Study Trip to Brussels for the Energy Master Students

How is the EU implementing its ambitious goals for a clean energy transition? And how do companies and associations deal with the impact of the Green Deal legislation? What are the challenges lying ahead to meet the ambitious EU targets while "leaving no one behind"? These were some of the questions that the students of our Master in Global Energy Transition and Governance were able to ask and discuss with energy experts in Brussels last week.

Over three intensive days on 11-13 March, our Master students completed a packed programme of meetings and debates. They had the opportunity to meet representatives at the European Commission where they heard about the interinstitutional coordination on energy issues by Joachim Balke, Head of Unit at DG ENER. They learnt about the EU relationship with the Southern Neighbourhood in a presentation by Cyril Dewaleyne, DG NEAR, and about the advancement of the EU's Just Transition and the challenges it faces in a discussion with Veronique Marx at DG ENER. They also had the opportunity to the daily midday Press Briefing and meet Stefan De Keersmaecker, Spokesperson for the Green Deal, and his team.

To understand their importance for a successful energy transition, the students were lucky to meet representatives of associations from Hydrogen Europe, SolarPower Europe, WindEurope and REScoop.eu, who covered the role of hydrogen, solar energy, wind energy, rechargeable battery materials and the energy cooperative movement.

With representatives from ENGIE, Vattenfall and Umicore, the students were also able to learn about the views of the private sector on the EU's energy policy and how they adjust to the climate policy ambitions.

To conclude the programme, the students had the opportunity to exchange with Jeremie Zeitoun at the Permanent Representation of Luxembourg to the European Union and debate about EU energy politics.

We thank all speakers for their insightful contributions, their time and for sharing their precious knowledge with the next generation of EU Energy Policymakers!