COVID-19

Bruges campus updates

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, the College of Europe in Bruges has successfully switched to an adapted way of working and living, on and off campus. Altogether, academic staff, college administration, catering and housekeeping staff and, last but not least, the students have made a huge effort to face a new, challenging reality.  You can find an overview of 11 things the College has done in the face of COVID-19 HERE.

Over the past nine very demanding months, since March 2020, the true College spirit of standing together and taking care of each other was shown in the most heart-warming ways and we are proud to see the flexibility, perseverance and motivation of everyone involved. By leaning on our basic values, we were able to continue our activities successfully and to prepare and organize a new academic year 2020/2021 for the students of the Mário Soares Promotion.

As we all know Europe, and Belgium in particular, is facing a very acute second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. New measures are being taken in all European countries, including Belgium. To adapt to the new measures that were introduced at the end of October, and to protect the health of us all in the best possible manner, we have again switched to fully online teaching for all courses and telework for all staff, with the only exception of those whose functions cannot be carried out remotely (catering, housekeeping, technical services, reception and library). 

To keep you up to date, we have compiled here a comprehensive overview of the current situation on our Bruges campus, showing our recent activities, events and initiatives. Needless to say, we will carry on taking all the necessary precautions to reduce all potential risks to the health, safety and well-being of the College community.  And of course, we will continue our creative approach in order to keep the dynamic College of Europe engine running. 

The College of Europe Talks

On Monday 9 November, Ms Federica MOGHERINI, Rector of the College of Europe, launched a new series of online conversations The College of Europe Talks between prominent guests and students of the College of Europe (Bruges and Natolin). The recordings of these live-streams are available on our website.

Sir Julian KING, Former Commissioner for Security & Former UK Ambassador to Paris and Dublin (19/11)

Ms Fawzia KOOFI, Afghan politician and women's rights activist (12/11)

Mr Paolo GENTILONI, Commissioner for Economy and former Prime Minister of Italy (09/11)

 

Tailor-made and executive training courses delivered online

We remain entirely committed to offering our services while ensuring at the same time the health, safety, and well-being of our community. For these reasons, our full offer of executive training courses will be delivered online. Should you like to explore tailor-made online solutions or should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us. We remain available by email at info.development [at] coleurope.eu. Read the whole announcement of the Development Office HERE.

Student events

 

Conferences & lectures

Presentation by Mr Martin LARCH on "Fiscal Policy in the Economic and Monetary Union: Past achievements and new challenges" (28/10)

On Wednesday 28 October, the European Economic Studies department invited Mr Martin LARCH, Head of Secretariat at the European Fiscal Board since March 2017, for a presentation on "Fiscal Policy in the Economic and Monetary Union: Past achievements and new challenges".  Mr LARCH tackled the following issues: EU Economic Governance,  Fiscal Policy in the EU and Main Challenges for the Future. This event in Auditorium 1 of our Verversdijk site was open only to College of Europe students and staff. 


 

Seventh high-level "EU Diplomacy Lecture" in Bruges (16/10)

 

The Department of EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies at the College of Europe held the seventh annual “EU Diplomacy Lectures” in Bruges on Friday 16 October 2020, followed by a short Q&A session. Rector Federica MOGHERINI delivered a short welcome address.  Ambassador Roland KOBIA, EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan, European External Action Service delivered a lecture on “What is the real role of the European Union in peace processes?” 

 

High-Level Transatlantic Lecture: "Resetting Transatlantic Relations" (09/10)
 

On Friday 9 October 2020, the Master of Arts in Transatlantic Affairs (MATA)  programme, organised its fourth (virtual) High-Level Lecture on Transatlantic Affairs with Dr Fiona HILL, a senior fellow in the Center on the United States and Europe in the Foreign Policy program at Brookings Institution. Dr HILL addressed the topic "Resetting Transatlantic Relations" live from Washington, DC.

Conference talk with Commissioner for Justice Didier REYNDERS on the First Rule of Law Report: a new start for the promotion of EU values (07/10)

On Wednesday 7 October 2020,  the European Legal Studies department organized a Conference Talk with European Commissioner for Justice Didier REYNDERS on the First Rule of Law Report: a new start for the promotion of EU values.  The recording and a photo album of the event can be found here.

 

 

Rector's activities

In-depth interview with Rector MOGHERINI on Belgian national television

On Tuesday 1 December 2020, The Belgian public  broadcast VRT broadcasted an in-depth interview with Rector Federica MOGHERINI in the framework of the current affairs news program 'Terzake' on the second national channel Canvas.  You can watch the interview item on the YouTube channel of 'Terzake' or via the website of 'Terzake' and VRT NU. 

Rector MOGHERINI's participation in EEAS Conference: "The EU in a changing world" 

On Tuesday 1 December 2020 Rector Federica MOGHERINI spoke at the conference/seminar "The EU in a changing world – Staying on course in troubled waters" on Tuesday 1 The online debate, organized by the European Union External Action Service, officially kicked off a series of events to mark the 10th anniversary of the EEAS.  

 

Rector MOGHERINI's television appearance on CNN

On Thursday 26 November 2020, Rector Federica MOGHERINI accepted an invitation from the international news broadcast CNN (Cable News Network) to discuss the incoming Joe Biden administration in the United States of America. The Rector shared her insights on the impact of the recent US Presidential Election and on the future relationship between the European Union and the US.

 

Rector MOGHERINI’s contribution to the AmCham Germany’s Transatlantic Business Conference

On Thursday 12 November 2020, Rector Federica MOGHERINI held the Closing Speech of the 14th Transatlantic Business Conference organised by the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany (AmCham Germany). 

Rector MOGHERINI’s participation in IIEA Webinar
 

On Wednesday 4 November, Rector Federica MOGHERINI delivered a Webinar presentation at the Institute of International and European Affairs (Dublin) on the topic of "Europe’s Role in the World and the Future of Multilateralism". 

 

More news from the Rector's Office

Library Talks Series: Mário SOARES, the EU and Portuguese Democracy (22/10)

On Thursday 22 October the Bruges Library organized an online lecture titled Mário SOARES, the EU and Portuguese Democracy.

António COSTA PINTO, Research Professor at the Institute of Social Sciences, University of Lisbon, started with a short overview of the political history of 20th century Portugal. He outlined the Salazar's New State, the opposition activism of the 1950s and 1960s, the creation of the Portuguese Socialist Party (1973) and the Carnation Revolution (1974).

The main cleavages of 1975 (e.g. communist threat, decolonization) were enlightened, as Mário SOARES' struggle for liberal democracy, his imprisonment and exile. His position as Prime Minister and Portugal's Membership to the EEC were also discussed.

Opening Ceremony, Bruges Campus (13/10)

Mr Marcelo REBELO DE SOUSA, President of Portugal, delivered the opening address.