The College of Europe Appoints Rector Federica Mogherini for a Second Term
PRESS RELEASE
Bruges, Thursday, December 5, 2024
The College of Europe is delighted to announce that its Administrative Council, based on a unanimous proposal by the Academic Council has unanimously agreed to appoint Rector Federica Mogherini for a second term at the helm of the institution. This second five-year term will begin on 1 September 2025. The statutes of the College of Europe allow for the rector to be reappointed once.
This reappointment reflects the institution’s recognition of Rector Mogherini’s leadership and her commitment to strengthening the College’s role as a centre of excellence in European studies.
During her first term, Rector Mogherini initiated a series of large-scale projects and deep internal transformation:
- The opening of a new campus in Tirana (Albania), aimed at strengthening the College of Europe’s role in the integration process of the Western Balkans.
- The establishment, in partnership with the European External Action Service, of the European Union Diplomatic Academy is designed to train a future generation of European-minded diplomats. This project is complemented by the creation of the European Union Diplomatic Programme for the Enlargement Region, supported by DG NEAR, fostering a European approach to diplomacy among neighbouring countries.
Rector Mogherini also spearheaded transformative actions across the College of Europe. Notably, she advanced the College’s focus on welfare, wellbeing, and inclusion while closely supporting the academic departments in the evolution of their programmes.
Rector Mogherini stated:
"I am honoured and grateful for the trust that the Administrative Council, as well as the entire College community, has placed in me over the last five years and is now extending for the next five years.
Leading the College of Europe, transforming it into a true laboratory of European integration, and empowering generations of diverse and talented European changemakers is a privilege and a joy every day.
I look forward to consolidating the projects we have collectively initiated with our students, alumni, professors, staff, and partners."
The Administrative Council also appointed Christophe de Nijs, Director General for European Affairs and Coordination, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium, as Vice-President of the Administrative Council. During its meeting of May 2024, the Administrative Council had already renewed the mandates of President Herman Van Rompuy and the second Vice-President Pawel Samecki.
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For any press queries, contact Valentin Dupouey, Director of Communications (valentin.dupouey@coleurope.eu / 0032 485 93 99 26)