Workshop on: “EU: Between Common Policies and International System”

The Ibrahim Abu-lughod Institute of International Studies at Birzeit University held on the 7th of June 2014, a workshop entitled: “EU: Between Common Policies and International System.”

This event is based on a course offered this semester by IALIIS “The European Union: Unique Phenomenon or Relevant Model”. Twelve students gave presentations on their papers related to the topic of the European Union.

Samia Halileh opened up the workshop talking about Birzeit University’s interest in the international events, and political relations between countries through the role of Abu-Lughod Institute. She talked also about Birzeit University interest in giving students the chance to prepare research papers and also encourage them to publish their works.

Dr Abdul karim Barghouti expressed his delight over students’ significant work and participation with papers in different fields, especially topics related to refugees, diplomacy or international relations.

Dr Barghouti added, “Students papers will be criticized and commented on by international analysts and experts. Students should utilize these comments to build up and improve their papers, which will give them opportunity to publish papers in journals and other research units, to enrich scientific research in Palestine, specifically at Birzeit University.

The workshop was divided into three sessions. The first headed by the professor of International history Dr. Raed Bader, was entitled, “European Union: Toward joint policies”. Thaer Yousif presented a paper entitled, “Determinants of the European Union Defense and Security policies.” Ghadeer Issa presented a paper entitled, “European Policies and Emigration.” Yuad Jaradat paper was about, “European Union: Woman and Leadership.” Mai Barakat concluded this session by a paper titled, “Democracy: Copenhagn Political Criteria.” 

The second session was entitled “The International Policies towards the European Union.”

Dr. Ahmad Noafal, from Yarmouk University, headed the session. Through which Hussam Qarqati gave a paper on, “European Union: Space and Borders”. Badia Hussien presented a paper on, “European Union and Russia: Partnership challenges and a crisis among neighbors.” Manal Hassouneh talked about, “On the Inevitability of the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.” Amani Sharif talked about “The Importance of European Union Economic Unity to the EU’s International Influence.”

The third session headed by Lourdes Habash, Professor of political science at Birzeit University, was about “The Relationship between the European Union and Palestine.” Where Mervat Asta talked first about “the European Union and the Arab-Israeli Conflict.” Hiba Shqirat discussed her paper about policies related to the European assistance to the Palestinian Authority, while Eman Zeiadeh talked about incentives and constraints of the EU assistance. And the session was concluded by Diab Basha who presented a paper on, “the European mission to support Palestinian police.”

The papers were commented on by some local and international professors, who gave some serious comments on the content and the methodologies of the papers. Dr. Raed Bader, the course instructor, gave concluding notes and remarks on the workshop, emphasizing on the importance of these papers, their comprehensive methodology on dealing with the EU issues.