Rethinking EU's Enlargement from Western Balkans to Eastern Neighbourhood
On-site in Tartu 8 – 14 August 2022
The course will concentrate on the European Union and its future enlargement in Western Balkans and Eastern Neighbourhood. Past years have brought Europe several new challenges tied with migration, defence and security, enlargement and international threats from Russia. Little is left from the original goal of the Eastern Partnership as the most committed partners might be recognised as member candidates for the EU, while Azerbaijan and Armenia could develop more effective bilateral relations with the EU. This indicates the need for a new direction regarding the EU's enlargement policy.
The summer course will provide participants with both practical and theoretical knowledge and skills to analyse and problem-solve related issues.
Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies offers an extensive experience in arranging and managing different learning opportunities (MOOCs, trainings, summer schools) along with experts working with the topics involved.
| Focus area: | Political Studies | Coordinating unit at UT |
Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies/ Faculty of Social Sciences |
| Study Field: | International Relations and Regional Studies | Course Leader | Stefano Braghiroli, Associate Professor of European Studies |
| Format | Summer course | Location | Tartu, Estonia |
| Course dates: | 8-14 August 2022 | Apply by: | 19 June 2022 |
| ECTS: | 3 | Fee: | 500 € |
| Study group |
MA/PhD and advanced BA |
Language | English |
Application period has ended. See you in 2023!
Students will be expected to read the materials individually before classes. Based on the reading materials, lectures and seminars, the students will prepare a simulation exercise. The students will be divided into delegations they are going to represent and they are expected to submit their position by Saturday for evaluation. The simulation exercise takes place at the end of the summer course. The summer course is hosted in class. Necessary study materials are available on Moodle.
Monday
- Introduction to the course (Dr. Stefano Braghiroli, J. Skytte Institute of Political Studies)
- Opening lecture
- Introduction to the simulation exercise and forming groups
Tuesday
- EU enlargement, transition and Neighbourhood Policy: History of EU enlargement process
- Borderization and de-borderization of Europe
- Estonia's EU membership - a case study
Wednesday
- Tracking enlargement in the Western Balkans: the case study of Montenegro and Albania
- Western Balkans' path towards European Integration
Thursday
- Civil society under authoritarian regime: Case of Belarus
- Migration as a political weapon - a conflict between human rights and security: the case study of migration crisis at Belarus-Poland border (2021)
- Europeanization outside of the EU. Neighbourhood Policy and Eastern Partnership: case study of Ukraine
Friday
- Future of the Eastern Partnership in light of political turbulence in the region: Rethinking EU's enlargement
- Illiberal turn in Europe and Russia: The dynamics in different regional contexts
- Eurasian integration as a spin-off of the EU? Future of regionalism in Europe and Eurasia – is there a room for bilateral interaction between different regional models?
Saturday
- Preparation for the simulation exercise
Sunday
- Presenting group projects
- Simulation exercise
- Ending the programme
The students can participate in cultural programme events in the evenings.
Entry requirements:
- Online application form
- Motivation letter (up to 1 page) that demonstrates the applicant’s motivation to participate, his/her expectations about the programme, how participation in the summer programme relates to his/her studies and interests, and how the applicant plans to use the gained experience and knowledge in the future.
- Transcript of academic records
- Copy of passport
PS: Only complete applications including all annexes submitted by the deadline will be considered for selection.
Examination format: Simulation exercise (pass/fail).
In addition, we offer a voluntary personal assignment to get additional 1 ECTS.
After finishing this course, participants:
- Know theoretical approaches about enlargement, diplomacy and conflict management
- Develop understanding about the historical context and new approaches about the EU and its enlargement
- Acquire knowledge about challenges and perspective in Western Balkans and Eastern Neighbourhood
- Assess perspectives and problems of the EU candidate and neighbourhood policy target countries
- Identify and evaluate trends of mutual influence across the territorial contexts and role of the Europeanisation process
Two weeks prior to the start of the programme an information file will be sent to all participants. This file contains the daily schedule and relevant contact information of the programme managers.
Students are responsible for their travel, accommodation and travel insurance (visa arrangements if needed) from their home country to Tartu and back to their home country. It is recommended to visit the Tartu Welcome Centre website and arrival and housing section to find accommodation opportunities.
The University of Tartu will offer 20 tuition waivers (scholarships) altogether for citizens of Ukraine for all summer courses. It will cover the course fee and cultural programme. Accommodation and daily expenses are not included.
The selection process is going to be based on the motivation letter. In order to apply for the scholarship please submit your application to the summer course and upload a motivation letter (no longer than approx 1 A4 page).
