Budding young parliamentarians from across Birmingham will have the opportunity to learn more about the European Union and European politics at a special event at the University of Birmingham on February 27th.  

A group of A-Level students will be able to question an expert panel including Neena Gill MEP and University experts on European politics to get a better understanding of the inner workings of the European Union.

The event is hosted jointly by the University of Birmingham’s Outreach Office and The European Youth Parliament

The students will start the day by attending a lecture on the European Union from Professor Cillian Ryan, Director of Education of the College of Social Sciences. The students will then break out into groups, which will be led by European Youth Parliament alumni from across the country. Each group will look at a different challenge facing the EU, including Iceland joining the EU, EU /Turkish relations, free movement of labour in Europe, and proposals to appoint a permanent president of the Council

The afternoon will allow the students to question the expert panel with each group asking questions on the topics they have been researching during the day.

Current University of Birmingham student Theodora Dymakova who has been involved in organising the event comments: “We’re delighted to be hosting this event at Birmingham, as a student with an interest in UK politics it’s really important to understand how the EU operates. However, there is still considerable confusion about its role and powers.

We hope the day will be a fun and informative way to give A-Level students some direct insight into these issues.”

For further information contact: Ben Hill, Press Officer, Tel 0121 41415134, Mob 0778992163

ENDS

Notes

Date: 27th Feb 2009

Time: Event starts at 10.00 and will end at 3.00pm

Venue:  European Research Institute, University of Birmingham, Pritchatts Road

Question Time session: starts at 2.15pm, European Research Institute

For further information contact: Mohammed Ansar 07974180154