Visit of the President of the Government of Catalonia, Salvador Illa i Roca, to Bruges

On Tuesday, February 19th, 2025, we had the pleasure of welcoming Salvador ILLA I ROCA, President of the Government of Catalonia, for an engaging discussion on Catalonia’s role as a regional driver of the European economy. Organized by the students of the Spanish Society of the College of Europe, the event provided valuable insights into Catalonia’s ambitions to strengthen its position as a key European region and contribute to the continent’s competitiveness and industrial future.

Earlier in the day, President Illa i Roca and Rector Federica MOGHERINI met in Brussels to sign a new partnership, to award 10 scholarships to students from Catalan universities to join the College of Europe. A fantastic commitment to supporting future European changemakers!

Congratulations to the students of the Spanish Society for organising such a special event! Creating opportunities for meaningful exchanges like this is what makes the College of Europe such a dynamic space for debate and learning!

President Illa i Roca challenged our students to think about their role as the future generation to take the reins of the European project. “The power of force or the power of reason? These are the choices we face today. Catalonia and Europe must be on the side reason.”