We are pleased to inform you that the Robert Schuman Institute (RSI), with the support of the Campus Tivoli (think-tank of the Austrian People’s Party) and the Wilfred Martens Centre for European Studies (WMCES) organises an introductory seminar (Wednesday-Friday, 15-17 April 2026, Budapest) and a study visit (Tuesday-Thursday, 5-7 May 2026, Brussels) under the title “HOW EUROPE WORKS: A FIRST-HAND PERSPECTIVE ON EU INSTITUTIONS”. The series of two modules will be provided for the same group of up to 14 people with relevant duties / functions in EPP sister parties in the following Eastern European countries: Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.
*NOTE: The organizers reserve the right to make changes with regard to
the dates, venues, speakers and content of the series.
Aims of the project
We designed this program to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the EU, emphasizing practical applications. The key objectives include:
Target group:
Up to 14 public career-oriented young professionals born between 1991-2004, actively involved in EU-related projects in EPP sister parties, delegated by relevant parties and selected from the abovementioned countries based on individual applications.
Working days: 15-17 April, 2026 (Wednesday – Friday) in Budapest
arrival: 14 April Tuesday evening, departure 18 April Saturday morning
05-07 May 2026 (Tuesday – Thursday) in Brussels
Arrival 04 May Monday evening, departure 08 May Friday morning
Full attendance and active participation in all sessions of the series is COMPULSORY!
Working language: English (no interpretation will be provided
Speakers:
Proposed topics for the Budapest seminar, hosted by RSI:
• Institutional framework, core principles and foundations of the EU: An overview of the roles and functions of the European Parliament, Council, and Commission; EU’s general framework, values, and guiding principles in today’s global context
• EU decision-making processes: Understanding how policies are shaped and implemented within the EU framework, with an emphasis on the negotiation process and how decisions are reached.
• Understanding the processes of adapting the Acquis Communautaire: Introducing participants to the adaptation process, including how EU member states incorporate EU legislation into their national frameworks and address associated challenges
• Eastern European partners and EU candidates: Examining the current status, challenges, and prospects of EU candidate and partner countries, focusing on reforms, relationships with the EU, and lessons from the enlargement process
• Drafting resolutions in practice: Insights into theory and hands-on exercises for drafting resolutions on pressing current affairs
• Europe’s foreign and security policy landscape: Analyzing the EU’s evolving foreign and security architecture amidst global challenges
• Influencing EU policy: Exploring the impact and strategies of think tanks, lobby groups, and advocacy in shaping EU policies
• The role of national parliaments: Understanding the interplay between national parliaments and EU governance in the policymaking process
• Introduction to the European People’s Party (EPP): A deep dive into EPP values, principles, and its international activities within the EU political landscape
• Lessons from EU accession: Reflecting on Hungary’s accession journey and the experiences of the newest member states, with actionable insights for the Eastern European region
• Evolving transatlantic relations: Rethinking EU cooperation frameworks in light of evolving U.S. foreign policy under the current administration.
• Lobbying and interest representation: Understanding how organized interests (such as business associations, NGOs, and civil society) engage with EU institutions to influence policymaking, within a transparent and regulated EU framework.
Proposed Agenda for the Brussels visit, hosted by WMCES:
• EPP: Introduction to the organization, functions, current agenda, and coordinating positions inside the political family, along with EPP values and their implementation in policymaking, connections within broader EPP network
• WMCES: The work of this political think tank and its contributions to shaping EU policies.
• European Parliament: Its organization, working procedures, decision-making processes, and the role of the EPP Group, focused discussions on current events
• European Commission: Structure, insights into preparing and working with common policies, as well as strategies for effectively communicating Europe, relations with Eastern European partners
• European Council: Its role in decision-making and enlargement procedures, EE agenda
• Committee of the Regions (CoR): Exploration of the CoR’s operations, with a practical focus on subsidiarity and fostering municipal cooperation
• Working with EU information and media relations in Brussels: Practical insights into managing EU-related communication effectively
• Presentation by participants of their advocacy/ interest representation initiatives (Module 1 homework) in front of the jury
The costs of the introductory course and study visit – including lectures as well as costs of full-board and accommodation during the program – will be covered by the organisers (participants will be accommodated in double rooms).
International travel to Brussels will be covered by the organizers, however, participants are responsible for bearing the costs related to their travel to/from the Budapest venue (incl. insurance, local transfers (to/from any airport) and any additional personal expenses).
Should you require any further information about the series, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Looking forward to your applications!
Interested applicants should fill in the following online application form by 26 February, Thursday, 2026.
Organiser contacts: Robert Schuman Institute
H – 1123 Budapest, Alkotás u. 5.
HUNGARY
Tel: +36-1-202-0000
web: www.schuman-institute.eu
Contact person: Evgenia Jarabik, Project Manager
Evgenia.jarabik@schuman-institute.eu
Karam Al Ahmar, Project Coordinator projects@schuman-institute.eu