From 15 to 17 May 2026, the First IPC Field Trip took place in Brussels at the Hanse-Office in the heart of Europe. Students of the International Procurement Cooperation (IPC) Master’s programme met with international experts from the fields of research, the military, politics and industry to gain in-depth insights into Europe’s strategic, political and industrial challenges in the areas of procurement, security and defence.
This was followed by three days of an intensive programme featuring high-profile speakers from, amongst others, the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European Defence Agency (EDA), the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) and the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR).
University President Prof. Dr Klaus Beckmann opens the First IPC Field Trip to Brussels with a welcoming address at the Hanse-Office, the joint representation of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg and the State of Schleswig-Holstein to the European Union.
The first day began with the key pillars of the European security strategy: European defence industrial policy, the European Global Strategy and the Strategic Compass. Particular emphasis was placed on the tension between political decision-making and practical implementation – a key issue that is shaping the future of European defence. The ensuing discussions showed that, although the challenges are considerable, there is a clear willingness to cooperate and innovate within the European community.
A particular highlight on the first day was the evening event at the Royal Military Museum – amidst unique historical military exhibits, an impressive view over Brussels from the roof terrace and Belgian catering, the event not only provided an opportunity to make new contacts but also offered valuable inspiration for the days ahead.
Picture 1: View over Brussels from the roof terrace of the Royal Military Museum/War Heritage Institute.
Picture 2: Prof. Dr. Schaefer, Vice-President for International Affairs at HSU/UniBw H, delivers a welcome address at the start of the evening event at the Royal Military Museum/War Heritage Institute.
On the second day, the focus was on the practical implementation of European defence initiatives. The discussion on the financing of the defence industry and the mechanisms of the joint procurement process was particularly fascinating. Which stakeholders are involved? How does cooperation between Member States work? And what role does the EU play in building strategic capabilities?
Picture 1: From left to right: Mr Joachim Sucker, Director of OCCAR-EA (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation), Lieutenant Colonel Volker Bäcker (current IPC student and moderator of the IPC field trip) and Mr Andrea Millerani, Programme Manager of the Modular and Multirole Patrol Programme (MMPC).
Picture 2: Brigadier General Nathalie Guichard, Director of Research, Technology and Innovation at the European Defence Agency (EDA).
On the third day, a concluding panel discussion on the topic of ‘International Procurement Cooperation – Best Practices’, featuring representatives from the space, aviation, land, naval and cyber sectors, provided a fascinating exchange of practical experiences and explored the question of what ‘best practices’ actually mean in the context of international procurement projects.
Picture 1: Lieutenant General Wolfgang Wien, Germany’s military representative to the EU and NATO.
Picture 2: Panel discussion (from left to right): Mr Mark Mozer (BAAINBw), Mr João Abreu (DG DEFIS; not pictured), Ms Lara Polster (moderator, Motorenfabrik Hatz GmbH), Brigadier General Dr Mag. (FH) Matthias Sebera (Austrian Ministry of Defence), Colonel Bernard Kestelyn (La Défense), Ms Inge Weyers (Dutch Ministry of Defence) and Captain Tom Fabert (current IPC student).
The participants left Brussels with a clear understanding of the importance of interdisciplinary, intercultural and international cooperation – particularly in the complex world of public procurement and security policy. The first-ever IPC Field Trip thus provided a dynamic forum for exchange, networking and the joint search for solutions. The students of the current IPC cohort have not only gained knowledge, but have also laid the foundations for a future-oriented career in international procurement and security policy.
Are you interested in studying international procurement?
Then join our postgraduate Master’s programme in International Procurement Cooperation (IPC)! You can find further information here: https://hsu-hh-weiterbildung.de/en/programs/international-procurement-cooperation-mpa/
We require various documents when you apply for a place on this program. An overview of the required documents can be found on the homepage of the Examination Office. You can submit your application directly to the Examination Office. The Examination Office will then receive your documents directly. If you have any questions regarding the documents required for your application, please contact the Examination Office. . For all other questions, the ZWW will be happy to help you via email or telephone.
We require various documents when you apply for a place on this program. An overview of the required documents can be found on the homepage of the Examination Office. You can submit your application directly to the Examination Office. The Examination Office will then receive your documents directly. If you have any questions regarding the documents required for your application, please contact the Examination Office. . For all other questions, the ZWW will be happy to help you via email or telephone.