6-10 May, ISET Policy Institute visited Brussels, Belgium. The purpose of the tour was to foster knowledge exchange, establish connections, and learn from leading think tanks in the field of policy research and development. The delegation included Director Tamar Sulukhia, Deputy Director Teona Khaindrava, Lead Economists Salome Gelashvili and Giorgi Papava, Deputy Head of Practice Davit Keshelava, Head of Communications Sopha Gujabidze, and Head of the Business Development Unit Nino Loladze.

During their visit, the delegation had the privilege of engaging in productive discussions with influential institutions, such as Bruegel, the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), and the European Policy Centre (EPC).

At CEPS, the delegation had the opportunity to meet with CEO Karel Lannoo, Research Fellow Tinatin Akhvlediani, and Membership Officer Laura Nicolás. They discussed the importance of in-depth research, the role of flagship events, and the significance of task forces in addressing pressing policy issues.

The delegation also visited Bruegel, where they met with Jeromin Zettelmeyer, Director, Scarlett Varga, Head of Development, Giuseppe Porcaro, Head of Outreach, Governance, and Human Resources. They explored Bruegel's research agenda, membership structure, successful crisis response strategies, and the importance of financial transparency.

The delegation had a fruitful meeting with Kerstin Born-Sirkel, Senior Associate for Partnerships and Member Relations at the European Policy Centre (EPC). Ms. Born-Sirkel shared valuable insights into EPC's operations, including its membership model, services for members, and the potential for collaboration as a university-based think tank.

In addition, the delegation had an insightful meeting with Nicolas Veron, Founder of Bruegel and Senior Fellow at Bruegel and Peterson Institute, and Corinna Hörst, former Guido Goldman Director of Leadership Programs and Senior Fellow at German Marshall Fund.

The study visit of the ISET Policy Institute to Brussels, Belgium proved to be an enriching and insightful experience. Equipped with new perspectives and strategies, the ISET Policy Institute is now poised to enhance its own research and policy initiatives, further strengthening its impact in the field.