European Studies

Why did you choose European Studies?
‘Like many secondary school students, after I finished my pre-university education I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted to study. I began doing a Foundation Course in Spanish, but I soon realized that although I really enjoyed learning the language, the course lacked an international element. Back then, there wasn't a Foundation Course in European Studies, but you could register for the subject at the Master's level after completing a Foundation Course in a language or history. That's what I ended up doing, and luckily it worked out for the best.'

How did you structure your studies?
'After completing the Foundation Course in Spanish, I began my Master's in European Studies, with a minor in European Law. An Erasmus scholarship also enabled me to study for a year in the city of Oviedo in the north of Spain. In addition to European Studies, I also studied Law, specializing in the Master's International and European Law programme. I made good use of the knowledge I had acquired in these two studies during my internship at the political division of the Dutch Embassy in Madrid, which I recently completed.
I'm very satisfied with my studies. They are relatively small scale, and the involvement of the lecturers in European Studies was especially pleasant. The broad approach is something I consider an advantage, rather than a disadvantage. Although I possess considerable legal knowledge, it's certainly useful that I'm able to apply it in certain (macro-)economic developments.' 

Why should others opt for this programme?
'The first reaction I get when I say that I took European Studies is almost without exception: ‘And what can you accomplish with it?' The question is entirely unjustified. Completing European Studies doesn't mean you're suddenly perfectly prepared for one specific profession. What you do take with you though, aside from the academic skills you learn, is extensive knowledge of Europe's political and cultural history, as well as how the European Union functions in legal and economic terms. '

An award-winning thesis

You won the AUV thesis prize in European Studies for your thesis, 'The European Arrest Warrant and the Abolition of the Double Criminality Principle: Progress or Peril?'. Can you briefly tell us what the thesis is about?
'My research deals with the abolition of the traditional requirement for double criminality, which prevailed in extradition laws between member states of the European Union in 2002. This requirement is based on the principle that an offence should also be liable to punishment in the state requesting extradition. Now that this principle is no longer in effect, due to the introduction of the European Arrest Warrant, decisions by other member states requesting extradition have to obviously be complied with without delay because they are considered to be democratic and acceptable by the rule of law. Although abolition is justifiable in many cases, democratic and legal problems can arise if a member state exerts their judicial powers beyond its territory and therefore requests extradition for a crime that did not take place on its territory. These kinds of acts are in conflict with the principle of mutual trust that exists between member states.'

How did you arrive at this subject?
'Due to the controversy, the framework decision regarding the European Arrest Warrant regularly came up while I was studying both European Studies and International and European Law.'

What interests you about this subject?
'I think it's especially interesting that a subject which initially seems purely related to (European) criminal law, turns out to touch upon a large number of other topics that are vital for a good understanding of the prevalent discussion. These include European history and cultural diversity, for example, and international human rights.'

Do you have any tips for students who still have to write their thesis?
'The most important tip I can offer is also the most obvious one: choose a subject that you like and that you expect will captivate you for more than just a few weeks. I also think many students spend too much time researching their subject. A thorough preparation is essential, but at a certain point you just have to put your pen to paper and then make the best of what you've got.'

Future plans

What are your plans now that you have completed your studies?
'The first thing I'm going to do is travel to India, Nepal and Southeast Asia. I then look forward to starting an interesting job that dovetails with my university background. Not only because of my studies, but also because of my internship and other positions and jobs I had on the side, I know that I enjoy writing papers. My preference is also decidedly in favour of an international, multicultural environment.'