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From April 7–9, students from three of MCC’s public affairs programs visited Brussels for a unique study trip organized by MCC Brussels. The event brought together young leaders from the Women’s Public Leadership Program, the Transylvanian School of Politics, and the Transcarpathian Public Leadership Program, offering them firsthand insight into the workings of European Union institutions and international organizations.
The participants of the Women’s Public Leadership Program began their visit with a tour of NATO, where they were welcomed by Hungary's Permanent Representative to NATO, Dr. István Balogh, who discussed the alliance’s mission and the current security situation in Europe. Later, they were briefed by Dr. Ákos Bence Gát on the EU’s institutional structure, followed by a networking dinner hosted by MCC Brussels with members of the Transylvanian School of Politics.
The Transylvanian School of Politics students engaged in high-level discussions and attended a roundtable at the European Parliament, where they met MEPs Enikő Győri and Margarita de la Pisa Carrión. Their program also included visits to the House of European History, the Parlamentarium, and meetings with experts from the Wilfried Martens Centre.
Meanwhile, students from the Transcarpathian Public Leadership Program explored both the historical and modern layers of Brussels and held an informal discussion over dinner with MEP Viktória Ferenc. Their program continued with a visit to the European Parliament and the House of European History, and concluded with an in-depth briefing at NATO and Hungary’s Permanent Representation to the EU.
The study trip culminated in a joint visit to the Alliance for Freedom and participation in MCC Brussels' “Patriotic Populism: What Does It Offer Democracy?” conference. This three-day experience gave all participants a deeper understanding of European and transatlantic institutions and inspired them to take active roles in shaping public life at home and in Europe.
