Simulation games offer a way to understand EU policy processes through direct experience rather than theory alone. Participants are placed directly in realistic advocacy and decision-making scenarios where interests collide, alliances shift and outcomes are uncertain.

How it works

Participants take on different roles, representing for example EU institutions, member states, industry, NGOs or internal stakeholders. They analyse information, develop positions, negotiate under time pressure.  

Simulations can focus on specific policy files and procedures and are tailored to the needs of the organisation. All scenarios are based on real EU policy contexts or regulatory files.

What makes it different

In real EU advocacy, ambiguity, competing interests and incomplete information are part of everyday reality. Simulation games deliberately integrate these dynamics so participants encounter typical tensions of EU Public Affairs work.

Each simulation is followed by a structured debrief: how decisions emerged, which dynamics shaped the outcome, and what this means for real-life advocacy work.

Who it is for

• EU Public Affairs professionals at all levels, from newcomers to experienced practitioners, who want to understand how the system works in practice 
• Professionals seeking to strengthen negotiation and presentation skills in a realistic scenario
• Non-Brussels based teams working on complex regulatory issues who want to build clarity on EU processes and power dynamics
• Organisations looking for a hands-on introduction to EU decision-making

Formats range from introductory games to complex multi-actor simulations and are tailored to your team's experience and learning objectives.

Practical details

• At your premises 
• Duration: 3–5 hours
• Up to 30 participants
• Tailored format