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- Prospective Students
- European Economic Studies
- Choose your study track
- ECO - General economics track
- EEIB - Economics for business track
- ELEA - Competition policy track
- EPPA - Public policy analysis track
- Faculty & staff
- Extra-curricular activities
- Conferences & events
- Research & publications
- Google Chair in Digital Innovation
- Master of Arts in Transatlantic Affairs (MATA)
- Job placement
- Alumni testimonials
- Become a student
- Campus services
- Student life
- Contacts
- Recognition of the diploma
- EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies
- Academic programme
- Faculty & staff
- Extra-curricular activities
- Conferences & events
- Research & Publications
- EU-China Relations
- Exploring EU Foreign Policy
- Master of Arts in Transatlantic Affairs (MATA)
- Careers & alumni
- Become a student
- Campus services
- Student life
- Contacts
- Recognition of the diploma
- European Interdisciplinary Studies
- Objectives
- Academic programme
- Study trips
- Careers and Professional Development
- Languages and Intercultural Dialogue
- International competitions
- Natolin campus
- Student life at Natolin
- Discover Warsaw
- Conferences and VIP events
- European Civilization Chair
- European Neighbourhood Policy Chair
- Publications by Natolin staff
- Master of Arts in Transatlantic Affairs (MATA)
- Scholarships and funding
- Recognition of the diploma
- Become a student
- Contacts
- European Legal Studies
- European Political and Governance Studies
- Why choose European Political and Governance Studies?
- Academic programme
- Option European Public Policy Analysis (EPPA)
- Faculty & staff
- Extra-curricular activities
- Conferences & events
- Research & publications
- Master of Arts in Transatlantic Affairs (MATA)
- Careers & alumni
- Become a student
- Campus services
- Student life
- Contacts
- Recognition of the diploma
- Master of Arts in Transatlantic Affairs (MATA)
- Calendar of the Academic Year
- ADMISSION
- Academic Requirements
- Language Requirements (Bruges)
- Language Requirements (Natolin)
- Selection Committees
- Fees
- Scholarships
- Application instructions
- Selection Process
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Recognition of the diploma
- Testimonials
- Departmental & Services live chats
- Contact
- Research
- Academic Chairs
- College Libraries
- European Documentation Centre
- College of Europe – Arenberg European Prize
- Global Competition Law Centre
- Cooperation with the European University Institute
- The Madariaga – College of Europe Centre
- Publications
- Visiting Scholars
- EU-China Relations
- Google Chair in Digital Innovation
- Exploring EU Foreign Policy
- Governance
- About the College
- College of Europe
- Campuses
- Bruges
- Natolin (Warsaw)
- News from the Rector's office
- The College of Europe Talks
- La Voix du Collège
- Duodecim Astra – College of Europe Student Journal of European Studies
- Faculty members
- Governing Bodies
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- Development Office
- The College Network
- History
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- Open Vacancies
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- History
History
The College of Europe was the world’s first institute of postgraduate studies and training in European affairs.
It was founded in 1949 by leading European figures such as Salvador DE MADARIAGA, Winston CHURCHILL, Paul Henri SPAAK and Alcide DE GASPERI in the wake of the first Congress of the European Movement in The Hague in 1948. The idea was to establish an institute where university graduates from many different European countries could study and live together in preparation for careers related to European cooperation and integration.
Excellence in European Studies: a unique institution since 1949
A group of Bruges citizens led by the Reverend Karel VERLEYE succeeded in attracting the College to Bruges, and Professor Hendrik BRUGMANS, one of the intellectual leaders of the European Movement of the time, became its first Rector (1950-1972).
After the fall of communism, and in the light of the changes in Central and Eastern Europe, a second College of Europe campus was founded at Natolin (Warsaw, Poland) in 1992 with the support of the European Commission and the Polish government. The College now operates as ‘one College - two campuses’, inspired by the same ‘esprit du Collège’.
Have a look at the short history video featuring Rector MONAR, Professor VANHOVE and prominent alumni Professor Dame Helen WALLACE and Mr Margaritis SCHINAS.
Rector Jörg MONAR gave a lecture entitled 'Creating the College of Europe in Bruges in 1949-1950 : Reflections on an inspired improvisation."
Interested in more history videos of the College of Europe? Have a look at our history playlist and many other playlist with College videos of the many speeches, ceremonies, events and testimonials.