre d’études européennes de Sciences Po Paris, the Jean Monnet Chair for Political Science at the University of Cologne, the Trans European Policy Studies Association and the Fritz Thyssen Foundation, Cologne. Its aim is to establish a European network of thinkers, actors and ideas and to foster an open and constructive dialogue between academia and politics about the future challenges of Europe. Emerging from a Franco-German initiative, THESEUS is striving to enhance the mutual understanding of societies in Europe.

Applications: Deadline 31/05/2010

Please send your informal application, consisting of a two-page summary of your work, your academic CV (including publications) and a cover letter situating your work in your ongoing research and academic activities, as well as a copy of your Ph.D. thesis or publication by 31/05/2010 via e-mail to Nicole Ahler, M.A. (ahlern©uni-koeln•de). The language of the application dossier is English; there is no language criterion for publication or Ph.D. thesis.

 

Contact and further information:

Nicole Ahler, M.A. (ahlern©uni-koeln•de)

www.theseus‐europe.net ‐ www.theseus‐europa.net

Postal address:

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Wessels (Coordinator THESEUS)

Jean-Monnet-Chair for Political Science

To the attention of Nicole Ahler

University of Cologne

Gottfried-Keller-Str. 6

50931 Köln

Germany

 


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Theseus Seminar for Young Leaders 2012 “The Future of EU Economic Governance”, 2-6 July 2012, Brussels

Between the 2 and 6 July 2012 TEPSA and the University of Cologne co-organised the THESEUS Seminar for Young Leaders on “The Future of EU Economic Governance” at the Fondation Universitaire. The THESEUS Seminar for Young Leaders aims to promote interdisciplinary and international networks among a new generation of Europeans. This year 18 excellent young professionals and researchers participated at the International Summer School which was followed by a two day European Council Simulation Exercise.

The participants had been accorded their role in the Simulation Exercise already two month before the actual Summer School and had to draft position papers of their delegations. The organisation team paid great attention to the fact that participants did not represent the country of their real origin.

During the Summer School the participants were offered a broad range of information on EU Economic Governance. As in previous years the Seminar featured prominent speakers from international organisations, politics, as well as high-level academics to provide an in depth knowledge on the main topics dealt with in academia as well as on the practitioner’s perspective.

The first panels aimed at giving a general introduction to the broader framework of Economic Governance, especially for participants not familiar with economics. To this end, Iain Begg from the London School of Economics provided an extensive overview of the state of Economic Governance, Jacques Le Cacheux from Université de Pau elaborated on the different issues of the Euro zone and Jean-Victor Louis from the Université Libre de Bruxelles focussed on the legal and institutional aspects of an economic and financial union. Finally, Jacques Pelkmans from the College of Europe completed the introduction into the topic, by discussing different possibilities to enhance growth within the European Union.

Extensive insights from the practitioners’ point of view were given among others by Carsten Pillath, Director General of the DG Economic Affairs and Competitiveness in the Council of the EU who discussed actively with the participants the complexity of the institutional constellations within the framework of Economic Governance. The participants especially appreciated his insights into the way European Council meetings actually work, because they represented a perfect preparation for the later Simulation Game. Moreover, the Summer School aimed at identifying the different national perspectives of euro-insiders and -outsiders. To this end, Brendan Donnelly from The Federal Trust in London focussed on the perception by the United Kingdom; Cinzia Alcidi from the Centre of European Policy Studies in Brussels discussed with Georges Siotis, Member of the Task Force “Greece” of the European Commission, the evolution of the Greek case and Jean-François Jamet from Sciences Po Paris pointed out the Franco-German controversies.

Furthermore, the participants were offered time slots for extensive informal pre-negotiations among their delegations. They were assisted by Iain Begg who accompanied the Summer School as this year’s THESEUS Resident Researcher. Beyond own teaching, he was animating the debate, supervising the working groups and advising the participants on an individual basis, too.

