This major allows students to obtain a better understanding of the multi-faceted policies of the European Union towards the countries in the EU’s neigbourhoods (East, South and Southeast). It also provides them with an opportunity to capture the political, socio-political, socio-economic, legal, energy- and identity related developments in the neighbourhood itself.

The major draws on EU studies, EU foreign policy analysis, peace and conflict studies to achieve its goals. Students further deepen their knowledge of the broader historical context by taking a course in the European History and Civilization Major.

The second semester study trip is an integral part of the academic programme, participation is obligatory and students are expected to attend all related conferences and activities. It counts for 2 ECTS.

Students following one of the Majors are obligated to select a total of seven Specialist Courses. The following rules apply: 

• Students of the EUN and EHC Majors need to select two courses from the list of European Regional Studies courses.

Specialist courses

• ŁAZOWSKI, A. – Enlargement Policy of the European Union (20h, 4 ECTS)
• SCHUMACHER, T. – Whither Neighbourhood? The EU, Eastern Europe, and the Southern Mediterranean in Times of Peace and War (20h, 4 ECTS)
• BUZOGANY, A. – EU Energy Governance in the EU’s Neighbourhood (20h, 4 ECTS)
• CASSARINO, J.-P. ; DAVITTI, D. – Contested Migration Governance: Policies, Norms, and Human Rights at the Border  (20h, 4 ECTS)
• CASTELLINO, J. ; CAVANAUGH, K. – Minority Issues, Nationalism and Identity Politics in the EU’s Neighbourhood (20h, 4 ECTS)
• HILLION, C. – The EU’s Relation(s) with a Wider Europe – The Legal Dimension (20h, 4 ECTS)
• ROUSSELET, K. ; SHEIKH, N. – Church-State Relations and the Role of Religious Movements in the EU’s Neighbourhood / Les relations Eglises-Etat et le rôle des mouvements religieux dans les pays voisins de l’Union européenne (20h, 4 ECTS)
• TYUSHKA, A. – The EU, Russia and the EU's Eastern Neighbourhood: Power, Performance, and Perceptions (20h, 4 ECTS)

Master’s thesis colloquium

Students are automatically registered in the major's research colloquium.

• ŁAZOWSKI, A., WOLCZUK, K., TYUSHKA, A., HAMMAMI A. – The EU in the Wider Europe and its Neighbours Research Colloquium

Compact seminars

Students must select two compact seminars.

• AL-SABBAGH, R. – Investigative Journalism in the Southern Neighbourhood (8h, 0 ECTS)
• CHABAN, N. – External Perceptions of the EU and EU Public Diplomacy: Views from the EU’s Neighbourhoods and around the World (10h, 0 ECTS)

Simulation games

Participation in the simulation games is optional.

• BUTTERWICK-PAWLIKOWSKI, R. – The Congress of Vienna 1814-15 (8h, 0 ECTS)
• FRANZA, L – Energy and Climate in the Neighbourhood (8h, 0 ECTS)

Cooperation with external partners

The Cooperation with External Partners modules are optional. There is no limit on the total number of these modules that can be taken by the students.

• MIKOS-SKUZA, E. – Introduction to International Humanitarian Law (17h, 0 ECTS)
• Workshops in history organized in cooperation with the Max Weber programme of the European University Institute (TBC, 0 ECTS) 

The academic programme above applies to the 2026-2027 academic year and reflects the version approved by the Academic Council as of 18 June 2026.

Professional development

The Skills and Capacity Building offer complements the academic programme with on-site, made-to-measure support and guidance in helping to shape the students’ professional paths.

Language courses

In addition to benefitting from a bilingual study programme, students can take advantage of language courses on offer implemented by the Languages and Intercultural Dialogue Office. The following languages are on offer: English, French, Italian, German, Polish, Russian, Spanish and Arabic. The courses are tailored to the individual students' needs, and are also focused on transversal skills required by employers.