Rachel is on the left. Next to her is Ashley then Whitney. The hole-in-the-nose girls!!
We had a great trip to the EU!! Some of us went back to Maastricht early while the others stayed in Brussels until 7:00 p.m.
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European Union On Monday, April 14, the University of Central Arkansas faculty and students and faculty and students from the Maastricht Center for Trans-Atlantic Studies, boarded a bus and traveled to Brussels, Belgium, where we entered the headquarters of the European Union. While in the headquarters, we were taken to the Council of Ministers' chambers where the Secretary to the Council spoke to us and answered questions. The European Union (EU) currently has 15 members - countries in Europe. Another 13 countries are candidates. Just yesterday (April 13), Hungary voted to joint the EU and should enter in June 2004. The photos below are of our trip to Brussels and our visit to the Council of Ministers' chamber. |
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We departed from Maastricht at 7:30 a.m. and traveled westward. Our route took us here where we followed the signs to Leuven and Brussels. |
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As we got closer to Brussels, the traffic got heavier and heavier. This is what it was like as we got within 20 kilometers. |
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Here is the sign showing our location and the traffic. |
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As we got nearer to the headquarters of the EU, we had these signs to direct us. The symbol of the EU is a blue flag with white stars in a circle. |
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This is the EU headquarters building in Brussels. I took it through the bus window as we were pulling away so it is not very good. We entered a courtyard that is in between the two blue banners. |
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This is the EU flag. Part of it is in shadow so it is rather difficult to see the stars. |
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Our bus was the one in the background. There were about 60 of us in this double decker bus. We also carried lunches that were prepared by out cafeteria staff. |
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Here is part of our group as we waited to enter the building. You can see Kathleen, Katherine, Jason, Whitney, Ashley, and Paul. |
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This is Dr. Bonhomme waiting patiently. Shanna can also be seen. |
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There is Rachel, Kathleen, Ashley, Whitney, and Paul. Lindsey and Corrine are on the right. |
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Corrine, Lindsey, Britni, Shanna are toward the left. Ben and Megan are on the right. The lady in the dress is Dr. Ruth Doyle, U.S. Director of the Maastricht Central for Trans-Atlantic Studies. She coordinated the trip to the EU. |
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Inside the EU building, we found this sign. Someone had created a tank and placed it adjacent to a no smoking sign. We took it to mean that whomever created the sign was opposed to the war in Iraq. |
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This is the Council of Ministers' Chamber at the EU. We are all seated at places where EU ministers sit while in session. The Secretary to the Council is the man at the end by the window. |
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Dr. Doyle is on the right and the Secretary is on the left. He spent an hour or so telling us about the complex administrative structure then responded to a few questions. It was a very interesting presentation and discussion. |
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There is Dr. Bonhomme listening intently to the Secretary. |
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Britni and Lindsey were also listening. |
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Kathernine is even taking notes - such a good student!! |
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Ben is doing something and Megan and Britany are over his right shoulder. I don't think Megan was asleep! |
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Shanna and Jason are listening very carefully! Jason had spent the night in Brussels after having attended some concert. |
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Rachel is on the left. Next to her is Ashley then Whitney. The hole-in-the-nose girls!!
We had a great trip to the EU!! Some of us went back to Maastricht early while the others stayed in Brussels until 7:00 p.m. |