Model European Union Athens 2019

Context:
A Model European Union (MEU) simulation in Greece that will have participants from Greece and the rest of Europe. In the last 10 years, MEU simulations have gained great popularity amidst youth in various European countries and cities. In Greece itself, there are a few simulations that aim to simulate the EU and its institutions’ policy-making process but have not been extremely successful in attracting participants from all over Europe to make it a true European event. When discussing matters of the European Union such as European integration and to promote it, it is important, in our opinion, to have contribution and ideas from all over Europe and even outside of Europe to help us widen our perspectives to the benefit of everyone.

Objectives:
– To educate, engage and empower youth.
– To educate and engage youth on important European affairs by giving them the opportunity to understand and take on roles as Member of the European Parliament or Ministers in the Council of the European Union.
– By putting into theory into action during the simulation of MEU Athens 2019, to equip participants with a deep and all-rounded understanding of the legislations and EU legislative procedure
– To further engage and inspire youth to even pursue an advanced education or career in European affairs
– To empower youth by giving them the platform and opportunity to be a part of organizing future editions of MEU Athens

Number and profile of participants:
– 100 youths from 23 countries including Greece
– ages ranging from 18 to 30 years
– various educational and career backgrounds (university students to early career professionals)
– various social backgrounds

Description of activities:
– A series of activities which include promotional workshops at the universities, training sessions for the various teams and a mock simulation in addition to MEU Athens 2019

Methodology:
– For MEU Athens 2019 itself, the main methodology will be that of a debate that is materialized in the format of a Model European Union simulation that models after the European Parliament, Council of the European Union and the European Commission and the legislative procedure that is followed by these three European institutions. 2 Working legislations of the European Commission will also be adopted over the course of MEU Athens for participants to debate on, propose amendments and eventually vote on.
– 2 legislations will be introduced in the European Parliament and Council of the European Union by the respective Commissioners
– The chairs for both chambers will open the debate, allowing for participants to debate on the legislation and produce amendments on the texts
– The legal team will be available for consultation to all participants preparing amendments
– The participants will submit the amendments via a unique Google form link provided to them
– Amendments will be debated in the chambers and voted on according to the legislative procedure of the EU
– The legislations will be exchanged between the chambers and the amended text will be reviewed, further amended and final voting will take place

Expected results and Impact envisaged:
a) Familiarizing with EU institutions, their work and the difficulties they face
b) Becoming more open to differences of any kind and able to focus on what bonds EU citizens together
c) Improving their research and public speaking skills
d) Establishing a network of friends and possible co-workers all over Europe
e) Leaving wanting more of what the EU has to offer

Potential long-term benefit:
One of the main weakness of the European Union is that citizens all around Europe feel left out of the decision-making process, mostly due to mass unawareness of EU procedures and the identity of the decision makers. Our project is about showcasing the decision-making process to a large audience, comprised of youth, and ensuring they become accustomed to the procedures but also the challenges faced by the decision makers. Taking into account, youth being vital for the future and their enthusiasm, they in turn can be the advocates, who the European Union needs to promote unity and awareness for the European project to continue contributing to our lives. Multicultural collaboration and dialogue increases the cohesion between EU citizens and ensures a minimum standard of understanding and acceptance of differences, both cultural but also behavioural, political and racial. The local community, partners and sponsors will become more knowledgeable of EU projects and initiatives and get to humanize EU and familiarize with the many initiatives it spearheads. This is due to them participating in the project and therefore experiencing first-hand the positive impact it bring along. A better educated and informed youth on politics is more likely be willing to contribute in their own societies and educate their close environment to the benefits of getting involved, even more on politics which shape everyone’s lives.