The European Union is driving change in the Southern Neighbourhood in various areas.
3Q TALKS, a series of dynamic interviews, meets key players for an inside look into their work, shed light on their impact and identify opportunities.
This edition of 3Q TALKS gives the floor to an institutional voice from Natolin to explore its mission, its engagement with the Southern Neighbourhood, and its message to the youth of the region.

Nour Ben Mefteh, Academic Assistant at the College of Europe in Natolin and alumna of the 2023/2024 promotion (Tunisia)

1. What is the role and mission of the College of Europe in Natolin?

The College of Europe was first established in Bruges in 1949, making it the oldest postgraduate institute dedicated to European studies.
The College of Europe in Natolin was opened in 1992, right after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Its founding idea was to help bridge the divide between East and West in Europe, and that’s still a big part of what we do today. These days, as Europe faces all kinds of challenges—political, social, economic—that original mission feels even more relevant. At Natolin, we aim to equip our students with the tools to understand and navigate the ever-evolving EU landscape, including its neighbourhood and broader global context.

2. What kind of programmes, support, or initiatives does the College offer for students from the Southern Neighbourhood?

For students from the MENA region, there are full scholarships available. These cover tuition and living expenses, which helps make the programme accessible to a wider range of talented candidates. Our academic offering is structured around four majors: EU Public Affairs and Policies, The EU and the World, The EU in the Wider Europe and its Neighbours, European History and Civilization.

These cover both internal EU dynamics and external relations, with plenty of room for personal academic exploration.
Language learning is also a big part of the experience. Students can choose from up to eight languages—including Arabic, French, Spanish, and Polish—which adds another layer to their intercultural competence.

Outside the classroom, we host high-level conferences and events that bring in EU officials, scholars, and policymakers.
These are great opportunities for students to connect with real-world issues and people who work in the field.

3. What message or piece of advice would you share with young people from the region?

Speaking both as a Natolin alumna and now as part of the academic team, I’d say: don’t hesitate to explore what this place has to offer.
Natolin isn’t just about classes. It’s a space where you grow intellectually, but also personally, by living and learning with people from all over the world. It gave me the chance to reflect, challenge myself, and gain insight into others’ perspectives, and my own.
That kind of experience stays with you. Studying at Natolin gives you a real head start if you’re thinking of a career in international relations, policy, or regional development. Many of our alumni from the region are doing fantastic work, both locally and abroad.