Sneak peak into Academy's new EU Masterclass
The EU is building its profile on the world stage, but negotiating in the Brussels maze is no easy feat. In February 2025, Clingendael Academy conducts a two-day masterclass in Brussels to equip people with the skills and insights needed to impact its decision-making process confidently and effectively. Christiaan Nelisse, Head of the European Affairs Programme at Clingendael Academy, tells us more.
Who are you and what is your role at Clingendael?
I have been working at Clingendael for ten years now, mainly as an EU negotiations trainer. Before joining Clingendael I worked for an advocacy group in Brussels, at the European Parliament, and as an analyst examining and participating in EU negotiation processes.
What is the new Masterclass EU negotiations about?
The Masterclass EU Negotiations focuses managing interests in the day-to-day legislative process in Brussels. We cover negotiation dynamics within the Council, the Parliament, and between the institutions. You will develop negotiation strategies, receive practical tools, understand your own negotiation profile, and participate in realistic simulations. Our team constantly monitors the most recent EU negotiations and shifting power dynamics, which makes for a rich training.
Who is the course for?
The course is tailored to professionals directly involved in EU negotiation processes, whether within the institutions or in the broader policy arena. In Brussels you often play a role in only a small part of the negotiation process, but understanding the broader dynamics is extremely valuable.
Can you give a sneak peek?
We strive for a balanced mix of trainers. We work with speakers currently part of high-level EU negotiations and with hands-on Clingendael trainers skilled at helping participants handle complexity and gain more control over the outcome of their negotiations. We also conduct ‘carousel interviews’ with representatives from the Commission, Parliament, and Council, to give participants the opportunity to sort of ‘speed date’ with experts and discuss their own cases.
Why join the Clingendael Academy?
Clingendael Academy has over forty years of experience in providing EU-negotiation trainings at the highest levels. We prepare EU Presidencies, train EU officials, strengthen Third Country negotiation efforts, and guide Member State practitioners to achieve their national ambitions. This all feeds into our training.
Find out more about the programme. We only have a limited number of seats available!
