RMIT experts available for comment on Europe Day
Experts from RMIT University are available to talk to media about Europe Day – the celebration of the development of the European Union on 9 May each year.
Professor Bruce Wilson (0414 236 765 or bruce.wilson@rmit.edu.au)
Topics: EU, upcoming European elections, Brexit, international affairs
“Europe Day has special significance in 2019 because it is only a fortnight until the elections for the European Parliament.
“At a time when far-right parties are expected to make significant gains, pro-Europe politicians are taking every opportunity to point out the achievements of the EU, and how its member states are stronger together.
“This is true not only in matters of security and economy, but also the simplicity of ease in crossing borders, a common currency, and no roaming charges.”
Professor Bruce Wilson is the Director of the EU Centre in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies at RMIT University. Wilson is an expert on international affairs, specifically the EU, with 20 years’ experience and a regular media commentator on the topic.
Dr Emma Shortis (0430 358 798 or emma.shortis@rmit.edu.au)
Topics: EU leadership on climate action, US history, US politics, Trump administration
“Without the EU, there would be no Paris Agreement. Without ongoing leadership from the EU, it’s unlikely that the key targets agreed to at Paris will be met.
“However, when even some EU member states aren’t on track to meet their national targets, and questions are being raised about the adequacy of the targets themselves, we have to ask — is the EU doing enough?
“In the absence of global leadership coming from elsewhere, not least the United States, can the EU fill the void? After our own federal elections, can Australia play a role in partnership with the EU?”
Dr Emma Shortis is a Research Officer at the EU Centre in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies at RMIT University. She recently returned from a year in the United States, where she was a Fox-Zucker International Fellow at Yale University as part of her PhD in history. Shortis is becoming a regular media commentator on the history and current politics of the US, tailored for an Asia-Pacific audience.
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The EU Centre is hosting a seminar titled ‘Celebrating Europe in a Year of Transition: Which Way Ahead?’ on Thursday 9 May. More details can be found here.
For media enquiries, please contact RMIT Communications: 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au
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Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.