College of Europe Alumni Association

College of Europe Alumni Association The Alumni Association of the College of Europe includes more than 10.000 alumni.

Nous avons eu le plaisir de participer, en tant que partenaire, au Cocktail de rentrée du Cercle Francophone des Affaire...
30/09/2026

Nous avons eu le plaisir de participer, en tant que partenaire, au Cocktail de rentrée du Cercle Francophone des Affaires Européennes à Bruxelles — une belle soirée qui a également été l’occasion de célébrer le nouveau partenariat entre le Cercle et l’Association des anciens du Collège d’Europe.

S’adressant aux participants au nom de l’Association, notre Présidente, Teona Lavrelashvili, a évoqué cet « esprit du Collège » qui continue d’unir notre communauté de 𝟭𝟵 𝟬𝟬𝟬 alumni à travers l’Europe et au-delà : la capacité à créer des liens au-delà des nationalités, des parcours professionnels et des perspectives, à échanger et à débattre, tout en partageant un même engagement européen.

Notre partenariat avec le Cercle s’inscrit pleinement dans cet esprit et offrira de nouvelles occasions à nos alumni de se rencontrer, d’échanger et de renforcer leurs liens avec la 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗲́ 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗲𝘁 𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲́𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗲 𝗮̀ 𝗕𝗿𝘂𝘅𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘀.

Un grand merci à Roberto De Primis, Président du Cercle, pour son invitation, son accueil chaleureux et son engagement dans cette collaboration, ainsi qu’à 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗲𝘂𝗿 𝗹’𝗔𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝗔𝗹𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼 𝗔𝗹𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼, Représentant permanent de l’Espagne auprès de l’Union européenne, pour son intervention et la richesse des échanges.

Nous avons également été très heureux de retrouver de nombreux 𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝗶 𝗱𝘂 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲̀𝗴𝗲 𝗱’𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲, qui ont contribué à faire de cette soirée un moment particulièrement convivial. 🥂🇪🇺

Nous nous réjouissons de poursuivre cette collaboration et de créer de nouvelles occasions de rapprocher nos communautés.



College of Europe in Bruges College of Europe in Natolin

𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝗶 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘀! 🌍Our alumni community extends far beyond the College of Europe campuses. With 𝟭𝟵 𝗥𝗲...
22/09/2026

𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝗶 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘀! 🌍

Our alumni community extends far beyond the College of Europe campuses. With 𝟭𝟵 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱, alumni can stay connected to the College community while building meaningful connections in their own cities and countries.

From informal gatherings and networking events to policy discussions and professional exchanges, our Regional Groups bring the alumni network to life locally - creating opportunities to reconnect, exchange experiences and strengthen ties across borders.

✨ 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸. Several gatherings have taken place across Europe, with many more meetings and international events planned in the coming months. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming alumni meet-ups around the world!

As we continue to 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀, we are also looking for alumni who would like to play an active role in developing their local alumni community.

𝗪𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽 𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻? We would love to hear from you!

📩 [email protected]

College of Europe in Bruges College of Europe in Natolin Teona Lavrelashvili

In a world increasingly shaped by 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘀, 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝗿...
01/09/2026

In a world increasingly shaped by 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘀, 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆.

This challenge was at the heart of our College of Europe Alumni Association 𝗟𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 conversation with Maciej Popowski, 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿-𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗚 𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗢, on how Europe can better anticipate, prepare for and respond to crises.

Recent events in Nepal, where severe floods have caused loss of life, displacement and damage to critical infrastructure, are a stark reminder of why these questions matter.

🎯 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗷 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘄𝘀𝗸𝗶 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗨’𝘀 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲, highlighting the importance of anticipating risks, strengthening preparedness and investing in prevention. Resilience is not only about responding effectively when a crisis occurs. It also requires long-term thinking, early action, strong partnerships and greater coherence across EU policies.

💬 Moderated by Dr Teona Lavrelashvili, 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 of the College of Europe Alumni Association - Association des anciens élèves du Collège d'Europe, the discussion explored how the EU can strengthen its capacity to respond to crises while upholding humanitarian principles, solidarity and multilateral cooperation. We also discussed the increasingly important links between 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆.

The situation in Nepal reminds us that these are far from abstract policy debates. 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸𝘀, 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗸𝗲𝘀.

✨ Our alumni and guests enriched the conversation with their questions and perspectives on Europe’s evolving resilience agenda.

🍽️ The exchange continued over lunch at the University Foundation, providing space for an open, off-the-record discussion and connections across our alumni community.

🙏 Our sincere thanks to Maciej Popowski for sharing his insights and experience, and to all our participants for contributing to the discussion.

College of Europe in Bruges College of Europe in Natolin

31/07/2026

As we head into the summer break, we would like to thank all our alumni, partners and friends for their continued engagement and support throughout this dynamic year.

On behalf of the College of Europe Alumni Association, we wish you a wonderful, restful and inspiring summer.

