Sixty students from twelve different countries recently took on the challenge of promoting a local or regional cheese within the intricate landscape of EU institutions during an intensive international week hosted at EPHEC University College in Brussels.
This immersive 5-day program, titled “Mastering EU Influence: Practical Lobbying and Networking in Brussels,” was organized for the fourth consecutive year by EPHEC lecturers Pascal Goergen and Katrien Bostyn, with the backing of the EU’s Erasmus+ programme. The initiative aims to equip aspiring lobbyists and policy professionals with essential skills while exploring the heart of Europe.
Exploring the EU Landscape
Designed to foster collaboration among students from various partner institutions, international weeks like this one revolve around a central theme. This year’s focus on Lobbying and Networking in the EU was both relevant and ambitious.
The week commenced with an engaging “field visit” throughout the EU Quarter, where students embarked on a scavenger hunt, identifying significant EU institutions and associations while getting to know key players based on their badges. Highlights of the tour included visits to the European Parliament, European Commission, and the Committee of the Regions, where students participated in interactive presentations led by experts in these institutions.
A particularly memorable moment was the exclusive visit to the Press Club Brussels Europe, where students had the opportunity to hear from experienced lobbyists such as Paul Cartuyvels, Executive Director at Bouygues Europe, and Inma Valencia, Director of the Cantabria Regional Office. This was followed by a networking lunch, allowing participants to connect informally with industry professionals.
Transformational Learning Experience
For many attendees, the experience transcended educational value; it became a pivotal moment in their career aspirations. One participant shared,
“I’ve always dreamed of working in EU institutions. This week brought me closer to that goal.”
Even local students from Brussels found the experience enlightening. Another commented,
“I walk past these buildings every day, but I never realized what really happens inside.”
The academic challenge of the week involved crafting a lobbying strategy aimed at promoting a regional cheese within Brussels’ complex institutional framework. Students were grouped across cultural and disciplinary lines, fostering rich collaboration. A specialized workshop on intercultural communication provided them with tools essential for navigating team dynamics.
Despite the short timeframe, the final presentations on the concluding day showcased the students’ strategic thinking, sharp insights, and, most importantly, a newfound confidence in engaging with EU influence. For EPHEC and its European academic partners, this event represented a successful continuation of a growing tradition, while for the students, it may serve as a pivotal first step into the corridors of European power.