Europe up close: Join an excursion to Brussels and learn how the institutions of the European Union work!

Are you interested in European affairs and want to see how the institutions of the European Union work in practice?
Join us on a trip to Brussels and experience a visit to the European Parliament, a meeting with a Czech MEP, a tour of EU institutions, and the atmosphere of the city where European politics takes place every day. You will gain new experiences, contacts, and inspiration that will be useful in your studies and future career.

Date: March 15–17, 2026
Capacity: 20 students (10 funded by the EP, through Markéta Gregorová's office + possibility of 10 self-funded participants)

EXCURSION PROGRAM

Sunday (March 15, 2026):

• Arrival in Brussels, accommodation.

Monday (March 16, 2026):

• Visit to the European Parliament and debate with MEP Markéta Gregorová – discussion on the European Union's security and digital policies, the European Parliament's decision-making processes, and other challenges facing Brussels politics.
• Tour of Parlamentarium – an interactive look at how the European Parliament works.
• Representation of the Czech Republic to the EU – debate on coordinating and promoting Czech positions in the European context.
• Meeting with IMS alumni working in European institutions and informal discussion on career paths in Brussels.

Tuesday (March 17, 2026):

• European Commission – morning program focused on the Commission's agenda and its role in European policy-making.
• Afternoon thematic blocks according to participants' interests: discussion on the Czech Republic's representation at NATO, meeting with journalists or experts on European affairs in Brussels.
• Evening return to the Czech Republic.

FINANCING

Students from 10 selected locations will receive reimbursement of costs:

• Travel up to €194.40.
• Accommodation up to €120.

Participants pay their expenses in advance and will be reimbursed after submitting receipts.

Other interested parties may participate at their own expense (upon agreement with the organizers).

APPLICATION

Who can apply?

• All bachelor's and master's students from all fields of study.
• Preference for funded places will be given to students who have not yet been to Brussels for an internship or similar event.

How to apply?

• Write a short cover letter (max. 1 page): Explain why you want to participate and what you hope to gain from the experience.
• Send it along with your CV, field of study, and year of study to: zuzana.krulichova@fsv.cuni.cz.
• Students will be required to complete a small task reflecting their participation, in the form of a post on social media or the IMS website (the format will be specified).

Application deadline: November 28, 2025.

The results of the selection process will be announced by December 15, 2025. An informational meeting will be held in December to discuss logistics, purchasing airline tickets, etc.