On Monday, 22 June 2026, the College of Europe in Natolin proudly celebrated the Graduation Ceremony of the 2025/2026 Academic Year, marking the successful completion of studies by the students of the Victoria Amelina Promotion.
The ceremony began with a performance by the Natolin Choir with the European anthem, Ode to Joy. This was followed by a welcome address from the Rector of the College of Europe Mrs Ewa OŚNIECKA-TAMECKA.
As one of the most significant moments of the academic year, the Graduation Ceremony recognised the achievements, dedication, and academic excellence of the graduating class. During the ceremony, the following awards were presented to the best students, as well as to the authors of outstanding Master's theses and recipients of other special prizes by Prof. Georges MINK, Prof. Richard BUTTERWICK-PAWLIKOWSKI, and Prof. Adam ŁAZOWSKI to the best students and the best Master's theses' authors of the Victoria Amelina Promotion 2025/2026 at Natolin:
- Best Student of the Eu Public Affairs and Policies Major: Reinout VERMAERCKE
- Best Student of the EU and the World Major: Neyssa FERDILUS
- Best Student of the EU in the Wider Europe and its Neighbours Major: Cornelis VAN DER TOGT
- Best Student of the European History and Civilization Major: Alessandro IURATO
- Best EIS Student of the Victoria Amelina Promotion: Cornelis VAN DER TOGT
- Outstanding Master's Thesis in the field of European Neighbourhood Studies: Reinout VERMAERCKE, Valentina MALENCHI, M Anas BADAWI
- Outstanding Master's Thesis in the field of European History and Civilization: Margot LEGRAND, Margherita ROSSI
- Best Master's Thesis in European Interdisciplinary Studies: Aleksandra SZTĄBOROWSKA
In addition, external awards were presented:
- Prize of the Dipartimento per gli Affari Europei della Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri: Barbara MATTA, Margherita ROSSI
A traditional keynote address, delivered by a distinguished alumnus, Mr Simon BOJSEN-MØLLER, Head of the European Commission's Office in Nuuk, Greenland, offered inspiration and encouragement to the graduates as they commence the next stage of their personal and professional journeys.
The ceremony concluded with a final performance by the Natolin Choir and a farewell address by the Acting Rector of the College of Europe.
Following the ceremony, the Promotion family photo was taken in front of the Natolin Palace. The celebrations then continued with a farewell flying cocktail on the prairie behind the Winter Garden, providing an opportunity to share memories, celebrate achievements, and say good bye.
This special day held deep significance not only for the graduates themselves, but also for their families, friends, faculty, and the wider Natolin community. Together, they celebrated the accomplishments of the Victoria Amelina Promotion and wished its members every success as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
The ceremony was livestreamed on our YouTube and Facebook channels.
Here is our photo-gallery from the graduation below:
