Trip to Brussels to Learn About European Institutions

On December 9th and 10th, students from the 44th edition of the European Union Course offered by CEI International Affairs had the great opportunity to travel to Brussels to get to know the EU institutions. During this trip, they attended exclusive sessions at some of the most important bodies of the organization. 

On the first day, the students were warmly welcomed by the Delegation of the Government of Catalonia to the EU, who kindly helped with storing luggage and gave an introductory welcome. The first visit was to the Committee of the Regions, where they learned about the vital role of regions in European decision-making and how regional voices are heard within the EU’s organizational framework. In the same building, they attended a lecture by the European Economic and Social Committee, which highlighted the importance of social and solidarity-based economy in Europe, EU policies, and their impact on daily life. We extend our gratitude to both institutions and their speakers for their collaboration. 

Afterwards, the group had the privilege of visiting the European Parliament, the heart of European democracy. There, they were given insight into the inner workings of the institution, with a special emphasis on Spain’s crucial role in EU-level decision-making. The visit to the plenary chamber was an unforgettable experience that gave them a firsthand understanding of this body’s significance in shaping a common future for all Europeans. 

To close the day, the students were welcomed at the EEAS (European External Action Service) by Miguel Ramos, a CEI alumni from the Diplomatic Career Preparation. During this session, they not only learned about the structure and history of the EEAS, but also heard Miguel’s personal perspective on the EU and the life of a diplomat based in Brussels. This provided valuable insight into Spain’s role on the international stage and the opportunities the EU offers its citizens. 

On the second day, the group headed to the Council of the EU, where they explored the internal structure, rooms, and day-to-day workings of the institution in Brussels. They learned about the Council’s operations and job opportunities, gaining valuable information and resources on how to turn their personal motivations into a career within the EU institutions—especially within the Council itself. The students showed high engagement during this session, demonstrating their strong interest in potential career paths within the EU system. 

After the Council, the students visited the European Commission, where an informative session was held about the new European government. Together with the speaker, they analyzed the impact of Von der Leyen’s re-election as President of the Commission. 

Finally, the trip concluded with a talk by Sergi Farré, also a CEI alumni from the Diplomatic Career Preparation and currently Counselor for the United Kingdom and the Presidency Unit of Spaniards in EU Institutions. During the visit to Spain’s Permanent Representation to the EU (REPER), the students got a closer look at the personal side of diplomatic life. The talk flowed naturally and provided the perfect space to address final questions and discuss what it’s like to work in Brussels—both inside and outside the EU—as a Spanish representative. He also shared useful advice and insights about internship opportunities within the REPER or other institutions. 

In short, the trip to the EU institutions in Brussels was incredibly enriching. It perfectly combined the theoretical knowledge from the EU Course with real-world application, thanks to the support of expert speakers. The students’ positive feedback encourages us to keep growing and improving year after year.