MSc in
International Sustainability Management

Master of Science (MSc)
International Sustainability Management
Integrate business acumen with climate science

Objectives of the programme

The time to deliver new ways of thinking and operating to preserve our planet is now, and companies are feeling the pressure. Businesses, which have an out-sized impact on our society and culture, are increasingly accountable for sustainable practices that affect our environment, economy, and livelihoods.

That’s where you come into play. Whether you're a recent graduate or a young professional looking to pivot your career, this programme prepares you to lead in sustainability. From governments adapting infrastructure to companies developing responsible supply chains, organisations across sectors need sustainability leaders. 

And so the opportunities are vast. Business is changing, and they’re looking for passionate and knowledgeable experts to help meet their obligations to society and the environment while also driving impact and growth.

The Master in International Sustainability Management equips you with the knowledge and skills to address these opportunities with an interdisciplinary approach. As a Master of Science, the programme is grounded in science and research, but also takes on a business perspective. It offers a broad portfolio of classes including climate science, economics, governance & policy, management, ESG reporting, and ethics.

MSc in International Sustainability Management

Making that difference

The two-year programme is taught at ESCP’s Berlin and Paris campuses, with two fixed terms in each city. In term 5 you will write your Master's thesis. You'll do an internship in Term 6, wherever in the world you like. The class composition is highly international, with diverse takes on the problems we face and their solutions. This multicultural exposure and mobile lifestyle will ideally prepare you for a global career.

Nuanced discussions and intensive teamwork offer the chance to develop the interpersonal skills to argue your position and persuade others, as well as collaborate cross-culturally with your peers. You can get involved with ESCP student associations, and both the cities of Berlin and Paris, with robust sustainability commitments, allow you to directly engage in the larger community and build your network.

Why sustainability at ESCP?

As the world's 1st business school, we bring a strong commitment to sustainability and responsible leadership. Our multi-country study model and diverse community emphasizes a global approach to today’s challenges. See why ESCP is the ideal place to dive into these topics.

 

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Commitment to Ethics, Responsibility & Sustainability

Read more about how ESCP integrates sustainability into its teachings, research, processes, governance, and other fields of action.

Learn More

Make your impact in the ESCP community

Get involved with some of the various student societies on the Berlin and Paris campuses that are engaged with social and environmental topics.

Read More

Get support from the Blue Factory incubator

ESCP’s in-house incubator supports both student and alumni entrepreneurs at every stage of their ventures, across all our campuses.

Read More

2024 INTAKE PROFILE

67 students
23 nationalities
5 continents

58%
Are business/economics graduates. All academic backgrounds are welcome!

23
Is the average age of students starting this programmes

27% male
73% female

European Academic Director

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Prof. Dr. Oliver Laasch

Chair and Professor of Responsible Management
ESCP Berlin Campus

PhD Management and Innovation

Research areas: Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Management Practices, Alternative Business Models and their Innovation

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Co-Director

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Prof. Dr. Olivier Delbard

Coordinator of the Sustainability Department
ESCP Paris Campus

PhD in Economics
HDR (French acad. qual. for Ph.D. supervisor)
Research areas: Business ethics, strategic and macro-economic issues of sustainable development and CSR

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Accreditation

The MSc in International Sustainability Management has been state-accredited by the Senate Administration for Education, Science and Research of the Federal State of Berlin. The programme is also an internationally recognized state-accredited Master of Science degree by the Accreditation Council through ACQUIN since 2016 and in accordance with the Bologna reform. ACQUIN's accreditation is valid until 2031.

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About the ESCP MSc

Our goal is to train experts who will be rapidly able to adapt, progress, and lead in a globalized world. The choice of a Full-Time MSc corresponds to a professional project and gives young graduates and managers a combination of high-value skills  and experiences sought by recruiters. Choosing this intensive format allows for immediate access to decision-making positions.

Master of Science (MSc)
International Sustainability Management
Curriculum

Make Saving the Planet Your Day Job

A two-year full-time programme

Your learning journey begins in September and is organised into 6 terms as follows:

Course Modules

You have to be proficient in English to follow these courses.

