International CIFE Alumni Meeting in Brussels
11 to 13 September 2026
Programme
11 September
Friday
Guided Tour: Postcolonial? Temporary Exhibition
Join us for a 90-minute tour offering an overview of the Postcolonial? exhibition at the House of European History, focusing on the historical link between colonialism and racism. Through selected artworks and objects, the tour explores how colonial expansion contributed to the formation of political, economic and social structures that still organise power, wealth and inequality today.
Introductory remarks about "Europe and Its Colonial Legacy" by Matthias Waechter, Director General of CIFE.
Meeting Point: House of European History, Rue Belliard 135, 1000 Brussels
"Human Library": Alumni Careers & Business in Brussels
Using an innovative method, "Human Library"*, select members of the Alumni community will discuss different career and business paths in the Brussels bubble. Choose the "human book" you'd like to read!
*Human library is a global social movement where real people act as open books. Readers can "borrow" them for personal conversations.
Venue: Le Cercle des Voyageurs, Rue des Grands Carmes 18, 1000 Brussels
Opening Reception
Swap your typical after-work drinks for an opening reception among fellow CIFE Alumni and start your weekend right!
Venue: Le Cercle des Voyageurs, Rue des Grands Carmes 18, 1000 Brussels
12 September
Saturday
11.00 - 12.00 (in English)
11.30 - 12.30 (in French)
(Parallel visits)
Guided Visit to the Permanent Exhibition of the House of European History
Learn about Europe's past in a uniquely engaging way. The Permanent Exhibition is brought to life with over 1,500 objects, documents and audio-visual materials, from over 300 museums and collections from across Europe and the world.
Venue: House of European History, Rue Belliard 135, 1000 Brussels
Brussels Food Festival
After learning about Europe's past, it's time to get lunch. This weekend, Brussels is celebrating food with a street food festival so meet us there to enjoy the early afternoon with live music and food.
(Free entry)
Meeting Point: Hermann Debroux Metro Station
Keynote Speech by Herman Van Rompuy
A highlight of the weekend, CIFE President and President Emeritus of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy will be present to deliver a keynote speech. You will have time to discuss and network afterwards during a cocktail reception.
Venue: Fondation Universitaire, Rue d'Egmont 11, 1000 Brussels
Brussels Open Air Festival
We'll walk together from the Fondation Universitaire to another festival being held in Brussels on this weekend. The Brussels Open Air Festival is taking place over five of Brussels' most iconic squares.
More information about the festival here.
Departure Point: Fondation Universitaire, Rue d'Egmont 11, 1000 Brussels
13 September
Sunday
Royal Farewell
Place Flagey is one of the locals' favourite meeting spots on Sunday mornings: combine wine and seafood in a casual setting and mingle with each other.
It's your last opportunity to meet up with everyone before saying goodbye. If you wish to organise for yourselves, you can have a stroll in the vicinity on one of the official walking tours.
Meeting Point: The O-Bar, Place Flagey
Please note: Food and beverages at the Opening Reception on Friday evening and the Keynote Speech on Saturday late afternoon are covered by CIFE. At all other events, they are at the participants' own expense.