The European Brain Council (EBC) brought together representatives from 9 national brain councils during the 3rd NBCs Academy held on 12 and 13 July. The Academy provided an ideal opportunity for discussing national brain plans, EU research projects, advocacy efforts and best practices. Guest speakers Ortwin Schulte and Nada Sirotić, respectively representatives of the German and Croatian permanent representation to the EU, spoke about the role of the EU Presidency in regard to EU policy-making.