Welcome to my blog, where I'll share my experiences and insights from my academic journey, EU environmental policies and other related stuff. In this first article, let's look at the College of Europe, why I chose to study for a postgraduate degree in International Relations and EU Diplomacy, and what this program makes so special.
From Maastricht University to Sciences Po Grenoble followed by the College of Europe
Embarking on my graduate academic journey, I enrolled in a Research Master’s programme in European Studies at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. This experience added more depth to my academic exploration, enhanced my ability to engage with diverse research topics and shaped my approach to future scholarly endeavours.
After one year in the Netherlands, I pursued an exchange year at Sciences Po Grenoble where my interest in sustainable supply chain management and due diligence systems took root. This is also the place where I discovered the EU deforestation regulation. This regulation, designed to limit embodied deforestation in products placed on the European market, became a focal point of my research. This newfound interest sparked a profound curiosity about how the EU could assume a pivotal role in curbing global deforestation rates.
This interest in due diligence systems ignited a profound curiosity about how the EU could play a pivotal role in curbing global deforestation rates. Questions swirled in my mind: What were the driving forces behind deforestation within and outside the European Union? Why is it so challenging to reduce deforestation rates? How is the new deforestation regulation designed, and how does it impact smallholders and farmers in least-developed countries?
Motivated by the external dimension of my research interest and the College’s stellar reputation in European Studies, I decided to pursue the International Relations and Diplomacy program. This program, renowned for its comprehensive coverage of diverse research areas, proves to be the perfect fit for my academic pursuits.
A Unique Experience, Diversity and intensive Community Building
The College of Europe, located in the heart of Bruges, Belgium, it boasts additional campuses in Warsaw, Poland. Recently, the College announced the establishment of a new campus in Albania, a strategic move aligned with the EU’s accelerated integration track for Balkan countries in the coming years. The College’s commitment to European integration is deeply rooted in its DNA, drawing inspiration from initiatives such as the Bologna Process and the Erasmus Plus programme.
A unique tradition at the College is naming promotions after historical figures, known as “patrons.” This year, the institution honours Madeleine Albright, the first female Secretary of State of the United States. She wrote for example the book, “Fascism: A Warning”, which delves into the history of fascism and what it can teach us about democracy today. The College’s diverse student body of 350 individuals representing 55 national backgrounds creates a vibrant and inclusive learning environment. While most hails from EU Member States, students from outside the EU, including the UK, Maghreb countries, and the US add a rich and essential component to the College experience. The diverse range of individuals I encounter adds immeasurable value to my overall experience. Connecting with people from the Maghreb countries and beyond the European bubble is a truly enriching aspect of my time here. It opens up unique perspectives and fosters a sense of global unity within the campus. My journey from Sciences Po Grenoble to Bruges is an exciting exploration that equips me with the necessary tools to analyse global challenges, such as deforestation and the EU’s position on the international trade agenda.
Personal Reflection: Navigating International Relations and EU Diplomacy
Amidst the myriad of prestigious European institutions, one might wonder, “Why the College of Europe?” The International Relations track, one of the newest offerings at the College, provides a comprehensive understanding of modern EU diplomacy practices. During the first semester, the program unfolded by exploring the political, legal, and economic aspects of the EU’s external relations. The program at the College of Europe encompasses a broad spectrum of research areas, ranging from practical to heavily theoretical orientations. Interestingly, the more practical-oriented courses left me somewhat less satified. Although I can’t pinpoint a specific reason, it might be attributed to the influence of the research master’s program at FASoS, where I developed a profound interest in questioning concepts rather than merely applying them in simulated scenarios.