Insights from a Study Trip on EU Law and Policy

"Last week, our master’s program went on an exciting study trip to Brussels, where we dived deep into the key institutions shaping European law and policy. We hit the ground running on day one with a meeting with Mr. Anders Kjellgren, a Senior Political Administrator at the Council of the European Union, that set the tone of the trip. Next, we visited the European Parliament, where we had a rejuvenating discussion with MEP Jonas Sjöstedt of the Swedish Left Party. We finished with a visit to Jones Day, one of the world’s top law firms, where Partner Kaarli Eichhorn shared his personal and professional experiences. We wrapped up the evening with a wonderful dinner at the historic Le Roy d’Espagne on Grand Place, courtesy of the university.

Day two started super early (4:50 AM!) as we embarked on a bus-trip to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg. We spent the day learning about the court’s work, including a thrilling opportunity to attend a real hearing at the court, a wonderful lunch with the Swedish Judge Fredrik Schalin, and insightful meetings with référendaires and lawyer-linguists working at the court. 

Every moment reinforced why we are passionate about European law and policy. 

Day three began with a morning talk at the European Trade Union Confederation, where we met Deputy Secretary General Claes-Mikael Ståhl who gave us insights into how the organisation advocates for labour rights at the EU level. Next, we had a session at Sweden’s Permanent Representation to the EU, where we met Mr. Kristoffer Strömgren, Justice and Home Affairs Counsellor. We also had an opportunity to visit the law firm Vinge, where the team shared insights on EU law and working in Brussels. We ended the day with some well-deserved social time at Square de Luxembourg, enjoying the energetic after-work atmosphere.

On our final day, we started with a breakfast meeting at White & Case, where the team gave us a deep dive into the firm. Our last stop was the European Commission, where we engaged in discussions with Ekaterina Rousseva and Brian Cullen from the Competition and Mergers Team of the Commission’s Legal Service at the Charlemagne building. With our minds full of knowledge (and our bags full of Belgian chocolate), we bid farewell to Brussels! 

This study trip was a remarkable experience that was intellectually refreshing, professionally inspiring, and, of course, full of fun moments with our classmates, where every moment reinforced why we are passionate about European law and policy."

- Arzoo Afreen 

Interested in studying European law?

Our LL.M. in European Economic Law (EEL) is an internationally renowned programme with over twenty years of history. It offers in-depth insights into the legal foundations of the EU internal market and its economic constitution, combining academic excellence with practical perspectives.

Learn more about the programme: 

Master of Laws (LL.M.) (60 credits) in European Economic Law