Suche
Mein Konto
Future of Europe: Experience diplomacy and innovation up close in Brussels!
The University of Passau's excursion on October 17, 2025 offers insights into central EU institutions and promotes intercultural exchange.
Future of Europe: Experience diplomacy and innovation up close in Brussels!
On October 17, 2025, a group of young scientists from the University of Passau went on a remarkable excursion to Brussels. The aim of this trip was to gain deep insights into the central institutions and organizations of the European Union. The program included important visits, including the Permanent Representation of the Federal Republic of Germany to the European Union, the ARD foreign studio in Brussels, the Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) and the Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the European Union, such as uni-passau.de reported.
The permanent representation, represented by Dr. Philipp Wendel and Dr. Claudia Marggraf, emphasized the central role of trust and personal conversations in diplomacy. A vivid example was the discussion about support for Ukraine and the importance of transatlantic relations. Such issues are the focus of the European Commission, which acts as the EU's main executive body and represents the EU's common interests, such as europa.eu explained in detail.
Media and research in focus
Another point of interest was the ARD foreign studio in Brussels, where journalist Christian Feld explained modern challenges in journalism to young researchers. The changes brought about by new technologies in editorial work were highlighted, with the value of trust and reliable information always at the forefront.
In addition to media work, Karin Lukas-Eder from the Bavarian Research Alliance provided information about how research funding and strategic networking can give Bavarian science visibility. An exchange with Dr. Jan Geiss from EUFORES illustrated how parliamentary networks promote innovation in the field of renewable energy.
Financing and exchange of experiences
The influence of common European values and goals on the financing of sustainable projects was discussed by Dr. Torsten Brand, a representative of the European Investment Bank, explains. While Korbinian Keck and Thomas Neuhäusler from the representative of the Free State of Bavaria presented the areas of work of their institutions, there was also a lively evening with the AlumniClub Passau. An exchange took place here between the PYREC fellows and alumni, which promoted networking within the active network of the University of Passau across national borders.
The excursion was under the PYREC annual theme “Living together in a changing world – building bridges between society, environment, and digital technologies”. This trip not only supported dialogue and innovation, but also fostered trusting collaboration among participants. The fellows had the opportunity to gain new perspectives and network in a dynamic European context, underscoring the importance of ongoing exchange programs.