Pitt Seminar to Compare European Union, Southern Common Market

May 9, 2002

PITTSBURGH—The University of Pittsburgh is offering a seminar to compare two regional organizations, the European Union (EU) and MERCOSUR—the Southern Common Market—from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, in Room 2M2P Posvar Hall, 230 S. Bouquet Street, in Oakland.

The free seminar, titled "Comparative Regionalism: The European Union and MERCOSUR," is designed for college and university faculty as well as business professionals. Presenters will focus on the common characteristics of the EU and MERCOSUR. MERCOSUR was founded in 1994 by Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

Among the presenters scheduled to participate are Alberta Sbragia, Pitt professor of political science and director of the University's Center for West European Studies and the European Union Center; Steven Husted, Pitt professor of economics; Laura Hastings, Pitt professor of public and international affairs, associate director for academic affairs in the College of General Studies, and associate director of the Global Studies Program in the University Center for International Studies; Lawrence Graham, professor of government and associate vice president for international programs at the University of Texas; and Minister Counselor of the Brazilian Embassy Paulo Almeida.

Participants also will have an opportunity to see a demonstration of an on-line International Trade Data Mining System, developed by University of Pittsburgh graduate students.

The seminar is sponsored by Pitt's European Union Center/Center for West European Studies, Center for Latin American Studies, and International Business Center. For more information, call 412/648-7394, or visit the Web site, www.ucis.pitt.edu/eu-mercosur/.

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