May 19, 2025
From May 19–21, 2025, students from EPOKA University embarked on an unforgettable academic journey to the heart of the European Union — Brussels, Belgium!
Organized by the Center for European Studies in collaboration with the Department of Political Science and International Relations, this study visit was part of the Jean Monnet Module “EU Integration of the Western Balkans: Patterns and Issues” (WB-EUPath) and gave our students a firsthand experience of how the EU really works behind the scenes.
From exploring the historical foundations of the EU at the House of European Integration, to experiencing the legislative process at the Parlamentarium, every moment offered rich insights into the institutions that shape policies across the continent. Students engaged in interactive exhibitions, absorbed complex policy frameworks, and deepened their understanding of the challenges and opportunities the Western Balkans face on the road to EU accession.
One of the highlights? Guided tours and lectures at the European Commission, European Parliament, Council of the European Union, and the European External Action Service (EEAS) — where future policymakers, diplomats, and legal experts in our group saw how decisions are made, implemented, and felt by citizens throughout Europe.
This was not just a visit — it was a transformative educational experience that connected classroom theory with real-world governance. It reinforced the vital role of youth participation in the European project and highlighted EPOKA University’s commitment to preparing its students for meaningful contributions in international, legal, and political arenas.
We’re proud of our students for their curiosity, professionalism, and eagerness to learn — and we look forward to more initiatives that bring Europe and the Western Balkans closer, one experience at a time.
