From the 3 – 5 February 2026, a cross-departmental group of Northern Ireland Civil Servants spent several days in Brussels learning about the EU.
The visit centred on participants’ gaining a clearer understanding of how the EU operates day to day. Through a series of briefings and discussions, the delegation learned about how proposals are developed and negotiated to how relationships are maintained between institutions and international partners, and examined how Member States and non-member countries position themselves within this policy environment.
A key part of the programme included visits to the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament, where participants observed the institutional dynamics that shape EU decision-making. Sessions with policy specialists and diplomatic representatives added further depth, offering insight into the strategic priorities and day-to-day work that underpin cooperation in Brussels.
To keep up to date with our events in Brussels, make sure to follow @BrusselsNI on X (Twitter), @Brussels_NI on Instagram and ‘The Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels’ on LinkedIn