MEU 2013 Results Booklet by MEU Strasbourg

2013

MODEL EUROPEAN UNION Results Booklet

Model European Union 2013 Strasbourg

DEARBHLA NÍ FHLOINN

DESIGN & LAYOUT

KATHRIN EICHINGER

PHOTOGRAPHERS

ALEKSANDRA WISNIEWSKA, SM PHOTOGRAPHY

MODEL EUROPEAN UNION 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME NOTES Booklet Welcome Hans-Gert Pรถttering, MEP Directors General BETA President

4 5 6 7

GENERAL INFORMATION Model European Union Bringing Europeans Together Association (BETA) e.V

8 10

MODEL EUROPEAN UNION CONFERENCE 2013 Legislative Workshops and Discussion Social Programme

12 14 21

A WEEK IN STRASBOURG

SAMPLE APPLICATION ESSAYS

FULL LIST OF ORGANISERS

A GLIMPSE AT MEU 2014

THANK YOUS

MODEL EUROPEAN UNION 2013

WELCOME NOTES WELCOME TO THE BOOKLET

generosity of our partners. The 61-strong organising team worked relentlessly for 10 months to successfully produce an authentic, professional and challenging experience for the participants. The success of MEU 2013 was also due to the high calibre of the participants, a sample of whose application essays can be found in this booklet.

Dear friends and supporters of Model European Union 2013, One of the Founding Fathers of the European Union, Jean Monnet, once said “Make men work together, show them that beyond their differences and geographical boundaries, there lies a common interest”. Every year for the past seven years, the Model European Union (MEU) has been making this phrase a reality. MEU 2013 was no different. Between the 20th-27th April 2013, 179 participants came together in Strasbourg, France. These participants travelled from 30 different countries and represented 36 different nationalities. They were united by their common interest in the European Union.

Finally, an extra special word of thanks is due to all of our partners and supporters. MEU 2013 is indebted to the help and assistance of numerous individuals, organisations and groups. We hope that we have acknowledged the help of all those without whose help the event would not have been possible. While this Results Booklet marks the conclusion of MEU 2013, it is not the end of the story. The experiences and lessons from MEU 2013 are being built upon and preparations are already underway for MEU 2014. We look forward to your continued support.

It is difficult to condense MEU 2013 into 47 pages, however we hope that this Results Booklet will give you a flavour of the conference; the legislative simulation, the diverse range of speakers and the rich social programme to name but a few aspects of the conference. Later in the booklet, some participants and organisers also share their experiences, which will hopefully provide you with a personal insight into their time in Strasbourg.

Wishing you a pleasant read!

MEU 2013 could not be achieved without the dedication of the organising team, the hard work of the participants, and the

Dearbhla Ní Fhloinn Head of Public Relations 4

WELCOME NOTES

HANS-GERT PÖTTERING, MEP PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT RET. CHAIRMAN OF THE KONRAD-ADENAUER-STIFTUNG interest in Europe sets positive signals because it shows that the world is growing closer together. Furthermore, this diversity will shape your cultural sensitivity and understanding in terms of overcoming cultural barriers. As a result, you will develop longterm friendships which will work as an important basis for peace and solidarity. By making precious experiences in the field of decision-making processes you will get to know the EU’s values and therefore can act as an ambassador promoting trust, acceptance of the European Union in your home countries afterwards. In this connection you can even contribute to this year’s motto of the EU: “The European Year of Citizenship”, which aims to encourage dialogue between European institutions and European citizens. Especially regarding the ongoing Euroscepticism within several EU member states, this task is considered to be very important. Therefore, I am certain that the “Model European Union” continues to have a very sustainable character for Europe’s future because it helps to intensify the European Identity.

Dear Participants, Dear Friends! Just a few months ago the European Union (EU) was awarded the Nobel Peace Price - with good reason: For over 60 years now Europe is experiencing its longest period of freedom. This accomplishment is based on the successful unification of European States.

Dear participants, I wish you an impressing, enriching and unforgettable time in Strasbourg. You are the future of a peaceful Europe. With your spirit and idealistic point of views, you are contributing to establish a strong solidarity within our continent. Do not let the current challenges deter you from following your path, stay committed for Europe!

Therefore I am delighted to see that all of you - highly skilled, motivated and open-minded Europeans - are going to deliver this idea of peace and solidarity into the future by participating in this year’s “Model European Union”. Whether you take the role of a MEP, a minister, a lobbyist or a journalist - by simulating EU processes you will quickly understand the interaction of the European institutions in a very practical way. Therefore you will experience how the procedures of democracy work within the European Union under very realistic circumstances.

With my very best wishes and greetings, Yours

Within the program, you will also get to know the principles of public diplomacy by interacting with more than 180 other young people all over Europe and beyond: During this year’s event, there will also be represented participants from Non-European states such as Pakistan, Turkey and China. Consequently, this

Hans-Gert Poettering, MEP President of the European Parliament ret. Chairman of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung 5

WELCOME NOTES

EIKE ENNOK & AYA LAFIF DIRECTORS GENERAL The EU is often perceived as distant, bureaucratic and complex. What this conference has seeked to show you is the immediate effect that the European decision making structures have on your daily lives and how you as the citizens of Europe can influence the outcome of the legislative process. There has never been a greater need for projects like ours than today. The European Union is shaken by the Sovereign Debt Crisis and has never seemed more distant to its citizens. It is now more than ever that we need to communicate the debth, scope and importance of the EU to young individuals. Finally, we would like to draw your attention to the kind support and assistance brought to us by various partners without whom there would simply be no MEU. I would like to thank everyone at the European Parliamentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Information Office in Strasbourg, particularly Ms Cecile Coyez, Ms Michelle Singer and Mr Luis Martinez Guillen without whose tireless assistane we would not be here today. Also I would like to thank the European Social and Economic Committee, EPP, S&D, Greens and Alde factions for the kind donations and support. Next, I would like to thank the Youth in Action programme that overwhelmingly finances our conference.

Ladies and Gentleman, First of all, congratulations to all participants for their presence at the conference because you represented the best and the brightest of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youth. While your experience with Model European Union only started a few months ago, our colleagues and we have been tirelessy planning and preparing for the last twelve months what we hope was a lasting and enjoyable experience for you all. We strove to bring you a conference that is as educational, stimulating and challenging as the one we had when we were in your shoes. We hope you made the most of your time at MEU 2013 whether it was the time you spent in the parliament, or simply enjoying the social events and getting to know your peers and building a circle of friends that will last long after this conference.

With warmest wishes,

We trust that you learnt, as we did, that MEU is much more than just an informative event about the workings of the European Union. During the week you had the chance to learn about yourselves, your collegaues and about what it means to be a young European today. We hope that through our project, you grasp and appreciate the scope of Europe more than you did before.

Eike Ennok Director General

Aya Lafif Deputy Director General

WELCOME NOTES

IOAN BUCURAS BETA PRESIDENT environment of young Europeans, exchanging opinions and working for a common goal while developing ideas about improving political systems and making key decisions at a very fast pace. This conference is not just about sitting in your chairs and arguing about amendments while using diplomatic language. It is about understanding and feeling Europe’s rhythm and yourselves. Your efforts, in times like these, are remarkable. We are facing an unprecedented economic and identity crisis. A crisis which affects us all and turns our hopes down. A crisis which has repercussions on the youth, on us, the future of Europe. Many of you applied because they are actively standing for the idea of European unity, but perhaps just as many of you are questioning it. Regardless of your reasons, the purpose of this conference is to show the continuity of the European spirit, to bring you closer to the wonderful cultural diversity we are sharing and to send a clear message: We are Europe’s future!

Dear Participants, Congratulations! I am thrilled to welcome you all to this year’s edition of Model European Union! You are about to experience one of the greatest weeks ever, filled with heated debates, the conscientious work of passing amendments, decision- and lawmaking, and of course, a rich social programme all wrapped up in a unique European atmosphere in the marvellous city of Strasbourg!

I hope you all make the best out of this and take as much as you can with you: knowledge, skills, fun and friendships. Finally, I can tell you that by the end of this week, many of you will stay close to the project and will actively organise future editions, to bring back the same great project that you have attended to upcoming generations.

