12:00 PM
Illinois European Union Center
by Justin
Ostrowski
 |
| Brussels was filled with breathtaking architecture |
As I checked into the Euroflat Hotel I was still in disbelief of just how close I was to such a powerful entity. I excitedly rode the elevator to my room and, after meeting my roommate for the week, looked out of our (not-so-child friendly) hotel room window to admire the Commission building.
This
was the beginning of my European Union adventure in Brussels, which was much
more exciting and stimulating than one would expect. I was inside the belly of
the beast hearing of the inner workings of the EU from the people who work
there every day, something that a classroom setting can’t quite emulate. Seeing
the sights that EU diplomats see, walking the streets that they walk,
experiencing the atmosphere that they experience! It’s all quite exciting and
eye opening for a first time EU visitor, but it seems mundane and monotonous to
the people walking around me, hustling and bustling to their next meeting to
solidify trade negotiations with the United States, prepare the bureaucracy for
Croatia (their newly added member), or discuss pressing political matters with
visiting world leaders.
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A view of the European Commission building
from our hotel room window |
Although
many of the visits we made were intriguing, my favorite was the visit to the
European Parliament where we attended a Committee on Foreign Relations meeting
with the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament. This meeting clearly demonstrated
the day to day interactions of European politicians and showcased some partisan
politicking that I didn’t really expect to see in the EU. After the Speaker of
the Georgian Parliament finished his speech and the floor was open to EU
Parliamentarian questioning, the room was clearly polarized while
simultaneously maintaining and air of professionalism. Some members even took
the time to criticize the existence of the EU and the significantly
underutilized (and mostly unnecessary) location in Strasbourg, France. For
someone who has never even been to Washington D.C. or an Illinois State
Legislative meeting, this was an invaluable eye opening experience that helped
me to solidify my idea of just what happens in these settings.
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| The Speaker of the Georgian Parliament (far right) addressing members of the EU |
And then, of course, there’s Brussels. Cobblestone
streets, quaint brick buildings crowded between grandiose neoclassical marvels,
and waffles! Waffles big and small with infinite candy, syrup, ice cream, and
fruit toppings that will turn your blood into pure sugar. The center of
Brussels is dotted with little waffle stands between the tourist shops and
seemingly ubiquitous construction, so naturally I visited three of them. After
sampling this Belgian tastebud wonderland, I have to say that they were the
best waffles I have ever had! Although there are so many things to do and see
in Brussels, grabbing a waffle would be on the top of my list of
recommendations for anyone visiting the capital of Europe.
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Delicious waffle covered in whipped cream
and chocolate sauce |
Unfortunately,
I could not stay in Brussels for long. After the study tour, I had to take off
for my summer of playing the saxophone in Vienna. I bid farewell to this quaint
yet magnificent city, but I will always remember the time I spent there.
Whether I was learning about the EU, wandering the streets of Brussels,
enjoying the Belgian beer, or just admiring the atmosphere, my EU adventure in
Brussels was an amazing experience that will stick with me for the rest of my
life.
Photo credit: Justin Ostrowski
Justin Ostrowski is a senior in
Political Science and Economics with a minor in LGBT/Queer Studies at the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is a member of the Illinois
Student Senate and can frequently be found playing saxophone around
Champaign-Urbana. After graduating, he plans to attend graduate school and law
school.
Brussels: Go for the Study, Stay for the Waffles
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