European Policy at Work in Germany: EUGOV Visits in Berlin

The Master in Advanced European and International Studies - Applied European Policy and Governance Studies (EUGOV) students gained hands-on insights on European policy by visiting various institutions involved in European policy-making in Berlin.

At the Embassy of Sweden in Berlin, they were welcomed by John Zachau, Mats Karlsson and Magnus Bratt, who spoke about the history of Swedish security and defence policy, the geopolitical context that led to Sweden joining NATO in 2024, cooperation amongst the Nordic countries and with Germany and the role of Sweden within the EU.

At the Federal Chancellery, the students met Edgar Lenski, who outlined the work of the DG in European Affairs and explained some of the critical topics at present including competitiveness, EU trade, defence and the Multiannual Financial Framework negotiations.

During a visit to the Reichstag building, the students discovered the functions, working methods and composition of the parliament, as well as the history and architecture of the building.

At the Berlin Senate, the students learnt how Berlin engages in European policy, in particular through its European Strategy 2023-2026 (due to be renewed after the elections in September). This highlights the city's strategic goals, such as more engagement in European decision-making processes, intensifying cross-border cooperation and increased European competencies for administration.

During a briefing and discussion at Polis180, Etienne Hora explained the mission of this grassroots think tank, which gives young voices a say in European and foreign policy. He highlighted the inclusive approach of the think tank, outlined some projects such as “Polis kocht” and answered questions about the role of generation gaps and youth engagement.

Finally, during a workshop at the Europäische Akademie Berlin (EAB), Sarah Eilingsfeld presented the work of the EAB in the fields of democracy, twinnings and collective memory. The students then had the opportunity to work on project ideas ranging from a video game on the EU, a European village in Berlin, an intergenerational educative project on disinformation aimed at older people, and a European train from Lisbon to Tallinn offering European cultural and gastronomic insights.