Fostering European integration by supporting exceptional students in their educational and leadership journeys.
The Lidija Topić Bouwen Foundation is committed to fostering European integration by supporting the academic and professional growth of future leaders. We achieve this by awarding a full scholarship to one outstanding student from Bosnia and Herzegovina, allowing them to pursue a Master of Arts at the College of Europe, one of the leading institutions for European studies.
1967 – 2022
Lidija Topic Bouwen was a dedicated diplomat, artist, and humanitarian, who devoted her life to promoting peace, European integration, and the well-being of vulnerable communities. Born in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lidija’s early passion for the arts led her to study at the Academy of Fine Arts in Sarajevo, where she graduated as an Academic Sculptor in 1990. However, her drive for making a tangible impact on the world extended beyond the arts. She pursued additional studies in Dental Medicine at the University of Sarajevo and later earned a master’s degree in International Politics from Université Libre de Bruxelles.
During the Bosnian War, Lidija moved to Zagreb, where she worked for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), coordinating programs to support refugees across Europe. Her diplomatic career then flourished, serving as the Deputy Minister of European Integration and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Bosnia and Herzegovina. She also held key ambassadorial roles, representing Bosnia and Herzegovina to the European Union, the Kingdom of Belgium, and Luxembourg.
Her career was marked by a deep commitment to human rights, regional cooperation, and the integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina into the European Union. Lidija was also a key contributor to international forums, representing her country at high-profile events such as UN General Assembly sessions and the G77 Summit.
Despite her extensive diplomatic work, Lidija never lost her connection to the arts, participating in numerous collective and solo exhibitions, even into the later years of her life. She continued to inspire through her multifaceted talents, balancing the roles of diplomat, artist, and advocate for European integration.
Lidija passed away in July 2022, surrounded by her family. Her lifelong dedication to the causes of European unity and supporting the next generation of leaders remains an enduring part of her legacy.
The Lidija Topic Bouwen Foundation was established to honour her life’s work and further her mission of fostering European integration. By offering a full scholarship to one exceptional student from Bosnia and Herzegovina each year to study at the College of Europe, the Foundation ensures that Lidija’s vision of empowering young leaders to shape a united and prosperous Europe continues to flourish.
We are thrilled to announce that the Lidija Topic Bouwen Foundation has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the College of Europe, solidifying our commitment to empowering young women from Bosnia and Herzegovina to pursue their academic dreams. This MoU marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter…