· 1.) Roma in the EU – A comparison between Belgium and France
Many
European countries have problems with integrating Roma. While most countries
deport them, Belgium sets a good example and offers Roma families cheap flats
and their children free tuition. Also in France the “Roma issue” is of topical
interest since every year thousands of Roma are expelled from the country. This
has also caused a conflict between the EU and France as it is seen as an
inhumane act and violates the human rights.
2.) Women’s rights in the EU – Why do some countries allow women to wear a headscarf and some don’t?
I’m sure you’ve all heard of the strict headscarf ban in French schools and
public and other public institutions. However, in some other countries, like
Great Britain, Muslim women are allowed to wear a veil at court. In my academic
paper I’d like to write more about why different countries decide to ban
headscarves and veils in public institutions and whether the EU can influence on this decision
or not.
3.)
Trade and import of live animals
As
all the European countries are economically connected, they trade among
themselves. One of these “goods” are often live animals, which have to endure a
long and demanding journey, cooped up without any water or feed in trucks
before they reach their final destination where they are slaughtered. I’ve
always been interested in animal rights since I’m a rather health-conscious
person and always want to know where my “Schnitzel” comes from.
4.)
Development aid
The
EU is one of the biggest and powerful organizations world-wide. With its power
and money, the EU helps other countries in the Third World. However, the
European development aid has also sparked off criticism as it is seen as
inefficient and too slow. Some critics also claim that the EU only helps other
countries in order to grow rich on it (for example buying the fishing rights of
a country in Africa and overfishing its seas, lakes and rivers).
5.)
The European Commission of Education and Culture and the Bologna Process
Another
possible topic for my academic paper could be the European Commission of
Education and Culture and how it influences our life at university. I’d like to
concentrate myself especially on the Bologna Process and how it has changed
Austrian universities.
