For the past decade, AUBG students have been taking the Brussels trip – an iconic part of the senior-level course “4401 EU Russia/China Relations and the Foreign Policies of the EU Member States”, taught by Professor Jean Crombois and part of the European Studies major. Fully funded thanks to a grant by the European Commission, the trip is open to students enrolled in the course, as well as to the winner of the annual Model EU (MEU) conference.
This year’s trip, though shortened to three days due to flight rescheduling, was no exception. It provided an enriching experience packed with visits to landmark institutions and engaging discussions. The itinerary included stops at the NATO Headquarters, known for its impressive architecture, the U.S. Trade Mission to the EU, the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU, and the EU Council of Ministers. Students also had the opportunity to network with prominent EU officials and AUBG alumni, who served as career inspirations.
Meeting at the U.S. Trade Mission to the EU
Meeting at the European Commission, Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations
The power of networking
The first stop on the trip was an insightful meeting with two Bulgarian Members of the European Parliament, Nikolla Minchev and Radan Kanev. The discussion centered on EU enlargement, the ongoing situation in Ukraine, as well as the new political situation at the European Parliament as a result of last June’s EU elections.
“Students were quite interested in the discussion and were asking thoughtful questions,” shared Professor Crombois. This was followed by a meeting with Mrs. Natalie Pauwels, Head of Unit at the European Commission dealing with EU Neighborhood and Enlargement policies.
Another highlight of the trip was a meeting with officials from the European External Action Service, the diplomatic department of the European Union, where students discussed EU-China relations.
Meeting with MEPs Radan Kanev and Nikola Minchev at the European Parliament
Meeting with MEPs Radan Kanev and Nikola Minchev at the European Parliament
AUBG alumni connections that inspire
The trip also included a networking event with AUBG alumni now working in Brussels. “It’s important for students to exchange ideas with alumni,” said Crombois. “This is something I always make sure to include in the trip.”
Many alumni who previously participated in the Brussels trip, have gone on to work within EU institutions, and are now helping Professor Crombois facilitate meetings and visits for current students.
Visit at NATO Headquarters
Visit at AMCHAM EU
A unique context: the Trump election
Both Crombois’ personal network and the AUBG Alumni Association have helped him build strong connections with key people and institutions in Brussels.
“I’ve been organizing this trip for the past ten years. We have our usual host organizations that are always open to welcome us. Nevertheless, the people and topics change every year,” Crombois explained.
This year, the trip was particularly different, because of the context. “We were there just a few days after the US presidential election. As you can imagine, this was the main topic of conversation everywhere, especially in Brussels. It made the whole trip feel very different from previous years,” he said.
Meeting with MEPs Radan Kanev and Nikola Minchev at the European Parliament
Meeting with MEPs Radan Kanev and Nikola Minchev at the European Parliament
Bridging the gap between classroom and reality
Crombois reflected on the real value of the trip. “It’s an opportunity for students to get a grasp of the more concrete dimensions of those institutions beyond the textbooks.
“Meeting the people who work in these institutions inspires students and shows them the career paths they can pursue. We always ask about potential internship opportunities during our visits.”
Crombois added, “When students return, you can see they’re more motivated and engaged because they can relate a bit more directly with the classroom learning and what is happening in the real world. Being in Blagoevgrad can sometimes feel isolating, but in Brussels, they get a sense of being part of the bigger game. That, I think, is incredibly motivating for them.”
