Champ Turner, Fulbright / Azores Regional Government US student grantee, conducting research in Visual Arts in the Azores, was one of the participants to the 2026 Fulbright Seminar on the European Union and NATO, where he represented Portugal so well.
Champ reflects on how meaningful his participation in this event has been.
«Attending the Fulbright EU–NATO Seminar was a meaningful and engaging experience that brought together Fulbrighters from across Europe for four days of discussion, learning, and connection.
As part of the program, we visited four key institutions: the European Court of Justice, the European Commission, the European Parliament, and NATO. One of the highlights for me was hearing live case arguments at the European Court of Justice, which made the work of the institution feel especially tangible. Speaking with representatives across all four institutions also gave me a clearer sense of how these systems function and the challenges they face today.
Outside of the formal sessions, moments like a reception at the Luxembourg ambassador’s residence, exploring Brussels and Luxembourg, and even experiencing my first “standing lunch” are a few experiences I won’t soon forget.
(image: Champ Turner and Amy Inestroza, the two grantees representing Portugal at the Seminar)
The most impactful part, though, was meeting and connecting with other Fulbrighters. In just a few days, I felt a real sense of community and was inspired by the range of experiences and perspectives people brought. It made me proud to be part of the program, representing the US and Portugal.
I left the seminar with a stronger appreciation for the importance of international cooperation and consensus-building. Despite the challenges, it was clear that both the EU and NATO remain active and engaged. I also came away with a deeper understanding of Portugal’s role—especially the Azores, where I’m based—as both a NATO site and an outermost EU region. In particular, the efforts of the EU in helping to conserve the local cultural and environmental heritage of the Azores have been strongly impactful here, a theme that is particularly relevant to my project.
(image: a replica of a Portuguese caravel, Portugal’s gift to NATO)
I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have participated and to represent Portugal in such a thoughtful and dynamic group.»
– Thank you, Champ, for representing Portugal so well!