MA European Public Affairs Turns 25 – Alumni Celebrate in Brussels
Maastricht University recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of its European Public Affairs Master’s programme (MA EPA) with a large alumni gathering in Brussels. The event, held on 30 October at Au Bassin, welcomed more than 120 alumni from across 25 graduating cohorts — from the first class in 1999 to this year’s graduates.
In his opening remarks, Programme Director Dr. Iskander De Bruycker reflected on the programme’s origins. The idea was born in 1997 at Café De Klok in Maastricht, where three colleagues — political scientist Huub Spoormans, economist Hans van Mierlo, and historian Joop de Jong — shared a bold vision: to bridge the gap between academic theory and the real-world practice of European public affairs. In collaboration with the European Institute of Public Administration, this vision took shape in the launch of the MA EPA in 1999.
The first cohort counted just twelve pioneering students, and the programme quickly became known for its international classroom and mix of recent graduates and experienced professionals. While the curriculum has evolved over time (including the later introduction of the thesis, which some alumni fondly remember as “the golden age before”), the programme’s core ethos has remained constant: to train academic professionals who understand not only how to influence policy, but why it matters, and which values should guide that influence.
Today, MA EPA has grown into a community of over 500 alumni from more than 40 nationalities, working across EU institutions, national governments, NGOs, associations, consultancies, companies, and media.
Anniversary Award
A new award — Most Inspiring Public Affairs Professional — was presented to Aaron McLoughlin in recognition of his sustained contribution to the professionalisation of EU public affairs and his dedication to teaching the next generation. As one alumnus remarked:
“Not a workday goes by without me applying the lessons learned from his courses — and I know many fellow alumni would say the same.”
After accepting the award, McLoughlin reflected on the craft of public affairs, emphasising clarity, integrity, and composure — “staying calm when emotions run high and sticking to your word.”
Alumni Panel: The Changing Public Affairs Landscape
The evening also featured a roundtable discussion with MA EPA alumni, moderated by Professor Esther Versluis, exploring how the public‐affairs field has evolved over the past 25 years. Participants noted the rapid professionalisation of the sector and the growing importance of human skills alongside digital tools. Maxence Favalletto underlined that in an age of AI and digital advocacy, interpersonal skills and the human element will only become more essential. Daniela Cuciureanu stressed the importance of empathy and relationship‐building in public affairs, reminding the audience that in Brussels “it is often more important to be liked than to be right.” Kim Smouter highlighted that the MA EPA remains “a strong calling card” for aspiring public‐affairs professionals, equipping graduates with the skills to succeed in Brussels.
Reflecting on the programme’s evolution, Dr. De Bruycker highlighted the enduring ethos of the MA EPA: bridging academic rigor with real-world EU practice, fostering ethical and evidence-based public affairs, and nurturing a community defined by curiosity, European spirit, and purpose. Looking ahead, De Bruycker emphasised that the programme is expanding its annual intake to meet growing demand from students and employers mirroring the rising strategic importance of public affairs in European governance. The event concluded with a reception bringing together alumni, faculty, and friends of the programme to celebrate a quarter-century of European public-affairs education and practice.
About the MA EPA Programme
Launched in 1999, the European Public Affairs (MA EPA) Master’s programme at Maastricht University combines political science, EU policy-making, stakeholder engagement, negotiation practice, and ethical public-affairs leadership. The programme’s alumni work across the European Commission, European Parliament, Council, EU agencies, national administrations, industry associations, NGOs, consultancies, and multinational companies. The MA EPA emphasises hands-on learning, close engagement with practitioners, and a strong alumni network connecting Maastricht and Brussels.
Pictures of the event
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