Immersed in EU Governance

Erasmus Public Administration Programme

I had the opportunity to attend the Erasmus Public Administration Programme in Brussels for 10 days, alongside 43 participants from 21 member states. The programme brought together individuals with diverse backgrounds, ages, and experiences. Despite our differences, we shared a mutual eagerness to expand our knowledge and a common goal: working towards the betterment of the European Union in our daily roles.

After attending the Erasmus Public Administration Programme in Brussels, focusing on studying how the European Union operates in detail, I’m eager to continue learning more to apply new insights to my daily work as a senior case handler within the ECC Network. I attended the programme in March, and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had in my professional career.

Attending interactive lectures

The days were filled with lectures from prominent professionals across various EU institutions. What I truly appreciated was the interactive nature of these sessions. Rather than traditional lectures, they resembled discussions or seminars where we were encouraged to ask questions and share our own experiences with the group.

Visiting the EU institutions

We also had the chance to visit the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the EU. It was truly remarkable to walk the same halls as the politicians, lawmakers, and key figures of the EU.

Negotiating in a Council Working Party simulation

One of the most challenging aspects of the programme was an afternoon during which we simulated a so-called ‘Council Working Party’. The objective of the simulation was to replicate a meeting aimed at examining a European Commission Proposal for a Parliament and Council directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste. In this exercise, we assumed the roles of different member states, negotiating the terms of a new law. 

Our instructor encouraged us to represent countries other than our own, so I chose to act under the German flag. In this simulation, Germany held the Presidency and chaired the Working Party, so I had to try to avoid expressing my interest too forcefully. The experience was intensely focused on negotiation skills. It became clear that advancing one’s position depended on successfully negotiating compromises with other member states. For example, if I could agree with France to increase the recycling rate to 50% instead of 60%, they would support me (Germany) during the voting. 

Job shadowing at DG JUST

The final three days of the programme were dedicated to job shadowing. Before our arrival in Brussels, we had the opportunity to apply for a position within the Directorate-General of our choice. Naturally, I chose to shadow at the Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers at the European Commission (DG JUST), as they are the financiers of the ECC Network.

I had the privilege of spending my days alongside our colleagues Monika Taxer and Stephanie Darmainn at the European Commission. They graciously introduced me to their colleagues, allowed me to attend meetings with them, and patiently entertained all my inquiries, no matter how trivial they may have seemed, about the ECC Network from their perspective.

Product safety testing by the Safety Gate Network

I was also invited to attend a product safety event at Ghent University. The Safety Gate Network held a meeting for all responsible national authorities. We had the opportunity to visit the labs where different products, like toys for children, are tested to see if they match the requirements set by product safety legislation. Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice, attended the meeting and presented Safety Gate's annual report for 2023.

A transformative experience

In conclusion, my participation in the Erasmus Public Administration Programme in Brussels has been transformative. It has broadened my understanding of EU governance and deepened my commitment to consumer protection within the ECC Network. I am grateful for the opportunity and excited to apply my newfound knowledge to enhance consumer rights advocacy.

Want to know more? 

Read more about the Erasmus Public Administration Programme on Erasmus Programme for Public Administration - European Commission (europa.eu).