National Centre for Research on Europe
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The National Centre for Research on Europe is a multi-disciplinary research centre that brings together undergraduates, graduates, post-doctoral fellows and academics from a wide range of academic disciplines to research and study the European Union and Europe-related issues and topics. The focus is inclusive and policy-driven, melding academic work with practical requirements.
The Centre also provides a wider societal role and serves as a key element in the EU's outreach within New Zealand and the Pacific. Raising a critical awareness of the EU, informing government, the media and public opinion all form an equally important part of the NCRE's function. The NCRE is funded by European Commission grants,[1] the University of Canterbury and a variety of other external, project-based grants.
While the NCRE is based at the University of Canterbury, it has developed strong ties with other universities and European Studies academics around the country, ensuring that a range of activities and support measures have developed. In 2006 this network was formalised with a European Commission grant establishing the New Zealand European Centres Network[2] a truly national network that includes seven out of the eight New Zealand Universities and which seeks to further enhance research, teaching and outreach on European Union and Europe-related issues and topics throughout New Zealand
[edit] History
In 2000, the forerunner to the NCRE - the Centre for Research on Europe - was founded at Canterbury. In 2002 a grant from the European Commission was awarded and at this time the Centre became the National Centre for Research on Europe. The NCRE remains the only EU-dedicated tertiary level centre in New Zealand. Since then, the NCRE has developed significantly in both academic and outreach activities, involving a variety of roles and mechanisms. It has also established an effective form of collaboration with 4 other NZ universities (Auckland, Victoria, Otago and Lincoln) and one Australian university (Melbourne) during this time. In 2004 the Centre was designated as a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence. In 2007 the National Centre on Research on Europe was featured as one of twenty seven Jean Monnet Success Stories.
[edit] Research projects
[edit] Public, Elite and Media Perceptions of the European Union in the Asia-Pacific Region
Radical changes on the European continent put the question "What makes Europeans European?" at the centre of a heated internal debate. However, when self-identification is obscure, demarcation of the Other is necessary. Arguably, reflective compositioning of Self can happen for Europe from the outside, in the mirror of non-Europe.
One of Europe's Others, the Asia-Pacific, has grown in its importance to Europe and the European Union (EU) in the last two decades. Simultaneously, the EU is recognized as an irrevocably interconnected and intertwined partner to the region. The study of the dominant EU images and their power here will provide guidance and promote interaction between the two regions.
Mastering internal and external images is an essential strategy for any organization. The EU, an international body of 27 European states, is facing a "communication deficit" of its images, both domestically and internationally. A new level of current awareness of the EU is constantly required.
Addressing the problems of a striking absence of data on perceptions towards the EU in third countries, the National Centre for Research on Europe (NCRE) is the first to offer the EU external perceptions analysis in Asia-Pacific region. The research project Public, Elite and Media Perceptions of the EU in Asia Pacific Region aims to redress this omission by identifying, measuring and raising public awareness and extending knowledge of the European Union within four countries of the Asia-Pacific region - Australia (19.7 million (ml) population), New Zealand (4 ml) Thailand (60 ml), and South Korea (48 ml).
This two year project commenced in January 2004 with a budget of €144,000: the research team comprised of Professor Martin Holland the Jean Monnet Chair at the NCRE, NCRE staff member Dr Natalia Chaban and one young researcher in each of the four locations. Additionally, the project stimulated interest and brought together an expanded network of renowned international EU scholars from Australia, Thailand, UK, Sweden, USA, and Hong Kong. It also generated interest among students of the EU in the Asia-Pacific and Europe and resulted in several post-graduate theses as well as student internships.
The researchers analysed the topic from three angles to reflect the interrelationships among the media, national policy makers and the public: the mass media agenda on the EU, general public agenda on the EU and policy makers agenda.
The project has generated a large number of academic articles in multiple languages, and the findings have been presented at a number of academic conferences and public seminars. Information from the project has been widely disseminated to national universities, EU and other diplomatic institutions, Members of Parliament, Government and National Libraries and in 2005 the findings were published in a book.
