Over the past two weeks twelve civil servants from a diverse range of Dutch ministries delved into the “Brussels maze” to find out how EU legislation is made, unmade, and influenced, and to explore the myriad ways in which the EU already touches on their work. In short, a strong four-day introductory course on the functioning of the EU, from the larger regulatory framework to the day-to-day reality on-the-ground. 

Simulation
The main topic on the agenda for the second-to-last day: Migration.

The issue couldn’t be more relevant at a time when the security of the EU’s borders, the underlying Schengen system, and the approaches taken by the EU’s member states are all widely drawn into question. The current migration situation, often framed in terms of a crisis, dominates newspaper headlines and bar conversations alike.

Facilitated by Training and Research Fellow Tim Masselink, the course members tackled the topic by simulating an EU negotiation on the 'Return Directive', which sets out under what circumstances EU member states can repatriate third-country nationals staying within their borders illegally. The participants jumped in with alacrity but quickly realised that building compromise between member states with often wholly divergent mandates would prove tricky.

What procedure should be followed? When should mandates be shared? What coalition could be formed? Do we vote?

In the end, the realisation that negotiations are best conducted informally, rather than in the round-table sessions, proved to be the main catalyst for an eventual agreement. This type of  insight often sinks in best when it is gleamed from practice, which is why the program includes interactive elements to complement the theoretical perspective.

Interested?
The EU Orientation course is taught by Clingendael several times a year, and is targeted at Dutch civil servants that would like to build or deepen their knowledge of how the EU functions.

Interested parties can contact Clingendael or register directly for the “Trainingsprogramma EU-Oriëntatie”. The four-day training is taught in Dutch and the next session is scheduled for 18-19 April and 2-3 May 2016. There is also the possibility to facilitate in-company training.