Institut d'études européennes ULB

Eyes on Europe is proud to launch its Summer Magazine N°44: Young, European and Free
"You are the future." A phrase every generation of young people has heard. Yet while young Europeans are often told they represent tomorrow, they are already shaping Europe today.
In this edition, more than twenty student writers explore the realities, challenges, and aspirations of Europe’s youth. From mental health and social media to political engagement, identity, education, and the relationship young people have with Europe itself, this magazine offers a collection of stories, reflections, and analyses on what it means to be young in Europe today.
At a time of rapid social, political, and technological change, this edition aims to give a voice to a generation that is often discussed, but not always heard.
Happy reading! https://www.eyes-on-europe.eu/magazine/

✨ Last wednesday, the Institute of European Studies (IEE-ULB) hosted the spring meeting of the Debates on the Future of Europe.

This annual initiative, organised together with the Department of European Politics and Governance at the College of Europe (Bruges), brings students from both institutions together to reflect, exchange, and debate the key challenges facing the European Union.

Across meetings in Bruges and Brussels, students collaborate to identify pressing topics, engage with experts from European institutions and the “Brussels bubble”, and develop forward-looking policy recommendations.

💡 We’re excited to share that the students’ policy briefs will be published soon, stay tuned!

📅 SAVE THE DATE | BOOK LAUNCH
"European Integration in the Constitutional Borderlands - The NextGenerationEU Model and the Struggle for Europe’s Future"

Join us on 24 September 2026 from 5PM to 6:30PM

With the authors:
Prof. Päivi Leino-Sandberg (University of Helsinki)
Prof. Peter L. Lindseth (University of Connecticut School of Law)

During this Seminar, the authors will present the key findings of the book and engage in a discussion with two discussants, Prof. Elise Muir, Professor of European Law at KULeuven, and Prof. Julio Baquero Cruz, member of the Legal Service of the European Commission and Professor of European Law at ULB. Prof. Paul Dermine, Professor of European Law at ULB, will act as moderator.

Followed by a reception.
🔗 More information and registration: https://iee.ulb.be/fr/agenda/24-09-26-european-integration-in-the-constitutional-borderlands-the-nextgenerationeu-model-and-the-struggle-for-europes-future

⏳🎓 Deadline approaching: don’t miss your chance!

The EU–Asia Double Master at ULB & Waseda offers you a unique chance to study in Brussels & Tokyo and earn a double degree 🌍

⚠️ Final deadline for EU applicants: July 1
💡 Follow our step-by-step guide and make sure your application is complete and submitted on time.

🚀 Your international journey starts now… don’t wait until the last minute.

👉 Get all the details and apply here:
https://phisoc.ulb.be/fr/english-master-eu-asia

📸 Event Recap: FIDE 2027

Last week, in preparation for the next FIDE Congress (19–22 May 2027 in Helsinki), BEDER, in collaboration with IEE-ULB, organised an event to present the draft Belgian report on “The Union’s External Borders and Fundamental Rights.”

Thanks to our speakers: Joyce de Coninck, Eleonora Frasca, Ruben Wissing, Thomas Verellen and Chloé Brière for an engaging discussion.

🌱✨ Focus on Visiting Researcher Fernanda Schininà

Since March 1st, we have had the pleasure of welcoming Fernanda Schininà, PhD researcher in Administrative Law, at the Institute for European Studies (IEE-ULB). Her work explores the EU’s green transition, focusing on the role of State aid, competition rules, and their impact on the internal market.
During her stay in Brussels, Fernanda engages with EU policymakers and contributes to ongoing debates on green industrial policy, recently presenting her research at the IDEAS Conference.

👉 Read the full article here: https://iee.ulb.be/en/visiting-research-stay/visiting-researcher-fernanda-schinina

Learning outside the classroom!

Students from the Specialised Master’s in European Law at the Institut d’études européennes (IEE-ULB) recently had the opportunity to step inside the European Commission for a firsthand look at EU law in practice.

They were privileged to meet with top-level experts from the Commission's Legal Service, who shared insights into their daily work and the complex legal challenges shaping Europe today. During the visit, they met with Alberto de Gregorio Merino, Director General of the Legal Service ; Fernando Castillo de la Torre, Director and Principal Legal Adviser, Legal Service (Competition and Mergers) and Carlo Zadra, Principal Legal Adviser, Justice, Liberty and Security (JLS) Team.

Hearing from such practitioners bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world impact, an essential part of the IEE experience for our students.

🙏 A special thanks to our professors, Martin Martinez and Julio Baquero Cruz, for organizing this visit and providing them with this great opportunity!