The Brussels Study Trip 2023 on the topic of "Climate and Energy Policy in Europe" from 23 to 27 January 2023 had provided our students with valuable insights in terms of content but also practical insights behind the scenes of the EU. On the one hand, the study trip allows students to further deepen their theoretical knowledge and to think practically - out of the university context - and on the other hand, it provides insights into a new professional and internship field. The study trip is supported by an integrated seminar taught by Prof. Dr. Eising.

The key topics are currently the "Green Deal", the EU's major 2050 goal "climate neutrality", the "Fit for 55 Package", the electrification of the economy and society through renewable energies, the revision of the EU Carbon Emissons Trading System. The fact that the EU wants to be a world leader in energy efficiency became clear in every meeting and served as a very interesting perspective for the future of Europe. In addition to the most important EU institutions (Commission, Parliament and Council), visits to various interest groups (BDI, BEUC The European Consumer Organisation, CAN Europe, Eurelectric, European Biogas Association, Heinrich Böll Foundation, SolarPowerEurope, WindEurope) were also on the agenda. The students were thus able to get to know people who work in Brussels and experience and shape EU politics on the ground. A direct exchange with these actors brings politics closer and also draws further perspectives for the future of our Master students.

The valuable insight into the working methods of the EU, joint activities and interesting topics (which may also contribute to the selection of topics for one or the other MA thesis) once again made the week in Brussels a complete success.