Third Global Conference
REDEFINING EUROPE - CALL FOR PAPERS
The Redefinition of European Identity

Girme American University, North Cyprus
June 5-8, 2006

GRADUATE STUDENTS ESSAY CONTEST

The Ashburn Institute (AI) sponsors an annual research study program on issues of democracy and federalism.
In a third part series on Redefining Europe, we are setting out to evaluate the expansion of the European Union over the last two years and to investigate the opportunities and implications this phenomenon poses. In particular, through a multidisciplinary conference, we would like to assess the development of the proposed EU Constitution with reference to federalist and democratic principles and ideals. Additionally, the need to address the impact of an enlarged EU on its relations with the United States is equally important. And finally, to redefine European Identity. With this conference location in Cyprus we would also like to address the Cyprus North/South issues.
As a result of these studies, we hope to build a roadmap to
(1) a stronger EU;
(2) a stronger Euro-Atlantic partnership; and
(3) an EU in which newly accessed countries can play a key role in the decision-making process as well as relations within and outside this growing international organization.

As the beneficiary of the Mayme and Herb Frank Educational Fund established to support the graduate study of international integration and federalism, the Ashburn Institute will sponsor several graduate students in an all expenses paid trip to participate and present their work at our 2006 Redefining Europe conference.
Graduate students are invited to write an eight page (single-spaced) essay on one of the following themes:

1. The proposed Constitution of the EU and the impact of federalist and/or democratic principles
2. The opportunities and implications the EU expansion has had or will have on democracy, liberty, and international cooperation;
3. The role or impact the expanded EU has or will have on relations with the United States

4. A study on the issue of equal representation of all members of the EU
5. The issue of sovereignty in the development of the EU
6. Implications for European and state systems of educational institutions, political organizations, judicial organs, and social welfare.
7. The future process of state accession to the European Union.
8. The changing identity of the E.U.
9. The Cyprus North/South issues.

Note : This is only a provisional list; related topics will also be considered.

Requirements : This essay contest is limited to graduate students only.
Essays should be no longer than 8 pages single-spaced (suitable for a 20 minutes presentation)
Deadline : Essays are to be submitted by April 30, 2006.
Application Process : Please submit a complete essay, cover letter and a copy of your graduate transcripts to the Frank Educational Fund Program through:

Email: info@ashburninstitute.org
Fax: 202-220-1389
Mail: Ashburn Institute
The Frank Educational Fund - Essay Contest
P.O. Box 77164
Washington , D.C. 20013-7164
United States of America