The European Public Affairs and Advocacy Institute (EPAAI), directed by Professor Korneliya Bachiyska, is a joint venture of the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies and the American University Brussels Center. This unique institute introduces students to the art and craft of lobbying in the European Union. During a week in Brussels, Belgium, students will be immersed in the strategies, tactics, methods, techniques, regulations and ethics of lobbying in Europe. Drawing on their rich body of experiences, prominent lobbyists involved in all aspects of their profession will offer lectures on such topics as EU legal systems, rulemaking, EU relations with national capitals, EU-US relations and comparisons between US and European policymaking. This course also includes a thorough introduction to the EU institutions.

The dates for EPAAI 2026 in Brussels will be March 8- March 15, 2026. 
Info Sessions:
October 15, 2025 at 5pm on Zoom
October 16, 2025 at 8pm on Zoom
Register for these sessions here.

Course registration starts October 20th, 2025.

Participants will hear from faculty, European academics, international professional lobbyists, European Union officials and journalists in Brussels. Speakers will bring both applied and theoretical perspectives to the business of public advocacy in Europe. Limited program travel and cultural opportunities are also included, but students are encouraged to travel before and/or after the institute.

EPAAI For Course Credit

Previous coursework on American policymaking and the EU are helpful but not required. Students are responsible for their own travel and living accommodations while in Europe (CCPS will arrange an optional group hotel option). American University students are responsible for tuition for this three-credit course and additional fees. Non-AU students seeking course credit will be charged the tuition rate. All participants are required to complete all elements of the course. AU students should see their academic adviser for information on enrolling in EPAAI. If you are a non-degree seeking student, or non-AU student seeking credit for the course, please visit AU Central to register.

EPAAI For Non-Degree Participants

Non-Degree participants are those who are currently not enrolled at American University or seeking for course credit, typically young professionals. For non-degree participants there is a reduced-fee, non-credit option of $1,500 plus fees. Non-degree participants are responsible for their own travel and living accommodations while in Europe (CCPS will arrange an optional group hotel option). All participants are required to complete all elements of the course. If you are interested in participating in the institute, please email ccps@american.edu.

EPAAI Scholarship Margery Kraus Award:

This $3,000 award supports students or young professionals aiming to pursue careers in lobbying or advocacy. It is available exclusively for students earning academic credit.

Please visit American University's General Application for donor-funded scholarships page (Blackbaud) to apply. You need a GPA of 3.5 of higher, one letter of recommendation, a resume, and a letter of interest expressing both need and merit. Only selected applicants will be notified.

The application deadline for EPAAI 2026 is January 5, 2026.