From Brussels to Strasbourg: A Deep Dive into the EU System

My name is Hagi Mulya Sandhika, and I am from Indonesia. First and foremost, I would like to thank the European Union (EU) Delegation to ASEAN for nominating me to participate in the European Union Visitors Programme (EUVP), which took place between 20-24 January 2025 in Brussels, Belgium and Strasbourg, France. As a desk officer of the ASEAN Secretariat’s External Relations Division 2, covering files pertaining to ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations, this immersive experience has contributed to further enhancing my understanding of the EU’s structure and priorities, as well as the robust partnership between ASEAN and the EU.

During my five-day programme, I had the privilege of engaging with representatives from various EU institutions and services, including the European Council and the European External Action Service (EEAS), as well as Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), most of whom are members of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Southeast Asia and ASEAN (DASE). These meetings allowed me to hear their perspectives on ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations while also developing my knowledge of the latest developments within the EU. These include the recent adoption of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, the establishment of a dedicated Commissioner for Defence and Space, and the enactment of the European Climate Law, among others.

Further to the above, I had the opportunity to be led on a guided visit of the European Parliament’s main buildings in Brussels, Belgium, which provided me with insights into the EU's legislative processes and operations, including its commitment to transparency and inclusivity, as well as the structure of its parliamentary committees. Additionally, in Strasbourg I also had the opportunity to observe Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk addressing the European Parliament’s Plenary Session Debate on the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, which happens to be one of the most memorable moments of my EUVP experience. This direct observation has deepened my appreciation towards the complexities of the EU’s policy-making and strong democratic values that underpin its decision-making processes.

Following the conclusion of my visit, I have gained a deeper understanding of the functions and interrelation between the various EU institutions. I am particularly impressed by the structured collaboration among these institutions, ensuring a cohesive approach to policy-making and external engagements while maintaining transparency and accountability within the EU system.

I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and would like to express my sincere appreciation to the entire EUVP team.