General information

The Model European Union 2010 (MEU 2010) is a simulation of the European Union (EU), a project bringing together more than 150 young Europeans in Spring 2010 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. For one week, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the workings of the EU at the seat of the European democratic process.

The main purpose of the conference is the simulation of the EU's decision-making process, primarily centred on co-decision process between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.

During the conference the participants will play the roles of ministers of the EU member states, Members of the European Parliament, Lobbyists, Journalists and Interpreters (for more information about each role, click here.

The regulation proposals to be discussed during the MEU Conference 2010 are:
. The "Returns " Directive regarding the deportation of illegal immigrants out of the EU.
. A directive on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO).
These topics are hottly debated and of broad European interest.

Dress code:

At the European Parliament participants shall wear formal attire. This means a suit for men and a smart skirt or trousers for ladies.

Goals

During the simulation, the participants will have the chance to learn about other countries' positions towards the EU and experience a truly international working environment.
The Model European Union Conference 2010 is much more than just a non-formal learning process focused on the European Union. Participants will have the possibility to practice and improve their negotiation strategies as well as to upgrade their English language skills. Moreover, they can experience a truly European atmosphere, contact with many different cultures and discard stereotypes and myths.

Format

After the official opening of the MEU Conference 2010, participants will be introduced to the rules of procedure for debate and take part in an "English for diplomats" workshop which will provide them with the opportunity to further prepare for their role in an interactive environment.

We will start by introducing the co-decision process of the European Community, the process by which the Parliament and the Council will reach agreement on the topics for discussion.

Experts will join the participants on the second day to discuss specific issues related to each topic thus ensuring particpants are informed as to the current debate on the chosen issues and give an insight into the daily lives of policy makers within the EU.

While playing their roles as ambassadors and politicians, participants will deliver speeches, prepare amendments, negotiate with allies and adversaries, manage conflicts, and improve their English and socializing skills. Lobbyists will try to influence the politcal process and the whole process will be monitored by a team of "journalists", who will publish several articles a day reporting on both developments in the official debate and what the politicians are doing in their free time...

The simulation will start with a presentation of the Commission's proposals to the delegates. One of the proposals will be presented to the Council, the other to the Parliament. Each institution will discuss their proposal and formulate amendments to it, after which they will swap them so as to present them to the other institution. Next, both institutions will present their opinions and amendments on the new proposal: the co-decision process enters 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 quick agreement can be reached, there will be a conciliation committee, which consists of representatives from both bodies assembling in order to reach an agreement.

On the last day, once the simulation is over, a panel discussion will take place. Invited politicians from different factions will debate the issues previously discussed by the participants who will engage in this discussion. Finally, participants wil learn about opportunities to become active in European youth organizations and discuss possible future projects.


Fun is guaranteed!