Skip to main content

Brussels Study Tour 2024

June 20 -21, 2024  | Brussels, Belgium | Early bird ends May, 1o

The Brussels study tour is designed specifically for international public affairs senior executives who want to gain a better understanding of the EU’s public affairs, advocacy, and lobby environment. This year, the program will have a particular focus on the changes occurring in Brussels as a result of the EU elections of June 2024. Gain the knowledge and network necessary to effectively advocate for your interests within the EU.

Read More

The Brussels study tour comprises visits to EU institutions, informal conversations with senior public officials and advisors, as well as briefing sessions by political experts and public affairs executives with a solid knowledge of the political context, policy environment and interest representation best practice in Brussels.

Who is it for?

Public affairs professionals working in the US, Europe or Asia with interest in the changing political and advocacy landscape in the EU. All sectors and industries are welcome as the program focuses on how-to’s, best practices, networking, and open discussion with professionals on the ground.

Topics include

  • How the EU works in practice
  • The European Parliament elections of June 2024 — Outcomes and future implications
  • Channelling your interests into the EU decision- and policy-making process
  • Lobbying the EU from multiple perspectives:
    • Meeting with senior corporate lobbyists
    • Discussions with trade association directors
    • Understanding EU-focused NGOs
    • Meeting with European Commission, European Parliament and/or other officials/diplomats
  • Media in Brussels: what to consider when engaging with journalists

 

The study tour will take place immediately following the Brussels Forum, thereby enabling attendees to optimize their visit to Brussels.

Highlights of our 2023 Study Tour

DAY 1

Introduction to the European institutional, policy and political framework

  • European institutions shaping policy-making
  • The EU policy cycle and how lobbying works in this context
  • Stakeholders on national, EU and international level
  • The role and influence of the European Commission
  • Council of Ministers, European Council

Public affairs best practices: Informal discussion with Brussels-based practitioners

  • Examples, insights and best practice in lobbying and campaigning in Europe from the corporate sector
  • Planning your policy engagement in Europe
  • Good practice and tips in managing global and European-based teams

The European Parliament

  • Understanding the work of a Member of the European Parliament (MEP)
  • How does an MEP work with stakeholders?
  • How to communicate with MEPs ethically and effectively
  • Lobbying and transparency from the perspective of the European Parliament

EU member states and national capitals

  • Understanding how national priorities shape EU strategy, priorities and policy
  • Engaging with Brussels from a national capital perspective, and vice-versa
  • Communicating with European capitals – tips and insights
  • Lobbying and transparency from a Member State perspective

DAY 2

The European Commission

  • Understanding the work of the European Commission and its priorities
  • How does the institution work in practice?
  • Opportunities for engaging ethically and effectively
  • Lobbying and transparency from the perspective of the European Commission

Influencing EU Decision-Making: The Perspective of a Trade Association

  • Examples, insights and best practice in lobbying and campaigning in Europe from the trade association sector
  • Finding agreement among members and speaking with single a voice
  • How can trade associations help non-European companies navigate the European regulatory landscape

How do NGOs run advocacy campaigns?

  • How does a Brussels-based NGO work?
  • Understanding NGO advocacy
  • How to engage, communicate and explore collaboration opportunities with NGOs
  • Advocacy lessons learned for companies and trade association

Working with European media

  • The Brussels media landscape
  • Priorities and timings of Brussels-based correspondents
  • Pitching your story to the media – do’s and don’ts

Final Q&A and key takeaways

* Please note that this agenda is provisional and is subject to change

TO BE
ANNOUNCED

TO BE
ANNOUNCED

TO BE
ANNOUNCED

TO BE
ANNOUNCED

TO BE
ANNOUNCED

TO BE
ANNOUNCED

TO BE
ANNOUNCED

TO BE
ANNOUNCED

Location

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

Early bird registration now open!

Register

PAC Members: Early bird (until May 10, 2024): $950 + VAT if applicable
Others: Early bird non-member (until May 10, 2024): $1,350 + 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

As participants in the Study Tour, you are entitled to complimentary access to the Brussels Public Affairs Forum on June 19th. 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.

Questions

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