I will start by telling you that this is not just another simulation or political conference you are attending. It is an amazing project that started from scratch in 2007, when a couple of students had the idea of bringing Europeans together by actively engaging young people in an interactive simulation of European politics. You are attending the 7th edition of MEU, a project that has inspired many other students across Europe and beyond its borders. Ranging from Yerevan to Lisbon, the Bringing Europeans Together Association successfully implemented this concept - the one you are about to experience right where it all began!

I wish you all the very best and a wonderful time here in Strasbourg, at Model European Union 2013! With the warmest regards,

Apart from getting acquainted with the European decisionmaking process first-hand, you will witness a very dynamic

Ioan Bucuras BETA President 7

MODEL EUROPEAN UNION 2013

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT MODEL EUROPEAN UNION

History

What?

Since beginning in Mainz in 2007, the Model European Union (MEU) has evolved into a prestigious annual event. The MEU Strasbourg project is based on a simulation of European politics which was organised by AEGEE Osnabrück in 2005. A year later, AEGEE Strasbourg soon became involved, and in Spring 2007, the first MEU took place in Strasbourg with approximately 150 participants. The following year, the Bringing Europeans Together Association (BETA e.V.) was founded in Mainz, Germany, to provide MEU with sustainable administrative and legal structures.

During the weeklong simulation, participants take on the roles of Members of the European Parliament, Ministers of the Council of the European Union, lobbyists, journalists and interpreters. Members of the European Parliament are divided into factions and represent their national interests and the ones of their parliamentary group. They have to seek a compromise with the Council. The Ministers of the Council represent their country’s national government during the negotiations., regardless of party affiliations or personal interest. In comparison, the lobbyists work towards influencing the decision-making process in favour of the interests which they represent. The journalists form a press team which includes paper journalists, photographers and videographers. They cover and investigate the day’s proceedings in the European Parliament and Council of the EU. They hold press conferences and produce a newspaper and a news programme on a daily basis. Since their introduction in 2010, the interpreters provide professional interpreting services in both the Parliament and Council. They are privileged to work from the actual interpreting booths in the European Parliament. Over the course of the week, participants simulate the decisionmaking process of two controversial legislative proposals. They debate, negotiate and ultimately try to reach compromise. Over the past six years, these proposals have included directives about the advertising and sponsorship of alcohol, CO2 emissions, genetically modified food, working conditions for temporary workers, cross-border healthcare and the use of Passenger Name Records. At MEU 2013, the two proposals are (i) a proposed directive for the copyright of online music, and (ii) the accession negotiations

Who? Each year, MEU brings together an ever increasing number of highly-skilled and motivated young Europeans to simulate the EU decision-making process. Applications are welcome from resident of the 27 Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, Turkey and Croatia. To make the simulation as authentic as possible every possible effort is made to ensure a representative proportion of countries. In 2012, there were a record 29 countries represented. Participants are aged between 18-26 years old and come from a diverse range of backgrounds, notably political science, law and international relations. There are over 180 participants at MEU 2013. Where? MEU Strasbourg is proud to take place annually in the Louise Weiss building of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Participants have the opportunity to immerse themselves in their roles as they use the Parliament’s official microphones, translating and voting equipment. 8

GENERAL INFORMATION

of Croatia to the European Union. The first proposal will be debated with the ordinary legislative procedure, whereas the second topic will use the consent procedure. Workshops and panel discussions are also organised for the participants. European politicians, professionals, diplomats and academics give in-depth presentations about the topics being debated.

selected, young and enthusiastic people, most of whom have already successfully organised or taken part in an MEU event. Coming from 26 different European countries, they worked together throughout the year on a voluntary basis to organise Europe’s most prestigious simulation of EU politics. 28 members of the organising team are attending the conference in Strasbourg. This is reflective of the 27 current Member States of the EU and is symbolic of the imminent accession of Croatia to the EU in July 2013. MEU being organised by a non-profit association, the project’s funding largely depends on its various partners and supporters. MEU is privileged to be funded by the European Commission’s Youth in Action programme. MEU is also indebted to generous support from all its partner organisations and supporters, MEPs, various universities and the European Parliament Information Bureau, Strasbourg.

How? Each MEU conference is organised by a different eam which is formed in May of the previous year. The MEU Strasbourg 2013 organising team is a group of over 50 highly dedicated, carefully

Why? MEU aims to give young individuals a first-hand experience of the complex structures of the EU’s decision-making process. The participants have the opportunity to improve both their academic and personal skills, and they learn how to interact with others in a professional environment. However MEU 2013 is much more than a learning experience focused on the European Union. It also offers the participants insights into the social and cultural aspects of Europe. Bringing together like-minded young people from all over Europe and beyond, MEU offers a platform which encourages debates and the sharing of ideas and the fostering of a European identity.

GENERAL INFORMATION

ABOUT BETA BRINGING EUROPEANS TOGETHER ASSOCIATION E.V. www.beta-europe.org

Vision We want to inspire youth across Europe in order to accomplish the following core aims: • Fostering European identity and consciousness, based upon the principles of tolerance, pluralism, democracy, and inclusion. • Contributing to the ongoing emergence of a European public sphere. • Strengthening European civil society by furthering public understanding of the democratic process at national, European, and international levels.

Bringing Europeans Together Association e.V. (BETA) is a young, politically independent, non-profit association founded in August 2008 by nine young Europeans in Mainz, Germany. Today, BETA counts nearly 300 members from all over Europe. BETA’s main goals are: • To foster a European identity and consciousness based on plurality, tolerance and cooperation between individuals, as well as strengthening the European civil society by further developing democratic processes on the national and international levels. • To establish sustainable administrative structures ensuring the success of the Model European Union (MEU) event in Strasbourg and other partner events. Even though the association is registered in Germany, BETA sees itself as a European association. We organise international meetings for closer cooperation and to foster friendships between our members. This enables everybody from across Europe to join in and engage in our projects. We believe in the power of the youth to shape European life. To help ensure youth across the continent are equipped to inherit Europe, BETA works toward fostering a better understanding and a deeper appreciation of the European political process. By bringing Europeans together, we can discover our commonalities and celebrate our differences. The aim, therefore, is not to simplify Europe. Rather, it is to bring the process and its components into sharper focus through ambitious civic education projects. Chief among these has been, and will continue to be, Model European Union, a simulation of the European decision-making process. 10

GENERAL INFORMATION

Mission Guided by these values, BETA seeks to nurture an active interest in the political process and the development of Europe by the following means: • Promoting intercultural exchange throughout our activities and events. • Supporting non-formal education and advocating extensive access to information about the work of European organisations. • Cultivating strong civic networks by bringing organisations and people together. • Encouraging community involvement and volunteer work among our membership. • Developing sustainable, successful Model European Union conferences in Strasbourg and elsewhere. BETA Membership Being a BETA member is a great opportunity to be in touch with people from all around Europe and have your say in the development of BETA’s projects. What’s more, you can contribute to improving the understanding of the EU functioning among the European youth. Being a member enables you to take part in our activities, meetings, as well as in our yearly General Assembly, where you’ll meet your fellow members. Moreover, at the end of your membership you’ll be granted a participation certificate. Active contribution is given on voluntary basis, and it’s a great opportunity to work in an international, dynamic environment. What matters is that you can always participate in the life of the association, no matter where you live. To apply for BETA membership, please contact form: http://beta-europe.org/contact.

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MODEL EUROPEAN UNION 2013

MODEL EUROPEAN UNION 2013 LEGISLATIVE

For the first time, participants were able to interactively prepare for the conference in a range of ways. In addition to the extensive MEU Preparation Guide, the Content Team produced two explanatory Youtube videos for participants to watch. Most importantly though, the team hosted for the first time a pre-conference MEU Online Seminar. It took place during the three weeks before the conference, and introduced participants to the EU institutions, its legislative procedures and finally an overview of both topics that were going to be debated during the simulation. The webinar therefore gave participants the opportunity to engage with the topics and legislative procedures before arriving in Strasbourg. This made the preparation period much more interactive and enjoyable.

changed the ways in which we consume media in today’s digital world. The economic opportunity for selling content through the internet, the ability to share it, and the spread of online piracy has led to competing claims on how we should embrace this new digital age.

