Within the EUCON framework and as part of the seminar “EU External Relations in Practice. The case
studies Eastern Neighbourhood, Russia and Central Asia” (Jean Monnet Chair for European Politics
Passau), a field trip to Brussels (Belgium) took place from 20 to 23 June 2022 under the supervision of
Florence Ertel (formerly Reiter) and Julian Plottka. Fourteen students of the University of Passau had
the opportunity to experience European politics at firsthand, to expand their knowledge of external
relations to the Eastern Neighbourhood, Central Asia and Russia and to engage in dialogue with
decision-makers in the EU institutions.
Within three days the group visited EU Institutions like the EU Parliament, the EU Commission and
the European External Action Service, as well as the Permanent Representation of Germany to the
EU, political Foundations, the European Policiy Centre, the Parlamentarium and the House of
European History.
“I enjoyed the discussion with Nick Taylor (DG INTPA) the most. But also in general it was simply great
to have the opportunity to talk to so many qualified people and to get impressions of foundations,
museums as well as official EU institutions.” (Rupert Hess, student)
A real highlight was the meeting with EPP Group President Manfred Weber. For one hour, the
experienced EU politician provided insights into his daily work in the European Parliament and
answered to numerous questions from the seminar participants.
The elaborated program allowed the students a diversified insight into the political work around the
European Union and completed the theoretical groundwork of the seminar.
Photo caption: EPP Group president Manfred Weber (6 th from the right) with EUCON project members
Florence Ertel (5 th from the right) and Julian Plottka (7 th from the right)
The “The EU and the EEU: Between Conflict and Competition, Convergence and Cooperation” (EUCON) project is a Jean Monnet Network project co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme.