How to talk about the EU
On the "eve" of the EU elections, the European Business Forum Burgenland at FH Burgenland focussed on the EU. f.l. Michael Gmeindl (FPÖ Burgenland), Christoph Schneider (NEOS Burgenland state spokesperson), organiser and course director of the Master European Studies, Gerda Füricht-Fiegl, EU parliamentarian Lukas Mandl (ÖVP), democracy consultant and key note speaker Tamara Ehs, EU parliamentarian Günther Sidl (SPÖ) and Gernot Hanreich, Rector of FH Burgenland. Not in the picture, but taking part in the panel discussion: EU candidate Katrin Fallmann (The Greens)
Eisenstadt, 7th of May 2024 - What can we still talk about without ending up in a confrontation in a short space of time? In liberal democracies, we are increasingly confronted with polarisation in public discourse. What does this mean for elections and election campaigns - especially for the upcoming European Parliament elections? These and other questions were discussed by representatives of five political groups on Friday and three conflict experts on Saturday at this year's European Business Forum Burgenland at the Burgenland University of Applied Sciences.
Young target group in election campaigns
Tamara Ehs, a sought-after political scientist and democracy consultant, addressed current trends in her keynote speech in front of a lecture hall filled with young students. For example she noted that the group of under-25-year-olds is now far less important demographically in elections than the target group of over-50s. "Accordingly, election programmes and campaigns are not aimed at the young target group," said Ehs. She also pointed out the noticeable international trend that young women are tending to become more and more liberal, while young men, on the other hand, tend to act and think more conservatively.
Five political groups on the podium
The two MEPs Günther Sidl (SPÖ) and Lukas Mandl (ÖVP) then took part in a panel discussion with the EU candidates Katrin Fallmann (Die Grünen), Christoph Schneider (NEOS Burgenland spokesperson) and Michael Gmeindl (FPÖ Burgenland). "In the spirit of democratic debate, I'm delighted that we've managed to get representatives from five political groups to come to Burgenland University of Applied Sciences," says Gerda Füricht-Fiegl, organiser and head of the European Studies Master's programme. "After Tamara Ehs gave a theoretical introduction to the topic, there was a lively exchange between the political representatives, students from Burgenland University of Applied Sciences and external guests." The topics discussed ranged from the current election campaign to competitiveness and the achievements of the EU, from which Austria has benefited over the last 30 years.
Consensus and discussion culture as a topic
Saturday's programme focussed on the topic of conflicts. Three lecturers from the Department of Business discussed the topic with international students and guests. Martina Morell in her role as a consultant and expert in conflict management, Albert Hansen, Managing Director of Lenus Pharma, lecturer in International Communications and football referee, and Markus Pausch, political scientist and democracy researcher from Salzburg University of Applied Sciences.
The event was organised in cooperation with the Information Office of the European Parliament in Vienna, the Business Agency Burgenland/Europe Direct Burgenland, the Federation of Austrian Industries Burgenland and the Economic Forum of Executives (WdF) - Burgenland Regional Group.
The forum was organised by the Department of Economics at Burgenland University of Applied Sciences under the project management of Gerda Füricht-Fiegl, Head of the Master's degree programme European Studies - Management of EU-projects. Almost 300 students from the business degree programmes and external guests took part in the event.
Master's programme European Studies - registration until 31 May
Master's programme European Studies - Management of EU Projects: Degree - Master of Arts in Business - MA; organisational form: part-time, Friday 8.30 to 21.00 and Saturday 8.30 to 19.00 approximately fortnightly; number of study places: 26; place of study: Eisenstadt; language of instruction: English; no tuition fees.
You can find more information about the degree programmes at FH Burgenland at www.fh-burgenland.at. Registration is still possible until 31 May.
Further information:
Mag.a Christiane Staab
Marketing & Communication
Fachhochschule Burgenland GmbH
Tel: +43 (0)5 7705 3537
E-Mail: christiane.staab@fh-burgenland.at