Welcome to the EMI Training Academy web site!
The European Movement International organises regular trainings for students and recent graduates interested in European affairs. The sessions take place in Brussels and give participants the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of the EU and discover the reality of working in Brussels. This is the perfect occasion to leave your textbooks behind and to come and meet professionals, visit the Institutions and explore Brussels!
The trainings vary in content in order to give students the possibility to choose the programme that best suits their interests and areas of research. The European Movement’s extensive network opens doors to all levels of policy and decision-making processes and to a wide-range of speakers such as MEPs, diplomats, representatives of European political parties, Commission officials, NGO activists, lobbyists etc.
Each training week provides a special focus on one current affairs “hot topic”. Past sessions included the situation of the Roma population and the question of European citizenship, the economic and financial crisis, the situation in Greece, and the use of nuclear energy in Europe following the Fukushima catastrophe. This always brings about very enthusiastic, eye-opening debates.
Other topics usually discussed are, for example, the EU Enlargement process, External Relations, EU institutions from the inside, Programmes available to youth, the Role of Civil Society, Lobbying and Networking and the work of European Political Parties. Meetings take place in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where participants are free to ask questions and express their points of view.
Another important aspect of the training is the multicultural experience. Students come from many different countries and have time to discover each-other’s cultures and languages. We encourage our participants to make a short presentation of their country and to bring some souvenirs or typical items for the other students such as sweets, key-rings or postcards. The programme includes free time for sight-seeing and the group meets every evening in a different restaurant to try out various cuisines.
Many long-lasting friendships begin at the Training Academy and the EMI keeps in close touch with alumni, always ready to support them whenever possible by facilitating contacts with EU officials, providing references or explaining procedures. Students receive a Diploma after the training.