College of Europe in Natolin

24/04/2026

Wrapping up the study trip across Finland and Sweden!
On the final day, students visited the Vasa Museum, diving into Sweden’s maritime history through one of its most iconic artefacts, before heading out on a guided tour of Stockholm to take in the city’s history and landmarks one last time.
An inspiring journey exploring security, resilience, and history across the Nordic region.

24/04/2026

The last day of the 🇹🇳 study trip was diverse and enriching.

Students had the opportunity to engage with Mr. Amine Ghali, Director of Kawakibi Democracy Transition Center (KADEM), and expert Ms. Zouhour Ouamara, gaining valuable perspectives on the EU’s engagement with civil society and the importance of grassroots voices in shaping democratic change. This exchange helped complete the broader picture - from institutions to the actors on the ground.

The Natolin Study Trip for TeamTunis concluded with an academic guided tour of Carthage and Sidi Bou Said. From the Byrsa archaeological site to the Antonine Baths, students explored Tunisia's historical layers, adding depth and context to their overall experience.

Students are already back at Natolin with exceptional knowledge and an enriching cultural experience!

NatolinOnTour

24/04/2026

Merci de votre accueil, Conseil de l'Europe Tunisie ! C'était un plaisir de rencontrer et de discuter avec Mme Mirka Honki Coordinatrice du South Programme sur la coopération régionale, ainsi que de vos initiatives actuelles !

🎓Rencontre avec les étudiants de College of Europe in Natolin
Dans le cadre d’une visite accueillie par Union européenne en Tunisie, le Conseil de l’Europe a rencontré les étudiants du Collège de l’Europe à Natolin.
📍Cette rencontre a permis de mettre en lumière les thématiques clés au cœur de la coopération avec 🇹🇳 dans le cadre du Partenariat de Voisinage avec la Tunisie, 2026-2029, et aussi les projets conjoints avec l’Union européenne, notamment South Programme .
🤝Un moment d’échange concret pour relier les réflexions académiques aux actions menées sur le terrain, au cœur des priorités euro-méditerranéennes

23/04/2026

As part of the 🇹🇳 study trip, students attended a panel on “Regional Cooperation with the EU”, opened by Mr Samir Abdelhafidh, Minister of Economy and Planning, who outlined Tunisia’s priorities in its partnership with the European Union.

The discussion brought together key representatives, including Mr Fethi Ben Mimoun (Interreg NEXT MED Programme), Ms Lamia Sandid (EU–Tunisia bilateral cooperation), and Samira Rafrafi (cross-border cooperation), alongside experts from participating institutions such as Saloua Sadok (Institut National des Sciences et Technologies de la Mer), Marco Polverari, and Ms Souha Ferchichi (Mediterranean Renewable Energy Centre).

The session offered valuable insights into regional and cross-border cooperation, highlighting concrete projects and the broader impact of EU-supported initiatives in Tunisia.

23/04/2026

Natolin Study Trip to Finland & Sweden – Day 5

concluded the study trip in Stockholm with a visit to the Vasa Museum, where students explored Sweden’s maritime history through the story of the well-preserved 17th-century warship Vasa.

The programme ended with a guided tour of Stockholm, offering a final overview of the city’s historical and political landmarks and marking the end of the study trip in Sweden.

23/04/2026

Istanbul: From Imperial Capital to Global City

The second semester study trip to Türkiye ended with a historical-political walk and a dinner cruise along the Bosphorus.

For , it’s time to go back home to Natolin and continue the academic journey from here, enriched and inspired by new perspectives, stronger connections, and unforgettable experiences.

23/04/2026

As part of the 🇹🇳 study trip, students were received by the EU Ambassador to Tunisia, H.E. Giuseppe Perrone, for an insightful discussion on the work of the EU Delegation / Union européenne en Tunisie.