Sustainability

• Environmental and Sustainability Management
  • Environmental and Sustainability Management
  • Business Ethics and CSR
  • Integrated Reporting
• Ecosystems, Climate change and Economic theory
  • Ecological Background of Economic Activity: Climatology / Ecosystems Theory
  • Environmental and Resource Economics
• Frameworks for a sustainability transition
  • Sustainable Supply Chain Management
  • New Concepts for a Sustainable Lifestyle: the Circular Economy
  • New Interactions between business and society: innovative responses to the sustainability challenge
  • The Dark Side of Sustainability
• Elective 1: Society, the developing world and the financial dimension
  • NGO & Management
  • International Business and Human Rights
  • Sustainable Finance
  • Measuring Social Impact
• 5-Day Study Seminar in the Brandenburg region outside Berlin
  • Company visits
  • Workshops & lectures by sustainability practitioners

International

• Sustainable governance and management in an international context
  • Cross Cultural Management and Sustainability
  • Energy, Business, Climate, and Geopolitics
  • Sustainability Governance and Policy
• Project management and consulting
  • International Project Management and Consulting
  • Mini Consultancy Project

General Management

• Research & Consultancy
  • Research methods
  • Managing complexity
• Elective 2: Specialisations in Management
  • Eco-Venturing
  • Serious Game for Sustainable Change
  • Climate Change, Business, and Society
  • Impact Investment in Emerging Countries
  • Digital Technologies and Sustainability

Research

• Master Thesis for MSc

Skills

• Language Courses
• Career Development
• Company Consultancy project
• Internship

Faculty

Prof. Sylvie GEISENDORF

European Academic Director, Berlin Campus

Sylvie Geisendorf holds the Chair of Environment and Economics at the Berlin Campus.
In addition, Prof. Geisendorf is Scientific Director of the Research Centre on Sustainability: Business and Society - Towards a Sustainable World.

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Courses taught in the programme

• Environmental and Resource Economics
• Model United Nations
• Urban Resilience

Prof. Olivier DELBARD

Academic Director, Paris Campus

Olivier Delbard is Professor at the Department of Economics, Law and Social Sciences at the Paris Campus. He is specialized on CSR and has written several books on it. In addition, Prof. Delbard is the Sustainability Coordinator of ESCP.

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Courses taught in the programme

• New Interactions between business and society
• Sustainability Governance and Policy
• Mini Consultancy Project

Prof. Kerstin ALFES

Professor of Organisation and Human Resource Management, Berlin Campus

Kerstin Alfes is the Academic Director for the MBA in International Management at the Berlin Campus.

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Courses taught in the programme

• Research Methods (together with Prof. Bick)
• Management of Change and Organizational Behaviour

Prof. Aurélien ACQUIER

Associate Professor of Strategy, Organizational Behavior and Human Resources, Paris Campus

Research: Embedding CSR within organizations, CSR and sensemaking, CSR history

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Courses taught in the programme

• New concepts for a sustainable lifestyle (together with Prof. Carbone)
• The dark side of sustainability (elective)

Prof. Markus BICK

Professor of Business Information Systems, Berlin Campus

Research: Knowledge management, e-learning, convergent systems, ambient intelligence, simulation

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Courses taught in the programme

• Research Methods (together with Prof. Wilken)
• Business Information Systems (elective)

Prof. Thierry BOUDÈS

Associate Professor of Strategy and project management at ESCP, Paris Campus

Research: narrative processes in organizations and the narrative dimensions of strategy and project management

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Courses taught in the programme

• International Project Management and Consulting

Prof. Rolf BRÜHL

Professor of Business Ethics and Management Control, Berlin Campus

Research: Behavioural accounting, CSR reporting, Social accounts and trust repair

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Courses taught in the programme

• Business Ethics and CSR

Prof. Valentina CARBONE

Professor of Supply Chain Management, Paris Campus

Research: Sustainable and green supply chain management, CSR and sensemaking

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Courses taught in the programme

• Sustainable supply chain management (together with Prof. Moatti)
• New concepts for a sustainable lifestyle (together with Prof. Acquier)

Bruno CAZENAVE

PhD Student, Paris Campus

Specialised in Management Control. Current research title: “Impacts of financialised practices in French NGOs”

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Courses taught in the programme

• NGO & Management (together with Emanuelle Garbe, elective)

Prof. David CHEKROUN

Associate Professor of Economics, Law and Social Sciences, Paris Campus

David Chekroun is the co-director of the “Law & Finance” major. In 2013, he was appointed scientific director of the ESCP/EDF Contract management Certificate Program.

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Courses taught in the programme

• International Business and Human Rights (elective)

Prof. Alberta DI GIULI

Associate Professor of Economics, Law and Social Sciences, Paris Campus

Alberta Di Giuli’s research focuses on corporate social responsibility, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions and family firms.

