A Successful European Studies Day 2026
On 8 May 2026, colleagues, students, and invited guests gathered at the Globe for European Studies Day 2026, a lively and engaging event dedicated to exploring key questions shaping Europe today. The day brought together a wide range of perspectives and created a welcoming space for discussion, reflection, and exchange across disciplines.
The programme began with a welcome address and a short update on CEUROS activities from Michaela Schrage-Früh, setting a collegial and forward-looking tone for the day. This was followed by the keynote lecture from Frank Haege, who offered a clear and thought-provoking analysis of the role of the EU Council Presidency and its importance within the European Union’s institutional landscape.
One of the highlights of the morning was a roundtable discussion on the upcoming Irish Presidency, chaired by Jule Haiges. Featuring contributions from Prof. Edward Moxon-Browne, Prof. Bernadette Andreosso, Dr. Clarisa Novello, Dáibhidh Ó Luinín, and Emma O’Loughlin, the discussion focused on key topics for the upcoming Presidency. It explored how these can be brought onto the Council’s agenda, where Ireland’s main strengths typically lie during a Presidency, and concluded with a reflection on what a successful Council Presidency ultimately looks like.
After a short break, the programme continued with a series of short presentations covering a diverse range of topics. Amy Rose O’Regan reflected on cinematic portrayals of the Holocaust and their role in shaping European memory and identity. Joachim Fischer introduced key debates around European defence, while Gordon Armstrong shared hands-on experience of Erasmus+ blended intensive programmes at the University of Limerick. Together, these contributions highlighted the breadth and relevance of ongoing work in European studies.
The programme concluded with the roundtable EMERGE and Beyond: Future Directions and Collaborations, bringing together Anita Barmettler, Frank Haege, Mary Masterson, and Simon Petit, under the chairmanship of Michaela Schrage-Früh. It provided forward-looking perspectives on research collaboration and strategic development within European studies.
The event was very well attended, creating an interactive atmosphere throughout the day. We would like to thank everyone who contributed to its success—especially our speakers and panellists for their excellent presentations and thoughtful insights. We are equally grateful to the audience, who contributed to interesting discussions. Overall, European Studies Day 2026 was a successful event, highlighting both the continued importance of open dialogue on Europe’s challenges and opportunities.
