About the author:
Ketevan Tateladze is a Master’s student in European and Global Studies at the University of Padua. She travelled to Berlin to join the Europaeum Leadership Challenge at the Freie Universität Berlin from 17-19 May 2026 and took a selection of beautiful photographs of the city which you can see below. Ketevan took the time to reflect on the experience and said it “gave me a clearer sense of the kind of leader I want to become”.
The trip to Berlin took me first to Venice, where I caught my flight. The capital of Germany welcomed me with the vitality unlike any city I have visited before – multicultural, vibrant, and full of an energy that feels alive and constantly in motion. Walking through the city, I found myself impressed by how people and cultures share the same spaces with effortless ease. In many ways, Berlin proved that it is the ideal city in which to think about leadership, collaboration, and community.
The leadership challenge itself was highly enriching and intellectually stimulating for two days. The programme covered leadership in its multiple dimensions, theories, practical demands, and personal scopes. The theories and mix of academic discussions furthermore make it engaging for all participants. The seminar prompted me to reflect critically on my personal experiences of leadership, both the moments I am proud of and those I would approach differently today, and gave me a clearer sense of the kind of leader I want to become.
The most memorable part, however, is the people I have met. The event brought together the students from across the Europaeum network – the universities I once thought of as a student of, different disciplines, different countries, different perspectives on seeing the world. The conversations between us were consistently energising. The discussions that began in the seminar room continued over meals and into the evening. I met people whose ideas genuinely inspired and excited me, and I left Berlin with what I can only describe as lifelong friends. I am confident that the connections formed over those two days will continue and grow long after the event itself.
It also meant a great deal to me to be there as a representative of the University of Padova, which has only recently joined the Europaeum, and it felt like an honor and a responsibility. I hope that being part of the Leadership Challenge is my small contribution to a long and successful connection between Padova and the wider Europaeum community.
I encourage any eligible student to apply for Europaeum events. The Leadership Challenge in Berlin was one of the most rewarding academic experiences I have had, and I would jump at the chance to participate in other programs of the Europaeum.
