Statement by the President of the Administrative Council of the College of Europe

On 12 December, in line with the Statutes of the College of Europe, following the unanimous position expressed by the Executive Committee, and after consultation and full endorsement by the Academic Council, the Administrative Council adopted a decision to transfer the powers and responsibilities of the Rector to the Vice-Rector.

In line with this decision, the Vice-Rector, Ms. Ewa Ośniecka-Tamecka, has been entrusted with the role of Acting Rector of the College of Europe, until a new Rector is appointed.

Ewa Ośniecka-Tamecka’s professional relationship with the College of Europe spans over 30 years. She has served as Vice-Rector responsible for the activities of the College of Europe in Natolin for 18 years, contributing to its academic growth and innovation.

In her capacity as Acting Rector, Ewa Ośniecka-Tamecka will focus on ensuring institutional stability and credibility, and maintaining operational continuity of the College’s activities.

The Administrative Council’s decision comes in the wake of Ms. Federica Mogherini’s resignation as Rector, announced on 4 December 2025.

The Academic Council in its extraordinary meeting on 11 December 2025 confirmed that all three campuses with their academic departments remain fully operational. The academic departments and their study programmes are unaffected by the recent unexpected events.

Herman Van Rompuy
President of the Administrative Council of the College of Europe