The International Hellenic University Establishes a Branch in Brussels

A warm welcome was extended in Brussels to the forthcoming branch of the International Hellenic University (IHU – Thessaloniki, Serres, Katerini, Kilkis) by the Greek Commissioner to the European Union, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, and members of the local Greek Community, who received the Rector of the University, Professor Stamatios Angelopoulos, and the university delegation.

The Brussels branch will offer an undergraduate programme in European Institutions and Organisations Management, as well as a postgraduate programme in European Programme Management. “We believe that, in its initial phase, the Branch will operate successfully with these two programmes, while also serving as a hub for the coordination and management of European programmes through the University’s Research Committee. At the same time, the Brussels Branch of the International Hellenic University will function as a communication and promotion hub for all English-taught postgraduate programmes, as well as for the University’s other postgraduate offerings,” noted the Rector of the IHU.

The International Hellenic University (IHU) is a public university of Greece with a strong international orientation and a growing presence in Europe. Established with the mission to promote academic excellence, innovation, and outward-looking engagement, IHU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across diverse scientific fields, many of which are delivered in English and designed to meet contemporary international standards. With campuses across Northern Greece, the University plays a key role in higher education and research in Southeastern Europe, combining high-quality teaching with applied research and strong links to society, industry, and public institutions. IHU actively participates in European and international academic networks and places particular emphasis on cooperation with EU institutions, universities, and research centres.

An in-depth discussion was held with Commissioner Tzitzikostas regarding the specific plans and prospects of the new initiative, for the implementation of which his assistance and support have been unwavering from the outset. In particular, the Rector of the IHU briefed Commissioner Tzitzikostas on the stages and procedures that will be followed for the establishment of a University branch in Brussels—an especially demanding project, yet one of great significance for the future development of the International Hellenic University. Plans were also discussed for further activities of the IHU Brussels branch, as well as potential areas of cooperation between the University and the European Commission.

The Rector, Professor Stamatios Angelopoulos, also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Greek Community of Brussels, which is providing the premises that will house the University’s branch. The Memorandum was signed on behalf of the Community by its President, Filippos Kotsaridis. The premises are located in the building that hosts the Greek Community of Brussels, at Rue de Suède 37, where the sign of the International Hellenic University has already been installed. The Greek Community of Brussels is a historic community, having been founded on 3 October 1943.

“This is a moment of great joy and honour for our University and for me personally, as today we begin a dynamic effort with the support and assistance of both the Greek Commissioner to the European Union and the President of the Greek Community. We are bringing to fruition a vision of the International Hellenic University to expand and develop in an emblematic way at the heart of Europe,” noted the Rector of the IHU, Mr Angelopoulos. He also announced that the International Hellenic University intends to offer two scholarships to the Greek Community, for young people to enroll in the University’s postgraduate programmes. “For the first time, a Greek university is spreading its wings at the seat of Europe,” the Rector of the IHU concluded.

Mr Tzitzikostas, after referring to the history of the overall initiative, congratulated both the Rector of the IHU and the Greek Community and its President. “This collaboration demonstrates two things. First, that Greek communities abroad truly function as embassies of Greece in foreign countries. Second, that the International Hellenic University is among the largest, highest-quality universities in Southeastern Europe, distinguished by the breadth of its schools and the opportunities it offers,” noted the Greek Commissioner. He concluded by describing the establishment of the Brussels Branch as a major opportunity: “What is opening in the welcoming building of the Greek Community is a gateway for promoting our country and our educational system.”

On behalf of the Greek Community, its President Filippos Kotsaridis, in his address, spoke of “a historic day for the Greek Community of Brussels, where 50,000 Greeks now live.” “Our aim is to support as many young people, students, and researchers as possible,” he noted. Mr Kotsaridis symbolically handed over the key to the building to Rector Angelopoulos.

The signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Cooperation was also attended by, and included addresses from, the former Ambassador of Greece to Belgium, Dionysis Kalavrezos, the Coordinator of the Education Office of the Greek Embassy in Belgium, Amalia Kapsala, as well as many representatives of educational associations and the Greek Diaspora, who welcomed the establishment of the IHU Brussels Branch with very warm remarks.

IHU is a Greek public university with 5 campuses in Northern Greece

The University Center of International Programmes of Studies (UCIPS) of the IHU (Thermi Campus), consists of the School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Economics and the School of Science and Technology and offers programmes that are taught exclusively in English. A wide range of international postgraduate programs is offered (Source: Study in Greece, masters.minedu.gov.gr).

I.A.

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