During a recent gathering of the EUI Alumni Chapter in Belgium, which brought together more than 50 alumni from different cohorts, disciplines, and professional paths, Massimiliano Santini was appointed as the new alumni ambassador for the country.
Located in Brussels, at the heart of European and international governance, the EUI Alumni Chapter of Belgium brings together EUI graduates who live and work in the country, many of them in EU institutions, research organisations, and private sector companies. Led by the Ambassador, it provides opportunities to exchange ideas, develop professional connections, and remain engaged with the EUI community.
For Massimiliano Santini, the meeting underscored the role that alumni chapters can play beyond informal networking: “The Chapter was launched because alumni carry the Institute’s values into their careers, their cities, and the public sphere. This shared sense of purpose shapes how we think about Europe and how we collaborate,” he said.
Alumni who attended emphasised the importance of maintaining personal connections and a shared sense of belonging beyond the campus. “It was striking to see how alumni from different generations still share a strong sense of connection and belonging," said Florence School of Transnational Governance alumna Anna Chiara Vigna.
The EUI Alumni Chapter of Belgium is supported by a board of dedicated alumni who work with the Ambassador to organise activities and shape the Chapter’s initiatives. This collaborative approach helps ensure that alumni perspectives from across generations and disciplines are represented.
Building on the momentum of this gathering, the Chapter will host its next meeting on 24 March 2026 in Brussels, offering alumni another opportunity to reconnect, exchange ideas, and strengthen professional and personal ties.
These local initiatives are part of the Institute’s broader commitment to fostering lifelong engagement and enabling alumni to contribute to the development of the global EUI community.