The Institute for European Studies
Introduction
IEE-ULB, the Institute for European Studies in Brussels
The organisation of the IEE-ULB is unique, thanks to its international teams, the interaction with EU institutions, and the strong connection between teaching and research.
The IEE-ULB is a centre of interdisciplinary excellence in teaching and research. It focuses on European issues.
Why have an Institute for European Studies in Brussels?
At the beginning of the 1960s, after the entry into force of the Treaty of Rome, the academic authorities at the ULB decided to create an Institute for European Studies.
The IEE-ULB covers mainly four disciplines: European law, political science, economics and history. As an interdisciplinary centre for research and teaching, it trains specialists in European issues.
The IEE-ULB – an institute with international dimensions
At the IEE-ULB, the lecturers come from a dozen countries. The students represent no less than 30 nationalities.
The international dimension is even more evident when it comes to our researchers. The institute plays a vital role in the creation and coordination of European or international research networks.
A University close to the Institutions
Located in Brussels, the IEE-ULB benefits from its location in the heart of Europe. European experts, senior officials and policymakers are involved in teaching, research and public debate.
These practitioners are often part of the AlumnIEE network. They give lectures to students and provide mentoring. They meet at conferences, summer schools and professionalisation courses.
Training that evolves with our research
The IEE-ULB ensures consistency between its research agenda and its teaching provision. Research evolves according to the construction of Europe and European challenges. In this spirit, the courses are regularly reviewed.
The head office of the IEE-ULB: a Blomme building
In 1964, the IEE established its head office in a very particular villa at 39 avenue F. D. Roosevelt, in Ixelles. The building was designed between 1926 and 1928 by Adrien Blomme, a major architect in Brussels. In 1990, the IEE-ULB expands to the adjacent villa.
L’IEE-ULB represents half a century of innovation in European Studies. Our video shows it through our researchers and academics.
The 3 mandates of the IEE-ULB
The IEE-ULB plays a role in defining the place of Europe in the world. It develops its activities around 3 mandates: teaching, research and public debate.
The specific character of the IEE-ULB is to integrate its 3 mandates. The theoretical training is practice-oriented. Scientific research feeds the debate on the future of Europe in the world.
Teaching
The IEE-ULB offers several Master’s and Specialized Master’s degrees in European studies.
The institution works in collaboration with its ULB partner faculties:
- Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management
- Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Law and Criminology
Courses are oriented to provide disciplinary or interdisciplinary excellence. They are taught either in English or in English and French. They reflect the main lines of research conducted in European studies. With the intention of fostering professionalisation, the programmes combine theory and practice.
Research at the IEE-ULB
Since its inception, the IEE has been positioned at the forefront of research in European institutions. It is certified a “Jean Monnet Center of Excellence (CEJM)”. This confirms the quality of the research conducted on European issues and challenges.
Research at the IEE revolves around 4 themes:
- Europe as an area of freedom, security and justice
- Europe as an area of economic and social regulation
- Europe as a community of norms and values
- Europe in the world
Public debate
The IEE-ULB is not an isolated academic institute. It is a public space where exchange and debate are encouraged. Through the organisation of conferences and the dissemination of publications, the institute seeks to render theory concrete. It brings together researchers, students and decision-makers to discuss issues of European integration.