The participants
The course targets:
· national civil servants from EU member states, notably those involved in their country rotatory Eu presidency;
· consultants working in public affairs;
· officials from the EU institutions;
· civil society organisations;
· other officials (e.g. diplomats) from both EU and non-EU countries.
Participants should have a university degree, a very good command of English and some relevant work experience.
Seats for this course are limited, in order to ensure an optimal interactive environment that fosters discussions and facilitates networking.
The College of Europe reserves the right to select participants based on their academic and professional profile.
Our former participants say:
- "The Negotiations in Practice course at the College of Europe has been a very enriching experience. I came in looking to strengthen my negotiation skills, and I left with not only practical tools and materials to continue developing them, but also a renewed sense of strategic awareness.
The high professional level and variety of the participants, the expertise and engagement of the lecturers, the strong group dynamic, and the well-designed structure of the programme all contributed to a highly stimulating atmosphere. It triggered me to think about and reflect on my strengths and weaknesses, the environments in which I thrive, and the direction I want my career to take.
Overall, the Negotiations in Practice course was a highly valuable and thought-provoking programme. It strengthened my skills and broadened my knowledge, and I am very grateful for the experience in the beautiful city of Bruges."
- “Very useful to get a better understanding of EU decision-making process and better awareness of personal negotiation and communication approach. Useful also to expand one’s network with other professionals.”
- “Practical tools that I can use in my lobby work, good knowledge about the informal workings of EU decision-making, good for my network because of good contact with the participants.”
The trainers
The sessions are delivered by high-level speakers from the expert network College of Europe, which comprises senior academics, practitioners, and EU officials with a sound working experience in and/or with the EU institutions, in-depth theoretical knowledge and a proven track record of teaching and communication skills.
- "Like any good athlete training every day for their competitions, negotiators need to practice their skills to ensure they apply them naturally when confronted with unexpected situations and developments. The course turns theory into practical skills and knowledge, which participants can apply in their day to day lives."
Hans van den Berg, Negotiations in Practice trainer
- "In the Negotiations in Practice course, you will have the opportunity to discover how lobbying and interest representation are an integral part of EU policy-making - provided you know what to do, what not to do, and how to do it effectively. Successful lobbying is not just about persuasion; it requires a deep understanding of negotiation dynamics, the expectations of your interlocutors, and the ability to develop a solid strategy based on relevant information and well-crafted arguments. Through real-life case studies and practical tools, you will learn how to incorporate lobbying into your broader negotiation strategies."
Vicky Marissen, Negotiations in Practice trainer
Our trainers are looking forward to meeting you!
