During the last week of February a group of forty students from Law and Social Policy, (representing a wide range of nationalities, including those of a dozen different member states of the EU), and four lecturers (Sheila Byrne, Penny English, Andrew Gilbert and Deborah Holman) visited the European Community institutions in Brussels and Luxembourg. Andrew Gilbert (Senior lecturer within the School of Law) submitted the following report:

"After an early start and a smooth crossing from Dover, we arrived in time for an evening exploring the restaurants and bars of a very rainy Brussels. The next day was a busy one as we visited the European Commission in the morning and the Parliament in the afternoon, where we met Richard Howitt, one of the MEPs for the East of England. The following day there was a little free time before visiting the Council and then the coach journey to Luxembourg. Our final day gave us an excellent insight into the work of the Court of Justice. As well as meeting and hearing from a number of people who work there (including Advocate General Eleanor Sharpston), we observed a case in progress.

"The visit was rounded off in style with an excellent lunch at the Court before making our way home. Feedback on the visit was very positive. Many students found that not only did experiencing the institutions in person bring their knowledge to life but also transformed the way they view the EU."

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