The official Opening Ceremony for the second cohort of participants attending the European Diplomatic Academy this year was held in Bruges on 12 February 2024. The participants were welcomed into the programme by the Director of the Academy, Ms. Federica MOGHERINI, the Secretary General of the European External Action Service, Mr. Stefano SANNINO, and Member of the European Parliament, Mr. Nacho SÁNCHEZ AMOR.
Participants also had the opportunity to have an exchange with officials from the EU institutions and representatives from the Permanent Representations of Member States during a dinner reception.
The College of Europe is currently conducting the phase 2 of the European Diplomatic Academy Pilot Programme, launched by the EEAS in 2022. The programme aims to train young European diplomats and officials on policies, procedures, and diplomatic practices in the field of EU external action, with the objective of acquiring the necessary skills and competencies to effectively promote and defend the EU’s values and interests in the world.
This is the second group that will be trained and welcomed during this year's programme, after the first cohort finished its training in January 2024.