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Brussels Study Tour 2026

June 25–26, 2026  | Brussels, Belgium

The Brussels Study Tour offers public affairs professionals an in-depth, practical immersion into the EU policy and decision-making environment. Over two days in Brussels, participants engage directly with EU institutions, industry associations, and experienced practitioners to better understand how EU policies are shaped in practice and how organizations can engage effectively. The program combines institutional briefings with applied perspectives, focusing on real-world processes, interinstitutional dynamics, and stakeholder engagement. Designed for professionals working on EU and global public affairs, the study tour provides structured insight, peer exchange, and direct exposure to Brussels-based policy actors. 

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Key insights include: 

  • how EU institutions work in practice and interact with one another 
  • effective engagement with EU policymakers and stakeholders 
  • the role of trade associations and collective advocacy in Brussels 
  • practical considerations for navigating the EU policy environment 

What to expect 

This intensive two-day Brussels Study Tour offers a deep dive into EU public affairs, combining institutional insights with practical perspectives from across the Brussels policy ecosystem. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how EU decision-making works in practice and how organizations can engage effectively at EU level. 

The program includes: 

  • visits to EU institutions and briefings on how EU decision-making functions in practice 
  • informal exchanges with senior officials, advisors, and policy professionals 
  • interactive sessions with corporate public affairs leaders, trade association executives, and EU-focused NGOs 
  • discussions on geopolitical developments and their impact on EU policymaking and advocacy 
  • informal networking with peers and senior public affairs professionals 

Who should attend 

This study tour is designed for international public affairs professionals who need to stay ahead of political, regulatory, and advocacy developments in the European Union. It is particularly relevant for professionals working in corporations, trade associations, consultancies, and NGOs with EU-facing responsibilities. 

Key topics include 

  • how the EU works, from agenda setting to implementation, with a focus on real-world practice 
  • influencing EU policy and channeling organizational priorities into the decision-making process 
  • lobbying the EU from multiple perspectives, including: 
  • corporate public affairs 
  • trade associations 
  • EU-focused NGOs 
  • meetings and exchanges with representatives from the European Commission, European Parliament, and diplomatic community 

Highlights of our 2025 Study Tour

Preliminary Agenda 2026

Please note this agenda is preliminary and subject to change.

Day 1–24 June

17:30 – 19:00

Welcome to the Brussels Study Tour 2026 – Cocktail and networking

Public Affairs Council – Square Ambiorix 7 – 1000 Brussels

Day 2–25 June

8:30 – 9:00

Arrival to Ambiorix Centre from 8:30 

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

9:00 – 9:15

Welcome to the study tour

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

9:15 – 10:45

Introduction to the European institutional, policy and political framework

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

10:45 – 11:00

Coffee break

11:00 – 12:00

Working with European capitals 

Understanding how national priorities shape EU strategy, negotiations and policymaking 

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

12:00 – 13:15

Working lunch – Building coalitions and partnerships in Brussels 

The perspective of EU trade associations 

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 

  • Including an institutional overview and a discussion of current EU priorities in the broader political and geopolitical context. 

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

17:00 – 19:30

 Refreshment break

An opportunity to refresh and get ready for the evening session.

19:30 – 21:30

Networking dinner and discussion – Understanding the Brussels media landscape and working with EU correspondents 

Location: To be confirmed

21:30

End of Day 1

Day 3–26 June 

09:00 – 10:45

Visit to the European Parliament 

Understanding the work and functioning of the European Parliament 

Location: European Parliament – exact entrance / room to be confirmed

11.15 – 12:30

Discussion with Brussels-based public affairs consultants 

Insights, best practices and lessons learned from advising organizations on EU engagement 

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

12:30 – 13:30

Networking lunch – Mapping policy developments in the EU 

Strategies, tools and resources 

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

13:30 – 13:45

Coffee break

13:45 – 14:45

Transparency regulations and ethical lobbying in the EU 

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

14:45 – 15:00

Coffee break

15:00– 16:15

Successful public affairs in Europe 

Reflections on strategy, management and stakeholder engagement from senior corporate public affairs leaders 

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

16:15 – 16:45

Bringing it all together 

Key takeaways, final reflections and discussion 

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

16:45

Adjourn

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

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

Confirmed Speakers

Further Speakers to Be Announced Soon.

Doru Frantescu
CEO
EUMatrix
Giovanni Campi
Senior Policy Director
K&L Gates
Laila Pinheiro
Head of Public Affairs, Europe
Syngenta
Mark Dober
CEO
Dober Partners
Inês Reis
Public Affairs Manager, European Office
Public Affairs Council

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 (until April 30)

Member MP+/Europe Premium: €995 + VAT if applicable
PAC Members: €1095 + VAT if applicable
non-member: €1295 + VAT if applicable

Normal Price 

PAC Members: : €1295+ VAT if applicable
Member MP+/Europe Premium: €1225+ VAT if applicable
Non-member: €1525 + 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.

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EU Brussels Study Tour 2026

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Do you plan to join us at the Brussels Public Affairs Forum on the 24th?

As participants in the Study Tour, you are entitled to complimentary access to the Brussels Public Affairs Forum on June 24th. 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
Programs & Member Relations Officer, International Practice
+32 476.639.503 | [email protected]