STRATEGO News & Updates

12 Dec 2024 | Lunch seminar with Belgian Diplomat Timon Salomonson

• Timon Salomonson agreed to give a talk during a STRATEGO lunch seminar on December 12, 2024. Timon is an alumnus of the University of Antwerp's programme on International Relations and Diplomacy and a senior Belgian Diplomat with ample bilateral and multilateral experience. As ‘Mertens’ at the Belgian EU Perm Rep he was in charge of the Belgian Presideny of the Council in the first semester of 2024 and he is currently director of EU Trade Policy and WTO at the Belgian Foreign Affairs Ministry and therefore also the Belgian Representative in the EUs Trade Policy Committee. During the lunch seminar, Timon shared valuable insights about Belgian EU policies and EU trade policies, in anticipation of the VDL II European Commission and Trump II Administration. ​

21 Nov 2024 | Special lecture by MEP Sara Matthieu during Climate Week

• As part of Climate Week, the faculty of Social Sciences and Prof. Peter Bursens (STRATEGO) were pleased to host Sara Matthieu, Member of the European Parliament, for a special lecture. Serving on the EP’s Environmental Committee, Sara shared her insights into how the European Parliament shapes EU legislation on environmental protection and climate action. She also addressed the key priorities of the new European Commission and discuss some of the most pressing legislative proposals currently on the agenda. This lecture is part of the European Integration course (Bachelor Political Science and Social and Economic Sciences) at the University of Antwerp, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the legislative process driving Europe's climate policies.

31 Oct 2024 | Visiting researchers Francisco Javier Romero Caro and Marie-Thérèse Wilhem presented their work in a PPG x G&L x STRATEGO research seminar

• Both Francisco Javier Romero Caro and Marie Thérèse Wilhelm are visiting researchers supported by the STRATEGO Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence. In October 2024, Francisco is hosted by the Government & Law research group under the supervision of prof. Patricia Popelier. Marie-Thérèse is hosted by the Politics & Public Governance research group under the supervision of prof. Peter Bursens and visits us from September to December 2024. The PPG x G&L x STRATEGO research seminar was a great opportunity to connect across research groups and across disciplines, around a common theme of "Federalism, Multi-Level Governance & Legitimacy".  In the seminar, Francisco presented his work on "Horizontal cooperation and financial relations in Spain" and Marie-Thérèse presented her draft paper titled "Echoes of the Public: Subnational Responsiveness and Compliance with European Environmental Directives".

25 Oct 2024 | STRATEGO Webinar #1 on "Debating EU and International Environmental Policy: From Agenda Setting to Implementation"

•  The first webinar in STRATEGO's thematic series exploref the key stages of EU and international environmental policymaking, including the initial agenda-setting as well as the practical challenges faced during implementation. We discussed how interest groups shape the EU's political agenda (Frederik Stevens) and the role of environmental conflict resolution (Andreas Corcaci). More information, presentations and recording.​
  

8 Oct 2024 | Visiting researcher Julia Trautendorfer presented her work in a GOVTRUST x STRATEGO research seminar

• Julia Trautendorfer is one of the visiting researchers supported by the STRATEGO Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence and the GOVTRUST Centre of Excellence. In October 2024, she is hosted by the Politics & Public Governance research group under the supervision of prof. Koen Verhoest. In the PPG x STRATEGO research seminar, Julia presented her research proposal with the preliminary title "Exploring citizens' trust in regulatory intermediaries: The case of transparency in Austria". This project investigates the role of regulatory intermediaries—independent organizations that interact with citizens and government—in shaping trust within the context of transparency policies and Freedom of Information (FOI) in Austria. By conducting focus groups with diverse citizens, the study examines their perceptions of transparency regulations and compliance, aiming to uncover how intermediaries (in this case an NGO) can influence trust in government. The findings should contribute to both practical policy insights and theoretical literature in regulatory governance, highlighting the potential of intermediaries to enhance trust and regulatory effectiveness.​

10 Sep 2024 | Visiting researcher Marie-Charlott Petersdorf presented her work in a PLECO x STRATEGO research seminar

• Marie-Charlott Petersdorf is one of the visiting researchers supported by the STRATEGO Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence. In September 2024, she is hosted by the PLECO (Plants & Ecosystems) research group under the supervision of prof. Sara Vicca. In the PLECOxSTRATEGO research seminar, Marie-Charlott presented her work titled "Soil Synergy: Linking Mycorrhiza and Microarthropods to Unlock Decomposition in Nitrogen-Affected Forests". For more details on her work, please see the abstract below.

