Meet the Student Representatives of the Victoria Amelina Promotion (2025-2026)
We are thrilled to introduce the Student Representatives of the Victoria Amelina Promotion at our Bruges campus for the 2025-2026 academic year!
Elected by their peers to represent each academic department, this year’s Student Representatives are: Julius GRAACK & Grace O'SULLIVAN (European Economic Studies Department); Liam BOYCE & Alice DESMET (International Relations and Diplomacy Studies Department); Anežka CAJTHAMLOVÁ & Leonhard PEYERL (European Legal Studies Department); Elie BRETON DES LOŸS & Claudia OCHOA TEJADA (European Political and Governance Studies Department); Nicolás FERNÁNDEZ DE BOBADILLA ALBERT (Transatlantic Affairs Programme).
Acting as a vital link between students and the College administration, the Student Representatives play a key role in shaping student life throughout the academic year.
From promoting wellbeing and academic engagement to organising initiatives that bring students together across departments and backgrounds, they are committed to ensuring that every student feels heard, supported, and included. Whether it’s raising feedback, participating in discussions on academic and institutional matters, or coordinating community-building events and activities, they help ensure that no one is left behind, contributing to building the vibrant, collaborative, and inclusive community we’re proud of here in Bruges.
We are grateful to have such a committed and thoughtful group of students stepping into this role. We are excited to support their work and look forward to the ideas and initiatives they will bring forward throughout the rest of the year!
European Economic Studies Department (ECO)
Julius GRAACK
Hallo! My name is Julius, and I am a German student in European Economic Studies, and I am thrilled to represent the amazing students of the ECO Department alongside Grace. I want to make sure the College of Europe modernizes and reforms itself to retain its formidable academic and professional reputation while keeping the experience for its students enjoyable and healthy.
Originally coming from Berlin, I studied Economics and Philosophy at the Georg August University, Göttingen, and Rhetoric at the Royal Holloway College, University of London. Previously, I also worked as a policy adviser for budgetary affairs at the European Parliament and as a student assistant at the German Bundestag. Next to my studies and being a student representative, I am currently supporting the liberal Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in Brussels as a senior fellow.
My work also mirrors my political passions: I am also really enthusiastic about queer rights, liberal values, and European federalism. In my free time, I can be found trilling some tunes with the tenors in the College Choir, reading fictional literature (especially Greek mythology!), and practically expanding my oenological knowledge.
Grace O'SULLIVAN
Dia dhuit! I am Grace from Donegal, in the North-West of Ireland. I am a Student Representative of the ECO department together with Julius! I hold a BA (Hons) in Philosophy, Political Science, Economics & Sociology from Trinity College Dublin. My goal in running for Student Representative was to be a Rep who sought to ensure everyone felt supported and that their voice mattered. In the particularly intense environment that is the College, I hope to ensure that everyone’s time is as enjoyable as possible.
After my bachelor's, I completed an internship at the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) in Dublin. There, I worked as a researcher where I organised events and contributed to policy discussions. This pushed me toward attending the College and really sparked my love of European affairs, coupled with Economics. I am particularly passionate about women’s rights and ran a feminist organisation with my best friends throughout my undergraduate degree. We campaigned to make Dublin safer and more inclusive. From protecting the Molly Malone statue, challenging street harassment and catcalling, to pushing for better lighting and safer nightlife for women and marginalised genders.
In terms of my passions, I love clothes, coffee, and crisps. Fun fact: I only open crisps from the bottom side as in my family its bad luck to open them the ‘right way around’! In my free time, I also enjoy reading, and my all-time favourite book remains ‘The Goldfinch’ by Donna Tartt.
International Relations and Diplomacy Studies Department (IRD)
Liam BOYCE
Dia dhaoibh! My name is Liam, and together with Alice, we are the student representatives for the IRD department in the Victoria Amelina Promotion. I grew up in a rural part of the west of Ireland, before moving to Galway for my studies. After four years, I obtained a BA Government (Politics, Economics and Law) from the University of Galway, which included a one-year Erasmus exchange at KU Leuven. I am an avid debater, having won the Irish Times Debate (Ireland's national debating competition) in 2025, and a lover of all sports, especially the ancient Irish game of hurling.
