EUnitas Echo Edition 1

Welcome to the EUnitas Newsletter!

By Anna Gudimova

As we step into a new semester, we are thrilled to introduce the EUnitas Newsletter—a monthly publication designed to keep our community informed, engaged, and inspired. Let this newsletter serve as your go-to source for updates, insights, and resources related to our EUnitas and the broader European Public Health (EPH) field.

Our goal is simple: to provide valuable and relevant content that enhances your academic and personal experience at Maastricht University. Each issue will feature a mix of informative and interactive sections, including:

• EU Updates – a look at key developments in Brussels and across the European Union.

• Student of the Month – celebrating outstanding members of our community.

• Course Tips & Tricks – advice from peers to help you navigate different courses.

• Events & Happenings – a roundup of activities within EUnitas and Maastricht.

• Awareness & Mental Health Sections – thought-provoking facts, challenges, and wellbeing initiatives.

• Fun & Games – engaging puzzles and activities tied to EPH themes.

Who We Are: About EUnitas

EUnitas is the dedicated study association for all European Public Health (EPH) students at Maastricht University. Our mission is to enhance the academic and social experiences of our members through a variety of initiatives and events.

Our 17th Board

Currently, EUnitas is proudly led by its 17th board, comprising six dedicated individuals:

• President - Meysam Khadivi

• Vice President - Stella Rurema

• Secretary - Mirte Heemstra

• Treasurer - Elina Dzhamgaryan

• Head of Education - Vanessa Nikolenko-Saar

• Head of Public Relations - Noémie Meyer

This edition marks the beginning of what we hope will become a valuable tradition. Let’s make the most of it together!

Stay tuned, stay engaged, and stay inspired.

— The Community Networking Committee and EUnitas Team

EUpdates

By Seb Gerretsen

Artificial Intelligence as Gatekeeper to Europe

The Use of AI for Border Control in Europe

Ubiquitous monitoring with Artificial Intelligence (AI), 24 hours a day using X-rays, drones, heat sensors, and much more. This might sound like a fictional dystopia, but it is not just fiction; it is the reality of the day-to-day lives of migrants in multiple EU-funded camps in Greece. However, AI is used not only to control ‘security risks’ due to migration near Greece’s borders but also on the border with Turkey, closer to home in the Northern Sea (Noordzee), and many other places ¹. This begs the question: how is the use of AI in border control shaped in the EU?

A 2021 report from the European Parliamentary Research Service established that EU member states (MS) are increasingly utilising AI to enhance border control and reduce security risks associated with cross-border terrorism and serious crime. The report indicates that MS are overwhelmingly optimistic about the ‘smartening’ of their borders and identifies three primary applications of AI by MS. 

Firstly, member states increasingly use biometric identification, including automated facial and fingerprint recognition. While the Schengen Information System has permitted the storage of fingerprints (and images) from the very beginning, a relatively new development is facial recognition. Currently, facial recognition is mainly utilised in airports to validate identities. Secondly, algorithmic risk assessments are used that can scan large amounts of data to find persons of interest in terms of risks for security and the chance of irregular migration. The scanned data that is used for such systems includes, amongst others, contact details and travel dates from airline companies operating extra-EU flights. Lastly, AI tools are also used for migration monitoring, analysis and forecasting. This allows MS to react to any changes in migration flows that might occur ².

However, while MS's outlook on using AI to smarten its borders might be positive, not everyone is happy with the shift towards smart borders. Biometric identification in terms of fingerprints is relatively reliable (error rate ~0.1%). However, facial recognition technologies leave a lot to be desired as they pose a myriad of other risks. Facial recognition systems can be hacked and whilst a leaked photo may seem relatively unharmful, it has serious consequences. The information accomplished with the picture in the system could, for example, be used for identity theft. 

Furthermore, facial recognition systems are trained using giant databases with photos. If these databases contain any biases, like including more males, then substantial bias will occur in the recognition technology. Moreover, these systems introduce privacy concerns, for example with citizens not being asked for explicit consent ³. Algorithmic risk assessments and AI tools for migration monitoring, analysis and forecasting pose similar problems. Databases used to train the systems include risks of biases leading to potentially severe privacy issues. Considering these severe risks and the sensitivity of the data, one would assume that the matter would be approached with greater caution. However, considering the positive outlook of MS, caution might have been thrown into the wind.

