The Department of International Studies and History, Christ (Deemed to be University), organized a guest lecture on ‘European Integration and International Economics’, on 27th August, 2019. The lecture was delivered by Prof. Jan Lanser, a senior professor of International economics, at the Arnhem Business School, Han University. Students as well as staff from the Department of International Studies, were present for the event.

The speaker commenced his lecture by acquainting the audience with certain key aspects of his very own country, Netherlands. He alluded to certain key elements that are peculiar to Netherlands. In the process of doing this, he talked about the Dutch language, culture, economy; and their position in the world - economically and geographically.

Mr. Jan Lanser then advanced into the principle subject matter of the lecture by providing a brief overview of the European Union.

At the very onset of the lecture, Mr. Lanser clarified that when he talks about European integration, he is, in essence, only referring to the European Union. However, he further emphasized that, the EU is only a part of Europe and not the whole of Europe. And hence, he reminded the audience to consider this, throughout his talk.

He further ventured into the topic by introducing the various economic and political organizations that play a pivotal role in developing and maintaining relations between the states of the European continent. The underlying aim of each of the organizations that were mentioned during the talk was: European integration. However, Prof. Lanser, points out, that due to the multiplicity of organisations, and their very often overlapping roles, it was confusing even for a European to figure out a relatively optimal method of advancing towards an increased European integration.

There have been several rounds of discussion on whether the EU should be a federal state or an intragovernmental body or adopt a supranational identity. The existence of numerous international organizations in the region only further deepens this dilemma that Europe faces.

The speaker then progressed into providing the gathering with statistical data about the European Union. He used this data to also indicate the disparity in the GDP per inhabitant, across the European countries. This disparity deteriorates the relations between the European states, as certain countries in the bargain of aiding economically less advantaged states, often receive less than what they contribute.

Having mentioned the discord that such a disparity brings forth, the speaker then highlighted the reasons for BREXIT to have occurred. He points out to 3 core reasons: Net Contribution, Immigration and Sentiments, that drove the UK into BREXIT. He also enumerated the ways in which UK can leave the European Union and further reflects on the impact of each of them. He finally discussed the BACKSTOP as it poses a significant threat to UK’s position of wanting to exit from the Union.

The speaker very meticulously introduced the audience to several economic concepts that are complex to understand, when studied or read about individually. He constantly drew parallels as well as differences between Netherlands and India or Europe and India. This facilitated the entire process of comprehending the dilemma that Europe faces when it comes to integration.  The session was an interactive one, where Prof. Jan Lanser, constantly kept the audience engaged with his witty remarks and personal anecdotes. There was more than sufficient scope for discussion and debate throughout his lecture.

The lecture was followed by a Q&A session. Prof. Jan Lanser was then presented with a vote of thanks and memento by Dr. Vineeth Thomas, Assistant Professor, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore.