\nFor both Fleur and Erik, Romania\u2019s capital city provided a compelling and meaningful setting for the week.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe got to tour and meet people at the national area, and at the Palace of Parliament, one of the largest administrative buildings in the world and the heaviest building on earth!\u201d wrote Erik, who noted how Bucharest\u2019s urban landscape; neoclassical mansions, communist-era blocks, and modern skyscrapers, mirrored its layered history.<\/p>\n
\u201cRomania\u2019s unique position… struck me,\u201d Fleur reflected. \u201cAs an emerging market economy with relatively recent EU membership, it faces real disparities; especially in access to digital infrastructure and healthcare. But what I saw was a country full of energy and determination, with startups and institutions working hard to close these gaps and make the most of EU membership.\u201d<\/p>\n
This historical and social context helped frame many of the week’s academic discussions, from post-communist transitions to the EU\u2019s evolving role in supporting resilience and inclusivity.<\/p>\n
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Tech & Sustainability: Policy in Practice<\/strong> \u201cMy favourite panel discussion touched upon how satellites are being used for ecological monitoring; a perfect example of how emerging technology can serve\u00a0environmental goals… The use of new technologies like MethaneSAT shows how cutting-edge innovation is becoming central to ESG commitments.\u201d<\/p>\n She highlighted insights from Ioana Petrescu, ex-Finance Minister and European Climate Pact Ambassador to Romania, on Earth Observation Systems and how they are helping close gaps in environmental accountability.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Erik had the chance to engage with these themes through his case study work.<\/p>\n \u201cThe case assignment I worked on was related to the biodiverse Danube Delta, largely located in Romania… We worked on this case in a group and received help from a mentor.\u201d<\/p>\n Both students appreciated how the week combined academic learning with real-world applications, from field trips to casework.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Community, Curiosity & Connection<\/strong> \u201cBeyond the academic insights, one of the most rewarding aspects of the week was connecting with people who share a genuine passion for shaping society through policy, sustainability, and digital governance,\u201d Fleur said. \u201cThe fact that so many of our conversations naturally revolved around them was not only intellectually stimulating, but also a reminder that there\u2019s a growing network of young thinkers across Europe committed to driving meaningful change.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere were many opportunities to connect with other people,\u201d Erik agreed. \u201cFrom students and faculty at other universities around Europe to policymakers, entrepreneurs, and locals in Bucharest. Meeting all these people was a highlight of the week.\u201d<\/p>\n He also encouraged future participants to take full advantage of the social and informal learning moments:\u00a0\u201cFor people already going I would recommend taking the time to connect with different people because that opportunity is definitely one of the primary things the program offers.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nFleur, studying Laws and International Relations at IE University, came to Bucharest eager to see how her academic interests, particularly in tech regulation and sustainability, played out in real-world discussions.<\/p>\n
\nA defining element of CIVICA European Week is the opportunity to learn from and connect with peers across disciplines and countries.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/snspa.ro\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/CIVICA-European-Week-spider-nc.png\")
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