EPRS Expert Dr. Ralf Drachenberg Explores the European Council in Guest Lecture
The Centre for European Studies, in collaboration with the Department of Politics and Public Administration, welcomed Dr. Ralf Drachenberg, Policy Analyst in the European Council Oversight and Scrutiny Unit of the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), for a guest lecture yesterday on the inner workings of the European Council.
Entitled Opening the Black Box: Ways to Understand the European Council, the lecture offered students and staff a unique opportunity to gain insights into one of the European Union's most influential institutions. Drawing on more than a decade of experience researching the European Council, Drachenberg discussed how scholars and practitioners can better understand decision-making processes at the highest political level of the EU.
A graduate of the University of Limerick, Dr. Drachenberg reflected on his professional journey from Ireland to Brussels, where he now works at the heart of European policymaking. Before joining the European Parliament, he spent over ten years working with European associations and organisations in Brussels. He later completed a PhD at Brunel University London and has since become a recognised expert on the European Council and EU governance.
During the lecture, participants explored the evolving role of the European Council, the challenges of analysing an institution often perceived as operating behind closed doors, and the ways in which researchers can make sense of complex European decision-making processes. The discussion also highlighted the growing academic interest in the European Council's role in shaping the EU's political agenda.
The event formed part of the Department's ongoing commitment, together with the Centre for European Studies, to fostering informed discussion on European affairs and bringing leading practitioners and experts into dialogue with the university community.
The Centre for European Studies would like to thank Ralf Drachenberg for sharing his expertise and insights, and for returning to the University of Limerick to engage with students and staff.