Before and during the European Council meeting, the participants made remarkably use of the full range of means of virtual communication and were especially taking advantages of all breaks to coordinate their work and to find allies for their positions. Even if the negotiations remained friendly and respectful, there could be observed some heated debates on certain issues, especially prior to reaching a final agreement. Last but not least, the European Council Simulation was observed and evaluated by Wolfgang Wessels, chairperson of THESEUS and professor at the University of Cologne. The evaluations submitted by the participants showed that the Summer School with the Simulation Exercise was a very successful and beneficial event.

For further information such as the final report, the conclusions and pictures please see on THESEUS Website.

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Remittal ceremony of the THESEUS Awards 2010

In the evening of 2nd December 2010 THESEUS will remit the Awards for Outstanding and Promising Research on European Integration 2010.

The first THESEUS Award for Outstanding Research on European Integration will be discerned to Professor Helen Wallace from the London School of Economics. She has been selected for her outstanding academic record in the field of European integration. Her work contributed substantially to the progress of the state of the art. The award which is endowed with 5000 EUR will be remitted by Alfred Grosser.

This year’s THESEUS Award for Promising Research on European Integration will be discerned to Virginie Van Ingelgom (Université catholique de Louvain) and Mareike Kleine (London School of Economics). The award distinguishes excellent pieces of research by a junior researcher in the field of European integration, which analyses an ongoing challenge for the European Union and its member states. The award is endowed with 3000 EUR.

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THESEUS Conference “France and Germany in the EU – 50 years after Elysée. The couple viewed by their European partners”, 6-7 December 2012

theseus pic

Prof. Wolfgang Wessels,(THESEUS and TEPSA chairperson) Mirja Schröder (THESEUS programme director), Brigid Laffan (Outstanding Award), Theresa Kuhn and Claudia Schrag Sternberg (Promising Awards) and Catherine Day (Secretary General, European Commission)

This year’s THESEUS Conference “France and Germany in the EU – 50 years after Elysée. The couple viewed by their European partners”, co-organised by TEPSA and the University of Cologne, took place at the Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia to the EU in Brussels on 6 and 7 December 2012.

Building up on a 50 years’ history of Franco-German relationship, the conference raised the question: What role the Franco-German couple can and will play in the future Europe? The Elysée Treaty, signed 50 years ago by Konrad Adenauer and Charles De Gaulle, can be considered as the beginning of a unique partnership that has played since then a fundamental role in the European integration process. However, none of that would have been possible if the bilateral initiatives had not been endorsed by other member states. Often Franco-German initiatives are characterised as compromise that could prepare the ground for agreements between all member states. Can and will this situation continue in the light of the current crisis? How is the relationship perceived by their European partners from North, South, Central and Eastern Europe?

The conference brought together researchers and politicians from a cross-section of EU member states, such as: Philippe de Schoutheete (Former Belgian Ambassador to the EU), Jacek Saryusz-Wolski (Member of the European Parliament), Alfred Grosser (Sciences Po Paris), William Paterson (Aston University, Birmingham), Gianni Bonvicini (Instituto Affari Internazionali, Rome) and Atila Eralp (Middle East Technical University, Ankara). After a short historical look back, Franco-German convergences and divergences nowadays were explored using the two examples of Euro crisis and EU external action.

In the evening of 6 December the THESEUS Award for Outstanding Research was remitted by Catherine Day, Secretary-General of the European Commission, to Brigid Laffan, Professor of European Politics at the University College Dublin for her outstanding academic record in the field of European integration. The THESEUS Award for Promising Research was discerned to Theresa Kuhn and Claudia Schrag Sternberg, both University of Oxford.

For the detailed programme and further information, please visit the THESEUS website. See also the Conference report.

Conference background papers: “ The Franco-German couple: Potentials and limitations” by Peter Valant, Marie Curie EXCAT Fellow and “Which Future for the EU: Political Union, Directoire or Differentiated Integration?” by Laura Ventura, Project Officer, TEPSA.

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