Student visit to the National Parliament of Austria and to the Rep. of EC and EP in Vienna

Yesterday, on 30th of March 2006, the Export students of 6th semester (accompanied with several Exchange and VIII semester students) paid a visit to the National Parliament of Austria followed by visit to the Representation of European Commission to Austria and Information Office of the European Parliament in Vienna (under the auspices of Chair for Intl. Law and Global Political Studies).To observe the work of Parliament (National Council) was a unique opportunity, especially since our students witnessed some of the highlights of yesterday session with the expose of Dr. Caspar Einem (former Minister of Interior) and Dr. Martin Bartenstein, serving Economy Minister (both of them were speakers previously invited to the IMC).

Second part of yesterday’s study visit started with the presentation on the EP, its mandate, scope and future perspective – part taken over by the Deputy Head of Information Office of the EP, Mr. Wolfang Hiller, and followed by presentation on the work of Representation of EC in Austria given by Ms. Olivia Divjak, EC Rep. official (2004 IMC EXP graduate).

This well-prepared 90-minutes event was concluded with the tour-de-house, which our students used to check the library of EC/EP representation and collect useful literature (besides many brochures and leaflets dispatched by organizers during the lecture).

Summing up at the end of this content-intensive and extremely valuable event, both Mr. Karl Doutlik (Head of Representation) and Mr. Michael Reinprecht (Head of IB of the EP) stated that they were impressed by interest, commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated throughout the questions and discussion with the EC/EP representatives, and expressed the wish to continue such visits (that started last year) as by addressing forthcoming generations with the EU-related issues.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic