Category: Column

Young people are reminded every day that they are the future, that they need to take action. Yet, there is a double standard when it comes to either representing the topics of young people in the media, or the importance given to them by politicians. Instead of letting young people act, the older generation seems to be relegating the responsibility to the future generation.

What is the Euroculture experience like for a non-European (non-EU) student? What kinds of dilemmas would I encounter in imagining and practicing being a cosmopolitan? First of all, getting a visa and extending your residence permit are probably problems that all non-EU students have to face. But beyond that, if I use those abstract academic studies that I have learned to look at my real life, I can problematize my situation and can see my dilemma more clearly. But what then?

Disinformation. We all know that it exists, and we all encounter it online on an (almost) daily basis. The Covid crisis, the war in Ukraine, elitist lizards ruling over the lower classes… sometimes you don’t know what to believe anymore. Luckily, more and more people are becoming aware of the dangers of disinformation. But being aware is one thing, becoming resistant is another. Here are 10 tips on how to avoid, spot, and recognise disinformation, so you can avoid the traps of disinformation and improve your online experience.

As part of the semester in Japan, we visited Hiroshima. Although a lively city of 1,2 million inhabitants, Hiroshima is also a city that saw its heart torn out in World War II. Aside from the countless deaths and the destruction of the city, the bombing of Hiroshima had long-lasting consequences for its survivors – and that is exactly why we need to talk about Hiroshima now.

In her article, Atiena Abed Nia puts the focus on the refugee’s situation at the European borders and the EU’s corresponding policies and actions. With Morocco as an example, it deals with the European migration policy and takes a closer look into the ‘New Pact on Migration and Asylum’. Finally, Atiena gives her own assessment of the EU’s necessary actions for the future.

The primary objective of any law concerning sex work is promoting the welfare of sex workers. In this article, Bryan and Carolina assess the four policy approaches to sex work in Europe to identify the best ones at protecting sex workers.

By Barbora Volková This article is written by the newest addition of the editorial team: Barbora Volková (Czech, cohort 2021/2023). She studied in Udine during her first semester and is currently doing her second semester in Groningen. It has been more than a month since Russian troops without justification attacked Ukrainian territory on the 24th … Continue reading Who will chicken out first? Europe facing Russia´s demands for gas payments in roubles

The EU's decision to stop imports of Russian gas has led to surging energy prices. Some people think this will kill the European Green Deal, others think it is an opportunity to speed up the transition to renewables. In this article, Laura de Boer takes a look at both sides of the debate.

By Anna Oliwia Wierzbicka The phenomenon of slavery has accompanied humanity since the times of great civilizations and perhaps even longer. Its history on the European continent can be traced back to the cradle of European values – Ancient Greece and Rome. Nowadays, slavery is primarily associated with colonial powers or with thousands of people … Continue reading Modern Slavery in the Council of Europe’s Member States

By Laura de Boer What makes a city great to live in? Is it the size? The people? Or the number of pubs, clubs, and bars there are for partying? While these things are undoubtedly important, they are not what makes a city truly stand out. Surprisingly, what really turns a place to live into … Continue reading Why Urban Planning is Awesome! (and Why We Should Get Rid of Cars)