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Courses taught in the programme

• Corporate Finance (elective)

Prof. Lola HERRERO

Associate Professor at ESCP, Madrid Campus

Scientific-Academic Director of the M.Sc. in Hospitality and Tourism Management

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Courses taught in the programme

• Sustainable Tourism (elective)

Dr. Florian LÜDEKE-FREUND

Professor at ESCP, Berlin Campus

Chair of Corporate Sustainability,
European Academic Director of the Master in Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Innovation

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Courses taught in the programme

• Environmental and Sustainability Management
• Eco-marketing and communication

Prof. Valérie MOATTI

Associate Professor at ESCP, Paris Campus

Associate Professor in the Information and Operations Management department

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Courses taught in the programme

• Sustainable supply chain management (together with Prof. Carbone)

Prof. Nathalie PRIME

Professor of International marketing and cross-cultural management at ESCP, Paris Campus

Chair of the European Department of Marketing at ESCP across 5 country campuses (Berlin, London, Madrid, Paris, Torino)

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Courses taught in the programme

• Cross-Cultural Management and Sustainability

Prof. Martin SCHMIDT

Professor of Financial Reporting and Audit, Berlin Campus

Martin Schmidt joined ESCP in January 2013, when he became chairholder of the newly set-up Chair of International Accounting on the Berlin Campus.

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Courses taught in the programme

• Integrated Reporting

Dr. Michaela WIEANDT

Manager Career Services & Placement, Linking Talents Germany

Michaela Wieandt is career advisor and coach at ESCP Berlin as well as associate researcher at the Talent Management Institute.

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Courses taught in the programme

• Career Development

Emmanuelle GARBE

Affiliate lecturer, Paris Campus

Emmanuelle Garbe is a consultant, researcher and teacher in Human resource management and in Organizations.

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Courses taught in the programme

• NGO & Management (together with Bruno Cazenave, elective)

Isabelle GUÉNARD-MALAUSSÈNE

Affiliate lecturer, Paris Campus

To make use of her experience and conviction in Sustainable Finance, Isabelle Guénard-Malaussène created her consulting company in 2015, FINANCE@IMPACT.

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Courses taught in the programme

• Sustainable Finance (elective)

Dr. Julie GUTH

Affiliate lecturer, Berlin Campus

Having worked in management consulting for several years as well as developing and setting up new education programs, Julie Guth gained comprehensive knowledge in supporting students in acquiring new skills and expertise.

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Courses taught in the programme

• Eco-Venturing (elective)

Claudia MÜLLER

Affiliate lecturer, Berlin Campus

Claudia Müller is a consultant, trainer and lecturer with a focus on international, intercultural collaboration and leadership as well as international organisational development. Founder of CIM Consulting.

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Courses taught in the programme

• Management of Change and Organizational Behaviour

Prof. Dieter SCHERER

Professor at Technische Universität Berlin

Head of the Department of Climatology at the Institute of Ecology of Technische Universität Berlin.

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Courses taught in the programme

• Ecological Background of Economic Activity (together with Prof. Tietjen)

Prof. Britta TIETJEN

Professor at Technische Universität Berlin

Head of the Biodiversity Research Group at Freie Universität Berlin.

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Courses taught in the programme

• Ecological Background of Economic Activity (together with Prof. Scherer)

Claas WENZLIK

Affiliate lecturer, Berlin Campus

Founder of MOCOVISION. Claas Wenzlik's fields of expertise are change management, strategy development, and digitization

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Courses taught in the programme

• Managing Complexity

Company Consultancy Projects
Experiential learning

You will take part in a Company Consultancy Project during this MSc, which allows you to put into practice the concepts you've learned in class. In groups of 4-5, you and your peers will collaborate on a real-time challenge provided by a company or organisation.

Your group is expected to deliver a high-level analysis and make actionable recommendations that can realistically be implemented by the company.
The Company Consultancy Projects are a key element of the programme that enables students to get to know a sector or a specific function. They require significant commitment and focus from the students over 2-3 months.

Through the Company Consultancy Project, students learn how to work efficiently as a team and hone their skills in:

• Project planning and management
• Data collection and analysis
• Development of hypotheses and recommendations
• Customer service
• Public speaking and presentations

Within the framework of the Company Consultancy Projects, dedicated workshops are carried out such as:

• Client interaction
• Presentation skills

Throughout the project, guidance is provided by an ESCP professor. Students learn how to approach an issue with a critical mindset and how to adapt swiftly in unexpected situations with a creative and open-minded attitude.

