This three-day course on EU Diplomacy & Diplomatic Skills opens with a short introduction to the foundations of EU diplomacy and external action, allowing participants to reach a shared understanding of the EU as a diplomatic actor and the institutional, legal, and political framework underpinning its external action. The first session thus presents the key concepts, actors, and decision-making processes that underpin EU diplomacy, establishing the framework that will be examined throughout the programme.

The training course then continues with interactive workshops aimed at improving practical skills in the following fields:

• Communicating EU interests and values
• Political analysis and reporting
• Techniques of international negotiation and peace mediation.

Last but not least, the training programme is complemented by a keynote speech enabling participants to gain first-hand insights into the realities of diplomatic work in a multilateral setting. Drawing on the experience of a senior diplomat, the keynote explores the day-to-day practice of diplomacy, the skills required to navigate complex institutional environments, and the challenges of representing interests while building consensus among diverse actors.

For more details, you can download the 2026 programme here. 

Objectives and expected learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:

• Explain the distinctive characteristics of EU diplomacy and external representation compared with traditional state diplomacy;
• Analyse the EU’s role as a global actor, including its approaches to peace mediation, multilateralism, and public diplomacy;
• Understand the institutional and political dynamics shaping EU external action;
• Produce effective diplomatic reporting tailored to different audiences and decision-making contexts;
• Apply communication techniques used in diplomatic environments, including strategic messaging and stakeholder engagement;
• Strengthen negotiation skills through simulations and practical exercises reflecting real diplomatic scenarios;
• Navigate complex diplomatic situations involving multiple actors, interests, and institutional perspectives.

Please note that this course can be tailor made on demand for specific groups.