House of European History & Fort Breendonk
On Wednesday 28 January, the auditors of the High Studies for Security and Defence (HSSD) made their first visit of the year 2026.
In the morning, they visited the House of European History, where they immersed themselves in the workings and values of the European Union (EU). Through fascinating presentations, they gained insight into European decision-making and collaboration. They also discussed the advantages and inconveniences of Belgium’s membership of the EU. A very topical subject! The interactions with the tour guide and the fact that there was plenty of room for questions made this a particularly insightful visit.
In the afternoon, the group took the bus to the Fort Breendonk, where the auditors were confronted with a harrowing chapter from the Second World War. The tour was led by Major Luk Sanders. With great knowledge and respect, he brought the Fort’s fraught history back to life. He talked about its history and function, as well as all the suffering that took place there. The personal stories and concrete examples made for a very poignant visit, which invited to reflect on such topics as freedom, responsibility and remembrance.
Why visit the House of European History and the Fort Breendonk in one day, you might wonder? Because both visits offer different, albeit complementary, perspectives on Europe. Together, they show why European collaboration became necessary at one point. The contrast between ideals and historical reality provides much food for thought. The visit to the Fort Breendonk adds emotional depth to the abstract values discussed at the House of European History. After a more theoretical seminar in January, which had ‘Europe’ as its theme, these two visits painted a completer and more meaningful picture of Europe for the auditors – and that is exactly why they deserve a place on the curriculum of the HSSD.