We look forward to welcoming you back in September with many exciting activities and new opportunities to reconnect, collaborate and keep the Esprit du Collège alive.

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿! ☀️

College of Europe in Bruges College of Europe in Natolin Teona Lavrelashvili

A few weeks ago, the College of Europe Alumni Association had the pleasure of welcoming Linda Robinson for an Alumni Lun...
23/07/2026

A few weeks ago, the College of Europe Alumni Association had the pleasure of welcoming Linda Robinson for an Alumni Lunch discussion on 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿: 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗺, held on the occasion of the publication of her latest book.

🌍 At a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty, democratic backsliding and profound changes in the international order, the discussion explored how women’s leadership contributes to strengthening democratic resilience, shaping foreign policy and responding to today’s complex global challenges.

💬 Moderated by Isabelle Montoya, Member of the Board of the Alumni Association, the conversation reflected on the evolving role of women in positions of leadership, the importance of inclusive decision-making, and the responsibility of democratic institutions to safeguard freedom and the rule of law.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗱:
🔷 the role of women leaders in defending democratic values and institutions;
🔷 the contribution of women’s perspectives to foreign and security policy;
🔷 the challenges and opportunities for increasing women’s participation in decision-making;
🔷 the importance of inclusive leadership in building more resilient and democratic societies.

🎯 Through initiatives such as the Alumni Lunch Series, the College of Europe Alumni Association seeks to strengthen the links between academia, policymaking and professional practice by creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue between alumni and leading European and international figures. These exchanges reflect our commitment to fostering an engaged, informed and connected alumni community capable of contributing to the major debates shaping Europe’s future.

A sincere thank you to Linda Robinson for sharing her valuable insights and to all participants for their active engagement. We also warmly congratulate her on the publication of her new book and wish her every success.

College of Europe in Bruges College of Europe in Natolin Teona Lavrelashvili

We are delighted to announce a new strategic partnership between the College of Europe Alumni Association - Association ...
16/07/2026

We are delighted to announce a new strategic partnership between the College of Europe Alumni Association - Association des anciens élèves du Collège d'Europe and the Cercle Francophone des Affaires Européennes (CFAE) 🤝.

Our organisations share a common ambition: to 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿, 𝗳𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 on European affairs.

This partnership will strengthen the links between the College of Europe’s global alumni network and the vibrant French-speaking community of professionals working across the European institutions, public administration, diplomacy, academia, civil society, and the private sector.

For our alumni, it means new opportunities to expand professional networks, engage in high-level policy discussions, participate in joint events, and connect with a broader community of experts and practitioners shaping Europe’s future 💡.

For both organisations, it is an opportunity to build new bridges across Europe’s policy ecosystem, encourage multilingual dialogue, and strengthen cooperation between communities committed to the European project.

We look forward to developing joint initiatives, fostering new conversations, and creating lasting value for our members.

𝘈 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘭𝘦 𝘍𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘈𝘧𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘌𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘱é𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘢𝘴𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱. 𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥! 🚀

College of Europe in Bruges College of Europe in Natolin Teona Lavrelashvili

The College of Europe Alumni Association is delighted to announce that Teona Lavrelashvili has been re-elected 𝐚𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝...
13/07/2026

The College of Europe Alumni Association is delighted to announce that Teona Lavrelashvili has been re-elected 𝐚𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 for a second mandate, following the General Assembly held on 𝟐𝟓 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.

The General Assembly brought together alumni from across our global community to reflect on the Association’s achievements over the past year and discuss the priorities that will guide our work in the years ahead.

This year’s elections generated the highest level of interest in recent years, with several candidates standing for the Presidency and five candidates contesting the two available Board seats. This strong engagement reflects the growing dynamism of our Association and the commitment of alumni to shaping its future.

Alongside the election of the President, members also elected two Board members:
Gabriel Papeians
Ovidiu-Ioan Rațiu

📸 𝑀𝑒𝑒𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑢𝑙𝑙 𝐵𝑜𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑤!

We warmly congratulate our newly elected leadership and thank all candidates for their willingness to serve the Association.

Over the past three years, the Alumni Association has continued to grow, expanding its international network, launching new flagship initiatives, strengthening partnerships and creating new opportunities for our community of more than 𝟏𝟗,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧𝐢 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞.

We also extend our sincere thanks to all members who participated in the General Assembly. Your engagement is essential to the continued success of our Association.

Together, we look forward to building on these achievements, further strengthening the relationship between the Alumni Association and the College of Europe, and continuing to serve and connect our global alumni community.

🇪🇺 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧!

College of Europe in Bruges College of Europe in Natolin

🎓 This week marks the Closing Ceremonies of the 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱–𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 across the three campuses of the Co...
25/06/2026

🎓 This week marks the Closing Ceremonies of the 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱–𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 across the three campuses of the College of Europe - Bruges, Natolin, and Tirana.

