Richard Kaudewitz

The focus of my work is EU climate policy and, among other things, I'm responsible for negotiating on key legislative files of the “Fit-for-55-package”: such as the emissions trading system or the European climate target for 2040. I had the privilege of following one particular piece of European regulation (the Social Climate Fund) all the way from the initial proposal of the Commission through the negotiations in the Council to the trilogue with the parliament and the final adaptation, not to mention the upcoming national adaptation. It is extremely rewarding to put the theories which I learnt at LSE into real life, and at the same time experience first-hand how the deal-making in the EU at times differs from the textbook procedures.

Through my work I have come to realize how important EU policies have become in certain fields, especially in the area of climate action. Working for the German government, it is interesting to see how EU and national policies complement and reinforce each other. At the same time, my job involves finding a common position within the government to react to and shape proposals put forward by the current Presidency.

In general, I find that a degree from LSE is valued very highly in the public sector in Germany. And indeed, the experience from the Masters programme at the European Institute was a great help: it has equipped me with a theoretical understanding of how the EU works, what role of different institutions play and why the historical dimension of European integration still matters today; on the other hand, the time at the EI has taught me to look at current issues from different perspectives and to appreciate the diversity of our continent.

Before LSE, I completed a BA in Classics at Oxford, which provided a great foundation for the Masters course in "Ideas and Identities". This course nicely brought together the more abstract and philosophical concepts of European history and thought with the very practical knowledge of policy-making and current political debates in the EU. Besides the actual course at the EI, I mostly enjoyed living in the heart of London for a year and being part of a very vibrant student community with its wide range of extracurricular societies and sports.

I can really recommend the courses at the EI as I am convinced that in our current times today a good understanding that a functioning European Union is prerequisite for peace and prosperity on our continent is more important than ever.