MEP's

The Members of Parliament are the only directly elected representatives of European citizens. Like in the nation states' parliaments, they work together in political groups. With the support of their faction, they discuss all the regulation proposals of the Commission, newly released reports, statements of the Council and general developments in European life.

The political groups in the European Parliament are not as homogeneous parties may be in member states. They are composed of numerous parties from all member states, often with a considerable left - right variation. It is therefore not always easy to formulate a common position. During debate, MEPs are normally expected to conform to this position, although it is not mandatory.

Each political group elects a faction leader from within their own ranks. Before plenary discussions, he or she leads internal discussion and supervises the  formulation of the group position.

Members of Council

The Ministers of the Council represent their respective governments regardless of party affiliation. During the Council, 27 Ministers of the Member States meet and discuss the law proposals. Ministers defend national interests and delegates should research their country's position for debate topics. It is also important to identifiy potential allies.

Lobbyists

Lobbyists are an important and influential power in politics at all levels. There are currently more than 10.000 lobbyists in Brussels who have a considerable influence on the European laws. They are there in order to represent private interests, like environmental associations (Greenpeace, WWF, etc.), big companies (Coca Cola, VW, Siemens, etc.), or certain social groups (consumers, disabled people, etc.)

In the simulation, lobbyists will be assisted by a lobbying coach. They will monitor the debates in the Parliament and Council in order to be informed about the current developments. They will produce position papers which they can hand out to the Members of the European Parliament and to the Ministers of the Council.

Lobbyists should make an effort to establish contact with politicians and convince them to defend their position and are free to do this at all  times and in any environment (including during lunches and parties). Furthermore, lobbyists can employ the media to heat up the debate, make their position public, and criticize the statements and positions of politicians. However, a lobbyist has to be careful not to compromise a good relationship with a politician by making a critical statement!

Journalists

Our team of journalists will produce a daily newspaper reporting the progress of debate with interviews from parliamentarians and ministers. Journalists will endeavour to independently report the workings of the co-decision process balancing the efforts of lobbyists and politicans to influence their work.

Interpretors

Advanced students of interpretation will have the opportunity to apply to act as an interpretor for the European Parliament at MEU 2010. The interpretors will translate speaches made by MEPs during the simulation in English to Italian, French, German and Spanish. It is possible we will also include further languages, please check back later for more information.