On Monday, October 5th, the class of 2016 of our master’s programme in European and European Legal Studies“ (MEELS) commenced their course of study at Europa-Kolleg Hamburg. At the welcome ceremony they were greeted by the Deputy Director of Studies, Prof. Dr. Karsten Nowrot, who delivered a short speech.
19 students from 16 different countries make up the new class of students and addressing them, Prof. Nowrot alluded to the fascinating and rewarding experience that lies ahead for them. He mentioned historic as well as current challenges for the European Union and explained European integration as the “prevailing idea of prosperity and peace against all odds”.
European integration is not an automatic process, but is in need of continued support and evolution by its citizens and friends in all parts of the world, Prof. Nowrot insisted. He encouraged students to actively shape the process of European integration in their future roles as leaders in the fields of politics, economics and law. The following lunch provided an opportunity for students and faculty to get to know each other.