From 2006-07, the NCRE will lead the transnational comparative research project The EU through the Eyes of Asia within the framework of the European Studies in Asia (ESiA) network, sponsored by Asia Europe Foundation (ASEF). This research project will bring together experienced academics and young scholars researching the perceptions of the EU in the public discourses of Japan, China (Shanghai and Hong Kong), South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand. Preliminary findings were reported to the ASEM Helsinki meeting in September 2006.
Interest generated by the project has motivated ECSAs around the world to examine the impact and perception of the EU as a development and foreign policy actor in three regions: the Pacific, South East Asia, and South Africa. This will involve examining media reporting, public and elite opinion as well as an analysis of EU policy initiatives, following the research design of the current project.
In 2007 the EU External Perceptions website [3] went live. This website contains detailed analysis of all research findings from 2002 onwards, as well as links to partner institutions involved in this research, publications and methodological approach.
[edit] An Evaluation of EU Development Policy in the Pacific
NCRE staff members Dr Malakai Koloamatangi and Professor Martin Holland began this two year project in March 2003 to examine the political implications that the EU deems necessary for the successful implementation of EPA's. The project impetus was the signing of the new Cotonou Agreement in June 2000 by the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states, of which all 14 Pacific Island Forum states are signatories.
The research focus revolves around three conceptual elements: legitimacy, institutional capacity and regional political integration.
Legitimacy includes examining standards of good governance, democracy, rule of law, protection and promotion of human rights, plus other elements which make for democratic, inclusive and effective government.
One of the key questions here is whether current models of democracy-development are relevant to the Pacific, and if not, how do we construct applicable alternatives?
Development strategies will only work if there is capacity to implement them. The research will investigate how local capacities can improve to the point where they eliminate the need for overseas consultants.
Regional integration is the third primary aspect of the research: individual nations lack resources, both human and physical, for greater economic development, Research to date has found that democratic systems and systems of rule need to be made relevant to indigenous culture, that almost all nations studies lack the capacity for greater development, and, that the EU is generally well-received in the region
[edit] Beyond 2004: New Zealand and the Impact of the 'Next Wave' of EU Enlargement
Following the historic 2004 enlargement of the EU from 15 to 25 Member States, the EU has already signalled a commitment to further expansion. Bulgaria and Romania joined in 2007; accession negotiations with Croatia and Turkey opened in 2005; and four Balkan States - Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Serbia and Montenegro - currently the status of prospective candidates.
This research, led by Dr. Milenko Petrovic, aims to identify both limitations and potential opportunities in the 'next wave' of EU enlargement to develop effective relations between New Zealand and the EU as a single partner, as well as between New Zealand and the potential new EU member states bilaterally. The research encompasses the breadth of relations between New Zealand, the Pacific and the EU including: economic cooperation and trade exchanges; common socio-political challenges such as environmental protection, terrorism, WTO Negotiations; diplomatic relations; bilateral media representation; and people-to-people links, socio-cultural ties, and tourist exchanges.
[edit] EU Immigration to New Zealand
This new project aims to analyse the role of migration in the transfer of knowledge to New Zealand, focussing on two main streams of mobility from Europe: immigrants from Europe, and returned New Zealand migrants. It has the following specific research objectives:
- To identify the skills and knowledge transferred to New Zealand by European migrants
- To explore differences between migrants from different European countries, taking into account EU enlargement
- To establish the skills and competencies learnt by New Zealand migrants while living and working in Europe
- To analyse the extent to which migrants and immigrants are able to utilise their skills and core competencies in the NZ economy
- To explore how the changing regulation of European-NZ migration is shaping migrants' contribution to the New Zealand 'knowledge wave'
[edit] Gender Mobility and Career Development in the European and the New Zealand Scientific Markets
The project GeMCap is concerned with the study of the relationship between scientific excellence, human mobility and gender equality in the context of the European Union and the New Zealand scientific markets. The project considers the tension present in the development of measures to secure the recruitment and retention of highly skilled women through the promotion of family-friendly policies on the one hand and the increasing relationship between career progression and mobility on the other. The research project is based at the National Centre for the Research on Europe at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch (New Zealand) and at the Centre for the Study of Law and Policy in Europe at the law School of the University of Leeds (United Kingdom). The study focuses on the flow of post-doctorates between New Zealand and the EU (specifically the UK). It considers the implications of academic mobility for the EU/UK and New Zealand and for individual scientists and their families.
