JMU M.A. in Political Science - EUPS

We are very happy to congratulate the EUPS cohort of 2023-2024!

We are proud to celebrate your achievements in European Union Policy Studies.

The beautiful Palazzo Borghese set the stage for a memorable graduation ceremony, attended by friends, family, staff, faculty and JMU’s partner organizations in Florence.

Here’s to your hard work, dedication, and the bright futures ahead!

As the program comes to a close, EUPS students had a final guest lecture with Simon Hix to discuss the results and implications of the June 2024 European Parliament vote.

Prof. Hix compared the actual results to the forecast he had shown students before the election, and an animated discussion followed, about both the implications of the vote on policy decisions and the future of the EU from a transatlantic political perspective.

There could not have been a better way to conclude a year dedicated to the policies of the EU!

It is always an honor to have Professor Hix join us. Thank you so much for your presence and dedication to the EUPS program!

EUPS students had the privilege of attending the EU State of the Union at the historic Palazzo Vecchio, hosted by the European University Institute! 🇪🇺📜

This was a very unique opportunity to engage with key European leaders and ideas. We are thankful to the EUI for the opportunity to attend and give our students access to such a high level learning experience.

With panels ranging from Mediterranean security to climate change, there is no better way each year to conclude a course on the EU, its policies, and their global impact.

Since 2023, the EUPS program is honored to host its yearly ALUMNI DAY in Florence!

It’s a day of networking, that gives the opportunity to our alumni to share knowledge and expertise with the current cohort, while recalling memories and anectodes about their own time in Italy.

Alumni from various cohorts just returned to Firenze and participated in mentoring panels, before attending a lovely dinner with students, faculty, staff, and EUPS partners.

Thank you to everyone that came back, and we can’t wait to see more of you next year!

Each spring semester, our EUPS graduates showcase their culmination of year-long efforts with final policy briefings. This year, students delved into crafting policies aimed at combating various emissions contributing to global warming, presenting their findings to a simulated panel of Climate Action Network experts.

Their briefings comprehensively tackled policy challenges, conducted institutional and stakeholder analyses, formulated policies, and made recommendations. From addressing aviation emissions to tackling bottom-trawling in the EU, students produced meticulously researched papers poised to serve as exemplary writing samples in their future endeavors.

We take great pride in our graduates’ resilience and accomplishments as they conclude their spring semester triumphantly.

JMU Florence students participate in the Big Event! The Big Event is one of our favorite semesterly activities where students give back to the community that hosts them throughout their program. This event has been organized at JMU in Virginia since 1982 and in Florence since 2014. Students pick up trash and remove stickers to contribute to the preservation of the UNESCO world heritage center of Florence.

According to students, “the Big Event is a wonderful way to give back to the community that is graciously hosting us during our time here. It helps me feel more connected to Florence and it’s history and helping the city was very rewarding.”

Federigo Argentieri teaches Foreign Policy and Security in the EUPS spring semester.

According to students, he is one of the most knowledgeable professors they have ever had. He has a deep understanding of the material of his course and his passion for teaching is evident. Students have likened him to “a walking history textbook”.

We are thankful for Dr. Argentieri’s contribution to the EUPS program and appreciate the dedication he shows to his students.

Prof. Argentieri describes his time teaching with JMU Florence and working with American students as “worth the weekly commute from Rome, because students are brilliant and are willing to work hard”. When asked how he decides which subjects to focus on each semester, Argentieri said “topics are chosen according to the geopolitical situation [and] it is important to focus on current events, because the more the course is linked to what is going on in the world right now, the better it is”.

We would like to thank Federigo for his willingness to work with our students and prepare them so thoroughly for future international, diplomatic and global careers.

EUPS and SIF students spread their wings this spring break and traveled far and wide! ✈️🌎

Whether they remained in Europe with friends or spent the time with family, our students enjoyed their breaks full of new experiences! Here’s to unforgettable memories and endless adventure!

When you studied abroad at JMU Florence, what was your favorite trip that you took?

Dr. Ann-Kathrin Reinl is a new addition to the JMU Florence staff teaching Economics and Social Policy.

She received her PhD from the University of Cologne with a dissertation on transnational solidarity in times of crises. According to students, she is ”personally invested in the success of her students”. She is “passionate, well informed, and approachable”.

Students admire her dedication and intellect as she guides them through the semester. We are so honored to have Dr. Reinl as a member of our cohesive and dedicated team!

JMU Florence was honored to welcome distinguished representatives from the US Southern European Task Force - Africa for a thought-provoking dialogue with our EUPS cohort! 🌟

Delving deep into the intricacies of global policy and diplomacy, the event has igniting sparks of insight and collaboration. A major thank you to Mr. Colonel Joseph G. Bruhl, Mr. Colonel Matthew E Kopp, and Ms. Lidija Simlesa.

We look forward to future collaboration between JMU, SETAF, and our students!

While in Rome, EUPS students were able to visit many political institutions.

At the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies, students spoke with a panel about their work in supporting the EU initiative of NextGenerationEU. A major thank you to Dr. Caterina Ciochetta, Dr. Clara Marchese, Dr. Laura Mastroianni, Dr. Giorgio Musso, and Dr. Nicola Viola for their time and passion in their presentations.

Students were able to visit the Chamber of Deputies where they learned about the role of the Italian Parliament both within the EU as well as globally.

The academic excursion to Rome is one our favorite annual trips and we are so thankful for every practitioner that spoke with our students. 🇮🇹✨

Exploring Rome’s Political Landscape: 🏛️

EUPS students delved into the heart of European governance during their four-day adventure in Rome.

From enlightening talks with EU Ambassador Alexandra Valkenburg, Head of the Delegation of the EU to the Holy Sea, Order of Malta, the UN Organizations in Rome, and the Republic of San Marino, to insights from Mr. Alessandro Giannì, Greenpeace Italia Campaign Director, and Dr. Leo Goretti, Political Analyst and Editor of the International Spectator Review.

Guided by Dr. Paolucci, they uncovered Rome’s rich culture and history through captivating walks, while also visiting the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Their journey extended in time and space to contemplating the future of North and South Korea relations with Dr. John Delury. 🌍