European Union Centres Network

Revitalising Regional Integration in Europe and the Asia Pacific

Transnational Security – Regional Integration in the Suppression of Transnational Crimes

EUCN Academic Advancement 

The EU Global Strategy notes the “direct connection between European prosperity and Asian security”. Examining the contemporary experiences of European and Asian regions is important for at least 2 reasons:

1. The degree to which the EU can maintain prosperity and stability within its own region will have implications for its relations and stability of other regions
2. Other regions face similar challenges. The EU relies heavily on Asia’s economic dynamism, which further adds to the urgency of understanding current issues across regions.

Understanding responses to these challenges benefits scholars and policy makers by developing forms of regional cooperation, policy-making, and by identifying regional-level obligations which can provide the normative framework for the implementation of laws and practices.

How does the EUCN align with the overall purposes of Jean Monnet

Gathers information, exchanges practices, builds knowledge and promotes European integration

Supports the enhancement of existing networks and fosters the participation of young researchers

Involved in the creation and development of consortia of international players

WP1 Revitalising Regional Integration in Europe and the Asia Pacific

The methodology for WP1 varies according to the activity undertaken: Collaborative scholarly work between EU and Asia Pacific scholars generates tangible research outputs and intangible outcomes, such as an expanded community of scholars able to connect issues of Asia Pacific economic, political and human security with those issues in the European context. Early career scholars will be mentored to develop new scholarly expertise in the field.

Policy engagement is facilitated through targeted roundtable seminars and policy briefs disseminated through relevant channels of communication. Experts at both, European and Asia Pacific universities collaboratively develop teaching resources following best practise to be shared for inclusion in the curricula on a Masters level. Public lectures, seminars, online presentation and other deliverables are available free of charge on the website, to raise the visibility of the EU in NZ and ensure that European perspectives are an integral part of public discussions of regional security in the policy world and civil society in general.

 

WP2 Transnational Security

The scope of the research is an analysis of the principal regional legal instruments, policy instruments and institutions in the EU and the South Pacific in regard to the specified crimes.

The methods are:

• legal and contextual survey of the most important elements of these instruments and institutions using standard analytical approaches.
• Interviews of key architects and administrators of these instruments and institutions in Europe and Pacific.

The work is divided up into three separate projects running in parallel over the project lifetime:

WP2A: Corruption
WP2B: IUU fishing
WP2C: Transnational Organised Crime, Drug Trafficking & Money Laundering

The WP culminates in a closing symposium, bringing together academics and policy makers from the EU and the Pacific for an intensive exchange of ideas and experiences between regions on issues of transnational integration and security. Research findings and recommendations will be submitted for publication with a prestigious academic publisher.

 

WP3 EUCN Academic Advancement

Academic advancement academics have extensive experience in mentoring and teaching students and combine a number of methodologies and best practice to produce highly skilled graduates.

Pedagogical approach tuition fees scholarships & research fieldwork awards – NZ Postgraduate students receive little government support, resulting in fewer postgraduates researching the EU. To increase student numbers students are offered support on a competitive basis, thus building capacity in young scholars and raising awareness and interest in the EU. Postgraduates often have theoretical training in research skills, data collection, analysis and interpretation, but little practical experience. The research fieldwork funding assists students to develop vital skills through mentorship and practical fieldwork.

Pedagogical approach internships – Internships are available to graduates as a practical component of their tertiary education. Workplace learning is complex, informal and subject to contextual influences of the particular placement, in contract to more formal, structured environment of an educational setting, underpinned by a fixed and ‘known’ curriculum. Previous interns found the internships had a positive effect on their research and increased their awareness of workplace competencies.

EUCN examines contemporary challenges that effect the EU as well as other regions around the globe. To describe ‘expected impacts’ of the project, the following chart reflects the overall target groups identified by EUCN, how they will be reached, benefit and expected impacts.

 

 

Results of research findings are disseminated regularly to the scholarly community through publications and presentations. Original and policy-relevant research is translated into publications and reports that distill research findings and policy implications for a broader audience of policy makers, government stakeholders and civil society.

EUCN partners have a strong track record of engagement with national, regional and international stakeholders in policy-making and government communities. Designated activities and outputs focus on topics of particular interest to this target group and serve to strengthen relationships between academic and policy communities.

Students and early career researchers are encouraged to develop a well-rounded understanding of crucial challenges in the contemporary world, and work alongside established academics and practitioners to inform research and build their own network of experts and peers. This methodology is proven to strengthen the sustainability of EU studies.

 

Each WP seeks to address specific target groups and to achieve topic-related objectives, outlined as follows:

WP1 Revitalising Regional Integration targets 4 key audiences – policy practitioners & decision makers; international scholarly & policy experts; early career researchers; and the general public. To stimulate policy debate, enhance knowledge of the EU and contribute to the Erasmus+ goals of developing active citizens and fostering social integration and intercultural understanding, it is crucial to have an impact on policy makers and early career researchers, many of whom will later work in local or regional government.

WP2 Transnational Security addresses advisors and policy makers working in government and international/regional organisations, lawyers, academia and early career researchers interested in the area of transnational security. Due to the technical nature of this WP, it is anticipated that civil society in general are involved to a lesser degree, however, events such as the symposium are open and advertised to the public.

WP3 EUCN Academic Advancement expects an increase in EU Studies students equipped with relevant EU knowledge and practical, transversal skills and cultural awareness, reflecting the teaching provided. Recognition of the network of EU experts in the region is enhanced. Interns work with partners in government, think tanks and diplomats, raising awareness of the EU in a globalized world and fostering an increased dialogue between the academic world and practitioners. WP3 activities promote the study of the integration process, EU policies and activities to raise awareness and knowledge among civil society. WP3 expects a valuable academic impact through joint, international collaborative research projects, and on governmental/industry level increased collaboration and consultation with EU counterparts.

 

Stimulation of knowledge on the Integration process – EUCN uses the strength of each partner to continuously develop high-quality interdisciplinary teaching programmes, mentor postgraduates and organize practical activities to ensure that students gain crucial theoretical knowledge, practical skills and intercultural awareness to promote a wider understanding of the EU in multipolar world.

Enhancing visibility – EUCN partners and the PM use all communication avenues to increase visibility of academic activities within the region and further afield. All information on EUCN will be freely available online and promoted through social media and other available public outlets.

Design

EUCN is a 4-country international network of partners led by an experienced consortium of all 8 NZ universities. Network partners have been invited to participate to bring specific expertise: European partners contribute a “from within the EU” perspective, whereas the NZ consortium offers a multidisciplinary EU expertise “looking in from the outside”. The clear areas of differentiation in expertise between partners collectively provide an unparalled depth of EU knowledge and experience.

 

Management

Responsibility for the overall management of the EUCN lies with the Director, Prof Holland who is assisted by the EUCN Project Manager (PM). The PM takes care of all administrative and organisational matters, supporting the Director and partners.

Principle Investigators (PIs) are required to carry out WP activities successfully and achieve objectives in close collaboration with the partners. PIs are in close contact with team members and report to the EUCN Director.