Some Partner Companies

BBVA – BNP Paribas – Capco – Deloitte – Eaton – EXPOFRANCE 2025 – GE Capital – Hydrogen – IBM – Indeu capital – Inditex (Zara) – Indra – International SOS – Interserve – Larousse – Lavazza – LVMH – Orange – Paul UK – Pernod Ricard – Porsche Design – Santer Reply – Telefónica – Vodafone

Company Consultancy Projects

Examples of Company Consultancy Projects

• City launching of Urban Ninja in the Spanish market
• Development and implementation of online business for commercialisation
• Development of a CSR strategy
• Development of an innovative B2B online portal
• Feasibility study to set up a commercial subsidiary: services, organisation and financial model
• Global mobility of highly skilled professionals
• Global supply chain and distribution model (retail chain)
• Growth opportunities in the digital technologies sector in Europe
• Identify growth opportunities for category portfolio products
• Portfolio strategy and deal flow identification (private equity fund, India luxury market)
• SME lending in Europe. New scoring model analysis (banking, innovation)
• Study of business intelligence in the field of "fast-moving consumer health" at European level
• Telemedicine and return on investment: a real case modelling and evaluation
• The future of newspapers, books and magazines (publishing industry)
• The new online shop: benchmark and suggestions
• Transforming London’s precious metal OTC market: feasibility report
• Valvetrain footprint optimisation: how to secure profitable regional growth

Professional thesis
Writing and defending a professional thesis

Starting in February of the second year, you must draft a professional thesis in consultation with an ESCP professor, which is based on the course "Research Methods" (Term 4). The topic chosen is approved beforehand by your academic advisor. The thesis is defended orally to a committee between June and July. This individual research project is an essential part of the programme since it leads to in-depth analysis. It represents 20 of the total of 120 ECTS credits earned over the two years.

Internship
A professional mission in the form of an in-company internship of at least 3 months.

From May to July of the second year, students must complete an in-company internship of at least 3 months. The internship is an opportunity for practicing theoretical concepts learned, gaining experience, and networking, all with an eye towards kicking off your career.

Here are some examples of companies and organisations at which students have obtained internships:

United Nations Environment Programme – Nissan – Endeva – Impact Hub Berlin – Siemens – United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – Bearing Point – Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) – Save the Children – BNP Paribas – Deloitte – Marine Stewardship Council – San Benedetto – Nordex Energy – E.ON – WWF – The C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group – L’Oreal

The European Career Development Centre

The Career Development Centre is present on all 6 campuses and is composed of career experts who specialise in knowledge about industries, countries, and local labour markets. Their role is to help identify your career goals and help you get there by providing you with the right tips, tools, and connections.

Learn more about the Career Development team

Master of Science (MSc)
International Sustainability Management
Careers

The European Careers Centre

Take control of your career path with ESCP’s events, personalized guidance, and tools designed to support your success after graduation.

For non-EU graduates: living and working in Germany

Thinking of starting your sustainability career in Europe? Studying in Germany has many distinct advantages during and after your studies. Upon completion of a state-recognised degree, non-EU citizens may apply for an 18-month residence permit, which can be converted to a longer permit after obtaining a job. See more information here.

ESCP's Alumni Network: Stay connected and keep growing

With a global network of over 85,000 alumni across 150+ countries, you'll gain access to a dynamic community that can open doors to unparalleled opportunities – both during and after your studies.

The ESCP Alumni Association is dedicated to enriching your experience. From day 1 at ESCP, you'll become a lifelong member of the Association. You can enjoy numerous exclusive benefits far beyond graduation, including networking opportunities, career support, continuing education, and alumni discounts and offers.

Testimonial

Daniel Schmitt (Brazil/France)
Project Manager
VEJA
Class of 2019

Tell us a bit about yourself. What were you doing or studying before you started the SustM?

I’m half Brazilian, half French. I was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil and grew up in Latin America, in between Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. I moved to Montreal, Canada from 2013 to 2017 to study Political Science at Université de Montréal. After several work experiences in the public sector, I decided that I wanted to understand how social and environmental impact could be done and handled via the private sector. So I applied to the SustM programme, joined it and graduated in 2019.

What are you currently doing? What challenges does your team face?

