We set up European Horizons at Princeton because there was a niche on campus that needed to be filled. Students with academic interests in the European Union could pursue them through their studies, but not through extracurriculars. European Horizons bridges that gap, and allows students to critically engage with EU policy that is relevant to its citizens, but also to the United States and the world at large.
The European Union is undoubtedly the United States’ most important economic, military, and diplomatic partner. Together the two make up some 60% of global GDP, and trade between them constitutes 33% of world trade in goods and 42% of world trade in services. All but six EU member states, as well as the US, are part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which is the world’s largest military alliance founded with the aim of safeguarding democratic values through security cooperation. In today’s world, the US and the EU are the most vocal advocates of democracy, freedom, and rule of law.
European Horizons at Princeton aims to strengthen this “special relationship.” We are part of the wider European Horizons family–a global, student-led policy incubator whose mission is to give young people a voice in shaping the future of Europe and of transatlantic relations. Fundamentally, we believe in two things:
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- Good relations and close cooperation between the EU and the US are in the common interest of both parties;
- A strong and unified Europe–one that is ready and willing to act as a global leader–is in the interest of the entire world.
Our mission is thus dedicated to critically analyzing EU policy, its implications, and its effects on the European Union itself, but also on its relations with the US and the rest of the world. We will be publishing articles pertaining to the EU, as well as coverage of events organized by Princeton’s European Union Program. We’re excited to see where this will go, and we’re so glad you’ve joined us on this journey!