Aug. 19, 2003

GW Students Have Eye on EU Political System

By Greg Licamele

Fifteen Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) students put some European flavor in their master’s degrees this summer by studying the inner workings of the European Union (EU) and listening to key players describe its processes, including a presentation from one writer of the union’s new constitution.

While in Brugge, Belgium, for 12 days, the students took classes from College of Europe faculty to study the EU as an emerging political system. The students also looked at the EU’s institutional and legal framework and the impact of policy decisions on EU legislation.

“Decisions of the EU have an increasingly influential impact on America. US corporations need to be more sensitive and use slightly different approaches,” said Nick Laird, assistant professorial lecturer in political management, who teamed with Rita Roosevelt, associate professorial lecturer in political management, to lead the group.

Roosevelt and Laird noted the American approach to government tends to revolve around aggressive lobbying and government affairs, while the Europeans are characterized as more deliberate and inclusive, creating some cultural challenges for US companies to work overseas.

Elli Kalofolia, a graduate student from Greece, found the trip particularly enlightening because her native country is one of 15 EU members. Ten additional governments will join soon.

“I feel much more familiar with the European organization, and I made useful contacts with professionals and professors in Brugge who may help me find a job in Europe later on,” Kalofolia said.

Before embarking on their trip to Europe, the students enrolled in a three-credit class on campus using case studies and guest speakers to examine issues facing Europe and America.

Christina Metzler, a GSPM student and an association lobbyist, said she enrolled in the class for the practical benefits of understanding the EU in her career.

“I spoke to several colleagues who indicated there were likely to be many issues arising between the EU and US over the next several years,” Metzler said.

While studying in Belgium, the first draft of the EU’s constitution was released. The next day, one of the 12 writers, as well as a member of the European parliament, talked with the class.

“They spoke honestly and forthrightly,” Roosevelt said. “You would never have that kind of discourse in the US.”

Roosevelt plans to continue this class next summer. For more information, call 301/657-9238 or E-mail rkroos@gwu.edu.

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