FOOD POLICY AND ANIMAL WELFARE ACCELERATOR
Your Fast-Track to shaping EU Food & Animal Welfare Policy
Prepare for a career in EU food policy and animal welfare — where decisions affect 7 billion animals every year.
A selective, fully-funded week in Brussels, for people who care about animal welfare and food policy and want to work on them at the highest level.
1 week in Brussels
20 Selective Peers
Expert-led by EU insiders
All Costs Covered
Next cohort: March 2027 | Applications open: October 2026
YOUR OPPORTUNITY FOR EXCEPTIONAL IMPACT
The €50 Billion Agricultural Budget: Policy at Scale
The EU shapes one of the world's largest food systems, setting standards that affect sustainability and animal welfare across 27 member states. With a €50 billion agricultural budget, European policies influence how food is produced, traded, and consumed at continental scale.
EU regulations affect 7 billion+ animals annually.
A single directive can reshape farming practices across 27 nations.
Policy changes create harmonised rules with global influence—building resilient food systems that benefit people, animals, and the planet.
Yet policy remains an underdeveloped pathway. While EU decisions can shift entire industries toward sustainability and better animal welfare, too few candidates entering EU policy careers combine the technical knowledge and deep field experience that EU institutions need.
This program prepares you to fill that gap—equipping you with the professional expertise to pursue a career where you shape Europe's food future.
Here's what you'll experience:
EU career coaching: Tailored guidance on building careers in the European Commission, from application strategies to long-term progression
Brussels networking: Access to current Commission trainees and officials, plus events designed to help newcomers break into EU policy circles
EU recruitment preparation: Targeted training for European institutions' entry competitions, plus practical workshops on succeeding in the recruitment process
EU food systems policy: Deep dives into the EU's role in food systems and animal welfare, including current policy and emerging debates in the field
Practitioner insights: Workshops with global health experts from NGOs and organisations working directly with EU institutions
Institution visits: Behind-the-scenes access to European institutions, including meetings with policymakers and officials
What the Programme Covers
Skills you’ll develop:
Understanding EU decision-making processes and how to operate effectively within them
Navigating Commission institutional culture and working methods
Building relationships across DGs, member states, and external stakeholders
Translating evidence-based research into policy recommendations
Strategic career planning within EU institutional constraints
What you’ll learn:
EU Animal Welfare & Food Systems:
Food systems and agricultural policy reform
Food security and environmental policy links
EU animal welfare policy landscape and legislative frameworks
Welfare standards development and implementation
The EU Vision for Agriculture and Food and related EU initiatives
Who should apply?
We select candidates ready to pursue EU policy careers focused on shaping food policy and improving animal welfare. If you have the drive to contribute to food policy and animal welfare through pragmatic, strategic policy work, this programme is for you.
Essential Criteria
✓ Bachelor's degree or higher
✓ EU citizenship
✓ Excellent academic records
✓ C1 level in English, French, or German plus B2 level in another European language (all participants need minimum B2 English)
✓ No prior work experience exceeding six weeks in any EU institution
✓ Ready to pursue EU roles within 6-8 months of completion
What Makes You Stand Out
✓ Master's or PhD in any field
✓ Degrees in rare or STEM fields
✓ Strong academic record (scholarships, distinctions, prizes)
✓ Certificates in additional European languages (minimum B2 level)
✓ International experience (study/work/volunteering abroad)
✓ Professional experience of 3 to 11 years
✓ Experience in politics, policy, research, law or rare fields
✓ Pragmatic approach to policy execution
Practical Details
All costs covered:
• Flights from anywhere in Europe
• Brussels accommodation
• All meals and materials
• Pre-program preparation
• Post-program support
Your commitment:
• Full attendance Monday-Friday 9:00-18:00
• 2-3 evening networking events
• 5-10 hours pre-reading
• Genuine intent to pursue EU policy careers
Join a community advancing animal welfare through strategic policy work
Brussels week
Ongoing support
Selection process
Programme preparation
Application & Programme Timeline
March 2027
Post-programme
Applications open
October - November
November - January
A week of intensive training, networking, and skill development in the heart of European policy-making
Additional online sessions and career guidance tailored to your needs
Whether you're selected or not, we value your time and commitment. All applicants receive specially curated career resources to support their professional development.
Submit your application and join ambitious professionals ready to contribute to food policy and animal welfare
February
Three stages: 1. Online application | 2. Assessment task | 3. Interview
Selected participants receive pre-reading materials and join orientation sessions
Ready to Shape Food Policy and Animal Welfare in the EU?
Position yourself to shape policies affecting billions of animals and drive sustainable food systems transformation from within EU institutions.
Applications open in October 2026.