The 5-day EUAP Summer EU Top-up Programme is organized by the European Union Academic Programme Hong Kong (EUAP) with the support of the European Union (EU) and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO). The aim of the programme is to enhance students’ knowledge on the EU and on its role in different global issues.
15 students from 3 local universities (Hong Kong Baptist University, the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong) from different majors have joined the programme this year. Throughout the trip they were offered chances to visit the EU institutions, engage in discussion with EU/HK officials and students on various topics. This year the trip also features a visit to Bruges, a World Heritage Site of UNESCO.
Prior to the programme, a briefing session was held to provide basic information of the programme, an introduction on the European Union as well as travel tips. It helped the participants to prepare their 1 week journey in Europe.
Day 1 (20th June 2016) – Free Day
Students were encouraged to do sight-seeing and visit different museums around the city of Brussels.
Day 2 (21st June 2016)
Visit to the European External Action Service
Like every year, the participants have a chance to visit the European External Action Service (EEAS) of the European Union, which is the European Union’s diplomatic service established after the Treat of Lisbon in 2009. With the expertise from EU officials and national diplomats of the EU member states, EEAS represents the EU in global scene and facilitates the discussion of many major topics and issues with other countries. Some topics were selected which were of interest to the students studying in Hong Kong.
The function of the EEAS
by Mr Martin DIHM, Adviser Strategic Communications Division
EU- Hong Kong Political Relation
by Ms Katerina FATSEA, Policy Officer Hong Kong and Macao, China Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Mongolia Division
EU Migration Policy
by Mr Andrej GROSELJ, Policy Adviser Migration Team, Global Issues Division- EEAS
EU Counter-Terrorism Policy
by Ms Annemieke DOKTER, Counter-terrorism Expert, Counter-terrorism Division – EEAS EU Counter
EU Human Rights Policy
by Ms Friederike TSCHAMPA, Policy Officer, Human rights and multilateral diplomacy Division – EEAS
During the briefing in EEAS
In front of the Berlaymont building of the European Commission
Day 3(22nd June 2016)
Visit to Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO)
An introduction session of the HKETO was given by Mr. Jeffrey Chim (Assistant Representative) on the functions of the HKETO.
Special highlight this year went to the exchange session with the Administrative Officers (AO) who were also in attachment to HKETO in Brussels this year. Participants knew more about the recruitment process and the job nature of administrative officers in HKSAR government. Students were excited to understand the rotation system of the AO, which would strength the AO in problem-solving skills and multi-disciplinary expertise. Participants also gripped the opportunity to discuss with the AO to learn their challenges at works.
Mr. Jeffrey Chim’s presentation on EU-Hong Kong Relations
Participants listening to the presentation given by Mr. Chim
Exchange session between the participants and the administrative officers of HKSAR government
Inside the historical premise of HKETO in Brussels
Day 4 (23rd June 2016)
Visit to the European Parliament (EP)
A briefing session and guided tour of the Parliament was held for students. The Information officer first explained the functions and composition of the EU parliament, for example how many seats each member state hold and the different political parties. Then she introduced the work of parliamentarians and the daily operation of the parliament itself. The officer also explained how the simultaneous interpreters work with one another during the meetings.
After the briefing, students went on a tour inside the plenary chamber. Students also observed a plenary session on global climate change. Some students visited the Parlamentarium after the tour for the history and more details of the Parliament.
During the briefing session
Participants with the national flags of all the EU member states
Day 5 (24 th June 2016)
Visit to Bruges
The group traveled to Bruges for a day trip. The 2-hour tour was led by a professional guides by first giving off some geographical information of the city. Students were brought around the heritage city through streets and alleys to learn about the history of different spots and buildings and their special stories behind. They also get to know the challenges citizens of Bruges are facing nowadays with the inflow of tourists.
The guide is explaining the wall protecting Bruges in the past
Students listening to the story of ‘Lake of Love’