THESEUS was a joint activity of Sciences Po Paris, the Jean Monnet Chair of the University of Cologne, the Trans European Policy Studies Association (Brussels) and the Fritz Thyssen Foundation (Cologne). Emerging from a Franco-German initiative, THESEUS considered itself as European network of thinkers, actors and ideas, which promoted the mutual understanding of societies in Europe. THESEUS worked towards an open and constructive dialogue about the future challenges of Europe.

 THESEUS Summer School for Young Leaders brought together young excellent professionals and researchers, addressed global challenges and European answers, and promoted transnational interdisciplinary networks, thus tackling the internal and external challenges which Europe faces. Climate change, energy policy, migration, demographic developments and terrorism are global challenges for which a new European generation has to find ways forward. These issues concern not only political decision-makers but all actors in European societies. At the same time they require complex interdisciplinary international solutions.

THESEUS was targeted at participants with different national, cultural and professional backgrounds, enabling them to create a sustainable network of young leaders.