This project was possible with the support of the European Commission

Model European Union 2008 (MEU 08) was one of the most challenging simulations of the European Union (EU) that one could experience so far, a project that brought together 100 young Europeans in the European Parliament – Strasbourg, France. For one week, participants had the opportunity to get familiar with the EU, in a setting that was a genuine projection of the reality.

In the heart of the conference, stood the simulation of the EU‘s decision making process, including the debates within the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. 

For three days, participants played the roles of ministers of EU member states - assuming the role of national government’s official in EU’s Council of Ministers, and members of the European Parliament - belonging to various fractions and representing different countries. They debated current issues on the European agenda, such as environment and health. Other participants played the roles of lobbyists, trying to influence the politicians. Lobbyists defend special interests, mostly those of big companies. Considering they are always up-to-date, being able to provide very fresh news, they are the adequate persons to approach for any exchange of information.

While playing their roles as ambassadors and politicians, the participants delivered speeches, prepared amendments, negotiated with allies and adversaries, managed conflicts between different positions, and trained their English and socializing skills. The whole process was monitored by a team of journalists, who published 2 newspapers a day in which they reported both about the development of the official debates as well as the private night life of politicians...

Fun is guaranteed!

The topics chosen for MEU 2008 are relevant to the moment as well as of broad European interest. The two topics that have been discussed are:

1. An environmental directive
2. A health directive

After the big official opening of the conference, participants were introduced to the procedural aspects of the work within the European institutions - as well as to "English for diplomats", so as to be provided with the opportunity to perform their roles in a realistic manner. We started by introducing the co-decision process of the European Community, on which the discussion of the first two topics were based.

Then, the simulation started with the presentation of the first Commission proposal to all delegates. The participants splitted into two groups (the Council and the Parliament), where the parliamentary deputies had the opportunity to co-ordinate their positions within the parties they form.

During the simulation, youngsters learned about other countries’ positions towards the EU and experience a truly international working environment.

Both institutions then discussed the Commission’s proposal and formulated amendments to it, which was presented to the other institution. Next, both institutions presented their opinions and amendments. The co-decision process entered the second round. If both the Council and the Parliament agree on identical amendments after the first reading, the proposal becomes law. In case that no easy agreement can be reached, there is a conciliation committee, which consists of representatives from both bodies.

Once the simulation game was over, we invited the participants to share their experiences with each other: What is it like to be a diplomat or politician in the European Union? How did we experience the decision-making process? Were our attempts to agree on a law or on a common statement successful, or not?

We also had the chance to meet real Members of the European Parliament and other invited guests. In thsi regard, have a look at the thetimetable.

After the simulation game, several workshops were held. Experts joined participants to approach specific issues related to the topic theyhave chosen and invited youngsters to exchange their points of view.

The final part of the conference allowed participants to learn about opportunities to become active in European youth organizations, to network and to discuss possible future projects.

The conference closed with a special ceremony, with an overview of all results that we, handing in the the certificates got and delivering the goodbye speeches.

Dress code

Whenever in the European Parliament, we had to wear a formal outfit which means a suit for men and a combination with either skirt or pans for the ladies. As long as we were wearing this formal outfit, we remained in our roles, which implied that we had to behave and talk accordingly towards the others..

N.B.:

Model European Union 2008 generally is much more than just a non-formal learning process focused on the European Union. Participants have the possibility to train and improve their negotiation strategies as well as to upgrade their English language skills. Moreover, they can experience a truly European atmosphere, having the adequate context in which to wipe many stereotypes.