Every year our second year students following the EU elective course visit Brussels. Together with Baris Erturk, the seminar teacher of the course, they spent the whole day learning about the European Union while being at the heart of it. 

The day started with a visit to the European Parliament. First, the students were given a presentation by a former assistent to a Member of the European Parliament (MEP). She explained the basics about the European Union as a from an insider’s perspective. The presentation was followed by a short visit to the Hemicycle, where the debates of the European Parliament take place. At that moment, new trainees were having their introduction day. 

Afterwards, the group travelled to TOBB, the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey. There, they had a Q&A session with Dr.Kadri Taştan, Vice President of TOBB and Policy Fellow for the German Marshall Fund. The German Marshall Fund is a non-partisan American public policy think tank dedicated to promoting a better understanding and cooperation between North America and Europe on tranatlantic and global issues. Dr. Taştan also gave the students valuable advice about pursuing potential career in Brussels.

The students then visited the ‘House of European History’, a museum dedicated to the history of Europe and the European Union. After a busy day in Brussels, the students concluded with dinner and drinks, where they even met PPE alumni currently working for the European Commission. Hearing their experiences was a great addition to the trip. 

Overall, it was a very educational and enjoyable day that provided lots of insights into life in Brussels. Thank you Baris, for organizing it!