EST Academy 2025

The European Student Think Tank is pleased to announce its 2025 EST Academy: Discussing Security and Defence, which will take place online from May 21st to May 30th.

With its interdisciplinary approach, the EST Academy offers a robust conceptual framework for exploring both current and future events impacting the EU, particularly given that this is one of the policy priorities identified by the European Commission for the 2025-2029 legislative term. Given the current international context and the EU’s actions to further enhance its defense industry, our academy presents itself as an opportunity to get more immersed in this topic.

MISSION

Over the course of two weekends, participants will delve into six main sessions. Each session is precisely tailored to assess the concepts of security and defense from different perspectives. From taking a look at traditional threats, to discussing current emerging topics such as hybrid threats and space security, the program will address a spectrum of different matters regarding security and defense in the context of the European Union.

An official “Certificate of Participation” will be issued to all participants who attend at least 3 out of the 6 main sessions of the Academy

Each session will be led by  distinguished experts in the field, ranging from academics to think tank professionals and practitioners. Participants of the EST Academy will gain invaluable insights from experts actively shaping these discussions and will have the opportunity to participate in meaningful discussions, representing the perspectives and concerns of young people.

SESSIONS & DATES

Opening Session

Wednesday, May 21st

Speakers: Olivia Serra Calvo, EST President

Session 1: What does “security” mean (to you)?

Wednesday, May 21st

Session 2: Terrorism and organised crime: challenges and tools

Friday, May 23rd

Session 3: Health security: navigating hybrid threats

Saturday, May 24th

Session 4: How can we counter the threat of disinformation to protect democracy?

Monday, May 26th

Session 5: Human security reimagined: intersectionality, inclusion, and economic well-being

Wednesday, May 28th

Session 6: Space: exploring a new security frontier

Thursday, May 29th

Wrap-up: policy making session

Friday, May 30th

* Please be aware that these are only tentative time slots and might be subject to change. The final detailed programme, as well as any preparatory material for the sessions, will be shared with registered participants before the start of the EST Academy.

ELIGIBILITY

The EST Academy is ideal for current Bachelor’s and Master’s students in the fields of law, political sciences, economics, international relations from any country, but also any other person who would like to deepen their knowledge of the European Union and relevant topics. Given that the entirety of the programme will be conducted in English, participants are required to possess a strong command of the language, in order to engage effectively and obtain maximum benefit from the learning experience.

PARTICIPATION FEE

There is a participation fee to join the EST Academy. This supports our efforts in facilitating valuable discussions and ensuring the accessibility of our events to all interested individuals.

Participation fee is 10€ for non-EST members and 5€ for current EST members. 

HOW TO PARTICIPATE 

Interested candidates may register through this form at the latest by 20th May  2024 at 23:59. Upon successful registration, participants will receive a confirmation email and at a later stage a second one containing detailed instructions for attending the sessions.

CONTACT

For any inquiry, please contact us at: estacademy@esthinktank.com