During the conference, participants had the unique opportunity to simulate legislative procedures of the European Union: the ordinary legislative procedure and the consent procedure. They were therefore able to be acquainted with, understand and compare two substantially different procedures of decisionmaking and see the differences in the European Parliament’s influence.

MEPs very quickly identified the most controversial parts of the directive. For example, they suggested amending article 2, thereby changing the scope of the directive so that all regulations would apply to both collecting societies (CS) established but also operating within the EU. The Council of Ministers then simply improved the wording and thus accepted a tremendous change to the directive’s scope.

The two topics that were debated at MEU 2013 where Croatia’s accession to the European Union, and the directive on collective management of music copyright.

Article 12, which deals with the remuneration of artists, turned out to be the most controversial. The Parliament suggested significantly shortening the timeframe for the remuneration of artists by CS to 6 months as opposed to the original 12. Many other EP amendments went in the same direction, seeking to impose even stricter standards on CS and defending artists’ and consumers’ rights. The Council, however, believed that this would put too much of a burden on small and medium sized enterprises, and thus rejected some of the EP’s amendments.

How should the EU’s single market reflect this new digital world? This is the overarching question that this legislative proposal tried to answer. How did the negotiations go at MEU? – Report from Martin Dederke, Commissioner for Internal Market and Services

Topic 1: Legislative proposal on Music Copyright For the 2013 edition of the conference, we chose, as a first topic, to debate a very recent proposal for a directive on collective management of music copyright. Having been introduced only in July 2012, it was still at its first reading by the European Parliament in reality when MEU started.

Finally, both chambers agreed on a remuneration period of 6 months after the end of the financial year, and Council kept many other EP amendments and simply improved their wording. Overall, the final outcome of the MEU 2013 negotiations improved

Music copyright has been a very controversial topic over the past 5 years, and particularly the question of how the internet has 12

MEU CONFERENCE 2013

the directive thanks to stricter standards of transparency and accountability for CS, quicker remuneration of artists, and a significantly broadened scope. Both the substance of the work and the professionalism in which it was completed was impressive; participants did remarkably well.

that participants gained a broad insight into how accession negotiations work on different aspects of the Copenhagen criteria. How did the negotiations play out at MEU? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Report from Ivana Dimitrova, Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy

Topic 2: Simulation of Croatiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s EU membership accession negotiations

The nature of the procedure meant that even though it was only the Council of Ministers that could set conditions on Croatian accession, the European Parliament had the final say: at the end of the negotiations, on the last day of the conference, the European Parliament held a vote on whether or not to give their consent to Croatiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s membership. This therefore forced Ministers and MEPs to work together, and jointly negotiate with the four Croatian Ambassadors.

The second topic was a simulation of the negotiations prior to Croatian accession to the European Union, which has never been simulated at an international conference before. Since the negotiations lasted for over 5 years, participants negotiated with the Croatian Government on 3 chapters of the Copenhagen Criteria. The three chapters were: chapter 8 on competition policy, chapter 23 on judiciary and fundamental rights and chapter 27 on the environment.

On competition policy, the most controversial topic proved to be the restructuring of the Croatian shipbuilding sector. In the Parliament, MEPs saw restructuring as equalling privatisation and the loss of jobs. The Council was receptive to these concerns, and had several Q&A sessions with the Croatian Delegation present

These three chapters proved to be controversial during the real negotiations, and are also not too technical which allowed participants from all academic backgrounds to engage with them fully. Each of the 3 chapters covering very different fields meant

MEU CONFERENCE 2013

WORKSHOPS AND DISCUSSION

throughout the negotiations. The final Council Resolution included a clause that encouraged Croatia to make use of structural funds for a regional workers-requalification programme.

Saturday 20th April 2013 (18:00-19:30) WELCOME MEETING Venue: EM Strasbourg Business School

The greatest dividing line between the Council and Parliament on the judiciary and fundamental rights chapter proved to be the establishment of a Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM), similar to the one in Bulgaria and Romania. At first, Ministers did not see the necessity for post-accession monitoring the case of Croatia. However, MEPs from the two biggest factions (the EPP and the S&D) felt that insufficient progress was being achieved in the area of the rule of law, and therefore insisted on a form of CVM. Consensus was found when the Council stipulated in its Resolution that the Commission should submit progress reports over the next 5 years after accession on Croatia’s anti-corruption efforts, minority rights provisions and implementation of judicial reform.

Saturday 20th April was the day that the participants arrived in Strasbourg. Once they had all checked in and relaxed a little at their hotel they were led in groups to the welcome meeting venue. The welcome meeting began with a short presentation (put together by the Head of Design Guilherme Gomes) with pictures from the three preparatory meetings that took place for the conference. The presentation was followed by welcome words from the DirectorGeneral and Deputy Director-General after which the various members of the organising team who were present in Strasbourg introduced themselves. After the introductions a video message which was kindly recorded for us by Ms Sophie in’t Veld MEP (ALDE) was played for the participants. Cemal Gündüz (one of the Workshop and Discussion Team Officers) then gave an overview of the workshops that were taking place the next day. The Local Support Team then went through the range of social events that were to take place during the week which included a ‘60s’ themed welcome party and a walking tour of Strasbourg. After some ‘House Keeping’ rules by the Head of Delegate Coordination, Beata Fejesová, the welcome meeting ended and both participants and organisers made their way to another venue for the ‘Euro Feast’ where they were able to sample tasty treats that had been brought from the participants’ home countries.

The Greens/EFA faction and several lobby groups heavily influenced the clauses on the Environment chapter included in the Resolution. The Council and the Parliament subsequently expressed their dissatisfaction with Croatia’s progress in the areas of water management. In addition to the customary presentations of lobby groups to the Council at the start of the negotiations, Ministers later on asked lobbyists to come back for an additional Q&A session; something is very rare at MEU and showed their influence. MEPs and Ministers alike were also concerned about the compatibility of the government’s river basin management project with EU environmental standards, and as a result, demanded upto-date Impact Assessments. In the end, both the Council and the Parliament voted with an overwhelming majority in favour of the accession of Croatia to the European Union on the 1st of July 2013. Needless to say, the Croatian Delegation was delighted. 14

MEU CONFERENCE 2013

Although participants were provided with the Rules of Procedure in advance and were expected to get acquainted with them, this workshop was designed to shed light on the ‘codex’, to put it into context and answer all the questions the participants had.

Sunday 21st April 2013 (09:00-18:00 CEST) Workshop Day Venue: EM Strasbourg Business School INTRODUCTION Every year a number of workshops are held the day before the conference in order for invited speakers to share their expertise with the participants and give them tips and guidance on how to play their roles in the most realistic and professional manner possible. There are also some workshops which are led by members of the organising team and are designed to prepare the participants for specific parts of the simulation.

Towards the end of the workshop a ‘mock debate’ was held in order for the participants to put what they had learnt into practice. The example proposal that was used was: “MEU 2014 should be hosted in London’s Houses of Parliament in Westminster” How to write for MEU Workshop (led by the Journalists’ Coordinator Josh Henwood) Attended by the Journalists

WORKSHOPS THAT TOOK PLACE BETWEEN 09:00-10:15 CEST

The purpose of this workshop was to introduce the journalists to the products that they would be making during the week and what would be going into them.

Rules of Procedure Workshop (led by the Head of Content Léo Wilkinson and the Chairs Coordinator Martina Drahosova) Attended by: the MEPs, Ministers, Croatian Delegation and Interpreters

• Printed Press Journalists: Newspapers • Photojournalists: Official photos and photo catalogue • Videojournalists: Newscasts, Week look-back video, Promotional video, MEUonline video

Rules of Procedure are a ‘code of behaviour’, guidance as to what, when and how one can ask or say something during the sessions in the Parliament and the Council.

