Thanks to Romania’s accession to the European Union, Sergiu Scolobiuc was able to pursue a EuroMaster at the VUB. Today, he continues to commit himself professionally to the European project. “We must keep fighting for the European dream, just as others did before us.”
What do you find most engaging about your job?
“I am one of the directors at Penta Group, a Brussels-based consultancy specialising in European legislation. My work focuses on sectors such as energy, transport and industry. What appeals to me is the complexity of the challenges I face in my role and the need to develop thoughtful, well-considered solutions. I also find it highly motivating that, through my work, I can contribute directly to European policymaking.”
How did you find your way to the VUB?
“I grew up in Romania and became involved in policy at a young age. At seventeen, I was a student representative at school, later at provincial level, and eventually at national level. I realised quite early on that I wanted to pursue a career in politics. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Political Science in Vienna, where I was also active as a student representative. During my first year there, it became clear to me that anyone who wants to influence European policy needs to be in Brussels. That led me first to the ULB, where I completed a master’s degree in Political Science, and then to the VUB for the EuroMaster. The programme exceeded my expectations. It genuinely prepared me for a career at the heart of the European Union. We visited the European Commission and engaged with organisations and policymakers. That gave me a realistic insight into how the EU actually works.”
Which professors do you remember most vividly?
“First and foremost, Irina Tanasescu, who supervised my thesis. She works at the European Commission and knows the decision-making process from the inside. What I learned from her, I still pass on to younger colleagues today. I also had many in-depth discussions about the European Union with Professor Harri Kalimo, which left a strong impression on me. And of course, the lectures of Professor Sebastian Oberthür on environment and sustainable development — precisely the policy area in which I am active today.”
How did you experience student life as an international student?
“At that time, I did not yet speak Dutch, but that was not an obstacle. All information was available in English, and staff members spoke excellent English and were extremely helpful. I really appreciated that. There was little time for a traditional student life. I was already living with my wife, doing an internship at the European Parliament during the day and attending classes in the evening. I was also part of EuroSIM, a simulation programme on European legislation. Through that programme, we travelled to Rochester in the United States as well. It was an intense and unforgettable experience.”
What advice would you give to students graduating today?
“Keep learning and keep enriching yourself. That is not just a casual piece of advice. We carry a responsibility to continue growing — for ourselves, for others and for future generations. I have three children myself, and that awareness certainly plays a role. In my job, I learn something new every day: about new political ideas, new organisations and new challenges. But I also consciously strive for personal growth. I try to read a book every week and continue to actively improve my French and Dutch.”
“My advice to students today: keep learning and keep enriching yourself”
What challenges does your field face today?
“We are living in highly uncertain times — economically, ecologically and geopolitically. At the same time, we see a growing distance from the European project in several countries. We cannot simply allow that to happen. We must continue to fight for the European dream, just as previous generations did. Europe was born out of difficult experiences: wars, crises and revolutions. Today, European values are once again under pressure. In Romania, as in other European countries, we see populist and even extremist candidates performing strongly in elections, yet ultimately facing resistance from pro-European forces. That shows that engagement and sustained commitment do make a difference.”
What does Europe mean to you personally?
“My youth in Romania strongly shaped my sense of engagement. I saw with my own eyes how the European Union improved our society. My family gained new opportunities, we were able to travel, and I could study in Vienna and Brussels. The EU has fundamentally shaped my life, just as it has the lives of millions of other Europeans. The European project is not an abstract idea; it genuinely changes people’s daily lives. Yet today, this is often taken for granted — and that is dangerous.”
How do you see the future of your career?
“In Brussels. I love this city and the European project. My family lives in Ghent, and for now, my future lies here, in this country and firmly in Europe.”