Students during the Mastering EU Influence BIP Week in Brussels
EPHEC BIP Week

European influence · Lobbying · Networking · Brussels

Mastering EU Influence: Practical Lobbying and Networking in Brussels

Discover the Heart of Europe and unveil the power of European influence during this BIP Week in Brussels. Dive into the world of lobbying, European networks and strategic communication.

Date 15-19 March 2027
Format BIP Programme

2 online sessions + on-site week

Price 300€

Accommodation, meals (half board), social programme and material included

Registration before 1 December 2026

Nomination by the sending institution

Language English

B2 English level recommended

Short description

Understand how influence works in the heart of Europe

Discover the Heart of Europe and unveil the power of European influence during this international week in Brussels.

Did you know that two-thirds of a country's legislation is influenced by European law? That is why Brussels, the vibrant capital of Europe, is the epicentre for companies, organizations, NGOs, cities and regions.

Join an unforgettable International Week during which students dive deep into the world of lobbying and European networks, an experience designed to broaden horizons and enhance future career prospects.

01

Visit European institutions

Walk the halls of power where crucial decisions shaping Europe are made and see how policies are crafted.

02

Meet expert lobbyists

Gain insider knowledge from professionals who share strategies, techniques and real lobbying practices.

03

Work on a case study

Simulate real-world lobbying scenarios and develop your own lobbying strategy with fellow students.

Get ready for an exciting journey into European influence, lobbying and strategic networking.

Practical information

Format

BIP = Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme. Non-Belgian and eligible students will automatically be considered BIP participants.

Students are invited to contact their International Office for further information about European funding possibilities.

This BIP Week combines online preparation, institutional visits, expert conferences, group work, a lobbying case study and field activities in Brussels.

Format + Price

300€

This fee includes:

  • Accommodation from 14 to 19 March, 5 nights in shared rooms
  • Meals (half board): breakfasts, lunches and 1 supper
  • Social programme
  • Material for the week

Invoices will be sent individually to the students unless otherwise specified by the partnering institution.

Registration

Before 1 December 2026

The International Office of the sending institutions may download the form and return it completed by email to nominate their students before 1 December 2026.

A registration link will then be sent out to the students. Once students have completed the online registration, they are registered to the programme. No refunds will be made if cancellations are communicated later than 1 December 2026.

Download form
Belgium experience

Study in the heart of Europe

Beyond the academic programme, this BIP Week gives students the opportunity to discover Brussels, meet peers from abroad and experience an international campus atmosphere.

Belgium

A central destination for European mobility.

Brussels

The European capital and a key place for lobbying, networking and policy-making.

International network

Connect with professionals and peers from all over Europe.

Learning outcomes

Why students should join

Students will deepen their understanding of European decision-making, build their network and develop strategic communication skills in an international environment.

Deepen your understanding

  • Learn about the intricate workings of the European decision-making process
  • Discover how European law influences national legislation
  • Understand how institutions, organizations and regions interact in Brussels

Build your network

  • Connect with professionals and peers from all over Europe
  • Forge connections that could shape your future career
  • Discover the importance of European networks

Enhance your skills

  • Develop critical skills in lobbying
  • Practice negotiation and strategic communication
  • Learn how to build and present a lobbying strategy

International teamwork

  • Work together with students from other cultures
  • Collaborate on a case study throughout the week
  • Practice English in a professional context
Case study

Lobbying and networking in practice

Students will work on a practical case study and develop their own lobbying strategy based on a real-world European influence scenario.

Lobbying and networking case study illustration
Target and requirements

Who is this week for?

This week is perfect for second year students with B2 English level from all disciplines who are eager to understand the importance of European networks and the impact of lobbying.

Whether students are studying politics, law, business, or any other field, this experience will provide valuable insights and skills.

All disciplines

Students from politics, law, business and other fields are welcome.

Second year students

The week is intended for students from at least second year level.

B2 English level

Students should be able to collaborate, discuss and present ideas in English.

Interest in Europe

Students should be curious about European networks, lobbying and policy-making.

Photos

BIP Week atmosphere

A look back at previous moments from this international week in Brussels.

Agenda

Agenda

Online session 1 Wednesday 24 February 2027

From 6:30 to 8 pm, Brussels time

Online session 2 Wednesday 10 March 2027

From 6:30 to 8 pm, Brussels time

Monday to Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Activities Field activities will take place out of the campus
Mandatory activities All activities, online and on site, are mandatory

The presentation of the case studies students have been working on all week will take place on Friday morning. A farewell dinner will be organized on Thursday evening and one extra social activity will be scheduled on Monday or Tuesday afternoon at the end of the working day.

Contact

Need more information?

For pedagogical questions or practical information, the EPHEC team can help students and partner institutions.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Practical information to help students prepare their BIP Week in Brussels.

Who should book my accommodation? What time should I arrive at and leave the accommodation? What are the accommodation rules and what should I bring?

EPHEC will book the accommodation for students from foreign institutions. It is included in the 300€ registration fees for 5 nights, from Sunday to Friday.

The name and address of the hotel will be communicated later.

  • Included in the price: breakfast, bed linen and towels
  • Type of room: shared rooms or dorms
  • Check-in / Check-out: check-in is generally from 15:00 and check-out until 10:00
Who should book the transportation and from when?

Students must book their own transportation to Brussels, as soon as possible once they are registered.

Arrival must be scheduled on Sunday at any time. Activities will only start on Monday morning, so there is no activity scheduled on Sunday.

Departure should be scheduled on Friday afternoon or evening. Activities will end around 14:00. Brussels National Airport, also called Zaventem, is around one hour away by public transport and around 15 minutes away by taxi.

What should I bring for the week?

Your laptop, a culinary specialty from your country for the international aperitif, and your curiosity.

Where is the meeting point on the first day?

The meeting point is EPHEC - Woluwe Campus, Avenue Konrad Adenauer 3, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, on Monday morning.

Reminder: there is no activity organized on Sunday evening.

How can I get around Brussels?

You will receive on Monday some tickets to be used in Brussels public transport: metro, tram and STIB bus.

Please note that you will have to pay for the ticket to get to the campus from your hostel on Monday morning.

Is there anything to prepare?

Information will be provided during the online session organized before the start of the physical week in Brussels. Do not miss it.

Are all activities mandatory?

Yes. Whether students are Belgian or not, all activities are mandatory. The lobbying campaign case study is a group work. Every member of the group must therefore be present.

The purpose of a BIP Week is also to develop international relationships with other participants. Online sessions are also mandatory.