The workshop also covered issues such as: • Daily progression ‘deadlines’ (The timetable, article process, newscast process) • Etiquette ‘How to write articles correctly’ (article writing, photo ordering, interviewing ‘with video’ • Getting information ‘How to get information for articles’ (interviews, press conferences, messages, press releases)

During the Rules of Procedure Workshop (Léo Wilkinson and Martina Drahosova)

MEU CONFERENCE 2013

(2) Important ‘Rules of Procedure’

How to lobby for MEU Workshop (led by the Lobbyists’ Coordinator Daniel Keck)

This section covered the important ‘Rules of Procedure’ that the lobbyists would have to understand and keep in mind throughout the conference. E.g.: • No formal right to speak for lobbyists • No right to raise points or forward motions for lobbyists • Non-members are not allowed to sit in during voting procedure; lobbyists will observer booth

Attended by: the Lobbyists During the ‘How to lobby for MEU’ workshop, the lobbyists were introduced to the world of lobbying during MEU. The workshop was divided into five different sections: (1) Differences between MEU lobbying and lobbying in the real world, (2) Important ‘Rules of Procedure’, (3) A typical day in the life of a lobbyist, (4) Strategies for success, (5) The first day

(3) A typical day In the life of a lobbyist This section covered the activities that take place during a typical day in the life of a lobbyist. For example: • Following debates in the EP • Preparing amendments, speeches and discussions • Writing notes to MEPs (4) Strategies for success This section covered some steps for successful lobbying such as • Identifying allies, opponents and especially the ‘undecided’ • Making contact with important figures: faction leaders, secretaries, people involved in trilogue meetings, leading ministers • Supplying info, statistics, facts to everybody (Impact assessment)

(1) Differences between MEU lobbying and lobbying in the real world Although the entire conference is designed to reflect reality (as much as possible) there are inevitably some differences (as it is a simulation). The difference between MEU lobbying and lobbying in the real world was addressed during this section of the workshop and covered points such as:

(5) The first day

During MEU • The European Commission cannot be lobbied • Ministers can be lobbied with restrictions • Sitting in Parliament is allowed • There is no power through money/jobs etc

This section covered what the lobbyists should do to get started on their first day • Socialise during coffee breaks and lunchtime • Prepare first amendments and supply information through notes and talks • Get into contact with journalists • Socialise during the evening programme 16

MEU CONFERENCE 2013

WORKSHOPS THAT TOOK PLACE BETWEEN 10:45-12:15 CEST

WORKSHOPS THAT TOOK PLACE BETWEEN 14:00-16:00 CEST

Music Copyright Workshop (led by 3 guest speakers and moderated by Workshop and Discussion Team Officer Matthijs Olde)

Debate Workshop (10 groups led by various members of the organising team) Attended by: the MEPs, Ministers, Croatian Delegation and the Lobbyists)

Attended by all participants For this workshop (the first of the two main workshops) we were honoured to have the following guest speakers: • Mr Matthieu Philibert, Public Affairs Manager for IMPALA (The Independent Music Companies Association)

For this workshop the participants were divided into groups (one group consisting of the Ministers and the Croatian Delegation, one group consisting of the lobbyists and the remaining eight groups made up of a mix of MEPs from the different political factions).

• Mr György Kovacs, Attorney at Law/University Lecturer (in the field of EU Intellectual Property Law and EU Law)

The purpose of this workshop was for the participants to learn and to practice how to debate and to practice public speaking.

• Ms Cécile Coyez, Administrator in the European Parliament Information Office in Strasbourg

The format and content of the debate workshop for the lobbyists and MEPs:

The workshop began with a short introduction to all the speakers. Each speaker then gave a 10 minute speech and following the speeches there was a Q and A session.

During the Music Copyright Workshop (from left to right-Mr Matthieu Philibert, Mr György Kovacs, Ms Cécile Coyez, Matthijs Olde)

MEU CONFERENCE 2013

The format and content of the debate workshop for those who took on roles as Ministers, and members of the Croatian Delegation was slightly different. The reason for this was the fact that they would be working closely together during the simulation and all of them were representing a government.

Interpreting Workshop (led by one guest speaker, the Interpreters’ Coordinator Malgorzata Pachol and the Interpreting Team Officer Romana Bíciková)

The ‘voting procedure’ for Ministers was also an important part of the workshop (roll call, QMV, abstaining de facto meaning voting against etc)

This workshop began with some welcome words and the introduction of the guest speaker who was:

Attended by: the Interpreters

• Ms Katerina Tomova, Freelance Interpreter (A: Slovak, B: French, C: English, German, Czech), Accredited for the EU Institutions and regularly recruited since 2006

For the last 30 minutes of the workshop the Chairs and all the debate workshop groups came together for a ‘mock debate’. As the workshop day can be quite ‘heavy’ in terms of content it was decided that a ‘humorous’ proposal should be used for the mock debate, hence the use of the following:

The interpreters were then introduced to the tasks that they would have to carry out during the week eg. Simultaneous interpreting and relay interpreting (for the European Parliament), consecutive interpreting (for the Council of the European Union) and chucotage (whispered interpreting).

“MEU 2013’s Scottish participants should be allowed to wear kilts as their formal dress during the conference. Similarly, the French participants should be allowed to walk around with a baguette under their arm.”

Ms Tomova’s contribution to the workshop focused on: • Specific terminology and simultaneous interpreting: how to be well prepared for a conference (including tackling technical issues) • Simultaneous interpreting and stamina: how to cope with concentration and tiredness during a conference • Relay interpreting: interpreting and being interpreted. What’s the best strategy to deliver an effective performance? • Consecutive interpreting: note taking, eye contact and public speaking • Chuchotage • From academic to professional life: how to start a career in interpreting

This proposal was adopted as proposed with no amendments. How to write for MEU Workshop (led by the Journalists’ Coordinator Josh Henwood) Attended by the Journalists This was a continuation of the ‘How to write for MEU Workshop that took place between 09:00-10:15 CEST

Following Ms Tomova’s speech there was a Q&A session.

MEU CONFERENCE 2013

WORKSHOPS THAT TOOK PLACE BETWEEN 16:30-18:00 CEST

Monday 22nd April 2013 (09:00-10:00 CEST) OPENING CEREMONY Venue: European Parliament (Robert Schuman Room)

Croatian Accession Negotiations Workshop (led by 3 guest speakers and moderated by Workshop and Discussion Team Officer Cemal Gündüz)

After arriving in the European Parliament on the first day of the conference the participants headed to the canteen for breakfast while the organisers checked that everything was ok for the opening ceremony to take place. Once everyone was in place the opening ceremony began with everyone standing for the European Anthem.

Attended by all participants For this workshop (the second of the two main workshops) we were honoured to have the following guest speakers:

To officially open the conference we were honoured to have with us as our guest speaker Mr Luis Martinez Guillen (the Head of the European Parliament Information Office in Strasbourg) whose speech focused on how young people could shape the future of Europe.

• Mr Miljenko Petrak, Justice and Home Affairs Counsellor at the Mission of Croatia to the European Union and to the European Atomic Energy Community • Mr Martin Mayer, Deputy Prime Minister of Liechtenstein/ Political Adviser in the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Croatia • Ms Lotte Tittor, Administrator in the European Parliament Information Office in Strasbourg

Following Mr Martinez Guillen’s speech there were opening remarks from the Director-General and from the Head of Content who also introduced the Commissioners. The Chairs Coordinator then introduced the Chairs and the Secretariat.

The workshop began with a short introduction to all the speakers. Each speaker then gave a 10 minute speech and following the speeches there was a Q and A session.

In between the opening remarks and the introductions three video messages were played. During the initial planning stages of the conference (when making decisions about video messages) the Workshop and Discussion Team felt it was important for the participants to hear from representatives from all the EU institutions that are involved with a new proposal. It is for this

During the Croatian Accession Negotiations Workshop (from left to right-Mr Miljenko Petrak, Mr Martin Mayer, Ms Lotte Tittor, Cemal Gündüz)

Shortly before the start of the opening ceremony...(from left to right- Beso Elbakidze, Philomena Taylor, Aya Lafif, Eike Ennok, Mr Luis Martinez Guillen, Martina Drahosova, Simona Pronkute)

MEU CONFERENCE 2013

reason that we decided to send video message requests to the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Council.

After some closing remarks from the Deputy Director-General we were shown a video presentation containing footage (that had been shot by the Journalism Team) from inside the Parliament and from around Strasbourg (during the social events) during the week. It was lovely for everyone to look back at the week with both pride and laughter.

