About
The European Union with its 25 member countries and 451 million inhabitants is positioned to become the world's largest economy. The emergence of the EU as a more independent political and economic power after the fall of the Iron Curtain and the subsequent changes in global power structures make it imperative to devote increased academic study to it. The European Union countries and its member nations will remain the most important allies and trade partners of the United States in the foreseeable future. Closer investigation of the EU, of its continued development, and of its relations across the Atlantic is therefore in the vital interest of the United States.
The relationship with Europe is equally important for the State of Texas. Texas is more dependent on foreign trade than any other state. Exports during 2003 totaled more than $98.8 billion; Texas is ranked as the number one state by export revenues and second on a per capita basis.
The European Union plays an important role for the economy in the State of Texas:
- Texas is the second largest exporter to the EU (after California, and tied with New York).
- The EU is the second-largest export market for Texas (after Mexico).
- The EU invests 67.3 billion dollars in the State of Texas, which is more than in any other state (2001).
- The EU is the most important foreign investor in Texas (60% of foreign investment in Texas in 2001).
- EU investments support an estimated 248,100 jobs in Texas (2001).
- Exports to the EU support an estimated 78,300 jobs in Texas (2002).
By highlighting an interdisciplinary course of study and by offering degree plans that are not limited by traditional disciplinary boundaries, the Center for European Studies can respond to political and private sector demands for integrated studies that include both academic study and professional training.
A primary mission of the Center is to promote interdisciplinary research and teaching in the humanities, the social sciences, and in professional schools as well as to promote communication across established academic division lines (departments, colleges, national traditions of scholarship). It provides a forum for interested faculty and students and coordinates existing campus and community resources.
The Center is in the process of bringing to campus scholars and creative thinkers in this field of study from the United States as well as from different countries and cultures, thus visibly contributing to the internationalization of our campus. The Center promotes international student and faculty exchanges as well as initiating non-traditional forms of international exchange (such as work and internship programs).