Opening Ceremony of the Academic Year 2026-2027 | College of Europe in Natolin

The College of Europe in Natolin is delighted to host the Opening Ceremony of the Academic Year 2026–2027. It is our great honour to welcome Mr António COSTA, President of the European Council, as the keynote speaker for this year’s Opening Ceremony. President COSTA has held his current office since 1 December 2024. Previously, he served as Prime Minister of Portugal from 2015 to 2024, following a long career in Portuguese and European public life. The visit of the President of the European Council is part of the College of Europe’s long-standing tradition of inviting heads of state and government, as well as prominent European figures, to address students at the opening of the academic year of each new Promotion. This year, however, is particularly special, as the College of Europe in Natolin celebrates its 35th anniversary. PROGRAMME OF THE CEREMONY: 10:30 “Ode to Joy”, by the Natolin Choir 10:33 Opening of the Ceremony, by the Vice-Rector of the College of Europe, Mrs Ewa Ośniecka-Tamecka 10:34 Presentation of the Patron de Promotion of the College of Europe, by the Rector of the College of Europe, Mr João Cravinho 10:42 Welcome Address, by the Vice-Rector of the College of Europe, Mrs Ewa Ośniecka-Tamecka 10:50 Keynote Speech, by the President of the European Council, Mr António Costa 11:10 Music Interlude 11:15 Remarks by Students’ Representatives 11:18 “Gaudeamus Igitur”, by the Natolin Choir 11:22 End of the Ceremony