It marks the end of an extraordinary chapter and the beginning of an exciting new journey for this year’s graduates. 🌍✨

Last Friday, 19 June, we celebrated this important milestone in Bruges, where the Acting Rector, Prof. Ewa Ośniecka-Tamecka, welcomed distinguished guests, including the Mayor of Bruges, Dirk De fauw, and the President of the College of Europe Alumni Association, Dr Teona Lavrelashvili.

Addressing the graduates, our President welcomed them into the global College of Europe Alumni community and congratulated them on joining a network that spans generations, institutions, and continents.

In her speech, she reminded graduates:
“Being an alumna or alumnus of the College of Europe is not simply a line on a CV. It is both a privilege and a responsibility: the privilege of belonging to a remarkable European community, and the responsibility to remain engaged, stay curious, uphold democratic values, and continue contributing to Europe’s future.

It is also a vocation - a commitment to serve, to build bridges, to resist indifference, and to help make Europe more understandable, more accessible, and closer to its citizens.”

To all graduates of the 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱–𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: as you begin this next chapter, may you carry with you not only the knowledge and friendships gained at the College, but also the courage to question, the openness to listen, and the determination to build bridges in a world that needs them more than ever.

Congratulations to the 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱–𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲! 🎉

Welcome to the College of Europe Alumni Association — your lifelong community. We look forward to accompanying you every step of the way. 🤝

🎥 You can watch the full speech of our President here (starting at 1:49:00): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3kmF2q5pok

College of Europe in Bruges College of Europe in Natolin

As the European Council addresses competitiveness on 18–19 June, we are reminded of a recent session from our College of...
19/06/2026

As the European Council addresses competitiveness on 18–19 June, we are reminded of a recent session from our College of Europe Alumni Lunch Series. A few months ago, we had the privilege of discussing these same challenges with Mr Michael Hager, Head of Cabinet to Commissioner Dombrovskis.

🎯 Mr Hager provided a forward-looking overview of the EU’s economic agenda - boosting competitiveness, accelerating digitalisation and green transformation, and fostering inclusive growth. He emphasized the critical role of coordination among EU institutions, Member States, and stakeholders.

💬 Moderated by our President Teona Lavrelashvili, PhD, we explored how the EU can reinforce economic governance, foster investment, and balance innovation with social cohesion.

✨ Alumni and guests enriched the debate with dynamic perspectives, making for an engaging exchange.

The conversation continued over a seated lunch at the University Foundation, fostering off-the-record reflections and meaningful networking - we are very glad that our alumni are directly involved in shaping the EU competitiveness agenda.

College of Europe in Bruges College of Europe in Natolin

On Tuesday, 9 June, the College of Europe Alumni Association hosted its 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 in Brussels, d...
15/06/2026

On Tuesday, 9 June, the College of Europe Alumni Association hosted its 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 in Brussels, designed as a regular forum on Europe’s key strategic debates.

🌍 At a time of global fragmentation, shifting geopolitical alliances, trade tensions, and accelerating AI, the evening focused on 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱.

🤝The discussion opened with welcoming remarks by Dr Teona Lavrelashvili, President of the Association, who highlighted recent achievements and the Association’s growing role as a platform connecting alumni and fostering structured dialogue on Europe’s future and strategic challenges.

The Association was honoured to welcome Herman Van Rompuy, first President of the European Council and former Prime Minister of Belgium, whose keynote anchored the discussion in today’s geopolitical reality. He reflected on Europe’s place in a fragmented global order, where competitiveness is increasingly intertwined with China’s rise, artificial intelligence, energy security, and defence. His message was clear: Europe needs to be more innovative, more competitive, and more strategically autonomous — while remembering that its real strength lies in its capacity to act collectively ⚖️.

🏛️The conversation continued with Pietro Ducci, Director-General for External Policies of the European Parliament, who focused on the role of the European Parliament in strengthening the EU’s external action. He underlined the importance of coherence and coordination if Europe is to speak with a strong and credible voice in a world marked by geopolitical competition and rapid technological transformation.

The evening also welcomed João Gomes Cravinho, Incoming Rector of the College of Europe. This reception marked his first public appearance within the College of Europe community — a 𝘴𝘺𝘮𝘣𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 for the Association and its alumni network. He spoke warmly about the honour of taking on this role and the strong sense of attachment he has already encountered within the College community 🎓. His reflection on College alumni as “critical raw materials” for the next generation of European integration underlined the importance of this network as a source of expertise, commitment and shared understanding of Europe’s future.

🥂The evening concluded with a reception fostering informal exchanges, reconnections, and dialogue in a convivial setting.
This first edition confirmed that the College of Europe alumni community remains both 𝗩𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁 — a network that continues to connect generations, shape dialogue, and contribute to Europe’s future far beyond the years spent at the College ✨.

College of Europe in Bruges College of Europe in Natolin

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