Éliane VOGEL-POLSKY chosen as "patronne de promotion" 2021/2022

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For the first time in the College of Europe's history, Rector Federica MOGHERINI turned the responsibility of choosing the new 'patron(ne) de promotion' for the next academic year into an inclusive project by inviting students and staff of both campuses in Bruges and Natolin to submit their suggestions. From the long list of excellent suggestions, Éliane VOGEL-POLSKY was finally chosen. Dr VOGEL-POLSKY, who passed away in 2015, was a Belgian lawyer of Jewish-Russian origin. She is rightly considered as one of the mothers of 'social Europe', having dedicated her academic and professional career to overcoming the gender pay gap and giving life and consistency to article 119 of the Treaty of Rome. 

"My choice is probably a surprise to many, as it concerns a woman that is not very well known to the wider public. But I believe that – with our Patron(ne) – we do have the power to highlight somehow 'hidden' stories and profiles that have crucially contributed to European integration in ways that are not always as recognised as they should be. I am convinced that Éliane VOGEL-POLSKY will be an inspiration to our students, allowing them to easily identify with their Patronne and aspire to follow in her footsteps. Also, I am confident that this choice will contribute to bringing more attention to the many other “founding mothers” of our Union." (Rector Federica MOGHERINI)

On Thursday 6 May, the European Political and Governance Studies Department and the European Feminist Think Tank Gender Five Plus jointly organised a lecture on Éliane VOGEL-POLSKY with the President of the Hellenic Republic, Ms Katerina SAKELLAROPOULOU, entitled “Democracy and Gender Equality”.  You can find the full speech here