Course: Inside the EU – Executive Academy

— EU INSTITUTIONS

Inside the EU: The Art and Process of Decision-Making

Understanding how decisions are made in the European Union is essential for anyone who wants to influence policy outcomes, anticipate regulatory change or navigate the complex institutional environment of Brussels. This course provides a practical, insider-oriented introduction to EU decision-making, combining academic insight with real-world experience from European institutions.

A key strength of the course lies in its regular guest speakers from EU practice – professionals who have participated directly in European policymaking. Among them are Věra Jourová, former European Commissioner, and Ondřej Kovařík, former Member of the European Parliament. Their first-hand perspectives offer participants a rare opportunity to understand not only formal procedures, but also the informal dynamics that shape EU decisions.

The course focuses on how influence is exercised in the EU, when key windows of opportunity emerge, and how organisations can act strategically within the European political system.

Gained competencies

Understanding of the institutional architecture of the EU and the roles of its key actors

Ability to identify who holds influence at different stages of the EU legislative process

Recognition of critical moments when interests can be promoted effectively

Application of basic principles of negotiation, advocacy and lobbying in the EU context

Capacity to anticipate policy and regulatory developments relevant to your organisations

Recommended (target) audience

The course is designed for:

professionals working in public affairs, EU relations or regulatory roles;
managers and specialists from business and industry exposed to EU regulation;
representatives of public administration, NGOs and interest organisations;
analysts, consultants and policy professionals dealing with EU policies;
graduates and early-career professionals seeking practical insight into EU governance.

No prior in-depth knowledge of EU law or institutions is required.

Course format and logistics

Mixed form of online teaching materials in LMS Moodle with face-to-face meetings providing immediate interaction and discussions with guest speakers and expert lecturers;
English as the teaching/working language;
Meetings in person take place at VŠE in Prague (Žižkov), mandatory attendence at a minimum of 4 out of 8 scheduled meetings;
Most tasks are flexible and you can adapt the tasks to your own time;
The course is worth a total of 3 ECTS credits, and completion leads to a micro-certificate recognized throughout the EU.

Scheduled sessions

Day	Time	Topic
Thursday 26 February 2026	14:30–17:45	Introduction to EU Decision-Making: Actors; Roles; and Policy Outputs
Tuesday 3 March 2026	16:15–17:45	Strategic Direction at the Top: The Role of the European Council
Thursday 5 March 2026	16:15–17:45	Agenda-Setting and Policy Initiation: Inside the European Commission
Tuesday 10 March 2026	16:15–17:45	Representation and Democratic Scrutiny: The European Parliament in EU Law-Making
Thursday 12 March 2026	16:15–17:45	Negotiation Among Member States: Decision-Making in the Council of the European Union
Tuesday 17 March 2026	16:15–17:45	Organised Civil Society in the EU: The Advisory Role of the European Economic and Social Committee
Thursday 19 March 2026	16:15–17:45	Bringing EU Politics Home: National Parliaments and EU Affairs
Tuesday 24 March 2026	16:15–17:45	Interest Representation and Influence: Businesses; Lobbying; and EU Policymaking

Price and Course Enrollment

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