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The Institute for European Studies is an autonomous department of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). It was created in 2001 through an initiative taken by the Flemish Government. It teaches advanced Master programmes, and focuses on interdisciplinary research in European Studies, more specifically on the role of the EU in an international setting. Within this scope, it provides academic services to scholars, policy makers and the general public.
The Institute’s central location in Brussels, capital of Europe, makes it a supreme workplace for students and scholars that wish to conduct research in an international and interdisciplinary setting. Benefiting from its location, the IES provides an ideal forum for conferences and workshops on European issues.
The Institute’s mission is threefold:
- Providing advanced education, which it does through its MA programme on International Legal Cooperation, its Summer School on the European Decision-Making Process and through its E-learning modules on European Law and Institutions
- Carrying out scientific research. Research is co-ordinated by the IES Academic Director and conducted by PhD researchers as well as post-doctoral Senior Research Fellows that lead research clusters
- Providing scientific services in the field of European Studies, in particular by organising conferences, workshops and lecture series, and by conducting commissioned research.
The Institute collaborates closely with numerous universities and research institutions in Belgium and abroad. This collaboration and the continuous exchange of new ideas with practitioners and scholars, contributes to ensuring that the IES strengthens its research goals so that it can excell its status of excellence centre on European studies.
Strategy
Research at the IES focuses on the EU in an international context. It explores EU institutions, policies and law within the context of globalisation and international law and politics. Research projects analyse the role of the EU as a global actor and the interaction between the internal and external dimensions of EU policies. They also address the inter-relationship between the EU and international organisations. To this end, the Institute aims at developing an interdisciplinary approach, involving legal, economic, social and political expertise. It focuses on forward-looking research that produces policy-relevant results of interest to political decision-makers and the academic community.
Major Research Themes
While IES research principally embraces a wide range of European studies, the Institute focuses its resources on an evolving set of research clusters. These include the following:
- Environment and sustainable development
- Migration and diversity
- European foreign and security policy
- Information society
- The EU and China
These clusters are nurtured by means of launching own research projects (principally at PhD level) as well as raising funds from external sponsors.
PILC
The Programme on International Legal Cooperation (PILC) has been a successful MA programme at the VUB for over 35 years. The Institute for European Studies organises it through the Faculty of Law. PILC is geared towards Law graduates from all over the world, and the programme annually attracts applicants from the five continents. Its method of interactive training and teaching for a selective student body (max. 40 students admitted) is unique and guarantees a high quality output. Teaching staff consists of academics of Flemish and foreign universities and of leading “practicioners” from renowned law firms and European institutions.
E-learning
Since 2006, the Institute offers introductory courses on the European Institutions and on European Law through its advanced E-learning platform. Based on content developed by our research team, students can learn about all aspects of the EU wherever they are and whenever they want.
Summer School
In collaboration with the University of Vienna and the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, the IES annually organises the Summer School on the European Decision-Making Process. The intensive two-week programme is specifically designed for students with a background in political science, history or law. Through lectures, seminars, study visits and simulation exercises, students get acquainted with the politics and dynamics of the various decision-making mechanisms of the EU. The summer school typically takes place one week in Brussels and one week in Vienna.
Events
Regularly, the IES organises lecture series and conferences on topical and timely issues regarding the European Union. Recently, lecture series have addressed Globalisation, the Constitutional Treaty, European Security, Multiculturalism and Sustainable Development, while conferences were held on topics such as EU environmental issues and the WTO, the EU and Africa, and the EU within the UN.
Consultancy
As think-tank and research facility, the IES prepares policy studies, provides legal and political consultancy and offers expert advise to both governmental and non-governmental decision-makers. Governments as well as regional international organisations benefit from its political and legal expertise.
Publications
The Institute’s scientific publications include a book series and a working paper series.
The IES Working Papers as well as the bimonthly Newsletter are published both as paper copies and electronically.
Advanced Master programmes at the IES
The IES is home to two advanced Master programmes: the prestigious LL.M. of International and European Law (full time law programme, ongoing for 35 years) and the renowned Master of European Integration and Development (politics and economics evening programme). Both one-year programmes are international by nature and attract over 80% of foreign students.
Institute for European Studies (IES)
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Pleinlaan 2
B-1050 Brussel
Tel: 0032 2 629 1222
Fax: 0032 2 629 1809
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