Students of the master’s program “European Studies” traveled to Brussels for an intensive deep dive into EU institutions, diplomacy, and stakeholder perspectives. A special highlight was the visit to NATO, where our students discussed Austria’s role as a partner and its tradition of neutrality in today’s security landscape.
Beyond the “big three” institutions – the European Parliament, the Council of the EU, and the European Commission – the group also visited the European Ombudsman. As a comparatively small institution, it offered an especially engaging look at transparency and citizens’ rights. A special evening featured a dinner with Commission member and program lecturer Moritz Röttiger, offering candid insights into policy work and career paths. At the Permanent Representation of Austria to the EU, Emilia Smith shared an open, practical account of daily diplomatic routines and answered our students’ questions.
The visit to EPSU surprised many, sparking a lively, interactive debate on labor rights and social policy – proof of how exposure to lesser-known actors broadens perspectives. Additional program stops included the WKÖ, the Austrian Chamber of Labour, BusinessEurope, and the European Policy Centre.
This excursion embodies the program’s practice-oriented approach: students connect theory with institutional reality, engage directly with practitioners, and expand their professional networks – clear advantages for their future careers.
