SSE student looks forward to European Week in Madrid
This week, bachelor students from across the CIVICA alliance will gather in Madrid for this year's European Week. Hosted by IE University, the event will bring together students, academics, and experts to discuss the theme of "European Competitiveness" through workshops, lectures, and collaborative discussions.
Among the participating students from SSE is Ebbe Vestberg, who is looking forward to both the academic and cultural aspects of the week.
"I am most looking forward to the cohesive experience that European Week offers. It combines the experience of a new environment with the chance to meet new people from different backgrounds, learn from them, and exchange ideas, which makes it so interesting," he says.
For Ebbe, the European Week represents a natural continuation of his engagement with CIVICA and an opportunity to deepen his understanding of some of the most pressing challenges facing Europe today.
"I see it as a great opportunity to hear and understand other people's perspectives that would not be possible without the international exchange. By meeting students and academics from my own and other universities, I hope to increase my knowledge and contribute to meaningful discussions on Europe's future."
Discussing Europe's competitiveness
This year's theme, European Competitiveness, focuses on how Europe can strengthen its position in a rapidly changing global landscape. Topics such as technological development, economic resilience, innovation, and international cooperation will be at the center of the discussions.
Ebbe believes the theme could hardly be more relevant.
"With a changing world order and rapid technological development, the question of how to remain competitive is perhaps more central than ever. While it might appear abstract, European competitiveness is something we all are part of and affected by: in school, at work, and when purchasing goods in our leisure time."
He emphasizes that competitiveness is not only a matter for policymakers and businesses, but something shaped by the choices individuals make every day.
"It is something that aggregates from the individual decisions we make and the activities we partake in as students and graduates, no matter our sector or level. That also makes it individually relatable to all, but perhaps often forgotten in many settings."
The discussions in Madrid will also address how Europe can navigate increasing global competition and strengthen its long-term resilience.
"Europe faces increased competition while some of the relationships and structures that previously benefited it are changing. Several sectors must cooperate to develop new independent, self-sufficient systems or new forms of cooperation. How to achieve that is not straightforward, and navigating the path requires the sort of discussions that European Week makes room for."
The value of CIVICA collaboration
One of the aspects Ebbe values most about CIVICA is its ability to bring together students from different disciplines, countries, and academic traditions.
"CIVICA offers students the chance to merge different academic fields and do so alongside students with other backgrounds and education than their own. It is about connecting the social sciences and thereby giving students better tools to understand and address important issues."
He sees events such as European Week as a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary exchange and meaningful collaboration across borders.
"In essence, it unites and educates EU citizens on important topics."
Excited to experience IE University and Madrid
The European Week will be hosted by IE University, one of Spain's most internationally oriented universities. For Ebbe, visiting both the institution and the Spanish capital is an exciting part of the experience.
"IE University excites me as a modern business school with a strong entrepreneurial mindset and financial connections throughout Europe. With the impressive IE Tower and the fascinating campus it makes up, I hope to learn more about the experience of studying there and how it differs from SSE."
Beyond the university itself, he is eager to explore Madrid for the first time.
"Visiting Madrid as a city adds to that with its interesting history, great monuments, and lively culture. Having never been there before, I am eager to explore the city together with the other students."
As the European Week approaches, Ebbe hopes to return to Stockholm with new perspectives, new connections, and a deeper understanding of Europe.
"I hope to gain a broader perspective and a better understanding of Europe as an integrated market. By exchanging ideas and sharing experiences, I hope to learn a lot from others and, with them, explore the IE campus and the vibrant city of Madrid."
