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WELCOME
In previous years, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel has opened the academic year in locations that could be called, without exaggeration, icons of Brussels.
This year, chair of the board Karsten De Clerck and rector Jan Danckaert invite you to the opening of the academic year 2023-2024 in a setting that is iconic for the whole of Europe: the hemicycle of the European Parliament.
In this arena where the most significant European debates take place, Jan Danckaert will deliver his opening speech, emphasising the vital importance of European cooperation for excellence in teaching, research and innovation. And beyond that: the need for a new Renaissance.
To translate these words into actions, he and the rectors of nine European universities will sign an agreement that will make EUTOPIA a true reference point for academic partnerships and connections across Europe.
EUTOPIA is an alliance of 10 European universities, with VUB as a founding member. Based on European values such as inclusion, openness, sustainability and the defence of academic freedom, EUTOPIA aims to provide answers to the major challenges of our times.
DON’T WAIT TO REGISTER
The academic opening takes place on Friday 29 September and will start promptly at 15.00. To enter the European Parliament, strict security measures apply and we must submit the guest list no later than Wednesday 20 September. Anyone not registered by that date will be refused entry by the Parliament's security officers.
To register, click the REGISTER button above.
ARRIVE AT LEAST 90 MINUTES IN ADVANCE
Entry to the European Parliament is subject to strict security protocols. You will have to pass three checkpoints:
- VUB check: to confirm you are registered, after which you will receive a coloured band.
- Check by the European Parliament’s accreditation service: verification of your identity document and the data you provided during registration on these pages (which is more extensive than we usually require)
- Passage through a scanner, which is tighter than standard airport security.
It will take some time to pass through all these checks. We therefore recommend that you arrive at least 90 minutes in advance at the VUB control point on Friday 29 September.
Once inside, you will be able to move around freely and visit all the open spaces: an opportunity to get to know the temple of European democracy from the inside out.
We look forward to seeing you there.