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Brussels Study Tour 2026

June 25–26, 2025  | Brussels, Belgium

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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

What to expect (based on last year’s agenda)

The agenda below is from last year and is shared as a guide to the format and flow you can expect

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 – 9:45

Welcome to the study tour

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

9:50 – 11:15

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

12:30 – 12:45

Coffee break

12:45 – 14:00

Lunchtime Roundtable – Building Coalitions and Partnerships in Brussels: The Perspective of EU Trade Associations

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

14:00 – 14:30

Transfer to the European Commission

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 – 17:30

Transfer back to Ambiorix Center

17:30 – 18:30

Working with European capitals

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

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

18.30 – 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 with Brussels-based Public Affairs leaders – Insights, best practices and lessons learned

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

12.30 – 13:00

 Transfer back to Ambiorix Center

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 (from last year’s programme)

The speakers listed below participated in last year’s event. They are shown here to give an indication of the expertise and profiles you can expect.
Speakers for this year’s programme will be announced soon.

Anna Koj
Managing Director
Mavence EU
Camilla Martelli
Executive Director Public Affairs
Cefic
Doru Frantescu
CEO & founder
EUmatrix.eu
Inês Reis
Public Affairs Manager, European Office
Public Affairs Council
James Kanter
Founder and Editor
EU Scream
Jill Craig
Senior Partner
Penta Group

Joao Sousa
Managing Director, European office and Global practice
Public Affairs Council
Jüri Laas
Spokesperson for the President of the
European Parliament
Maria Negut
Associate Director Public Affairs – Corporate team
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
Maria Teresa Scardigli
Managing Director
Kellen Europe
Nneka Chiazor
President
Public Affairs Council
Olivier de Matos
Director General
CropLife Europe
Raphaël Kergueno
Senior Policy Officer | Data-driven advocacy
Transparency International EU
Thibaut L’Ortye
Senior Director of Public Affairs
American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AmCham EU)
Vasco Pereira da Silva
Former Counsellor @ Portuguese Permanent Representation to the European Union
Head of Policy Allied For Startups

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

First-Mover Discount – Till March 15
First-Mover PAC MP+ Members: €850 + VAT if applicable
First-Mover PAC Members: €850 + VAT if applicable
First-Mover non-member: €1,095 + VAT if applicable

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

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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]

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