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Brussels Study Tour 2025

June 26–27, 2025  | Brussels, Belgium

Gain a firsthand understanding of how public affairs, advocacy, and lobbying operate within the European Union. Designed for senior international public affairs executives, the Brussels Study Tour 2025 offers an immersive experience inside the EU’s decision-making ecosystem. With exclusive briefings, high-level discussions, and site visits, this two-day program provides the knowledge, strategic insights, and connections you need to effectively advocate for your organization’s interests in Europe’s evolving political and regulatory environment.

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What to expect?

This intensive two-day deep dive into EU public affairs includes:

  • Visits to the EU institutions and insights into how the EU decision-making works
  • Informal conversations with senior officials and advisors
  • Interactive sessions with corporate lobbyists, trade association leaders, and EU-focused NGOs
  • Strategic discussions on the new geopolitical realities affecting global businesses and European advocacy efforts
  • Informal networking with peers and senior leaders

Who should attend?

This study tour is designed for international public affairs professionals who need to stay ahead of the changing political and advocacy landscape in the EU. Whether you’re from a corporation, trade association, or NGO, this program offers practical strategies, best practices, and networking with key stakeholders in Brussels.

Key topics include:

  • How the EU Works – Understanding key priorities and the decision-making process in practice
  • Influencing EU Policy – How to effectively channel your organization’s interests into policymaking
  • Lobbying the EU from Multiple Perspectives:
    • Insights from corporate public affairs leaders
    • Strategies from trade association executives
    • Understanding the role of EU-focused NGOs
    • Meetings with European Commission, Parliament, and diplomatic officials
  • Beyond Brussels – Engaging with EU capitals, regions, and national policymakers
  • Building and Leading an EU Public Affairs Team – Recruiting and managing Brussels-based professionals
  • The EU Media Landscape – Navigating Brussels-based journalism and media relations

Maximize Your Brussels Experience

The Brussels Study Tour is scheduled immediately after the Brussels Forum, offering participants the opportunity to optimize their visit and engage with even more key stakeholders in European public affairs.

Join us in Brussels for an exclusive learning and networking experience that will transform your approach to EU public affairs!

Highlights of our 2024 Study Tour

Note: This agenda is tentative and changes are still possible.

Day 1

17:30 – 19:00

Welcome to the Brussels Study Tour 2025 – Cocktail and networking

Public Affairs Council – Square Ambiorix 7 – 1000 Brussels

Day 2

9:30 – 11:15

Welcome to the study tour

Introduction to the European institutional, policy and political framework

Location: Public Affairs Council – Square Ambiorix 7 – 1000 Brussels

11:15- 11:30

Coffee break

11:30- 12:30

Transparency regulations and ethical lobbying in the EU

Location: Public Affairs Council – Square Ambiorix 7 – 1000 Brussels

12:45- 14:00

Lunchtime roundtable with Brussels-based public affairs leaders – Insights, best practices and lessons learned

Location: Public Affairs Council – Square Ambiorix 7 – 1000 Brussels

14:30 – 17:00 

Visit to the European Commission

  •   Understanding the work of the European Commission and its priorities

Location: European Commission, Charlemagne Building, Rue de la Loi 170, 1000 – Bruxelles

17:00 – 18:00

Working with European capitals

  •  Understanding how national priorities shape EU strategy, priorities and policy

Location: Public Affairs Council – Square Ambiorix 7 – 1000 Brussels

18.00 – 19.30

 Refreshment break

19:30- 21.30

Networking Dinner & Discussion: Understanding the Brussels media landscape & working with EU correspondents

Location: To be confirmed

21:00

End of Day 1

Day 3

09:00 – 10:15

Working breakfast – Building Coalitions and Partnerships in Brussels: The Perspective of EU Trade Associations

Location: Public Affairs Council – Square Ambiorix 7 – 1000 Brussels

10.15 – 10:45

Transfer to the European Parliament

10:45 – 12:30

Visit to the European Parliament

  • Understanding the Work and Functioning of the European Parliament

Location: European Parliament – Entrance Paul-Henri Spaak, Room PHS 4B49

13:00 – 14:00

Networking lunch – Mapping Policy Developments in the EU – Strategies, Tools and Resources

Location: Public Affairs Council – Square Ambiorix 7 – 1000 Brussel

14:00 – 14:15

Coffee break

14:15 – 15:15

Transatlantic Businesses in the EU – Challenges and Opportunities in Uncertain Times

Location: Public Affairs Council – Square Ambiorix 7 – 1000 Brussels

15:15 – 15:30

Coffee break

15:30 – 16:30

Successful Public Affairs in Europe – Reflections & Insights on Strategy and Management from a Brussels-based Corporate Leader

Location: Public Affairs Council – Square Ambiorix 7 – 1000 Brussels

16:30 – 17:00

 Bringing it all together

Location: Public Affairs Council – Square Ambiorix 7 – 1000 Brussels

17:00

Closing cocktail and adjourn

Location: Public Affairs Council – Square Ambiorix 7 – 1000 Brussels

Note: This agenda is tentative and changes are still possible.

Speakers will be announced shortly

Testimonial

The Brussels Study Tour 2024 was an exceptional experience, providing a comprehensive understanding of the European institutional, policy, and political framework. The event was meticulously organized, with insightful sessions on EU policymaking, effective lobbying strategies, and the impact of EU elections on public affairs.

Misti M. Rice – Magna International

They’ve brought in a really nice variety of guests, providing a range of different perspectives. It created a great opportunity to network, bond, and learn from each other.

Jenny Du – Apeel Sciences

It was partly intriguing to get over to the European Parliament and the European Commission and actually meet some of the key players in that space. Understanding how it works, seeing some similarities to the U.S. system, but also recognizing a lot of differences, was really insightful.

Brian Chase – Bell

It’s been great. It’s been great meeting the team. The program has been very well put together. We got to see a full 360-degree view of how Brussels’ policymaking works—understanding where you can shape legislation and provide input. It has been a truly insightful experience.

Elise Demaeght – PepsiCo Europe

Location

Public Affairs Council
Square Ambiorix 7
1000 Brussels
[email protected]

Register

Early bird Discount – Till April 30

Early bird PAC Members: : €975 + VAT if applicable
Early bird non-member: €1,245 + VAT if applicable

After May 1

PAC Members: : €1195 + VAT if applicable
Non-member: €1,495 + VAT if applicable

Learn More

Not sure if your organization is a member of the Public Affairs Council? Check here.

Learn how we collect, use and protect your information by reading our privacy notice at https://pac.org/prvacy-notice.

Register Here

EU Brussels Study Tour 2025

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As participants in the Study Tour, you are entitled to complimentary access to the Brussels Public Affairs Forum on June 25th. Kindly express your interest by filling out the Forum’s registration form here and specify your participation in the Brussels study tour in the comment section.

The Brussels Study Tour is limited to a maximum of 25 participants.

Questions

Amanda Crafford
Program Assistant, European Office
+32 476.639.503 | [email protected]