• Abstract: The Veluwe, one of the oldest oak forests in the Netherlands, is threatened by continuous nitrogen deposition, with several effects on the environment. First, acidification of the soil drove several soil organisms such as mycorrhiza - and plant species to local extinction. Further, it also released toxic aluminium species that bound scarce phosphorus in the soil. Secondly, the excess of nitrogen released plants from nitrogen limitation and transformed the fauna into a homogeneous quick-growing grass environment. Lastly, the excess of nitrogen and the more pronounces scarcity of phosphorus created a stoichiometric imbalance in the fauna. To restore this sensitive system, we need to improve our understanding of decomposition as a main pathway of energy and the complex soil community responsible for it. My research aims to investigate the role of micro arthropods and (ekto-) mycorrhizae in the process of leaf decomposition through litterbag experiments. Both groups contribute directly or indirectly to decomposition and may be closer connected than assumed. Litterbags have been put into the first 5 cm of soil in a Quercus robur forest stand and collected every 3 months in a total time frame of 21 months. Litterbags contained different types of litter that varied in season and tree type to connect nutritional composition and species found. Micro arthropods identified to species level and mycorrhiza DNA has been collected from the litterbags. Eventually, both groups will be connected in a network analysis to unravel common appearances in time and treatment.

10 Sep 2024 | Visiting researcher Dionys Zink presented his work in a PPG x STRATEGO research seminar

• Dionys Zink is one of the visiting researchers supported by the STRATEGO Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence. In September 2024, he is hosted by the Politics & Public Governance research group under the supervision of prof. Koen Verhoest. In the PPGxSTRATEGO research seminar, Dionys presented a paper titled "Organizational Foundations of Sustainable Policy Accumulation: Resourcing the administrative state". For more details on this paper, please see the abstract below.
• Paper abstract: This paper examines the relationship between policy accumulation and the allocation of organizational resources, focusing on two centrals environmental implementers in Ireland and England. Despite widespread policy accumulation in modern democracies, the effectiveness of these policies often hinges on the availability of adequate resources. However, resources allocated to public sectors have generally stagnated or diminished, posing significant challenges in policy implementation and leading to disparities in implementer capacities and burdens. This research aims to bridge the existing gap in the literature by exploring whether increases in policy numbers correspond to increases in individual organization’s resources, a question that remains largely unanswered due to a prevailing assumption that policy accumulation and resource allocation are not necessarily correlated. Through an exploratory approach, this study seeks to determine not only if a quantitative link exists but also to explore the qualitative aspects of resources that underpin sustainable policy accumulation at the organizational level. The analysis provides insights into how resources are allocated in response to increased policy demands and assesses the implications for the sustainability of policy implementation. This paper contributes to the broader understanding of policy implementation dynamics and offers valuable insights for policymakers and administrative leaders aiming to navigate the complexities of modern governance effectively.
  

23 Aug 2024 |  Wrap up of the GOVTRUST Summer School, co-organised by STRATEGO

• We wrapped up a successful second edition of the GOVTRUST Summer School which took place 19-23 August 2024 in Antwerp. Co-organised by University of Antwerp’s GOVTRUST Centre of Excellence and STRATEGO Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence (co-funded by the EU), the 2024 GOVTRUST Summer School focused on trust and public governance from a multi-level perspective for societal transitions. It was an incredible experience and an inspiring week with many fascinating speakers who shared deep insights into trust and public governance from a multi-level perspective and for societal transitions. The discussions were both thought-provoking and practical, providing us with fresh perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in the field. Apart from contributions from our very own STRATEGO members, we also had the privilege of learning from some international guest speakers, including Joe Hamm on trust and vulnerability; Ben Seyd on political trust; Tina Øllgaard Bentzen on trust-based reforms; Erik Hans Klijn on trust in network governance; and Monika Glavina on trust in and between courts. In addition, we were lucky to have a wonderful group of 22 participants from around the world, whose enthusiasm and collaborative spirit made the GOVTRUST Summer School 2024 truly memorable.

