EU Academy

EUChanger’s EU Academy is a programme of trainings for public interest advocates with an interest in EU policies and legislation. Our trainings focus on the essentials of EU decision-making, advocacy and communication.

A hands-on training

Our trainings are interactive, thought-provoking, and practical. They combine presentations, hands-on exercises, and conversations with insiders. Our trainers bring many years of experience and give equal importance to sharing knowledge and expertise, as well as fostering motivation and inspiration.

We welcome both beginners and experienced participants from across Europe, working in a wide range of policy areas—including climate, environment, human rights, migration, finance, development, humanitarian affairs, criminal justice, and more.

We currently organise two types of trainings:

EU advocacy academy: This training is designed to strengthen public interest advocates' understanding of EU decision-making processes and sharpen their influencing skills. It covers the functioning of key EU institutions, the fundamentals of EU decision-making, core influencing techniques, and practical tools for effective advocacy. The EU advocacy academy currently takes place twice a year in Brussels, in the Spring and in the Autumn. We aim to organise the training in other locations in Europe starting in the near future.

EU communications academy: This training aims to deepen participants’ understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities in public interest communications and media relations at the EU level. It provides fresh insights into the realities of policy and advocacy communications, and gives practical advice for communications that cut-through. A first edition of this training will take place in Brussels in September 2025

Sign up for our updates to receive more information about upcoming trainings.

Upcoming events

  • ‘Cutting through for the public interest’

    EU Communications Academy
    29 September 2025, Brussels

    Navigate the specifics of EU-level communications and get practical tips to cut through the noise.

    Register here

  • 'Bursting the EU Bubble'

    14th EU Advocacy Academy
    26-27 November, 2025, Brussels

    Strengthen your influencing skills to advocate for change

    Registration is not yet open

    More information

Alumni blogs

Featured
“It's critical to understand the real-world impacts of EU policies. Those directly affected must be heard.”- Rita Raleira, AidEnvironment
“It's critical to understand the real-world impacts of EU policies. Those directly affected must be heard.”- Rita Raleira, AidEnvironment

Rita Raleira is an expert in deforestation-free supply chains and policy analysis at AidEnvironment, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to drive sustainable and equitable change in supply chains.

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“Push forward your narrative—one where everyone has a place in society and can thrive, no matter their identity.”- Sawsane Djazouli, #DiasporaVote!
“Push forward your narrative—one where everyone has a place in society and can thrive, no matter their identity.”- Sawsane Djazouli, #DiasporaVote!

Sawsane Djazouli is the Policy and Communications officer at #DiasporaVote!, a non-profit organisation that aims to ensure representation and inclusion to racialized communities living in Europe

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“I believe the way we eat — and the policies that shape it — are central to building a just and liveable future.”- Matthijs Germs, Verdante
“I believe the way we eat — and the policies that shape it — are central to building a just and liveable future.”- Matthijs Germs, Verdante

Matthijs Germs is an independent EU policy advisor and the founder of Verdante a mission-driven EU policy consultancy working at the intersection of EU agriculture and food policy, plant-based foods, and sustainable proteins.

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“Menstrual health remains a taboo subject, and very little has been done to address it.”- Justine Okolodkoff, Règles élémentaires
“Menstrual health remains a taboo subject, and very little has been done to address it.”- Justine Okolodkoff, Règles élémentaires

Justine Okolodkoff is Deputy director at Règles élémentaires, the first French association dedicated to combating menstrual insecurity and the taboo surrounding periods.

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What people say about us

  • “...Connecting with like-minded young people from across Europe made me feel less alone, more empowered, and deeply inspired by the collective energy of youth driving change in 2025 and onwards."

    Holly Bartley
    RE-PEAT
    EU Academy, May 2025

  • “Trainers were critical and engaged with the participants' learning journey, focusing on correcting them, questioning them, encouraging them to think again and offering clear opinions and guidance."

    Lily Maxwell
    Commonland
    EU Academy, November 2024

  • “...The key messages I take from the training are: 'it's all about building relations', 'timing is (very) important', and 'anticipating is key'. The training provided me with the tools and knowledge to better strategise my advocacy engagement"

    Nicole Kormann
    ZOE Institute
    EU Academy, May 2023

  • “Invaluable insights on the EU law-making process. This should be a compulsory training for all NGOs campaigners and advocates!”

    Priscilla Robledo
    Fair/Clean Clothes Campaign Italy
    Training on demand, December 2021

  • “I would happily recommend EUChanger for anyone looking to gather intelligence about or influence the EU institutions.”

    James Royston
    World Animal Protection
    ​EUChanger Consultancy, 2019