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 (CCPS) and the American University Brussels Center that is modeled on CCPS’ internationally-recognized Public Affairs and Advocacy Institute. The semester-long course introduces students to the institutions of the European Union, policy making in the EU, and the art and craft of lobbying and advocacy at the EU level.

The course comprises theoretical classes on AU’s main campus and a week in Brussels, Belgium, during which students are immersed in EU politics, including the strategies, regulations, and ethics of lobbying the European Union. Drawing on their rich body of experiences, prominent political and non-governmental actors, public affairs professionals, and journalists offer lectures on such topics as the EU legal system, rulemaking, EU relations with national capitals, EU-US relations, and comparisons between US and EU policymaking.

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.

Watch this space for course registration and trip dates for Spring 2027.

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.

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 the EPAAI Director.