We were absolutely delighted when we eventually received video messages from the following: • Ms Androulla Vassiliou (European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth) • Mr Martin Schulz (President of the European Parliament) • Mr Herman Van Rompuy (President of the European Council)

Now for the certificates...180 of them! This was the part of the closing ceremony that took the longest, but it was also the part where the participants smiled the most and rightfully so. This was a chance for the organising team to congratulate them for all their efforts during the week.

It was great to finally be able to show the video messages during the opening ceremony and the ending of each was met with a huge round of applause from both participants and organisers.

Following the handing out of the certificates the Chairs were presented with gifts for keeping everything in ‘order’ during the sessions in the Parliament and the Council. Gifts were also presented to the Director General and the Deputy Director General.

Friday 26th April 2013 (16:00-18:00) CLOSING CEREMONY Venue: European Parliament (Robert Schuman Room)

Whatever the result of the simulation, with Croatia joining the EU (in real life) as its 28th member state on 1st July of this year we felt it would be a lovely ending to the conference if we could present a message from the Government of Croatia to the participants.

Ten months of preparation for one amazing week that went by so quickly! It was time for the closing ceremony which meant that MEU Strasbourg 2013 was almost over. As with the beginning of the opening ceremony the closing ceremony began with everyone standing for the European anthem.

On Friday 19th April (exactly one week before the closing ceremony) the Workshop and Discussion Team received an email. The Director General read the message to everyone during the closing ceremony, which received a huge round of applause. During this round of applause the Croatian participants jumped up and held their country’s flag high (understandably a proud moment for them)!

As our guest speaker we were honoured to have with us Ms Cécile Coyez (Administrator in the European Parliament Information Office in Strasbourg) who was also one of the speakers for the Music Copyright Workshop (that took place on Sunday 21st April). Cécile’s speech focused on the importance of projects like Model European Union and how they benefit young people. Having Cécile at the closing ceremony also gave us a chance to thank her for everything that she had done for us as she was our main contact in the European Parliament. Without her help a lot of the things that happened during the week wouldn’t have happened at all.

Then...after the closing words from the Head of the Workshop and Discussion Team, Philomena Taylor...that was it. Model European Union Strasbourg 2013 was officially over. We all cheered, hugged, and then made our way out of the European Parliament to get ready for the farewell party!

MEU CONFERENCE 2013

SOCIAL PROGRAMME ELYSIA PATEL, HEAD OF LOCAL SUPPORT TEAM We began socialising with the first event of the week with the Eurofeast!

during the day however I personally believe Strasbourg looks nicer in the evening!

Participants had long debated what foods or dishes to bring and had already divided themselves up into their national groups, to discuss which culinary delights may seem more suitable. The aim of the Eurofeast was to interact with other participants by the use of culinary exchange. It proved to be a great success as there was a variety of foods to choose from, ranging from Croation honey flavoured wine to stroopwaffelswes!

Each year we organise a charity fundraiser event during the MEU week, this year we decided to theme the event with a 1960s feel. This not only encouraged participants to take part, but to also unwind after their long day in the Parliament. The chosen charity this year was Resto du Coeur, a national French charity whose aim is to provide shelter and food to homeless people including specific needs for babies. They also offer cultural activities and help towards helping the illiterate. We managed to raise 500 euros for this charity by selling raffle tickets on the night.

Once participants got to know each other, they also needed to familiarise themselves with the actual city of Strasbourg so we decided to give the Participants a guided tour on Sunday. The participants had the chance to discover and learn a bit more about the history and the effect of the franco-germanic culture on Strasbourg. Participants saw Strasbourg from a different perspective rather than just acknowledging Strasbourg as home of the European Parliament. Participants were taken through the likes of the Goethe statue, La Cathédrale Notre Dame, République. This allowed many of the participants to gain their bearings within the first few days.

We were lucky enough to gain sponsorship from an Alsatian chain specialised in tartes flambée called Flams. They were able to provide us with meal tickets to auction off as raffle prizes. The meal tickets enabled participants to experience some regional cuisine and an excellent selection of decent quality flammekueches. For a fixed price they could order as many tartes flambée as they wanted. This they gave them a nice change to the university restaurant food they were eating every evening. The last evening was quite emotional, participants had even bought their suitcases to the nightclub to enjoy their last evening with everyone and then leave to catch their planes in the early morning! The most memorable incident in terms of the social week has to be when one of the participants on the last evening got up on stage to give a “Europe speech” to all the people he had spent the past week with. I don’t think the DJ knew what to do! It was interesting to see how the participants progressed throughout the week as they all subconsciously embodied their political roles and embraced them outside the walls of the Parliament. This led to strong formation of friendships throughout the week within their own political factions and thus a very emotional end to the week.

On Monday we continued the fun by inviting participants to enjoy a night of Latin American dancing and music aboard a boat near La Galia. It seemed to be quite crowded and the participants were squashed together as its quite hard to find somewhere in Strasbourg to fit 200 people however, this funnily encouraged interaction as participants were forced to communicate quite closely to one another. We decided to give the participants a bit of a rest on Tuesday by taking them on a boat tour, which enabled them to see areas of Strasbourg which could not necessarily be reached or seen by foot whilst on the guided tour on Sunday. Participants mainly had the chance to see Strasbourg by night as they were quite busy 21

MODEL EUROPEAN UNION 2013

A WEEK IN STRASBOURG TIMETABLE

SATURDAY

PARLIAMENT

COUNCIL

1400 - 1700

ARRIVAL OF PARTICIPATNS AND CHECK-IN

1800 - 1930

WELCOME MEETING

2100

EUROFEAST

SUNDAY 900 - 1015

PARLIAMENT

COUNCIL WORKSHOP 1: RULES OF PROCEDURE

1015 - 1045 1045 - 1215

BREAK

WORKSHOP 2: TOPIC I (MUSIC COPYRIGHT)

1215 - 1400 1400 - 1530

LUNCH WORKSHOP 3: TOPIC II (CROATIA ACCESSION)

1530 - 1600 1600 - 1800

BREAK

WORKSHOP 4: DEBATING

1830 - 2000

DINNER

2030

SIGHTSEEING TOUR OF STRASBOURG

*Events marked with

are held in the European Parliament (EP) 22

A WEEK IN STRASBOURG

MONDAY 900 - 1000

PARLIAMENT

COUNCIL OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY

1015 - 1100

COMMISSION OUTLINES STATUS OF CROATIAN ACCESSION NEGOTIATIONS (+Q/A)

1100 - 1200

OPENING STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS ON CROATIA ACCESSION

FACTION MEETINGS

1200 - 1230

QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION

OPENING STATEMENTS BY FACTION LEADERS

1230 - 1400

1400 - 1500

COMMISSION PRESENTS

MUSIC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL (+Q/A)

AND ON MUSIC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL

WITH CROATIAN DELEGATION

LUNCH (MINISTERS HAVE LUNCH WITH CROATIAN DELEGATION)

LOBBYISTS’ PRESENTATIONS ON CROATIA

DEBATE ON MUSIC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL ELECTION OF 2-3 TRILOGUE REPRESENTATIVES FOR MUSIC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL

1500 - 1530

COFFEE BREAK & TRILOGUE MEETING

LOBBYISTS’ PRESENTATIONS

1530 - 1630

CROATIAN ACCESSION NEGOTIATIONS

DEBATE ON MUSIC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL

1630 - 1715 1715 - 1730 1730 - 1815 1830 - 2000

ON MUSIC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL

PREPARATION FOR PRESS CONFERENCE

FACTION MEETINGS (PREPARATION FOR THE PRESS CONFERENCE)

PRESS CONFERENCE DINNER (MEPS ARE EXPECTED TO DO WORK ON AMENDMENTS FOR THE MUSIC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL)

WELCOME PARTY

2100

A WEEK IN STRASBOURG

TUESDAY

PARLIAMENT

COUNCIL

FACTION MEETINGS

900 - 1000 1000 - 1030

(DISCUSSION ON AMENDMENTS)

CROATIAN ACCESSION NEGOTIATIONS INTER-FACTION NEGOTIATIONS (DISCUSSION ON AMENDMENTS)

