Wrapping Up the PACE Young Professionals Academy 2025
- two days of dialogue, learning and european collaboration –
A few days after the conclusion of the inaugural PACE Young Professionals Academy, the energy, inspiration and sense of community it generated are still very much alive. Over the course of two days, young public affairs practitioners from across Europe gathered in Prague to explore the future of the profession, learn from one another, and strengthen the European public affairs community.
A Warm Opening Focused on Connection
The Academy opened with a welcome dinner hosted by APA – Asociace Public Affairs, offering participants an open and relaxed setting to get to know each other, for a programme built around dialogue, shared experiences and collaboration.
The second day continued at the Anglo-American University, where discussions focused on key themes for the future of public affairs: ethics and transparency in lobbying, the impact of regulation on young practitioners, emerging trends in the field, and the role of the next generation within the PACE community.
Institutional Perspectives and Regulatory Insights
The Academy opened with a welcome dinner hosted by APA – Asociace Public Affairs, offering participants an open and relaxed setting to get to know each other, for a programme built around dialogue, shared experiences and collaboration.
The second day continued at the Anglo-American University, where discussions focused on key themes for the future of public affairs: ethics and transparency in lobbying, the impact of regulation on young practitioners, emerging trends in the field, and the role of the next generation within the PACE community.
Institutional Perspectives and Regulatory Insights
The programme featured a first session led by João Sousa from the Public Affairs Council, who presented valuable data and insights on current corporate public affairs practices and developments at the European level.
Participants had the opportunity to meet with Eva Decroix, Minister of Justice of the Czech Republic, for an in-depth discussion hosted in the Czech Parliament. The conversation offered a clear view of the national approach to lobbying regulation and underscored the importance of constructive cooperation between policymakers and public affairs professionals.
Equally insightful was the dialogue with David Kolář, Executive Director of the Association of Innovative Pharmaceutical Industry, who shared practical reflections on the role of strategic public affairs in shaping policy and the market environment for innovative medicines in Central Europe.
Inside the Czech Legislative Process
The programme also included a guided tour of the Chamber of Deputies – Poslanecká sněmovna Parlamentu ČR, led by Filip Dembický, giving participants a first-hand look at how the Czech legislative process works in practice.
Building a Connected Generation of Public Affairs Professionals
Above all, the Academy created an environment for meaningful peer-to-peer dialogue, enabling young professionals from different countries to compare national approaches, exchange best practices, and openly discuss the dilemmas shaping the profession today.
With this programme, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the next generation of public affairs professionals and strengthening European cooperation within our community.
PACE extends its gratitude to all speakers, partners and participants for contributing to an inspiring first edition of the Young Professionals Academy.
About us
Public Affairs Community of Europe is a European association which gathers national associations of public affairs and lobbyists across entire Europe, based on three pillars: Diversity, European outreach and High standards of ethics and transperancy.
PACE Academy 2025
hosted by
Empowering the Next Generation of Public Affairs Leaders in Europe
📍 Prague · November 20–21, 2025
The PACE Young Professionals Conference is the first European initiative dedicated to supporting and connecting emerging public affairs professionals across the continent.
The Academy offers a unique two-day experience of learning, exchange, and networking — helping participants strengthen their professional skills, expand their international perspective, and build lasting relationships with peers, experts, and institutions.
The 2025 edition marks the launch of the PACE Young Professionals Alumni Network, ensuring continuity and collaboration beyond the event.
Overview
Dates: November 20–21, 2025
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
The Academy brings together young professionals for interactive workshops, institutional visits, and meetings with senior public affairs leaders and policymakers. The programme is designed to combine practical learning with meaningful dialogue on the future of lobbying, regulation, and ethics in Europe.
Who Can Apply
- Audience: Public affairs professionals aged 25–35, of the PACE members
- Experience: Minimum 2 years of professional experience
- Language: Fluency in English required
Deadline for nominations: 31 October 2025 (EOD)
Send candidate lists to secretarygeneral@paceurope.eu
Highlights of the Programme
- Official Launch Dinner hosted by the Czech Association of Public Affairs (APA)
- Workshops on regulation, ethics, and emerging trends in public affairs
- Discussions on how lobbying regulation impacts young professionals
- Exchange of experiences among participants from different national associations
- Panels featuring experts from Transparency International, the Ministry of Justice, and European institutions
- Institutional Visits to the Czech Parliament and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Networking Opportunities with young politicians, EU representatives, and business leaders
Speakers and guests will include leading figures from European and national organisations, such as:
- Tomáš Prouza, Vice-President of EuroCommerce and the Czech Chamber of Commerce
- João Sousa, Managing Director of the European Office, Public Affairs Council (PAC)