The exchange brought together representatives from across the Delegation, including Mr Gianfranco Bochicchio (Deputy Head of the EU Delegation), Mr Stéphane Brossard (Cooperation Attaché), Ms Takwa Gharsallah (Trade Affairs Officer), and Ghazi Ben Salem from the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Ambassador Perrone shared valuable perspectives on the differences between serving in a national embassy and working within an EU Delegation, offering students a deeper understanding of EU diplomacy in practice.

The session was highly interactive, allowing students to engage directly with the speakers and explore key aspects of EU–Tunisia relations.

22/04/2026

Natolin Study Trip to Finland & Sweden – Day 4

The study trip continued in Sweden, where explored key aspects of the country’s defence, security, and resilience framework.
At the Swedish Defence University (Försvarshögskolan), students participated in a panel discussion on Sweden’s defence and security policy in a shifting European security order, focusing on the transition from (post-)neutrality to NATO membership and the role of deterrence. The session featured Prof. Kjell Engelbrekt, Dr Malena Britz, and Ms Minna Ålander.

At the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI Totalförsvarets forskningsinstitut), Dr Mike Winnerstig, Dr Olaf Kronvall and Dr Carl Marklund led a discussion on Russia’s full-spectrum threats, alongside Sweden’s “Total Defence” concept and its approach to crisis and war preparedness.

The programme concluded with a briefing by the Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency (Myndigheten för civilt försvar) , where Mr Andreas Ekengren presented Sweden’s model for resilience, civil defence, and emergency preparedness within the Total Defence framework.

We are grateful to all speakers and institutions for their time and engagement they took to engage with our students!

21/04/2026

Day 2 of the focused on the key political, social, historical, and environmental dimensions of human security in Tunisia. 🇹🇳

The morning began with a panel on “Tunisia Since 2011: Political Transformations and EU–Tunisia Relations”, featuring Prof. Amine Thabet, who discussed the evolution of EU–Tunisia relations over the same period.

This was followed by a second panel on “Human Security in Tunisia: Migration, Social Change, and Environmental Pressures”, with contributions from Dr Wael Garnaoui on EU–Tunisia migration management from a Tunisian perspective, Prof. Soufinae Jaballah on informality, migration, and socio-economic dynamics, and Mr Omar Kardous on environmental policy in a globalised context and its socio-economic and political impacts.

In the afternoon, Natolin students visited Oudhna (Uthina) for an academic tour titled “Human security through history”, welcomed by Prof. Moez Achour, Archaeologist and Chief Curator at the National Heritage Institute of Tunisia (INP), followed by Archaeologist Prof. Amina Ferjani, who made a tour providing expert insights into the archaeological site and its historical significance.

The day concluded at Domaine Sidi Mrayah - Ferme Lakhoua with a session on “Cultivating Resilience: Sustainable Agriculture and Human Security in Tunisia”, focusing on the role of sustainable agriculture in strengthening resilience and food security.

21/04/2026

Today, students participating in the study trip to Istanbul had the honour of visiting the Ecumenical Patriarchate, where they were graciously received by His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople.

During this special encounter, the Ecumenical Patriarch delivered an inspiring address, sharing reflections on the role of faith, dialogue, and responsibility in an increasingly complex global context.

A sincere thank you to His All-Holiness for sharing with Natolin students his unique perspective at the intersection of religion, diplomacy, and the common good.

21/04/2026

wraps up in Finland 🇫🇮

On their final day, our students explored Finland’s approach to crisis preparedness during a briefing at the National Emergency Supply Agency, focusing on supply security and national resilience.

The programme concluded with a visit to the Merihaka Rock Shelter, offering Natolin students a first-hand look at how civil protection infrastructure is integrated into Finland’s preparedness strategy.

20/04/2026

The Natolin Study Trips have officially begun in Tunisia, too, with 🇹🇳

The programme opened with an academic guided tour of Avenue Habib Bourguiba and the Medina of Tunis: “Tunisia between the past and the present”. The walk offered valuable insights into the city’s layered history, where cultural heritage, colonial legacies, and contemporary urban life intersect.

A strong start to the study trip, combining institutional exchange with on-the-ground exploration of Tunis as a space where history and present-day realities continuously interact.