In 2023, The EU reacted to similar problems with AI with the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) (Regulation 2024/1689). This regulation aims to prevent the misuse of AI. However, Article 5 of said regulation states that AI practices, such as biometric recognition, are allowed in the case of “the prevention of a specific, substantial and imminent threat to the life or physical safety of natural persons or a genuine and present or genuine and foreseeable threat of a terrorist attack” (paragraph h, subpoint ii). You might already be able to predict the problem that arises here. Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers are often recognised by MS to be a security risk. The AI act, in trying to enable MS to prevent security threats, thus leaves refugees, migrants and asylum seekers particularly exposed ⁴.

The use of AI to ‘smarten’ European borders is undeniably growing. Member states mainly use AI for automated biometric identification, algorithmic risk assessments, and AI tools for migration monitoring, analysis and forecasting. However, these usages of AI aren’t without risk. Issues with the systems originate from biases in the data, privacy technical issues and more. While the EU tried to improve the safe use of AI with the AI Act, the act failed to protect refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers. More attention must be paid to this issue worldwide. In conclusion, AI is reshaping Europe’s borders, which can increase efficiency, but it’s doing so at an extremely high cost, especially for refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers. Member States must ask themselves if the benefits really do outweigh the costs, and if so, for who.

1. Mrkaja, Deana; Christides, Giorgos; Fallon, Katy; Schmitz, Florian; Arbide Aza, Hibai; Meyer, Marguerite (2024, February 2). Big borther: Inside Europe's AI boom in migration. The European Correspondent. https://www.europeancorrespondent.com/ 

2. Dumbrava, Costica; European Parliamentary Research Service. (2021, July). Artificial intelligence at EU borders: Overview of applications and key issues (Study No. 690706). European Parliament. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/IDAN/2021/690706/EPRS_IDA(2021)690706_EN.pdf

3. Liberties.EU (2022, October 25); 7 Biggest Privacy Concerns Around Facial Recognition Technology https://www.liberties.eu/en/stories/recognition-privacy-concerns 

4. Amnesty international (2023, June 14); EU: European Parliament adopts ban on facial recognition but leaves migrants, refugees and asylum seekers at risk. 

Events 

By Lexie McConnell

Upcoming - 

[DISCLAIMER: events are subject to change - keep up to date through our social media!]

Date (s)	Name	Time and Place	Description
EVERY Tuesday	Stammtisch	8:30pm John Mullins Irish Pub	Tuesday is calling... and that means Stammtisch is back! Join us this week for another round of good company, great conversations, and the perfect midweek break. No pressure, no planning - just show up, settle in, and let the tradition continue. See you there!
Thursday  03.04.25	Chill after exams	5pm  Stadspark  [weather dependent]	Exams done, stress gone! The return of our ‘chill after exams’ promises a chill company and good vibes before the next period.
Tuesday 08.04.25	Bunny Run	7pm Various locations	Introducing a Stammtisch special: ‘The Great Bunny Bar Hunt’. Hop from bar to bar, sipping and searching for the ultimate prize - people dressed as bunnies! Think you can out-hop the competition? Lace up the drinking shoes and let the bunny hunt begin…
Wednesday 09.04.25	Easter egg hunt + crafts	TBC	From egg hunts to creative workshops, there's something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to connect with fellow students, relax, and enjoy some Easter treats!
Wednesday 30.04.25	Bowling	7pm Olround Bowlingcentrum	Whether you're a pro aiming for strikes or just here for the fun (and maybe the bar), this night is all about friendly competition, laughs, and epic victories. Bring your A-game to be crowned king or queen of the lanes!
Thursday 24.04.25	King’s Day pres	9pm  Location TBC	Orange, tunes, and booze - let’s kick off King’s Day the right way! Hype up, drink up, and get ready for the biggest party of the year. See you there!
Thursday  08.05.25	Complex Party	11pm Complex	Get ready for a disco themed night of nonstop beats, flashing lights, and dance floor domination! The DJs are spinning, the drinks are flowing, and the vibe is set … Join EUnitas and Universalis for an unforgettable night.

Course Tips! 

