We are excited to invite you to register for the EU Academy – Ireland, taking place on 15–16 January in Dublin. The training is delivered by EUChanger who have done 14 editions of the EU Academy in Brussels. This is is first time it has been held in Ireland and it is being organised in collaboration with Opportunity Green and the Irish Environmental Network with the support of The Wheel and Community Foundation Ireland.
This EU Academy is a two-day training designed to help Irish public interest advocates enhance their understanding of EU decision-making processes and strengthen their advocacy and influencing skills. See the full programme here.
In addition to exploring how EU policy-making really works, the training will feature a strategic session focused on the upcoming Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU, which will begin on 1 July 2026. This presents a valuable opportunity for participants to increase their impact in key policy areas where the EU plays a central role—such as climate and energy, corporate accountability, and more—while preparing effectively for the Irish Presidency.
Participants will also get an overview of the European Commission’s proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). This long-term EU budget for 2028–2034 will shape all policy areas and is therefore highly relevant to civil society organisations. Negotiations on the MFF will begin in earnest under the Irish Presidency.
Click here to register. Click here for the full Programme.
Who is this training for:
This training is designed for anyone working in Irish civil society on policy, advocacy, or campaigning. Particularly those who engage with EU issues or wish to strengthen their influence at the European level.
The programme is particularly relevant for civil society organisations working on policy areas shaped by EU decision-making, such as on climate, environment and corporate accountability. It is also very well-suited to staff who just want to deepen their understanding of how the EU institutions operate and build the skills needed to engage effectively with them.
With a dedicated strategic focus on Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2026, the training will also benefit those preparing their organisations for this important opportunity to shape EU-level debates.
Click here to register. Click here for the full Programme.
Trainer: The training is led by Marc-Olivier Herman, founder of EUChanger. A lawyer with over twenty years of experience as an advocate for human rights, the environment and economic justice, Marc Olivier was a member of Oxfam International’s EU advocacy team from 2011 to 2024,
Dates: Thursday 15th and Friday 16th of January, 2026
Location: Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission – 16-22 Green St, Rotunda, Dublin 7, D07 CR20)
Price: The cost of the two-day training is €400. There are 25 spaces in the course and we have secured funding for 10 sponsored places, funded by The Wheel and the Irish Environmental Network for their member organisations. Participants who get one of these bursaries will be asked to pay €50 to secure their spot. If you are applying for a sponsored place please make sure to support your application with your answer to question in the registration form ‘Why do you think you are well placed to get one of the sponsored places?
Register: To book your place, please fill out this registration form.