This week offered a deep dive into European politics through the course “The European Union and Today’s Challenges” with Professor Marion Gaillard. Designed to give students a solid foundation for understanding the major issues shaping the EU today, the class explores topics such as the war in Ukraine, Brexit, shifting trade dynamics and the political impact of Donald Trump’s election.

What makes this course especially engaging is the way complex concepts become concrete through discussion, case studies and real-world examples provided by Professor Gaillard. Each session brings clarity to questions that often feel overwhelming from afar, making the European project feel more accessible and relevant.

A highlight of the semester is the study trip to Brussels, organized in partnership with Smith in Paris. The visit includes time inside the European Parliament, where students gain firsthand insight into how EU institutions function. This year’s trip even came with an unexpected moment: crossing paths with Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, on the Eurostar. A small but memorable reminder of how interconnected European political spaces can be.

For students curious about policy, diplomacy or global affairs, this course opens wide the doors to understanding Europe from within. It shows that Paris is not only a cultural capital but also a front-row seat to the political conversations shaping the world.