MIRD Students deepen their knowledge of EU and UN institutions in Brussels
From 13 to 15 October, first-year students of the Advanced MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy (MIRD) travelled to Brussels, the heart of the European Union, to visit key EU and UN institutions.
The trip provided first-hand insights into European defence and security, as well as cooperation with non-EU actors and organisations, allowing students to deepen the knowledge gained in the core EU-UN course.
Over the three days, students visited the European Commission, European Parliament, and European External Action Service (EEAS), and could choose between the Council of the European Union or the House of European History and the United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC). They also had the opportunity to meet and network with MIRD alumni currently working in Brussels.
European Commission and alumni networking
The first day began at the European Commission, where students explored EU–US trade relations with Thomas Juergensen and European security and defence with Jannik Knauer. They also attended an information session on career opportunities in EU institutions, presented by Alina Anton.
In the evening, the programme hosted an alumni networking dinner at the hotel, where students met alumni such as Vlad Badea (Seconded National Expert at the European Parliament), Clara Panella Gomez (Policy Officer – SG Reform), and Mihai Damaskan (Policy Officer at the European Commission), highlighting the diverse career paths available in Brussels. The day concluded with a dinner reception, offering ample opportunity for interaction and networking.
Tailored student experience: Council/EEAS or Museum/UNRIC
On the second day, students were split into two groups.
The first group visited the Justus Lipsius and Europa buildings of the Council of the European Union, participating in a Q&A with Simonetta Cook (Political Advisor on Ukraine financing and reconstruction; former Deputy Sherpa to EUCO President Charles Michel), who provided detailed insight into the Council’s work. In the afternoon, they visited the EEAS, attending a thought-provoking presentation by Adrianus Koetsenruijter (Special Envoy for the Peace Process in Colombia) on the EEAS’s political priorities, followed by Christine Mardirossian (Policy Coordinator, Security and Defence Policy Directorate) on EU security and defence.
The second group began their day at the European History Museum, exploring European history and its values of human dignity, freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. In the afternoon, they visited UNRIC, gaining a deeper understanding of EU–UN cooperation in Brussels. Marian Blondeel (Communication Specialist) presented on OHCHR’s human rights work, artificial intelligence, and career opportunities within the UN system.
EEAS and European Parliament on the final day
On the final day, the second group first visited the EEAS, where they learned about its political priorities from Ali Yazgili (Policy Officer, United States and Canada Division) and the EU’s response to foreign information manipulation and interference from Leo Vass (Policy Officer, Information Integrity and Countering Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference Division).
Later, all students gathered at the European Parliament. They were welcomed by MIRD alumni Rijk Willers and participated in a Q&A with MEP Kai Tegethoff. The group toured the Parliament building, including the Hemicycle, and observed plenary session procedures.
Trip reflections and highlights
Throughout the trip, students impressed speakers with their engagement and thoughtful questions, helping make discussions interactive and advanced. The visit was made possible thanks to the support of dedicated MIRD staff and the International Relations Study Association (IRSA), which also organised a city-wide scavenger hunt, offering first-year students a fun opportunity to connect and bond.
MIRD student Yash Kanaya reflected:
‘I found this opportunity to be useful in helping me better understand how the EU institutions in Brussels function! As a class, we also got the opportunity to bond and get to know each other better, and for that I’m grateful to the MIRD programme staff and IRSA for organising this trip.’
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MIRD students, staff and faculty kick off the three-day trip at the European Commission in Brussels -
: A group of MIRD students pose in front of the iconic curved European Commission building in Brussels -
MIRD students soak in the beautiful architecture of the Europa building, equipped with the famous red carpet, where European leaders host their Press Conferences -
MIRD Alumnus Rijk Willers, now based in Brussels, receives MIRD students at the European Parliament's main meeting hall -
Member of the European Parliament, Kai Tegethoff, shares first-hand experience with MIRD students -
The United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe receives MIRD students -
Alumni panel of speakers Rijk Willers, Clara Panella Gomez, Vlad Badea, and Mihai Damascan (Left to Right) share their experience and advice with the first-year MIRD students -
Alum Hongcheng Hsiao presents to the first-year MIRD students on lessons learned post-graduation
MSc International Relations and Diplomacy
The two-year Advanced MSc International Relations and Diplomacy (MIRD) programme offers students a unique blend of academic education in international relations and political science with practical graduate education and training in international negotiation and diplomacy. Students attend a wide range of courses, develop their analytical and research skills, take on an internship, write their master’s thesis, and build network with experts in relevant fields. Upon graduation students are prepared to take on positions in international organisations, politics, and diplomacy; or for PhD research.