From 09 to 13 June 2025, our students gained valuable but also practical insights behind the scenes of the EU. The Brussles study trip on the topic of "Climate and energy policy in Europe" enables students to further deepen their theoretical knowledge and to apply practically - out of the university context. The study trip to the EU capital also provides insights into a new professional and internship field.

Key topics discussed during the study trip included the EU Commission's policy shift from the “Green Deal” to the “Clean Industrial Deal” in times of multiple crises, with a focus on the core question of how the EU's major 2050 goal of “climate neutrality” can still be achieved. The various stakeholders discussed their positions on strategies for electrifying the economy and society through renewable energies, on the social and fair implications of restructuring society, on security of supply, and on achieving climate targets. 

In addition to the important EU institutions visits to various interest groups (BDI German Business Representation, BEUC European Consumer Organisation, E3G Third Generation Environmentalism, Eurelectric, Greenpeace European Unit, Heinrich-Böll-Foundation, SolarPowerEurope, WindEurope, ZOE Insitute for Future-fit Economies) 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.