Annual European Institutions trip for EU-Studies
Despite the hectic schedule, early morning wake-ups, horribly cold weather, endless hours in the buss and hostel food, the trip-goers were immensely satisfied.
13-17 November 2011
On Sunday 13 November 37 MA-EUS, Premaster and EU minor students set their course to a 5-day trip to visit EU institutions in Frankfurt, Luxemburg and Strasburg.
The visit schedule was kicked off on Monday by an über interesting presentation in the European Central Bank about the financial crisis and ECB’s role in solving it.
On Tuesday morning in Luxemburg the students were again dragged out of their beds to follow a hearing in the European Court of Justice (see picture). In the afternoon the Court of Auditors exceeded all of our expectations with their presentation.
On Wednesday it was time for another court case in Strasburg European Court of Human Rights. A case literally about aliens and flying saucers. The afternoon was spent in the European Parliament where the group spoke to MEPs and their assistance as well as following a debate in the plenary. The last night together was crowned with a dinner of ‘tartes flambées’ in the picturesque ‘Petite France’ area of Strasbourg.
Before our return to the Leiden on Thursday afternoon the last visit took place in the Council of Europe to discuss the European state of human rights, peace and democracy.
Despite the hectic schedule, early morning wake-ups, horribly cold weather, endless hours in the buss and hostel food, the evaluations communicated from immensely satisfied trip-goers! Next to a chance to visit the institutions the trip was a great way to truly get to know your fellow students! So the group is already in anticipation of the Spring trip to Brussels!