The College of Europe was established in 1949 in Bruges (Belgium), and in 1992 in Natolin (Warsaw, Poland). It operates in two host countries – in Belgium and in Poland – and since 2001 via two legally distinct non-profit foundations.
In all academic matters, the College of Europe acts under the governance of a single Academic Council and offers a unified system of studies and diplomas building upon academic programmes developed according to uniform standards.
Each legal entity in Bruges and in Natolin maintains its administrative, organisational, and financial autonomy while acting under the responsibility of their corresponding governing bodies, respectively, under Belgian and Polish legislation.
(‘Europacollege’ – company number 0409.518.855)
The Administrative Council, presided by Mr Herman VAN ROMPUY, includes representatives of the two host countries and of European governments, as well as the Rector and the Vice-Rector of the College of Europe. It is the highest decision-making authority and is responsible for the implementation of the College’s objectives. The Executive Committee, appointed by the Administrative Council and reporting to it, ensures sound financial and administrative management. It includes decisions related to the branch of the College of Europe in Bruges, which was opened in Tirana (Albania) in 2024.
(‘Kolegium Europy’ – court registration number KRS 0000148214)
The Executive Board, chaired by Mr Jacek SARYUSZ-WOLSKI, includes representatives of the two host countries, as well as the Rector and the Vice-Rector of the College of Europe. It is the principal decision-making authority which ensures the sound financial as well as administrative management of the College of Europe in Natolin.
The Rector directs and coordinates the activities of the College of Europe and chairs the Academic Council. The Vice-Rector of the College of Europe, Mrs Ewa OŚNIECKA-TAMECKA, is specifically responsible for the College of Europe in Natolin.
On 12 December, the Administrative Council of the College of Europe decided to transfer the powers and responsibilities of the Rector to the Vice-Rector, following a unanimous position expressed by the Executive Committee and full endorsement by the Academic Council, in accordance with the College’s Statutes.
As a result, Vice-Rector Ms Ewa OŚNIECKA-TAMECKA has been appointed Acting Rector until a new Rector is selected. This decision followed the resignation of Ms. Federica MOGHERINI as Rector announced on 4 December 2025. Statement of the Acting Rector of the College of Europe in avaialble here.
The Academic Council includes representatives of the academic programmes in Bruges, Natolin, and Tirana, and ensures that College-wide education and training standards are maintained at the highest level.
