Experience transatlantic policymaking in practice

Each year, MATA students based at the College of Europe’s Bruges and Natolin campuses come together in Brussels to meet the diplomats, officials and policy professionals shaping relations between Europe and North America.

Through briefings, discussions and institutional visits, students connect subjects studied in the classroom with current transatlantic debates. The trip also provides an opportunity to ask questions, compare institutional perspectives and explore the professional environments in which transatlantic policy is developed and implemented.

Bruges + Natolin · Diplomacy and policy · Institutional visits · Career exposure · One MATA community

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Why Brussels?

Brussels is a central location for European and transatlantic policymaking. It brings together EU institutions, NATO, diplomatic missions, international organisations, think tanks, companies, civil-society organisations and public-policy professionals.

For MATA students, the city provides a unique setting in which to examine how transatlantic priorities are negotiated across different institutions and sectors—from diplomacy, security and trade to technology, regulation, energy and economic policy.

What will you gain?

Connect coursework with current policy debates
See how the subjects explored through the MATA curriculum are approached by officials and practitioners working on them every day.

Compare institutional perspectives
Hear how diplomatic missions, EU institutions and private-sector organisations understand the same transatlantic challenges from different positions.

Engage directly with practitioners
Use briefings and discussions to ask informed questions and learn how policy professionals analyse problems, manage competing priorities and communicate decisions.

Explore professional pathways
Gain insight into the roles, skills and working environments found within European institutions, diplomatic missions and international public-policy organisations.

Strengthen the MATA community
Meet and exchange ideas with MATA students from Bruges and Natolin, bringing together different study tracks and academic perspectives.

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The 2026 study trip

In 2026, MATA students visited organisations representing different dimensions of transatlantic affairs:

Diplomacy and transatlantic cooperation

• Mission of Canada to the European Union
  Students explored Canada’s relationship with the EU and its role within the wider transatlantic partnership.
• United States Mission to the European Union
  Students discussed US–EU relations and the diplomatic work supporting cooperation across the Atlantic.

European institutions and external relations

• Council of the European Union
  Students gained insight into the role of Member States in European decision-making and the Council’s work on EU policy.
• European External Action Service
  Students examined the EU’s diplomatic role and its response to international and geopolitical challenges.

Trade and economic policy

• Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security
  Students learned about the European Commission’s approach to trade, economic security and relations with international partners.

Technology and public policy

• Microsoft Innovation Hub
  Students considered how technology companies engage with European institutions and contribute to debates on innovation, regulation and transatlantic cooperation.