The “2025 Young Scholars Symposium on European Studies” jointly funded by the University of Macau’s Department of Government and Public Administration (Faculty of Social Sciences) and the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme, was successfully held at the University of Macau (UM) recently. Focusing on the profound transformations in Europe’s political, economic, and social landscape, the event brought together over twenty young scholars from prestigious institutions including Peking University, Fudan University, and the University of Oxford to explore cutting-edge issues in European studies.
In his opening speech, Prof. Weixing Hu, dean of the FSS, emphasized that Macao serves as a vital bridge for exchanges between China and Europe. He highlighted that Macao’s unique geographical and historical context provides a rich empirical setting for European studies. Dean Hu encouraged young scholars to delve deeply into new pathways for China-Europe relations amid the global restructuring of power. Assistant dean Prof. Bo Wen noted that the symposium aims to foster interdisciplinary exchange and academic collaboration, promoting innovation and development in European studies within China.
The symposium featured seven parallel forums covering topics such as European integration and governance, China-Europe relations, and EU strategic autonomy. Participating young scholars presented their latest research findings and received insightful, constructive academic feedback from senior scholars representing Tsinghua University, Sun Yat-sen University, East China Normal University, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, and the University of Macau.
The closing ceremony was summarized by Prof. Weiqing Song, Jean Monnet Chair Professor at UM, who remarked that the innovative contributions of young scholars in European studies will provide fresh perspectives for China-Europe cooperation. The successful hosting of this symposium has further solidified the University’s role as an academic hub in the field of European studies.
