As Europe faces what has been called "its biggest crisis for decades," German post-WWII history offers interesting points of comparison. As a result of the lessons of World War II, the two German states eventually both embraced liberal asylum laws and also welcomed Jews who were willing to return and settle in Germany.

Professor Dusan Soltes will address one of the most controversial issues in the EU today: the protection of the EU’s external borders. On the one hand, it is difficult for new member states to become a part of the Schengen border protection system; it requires great effort and investments into the latest ICT technology, implementation of demanding Schengen legislation, and various other technical, organizational, and personnel requirements.

This two-day conference brings together scholars from across sub-fields to discuss identity in the European context. It will focus on the development, transformation, transmission, expression, and politicization of three types of identity – subnational, national, and European – and how these identities overlap with each other. Panels will address these themes as they relate to these three identities.

As part of Pitt's International Week, the European Studies Center and Global Studies Center have partnered to offer students a chance to participate in a simulation of an important period in the history of international climate policy negotiations. The effects of un-checked industrial pollution in Europe were seen in the increase in acid rain and a stark die off of forested regions in northern and eastern Europe. In response, representatives from Europe's nations came together in a series of negotiations to determine what - if anything - could or even should be done.

What has been described in the media as a migration crisis in Europe is being characterized by many aid workers as a reception crisis. The German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, has taken the lead among European heads of state in advocating for a safe and effective process of resettling migrants. Taking Germany as an example, our panel of experts will discuss the migrant experience in that country. What are the legal processes for applying for asylum or settling as an economic migrant? What is the pathway to citizenship? What has been the public response?

In Europe, the Black Lives Matter movement in the U.S. has struck a chord with some. Issues of procedural inequalities and police violence have been made more public in Black Lives Matter marches in cities throughout Europe. How does the movement in Europe differ from its American inspiration? How do issues of ethnicity and religion inform understandings of race in Europe? And what has been the response of authorities? Join our panel of experts for an in-depth exploration of this timely topic. Audience participation is encouraged.

In this installment of Conversations on Europe, our panel of experts from both sides of the Atlantic will examine the potential impact of upcoming elections in both the U.S. and Europe and to explore significant transnational trends in electoral politics, including the rise of populism and the polarization of the electorate as well as the increasing importance of issues related to immigration, the economy, and trade. How might the US elections in November impact European politics and the transatlantic relationship?

In this first installment of the 2016-17 series of the ESC's award-winning virtual roundtables, a panel of experts will discuss the current political and popular debates over free trade and trade agreements in the US and Europe. Why have NAFTA and TPP become such political hot potatoes in the current election cycle? What accounts for popular hostility to TTIP in Germany and other European nations? How did trade deals impact the Brexit vote and what impact will that vote have on on-going and future trade negotiations?

A delegation of cybersecurity experts from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe visited Pitt as part of a two week U.S. tour of cities sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. In a luncheon hosted by the European Studies Center, the delegation met with faculty and graduate students working on security issues related to Europe and the transatlantic relationship.

This weeklong summer institute is designed for French instructors, as well as advanced level college students to broaden their cultural understanding of current events and international studies regarding French-speaking countries, to strengthen their French listening and speaking skills, and to share strategies for the teaching of French language and culture. The morning session will focus on content, discussion, and teaching strategies on topics including: the roots of Islam, the role of women, terrorism, and innovation and globalization in France and Francophone countries.