Building on previous work, it addresses issues of gender equality and life-course in terms of the differential opportunity mobility presents and its impact on recruitment, retention and progression in scientific career. The research, led by Marie Curie Fellow Ms Annick Masselot aims to inform policy both in terms of enhancing the benefits of mobility to receiving countries and to mitigate the effects of this on the sending countries. Ultimately the aim of this study is to develop a better understanding of the factors shaping the career progression and representation of women in highly skilled, scientific, labour markets through detailed comparative inter-disciplinary research. This project combines a range of research methods including legal and policy analysis at EU, UK and New Zealand levels. The following areas of policy are covered: legal and social barriers to mobility; labour market participation of women and men; representation of men and women in scientific careers; and family friendly policies including support with child care and flexible working. Interviews are conducted with policy makers and legal experts to identify policy concerns and best practices in this area. Further qualitative interviews are conducted with post-doctorates and their families.
[edit] Academic programmes
[edit] European Union Studies Degree
In 2006, the University of Canterbury introduced New Zealand's first Bachelor of Arts European Union Studies degree major. Coordinated by the National Centre for Research on Europe, this multi-disciplinary programme combines thirteen University of Canterbury courses under a common theme, offering students the chance to take courses from many different subject areas - including courses directly on the European Union, European culture, politics, geography, history, and law - in order to graduate with a BA in European Union studies.
The introduction of this programme recognises the growth in European Union studies programmes worldwide. It is a subject area that is distinct from European Studies, focusing solely on the present day Union and the institutional, legal, political, economic and social developments since its creation in 1957. Students who study in this area will gain a unique insight into policy analysis of contemporary issues and be trained in an area of growing global importance.
The European Union Studies degree offers students the opportunity to study contemporary European issues from a range of disciplinary perspectives. Courses are offered that focus on the European Union and examine questions of economic and political integration, European geography, government, foreign policy, post-war history and European culture and identity. This programme is the only EU specific undergraduate degree available in Australasia.
[edit] European Studies Honours Programme
Introduced in 2003, the European Studies Honours degree is a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding contemporary Europe and is the only such honours degree offered in New Zealand. The degree offers students the opportunity to study contemporary European issues from a range of disciplinary perspectives. Honours courses are offered that focus on the European Union and on the individual member states of the EU, as well as on the wider Europe. The programme involves courses that examine questions of economic and political integration, European geography, government, foreign policy, post-war history and European culture and identity.
[edit] MA and Ph. D in European Studies
European Studies Masters and Doctoral degrees allow students to undertake thesis work on a wide range of European topics under the supervision of a National Centre for Research on Europe staff member.
Topics studied by students undertaking these degrees include
- Sustainable development
- EU enlargement
- CFSP/EDSP
- EU/NZ migration
- EU-Pacific relations
- EU-Hungary/Thai/CEEC relations
- EU Asia-Pacific media, public opinion and EU identity
- EU/Asia Pacific relations
- EU economic and financial policies
- EU Humanitarian isues
- NZ Media, public opinion and EU identity
- Language policy
[edit] Affiliated Groups
[edit] European Union Centres Network
The European Union Centres Network was established in 2006, in partnership with seven of the eight New Zealand universities to build a network of academic excellence and develop the European Studies curriculum. The network also exists to promote awareness of EU policies as they affect the region and promote innovation and intensity in bilateral relations. The network aims to enhance EU visibility by implementing national, focused, regular and high level outreach activities and help to provide a national vehicle for promoting a better understanding of the EU. By setting up the Network, the National Centre for Research on Europe hopes to develop a network of EU expertise that can be accessed by the media, government and the public as well as expanding people-to-people links and exchanges for academics, students and practitioners, as well as undertaking research relevant to the priorities of EU-NZ bilateral relations.
[edit] FRENZ
FRENZ (Facilitating Research Cooperation between Europe and New Zealand) was launched in 2006 to complement the role of the Brussels based New Zealand Science Counsellor at an operational level. FRENZ aims to deliver relevant information on research cooperation opportunities to interested New Zealand researchers as well as providing high quality advice, guidance and training on all aspects of applying for and managing European Commission research projects. FRENZ also hopes to develop resources specifically designed to address New Zealand participation in European Commission research programmes as well as helping to assist New Zealand organisations in the development of strategies to increase their involvement in the Framework Programme, and by doing so increase the quality, quantity, profile and impact of NZ-EU research under FP7
[edit] Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence Australasia
In 2004, the National Centre for Research on Europe (NCRE) at the University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, the University of Auckland, and the Contemporary European Research Centre (CERC) at the University of Melbourne, were designated the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence Australasia.
The Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence is coordinated by the NCRE and acts as a focal point for developing an effective research network of scholars involved in the broad study of the European Union. This trans-Tasman network is designed to facilitate joint research activities at both the graduate and staff level through sponsoring academic exchanges and mobility. The network currently involves four Jean Monnet chairs, several Jean Monnet teaching modules as well as research projects funded by the Jean Monnet Action programme.
The Centre of Excellence is funded by the European Commission as part of the Jean Monnet Action programme, a European Commission initiative to promote knowledge on European integration around the world
[edit] European Union Studies Association of New Zealand
The European Community Studies Association of New Zealand was formed in 1992. The first conference was held in 1994, and in 1996 the name of the Association was changed to the European Union Studies Association of New Zealand. The Association is open to academics and other interested individuals concerned with the study of European integration. The Association is multi-disciplinary in approach and independent in its academic pursuits.
The association is an independent, non-profit educational organization and support comes from membership dues and donations, program revenue, and grants. The administrative office is provided by the National Centre for Research on Europe.
[edit] The Asia Pacific Association for EU Studies
The Asia Pacific Association for EU Studies (EUSA-Asia Pacific) is an academic association in the Asia Pacific Region, devoted to the studies of the European Union, and European integration. It aims at promoting and coordinating EU studies in the related fields, and cultivating and developing mutual understandings and friendly cooperation in the region and with the EU and its member states. In 2007, EUSA-Asia Pacific was selected for Community co-financing, as an Association of Professors and Researchers, in acknowledgement of the high degree of expertise in EU integration studies in the Association. For the 2007-08 year the presidency of the association is held by Professor Martin Holland of the National Centre for Research on Europe.
[edit] Network of European Studies in Asia
NESCA (Network of European Studies Centres in Asia) was launched in April 2006 as a three-year initiative supported by the European Commission’s Framework Programme 6. NESCA constitutes a unique initiative bringing together EU specialists from within the EU and across Asia for the purposes of research, collaboration and the promotion of scholarly activities. Specifically, this initiative aims to widen and deepen the research dialogue between the European Research Area and the Network of European Studies Centres in Asia as well as European Studies Associations in Asia.
The Network consortium members consist of four European and five Asian universities all of which have demonstrated EU expertise and related infrastructure in European Studies. The consortium members are:
- Prof. Dr. Reimund Seildemann, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
- Prof. Dr. Mario Telo,Institut d’Etudes Européennes, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
- Prof. Dr. David Camroux, Fondation Nationale des Sciences Politiques Paris, France
- Prof. Dr. Shaun Breslin, University of Warwick, England
- Prof. Dr. Maria do Ceu Esteves, Institute of European Studies Macao, PR China
- Prof. Dr. Dai Bingran,Centre for European Studies and Chinese Society for EU Studies (CSEUS) at Fudan University Shanghai, PR China
- Prof. Dr. Sung Hoon Park, European Studies Association (EUSA) of Korea at Graduate School of International Studies, Korea University Seoul, Korea
- Prof. Dr. Apirat Petchsiri,European Community Studies Association (ECSA) of Thailand at the Interdisciplinary Department of European Studies Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
- Prof. Martin Holland,National Centre for Research on Europe at University of Canterbury,
[edit] European Studies in Asia
The ESiA is an inter-disciplinary open network that embraces as member or partner any institution in Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) countries offering European studies, research and networking. ESiA was initiated to stimulate European studies in Asia by creating synergies between European study centres in Asia and Europe as well as to strengthen interaction between existing networks in Asia. The Asia-Europe Foundation acts as the secretariat of this platform.
[edit] External links
- National Centre for Research on Europe website
- European Union Centres Network
- Asia-Europe Foundation
- European Union Studies Association of New Zealand
- FRENZ
- Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence Australasia
- European Union Studies Association of New Zealand
- ESiA
- European Union Centres Network
- Jean Monnet Programme
- EU Perceptions Website
