S2: Model European Union 2023

On the first day of the simulation, the participants attended a workshop on the Rules of Procedure of the MEU, in order to make the simulation as realistic as possible and to familiarize themselves with decision-making processes in a MEU simulation. The simulation started with a presentation of the European Commission's proposals for the agenda item in the Parliament as well as in the Council. In the remaining days, students debated the agenda items, ordered party-group meetings, and proposed amendments to the proposal of the European Commission. On the final day, students cast their final votes on each proposal. In addition, MEPs and Ministers had to justify their actions at press conferences, and journalists reported on the decision-making process throughout the conference in the MEU newspaper and in video news reports. Apart from the formal sessions of the Parliament and the Council, additional informal meetings also took place, such as meetings required by different political groups in the Parliament.

The simulation promoted intercultural exchange and, at the same time, provided students with a hands-on experience of the EU by fostering a broader EU awareness. Moreover, students had the opportunity to improve their debating, negotiating, and teamwork skills.