Kleve/Kamp-Lintfort, 28 April 2014: On 25 May 2014, the citizens of the European Union will elect the European Parliament for the eighth time. Although the European Parliament, as the voice of the citizens of the European Union, has become increasingly influential in recent years, turnout in the European elections has fallen both in Germany and across Europe. This is linked, amongst other things, to the widespread feeling that European politics and the European institutions operate without taking citizens into account and are, in any case, difficult to understand.
Kleve/Kamp-Lintfort, 28 April 2014: On 25 May 2014, the citizens of the European Union will elect the European Parliament for the eighth time. Although the European Parliament, as the voice of the citizens of the European Union, has become increasingly influential in recent years, turnout in the European elections has fallen both in Germany and across Europe. This is linked, amongst other things, to the widespread feeling that European politics and the European institutions operate without taking the citizens into account and are, in any case, difficult to understand.
The lecture ‘Ahead of the European Elections – Where is Europe Heading?’ aims to address this perception and provides an introduction to the key political, historical and legal contexts of the European Union. In particular, it explains the role of the European Parliament and other key European institutions, such as the Council of the EU and the European Commission, and outlines the electoral process for the European elections. It also raises questions about Europe’s democratic legitimacy and future scenarios. The focus of this lecture is always on the upcoming European elections: what influence can we, as citizens, exert on European policy decisions through our vote, and what do the leading candidates in the European elections, Martin Schulz and Jean-Claude Juncker, stand for? Covering these and other fascinating aspects, Prof. Dr Jakob Lempp’s lecture provides an introductory overview as well as important background information to help inform voting decisions on 25 May 2014.
The lecture forms part of the Studium Generale programme. The lecture series is aimed at the general public, as well as students, lecturers and staff at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences, and presents current topics in a way that is relevant to everyday life and informative. The series also offers the chance to engage with topical issues. “We invite everyone, regardless of age, to attend these fascinating lectures,” says the university’s President, Prof. Dr Marie-Louise Klotz. At the same time, she sees the programme as an opportunity to visit the university’s two campuses and the new buildings on the new campuses.
The Studium Generale lectures at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences are free of charge for members of the public. Further information on the Studium Generale is available online at www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de.
