EU*Connect 2025-2026 - Témoignages des participants
 

2. Learning and Content
I would say that the main highlights focused on Ukraine’s challenges in its path toward the European Union. The speakers were highly insightful and encouraged active discussion with students, making it particularly interesting to hear perspectives from individuals directly involved in these issues. The course led by Florent Marciacq, along with its activities, was especially interactive and allowed us to reflect more deeply on the EU’s perspectives, as well as its challenges, shortcomings, and areas for improvement.
3. Practical Impact and Future Use
This program allowed me to develop a broader and more refined perspective. I particularly appreciated the emphasis on open discussion, which was actively encouraged throughout the course. Although the functioning of law can be challenging to grasp, the explanations and practical exercises provided by Anna-Katharina were especially clear and effective. This course strongly complemented my studies, as an understanding of geopolitics, and especially European Union affairs, is essential given their close connection to commerce and my intention to pursue a career in this field.
4. Intercultural Exchange
My experience with this diversity was very positive, as it was both inspiring and meaningful to engage with participants from such different backgrounds. I truly appreciated the discussions we had. Even if I did not speak much, I was always fully attentive and engaged. Learning alongside participants from different countries encouraged deeper involvement and motivated me to expand my knowledge further. I felt well supported throughout the program, and the exchanges were consistently insightful. Although I do not have a formal background in politics beyond my high school studies, this was never a barrier, as there was a strong spirit of mutual support and collaboration.

2. Learning and Content
The highlights of the programme are lawful and structural elements that are being transferred into real politics. I think we as EU citizens don’t comprehend the whole thing before we start working with this topic. I liked that all of the lectures gave an opportunity for discussion and for questions.
3. Practical Impact and Future Use
I think it did help me to understand the struggles of the EU member states but also the future challenges for the new member states. This was one of the modules for my study programme that I took outside of the university, and I am grateful for this experience, because now I would like to work for the Commission to help implement projects and to shape the EU of the future—and hopefully a federation of the EU states.
4. Intercultural Exchange
I have to say that this programme brought a lot of interesting points and opinions, as we had a huge group and very mixed from four countries: Germany, France, Moldova, and Ukraine. It brought up so many perspectives and literature exchanges and also different directions of the understanding of the EU. I think I feel more understood and enthusiastic, knowing that I am not alone in wanting to see a prosperous, democratic, and free Europe. I was happy with how we organized into groups on WhatsApp and on Google Drive to share some stuff with each other and support each other, sometimes exchanging ideas and essays to help with language corrections, etc.
I recommend this to everyone who has the EU in their heart and enthusiasm about the future of the EU and maybe even federalization one day; it is really the course to do and to learn.
I hope I will be able to stay connected to EU Connect and CIFE in different ways as a network and maybe scientifically one day.

2. Learning and Content
For me, one of the most important aspects of the program is the effective combination of practical and theoretical knowledge. In this context, I would like to highlight Mr. Paul Culley, whose lectures focused on studying the institutions of the European Union from the inside. I found it particularly inspiring to hear from young professionals working in the EU institutions, as this provided a real source of motivation and insight. Thematically, I found Module 3 especially engaging, as it dealt with the European Union's enlargement and neighborhood policy. It is also worth noting that the program not only covers topics related to the EU itself, but also its relations and policies toward other global actors, offering participants a broader perspective on world politics and the international system.
3. Practical impact and Future use
I can confidently say that the EU*Connect program is making a significant contribution to my doctoral thesis. My research focuses on Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia, and the program provides me with the opportunity to hear assessments from qualified experts on the European integration of these countries and on EU enlargement policy. It also allows me to arrange expert interviews with these professionals. Additionally, I am particularly interested in learning about the perspectives of Moldovan and Ukrainian participants regarding the European integration process in their countries. In this regard, I consider the EU*Connect program to be a unique opportunity for both my academic and professional development
4. Intercultural Exchange
I believe that EU*Connect truly reflects the motto of the European Union – 'United in diversity.' As a participant from Georgia, I have the opportunity to learn about the opinions and perspectives of young people from different cultures and countries. This contributes to bringing together young participants from both EU member states and non-member states. I believe that the lecturers and participants work collaboratively to create a tolerant, multicultural environment in which everyone’s opinion is heard and valued. During discussions, participants are encouraged to express critical or dissenting opinions. For these reasons, I see EU*Connect as a kind of mini model of the European Union.

Beyond country-specific insights, the programme offered a broader understanding of EU decision-making, the Union’s external relations, and its role in a changing global environment. The quality of the lecturers was consistently high, and the fact that all sessions were recorded made the programme particularly accessible and flexible alongside other academic commitments. Overall, it was a very enriching experience, made even more valuable by the direct exchanges with Ukrainian and Moldovan participants.
2. Learning and Content
One of the main highlights of the programme was the intervention by Paul Culley, particularly his ability to connect academic content with real-world trajectories. Hearing from former CIFE students and alumni about their professional paths was both motivating and grounding, as it demonstrated how the knowledge and skills acquired through such programmes can translate into concrete careers.
3. Practical Impact and Future Use
The programme provided a strong macro-level understanding of European Studies, with a clear geopolitical focus on the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood. It complemented my academic background very well by situating regional dynamics within wider European and global frameworks. Ultimately, the programme reinforced my interest in European and international affairs and confirmed my intention to pursue this professional path in the future. 

2. Practical Impact and Future Use
This programme has significantly improved my understanding of how European law operates in practice. As I was studying similar topics in my French law courses at the same time, EU*Connect was extremely helpful in reinforcing and clarifying key concepts, allowing me to better grasp the underlying legal and political stakes.
Thanks to this programme, I am now confident that I want to pursue a career in international relations, particularly within a European or international context. It strengthened and clarified my interest in these subjects and confirmed the coherence of my academic and professional plans.
3. Intercultural Exchange
Learning alongside participants from different countries greatly enriched my experience. Exchanging perspectives highlighted the diversity of legal, cultural, and political approaches within Europe, while also showing the common values that unite European students. These interactions strengthened my sense of belonging to a European and international academic community. Discussions with peers and lecturers created a supportive environment, encouraged open dialogue, and reduced any feeling of isolation by fostering collaboration and mutual understanding.