We promise deep engagement with core issues facing Europe through unique research, events and people
Introduction
You’re looking at the long list of societies and wondering which one do I pick? There are a wealth of societies, each full of passionate people bringing exciting ideas and events to life.European Horizons is that, and more.We promise deep engagement with core issues facing Europe through unique research, events and people.
Research
There’s no better way of developing intimate knowledge of a topic than by getting your hands dirty and doing research. We encourage members to propose research topics, come together and produce exciting new work. We’re hard at work to make sure we have extensive academic mentorship from faculty.
Foci
Whilst our 3 research foci are set, they encompass a wide array of sub-topics. We encourage our members to think about research projects that fall within these 3 foci. Our thoughts below on sub-topics are preliminary, and simply reflect what’s at the top of our minds at the moment. They are not a strict commitment to research on these sub-topics.
EU’s Place in the World: The European project contains within it many ideals, including an ideal for transnational cooperation, and ideals to uphold ethical, environmental and labor standards worldwide. How does this play out? We are thinking of challenges facing the EU in negotiating mammoth Free Trade Agreements in Southeast Asia, and the broader changes in security roles of member states in NATO...
Internal Politics of EU Member States: There is no EU without its members, and shifts in the internal politics of member states reverberate across the Union. Italy’s new coalition government, the AfD’s regional character and the Green Party’s journey to the political centre in Germany are ones to watch.
EU-China Relations: Ignoring the study of China is about the biggest sin a person can commit in this day and age. Some areas of interest at the moment - how the US-China trade war is affecting a German economy reliant on the Chinese market, differing approaches between the EU as a whole, and France in shaping the Indo-Pacific...
Your work will not stay trapped in a dusty Google Drive somewhere - it gets published and makes impact
Publications
Your work will not stay trapped in a dusty Google Drive somewhere - it gets published and makes impact. European Horizons produces research in 3 primary forms:
Blog posts: Flair for journalism? Want to try your hand at writing an op-ed on an important issue? Perfect. We aim to push out several blog posts a year, based on rigorous research and communicated in clear, crisp writing. These posts are subsequently submitted to the central European Horizons committee, and may be featured on the IDEAS Blog
Policy paper: This format pushes us to go further into the specifics of a policy, and advocate for it. If you’re interested in policy work, this is a great place to start. Roughly 4-5 pages in-length
Academic paper: You have to read plenty of them for your degree, so why not consider writing one yourself? A 20-page project that will undoubtedly equip you with research and writing skills that put you in good stead for a thesis or dissertation.
Journal: The Review of European and Transatlantic Affairs (RETA) is European Horizons’ academic journal, published annually with contributions from undergraduate and graduate students, scholars, policymakers, and politicians from around the world. The aim of RETA is to foster innovative ideas and debate about a variety of issues pertaining to European and transatlantic affairs, and what potential solutions exist to resolve them.
Book Project: European Horizons’s first book project, in partnership with ASKO Europa Stiftung, seeks to solve the question: “How can digital technologies build a more integrated Europe?”. With new technologies radically altering the way economics, culture, and politics are conducted, understanding how these transformations can be used to benefit European integration is vital. European Horizons received submissions from students across the world, touching on a number of topics related to this theme, and is currently reviewing them.
Events
Our events list for the year is packed with conferences, talks, panels, debates, socials and more. We’re currently in the midst of preparing a full termcard of events, but these are some of the events we’ve already got lined up:
Dr Joseph Downing from the LSE European Institute speaking about his new book - “French Muslims in Perspective”
Brexit Panel featuring Brexit Party candidate James Heartfield, Researcher at Institute for Government Georgina Wright and Director of European Power Programme at European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), Susi Dennison
Jeremy Shapiro, research director of the ECFR on US foreign policy and transatlantic relations.
Throughout the European Horizons experience, members work with experts and policy-makers, people involved in shaping the future
People
Throughout the European Horizons experience, members work with experts and policy-makers, people involved in shaping the future. It co-organised the European Conference 2019 at Harvard Kennedy School, heading the Brexit negotiation simulation, alongside speakers such as François Hollande, former French President, and Douglas Alexander, former UK Minister of State for Europe. At such conferences, delegates work closely with experts on policy papers that are subsequently published.With a network of 60 student chapters across Europe and America, European Horizons gives its members the chance to engage with and learn from the most diverse perspectives. These connections are sustained as members join the European Horizons Alumni network, after their time at university. Some upcoming opportunities for members: Digital Economy Youth Summit (DEYS) - hosted in Lent Term 2020 in Cambridge itself, DEYS is one of the biggest and most prestigious European youth forums. Based on principles such as bridging the gap between youth and EU policy and elaborating innovative policy visions, DEYS has had several successful iterations - in 2017 and 2016.
Feel free to reach out if you’d like any more information. We hope to see you at our events!
Best wishes,
European Horizons Cambridge Chapter