Student essay competition on Serbian security issues was rewarded by ten days study trip to Brussels, Vienna and the Hague. The study trip was sponsored for the second time by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Belgrade and organized by the Students Club of the University of Belgrade Faculty of Security Studies.
The visit of 30 students and faculty staff from the University of Belgrade Faculty of Security Studies to NATO, EU, OSCE and ICTY, May 2 – 13, 2009, produced constructive exchange of opinions on key issues for the future of Serbia. The experiences and findings from this trip contribute to the development of a relevant knowledge base about fundamental issues on Serbia’s relationship with these institutions.
The students and faculty staff from the University of Belgrade Faculty of Security Studies who participated met with officials at the NATO Headquarters and the European Parliament in Brussels, The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague and the OSCE in Vienna.
Prior to the trip, an essay competition was launched among the 3rd and 4th year students aiming at selecting participants. In the broad term, the topics for the essays were related to Serbia’s regional and international security situation. The selection of the winners was done through an objective process based on specific criteria adviced by an independent external consultant.
The networks established as a result of the trip will form an excellent basis for further academic development of the faculty as well as benefiting individual students work.
The survey made after the trip concluded that these kinds of activities are invaluable contributions for the academic relevance of the faculty as well as an experience to remember for the individuals participating.
Norwegian Ambassador to Serbia, His Excellency Mr. Haakon Blankenborg has on 1st July hosted a reception for the participating students, media and selected guests to share experiences and discuss the potential for future cooperation.