EUDIPLO Study Trip to Brussels 2026: Engaging with European Institutions
From 16 to 20 March 2026, our Joint Master in EU Trade and Climate Diplomacy (EUDIPLO) students took part in a study trip to Brussels, gaining firsthand experience with European institutions and policymakers. The visit provided an immersive experience into the heart of European decision-making and offered unique insights into diplomacy, trade and climate policy.
The week began with a keynote speech delivered by Dimitrios Zevgolis, Head of the Multilateral Affairs Unit, DG CLIMA, who shared his experiences of climate negotiations. This was followed by an opening dinner in the presence of some of the Joint Master lecturers.
The first visit took place on Tuesday at the Council of the EU, where the students discovered more about the EU-India free trade agreement from Tove Pierrou. Later, the students met Joanna Sullivan, who spoke about careers outside of the institutions, and Fernando Criado Alonso, who spoke about policy briefs. There was also an exchange with three Joint Master Alumnae Laura Llussa I Rosell, Leonie Rossbach and Giulia Salsone, who all shared their contrasting experiences working at the European Commission since graduating from the programme.
On the following day, at the European External Action Service (EEAS), the students received a presentation from Ali Yazgili on Transatlantic relations with a focus on trade, as well as an inspiring discussion on climate diplomacy with Anthony Agotha, Special Envoy for Climate and Environment. During a visit to the European Commission, the group learnt more about science and space diplomacy from Ramona Samson and were given insights into a future simulation of an international trade agreement with Sebastian Kurpas.
On the last day of visits, the students met CIFE Alumnae Alexandra Dansa, Doortje Batema and Quite Ottens, who all work at the European Parliament. They also visited the hemicycle. Finally, at the Fondation Universitaire, the group met representatives from NATO, who discussed perspectives on defence from a European and a transatlantic perspective.
Thank you to everyone involved for making the trip so successful!