Laura Cools

Laura Cools currently serves as a diplomat in training at FOD Buitenlandse Zaken, Buitenlandse Handel en Ontwikkelingssamenwerking, and is an affiliated researcher at Ghent University's Department of European, Public and International Law while conducting PhD research at Université catholique de Louvain. Cools has a strong background in migration law, focusing on children's rights within migration procedures in Belgium. Previous roles include city councillor in Koekelare, debate and public speaking trainer, and policy and communications advisor in the European Parliament. Cools holds multiple degrees, including a Master of Laws from Ghent University and a PhD candidacy at Université catholique de Louvain, alongside additional qualifications in children's rights and international law.