Bureaucracy all the way?

European Parliament, Commission, European Council, ECB, ECJ, Brussels, Strasbourg…what was that again? The European Union plays a decisive role in shaping life in Europe, where the European dream of peace, prosperity and cultural understanding is coming true to some extent. Milestones such as the Schuman Plan, which celebrates its 75th anniversary on 9 May 2025, made Europe as we know it today possible in the first place. But hardly anyone knows what the many institutions are all about. Who is responsible for what and where are which decisions made?
At the same time, however, there has been a noticeable increase in European discontent in recent years. Right-wing and Eurosceptic parties are gaining ground in many European countries and made significant gains in the last European elections. The European idea seems to be increasingly under pressure.
With this in mind, this year’s International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen will be awarded to Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. The Charlemagne Prize Board of Directors honours her for ‘services to the unity of the Member States, the containment of the pandemic, the unity of the will to defend against Russia and the impetus for the Green Deal’.
This series of events, which is taking place in cooperation with the Foundation of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen, offers the opportunity to talk to high-profile guests from the fields of politics and culture about Europe and the current challenges it faces, as well as the current award ceremony. The focus is on the topic of ‘European institutions’, their history and role for the present and future of Europe. In addition, the close cooperation with Maastricht University makes European integration visible and tangible through cross-border scientific networks.
The main purpose of the seminar is to prepare for the traditional visit of the Charlemagne Prize winner to RWTH Aachen University. This is where you come in! Ask the questions that interest you most. Together we will discuss possible topics and prepare the event.
Please note: Please only register for the course if you also want to take part in the discussion with the winner of the Charlemagne Prize. The lectures are open to the public and can also be attended without registering for the course.