EU Futures

This episode is a conversation with Marija Bartl, a Dutch Lecturer in Law at the University of Amsterdam, about the polarization of Member States in regards to economic policy, and the urgent need for solidarity within the European Union in the restructuring and formation of institutions to address the monetary and social crises facing Europe today. She points out the lack of true democracy in Eur...

This episode is a conversation with Sara Poli, an Italian Professor of European and International Law at the University of Pisa, about the uncertainty within the European Union today. She discusses the question of Member States retaining sovereign powers while simultaneously addressing the need for a common response to major security challenges caused by the migration crisis. Poli speaks on the vo...

This episode is a conversation with Loukas Tsoukalis, Professor of European integration at the University of Athens, about the simultaneous challenges facing the EU, specifically discussing the problems caused by the fiscal crisis. He explains the dysfunctionality of the monetary union, emphasizing the impacts of its ineffectual and illegitimate practices on ordinary citizens and the political rep...

This episode is a conversation with Guila-Clara Kessous, a French artist and human rights activist, about the future of European identity. She talks about the need within the EU to promote a common European culture and deeper citizen participation in defining “Europeanness”. Kessous discusses the importance of fostering a feeling of belonging for Europeans, emphasizing how citizens need to feel pr...

This episode is a conversation with Maria Cristina Nisco, a Research Fellow in English language and linguistics at the University of Naples L’Orientale, about the impacts of the current migration crisis. She discusses the geographical and political inequalities between EU Member States located at the periphery and emphasizes the clashes between national and European interests. Nisco speaks about t...

This episode is a conversation with José Ignacio Torreblanca, the Editorial Director of El Pais, about the polarization and divergence of European politics. Torreblanca explains how the economic crisis mutated into a political and social integration crisis, leading to the trend of emerging tensions along various dividing lines in Europe. He also discusses the exhaustion of the European model and t...

In this brief episode Angolan-Portuguese writer José Eduardo Agualusa shares his vision of the future of Europe. He expresses a desire for greater participation of citizens, in particular, young citizens, in EU decision-making as well as the role of literature in the "conscientization" of citizens. He talks about how new immigration is enriching European culture and describes Portugal's unique his...

This episode is a conversation with Mario Telò, Professor of History of Political Thought at LUISS-Guido Carli, about the five major crises facing Europe today. He outlines the challenges facing the EU in the contemporary context of an increasingly multipolar and globalized world. Telò also discusses the relationship between Member States and the European Neighborhood, commenting on recent interac...

This episode is a conversation with Joaquín Almunia, a Spanish politician, about the impact of the migration crisis on European economic, political, and social policy. Almunia discusses the challenges at Europe’s peripheries and the rise of xenophobia and populism as a reactionary response against the handling of the migrant crisis by EU leadership. He describes the confusion, frustration, and lac...

This episode is a conversation with Jacques Rupnik, Professor of Political Sciences and Director of Research at the Centre de Recherches Internationale (CERI) at Sciences Po, about the emerging crises in Europe’s neighborhoods. Rupnik speaks at length about the blurring of internal and external challenges to the EU and the communal loss of faith in the European leadership and cohesion of the EU. H...

This episode is a conversation with Tamás Szabados, Senior Lecturer of International Law and European Economic Law at Hungary’s Eötvös Loránd University, about the role of European citizens in EU governance. Szabados talks at length about the need for EU leadership to promote citizen participation and increase public awareness of the functioning mechanisms of the EU. He discusses the power of Euro...

This episode is a conversation with Monseratt Cachero Vineusa, Professor of Economic History at the Universidad Pablo de Olavide, about the problem of democracy in the EU. Discussing the necessity of transparency, Cachero Vineusa talks about the need for citizens to become more actively involved and educated about the EU and its institutions. Briefly commenting the rise of populism and nationalism...

This episode is a conversation with Henrik Selin, Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies Associate Professor of International Relations, about the perception of the EU. Selin comments on how critical interpretations of the EU neglect the many positive things accomplished under the experimental European framework, including advancements in environmental policy through successful regional coop...

This episode is a conversation with Mai’a Cross, Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at Northeastern University, about the definition of a European identity, and the challenges facing the trend of “Europeanization”. Cross analyzes the refugee crisis and the rise of right wing parties, emphasizing the centrality of democratic ideals in the development of the EU and th...

This episode is a conversation with TC McCormack, a Northern Irish artist, about the influence artists can have on the emerging future in Europe. He emphasizes the importance of connecting cultures through the promotion of a broader discourse and sharing of diverse beliefs between the various populations inhabiting the European Union. McCormack discusses the role of multiculturalism and how artist...

This episode is a conversation with Matej Vakula, a Slovakian multimedia artist, about the heterogeneous cultural makeup of Europe. He discusses the challenges of rising nationalism, particularly in former Eastern Bloc nations, and the need for reeducation programs which emphasize greater acceptance of diversity within the European Community. Vakula addresses the importance of public activism and...

This episode is a conversation with Hannah Thompson, a British artist, about the shifting perspectives of European voters. She talks about the increasing multiculturalism in Europe, and the need for more people to be educated about how the European Union functions and what each candidate can offer and represent at the European policy level. Thompson discusses her hopes for the redistribution of we...

This episode is a conversation with Maria Rebecca Ballestra, an Italian artist and writer, about the future identity of Europe. Speaking about her vision of change in the increasingly globalized world, Ballestra examines the impacts of current crises facing Europe today, focusing on how the economic crisis exposed the gap between citizens and the institutions governing their lives. Ballestra discu...