1030 - 1100 1100 - 1230

COFFEE BREAK & TRILOGUE MEETING

1230 - 1400 1400 - 1530

1715 - 1730

TO MUSIC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL

LUNCH DEBATE ON CONDITIONS

DEBATE ON AMENDMENTS

TO CROATIAN ACCESSION

TO MUSIC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL

1530 - 1600 1600 - 1715

DEBATE ON AMENDMENTS

CROATIAN ACCESSION NEGOTIATIONS

BREAK

VOTE ON CONDITIONS

VOTE ON AMENDMENTS

TO CROATIAN ACCESSION

TO MUSIC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL

PREPARATION FOR PRESS CONFERENCE

FACTION MEETINGS (PREPARATION FOR THE PRESS CONFERENCE)

1730 - 1815

PRESS CONFERENCE

1830 - 2000

DINNER

2030 / 2045

STRASBOURG BOAT TOUR

A WEEK IN STRASBOURG

WEDNESDAY

900 - 1000

1000 - 1100

PARLIAMENT

COUNCIL

COMMISSION PRESENTS STATUS OF THE CROATIAN ACCESSION NEGOTIATIONS AND COUNCIL’S CONDITIONS (+Q/A)

COMMISSION PRESENTS MUSIC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL AND EP AMENDMENTS TO IT (+Q/A)

OPENING STATEMENTS

FACTION MEETINGS

BY MINISTERS ON MUSIC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL

1100 - 1130 1130 - 1200 1200 - 1245

COFFEE BREAK & TRILOGUE MEETING

OPENING STATEMENTS

BY MINISTERS ON MUSIC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL

BY FACTION LEADERS ON CROATIAN ACCESSION

LOBBYISTS’ PRESENTATIONS ON MUSIC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL

QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION WITH CROATIAN DELEGATION

1245 - 1415

LUNCH

1415 - 1515

DEBATE ON MUSIC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL

LOBBYISTS’ PRESENTATIONS ON CROATIAN ACCESSION

1515 - 1615

(TOWARDS THE COUNCIL POSITION)

DEBATE ON CROATIAN ACCESSION

1615 - 1745

1645 - 1745

1745 - 1815

BREAK

1645 - 1800

PRESS CONFERENCE OFFICIAL PHOTOS FOR MINISTERS, LOBBYISTS, JOURNALISTS, CROATIAN DELEGATION AND ORGANISERS

(TOWARDS DRAFTING OF THE RESOLUTION) OFFICIAL PHOTOS FOR MEPS

DINNER

1830 - 2000

2030

1800 - 1815

DEBATE ON CROATIAN ACCESSION

CHARITY FUNDRAISER (MINISTERS ARE EXPECTED TO WORK ON AMENDMENTS FOR THE COUNCIL POSITION AND MEPS ON THE DRAFTING OF THE RESOLUTION OF THE EP)

A WEEK IN STRASBOURG

THURSDAY 900 - 1000 1000 - 1030 1030 - 1100

1100 - 1245

PARLIAMENT

COUNCIL

FACTION MEETINGS

DELIVERY AND PRESENTATION OF AMENDMENTS

(RESOLUTION)

INTER-FACTION NEGOTIATIONS

TO THE MUSIC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL

(RESOLUTION)

COFFEE BREAK & TRILOGUE MEETING DEBATE ON CROATIAN ACCESSION CONDITIONS

DEBATE ON AMENDMENTS TO MUSIC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL

(TOWARDS THE FINAL VERSION OF THE RESOLUTION)

(TOWARDS A COUNCIL POSITION)

1245 - 1400

1400 - 1515

LUNCH DEBATE ON CROATIAN ACCESSION CONDITIONS

DEBATE ON AMENDMENTS TO MUSIC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL

(TOWARDS THE FINAL VERSION OF THE RESOLUTION)

(TOWARDS A COUNCIL POSITION)

1515 - 1530

1530 - 1615

BREAK BEFORE VOTING

VOTE ON AMENDMENTS TO MUSIC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL

VOTE ON THE RESOLUTION OF THE EP ON CROATIAN ACCESSION

(ADOPTION OF A COUNCIL POSITION)

1615 - 1645

BREAK

1645 - 1715

COMMISSION PRESENTS THE CONDITIONS OF THE EP ON THE CROATIAN ACCESSION NEGOTIATIONS

COMMISSION PRESENTS THE COUNCIL POSITION AT FIRST READING ON THE MUSIC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL

1715 - 1730

PREPARATION FOR PRESS CONFERENCE

FACTION MEETINGS (PREPARATION FOR THE PRESS CONFERENCE)

1730 - 1815 1830 - 2000

PRESS CONFERENCE DINNER

(MINISTERS ARE EXPECTED TO READ THE EP’S CONDITIONS ON CROATIAN ACCESSION AND MEPS TO THINK ABOUT POTENTIAL FURTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE MUSIC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL)

FREE EVENING 26

A WEEK IN STRASBOURG

FRIDAY 900 - 1030

PARLIAMENT

COUNCIL DEBATE ON THE OPINION OF THE

DELIVERY AND PRESENTATION OF FURTHER

EP ON CROATIAN ACCESSION

AMENDMENTS TO MUSIC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL

1030 - 1100

1100 - 1200

BREAK

DEBATE ON THE OPINION OF THE

1100 - 1215

DEBATE ON FURTHER AMENDMENTS TO MUSIC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL (TOWARDS RECOMMENDATION FOR 2ND READING)

FINAL VOTE ON CROATIAN ACCESSION

1215 - 1245

VOTE ON THE RECOMMENDATION FOR 2ND READING

EP ON CROATIAN ACCESSION

1200 - 1245 1245 - 1400

1400 - 1430

1430 - 1445 1445 - 1500

LUNCH COMMISSION PRESENTS THE EP’S RECOMMENDATION FOR SECOND READING ON THE MUSIC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL

BREAK BEFORE FINAL VOTING FINAL VOTE ON COUNCIL’S POSITION AT SECOND READING

1600 - 1800

FINAL VOTE ON EP’S CONSENT TO CROATIAN ACCESSION TO THE EU

PARTNERS’ FAIR

1500 - 1530 1530 - 1600

COMMISSION PRESENTS THE RESOLUTION ON THE COUNCIL’S DECISION ON CROATIAN ACCESSION TO THE EU

BETA WORKSHOP CLOSING CEREMONY

(DEPENDING ON FINAL VOTING: MINISTERS AND CROATIAN DELEGATION SIGN THE TREATY OF ACCESSION)

1900 - 2030

DINNER

2130

GOODBYE PARTY

SATURDAY

DEPARTURE DAY

A WEEK IN STRASBOURG

REFLECTIONS FROM AN MEP IRMA KEKIC EPP ITALY During the week I had the role of being an MEP for Italy in the EPP party, the largest in the Parliament. This meant that decisions within our party’s factions meetings were very intense due to the large number of people trying to get their views across but this did, however, make the experience even more entertaining! As the largest party, we would have smaller factions approaching us seeking our cooperation to put amendments across, so we had much power throughout the decision making processes.

protest one day. Or the fact that a lobbyist was escorted outside after going into a rant which had the whole Parliament in stitches as well as when the whole Parliament decided to turn Czech-Slovak! These daily controversies were highlighted by the daily newspapers which we had the enjoyment of reading each morning on the trams on our way to Parliament whilst chatting to other delegates and meeting other people from countries you’ve never been to before.

The week in general was a life changing and amazing experience. It undoubtedly exceeded my expectations and I enjoyed every second of it. I didn’t even mind the mere 3-4 hours of sleep I had each night after coming back to the hotel late after various social activities we had during the week! This is as MEU Strasbourg is definitely as much of a social as well as academic experience; it gave me the chance to meet amazingly talented people from countries all over Europe and listen to a colourful variety of languages. The week itself taught me a lot about the decision making process in Strasbourg. To be able to actually re-enact how real decision-making processes are carried out in real life gives you an in-depth understanding you cannot get from reading a textbook. You experience how difficult it can be to push an amendment through such as the difficulties of getting the cooperation of other factions or losing votes from your own faction’s members!

