Last weekend, we were invited by the London University Belgian Society in London , an association bringing together Belgian students in the UK capital.

On Friday evening, we attended a lecture by Dr. Julia Van Dessel on EU migration governance and policy. As an associate researcher at REPI, she shared valuable insights on the externalisation of migration, the future of asylum, and the challenges and opportunities ahead.

On Saturday morning, we visited the Victoria and Albert Museum, the world’s largest museum of applied and decorative arts, housing a permanent collection of over 4.5 million objects.

At lunchtime, we headed to Mercato Mayfair, a unique food hall offering a wide variety of international cuisines in a stunning setting.

In the afternoon, we were welcomed at Flanders House, home to several Flemish government services. We first attended a lecture by Prof. Dr. Koen Geens on the rule of law and democracy in a changing world. This was followed by a discussion with Rabinder Singh,  judge at the UK Court of Appeal, who shared his perspective on these topics. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A.

The evening ended with a reception and walking dinner at Flanders House, followed by a visit to some of London’s traditional pubs.

On Sunday morning, we were welcomed by H.E. Jeroen Cooreman at the Belgian Embassy. Together with King’s Union, we took part in a parliamentary debate workshop, simulating British-style parliamentary debates in small groups.

To conclude the weekend, LUBS members gave us a landmark tour of London.