EU Decision making and its institutions: discover the heart of Brussels

STUDENTS: will work in small groups to develop positions on policy issues, create presentations and formulate questions for EU policymakers, and provide advice for specific EU institutions. TEACHERS: will offer online Q and A sessions, hold discussions on policy issues, guide students, check on progress of student research, collect and analyse project deliverables, etc. (CALENDAR): FEBRUARY 2025 - virtual sessions (3x): INTRODUCTORY SESSION (1x), ONLINE GUIDANCE SESSIONS (2x) MARCH 2025 - virtual sessions (4x): ONLINE GUIDANCE SESSIONS (2x), ONLINE SESSIONS (Follow an MEP -Day 1 of visit), ONLINE SESSION (Meet an MEP // Group Role Play - Day 2 of visit) APRIL 2025 - virtual sessions (4x): ONLINE GUIDANCE SESSIONS (2x), ONLINE SESSIONS (Visit the European Commission - Day 3 of visit), ONLINE SESSION (Visit the EESC - Day 4 of visit) MAY 2025 - virtual sessions (3x): ONLINE GUIDANCE SESSIONS (2x), ONLINE SESSION (Travel to Brussels and logistics) JUNE 2025 - virtual session (1x): COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY (BIP graduation) (DESCRIPTION:) TOTAL hours: 102 2 hours - ONLINE INTRODUCTORY SESSION to unveil project, division of student groups and Q and A session (all teachers and students). 8 hours (60-min sessions, 2x month - February, March, April, May) -- ONLINE GUIDANCE SESSIONS (teachers and students) for guidance, general forum for discussion about developments in current events (project-related policy issues), and to check progress of research, answer questions, etc. 1 hour - ONLINE SESSION (teachers and students) to discuss travel, logistics, physical mobility to/from Brussels, Q and A session, etc. 1 hour - ONLINE SESSION (teacher and each student group) to discuss student group findings, Follow an MEP presentation - DAY 1 (2 page report). Students include at least 3 main proposals for chosen MEP's mandate based on presentation / research / analysis. Reports will receive feedback on writing skills / ideas before being sent to MEP offices. 1 hour - ONLINE SESSION (teacher and each student group) to discuss student group findings, Meet an MEP(s) //Group Role Play - DAY 2. Teachers and students discuss student positions / platforms on several policy issues in order to prepare for role play from the perspective of their chosen political groups in the European Parliament. 1 hour - ONLINE SESSION (teacher and each student group) to discuss student group findings for 2 out of 4policy issues, Visit the European Commission - DAY 3. Students summarise findings in a written report (2 pages per policy issue) and send them to teachers for feedback, before sending them to the European Commission. Reports should include at least 3 proposals / suggestions that the Commission should take into account for further regulatory enhancements (policy-specific). 1 hour - ONLINE SESSION (teacher and each student group) to discuss student group findings, Meet a Member of the EESC - DAY 4. Students summarise findings in a written report (2 pages) and send them to teachers for feedback, before sending them to the EESC. Reports should include at least 3 proposals / suggestions that the EESC should take into account for further opinion/position enhancements (policy-specific). 15 hours - virtual student teamwork (preparation of Follow an MEP presentations -- DAY 1 of visit to Brussels), to include formulation of 2-page report. 15 hours - virtual student teamwork (preparation of Meet a Member of European Parliament (MEP) // Political Group ROLE PLAY -- DAY 2 of visit to Brussels). As assigned members of a political group (currently 7 groups in the EP,2019-2024 mandate), students will develop platform defense / party discourse on a handful of possible policy topics for debate with an MEP(s). 25 hours - virtual student teamwork (preparation of Visit and advise the European Commission -- DAY 3 of visit to Brussels) to prepare 2 out of 4 possible policy areas (TBA). Students will prepare advice for EC as youth consultants, prepare Q and As, and research these policy areas (2) in order to engage with EC staff / reps /cabinet members in Brussels. This includes the formulation of 2-page reports on two chosen/assigned policy issues. 10 hours - virtual student teamwork (preparation of Meet a Member of EPSO -- Day 4 of visit to Brussels) to research / discuss / prepare questions about involvement (ex. EU Careers Student Ambassadors) and EU career opportunities. 20 hours - virtual student teamwork (preparation of Meet a Member of the EESC -- Day 4 of visit to Brussels) to give advice to EESC as youth consultants, prepare Q & A, and research particular policy areas (assigned in advance) in order to engage with EESC staff / representatives / cabinet members in Brussels. This includes the formulation of a2-page report. 2 hours - COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY (BIP graduation) - session to conclude project, give general feedback(teachers and perhaps EU institution feedback with staff member), give prizes/awards and provide a forum for student evaluation of project and overall BIP experience. Discover the heart of Brussels: Explore how the European institutions work, leave your mark and consider your role in the future of European democracy.

Application Deadline

Virtual Part starting date 2025-02-03

Virtual Part closing date 2025-06-09

Total student workload 132

Specific field of studies This BIP will be of interest to students of political science, international relations, European / International Law, European Studies, Economics, civil society initiatives, and/or a similar profile.

Pre-requisite for selection CV Motivation Letter Level of English (According to CEFR)

Academic pre-requisites for applicants Participating students should show a strong interest in political science, international relations, civil society, law and/or other related studies, AI/Big Tech, as well as the functioning of the EU.

Physical Part starting date 2025-05-19

Physical Part Description The physical part of this project will take the form of presentations, role play, opinions / advice, discussions / interventions and Q and A feedback sessions with EU institution members / staff during a 5-day visit to Brussels. (AGENDA:) DAY 1 - Follow an MEP presentations (at ULB or EP) with fellow students and participating academics as audience(possibly with a member of EP staff and/or other civil servant, as well) // Cultural visits in Brussels (city center, museums, etc.) DAY 2 - Visit the European Parliament (EP): Meet an MEP // Political group role play - exchange of views - debate and discussion // Tour of EP DAY 3 - Visit the European Commission (EC): Meet EC staff and provide advice as EU youth consultants on pre-agreed topics // Tour of Berlaymont building DAY 4 - Visit the European Personnel Service Office (EPSO) // Visit European Economic and Social Committee(EESC) - engage with EESC members as youth consultants on pre-agreed topics // Tour of EESC. DAY 5 - Cultural visits in Brussels (city center, museums, etc.) and conclusions / BIP wrap-up (commencement)activities. (SUMMARY of Mobility activities:) STUDENTS: will visit 4 separate EU institutions, listen to speakers, role play in political groups, present opinions/questions and advice as youth consultants, and engage in Q and A sessions with staff and members of each institution. TEACHERS: will participate in visits to EU institutions, evaluate daily student engagement and give advice/guidance/insights where needed.

Physical Part closing date 2025-05-23

Language level required B2

Field of studies related to the course Social Science and Humanities Business and Management Environment and Agriculture Law Environmental Sciences Urbanism and Geography

Course location Brussels, Belgium

Course language English