By Devanshi Chawla

Calling all First-Years! 📢

Welcome to Healthy Environments & Sustainability (HE&S) — the course where climate change meets public health, and policies shape the world you live in. This course is not just the traditional, learn and study but rather one that can be applied to day to day notions! 🌱

This course is about thinking critically, making connections, and challenging the way sustainability is approached in the European Union. You’ll dive into complex systems, the difference in environments, climate change and much more leaving you with a deeper understanding and hopefully a newfound appreciation for how the smallest changes can create the biggest impact. 🌿

To help you survive and thrive in HE&S, we’ve gathered tips and tricks to help you in this course! Don’t worry, we’re not here to give you the generic “stay organised”! We’re here to provide real and practical advice! 💚

• System Thinking and Visualising ✍️ : Psst… system thinking does help, it is not just there for decoration! Using mind maps and creating systems will help you visualise your studying! And, there are chances you might have to explain it in the exam! 🤫

• Apply What You Learn to Everyday Life ♻️: Look at your own habits and surroundings—how does urban planning, air quality, or food sustainability affect your health? Maybe that might put some things into perspective. 🤷

• Understand the Meaning of “Precautionary Principle”: When in doubt, act cautiously. The precautionary principle is a core idea in this course and applies to everything!

• Nature and Health are More Connected Than You Think 🌳: Expect to explore how green spaces affect mental health and how pollution impacts disease. 

• Sustainability is NOT Just Climate Change 🌱: Climate change might be mentioned in this course but it is not the core element of sustainability. Sustainability also covers urban planning, food systems, mental health, and even economic stability. 

Awareness 

By Michael Naftel

February is recognised as Black History Month, a time to recognise and celebrate the contributions, achievements, and history of black individuals. Widely known names such as Malcolm X, Harriet Tubman, and Katherine Johnson are frequently mentioned during Black History Month; it is equally important to recognise the contributions of less-known black pioneers in light of their groundbreaking achievements. 

The 19th century marked a time where black individuals were forced to overcome significant barriers in order to succeed. James McCune Smith was the first Black American to earn a medical degree, graduating from the University of Glasgow in 1837 after being denied admission to U.S. medical schools due to racial discrimination. As a physician, abolitionist, and author, Smith advocated strongly for the end of slavery by using scientific reasoning to debunk common myths that had detrimental effects on black stereotypes. He opened the first Black-owned pharmacy in New York and provided medical care to underserved communities the same year he graduated in Glasgow. His work in medicine and social justice laid the foundation for future generations of Black professionals in healthcare. Similarly, Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first black woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. In an era where few women were enrolled in medical schools, she overcame intersectionality to become a physician in 1864, enabling her to provide medical care to formerly enslaved people who had limited access to healthcare following the Civil War. She later wrote “A Book of Medical Discourses, in Two Parts”, one of the first medical texts written by a black person, sharing her knowledge to improve public health.

A modern example of an influential black figure is Mark Dean, who is responsible for some of the most significant advancements in personal computing. As a lead engineer at IBM, he co-developed the first coloured PC monitor and helped design the Industry Standard Architecture system, allowing computers to communicate with peripheral devices such as printers or flashcards. In 1997, he was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame and awarded the Black Engineer of the Year President’s Award. In his later years, he has advocated for diversity in STEM, inspiring young Black engineers to pursue careers in technology. 

Learning about the achievements of the aforementioned and countless other black figures provides a deeper understanding of history, broadens perspectives, and helps combat racial stereotypes. By celebrating Black history, we honour the resilience, brilliance, and achievements of those who have paved the way for future generations. 

Game Corner

By Nicholas Biernath 

Across

4. A broad measure of physical and mental health.

7. The European agency that monitors and prevents infectious diseases.

8. The extent to which healthcare services are available to a population.

10. Air An environmental factor critical to respiratory health.

11. A financial system that helps cover medical costs.

12. A global outbreak of a disease, like COVID-19.

14. The global organization coordinating public health efforts.

17. Facilities where patients receive medical

treatment.

18. Isolation to prevent the spread of disease.

19. Immunity Community protection from disease through widespread vaccination.

20. Health An increasingly recognized aspect of public health in Europe.

Down

1. The study of disease patterns and transmission.

2. Public health efforts focused on hygiene and waste management.

3. A public health insurance model used in some countries.

5. An organism, like a mosquito, that spreads disease.

6. A highly contagious disease preventable by vaccination.

9. A growing public health concern in European populations.

13. A drug used to treat bacterial infections.

15. A sudden increase in disease cases in a specific area.

16. Government rules ensuring health and safety standards.

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.

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Student of the Month

EUnitas is excited to recognise Isra Ghedas as EPH’s ‘Student of the Month’ as nominated by a peer. 

Isra is a first-year student who has demonstrated diligence in attending all her lectures and tutorials despite living three hours away! She has passed her courses well so far whilst being a great support to those around her. 

Well done Isra, EUnitas commends you😊