During the master's program I had the opportunity to work in retail at VEJA (a footwear brand), so after graduation, I applied for a job at VEJA as a project manager in sustainability. I was hired to handle the circularity project at VEJA, and develop repairing business models so that we can increase our products' lifecycle, enter the secondhand market, and master recyclability when the pair of shoes isn’t repairable anymore. Today, I manage a team of 4 people.

For which main reasons did you choose to study the SustM?

...

Read more of this interview here: Meet the Alumni: Daniel Schmitt...

Testimonial

Ásdís Nína Magnúsdóttir (Iceland)
Programme Analyst
UNDP
Class of 2019

Tell us a bit about yourself. What were you doing or studying before you started the SustM?

I am Icelandic but grew up both in Reykjavík, Iceland and in Durham, North Carolina (USA). I studied philosophy at the University of Iceland in 2013-2017 and studied on an Erasmus scholarship at Humboldt-Universität in 2015. I had just completed my BA degree in philosophy before I started this programme.

What are you currently doing? What challenges are you or your team/company facing?

I currently work as a Programme Analyst for UNDP in Zimbabwe in the department of Poverty Reduction, Environment and Climate Change. All our projects interlink development and the effects of climate change. We work closely with communities and government on e.g. installing renewable energy and providing policy advice.

For which main reasons did you choose to study the SustM?

...

Read more of this interview here: Meet the Alumni: Ásdís Magnúsdóttir...

Master of Science (MSc)
International Sustainability Management
Admissions

Requirements

For applicants from China, India, and Vietnam

Applicants who have obtained a degree from the aforementioned countries must have an APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) Certificate in order to be able to apply for a German study visa. Please be aware that the process can take several months.

The APS is a joint institution of the German Embassy and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) that serves to verify the authenticity of educational degrees and certificates. Learn more here:

• APS India
• APS China
• APS Vietnam

Procedure

Admission Calendar

To start or continue an application for the September 2025 intake, please click here.

Master of Science (MSc)
International Sustainability Management
Fees & Financials

Application Fees

The application fee is €130 for all candidates. Please note that the application fee is non-refundable.

Tuition Fees

For those entering the MSc in September 2025, the fees are set at:

• Tuition fee: €16,200 per year
• Student service and registration costs: €1,500 per year 

Total programme costs:

•  €35,400 for European and non-European students

For any additional year until graduation, reduced student service and administrative costs (€1,000) are payable.

The above costs already include the lifelong ESCP Alumni membership, administrative & service costs, and the international SOS mobility support. Travel & accommodation costs are not included for all classes on ESCP campuses (Berlin, London, Paris, Madrid, Turin or Warsaw).

Applicants who are offered a place must confirm their acceptance and pay a non-refundable deposit of €3,000, which will be deducted from the total tuition fees.

Estimated Cost of Living

When planning your studies, consider the monthly cost of living in Berlin and Paris. Please note that the figures provided are estimates, as expenses will vary based on your choice of accommodation and lifestyle preferences.

ESCP Merit-Based Scholarships

ESCP Berlin offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships to outstanding Specialised Master applicants for the 2025 intake. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, test scores, motivation, extracurricular achievements, and overall quality of the admissions interview.​

To be considered for a merit-based scholarship, you must submit a separate scholarship form, which can be found here, at the same time as your programme application. If admitted, your scholarship decision will be communicated at the same time.

For detailed information, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have any further questions, contact us at scholarships_berlin@escp.eu.

External Funding Options

For more information about external scholarships and a copy of our scholarship guide, please feel free to email msc.internationalsustainability@escp.eu.

Master of Science (MSc)
International Sustainability Management
Meet Us

Are you thinking about applying to the MSc in International Sustainability Management? Choosing the right master’s programme is a big decision, and we’re here to help you navigate this journey. Connect with us and get the insights you need to make an informed choice.

Speak with an admissions advisor

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Explore what makes ESCP Business School in Berlin special. If you're in or visiting Berlin, we’re happy to give you a campus tour. Click below or reach out for more info.

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In-person Coffee Chat

We often travel to meet prospective students like you. If ESCP is coming to your city and you'd like a relaxed coffee meet-up, please get in touch.

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Contact a Student Ambassador

Sometimes the best insights come from those who were recently where you are now! Reach out to one of our student ambassadors to hear firsthand about their experiences, academic journey, and student life at ESCP.

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France

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Belgium/France

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Latvia

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India

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France

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Germany

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