Master 1 International Relations students dive into the heart of institutional Europe
This educational trip, organized each year in preparation for lessons on European themes, aimed to offer a concrete understanding of the workings of the European Union, but also to exchange views with industry professionals. As soon as they arrived in Brussels, the students embarked on a busy and, above all, rewarding program. The first stage took them to the European Commission's Charlemagne building for a program of tailor-made conferences highlighting the major missions of the European executive. After a short lunch break, the group continued their exploration of the institutions with a visit to the hemicycle of the European Parliament. This sequence was marked by a reminder of the Parliament's legislative role and its interactions with other EU bodies. Exchanges with the guide-lecturer from the press relations department provided an opportunity to revisit the contemporary challenges of the European democratic debate and the role of the 24 official languages represented in the Parliament.
"An enriching and inspiring dive into the heart of the European institutions", sums up Claire Mayor.
At the end of the afternoon, the students were warmly welcomed at the Permanent Representation of France to the European Union. This meeting with French diplomats gave rise to lively exchanges on the priorities of French diplomacy in Brussels, intergovernmental coordination mechanisms and life as a diplomat.
"A trip rich in encounters that were decisive for our professional project," emphasizes Aïssata Gueye, who is discovering new perspectives.
Tuesday March 4 began with a series of presentations at UCLouvain Saint-Louis Bruxelles organized in partnership with Denis Duez, professor of political science and former director of UCLouvain's Institute of European Studies. Three organizations involved in peace and security shared their work: GRIP (Groupe de Recherche et d'Information sur la Paix et la Sécurité), IRSEM-Europe (Institut de Recherche Stratégique de l'École Militaire) and MAG (Mines Advisory Group). These speeches launched rich discussions on contemporary geopolitical issues, defense policies and humanitarian action.
The trip concluded around an Alumni lunch in partnership with AAÉALO (Association des Anciens Élèves et Amis des Langues Orientales), which gave students an opportunity for informal exchanges with former graduates. A convivial and inspiring moment that encouraged the sharing of experience on post-master courses and professional opportunities.
"I'm even more keen to work within European institutions" confided Pauline Jamin at the end of these two days.
Article by Jean-Baptiste SHANGWE SEBAZUNGU, Master 1 International Relations student.