All in all, MEU Strasbourg was amazing, the honourable experience of being in Parliament and debating the interesting topics, as well as the fun social activities, made the week an unforgettable experience!

It’s hard to pick one best memory from the whole week as each day put together made the whole week a unique experience. From the welcome feast, where you had the chance to try food from all over the world in one small room, to the fun 1960s night with colourful outfits and interesting dancing, to sightseeing tour of beautiful Strasbourg before the sad but lively goodbye party: the whole week had many memorable moments! The funniest were the daily outbursts in Parliament mostly from the right wing parties directed towards the left wing “commies” who even walked out in 28

A WEEK IN STRASBOURG

REFLECTIONS FROM A FACTION LEADER MAX FREY ALDE FACTION LEADER Being faction leader is an exciting and lucky privilege that can enrich the MEU experience so much more. With the support and confidence of your fellow MEPs, you are thrown into the front lines of the European Parliament – negotiating with other faction leaders and coordinating the work of your faction. It’s an exciting task if you don’t mind being in the limelight! The constant focus on you as your faction’s representative means you are constantly under observation – from journalists, but also from your fellow MEPs. This adds an element of publicity to your role that makes the experience of simulating politics a lot more realistic. Having been faction leader of the ALDE faction made me learn and appreciate public speaking skills. As each faction leader is required to speak in Parliament about each topic, this role requires you to devise rhetorically gripping speeches in a relatively short time. A useful skill for budding politics buffs!

A WEEK IN STRASBOURG

REFLECTIONS FROM AN AMBASSADOR MARINA CARRÉ MOLINA CROATIAN AMBASSADOR My name is Marina Carré Molina and during MEU Strasbourg 2013 I have played the role of one of the four Croatian Ambassadors.

my role: doubts if I was doing well, overexposed about what I was expected to be, and needless to say, I was overwhelmed by the venue I was working in. However, the more I engaged myself with the role I was given, the more confident I was with myself and in consequence the more fun I had. Therefore, I have learnt that one is never prepared for what one’s is preparing for until you gain confidence with oneself and let the other’s outcomes be part of oneself incomes too, and vice versa.

My role was to be part of the team, whom with its endeavours of gaining Croatian accession in the European Union could positively engage the outcome of the country to the trust of both legislative chambers and finally welcome the new 28th EU member.

From a personal perspective and with regard to the social activities, I could not complain about a single thing: great venues, excellent people and amazing time in the best environment for such model ever. For that reason, my best memory is the whole model itself. Every single moment made me be more proud to be part of it, and even it has finished already I still feel I am there sharing knowledge and good moments with exceptional people. Good experience endures a lifetime and this one was one of its kind.

With the acquis communitaires fulfilled, Croatia was prepared to be part of the EU, but nothing could have been reached without a great way to use the right tool to achieve such aim: team work. Within the Croatian delegation I was in charge of the press releases, in which resulted from collecting and filtering the inside delegation’s information in order to complement and fulfil our negotiations with the two EU chambers and lobbies. At first, I got trapped within the high expectations that came from the others with regard to 30

A WEEK IN STRASBOURG

REFLECTIONS FROM A LOBBYIST

REFLECTIONS FROM A MINISTER

EMILIYA YORDANOVA (CROATIAN CHAMBER OF ECONOMY, EUROPEAN COMPOSER & SONGWRITER ALLIANCE)

MARINE LE CAM MINISTER OF SLOVAKIA

Being lobbyist in MEU 2013 was the best experiences in my gap year from university. To be honest when I was applying for the position I wasn’t sure what I am getting myself into. But who are lobbyists? Lobbyists are one of the most important people in politics as they represent the interests of wide range of organizations and companies. The job is very varied and intense – you have to listen to everything and everyone, to define your target person and go hunt for him. Being a lobbyist means that you have knowledge on a topic that is important to society and politics. A lot of the Members of the Parliament are lacking the knowledge you have and they appreciate when you explain it to them. Of course it is in your hands to do it in a very persuasive way so they can defend your point of view.

MEU 2013 was my very first simulation. One of my friends, who also took part in the adventure as an MEP, encouraged me to apply. Three weeks later, I knew that I would become the Minister of Slovakia for one week.

My experience at MEU 2013 was very memorable and I gained so much from it – new friends, visiting a new city (and a country!), new knowledge about the importance of the EU and also a very, very good entry for my CV. During this very intense one week I was able to learn a lot about international cooperation, working in a team with people from a different country, religion and education.

I wish I could describe with words how I felt when I trudged up and down the hallways of the Parliament Building for the first time or how it felt like to suit up and sit down everyday in my chair of Minister. I wish I could describe the lively and enriching exchanges we had in the Council, the intense debates before voting amendments, the seriousness of our arguments. But then, you have to live it to understand.

My best and my worst memory from MEU was the last night of the conference while me and a group of a few other were dragging our suitcases to the location of the final party – and my suitcase actually broke, while the rain was pouring on us and we got completely lost. In the end we found our way and I had one of the funniest parties ever. Too sad we had to leave the bar 3.30 the next morning in order to catch the bus back home.

No need to be stressed out: read carefully the Preparation Guide, make some research about the position of your country related to the discussed issues, and let yourself be carried by the richness of the debates!

MEU 2013 was such a great experience that it inspired me to join the organizing team for next year so I can make it even better for the next 200 people who get the lucky spot in this memorable event!

I am sure, just like me you have been studying European policies for years now. But maybe over the years you might have forgotten why you decided to undertake this kind of studies in the first place. Participating in the MEU and being in touch with other enthusiastic bright students, coming from all over the continent, will certainly revive your love for Europe. 31

A WEEK IN STRASBOURG

REFLECTIONS FROM AN INTERPRETER KLAUDIA STEFANIAK POLISH INTERPRETER I came to Strasbourg in April 2013 filled with excitement and anxiety, as I was about to expand my interpreting experience. I had never interpreted simultaneously or even been inside an interpreting booth before; however, I was confident enough in my language skills to take on this extraordinary challenge without so much as a hint of hesitation. Thanks to the amazing Organizing Team, which provided us with a plethora of materials regarding the two topics to be discussed, I came very well prepared, my suitcase bursting at the seams because of the abundance of paperwork I brought along with me. The professional setting of the simulation certainly contributed to how legitimate our work felt to be, since the building of the European Parliament is very impressive. Us, interpreters, we spent most of the time away from everyone else in our booths, perusing our materials, visiting certain social networking websites, observing the bustling plenary, praying to finally get our copies of amendments submitted by the MEPs, catching up on the newest gossip from The Strasbourg Insider, and, occasionally, starting a party in everyone’s headphones (courtesy of the German booth). We also had our secret lounge room, which, I, personally, appreciated very much. It was accommodated with really comfortable armchairs, in which I, and a few of my colleagues, managed to catch up on some sleep during several coffee breaks, exhausted after the previous night’s escapades with our newlymade friends.

voiced their thoughts clearly and understandably, while others would either mumble, or speak so fast, as if they were running for their lives. I must say, though, that I was very positively surprised by how well appreciated our work was among all participants. Normally I am used to interpreters being underestimated for what they do, whereas here everybody seemed to be aware of our daily hardships. I cannot stress enough what an amazing experience interpreting at MEU 2013 was. We all certainly vastly expanded our knowledge in many areas throughout the course of the simulation – both in terms of vocabulary and the specifics of the discussed topics, as well as in terms of how the European Union actually works. Moreover, even though we only worked for 5 days, I certainly felt improvement in the quality of my interpreting towards the end of MEU. The most precious, however, are the unique memories, still vivid in all of us, and the hopefully lifelong friendships established this spring in Strasbourg.

Most of the above was obviously when we were not interpreting. The interpreting itself was equally thrilling as it was exhausting and it was not only due to the nature of this profession – the MEPs, too, made sure every day that we would not be bored. They managed to constantly keep us on our feet not only because of what they were saying, but also how they were saying it. Already by the second day of the debates most of us had our favorites and anti-favorites on the EP floor, as certain individuals always 32

A WEEK IN STRASBOURG

REFLECTIONS FROM TWO JOURANLISTS ANNA WŁADYKA PRINTED PRESS JOURNALIST Good times, busy times

of our work organisation: writing and editing articles, interacting with different people, shaping public opinion, quick preparation for press conferences etc. I learned a lot of things, not only with respect to the EU legislation and the technical aspects of the work as a journalist but also as far as coping with new and unexpected challenges is concerned.

