Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

This year we invited prominent academics and policy makers to discuss some of the most pertinent and complex issues facing Europe today. In our event "A New Minority? Understanding Today's Populism" prominent LSE alumnus assistant Professor Justin Gest presented his research on right-wing populism in the US and the UK. Leading experts delved into the issue of investment in innovation during our event "Boosting European Competitiveness: Where to Go From Here?". We were also debriefed on the priorities and achievements of Maltese Presidency within the framework of our new LSE AAB EU Presidency Seriescalled "Passing the Baton". Finally we had the opportunity to have an intimate and thought-provoking conversation with H.E. Faruk Kaymakcı, LSE alumnus and new Ambassador of Turkey to the European Unionon the relationship between the EU and Turkey.

Brussels' rich cultural scene offered us many opportunities to organise interesting activities. We visited two outstanding exhibitions: "Book that Made Europe" exhibition, which hosted more than 150 first editions of books that covered all the themes of modern economy, the "Ukiyo-e" exhibition. We also took a guided tour of the magnificent Dansaert neighborhood.

Our close partnership with the LSE continued to grow. Once again we organised a career panel discussion for the LSE students visiting Brussels for the European Internships Fair 2017, with the participation of professionals from the Institutions, the media and the public affairs sector. We also hosted a drinks social that gave the students the opportunity to get career advice from our alumni.

Our regular drinks social also brought us together regularly in cozy Brussels corners, while our "White Christmas Party" helped us close the year on a high note.