Looking Back on the First Edition of the EU-LACE Jean Monnet Module Summer School

17 July 2026

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From 8 to 12 June 2026, Inalco hosted the first edition of the summer school "European Union External Action in Times of Geopolitical Crises: Policies, Actors and Challenges", organised as part of the EU-LACE Jean Monnet Module in partnership with the universities of the EUniWell Alliance.
Groupe d'étudiants à l'Europa Experience
Groupe d'étudiants à l'Europa Experience © Inalco‎

Over the course of a week, a group of undergraduate, Master's and doctoral students from nine universities across six European countries gathered in Paris to deepen their understanding of the European Union's external action and the major geopolitical challenges facing Europe today.

A Week Dedicated to the European Union's External Action

Following an online preparatory session, participants took part in an intensive programme of lectures, seminars and case studies, all delivered in English.

The programme covered a broad range of topics related to the European Union's external action, including:

  • the European Union institutions and their functioning;
  • the Common Security and Defence Policy;
  • enlargement and neighbourhood policies;
  • the European Union's relations with its international partners.

Throughout the week, students also worked in multinational groups, encouraging the exchange of perspectives and the sharing of experiences between participants from diverse academic and national backgrounds.

 

Meeting Professionals in European Affairs

Alongside the academic programme, the summer school gave participants the opportunity to engage with professionals working in European affairs and international relations. The programme included meetings with representatives of the European Commission Representation in France, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, as well as experts on the various topics addressed throughout the week. These exchanges enabled participants to connect academic perspectives with professional practice and gain a deeper understanding of the current challenges facing the European Union's external action.

 

Discovering Paris from a Different Perspective

The academic programme was complemented by a series of educational visits, including Europa Experience, the Frontières exhibition, and a sightseeing cruise along the River Seine. Combining academic reflection with the discovery of the city, these activities allowed participants to explore European issues from a different perspective while enjoying an immersive experience of Paris.

 

A First Edition Built on Exchange and Dialogue

This first edition demonstrated the value of bringing together students from different academic levels and disciplinary backgrounds to explore European issues through an international and interdisciplinary approach.

Inalco warmly thanks all the lecturers, guest speakers and partners whose contributions made this summer school a success, as well as all the participating students for their enthusiasm and engagement throughout the week.

A second edition is already planned for 2027.