"Oh, so that's what you do!" -
Three months in the
"Prognos Erasmus" in Brussels

How did you first hear about Prognos-Erasmus?
A colleague at the time was moving permanently from the Berlin office to Brussels and told me about the opportunity to work there for three months as part of the Prognos Erasmus programme. I quickly realised that I wanted to do it. At the beginning of my time at Prognos, I spent a month in the energy team at our Basel office. And during my studies, I was abroad several times, including on Erasmus programmes. I benefited greatly from all these experiences, both professionally and personally. So, without further ado, I applied for the stay in Brussels.

How did the application procedure work?
Very unbureaucratic. If you want to go to Brussels with Prognos-Erasmus, you first have to clarify your plans with your line manager. I experienced a lot of support there. In the second step, you submit your application - essentially a letter of motivation - to our CEO, Christian Böllhoff, and to Dr Jan-Philipp Kramer, the head of our Brussels office and the EU Services Competence Centre. The two of them then decide who the lucky candidates are for each year. Speaking of procedures and support: my arrival in Brussels couldn't have been easier either. Prognos took care of the entire organisation process and the cost of my accommodation in a well-known co-living space. All I had to do was check in digitally.

"Prognos-Erasmus" - a catchy name. Are there any other similarities with the source of inspiration?
I see clear parallels. When I decide to go abroad for a limited period of time, at least I am motivated to get to know the city and the country - to do more than I would at home in Berlin. This was fully realised in Brussels. From bike tours to the coast and a short trip to Paris, to concerts and evenings with my international flat-share, which was mostly made up of young professionals, to activities with colleagues such as an unforgettable visit to the Saint-Gilloise stadium or eating chips together on Place Flagey. Another specific feature of Brussels is the diversity of languages: Flemish and French can be heard on every corner, but of course English is also spoken, especially because of the EU Commission. And of course, the environment of the European capital also characterises your own work.

To what extent has the Brussels context influenced your work?
Basically, in Prognos-Erasmus you pursue the work that you bring with you from your own location. In my case, this was the preparation of a modelling report for the German government's carbon management strategy. At the same time, my specialist topics are closely linked to plans at EU level, which is why I was able to benefit from the numerous events organised by international NGOs, think tanks and the Commission. Expanding your professional network is an important aspect of working in an advisory capacity. Equally formative for my day-to-day work were the familiar contacts in the international Prognos team in Brussels, the office in the impressive Résidence Palace directly opposite the Commission building and exploring secret routes through cellar corridors when the regular entrances are once again closed due to an EU event.

Which utensil or gadget was a must in Brussels?
A bicycle. Brussels is surprisingly hilly compared to Antwerp or Ghent. Nevertheless, cycling is often the quickest way to get from A to B.

Do you have any tips for future Prognos Erasmus candidates? And: Are the fries really better?
At least for Berliners: the night train between Berlin and Brussels. And: Yes.

Thank you very much for the interview and the insights into your time in Brussels, Sebastian!

To the profile of Sebastian Lübbers

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