2024 Summer School theme: Analysing civil rights in today's EU

The intensive two-week Jean Monnet Summer School on EU Policy Making, taught on campus, is held one week in Brussels and one week in Vienna from Monday 1 to Friday 12 July 2024. This Summer School allows students to explore both the old and the new centre of diplomacy in Europe. The Brussels School of Governance joins forces with the Diplomatische Akademie Wien — Vienna School of International Studies and the University of Vienna to bring you this 'crash course' in European Union Policy Making. The focus area of the Summer School, which will be civil rights, touching on policy discussions related to human security, migration, anti-discrimination, diversity.

Packed with interactive seminars and study visits, this summer programme attracts students and young professionals who wish to broaden their knowledge of the European institutions, European law and the European decision-making process in general. The first week of the summer school takes place in Brussels and reviews the main EU institutions and decision-making procedures. During the second week students learn more about EU foreign relations, while enjoying the beautiful city of Vienna.

The Summer School corresponds to 5 ECTS. It is also part of the Postgraduate Certificate in EU Policy Making. This certificate is equivalent to 25 ECTS credits and provides an even better insight in the different EU policy areas.

The Brussels School of Governance is an alliance between the Institute for European Studies (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) and Vesalius College. This Summer School is a programme that is organised by the Institute for European Studies (VUB), a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence. 

I am beyond thrilled with my experience at the Jean Monnet Summer School. Despite having no background in political science, I was able to follow the lectures, and I have gained incredible insights into European institutions and policies. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and discuss the past and future of the Union. The visits to the institutions have been fascinating, as we were able to pose questions and debate with staff members on different topics.

Student looking at camera
Maria-Cristina Ionita
2023 Summer School student

Key features

  • Intensive 5 ECTS programme
  • Inter-university summer school: week 1 in Brussels, week 2 in Vienna
  • Perfect for students and professionals
  • Includes in-depth study visits to prime international institutions
  • Organised by a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence on the doorstep of the main EU institutions
  • Broadens your expertise on the functioning of the EU, its intricate decision-making process and the roles of various actors involved
  • Provides insider knowledge on the focus area of civil rights in today’s EU
  • Creates close connections with other students and professors, a network that will help boost your career