Diplomats from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg trained on EU Negotiations

In preparation for Luxembourg’s upcoming Presidency of the European Union, the Clingendael Institute recently delivered a three-day negotiation training at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Luxembourg. 

The programme brought together both junior and senior officials, fostering a rich exchange of perspectives and experiences. It concluded with a large-scale simulation of a Political and Security Committee crisis meeting, where participants were immersed in a realistic, high-pressure scenario that closely mirrored the complexities of real-life decision-making.

Building on this practical exercise, the training addressed the broader challenges of negotiating in multilateral contexts, particularly within the Council of the European Union. Participants explored how to navigate sensitive and difficult dossiers, while developing the strategic judgement required both as negotiators and while chairing negotiations. We look forward to returning to Luxembourg in the future and to continuing our collaboration.