Department of European Studies

Currently, the European Studies department works with two broad themes concerning the development of Europe with special emphasis on the development of the European Union.

1. The European Union after enlargement

This theme addresses the consequences for the European Union of the 2004 enlargement with 10 new member states. It focuses on the problems and challenges that follow a still larger Union. It is done by addressing the changes which take place within a number of selected policy fields of special importance to the development of the European Union. Topics, such as popular legitimacy, democratic deficit, and the development in popular attitudes towards the European integration project, are dealt with in depth. The relationship between Denmark and the EU is analyzed within a special research framework which focuses on the smaller states in the new and larger union. Finally, special attention is given to the ‘new’ neighbors after enlargement. The changes in the policies towards the Union of selected member states, such as France, are also followed closely.

2. The European Union in world politics

A central theme under this heading is the position of the EU in world affairs after September 11. Special emphasis is put on analyzing the developments in the transatlantic relationship. Of particular importance are the reactions and the interpretations within the EU of the different American initiatives on the international scene. Here discussions on ‘new’ versus ‘old’ Europe are crucial. Also, a sub-theme deals with the changes in the analyses of the European Union towards global security and the efforts to develop adequate instruments to counter the new challenges, such as the threats from international terrorism, regional instability, poverty, and humanitarian emergencies.

Top