EU Simulation 2023

Overview

The Mid-Atlantic European Union Simulation seeks to approximate the actual decision-making process of the European Union.

During the simulation, students find multiple opportunities to refine and enhance specific skills and capabilities: leadership, analytical and critical thinking, public speaking and oral debate, small group cooperation and consensus building – all of which are keys to success in today’s professional world. Moreover, we hope the MEUSC students will garner greater cultural sensitivity, global awareness, and international sophistication, ultimately shaping their academic and professional lives for years to come.

Strive to achieve these goals as you proceed with your negotiations, and enjoy sharing with your colleagues the outstanding benefits of experiential learning. Best of luck during this educational adventure!

The 2023 MEUS focused on (a) the future of European security and defense and (b) climate change and environmental action. In the weeks preceding the action in Washington, DC, students playing EU commissioners drafted two legislative proposals and issued recommendations to the councils and the European Parliament. During the same period, a student playing the president of the European Council drafted an agenda and circulated the agenda to all participating heads of state and government.

Once they arrived in Washington, members of the European Parliament and ministers from participating member states debated the draft legislation, and heads of state and government made their way through the European Council’s agenda. After several days of deliberation, participating students formally adopted final legislation and European Council conclusions. A final version of the legislative documents can be found here: Final 2023 legislative documents.

Detailed program of the 2023 simulation.

The 2016 MEUS focused on the migration crisis and “Brexit.” The EU Commission first drafted a legislative proposal and issued its recommendation to the Councils and to the Parliament. Then, Members of the European Parliament as well as the Council of Ministers and the European Council debated the proposal. After several days of deliberation, the final legislation was formally adopted. A final version of the document can be found here: Final 2016 EU Directive on Immigration Issues and “Brexit.”

Detailed Program of the 2016 EU Simulation

During the simulation, participants were involved in various stages of the legislative process and were briefed by the embassy staff of the country they represented.

Students are required to follow the formal procedures of the European Parliament. It’s not always easy for students to gain a full understanding and appreciation of these rules, but they soon realize the importance of how rules can structure and determine outcomes. They also learn the importance of leadership styles as the committees work toward resolving their differing stands on the legislative proposal.

European Parliament Rules and Procedures