The event was jointly organised by the Diplomatic School of Spain and the EEAS. It took place in Madrid where 75 junior diplomats from the Member States and EU institutions gathered together to hear presentations from top level Spanish officials and other experts and to participate in various thematic workshops.

The module was opened by Ulrike Hauer, Head of Career, Learning and Development Division at the EEAS, and Santiago Miralles, Director of the Diplomatic School of Spain. The following presentations focused on priorities of the Spanish Presidency and the political and economic challenges that Europe has been facing. Camilo Villarino, Head of the Cabinet of EU HR/VP, addressed the participants on EU foreign and security policy. Afterwards, the MS MFAs’ Training Directors and representatives of the EEAS BHR.4 Division held an informal meeting to share experience and to exchange their views on new trends in the field of Learning and Development.

Background

The European Diplomatic Programme was launched in 1999 and it consists of four modules that make up the academic year. The principal aims are to enable professional debate and networking among junior EU diplomats and to strengthen their European spirit. Modules I and IV are organised by the Member State presiding the Council of the EU, Module II takes place in all MS for small groups of participants and Module III is organised by the EEAS in Brussels.