TRAINING SESSION

Understanding the European Union

As one of the world’s largest economies and a major global actor, the European Union (EU) exercises significant influence in international trade and policy-making. Passing a significant number of laws for its member states and associated third countries, it has a decisive impact on how companies inside and outside of the EU can do business in the EU.

Audience
Board Members and executives of EU and Non-EU Companies.

Policymakers, company members, lawyers, lobbyists and all other professionals and non-professionals

Duration
Half day (4 hours)

Format
Interactive workshop

Materials provided
Training handbook
Access to additional resources and templates

Sample Agenda

This training is designed to ensure that participants leave with a clear understanding of what the EU is and how it works, including background, areas of competence and how it is taking decisions and passing laws, as well as where there are opportunities for you to have your say.

It can be adapted to your organization’s individual needs as every training includes a video (call) to optimise the training for you. For an optimal learning effect, we recommend face-to-face trainings, however, trainings can also be held online.

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM | Welcome and Introduction

Opening remarks and objectives of the training

9:15 AM – 9:45 AM | Session 1: The History of the European Union

Overview of key milestones in EU history: The evolution from the European Coal and Steel Community to the present EU
Impact of historical events on current EU structure and policies

9:45 AM – 10:30 AM | Session 2: Understanding EU Competences

Explanation of the different types of competences (exclusive, shared, supporting)
Overview of policy areas where the EU has jurisdiction (e.g., trade, environment, competition)
Discussion on the implications of these competences for businesses operating in and with the EU

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM | Coffee break

10:45 AM – 11:30 AM | Session 3: The EU Decision-Making Process

Introduction to the main institutions: European Commission, European Parliament, and Council of the EU
The legislative process: proposal, negotiation, and adoption of laws
Role of stakeholders, including businesses and interest groups, in the decision-making process

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM | Session 4: Passing Laws in the EU

Overview of the types of legislation (regulations, directives, decisions)
Case studies of recent significant legislation and their impact on companies
Strategies for companies to engage with EU policy-making

12:15 PM – 12:30 PM | Q&A and Closing Remarks

Open floor for questions and discussion
Summary of key takeaways
Takeaway material and resources for further learning

The presenter

Dr Alexandra von Westernhagen benefits from over 20 years as an EU regulatory lawyer gained in seven jurisdictions (including Brussels, the UK & Germany), in international private practice, academia (e.g. MIT) & international organizations (European Commission & OECD).

She is currently Partner & Head of EU Sustainability at Liberius Legal based in Brussels, the heart of the EU, as well as EU/Regulatory Partner at Keystone Law in London. She is also a Board member (Europe) of the Global Alliance of Impact Lawyers (GAIL).

Alexandra regularly provides EU law overview & strategic implementation trainings to company boards and members of their organizations, including to Barclays, Sodexo, Royal Mail and many other EU and international companies, law firms, public sector organizations, universities and think tanks.