This year, 15 students graduated from the Europa Master programme, which allowed them to study at three universities in Poland, France and Germany over a period of two years. The graduates celebrated their success during a graduation ceremony held on 6 December 2025 at the Collegium Civitas of the University of Opole.
Congratulatory letters and awards were presented to the graduates by: Prof. Ruth Zimmerling (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz), Prof. Stephane Revillet (University of Burgundy in Dijon), Prof. Anna Weissbrot-Koziarska, Vice-Rector for Education at the UO, Prof. Robert Geisler, Dean of the Faculty of Political Science and Social Communication at the UO, and the graduates’ supervisors.
‘I am convinced that this is one of the most beautiful days of your lives. Do everything you can to make sure that this adventure with education does not end today,’ emphasised Prof. Weissbrot-Koziarska. ‘If you ever decide to continue your education, we invite you to pursue doctoral studies at the University of Opole. I believe that you stand a great chance of doing so. Thank you for our shared adventure, and I hope that the friendships you have made here will last.
The ceremony at Collegium Civitas was an opportunity for words of thanks, congratulations, reflections and memories. Speaking at the ceremony were Prof. Anna Weissbrot-Koziarska, Prof. Robert Geisler, Ruth Zimmerling and Prof. Stephane Revillet, as well as this year’s graduates – Louise Bestel, Jana Collon, Weronika Koston and Theresa Zeng. The programme of the ceremony also included the national anthems of Poland, Germany, France and the European Union, the academic anthem ‘Gaudeamus igitur’ and, finally, commemorative photos.
‘I remember you, dear graduates, as young, shy people in a new environment. It was then, two years ago, that you began your adventure at our university, and I think it was an intense time,’ said Prof. Robert Geisler. ‘You studied at three universities and in three cities. You have gained not only academic knowledge, but also practical skills. You have acquired the skills necessary to function in a European and global environment. You are just beginning your new adult life, and I wish you all the best.
This year’s ceremony was combined with workshops and a debate entitled ‘Europe in the eyes of young people’ on the subject of European identity and the future of Europe. The meeting took place two days before the graduation ceremony and was hosted by Prof. Stephane Revillet from the University of Burgundy in Dijon. It is worth mentioning that it was organised with the support of the Europe Direct network.
Over the past 11 years, around 150 graduates from more than 25 countries have completed the Europa Master study programme. They were from Poland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Serbia, Montenegro, Romania, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Ukraine, the United States, Canada, Morocco and many other countries.
This international programme is jointly run by three universities – one from Poland – the University of Opole, one from Germany – Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, and one from France – the University of Burgundy in Dijon. In this order, Europa Master students study there for the first, second and third semesters. In the fourth semester, they choose the place where they want to write and defend their Master’s thesis, obtaining diplomas from all three universities.
In Opole, students learn the basics of political science, the cultural and social dimensions of European integration, and issues related to Central and Eastern Europe. In Mainz, the emphasis is on European politics, while in Dijon it is on European law. In Poland, classes are conducted in English, in Germany in German and English, and in France in French.