Léonce Bekemans holds degrees in International Economics, Philosophy, International Studies and a PhD in International Economic Relations. He is a Jean Monnet professor ad personam, with extensive experience gained, among others, at the European University Institute in Florence and the College of Europe in Bruges. He has collaborated for many years with the University of Padua as a Jean Monnet Professor, focusing on European Studies, intercultural dialogue, multi-level governance and human rights.