25th Undergraduate Research Conference on the European Union
The Undergraduate Research Conference on the European Union offers a forum for college students to present their scholarly work on topics related to the European Union. Held in Claremont, USA, this event fosters academic exchange and deepens understanding of European integration, policy, and international relations among emerging scholars. It serves as a significant platform for young researchers to engage with complex European issues.
Committees & topics
Why it matters
This conference provides a crucial opportunity for undergraduate students to engage directly with the intricacies of the European Union, a major global actor. By presenting their research, participants develop critical analytical and communication skills essential for future careers in diplomacy, academia, and international organizations. The focus on the European Union allows for a concentrated study of a unique political and economic entity, offering insights into multilateral governance, regional integration, and the challenges of maintaining unity amidst diverse national interests.
The event's location in the USA highlights the transatlantic dimension of European studies, encouraging a broader perspective on how European developments are perceived and analyzed from outside the continent. This cross-cultural academic dialogue is vital for fostering a comprehensive understanding of global affairs. For students, it represents an early career milestone, providing experience in academic presentation and networking within a specialized field.
How to prepare
Prospective participants should focus on developing robust research projects that contribute meaningfully to the discourse on the European Union. Given the academic nature of the conference, papers should demonstrate rigorous methodology, clear argumentation, and a thorough understanding of relevant literature. Students should consider how their research fits into broader themes concerning European integration, policy challenges, or the EU's role in global affairs.
Effective presentation skills are paramount. Presenters should prepare to articulate their research findings concisely and engage confidently with questions from peers and faculty. Crafting a compelling narrative around their research, supported by strong evidence, will be key to a successful presentation. Participants should also be prepared to discuss the implications of their work for current European and international policy debates.
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 4 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.
United StatesAs the host nation, the USA provides a critical external perspective on European affairs, fostering transatlantic academic dialogue.
Role in topic
The USA, through its academic institutions, serves as a significant hub for European studies, offering a platform for non-European scholars to analyze and contribute to discussions on the European Union. This conference, held in the USA, underscores the global reach of EU studies and the importance of international academic collaboration.
GermanyGermany is a central economic and political force within the EU, influencing many of its policies and future directions.
Role in topic
Germany plays a pivotal role in the European Union, often leading discussions on economic stability, environmental policy, and foreign relations. Research presented at the conference might explore Germany's leadership, its contributions to EU policy-making, or its bilateral relations with other member states like FRA or POL.
FranceFrance is a key founding member and influential actor in the EU, shaping its strategic autonomy and defense policies.
Role in topic
France, as a core member of the EU, significantly impacts its strategic direction, particularly in areas of defense, security, and cultural policy. Research could delve into France's vision for European sovereignty, its role in EU enlargement debates, or its contributions to common European initiatives.
PolandPoland represents the perspective of Central and Eastern European member states, often highlighting issues of national sovereignty and regional development.
Role in topic
Poland's experiences within the EU offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of integration for Central and Eastern European countries. Research might examine Poland's stance on EU legal frameworks, its energy policy within the EU context, or its relationship with institutions in Brussels.
Topics & background
The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.
The Evolution of European Integration
Key players
- France
Founding member and traditional driver of political and defense integration.
- Germany
Largest economy and central voice on fiscal and single-market policy.
ItalyFounding member shaping Mediterranean, migration, and industrial policy debates.
- Poland
Largest Central European member, influential on enlargement and rule-of-law disputes.
HungaryFrequent dissenter on sovereignty, migration, and rule-of-law questions.
NetherlandsLeading 'frugal' voice on fiscal discipline and single-market integrity.
Transatlantic Relations
Key players
- United States
Principal transatlantic partner and primary security guarantor through NATO.
CanadaNorth American partner active in NATO and EU trade ties (CETA).
- Germany
EU's largest economy and key interlocutor on trade and Ukraine policy.
- France
Leading European voice on strategic autonomy and defense industrial policy.
United KingdomPost-Brexit transatlantic bridge and major NATO contributor.
- Poland
Frontline NATO member and strong advocate of robust U.S. engagement in Europe.
The European Union: Institutions and Governance
Key players
- Germany
Largest member state, dominant voice in budgetary and economic governance.
- France
Co-driver of EU institutional reform and political union.
- Italy
Third-largest economy, major recipient and shaper of NextGenerationEU.
SpainMediterranean heavyweight active on social, climate, and migration policy.
- Poland
Largest Central European member and contested partner on rule of law.
BelgiumHost of EU institutions and frequent broker in Council negotiations.
European Countries: Diversity Within a Shared Continent
Key players
- Germany
Continental anchor economy and central political actor.
- France
Nuclear power, UNSC permanent member, and major political force.
- United Kingdom
Non-EU European power with significant security and economic weight.
RussiaLargest European state by territory, currently estranged through war in Ukraine.
UkraineEU candidate at war, central to European security debates.
NorwayEEA member and key energy supplier shaping non-EU European cooperation.
The EU's External Relations with Third Countries
Key players
- United States
Closest ally and principal partner on Ukraine, sanctions, and technology policy.
ChinaLargest trading partner reframed as partner, competitor, and systemic rival.
- Russia
Adversary subject to comprehensive EU sanctions following invasion of Ukraine.
- Ukraine
Candidate country and primary recipient of EU external assistance.
TurkeyCustoms union partner, NATO ally, and contested candidate state.
- United Kingdom
Largest neighbor managed through the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
Resources
News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for 25th Undergraduate Research Conference on the European Union.
Lessons
Bite-sized lessons to build the basics
Courses
Guided courses that go deeper on the topic
The states in play, with the data that shapes their stance
United StatesCountry dossier
FranceCountry dossier
GermanyCountry dossier
ItalyCountry dossier
PolandCountry dossier
HungaryCountry dossier
NetherlandsCountry dossier
CanadaCountry dossier
United KingdomCountry dossier
SpainCountry dossier
BelgiumCountry dossier
RussiaCountry dossier
UkraineCountry dossier
NorwayCountry dossier
ChinaCountry dossier
Country dossier