On Saturday, 4 February 2023, the students at the College of Europe in Natolin had the opportunity to participate in a workshop entitled EU Media and Communication: Beyond the Brussels Bubble, offered by the communication specialist at the European Parliament and Natolin alumnus, Mr David LODDER. This is the third edition of this training at Natolin.
The workshop was divided into three blocks. First, the student had a theoretical overview of communications in Public Administration, with an emphasis on European Institutions. They learned the main differences between cooperative communications and marketing in the private sector, and how branding is applied to public institutions. Techniques of communication and press relations were also topics of discussion during the first session.
In the second part, the workshop explored the Laboral options of the communication field at a European and International level. This session was a support of the Careers Programme of the College of Europe in Natolin.
Finally, the students started the fully practical portion of the workshop (after a lunch break). With the speaker, they were asked to analyse several press notes from the EU Commission, looking for mistakes or points of improvement. Later on, divided into shorter groups they were asked to prepare a press note. The students were representing the communication of one interested actor (such as an NGO or an enterprise) while the European Commission is preparing legislation regarding deforestation. The main mission was to prepare a good document for the press, defending their positions.
This workshop was part of the Professional Development Programme prepared by the Student Affairs and Professional Development Office for the students at the College of Europe in Natolin.