European Encounters - Track

Description

The aim of the track is to introduce the diversity and unity of European identities, the European Union, (shared) foreign policy, security dilemmas and new challenges.

This track is a joint programme on European integration offered by the summer schools of Utrecht University and the University of Latvia. The track delves into the different and diverse political and economic perspectives that can be found in Europe, and provides an insight into the Baltic States, going from the past to the future.

The first two weeks will be offered by Utrecht University in the Netherlands, where you will take a deep dive into European Politics and Economy. The European Union (EU) is a political partnership of 27 democratic European countries. With almost 500 million citizens, it has become a major player in global politics. In this course, the European Union is the main object of study. You will be introduced to the Union's history, institutional structures, current aims and future challenges. Lectures will explain the historical background and the various stages of integration.

The summer course in Riga (Latva) invites students to delve into the intricate security landscape of the Baltic States. This programme goes beyond traditional boundaries, offering a comprehensive analysis of security, ranging from the robust realms of hard security to the nuanced aspects of soft security. It empowers to explore security dilemmas, policy nuances, and the ever-evolving relationships that shape the Baltic States' strategic position on the borderlands of the West.

Please note: This track is a joint programme on European integration offered by Utrecht University and the University of Latvia. Students will receive two transcripts of records, one issued by Utrecht University and one issued by the University of Latvia.

Day to Day Documents

C18 Summer School_2025_description_0.pdf

Target audience

This programme is especially designed for students coming from countries outside Europe (but it is open to all students). The course has a focus on political and economic sciences, with an emphasis on European institutions and integration.

Aim of the course

The aim of this track is to introduce non-European students to the continent of Europe, through exploration of multiple topics such as culture, information security, economics and politics. More insight will be given on hard and soft security dilemmas of small countries with big neighbours.

Study load

Full-time course, lectures, seminars, field trips and self study. Prior to the track component in Latvia, participants will be sent a task, which will have to be prepared before arriving in Riga.

Tags

• Cultural Identity
• Cultures
• European politics
• information security
• interdisciplinary
• International Tracks
• national identity
• Riga
• security dilemmas