I chose to study at the College of Europe because of its reputation as the premier postgraduate institution for European studies. I am passionate about EU diplomacy and ensuring the EU acts with moral clarity and consistency in its external action, so I knew that the IRD programme was the one for me. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to study here and am so excited for everything the year ahead will bring.
Alice DESMET
Hello there! My name is Alice Desmet and I am one of the IRD student representatives, together with Liam. I am one hundred percent Belgian — with one foot in Flanders, one in Wallonia, and born in Brussels. Growing up at this linguistic and cultural crossroads sparked my early fascination with languages, cultural dialogue, and compromise. It therefore felt natural to pursue a path combining those three dimensions, which ultimately led me to the European Union — and to the College of Europe.
Before coming to the College, I completed both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at KU Leuven, specialising in International and European Law. During my Erasmus exchange in la città eterna, Rome, I was introduced to conflict and peace studies as well as international relations. This experience shaped my academic interests and led me to conduct in-depth research on femicide in Mexico. Through this research, I became particularly interested in the EU’s external human rights policies and in how legal standards can translate into real protection on the ground.
By pure coincidence — or perhaps providence — an internship opportunity at the Belgian Embassy in Mexico opened shortly after. I applied, was selected, and spent four unforgettable months there. That experience confirmed my desire to work for a Union built on values and standards and also strengthened my interest in conflict resolution/transitional justice/human rights.
Beyond academics, dance has always been a constant in my life. I am currently giving salsa and waltz classes at the College — so if you ever need a study break, you know where to find me! And while I am deeply committed to European integration, one of my proudest accomplishments remains my time working as a florist. There is something quite special about creating beauty with your hands - and perhaps that, too, says something about how I see community-building.
Nos vemos!
European Legal Studies Department (LAW)
Anežka CAJTHAMLOVÁ
I am Czech and Slovak, which shows that Czechia and Slovakia still share great ties, even though they’ve been separate countries for more than two decades. I am currently studying Law at the College of Europe in Bruges, after specialising in European, Business, and Tax Law at the University of Strasbourg.
Curious about how law works across the EU, I gained experience through internships at law firms in France, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Before joining the College, I also worked at the Czech Chamber of Deputies, focusing on EU law in the internal market, competition, and capital markets. I hope to pursue a career in EU business and tax law in the public sphere.
Outside of my studies and work, I love playing the piano, and if you ever catch me traveling, I’m probably exploring an art museum, admiring beautiful architecture, or hiking in the mountains.
Leonhard PEYERL
Servus! I’m Leo, born and raised in beautiful Vienna, Austria. I hold a law degree from the University of Vienna and attended a summer school in London, where I developed a deeper curiosity for international and European affairs. Throughout my studies, I gained experience in the European Parliament in Brussels, at the Austrian Embassies in Bogotá and Buenos Aires, and as a Parliamentary Assistant to an Austrian MP. A huge fan of South America, I can hardly start my day without drinking my mate!
I decided to study at the College of Europe because I love Europe — and Belgian beers!
European Political and Governance Studies Department (POL)
Elie BRETON DES LOŸS
Bonjour ! My name is Elie BRETON DES LOŸS and I am one of the POL department rep, together with the amazing Claudia. I am 25 years old and I’m French. After living in Paris for fifteen years, I moved to the United Kingdom where I witnessed Brexit and the extent of euroscepticism, which drove me to pursue a political career. I did a degree in Political Science and Spanish at the University of Bath, during which I did an Erasmus exchange in Alicante and Madrid, before going back to France to study a master's degree in Public Administration at l’Université Panthéon-Sorbonne.
Alongside my studies, after working for socialist MPs, I was fortunate enough to intern at the Jacques Delors Institute in Paris and at the French Embassy in Madrid, both of which deepened my love for European politics. As part of my work at the Delors Institute, I was incredibly proud to organise the Jacques Delors Agora which gathered over 130 young people from all across Europe in Lisbon, for a week of amazing debates and exchanges. It is because I love to work and be immersed in multicultural environments that applying to the College of Europe came as the next logical step in my career.
Studying politics at the College has been a dream come true and I feel incredibly lucky to have met people with such rich and diverse backgrounds. In Bruges, on top of my rep duties, I’ve joined the board of Queeropeans and of the French Society, striving for a more heterogenous and inclusive College. If I’m not in my residence I’m likely bouldering or at Cinema Lumière, logging obscure European films on Letterboxd. I’m always in the mood to talk about cinema, French politics and European trains around a good cup of tea !
