Takeaways from four of our colleagues

From left: Olav Åmund Mannsåker, Anette Stevnebø, Lasse Gullvåg Sætre and Marianne Haavardsholm Aandahl

Christmas is approaching, and as 2025 draws to a close, we look back on an eventful autumn. Over the past months, we have hosted two colleagues seconded from the Research Council of Norway (RCN), one colleague seconded from the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir), and one trainee. As their time with us has come to an end, we asked them to share some reflections on their time in Brussels.

From RCN, NorCore first hosted Lasse Gullvåg Sætre, who was a part of our team for two months. About his stay in Brussels, he says:

“Brussels gave me pace and direction, close to the decisions and the people, and a clearer sense of where Norway should push digitally. Two months at NorCore made the EU tangible. The stay provided insight, momentum, and connections, making it easier to bring Norwegian priorities into European initiatives. It gave me a better overview of EU digital policy, and very concrete steps we can take in Norway. I’m bringing back contacts, insight into new regulations, and ideas we can already put to use at home. I’m heading home with a stronger network and clearer understanding of the opportunities in Brussels.”

When Lasse left, Marianne Haavardsholm Aandahl from the RCN followed. About her month-long stay in Brussels, Marianne shared these thoughts with us:

“My four weeks at NorCore and elsewhere at meetings and events in Brussels were wonderful, inspiring, full of interesting colleagues and new people to meet, and many challenges to digest. Being in the middle of it all is a privilege and gives you a chance to expose new aspects of yourself as well as you learn a lot. All this I will take advantage of upon returning to Norway. I would very much motivate others to join forces with our Brussels team, if or when the opportunity rises. One last message to mention and perhaps to bear in mind is that the European Commission staff employees are nice and normal people, easy to talk to and interesting in different opinions and experiences. And also, it is a privilege to represent Norway to a range of people from different European and non-European countries. They are all to be found there, Brussels is a crossroad.”

This autumn, NorCore also hosted Anette Stevnebø, who was seconded from HK-dir for about three months. About her stay in Brussels, she notes:

“I am truly grateful for three inspiring months in Brussels and for being part of the NorCore office. This experience has given me unique insight into EU priorities and the discussions shaping the next Erasmus+ programme period. Engaging with stakeholders and following political processes has broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of how decisions are made. I will miss Brussels and the great colleagues at NorCore as I return to HK-dir with valuable knowledge, stronger networks, and a clearer understanding of the political context shaping Erasmus+.”

Since late August, we have also hosted the trainee Olav Åmund Mannsåker, who has been with us throughout the autumn. About his time at the office, Olav shares these reflections:

“My time at NorCore has been both educational and engaging, and I am grateful for the opportunity to spend time at the office. Gaining insight into political developments in research, education, and innovation in the city where European decision-making takes place has been particularly rewarding. In addition, the friendly working environment at NorCore and the close cooperation with SwissCore made my time at the office particularly meaningful. I now bring with me the EU knowledge gained from time in Brussels back to Norway, where I will begin a new internship at the German-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce.”

Their contributions have been invaluable to the office, and we wish you all the best on your future endeavours.