“Understanding European security policy is now essential for everyone.”

The semester is drawing to a close, and for many, this autumn’s course, SAMPOL612 European Security Transformation, has been far more than just another academic subject - it has served as an important gateway to understanding Europe’s evolving security landscape. Offered by the University of Bergen, the course was launched in autumn 2025 as part of the continuing education track within the master’s programme in democratic development, though it can also be taken as an independent part‑time module.

This year’s cohort had the opportunity to engage with a wide range of influential voices: academics, military officers, journalists, and experts with extensive international experience -spanning topics from civil‑military relations to energy security.

Sidsel Wold lectured at the Bergen Security Conference – an integrated part of the course European Security Transformation.

Photo:

Magnus Buseth Danielsen

A course beyond any expectations

At the end of the semester, several students expressed that enrolling in the course exceeded their expectations. “I saw the list of lecturers and the title of the course-and I was sold. This is going to be interesting,” says student Kristian Andre Kastet (CISO KS Digital). Kristian explains that he signed up because he feels the world is facing what he calls “a time in which many things have become much more uncertain in a very short period.” For him, it was important to gain “a framework for analysing and understanding the changes we are facing.”

Kristian also highlights the value of combining lectures and readings with class discussions: “There is something about attending a series of lectures, reading the literature, and then discussing it with a group of people who have solid expertise in their own fields-gathering and illuminating their perspectives on your own reflections. Everyone is interested in, or dependent on, understanding European security policy...” In his view, it has been a unique opportunity to develop understanding together with others who bring different backgrounds but share an interest in Europe’s security‑political future.

For him, the conclusion is clear: “I would absolutely recommend the course to anyone interested in security policy from a global, European, or Norwegian perspective. It makes no difference whether your motivation is personal interest or professional relevance. You come out of it strengthened with knowledge you didn’t have!”

Lieutenant General van Loon lectured at the Bergen Security Conference – an integrated part of the course European Security Transformation.

Photo:

Magnus Buseth Danielsen

A good learning environment with great discussions

It is not only the academic depth and relevance that shape the student environment. According to Leila Erdis, who works as a senior analyst at the Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion, the class has had a learning environment characterised by “pleasant, knowledgeable fellow students and good discussions.” Many have shared their own experiences-something she believes has been “very useful for the learning process.”

As the semester concludes, it is evident that European Security Transformation has delivered in both substance and environment. For many, the course has been more than an academic endeavor - it has served as an important arena for reflection, networking, and a deeper understanding of a changing Europe.

By combining insight into historical patterns with contemporary conflicts and emerging threats, the course provides students with tools to understand and analyze how Europe can-and should-respond to the major challenges ahead. In a rapidly changing world, solid insight can be the difference between uncertainty and the ability to act.