From May 19 to May 21, 2025, the Center for European Studies in collaboration with the department of Political Science and International Relations organized an insightful study visit to the EU institutions in Brussels, Belgium, as part of the Jean Monnet Module “EU Integration of the Western Balkans: Patterns and Issues.” (WB-EUPath). The visit was designed to offer a thorough understanding of the European Union's institutional framework and its integration processes, with a particular emphasis on the role and challenges of the Western Balkans in the EU accession journey.

The program consisted of visits to several key EU institutions, where the students had the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the EU’s executive, legislative, and diplomatic functions. At the House of European Integration, participants were introduced to the historical foundations and evolution of the European Union, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of its current political and institutional dynamics. The visit to the Parlamentarium provided them with a unique opportunity to engage with interactive exhibitions and learn about the EU’s legislative processes, the pivotal role of the Parliament, and the complex policymaking mechanisms that shape the Union.

In a guided tour and lecture in the European Commission, students were briefed on its role as the EU’s executive body responsible for policy proposals, enforcement of EU law, and managing the day-to-day affairs of the Union. Next lecture following the guided tour in the European Parliament, offered valuable insights into the legislative process, the Parliament's crucial role in shaping EU policies, and how decisions made in Brussels impact member states and citizens across the continent.

The study visit culminated with visits to two of the EU’s key decision-making bodies: the Council of the European Union and the European External Action Service (EEAS). At the Council, the group was introduced to the decision-making procedures that involve member states and the collaborative negotiations that lead to the development of EU policies. At the EEAS, participants gained an understanding of the EU’s foreign policy framework, particularly its diplomatic strategies and relations with the Western Balkans, a region of growing importance in the EU’s enlargement policy.

This study visits not only provided students studying politics, international relations, and law, with sophisticated understanding of the European Union’s governance structure but also offered a unique opportunity to engage with the complexities of EU integration, regional cooperation, and foreign policy. The exposure to the inner workings of these institutions enriched the participants’ academic and professional perspectives on the European Union, its policy-making processes, and the future of the Western Balkans in the context of European integration.

At the same time, this activity shows the ongoing commitment of EPOKA University to advancing academic excellence and fostering a deeper understanding of European governance among its students. By engaging directly with key EU institutions, this experience highlighted the importance of active participation in the European project and reinforced the university's role in preparing students to contribute to the EU integration process.