ANIMAL WELFARE & FOOD SYSTEMS POLICY ACCELERATOR
Your Fast-Track to Transforming EU Food Policy
Advance welfare standards for billions of animals across Europe's food systems.
Join a selective, fully-funded week in Brussels that prepares mission-driven professionals to reform food systems and advance animal welfare through European policy.
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
Where Food Policy Creates Massive Change
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 transform farming practices across 27 nations.
Policy changes create harmonised rules with global influence—building resilient food systems that benefit people, animals, and the planet.
Recent victories prove what's possible. Cage-free commitments, fur farming bans, and alternative protein regulations each started with professionals who understood how to navigate EU institutions effectively.
Yet policy remains an underdeveloped pathway. While EU decisions can shift entire industries toward sustainability and better animal welfare, few professionals with genuine commitment to food system reform work within these institutions.
This program prepares you to fill that gap—influencing the policies that will shape Europe's food future and create lasting impact for billions of animals, while advancing the sustainable food systems our planet needs.
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 influence 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:
Strategic approaches to advocacy and institutional change
EU animal welfare policy landscape and legislative frameworks
Food systems transformation and agricultural policy reform
Welfare standards development and implementation
Sustainable food systems and environmental policy links
Farm to Fork Strategy and related EU initiatives
Who should apply?
We select exceptional candidates ready to pursue EU policy careers focused on transforming food systems and improving animal welfare. Your unique background brings a valuable perspective to EU policy-making.
If you're committed to creating meaningful change 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 creating change
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 create change through policy
February
Three stages: 1. Online application | 2. Assessment task | 3. Interview
Selected participants receive pre-reading materials and join orientation sessions
Ready to transform animal welfare through EU Policy?
Position yourself to shape policies affecting billions of animals and drive sustainable food systems transformation from within EU institutions.
Applications open in October 2026.