Over the past 60 years the College of Europe has built an extensive reputation in the field of European studies, and is thus the leading place for those wishing to study, understand and literally 'live' Europe. The College of Europe was the world’s first university institute of postgraduate studies and training in European affairs, and remains unique and innovative to this day. Its origins date back to the 1948 Hague Congress when Salvador de Madariaga, a Spanish statesman, proposed the establishment of a College where university graduates from many different countries could study and live together. The College of Europe is a unique institute of European studies. It offers postgraduate education in an international environment.