ESPI

Brussels

The European Study Programme for Industry (ESPI) is held twice a year over four days for company-nominated executives. ESPI provides a detailed insight into EU institutions' culture and approach and into the demands and constraints upon them, which is essential considering that over 80% of legislation now emanates from Brussels. Delegates learn how policy is formulated and how they themselves may influence it. The programme is a framework for full and frank discussion under the Chatham House rule and involves talks with key parliamentary figures and officials in the European Parliament, Commission and the headquarters of the Council of the European Union.

ESPI offers a genuine opportunity for leading people in business to hear and question senior practitioners working within EU institutions. Due to the nature of the programme and the level of interaction with senior officials and parliamentarians from the Council, Commission, European Parliament, numbers are strictly limited to 20, with applications being treated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sample Programme

Day 1 UKREP Eurostar to Brussels Introduction to the programme, how the UK is represented in the EU and an overview of the main European Institutions.	Day 2 THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION The role of the Commission as an Institution and a partner, an introduction to the work of Commissioners, a glimpse at external relations and a visit to a Directorate General.
Day 3 BRUSSELS - THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT Introduction to the European Parliament, political groups and responsibilities, the power and structure of European Parliament committees, the role of MEPs, the Lisbon Treaty, effective lobbying and how the press view the EU institutions.	Day 4 THE COUNCIL OF THE EU & THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT The Council of the European Union and the European Council. Return to London to see how legislation is scrutinised and implemented in the UK.

What the delegates say

• The ESPI made me realise that there were gaps in my knowledge such as the growing influence of the European Parliament
• I now feel more confident about ringing up the Commission
• I was impressed by the high calibre of speakers
• The experience greatly expanded my knowledge of who to talk to and where to get information from
• I would recommend ESPI week to colleagues

For details of the next ESPI, please click here.