6 May 2024 | Groot Europees Verkiezingsdebat - European Election Debate at University of Antwerp

• On Monday 6th of May, the European Youth Parliament Belgium, in cooperation with EPLO, University of Antwerp (STRATEGO Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence) and EuropaDirect Antwerp (Province of Antwerp), organised a major political debate ahead of the European elections in Antwerp. Politicians from different Flemish parties debated several pressing European issues, moderated by Kamiel Vermeylen, journalist at Knack. Politicians present were Sara Matthieu (Groen), Johan Vanovertveldt (N-VA), Sam Van Rooy (Vlaams Belang), Kathleen Van Brempt (Vooruit) and Vincent Verbeecke (Open Vld).
  

3 May 2024 | Consortium meeting and presentation of the STRATEGO teaching and research inventories

• During this consortium meeting, the STRATEGO research and teaching inventories were presented and discussed. In the past few months, 4 student workers drawn up two inventories to identify synergies in teaching and research within the STRATEGO consortium. The teaching inventory maps existing (EU-related) courses and modules in the UAntwerp education programmes - with a focus on the faculties represented in STRATEGO. The research inventory maps the existing research – i.e. ongoing projects – of the research groups represented in STRATEGO. The various courses and projects were coded in the respective inventories, so that common ground and synergies can easily be found. In this way, these inventories will form an important basis for exploring potential joint activities (be it in teaching or research). In de next few months, we will work with these inventories to explore synergies within the STRATEGO consortium. The teaching inventory (D.2.1) is publicly available for download here. The research inventory is sensitive in nature, and therefore cannot be shared with a wider audience.

2 May 2024 | STRATEGO Opening Lecture with Kurt Vandenberghe (DG CLIMA)

• In collaboration with the Faculty of Social Sciences and the FSW Lecture series, the recently launched STRATEGO Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence (University of Antwerp) organised its opening lecture with a keynote by Kurt Vandenberghe (DG CLIMA) on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024, 16:30 - 19:30h. Under the banner of "Sustainability, Trust, and European Multilevel Governance", the STRATEGO Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence serves as a cornerstone for academic dialogue and collaboration in the realm of European studies at the University of Antwerp. After introducing STRATEGO, we welcomed Mr. Kurt Vandenberghe, Director-General of DG CLIMA (European Commission), as our keynote speaker. Mr. Vandenberghe shared his insights on the "Prospects and Challenges for the European Green Deal after the 2024 EP elections". After Mr. Vandenberghe's keynote address, we opened the floor to questions from the audience. We concluded our event with a reception generously hosted by the Faculty of Social Sciences and the FSW Lecture series.

29 Apr 2024 | European Election Debate Viewing Party

• As the European elections draw near, it is crucial to stay informed and engaged. That is why STRATEGO organised a special event at UAnwerp: a Viewing Party of the 2024 Maastricht Debate! In this debate, organised by Studio Europa and POLITICO, each contender for President of the European Commission represented their party on the podium, tackling questions raised by young people across Europe.

14 Mar 2024 | Simulation of the EU in secondary school

• To support teachers and schools who want to work on the theme of democracy and decision-making, University of Antwerp has developed a learning package that simulates negotiations in the European Union (only available in Dutch). The EU simulation package consists of a highly interactive negotiation game in which students work both individually and in group. The EU simulation package can be booked for free and comes with the guidance of prof. Peter Bursens and our student assistant. The EU simulation package fits completely with and is supported by STRATEGO Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence.

6 Mar 2024 | Panel discussion  with MEP Kathleen Van Brempt on "The comeback of Europe: After the crises, the future"

• We can look back on a successful first event of the STRATEGO Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence. Following the book "The comeback of Europe: After the crises, the future" by MEP Kathleen Van Brempt, STRATEGO organised a panel discussion on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. During the event, Kathleen Van Brempt first presented the themes and inspiration behind her recent book. Afterwards, a panel discussion with prof. Hans Bruyninckx (expert in environment/climate) and prof. Philippe Beutels (expert in health/covid) delved deeper into the insights and perspectives shared in the book. Find out more about the event here.

29 Jan 2024 | STRATEGO flyer

• Download a flyer on the STRATEGO Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence here.