The Erasmus Adventure Part VI: Szia Budapest, Pearl of the Danube!

Author: Leonie Martin (President of JEF Nederland & JEF Maastricht and co-organiser of the Cross-Border Network)

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Spending a semester or two abroad is awesome – no matter if you’re an Erasmus student or on some other scholarship. As a student in European Studies, I realized how little I knew of Europe – which is why I applied for Prague and Budapest, but also Stockholm and Belfast, first of all. Every direction would be fine with me, just please send me to another corner of Europe! Budapest, the pearl of the Danube, and a diamond located in Eastern Central Europe turned out to be my destination. Fairy tales, impressive architecture from especially the end of the 19th century, cake, schnaps, and facades reminiscing the Communist past – this is what I expected and also found. Budapest is also a good starting point to explore the region. You can easily and for little money live out your wanderlust and take the train to Krakow, Bratislava, Vienna, Belgrade, Zagreb… Thus, going on Erasmus, you’ll learn about Europe by getting to know your host city but also by studying, partying, travelling with your fellow Erasmus students.

Opera Budapest
‘My’ subway station in front of the opera!

My second motivation was to live at a place where I could not understand the language. I figured that the experience of improving French in France might be less of value than this – and let me tell you, Hungarian really deserves the title of being one of the most difficult languages to learn! Up to now, I can only say “sorry” if I bump into people, convincingly order a beer or two at a bar, and, of course, say cheers (Egészségedre!). Standard Erasmus linguistic skills, you might call them. I was able to help myself with English and German on the tourist streets but go along further, bring yourselves in non-touristy situations and you’re left at sign languages and the skills you have from few games of Charade with friends. When I had a small accident, for instance, I had to portray the whole scenario of burning my hand in a shop in order for the shop assistant to help me find the crème. Experiences like this taught me how to be more open in situations where language is not helping. And of course, a semester abroad challenges your mindset! At my home university, we watch videos of Nigel Farrage for fun while in Hungary, the students watched it because they took him seriously. I came out of the pro-European bubble and basically had to defend Europe at some points. Whilst the political situation in Hungary was drawing more attention (I was still there when the Constitution was changed, beginning of 2012), I realized that I need to appreciate the basics of the political system I live in and take for granted everyday, more. Hence, going on Erasmus, you’ll learn about yourself.

Thermen Budapest
“Life is not always that hard”

And yes, let’s be frank: If I’ll go back to Budapest, I won’t really have Hungarian friends to visit. Yes, I stayed within the legendary Erasmusbubble. But when I do go back to Budapest, I will be able to tell you stories of each corner of that city and of what my friends and I have experienced. I will be able to tell you stories of Europeans, Americans, Asians, studying, partying, travelling – everything what those 5 months include. And I will tell you those fun facts and memories with a smile on my face because it was my home. So, use your opportunity and go abroad! Take up the risk, even if it is only that you realize you dislike the city at some point, this is still an experience you will take with you. In the best-case scenario, you will find yourself a second home in Europe. Eitherway, I promise you, you will not regret it!

We will publish Erasmus stories on our website till the end of the year to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Erasmus program. If you want to share your Erasmus experience as well, don’t hesitate to send us your story at belgium@jef.eu! You’ll get eternal gratitude, a huge smile and a lot of readers in return. Let’s explore Europe!

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12/12/12:Time to decide:? Wish upon yEUr star ?

An audio report on our action by Benoît Theunissen can be listened HERE.

What? We will gather wishes for the future of Europe , which will be written on stars tied to balloons that will be released in front of the European Council, so they can watch over the decisive meeting of 13 and 14 December. The action is part of the pan-European action “12/12/12- Time to Decide – Time for a European Federation!”, which will be organised in over 20 cities in Europe

Where? We start at Brussels’ central station at 7 p.m. and we conclude at the European Council. Find our route here!

When?  12.12.12

JEF Brussels - stars for solidarityA few weeks ago, at the autumn university of the Jeunes Européens France, Guy Verhofstadt did something we’ve rarely seen him do; he admits having made mistakes. The approach taken with the Declaration of Laken (2001), which initiated the European Convention,  might not have been the right one, since now he admits that he wouldn’t push for the word ‘constitution’ so early in the process (it is mentioned twice in the Declaration). However, Verhofstadt is convinced that the political landscape in Europe has changed significantly.  In fact, the magnitude of the competences currently shifting towards the European level, should make it clear to all of us that the way in which the EU is presently functioning is inadequate.

In 2001, the need for a European Convention was triggered by the enlargement off the EU-15 to the eventual EU-27. The Union simply couldn’t function in the same way with twelve more member states.

Today however, the sense of necessity for European institutional change stems from a different source. The European Union is in desperate need of a solid political foundation for the monetary union, as well as the creation of a real fiscal, banking and economic union. A mere supervisory capacity not enough, as these institutions also need real power and resources, the ability to tax and spend, create growth or support member states that are in need of solidarity. Many people share the fear that transferring these competences leaves the door open for creating an undemocratic ‘super-state’.  The only protection against this fear lies within a federal Europe!

Therefore, the much needed second phase of the institutional changes has to be accompanied by the creation of a more European democracy. A serious political union cannot and should not consist of ever more meetings of the national heads of state and government. They have their own countries to run! It requires a democratic and legitimate European government, alongside a powerful parliament that has the right to initiate European legislation.

On December 13 and 14, the heads of state and government will once again gather for  a decisive summit meeting where Van Rompuy will present his final budget proposal after months of negotiating. We will gain insight into how the Council sees our Union’s future. If an agreement between the 27 is reached, it will determine which route the EU is to take.

As European citizens we need to make a statement. It’s time that those attending the summit walk in the footprints of those who have earned the Nobel peace prize for the EU, a prize which many of them take much pride in. It is time for them to gather the necessary courage and take a leap forward in the direction of a federal Europe… Courage and vigor on the highest political stage.

Our letters to the MEP's
Our letters to the MEP’s

The realisation of the urgent measurements I have previously put forward, is starting to dawn in the minds of the citizens who feel the current indecisiveness and procrastination of those in power first hand. With the 12.12.12 action, we want to make it clear to our political leaders that they are being watched by their citizens, who will make sure their voice is heard on the highest level of European politics: the European Council as well as the European Parliament!

Earlier, federalists in Belgium already addressed the Belgian MEPs in order  to draw their attention to the responsibility of the European Parliament, as the most democratic European institution has to push the development of a more ambitious European project further onwards. We now ask the citizens to use voice and actions in order to determine Europe’s destination. We therefore want to gather your wishes for the future of the EU and place them among the stars on the 12th of December, where they will watch over the crucial round of European decision making taking place the next couple of days.

Our wish is clear. We want the national governments and the European members of parliament to prepare a new European Convention on the future of the EU. This Convention should involve the governments of the member states, the national parliaments, the European Parliament and the European Commission.

But more importantly, citizens need to guide the way. What is your wish for Europe? Make sure it is heard and join our action! To put it in the words of the president of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz: “on a besoin de milliers des federateurs.”

So share your wish, join the action on 121212 in Brussels and stay updated via facebook and JOIN US FOR A BETTER EUROPE!

Lille
Picture taken at a European demonstration in Lille (17th of November 2012)
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