Claudia OCHOA TEJADA
¡Hola! I am Claudia, and I am from Burgos, a small city in the north of Spain. As the student representative for the POL department alongside Elie, I am excited to represent the students at the College and contribute to this community! Since early on, I have been curious about how politics shape our society and the world we live in, which is why I pursued a Dual Bachelor’s in Political Science and Sociology at the University Carlos III of Madrid.
During my studies, I had the opportunity to study abroad at both UC Berkeley and UNSW, experiences that not only broadened my worldview by immersing me in diverse cultures but also made me more aware of the vital role the EU plays in our daily lives, sparking my growing interest in European politics and advocacy, which ultimately led me to the College! I also completed an internship at the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Office of Migratory Affairs, where I gained firsthand experience with migration policies.
Outside of the classroom, whenever things at College get a bit hectic, you will probably find me listening to music, taking long walks in the park near KV, dancing, or scribbling my thoughts in my journal (mostly about where I left my C-Card).
Choosing the College of Europe was a natural decision for me, as it stands out as the premier institution for advanced studies in European politics and governance. Its academic excellence, practical approach, and strong connections with the professional world offer the best foundation for anyone wishing to build a meaningful career in EU affairs as I aspire to do. However, what really makes the College unique is its diverse and vibrant community, living and learning alongside brilliant peers from all over Europe and beyond. For me, the College is not just an academic institution, but a living lab of what Europe is, where the European project is brought to life every day through conversations, debates, and the rhythms of day-to-day life.
Transatlantic Affairs Programme (MATA)
Nicolás FERNÁNDEZ DE BOBADILLA ALBERT
Born and raised in Madrid, my determination to pursue an international career and cultivate transatlantic ties was clear after living one year in Boulder, Colorado, when I was sixteen years old.
In 2024, I graduated from the Double Degree of Law & International Relations from Francisco de Vitoria University in Madrid, after living my Erasmus experience in Lublin, Poland; completing a leadership program from the Mendoza School of Business of the University of Notre Dame; and interning in two international law firms. I followed with a graduate program in International Affairs from Universidad Pontificia Comillas, which allowed me to work in the General Directorate of International Relations of the Madrid City Council, the Representation of the European Commission in Spain, and the Embassy of Spain in Canada.
The College of Europe and the Fletcher School are the perfect combination for transatlantic security studies, and it’s incredibly exciting to contribute to the improvement of this community from within.
Joint Statement
As the College of Europe’s Bruges Student Representatives for 2025-2026, we recognise that students have placed in us a responsibility that we cannot ignore. Throughout this challenging academic year, we vow to work for all the students and represent their voices on every occasion.
Our job is a multi-faceted one. While we were elected in our respective study programmes, our responsibilities go above and beyond the academic field and cover a wide array of subjects like the canteen, student mental health, charity work or ICT. In every aspect of the College experience, we want students to know they can confide in us and feel listened to. In line with l’esprit du Collège, we vouch to help build an inclusive, fair and respectful environment where everyone can grow, both academically and personally, and where strong, lasting and meaningful relationships can thrive. We believe that a promotion is only a real community if it learns to listen to others and to different perspectives, and we look forward to working together with staff and students alike to achieve this vision.
« United in diversity » could very well be the motto of our group. The nine of us share very different backgrounds, walks of life and personalities: we might be Irish, Spanish, German, French, Czech, Austrian or Belgian, but we share a common European identity, engagement, and a desire to shape the future of Europe. Our differences often prove to be our biggest strength as we find new and cooperative ways to solve problems together. We might not agree on everything, but we know the respect and deep care we have for one another can carry us through the most tumultuous storms.
As Ukraine enters its fourth year fighting against Russian invasion, it feels only right that our promotion is named after Victoria Amelina, a woman whose courage and dedication into documenting Russian crimes should remind ourselves that peace is never a European acquis, that silence is often the first step towards complicity, and that truth can be the most powerful of weapon. We can only hope that this amazingly multicultural promotion will honour her legacy, both within the walls of the College and outside of Bruges.
Vive l’Europe, Слава Європі, Слава Україні.
Sincerely, the Student Representatives of the Victoria Amelina Promotion
