Public interest vs populism:

holding EU decision-makers accountable

May 27 & 28, 2026 – 09:00-17:30

Brussels, Mundo Madou

About this event

EUChanger trainings aim to empower public interest organisations and activists to re-balance power in EU decision-making in favour of the public interest. The EU Advocacy Academy is designed for professionals and activists who want to strengthen their understanding of EU decision-making and improve their ability to influence policy and legislation effectively. Whether you’re just starting or have extensive experience in advocacy, the training aims to empower you through up to date knowledge, strategic insight and an opportunity to engage with insiders from the EU institutions and build your network.

Who is this training for?

This training is particularly suited for:

• Early-career advocacy professionals who are beginning their journey in public interest advocacy and want a solid foundation in how EU institutional decision-making works and how to influence policy and legislation.

• Professionals from non-advocacy backgrounds who need to understand the EU decision-making landscape to be more effective in their work and in their cooperation with advocacy colleagues.

• National-level advocates and practitioners outside Brussels working on advocacy at national level who want to better connect their efforts with EU processes and scale their impact across the EU, including in coalitions.

• Experienced Brussels-based professionals looking for a fresh perspective coming from experienced practitioners, a more strategic approach to EU advocacy and networking opportunities.

What will you get out of the training?

This training provides:

• Essential knowledge on the EU institutions and EU decision-making processes, insights on the current political context and a strategic approach to setting your priorities and defining your objectives for advocacy.

• Concrete tools for timely access to essential information and tips to engage effectively with EU decision-makers.

• A clear, step-by-step overview of how decisions are made in each institution, with a strong focus on process, timing, and who to target.

• A space to meet and network with other public interest advocates active on a wide range of issues.EUChanger trainings aim to empower public interest organisations and activists to re-balance power in EU decision-making in favour of the public interest.

Programme, price & registration

Programme: Take a look at the programme

Price: €453,72 (excl. 21% VAT) - €549 (incl. 21% VAT)

The number of places is limited. To allow as many public interest organisations as possible to participate and benefit from the training, we will allow a maximum of two participants from the same organisation. Registration effective upon receipt of payment. We are able to offer a limited number of pro bono spaces. If covering the fee is a challenge for you — for example, if you are a recent graduate, intern, volunteer, or activist with a strong interest in the EU and a commitment to the public interest — we encourage you to get in touch.

Questions? Please email us at euacademy[at]euchanger.org
To stay informed subscribe to our updates and follow us on Linkedin and Bluesky.

“A very clear, detailed and effective training that gave me exactly what I needed: guidance on making my organisation's advocacy strategy and efforts more effective and strategic.”
- Sofie Croonenberg, Stichting Vluchteling