Activities

Institutional Visits

Visit to the Parlamentarium

We started our institutional journey with a visit to the Parlamentarium, the European Parliament’s visitor centre. Through interactive displays and multimedia exhibits, we explored the history of European integration, the functioning of EU institutions, and the daily work of Members of the European Parliament. It provided a dynamic and engaging introduction to the core values of the European Union.

Talk with MEP Gordon Bosanac

We had the opportunity to attend a talk with Member of the European Parliament Gordon Bosanac. He shared valuable insights on current EU challenges, youth participation in politics, and the importance of civic engagement. The session ended with a Q&A, where we were able to ask questions about policymaking and European governance.

Visit to the European Parliament Hemicycle

One of the highlights of our visit was entering the Hemicycle, where plenary sessions of the European Parliament take place. We learned how EU laws are debated and passed, and the significance of this chamber in representing over 400 million EU citizens. Standing in the heart of European democracy was a powerful and symbolic experience.

Participation in Civil Society Week

During Civil Society Week, we joined workshops and discussions focused on democratic participation, youth empowerment, and civil rights within the EU. We networked with various NGOs and youth organizations, gaining deeper understanding of how civil society influences European policies. The event encouraged us to become more active citizens in our own communities.

Visit to the European Commission

Our visit to the European Commission gave us an overview of the executive branch of the EU. We were briefed on the Commission’s role in proposing legislation, enforcing EU law, and managing the budget and policies. We also discussed the Green Deal and digital transition initiatives, emphasizing the EU’s long-term vision.

Visit to the House of European History

We concluded our institutional visits at the House of European History. The museum presented a compelling narrative of Europe’s shared and diverse past, from wars and conflicts to cooperation and integration. It offered valuable context for understanding today’s European Union and the journey that led to its creation.

Cultural Visits

We spent time visiting important cultural and green spaces such as the Royal Palace, Parc de Bruxelles, and Parc du Cinquantenaire, which provided peaceful retreats amid the bustling city. Our cultural itinerary included visits to the House of European History and the Magritte Museum, where we deepened our understanding of European integration and Belgian surrealist art. These museums offered valuable insights that complemented our Erasmus experience, connecting us with Europe’s complex political and artistic heritage.

The European Quarter was a key part of our journey, where we explored the headquarters of the European Union institutions including the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the Council of the EU. Seeing these buildings firsthand helped us appreciate the political significance of Brussels as the heart of Europe’s cooperation and unity. Overall, our visits combined the best of tourism and education, allowing us to experience Brussels as a city of history, culture, politics, and modern life.

Cultural Exchange

First meeting

As part of the Erasmus experience in Brussels, we had the opportunity to connect with their fellow participants from Italy and Croatia. This multicultural gathering allowed everyone to exchange interesting conversations and discuss about cultural differences. It was a moment that truly reflected the spirit of Erasmus — unity, collaboration, and shared growth across borders.

Sharing activities and moments

Throughout the Erasmus program in Brussels, we shared several activities with the Italian and Croatian groups. Together, we visited key institutions such as the Parlamentarium, the European Parliament, and the European Commission. We also explored cultural sites like the House of European History and the Magritte Museum. Additionally, we enjoyed a day trip to Ghent, which we did alongside the Italian students. These shared moments allowed us to better understand each other's perspectives while experiencing both the institutional and cultural side of Europe.