This year, the European Affairs Policy Centre will focus on addressing current phenomena and exploring a range of shifting international dynamics.
In the first half of this academic year, we have and will continue to address the widespread effects of the populist wave in Europe. Considering the events of the past few years (Brexit, Hungarian and Polish politics, Le Pen’s competitive campaign in France, and most recently the formation of an Italian government led by Georgia Meloni) this is arguably the predominant introspective subject of discourse within European politics. So far, our Centre’s editor, Megan Baker, has discussed the weaponisation of populist rhetoric in British politics, and one of our working members, Antonio Macedo, has discussed the potential expansion of the Schengen area. Addressing the rise of populist agents and their levels of support as well as this trend’s broader implications is fundamentally important to better understand the trajectory of the Union’s state.
In the second half of the academic year, our Centre will explore European diplomacy and international relations. We will look outside of the continent to Europe’s relationships with other states that will be and already have been impacted by current events. The Ukraine war, for example, has influenced abrupt and immediate change to a wealth of European affairs. This is something we will seek to explore in terms of membership, defense, investment, and more. The Centre will also explore relationship dynamics with countries such as the United States (a topic we will explore in depth with academics and experts at KTT’s conference in February) and the impact current events might have on their future.
Luca Dzikowski
Co-director, European Affairs Policy Centre
Our Policy Centre:
Lucas Blasco
Co-director
Hello! I am Lucas, a third-year International Relations student from Spain. Many people consider the European Union to be a mere association of countries, but I believe that it is much more than that. It is a common project of 500 million people that share a future together, but there is still a long way to go to reach our full potential. For this reason, I am specifically interested in questions of European integration, as well as in matters of defence and the EU’s external affairs. Outside of academics, you will probably find me playing tennis or drinking coffee at Pret.
Luca Dzikowski
Co-director
Hello, my name is Luca. I am a second-year international student from Brooklyn, NY, studying European Politics BA. The EU is a project like no other. Its existence raises unique research questions with significant implications for the future potential and viability of supranational coordination and cooperation. I am particularly interested in pursuing research focused on corporate governance infrastructure in Europe and methods by which to harmonise such regulatory framework with industry interests in pursuit of a sustainable future.
Megan Baker
Editor
Hi, I’m Megan and I’m a third-year History student from Bristol. I’m especially interested in gender equality, refugees, and the idea of a shared European identity, particularly as this relates to Euroscepticism. My interest in European affairs has only grown stronger since the UK voted to leave the EU and I’m excited to research some of these issues in further depth. Outside of class, I enjoy baking, reading feminist books and keeping up with politics.
Our Working Group:
António Macedo
Hey! My name is Antonio and I am a 2nd year International Relations student. I am particularly passionate about European integration and European foreign policy and I believe the current turbulent times have raised interesting issues to the European agenda such as the protection of democracy, the transition to a net-zero economy, nuclear deterrence, and the diversification of the energy market.
Florence McGhee
Hi! My name is Flo and I’m a 2nd year student doing European Studies and Spanish. I’m interested in the spread of nationalism throughout Europe and immigration policy. I’m also curious about diplomacy as a profession and how these officials aid EU integration.
Pasha Wilson
Hi, my name is Pasha, and I am a final-year Politics, Philosophy, and Economics student. I am interested in researching how European countries pursue their interests in the international field, in addition to how the European Union facilitates a projection of power for its members. I am also interested in the future of EU expansion and investigating how the bloc will combat a growing rise in nationalist movements, whilst maintaining political support from the electorate.
