Based in Brussels, the European Leadership Programme (ELP), organised by JESC, accompanies young professionals from across Europe on a journey of personal and professional growth rooted in Ignatian spirituality. Through community life, self-leadership development, mentoring, spiritual accompaniment and encounters with inspiring speakers, the programme seeks to form a new generation of leaders committed to serving others and contributing to a more just and humane Europe.

On 2 July, the European Leadership Programme (ELP) celebrated the graduation of its 15th cohort, marking the end of five months of community life, professional formation and personal growth.

The evening was a powerful reminder that leadership is about more than professional achievement. It is about the values and convictions that guide us, and how we put our talents at the service of others.

The keynote speaker, EU Ombudswoman Teresa Anjinho, shared openly about her personal and professional journey and the challenges of working in complex institutional environments. Her message to the graduating Fellows was clear: Europe does not need more careers, but more conviction. Reflecting on the importance of remaining faithful to one's principles, she said: "Principles are like a lighthouse in a storm. They do not calm the sea. They do not stop the waves. But they help you stay on course."

Erik De Bom, Director of ELP partner UCSIA, offered a reflection connecting today's geopolitical challenges with the wisdom of the 17th-century Jesuit scholar Leonardus Lessius. His words highlighted the importance of combining wisdom, experience and action — a vision at the heart of ELP's mission to form leaders who are "principled without being dogmatic, confident without being arrogant, and ambitious without losing sight of human dignity."

The graduation also marked a moment of transition for the ELP community. After helping shape the programme since its beginnings in 2019, ELP manager Botond Feledy is moving on to a new chapter in Budapest. Benoit Willemaers SJ, who served as ELP spiritual assistant for three years, is also leaving for Paris. JESC is deeply grateful to both for their commitment and dedication to ELP and wishes them every success for the future.

Lucia Trubenova, currently ELP Officer, will take over the programme, while Christian Motsch SJ will join the team as spiritual assistant after the summer. Both are warmly welcomed into the JESC-ELP community.

As the 15th cohort begins the next chapter of its journey, we wish all the Fellows and the wider ELP community a restful summer. The mission of leadership and service continues after it.