Three new scholarship recipients head to the College of Europe
This year, the Karl-Adam Bonnier Foundation Scholarship is awarded to three new students, enabling them to pursue their studies at the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium. The long-term ambition remains the same: to strengthen Sweden’s presence within the Union and to address the country’s underrepresentation in the EU institutions.
For nearly 40 years, the Karl-Adam Bonnier Foundation has supported outstanding students through a range of scholarship programs, and the scholarship for studies at the College of Europe is one of them. The school offers a one-year master’s program in EU affairs and European studies that often serves as a gateway to careers within the Union’s institutions.
The need remains significant. Sweden is among the member states considered underrepresented in the EU, particularly within the European Commission, where the number of Swedish officials needs to grow to reflect the country’s share of the population. With retirements ahead among current EU officials, it is becoming increasingly important for more Swedes to pursue a career within the Union.
Three aiming for a stronger Europe
This fall, three new recipients begin their studies at the College of Europe: Ellen Lind, Ludvig Berg, and Markus Lemaitre.
Ellen Lind recently completed her bachelor’s degree in political science at Uppsala University and this summer works as an editorial writer and opinion editor at Norrtelje Tidning. Her interest in politics deepened during her studies in Uppsala and her participation in EU Boot Camp. The Union fascinates her in everything from how it works to what it achieves.
“The scholarship gives me the opportunity to dive deeper into my greatest interests alongside people who share them, and hopefully a chance to contribute to a stronger EU in the future. For that, I am forever grateful,” says Ellen Lind.
Right now, she is particularly interested in the EU’s gender equality work, including the EU Gender Equality Strategy, and hopes one day to contribute to the development of the Union’s gender equality strategies. Ten years from now, she envisions working within European cooperation for a stronger Europe, ideally side by side with friends from the College of Europe.
Ludvig Berg holds a master’s degree in political science from Uppsala University and completed a semester of exchange studies at Sciences Po in Paris in the fall of 2024. He applied to the College of Europe to deepen his knowledge of European affairs and open the door to a career in the field. He is most engaged by the question of Europe’s role in the world—diplomatically, economically, and politically.
“During my year in Bruges, I’m looking forward to the renowned education, the student life, and meeting students from all over Europe. I’m very grateful for the opportunity this scholarship gives me,” says Ludvig Berg.
Ten years from now, he hopes to be working on European affairs, ideally abroad or in a role that allows him to travel both within and beyond Europe.
Markus Lemaitre has focused primarily on economics throughout his studies, always with an eye toward combining it with broader societal issues. His interest in the EU deepened through his participation in EU Bootcamp, where he came to see that there seems to be a shortage of people with a deep understanding of business and economics within the EU—a perspective he believes is essential to serving the best interests of both Sweden and Europe.
“Being awarded the Foundation’s scholarship is a great honor. Receiving the support and recognition of a foundation whose mission is to stimulate and develop Sweden gives me even more motivation to put my education toward a good and meaningful purpose,” says Markus Lemaitre.
Right now, he is particularly focused on how Europe’s capital markets can be strengthened and how Europe can build its competitiveness going forward, while setting a strong example on sustainability. Looking ahead, he sees himself working internationally, ideally in a context firmly rooted in the relationship between Swedish business and the wider world.
Why Sweden needs a stronger voice in the EU
The long-term goal of the scholarship is to reverse the trend of weakening Swedish representation in the EU and to help lay the groundwork for future generations of Swedish EU officials.
“The EU has significant influence over the conditions and regulations that shape both the development of business and society at large. That is why it is important to strengthen Sweden’s voice within the Union over the long term. We look forward to following our scholarship recipients on their continued journey,” concludes Tor Bonnier.
