EUROSUD, or how to shape the future of Southern Europe

Spread over two years, the EUROSUD program, coordinated by the Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences and the Institute for European Studies (IEE), begins in Madrid for two semesters, with a focus on democracy and governance.

Students can then choose between a training pathway centered on “area studies,” which includes historical, geographical, and cultural analyses of this part of the world, or a specialization in European policy studies at ULB. The Brussels-based curriculum focuses on the European Union, its public policies, and institutions. This specific perspective on Southern Europe gives the master’s program a unique character, as most traditional courses tend to adopt a broader approach to European studies.

A multitude of challenges

Southern Europe is undergoing numerous transformations : the rise of populism, migration, and the economic and social dynamics of regional integration. But this part of Europe also faces other critical issues closely tied to its geographic location: post-colonial ties, major migratory flows, climate and sociodemographic changes, corruption, quality of governance, and shifts in the security landscape in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

The goal of this program is to explore these aspects through theoretical and methodological approaches from the social sciences and humanities, equipping graduates with genuine regional expertise. This prepares them for international or European careers focused on the Mediterranean area or Southern Europe more broadly, as well as for doctoral studies. The program also aims to help students gain a deeper understanding of the EU’s role in these dynamics.

The role of the IEE

At ULB, the Institute for European Studies (IEE) plays a central role in this Master’s program by providing unique expertise on the European Union, its public policies, and its institutions. The Institute’s contribution stands out from that of the other partner universities, which focus more on regional dynamics.

For Amandine Crespy, academic coordinator of the program and director of Cevipol, “the integration of the Institute into EUROSUD is part of a broader effort to renew and enrich European studies at ULB. This initiative not only complements existing expertise but also helps rebalance an academic field historically dominated by Northern European universities.”

According to Frederik Ponjaert, European projects coordinator at the IEE, “this program also responds to the current political priorities of the European Union.” Its launch coincides with the appointment of a new European Commissioner in charge of Mediterranean affairs.

“Joining this initiative is an opportunity for the IEE to further its internationalization, notably by attracting non-European students from neighboring countries, students we might not otherwise be able to reach,” adds Emmi Kallio, director of faculty administration at the IEE and head of the Institute’s communication.

Pedagogical and structural support from CIVIS

As Frederik Ponjaert highlights, “the CIVIS alliance made it possible to add a series of innovative teaching elements to the program that might not have been included without its support.” By combining academic courses, seminars on transversal skills, blended-intensive programmes (BIPs), and a winter school that promotes exchanges with practitioners, as well as programs focused on soft skills development, the EUROSUD Master’s stands out from more traditional programs.

The alliance’s recognized expertise in designing blended-intensive programmes (BIPs) has notably enabled the adoption of this more immersive teaching format. It gives students the opportunity to engage with a more hands-on approach, often involving actors from outside the academic world.

Thanks to its solid institutional framework, the alliance also plays a key role in encouraging the sharing of academic resources and institutional expertise, simplifying administrative procedures, and thus speeding up the implementation of such initiatives. Ultimately, the alliance strengthens the program’s international visibility and appeal.
 

The full program is available here: Master's programme in South European Studies – CIVIS - A European University Alliance

For any questions regarding opportunities and funding within the alliance, please contact Marie Ugeux at marie.ugeux@ulb.be.