European Studies - University of Vienna

01/06/2026

Invitation: Semester Question finale “Where is democracy headed?”

Join academics, postgraduates, students, and interested audiences for the closing event of our Semester Question.
• When: Monday, 22 June 2026
• Doors & interactive stations: 18:00
• Welcome + launch of the new “Democracy and Human Rights” research network: 18:30
• Sebastian Schütze (Rector, University of Vienna)
• Sylvia Kritzinger (Co-Director)
• Michael Lysander Fremuth (Co-Director)
• Keynote: “Human rights as a prerequisite for an open society”
• Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (Law alumnus of the University of Vienna)
• Panel discussion with:
• Barbara Prainsack (Professor of Comparative Policy Analysis)
• Christian Göbel (Professor of Chinese Studies with a social science focus; member of the steering committee of the new research network)
• Maria Mayrhofer (Alumna; CEO of the NGO )
• Moderator: Gerold Riedmann, Editor-in-Chief, Der Standard
• From approx. 20:15: Get-together, refreshments, and hands-on stations
• Ends around 21:00
• Where: Großer Festsaal, Main Building, University of Vienna, Universitätsring 1, 1010 Vienna
The panel will be livestreamed.
All details and registration: https://rudolphina.univie.ac.at/semesterfrage-demokratie-abschlussevent
We look forward to seeing you there!

19/05/2026

Do you know how the EU actually makes its laws?

• Step 1: The European Commission proposes a draft law (after consultations and impact assessment).
• Step 2: The European Parliament and the Council of the EU co decide under the Ordinary Legislative Procedure.
• Amendments in committee and plenary (Parliament)
• Negotiations in Council working parties/COREPER and “trilogues” with the Commission
• Step 3: Votes
• Parliament by simple majority
• Council usually by qualified majority (some areas require unanimity)
• Step 4: Adoption and implementation
• Regulations apply directly; directives are implemented by member states
• Follow up via delegated and implementing acts

There are also Special Legislative Procedures where either Parliament or the Council plays the leading role.
Want to understand EU law making from the inside? Explore our Master’s in European Studies and turn insight into impact.
Apply now for start October 2026, until 15 of June Application and Admission
Questions? DM us! [email protected]

15/05/2026

What is NATO and why does it matter for Europe?

• NATO is a political and military alliance of 32 countries, founded in 1949.
• Core mission: collective defense, an attack on one is considered an attack on all (Article 5).
• Decisions are taken by consensus among Allies.
• HQ in Brussels; strategic commands in Mons (Belgium) and Norfolk (USA).
• Focus areas: deterrence and defense, crisis prevention/management, cooperative security with partners.

Want to understand how NATO shapes European security and your future career path? Explore our Master’s in European Studies and turn insight into impact.
Apply now for start October 2026, until 15 of June Application and Admission
Questions? DM us! [email protected]

12/05/2026

For anyone interested, we recommend the panel discussion on "Democracy: are we at a tipping point?".

To conclude the Semesterfrage, the University of Vienna invites you to a panel discussion on June 22, 2026, at 18:30 Großer Festsaal. The keynote address will be delivered by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. Afterward, there will be an opportunity to continue the discussion over snacks and drinks and to learn about exciting research projects on the topic of democracy at interactive stations.

Date: Monday, June 22, 2026, 18:00
Location: Großer Festsaal in the main building of the University of Vienna, Universitätsring 1, 1010 Universität Wien

Vorträge, Diskussionen, Lehrgänge, uvm.: Im Sommersemester finden Sie an der Uni und zahlreichen weiteren Orten in Wien Gelegenheit für Austausch, Information und Weiterbildung zu den Themen Demokratie und Menschenrechte. Wir haben für Sie eine Auswahl an Empfehlungen zusammengestellt.

11/05/2026

📢 Join us for an Online Information Event to explore the master’s program “European Studies”, offered by Universität Wien – Postgraduate Center!

📅 Date: Monday, 18 May, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM (CET)
📍 Where: Online
📧 Register at: [email protected]

Get a sneak peek into the program with a short input from our academic director, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Christoph Reinprecht, drawing from his lecture “European Societies in Transition.” After the input, we’ll open the floor for Q&A and discussion.
Join us to learn more about the continuing education master’s program “European Studies” at Universität Wien and bring your questions!

06/05/2026

Do you know the difference between the Council of the EU and the European Council?

• Council of the EU = National ministers from all 27 member states negotiate and adopt EU laws.
• Rotating presidency every 6 months (currently Cyprus)
• Co-legislator with the European Parliament
• Decisions by unanimity or qualified majority, depending on the policy area

• European Council = Heads of state or government set the EU’s overall political direction.
• No legislative function
• Led by a permanent President

Want to dive deeper into how Europe really works? Explore our Master’s in European Studies and turn insight into impact.
Apply now for start October 2026, until 15 of June Application and Admission
Questions? DM us! [email protected]

29/04/2026

Do not miss our "Lunch & Learn": European Studies
Online on May 6, 2026, 12:00 (CET)

Keynote: Prof. Wolfgang Müller: “Risks for European Security: The Case of Russia”
Topics: Military, political, economic, and hybrid threats
Short keynote followed by networking
Learn more about the “European Studies” master’s program (University of Vienna Postgraduate Center)
Register now:
https://www.postgraduatecenter.at/en/programs/international-affairs-business/european-studies/lunch-and-learn/
We look forward to seeing you online!

27/04/2026

📢 Join us for an Online Information Event to explore the master’s program “European Studies”, offered by Universität Wien – Postgraduate Center!

📅 Date: Monday, 18 May, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM (CET)
📍 Where: Online
📧 Register at: [email protected]

Get a sneak peek into the program with a short input from our academic director, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Christoph Reinprecht, drawing from his lecture “European Societies in Transition.” After the input, we’ll open the floor for Q&A and discussion.
Join us to learn more about the continuing education master’s program “European Studies” at Universität Wien and bring your questions!

16/04/2026

We’re excited to feature the Austrian Federal Chamber of Labour – Brussels Office as we prepare for our upcoming European Studies postgraduate trip to Brussels.

What AK Brussels does:
• Represents Austrian employees and consumers at EU level, bringing the worker’s voice into EU law and social dialogue.
• Works on key files: Platform Work, Pay Transparency, Minimum Wages, CS3D, AI Act/digital rules, the Green Deal/just transition, cost of living, energy affordability.
• Builds alliances with EU institutions, unions, social partners, and civil society to advance social justice and high quality public services.
During our Brussels visit, students will:
• Dive into current EU debates from worker and consumer perspectives.
• Explore career paths in EU advocacy, policy analysis, unions, and institutions.
• Gain unique, behind the scenes insights into how social policy is negotiated.
Thank you in advance to the AK Brussels team for opening doors and sharing expertise—we’re sure our students will return inspired by social partnership and evidence based advocacy in the EU.

15/04/2026

Lunch & Learn: European Studies – Online on May 6, 2026, 12:00 (CET)

Keynote: Prof. Wolfgang Müller – “Risks for European Security: The Case of Russia”
• Topics: Military, political, economic, and hybrid threats
• Short keynote followed by networking
• Learn more about the “European Studies” master’s program (University of Vienna Postgraduate Center)
Register now:
https://www.postgraduatecenter.at/en/programs/international-affairs-business/european-studies/lunch-and-learn/
We look forward to seeing you online!