Main Objective/aims:
To provide an instrumental academic and cultural platform, servicing students and the public with entertainment, opportunities, space of intellectual discourse and exchange of knowledge regarding the European Union, Brexit, International studies, and the European Union member states.
The UK, as it transitions into a “third country” is taking its place as an outside political, social, and economic influence. It challenges citizens and their ideas about where they belong and what their position is as the UK deviates from European Union privileges. This transition period puts British and European citizens at a disadvantage, especially students looking to study abroad. Therefore, it is crucial to address the aftermath of Brexit policies and negotiations. Alternatively, as an open society, we hope to attract those who are a part of countries with external influence on the European Union and the UK as this becomes a global issue.
The European Union Affairs Society aims to build an inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds and nationalities. The society will become the proposed space for those who express interest in understanding the developing role of EU-UK relations and the consequences since the activation of Article 50. Additionally, the society will create an immersive space for the discussion of post-Brexit politics to transcend into new cultural/linguistic and personal/professional development for students reflecting on the new changes of the European and UK division on a political and social level.
Goals:
- Creating a Community of Open Exchange: To build a community of students for intercultural exchange and conversation around ongoing social, political, and economic developments in Europe
- Forging connections: Facilitate existing connections between societies and university departments to provide valuable research and learning opportunities for students.
- Improving university reputation: Building a reputation for the University of Leeds and allowing youth political engagement to thrive in an international higher education/research environment.
Our ambition: We look forward to creating this niche community of university students from all disciplines and backgrounds to participate in conversations surrounding European politics in a post-Brexit era. Furthermore, we aspire to foster an atmosphere in this society that encourages inclusive collaboration of ideas and abundant opportunities for students.
Cultural Deep Dives: We want to allow students the opportunity to embrace the many beautiful cultures of the Member States embodied in many forms. Opportunities such as this include our work to promote cultural organisations and work with organisations promoting the benefits of Europe’s cultural and political integration in the UK.
Research: It is our intention that the society serves not just as a way to share what is beautiful about the European Union, but as a platform in which students are given the opportunity to better themselves and their career/research prospects from European Think Tanks, political institutions, cultural centres and academic bodies provided by our society platform.
Networking and Expanding Prospects: The European Union Affairs Society aims to become the starting point of networking and career opportunities by promoting available educational resources/opportunities offered by department/research cohorts of the University of Leeds and the European Union. We want to transform the University of Leeds as the centre of European learning, celebration, Research and academics in the North. We also want to inspire neighbouring cities/regions to follow suit by claiming a regional reputation in the Brexit transition alongside Westminster and the south.
