EUVP Visit Story – Chris Simon

Spending a week with the European Union Visitors Programme was an incredible experience. As someone who’s both an American and EU citizen, and who spends my day job in Chicago at the Obama Foundation but working to support leaders across Europe, it felt like pulling back the curtain on how the EU really works.

When I arrived in Brussels in September 2025, I set out to explore three themes that are close to my heart: democracy, transatlantic relations, and the role of business in creating social impact. What I found was more than I expected. I met with officials across the Commission, Parliament, and Council, and had conversations that gave me a clearer picture of how the EU protects democratic values, builds partnerships across the Atlantic, and creates the conditions for innovation to thrive — all while navigating a rapidly changing world.

Some of my most insightful conversations were with people working in the European Parliament, where we discussed everything from how to get more citizens engaged in voting to how businesses can play a bigger role in supporting democracy. Those discussions pushed me to think differently about the connections between civic participation, policy, and the private sector.

The real highlight, though, was the people. The EUVP team were fantastic hosts, and every official and fellow participant I met brought a unique perspective that made me think differently about the challenges we face on both sides of the Atlantic and globally. I left with not just answers to my questions, but with new ones — and a better sense of how I can support leaders in Europe through my work at the Obama Foundation.

For me, the EUVP wasn’t just a professional development opportunity — it was a reminder that the challenges we face are shared ones, and that collaboration between Europe and the U.S. is more important than ever. I came home inspired, motivated, and excited to put what I learned into practice.