The EU between War and Peace

BAES Winter School 2027
5 February 2027 – Online session
8–12 February 2027 – In-person programme

Aula Poeti – Palazzo Hercolani
Department of Political and Social Sciences
Strada Maggiore 45, 40125 Bologna, Italy

The Winter School explores the challenges posed by the changing international order and the growing difficulty of developing effective multilateral responses to contemporary global crises. It examines the implications of the increasing use of force in international relations for the European Union (EU) and its Member States, focusing on the EU’s role in contemporary armed conflicts and its relations with international organisations such as the United Nations and NATO.

Through a multidisciplinary approach, the Winter School analyses the political, legal, social and economic dimensions of these challenges, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the issues at stake. The programme offers a safe and open environment for critical discussion, where participants can engage with complex topics and exchange perspectives with experts in political science, international relations, law and economics from partner universities.

Organised within the framework of Una Europa and the Bachelor of European Studies (BAES), and hosted by the Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, the Winter School brings together BAES students from different countries to discuss contemporary questions concerning the European Union between war and peace.

What to expect form the Winter School

Programme

Key information

Who can apply? BAES students only
Format  Blended Intensive Programme (BIP)
Language English
Credits 3 ECTS
Participants  Approximately 50 students
Level EQF Level 6

Applications and funding

Apply now
(The Unibo registration form will be available soon.)

Only students enrolled in BAES are eligible to apply.

For students whose Start University is UNIBO, the application deadline is 23 November 2026.

Students from Partner Universities should contact their home institution directly and refer to the relevant academic and administrative contacts.

Participation in the Winter School is free of charge, except for insurance costs.

Students from Partner Universities may apply for Erasmus+ funding for Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) through their home university, in order to cover travel and accommodation expenses.

Students already enrolled at UNIBO are not eligible to apply for BIP funding.

Why should I apply to this Winter School?

The Winter School offers BAES students an opportunity to examine some of the most pressing questions concerning the EU and its member States in a time of polycrisis, with specific attention to the role of the EU in global affairs.

Contemporary armed and trade conflicts have significant political, legal, social and economic consequences for the EU and its member States. They also raise fundamental questions about multilateralism, international organisations, human rights, defence policy, diplomatic action and the EU’s capacity to contribute to peace, to name some examples.

By participating in the Winter School, students will be able to approach these questions from several disciplinary perspectives and discuss them directly with experts from all partner universities.

The Winter School aims to enable students to:

• investigate and discuss the different factors shaping the EU’s and its member States’ current approach to contemporary armed and trade conflicts;
• analyse the implications of the absence of multilateral solutions to global problems;
• examine the consequences of contemporary conflicts at EU level, including their implications for defence programmes;
• consider the effects of these conflicts on the relations between the EU and other international organisations;
• strengthen their public-speaking, analytical and critical-thinking skills;
• apply their knowledge through practical and interactive exercises.