BSoG Bachelor students enjoy 'fascinating and highly interactive' visit to EU Commission

Our visit to the European Commission was nothing short of fascinating and highly interactive. The experience began with us going to the auditorium for the presentation which allowed us to explore the Commission's premises and see the Nobel Prize. It was a fantastic opportunity to see firsthand the environment in which crucial decisions are made on a daily basis. The presentation that followed was a highlight of the visit, providing us with a deep understanding of the vital work the presenters engage in on a daily basis. The speakers were not only informative but also engaging, making the subject matter come to life. Their passion and dedication to their roles were evident, and it was truly inspiring to witness.

What made this visit particularly outstanding, was the level of interaction we were encouraged to participate in. The opportunity to ask questions and engage in meaningful discussions with the experts was invaluable. It fostered a sense of connection and involvement that enhanced our understanding of the European Commission's work.

In summary, our visit to the European Commission was an eye-opening and enriching experience. It allowed us to appreciate the complexity of the Commission's work and the commitment of those involved. The interactive nature of the visit made it all the more memorable, providing us with a genuine insight into the world of policy and decision-making at the European level. It was truly a great experience, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it.

The visit was primarily focused on understanding the work of the European Commission's legal agency. After discussing the basic concepts of EU law that the agency deals with, the speakers mostly focused on their daily schedule and the tasks they perform for the Commission. This part in particular was very appealing to students, as it served as an insight into a potential career within a European institution, and also taught something about how things that we study are still very different from how those things are actually applied in practice.

Furthermore, the lecturers were ready to answer our numerous questions, and all students benefited from expert counsel, which is always very interesting for us to obtain, and the opportunity to ask questions in this setting was greatly appreciated. As an International Affairs student, this was really intriguing because it allowed me to explore new job opportunities for the future as well as the fact that I could observe how the institutions we study truly operate in real life.

During the visit, Professor Bouchagiar and Professor Norris delivered an insightful presentation on the legal service’s function. We had the opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation and pose any questions about the legal service, which provided us with valuable insights into the daily routines and unique responsibilities, such as pleading in various courts and jurisdictions, which differ from those of lawyers in private law firms. Professor Norris highlighted the satisfaction of working at the legal service, emphasising the opportunities for personal growth and reinvention.

In summary, our visit to the European Commission offered valuable insights into the distinctive roles of legal professions. It was a highly informative experience for us students.