Specialized Lecture: “The European Union and Normative Power”
Within the framework of the Jean Monnet Project and the IBP24 & DDP07 Freshman Orientation Week, on September 2025, the Saigon International School of Business – Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking (SaigonISB-HUB) organized a specialized session titled “The European Union and Normative Power” for freshmen of the International Bachelor’s Program awarded by Partner institutions (IBP24) and the International Bachelor’s Program with Dual Degree (DDP07).
This activity is part of the Jean Monnet Project sponsored by the European Union, and is integrated with the Freshman Orientation Week series. The lecture content was designed and delivered by Dr. Mario De Martino; Dr. Luong Thi Thu Thuy- Acting director of SaigonISB, and MSc. Nguyen An Binh, experts with extensive experience in international relations and EU project management.
MSc. Nguyen An Binh, Head of International Relations Office at Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking, delivering content about the course.
The session helped students approach foundational knowledge about the EU’s global role, particularly the concept of normative power – one of the distinctive characteristics that shapes the EU’s unique position in international relations. Through analysis of instruments, methods, and practical examples (such as enlargement policy in the Western Balkans, EU-Africa relations, and the EVFTA agreement with Vietnam), students gained deeper understanding of how the EU shapes global rules, norms, and values not through military force, but through diplomacy, cooperation, and sustainable development commitments.
Notably, the freshmen were encouraged to participate in discussions and raise questions about the impact of normative power on Vietnam, as well as the possibility of applying this model within ASEAN. This was not only an opportunity to develop critical thinking skills, but also to spark proactive learning attitudes and international integration awareness from their first year.
Students presenting and discussing the session topics.
Dr. Luong Thi Thu Thuy- Acting director of SaigonISB delivering the course content
The session contributes to realizing HUB’s goal of making international cooperation activities an important part of the student experience. Through the Jean Monnet Project and international joint training programs, the university not only provides opportunities to access European academic standards, but also nurtures a generation of global students – dynamic, knowledgeable, and ready to integrate internationally.