How the College of Europe shaped the career path of Ion Cantea, a young Moldovan diplomat

For the Republic of Moldova, a country aspiring to join the European family, the European Union integration process is a complex journey, marked not only by reforms and diplomatic efforts but also by the dedication of truly committed individuals. One such person is Ion Cantea, a young Moldovan diplomat for whom EU integration is not only a national goal but also a personal mission. Having a broad background in diplomacy, Ion refined his focus on EU integration through the scholarship to the College of Europe in Natolin. This scholarship, part of the EU4Youth Programme, enabled him to deepen his knowledge and develop the essential skills needed to actively support Moldova’s European trajectory.

“Before receiving the EU4Youth scholarship to study at the College of Europe in Natolin, I was already working in external affairs as a young professional and civil servant within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova. Working with key partners, including China, Japan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and India, gave me a profound hands-on experience in international relations and diplomacy.”

With experience in strengthening international relations, Ion has learned firsthand what it means to promote Moldova as a reliable partner of the European Union, including through his contribution to the organisation of the 2023 European Political Community Summit, a high-profile event that brought 49 European leaders to the Republic of Moldova. This experience has motivated him to deepen his knowledge of EU mechanisms and develop the skills necessary to support his country’s European path.

The College of Europe – theoretical and practical experience in European diplomacy

The EU4Youth Programme provided Ion with a unique scholarship opportunity to pursue his studies at the College of Europe in Natolin, the oldest and most prestigious postgraduate institution for European studies. For the young diplomat, the experience was more than an academic milestone – it was a turning point in his career, allowing him to combine empirical knowledge of international relations with the theoretical and practical skills essential for navigating the complex process of European integration.

“My interest in European integration was growing, and I wanted to focus more on this field. The College of Europe at Natolin provided a great environment to broaden my understanding of European affairs and develop skills to support Moldova’s European ambitions. For me, the EU4Youth scholarship was an excellent opportunity to gain both the theoretical grounding and practical tools needed for this step.” 

A transformative experience – new opportunities and perspectives

For Ion, the experience at the College of Europe in Natolin was truly transformative. There, he learned how to merge academic knowledge with diplomatic realities and how to integrate into a diverse international community, realising that interdisciplinary thinking is essential to understanding European dynamics.

“At Natolin, my experience was all-encompassing – a blend between personal, academic, and professional growth that shaped every facet of my perspective. If I had to sum it up in one word, I’d say it was transformative. We were a great international community, each bringing unique backgrounds and insights, which created an enriching academic and social environment. 

Through the diverse curriculum, I learned to connect seemingly separate areas – politics, EU decision-making, diplomacy, cultural and sectoral knowledge – into a cohesive framework that I could strategically apply in my personal and professional life. This understanding of how interconnected fields shape real-world policies was invaluable, especially in the broader context of European integration.”

One of Ion’s most valuable opportunities at the College of Europe was the in-depth study of energy security, a field of great strategic importance both for Moldova and for Europe as a whole. He analysed the issue from various angles, including the economic implications of energy markets, the geopolitical tensions influencing energy policy, environmental challenges and the role of the EU in shaping regulations and strategies.

“The EU4Youth scholarship immersed me in a dynamic learning environment filled with new ideas, perspectives and long-term friendships. I am especially thankful for the knowledge gained in the field of EU foreign and security policy, enlargement and institutional framework – crucial topics for someone coming from a candidate country. This experience has solidified my dedication to Moldova’s European aspirations and has provided me with valuable skills and insights to guide my career transition into EU-focused diplomacy.”

Returning home – a clear vision for the future

After graduating from the College of Europe in Natolin, Ion returned to Moldova with a clearer vision of his country’s priorities as a candidate for EU membership.

“Reflecting on my time at Natolin and the impact of the EU4Youth scholarship, I see how pivotal this experience has been in shaping my career path. The College of Europe’s unique combination of academic rigor and practical training gave me a deep understanding of the EU’s structures, mechanisms, and decision-making processes.”

Today, Ion sees his experience at the College of Europe as more than a career milestone – it was a platform that provided him with the vision and tools necessary to support Moldova’s European path.

The EU4Youth Phase III Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship programme, funded by the European Union and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, is being executed by the Central Project Management Agency (CPVA) in Eastern Partnership countries. These include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The programme will run until the middle of 2025 and aims to provide technical assistance to governmental and non-governmental organisations to tackle youth unemployment and improve employability.