Three More Stars - The EU Accession of Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia

Course Description

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the former nations of the Eastern Bloc pressed to join the European Union in their quest for democratization. Three nations in particular — those being Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia — have since their independence faced many struggles in their paths to EU accession. This course aims to provide students with a solid foundation in understanding the aspirations, challenges, and potential outcomes of this pivotal journey for the “Associated Trio,” and the implications of each country’s European engagement in the present-day.

Our five day course will be structured as follows:

Day One: Our students will focus on the era of post-Soviet independence and the first steps towards democratization. The Colour Revolutions will be paid particular attention, as they kickstarted movements for greater integration with Western Europe. Following the day’s lectures, students will have the opportunity to share what they know in a Q&A and discussion seminar, followed by a game of trivia to test their knowledge.

Day Two: We will break down each country’s case for EU accession individually. Students will have short lessons on each member of the “Associated Trio,” followed by a diplomacy roleplaying challenge.

Day Three: Students will focus on current struggles faced by each country. A speaker from the European Union Delegation to Canada will come and discuss present-day accession challenges, and how the EU aims to accommodate these potential new members in the face of various regional and international conflicts and crises.

Day Four: Our students will spend half of the day learning about the war in Ukraine, Ukrainian Accession and its implications for the rest of The Associated Trio states. Dr. Russell Foster, current professor of European Studies at King’s College London (and former visiting professor at EURUS!) will join us via Zoom to discuss the construction of EU-ropean identity in modern-day Ukraine. The day will conclude with preparations for our final classes’ Model EU simulation.

Day Five: Students will have the exciting opportunity to engage in a full-day Model EU simulation! It will be on the topic of the potential accession of Ukraine to the European Union, with each student representing a different country or party represented in the EU Parliament.