Some events in life come unexpected, others like a bolt out of the blue. MEU Strasbourg 2013 experience was for me something of the sort, with the exception that I was absolutely sure that I was up for one of the biggest adventures of my life! When I got to know that I was to play the role of a printed press journalist, I was totally enchanted. I have to admit that the ‘professional part’ of my soul is devoted to interpreting and the more independent one to journalism, that is why I applied for both roles paralelly but I did not wait a second to accept the proposed role of a journalist.

I have a vast array of memories of this one week in Strasbourg, most of which could be described just as epic. I think this was due to wonderful personalities of the participants, as well as their motivation and creativity. As for this, the vivid memory of our coordinator Josh Henwood, who did just an excellent job, will definitely stay long with me!

My memory of the whole week resembles a kaleidoscope-like footage: a multitude of faces, loads of work and unbelievably good times! The simulated work of a journalist was an enriching experience for me, something that I can image doing in my professional life as well. The thing that I liked most was the dynamic character

So if you still hesitate whether to take a chance, I can assure you: accept this challenge and it will be LEGENDARY!

A WEEK IN STRASBOURG

JOSEF WILLIAMSON PRINTED PRESS JOURNALIST centre and, ultimately, where the material for the newspaper is produced. Such is the pressure of the impending deadline each day, it’s not an unusual sight to see a journalist or two slumped over a desk with their fingers in their ears, trying to block out the noise of the havoc (interviews, videojournalists, MEPs barging in to slander their rivals) that surrounds them. The chaos is a healthy sign though. Let it now be said, if you can hear yourself think in the pressroom then there is a problem. The sensation of elation - senslation - and utter relief you experience when, at the end of the working day, you stand among almost two hundred people reading your words is tidal, exhilarating in fact. On the tram, participants will pull you aside and commend you for the praise you’ve bestowed upon them or reprimand you for criticising them - either way, that you’re getting a reaction makes you feel your work is valued. The newspaper itself is just one facet of the journalistic operation though. Photographers and videojournalists exert themselves throughout the week, appearing out of nowhere much like paparazzi, to provide us all with mementoes of the simulation. There are also press conferences, held in front of over a hundred and fifty participants, in which each journalist is given the opportunity to interrogate one member of each faction and a couple of ministers. They are like high-stakes psychological chess games, played out on a public stage, that neither side can afford to lose. Dramatic, is it not?

Oscar Wilde once proclaimed that “journalism governs forever and ever.” And ever. Apart from everything else, this simulation reaffirmed my belief in the influence journalism can have over politics. The role of a journalist in the Model European Union is so stimulating and surreal for the simple reason that it is completely unscripted; anything can happen and it frequently does. Each day is something of a white-knuckle ride. Proceedings unfurl at a rate so ferocious that making big decisions becomes a reflex, rather than an action based on considered thought. Before lunch you must find something to write about and churn out five hundred words on the subject. This involves forfeiting a decent breakfast to do some sleuthing; the cafeteria is rife with factions, ministers and lobbyists discussing their plans and tactics for the day, all waiting to be eavesdropped upon. Then, at 9am - or before, if possible - it’s time to adjourn to the pressroom. It’s here that ‘it’ happens - writing and reporting, interviewing and interrogating, scheming and plotting; the pressroom is the journalistic nerve

For one week, you will live for your newspaper; producing it becomes your raison d’être and it’s not an unusual occurrence to develop a mild case of tunnel vision to facilitate this. It’s the same for all other participants and that’s what makes the Model European Union so special - everyone invests themselves into the roles they play, contributing towards a entirely professional, sometimes volatile, always challenging simulation. 34

A WEEK IN STRASBOURG

REFLECTIONS FROM A CHAIR PAVEL MRÁZ PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT Chairs carry on their shoulders a tremendous responsibility as they perform the single most visible role at MEU – we are not only the official faces of the entire MEU project but also serve as a vital communication link between the organizing team and the participants. Everything we do echoes, everything we say can explode into our faces mere moments later, and anything we miss can come back at us like a spinning boomerang. Reflecting back at the MEU 2013 conference, I can say that the single most important duty of MEU Chair is to stay sharp – stay sharp no matter how little you slept, stay sharp no matter what the current temperature in the EP is, and of course, stay sharp no matter how much fun you had last night. The usual day of a Chair starts at about 7 am, irrespective of the fact that rich social evening program of a previous day ended only a couple of hours earlier. Chairs usually crawl into the breakfast area at Kyriad Hotel among the first, which still leaves them with just enough time to survey breakfast buffet featuring rich continental breakfast with hungry half-closed eyes. Instead of sitting down, you get a double-shot espresso to go, grab a croissant, or alternatively put a baguette under your arm in compliance with newly adopted EP regulation regarding the subject, and start a mad run toward the EP.

would hear their names mispronounced one more time. Presidency looks favorably upon such suggestion and agrees. By this time, participants have already started filling the room. With the deadline on amendments being only seconds away, MEPs suddenly besiege the podium and submit a number of amendments unprecedented in the MEU history. The Chairs have to put down a rebellion among their own Secretariat and partially delegate the pile of amendments to the Legal Team, which is tasked to type down all amendments in the order of their destructiveness. In the meantime, the Presidency has to bring the House to order. After few futile calls, even Mr. Kos graciously agrees to sit down and the proceedings can start in the earnest.

With the first task of the day – that is arriving before any of the MEPs (or Ministers) – being successfully behind them, the Chairs can now turn their attention to coordinating the daily schedule. This usually means paying attention to six or seven people at the same time while taking notes concerning interpreting, daily announcements, legislative procedures… the list goes on. Having done that, the Chairs proceed by dividing their responsibilities. The EP Vice-president tactfully suggests to the President that Vice President should probably do the roll-call vote because of a looming danger of Parliamentary revolt in case the MEPs

With the Beethoven’s music being as soothing as it is, the Presidency cannot but sympathize with proposed procedural motion to play the European anthem again, yet it has to strike down the motion as dilatory to the proceedings, while again appreciating the wisdom of architects of the Rules of Procedure, who understood the need to build the RoP around words that are 35

A WEEK IN STRASBOURG

so vague as to have no specific interpretive substance.

prone to make mistakes. It is only fitting to admit at this point that despite the minor procedural breaches that are bound to occur and did occur during the course of our proceedings, perhaps the biggest procedural breach was committed by no other than the President of the EP himself. While the Presidency has a right to suspend an MEP from the Parliament for repeated breaches of the RoP, no procedural rule grants Presidency the right to deprive an MEP of inalienable right to vote. By suspending Mr. Savary during the voting procedure, the Presidency (meaning I), has committed procedural breach par excellence. I would like to personally state that one final time, the Presidency stands corrected and hereby issues a formal apology to the respective member of the House.

After having addressed initial procedural motions and points, some of which would raise an eyebrow of even a seasoned Parliamentarian, the Presidency can open the speakersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; list and get to the core of chairing. This is arguably the most challenging, but also the most rewarding part of chairing responsibilities. The biggest challenge of chairing is to pick a balanced mix of people from different factions (or countries) while also taking into account the size of individual factions and giving preference to those who have not spoken before. It is impossible to please everybody, and sooner or later, every Chair will grudgingly resolve him or herself to arrive to this inevitable conclusion.

While Chairing may seem a two-person job, it is anything but that. Chairs work is only a culmination of yearlong dedicated efforts of the entire organizing team, which brought the conference to fruition. In my final word, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my fellow Chairs, our dear Chair coordination Martina, my dedicated Secretaries, and all the Organizers for providing us with support we needed to make the conference a success. Last, but not least, I would like to thank all the delegates who made the conference entertaining, professional and memorable. We surely had the best time ever!

Another big challenge of Chairing is to maintain a composed and dignified expression no matter what occurs on the Floor. This may include delegates raising procedural points concerning the application of their right to go to the restroom, or MEP who wonders around the Chamber in formal proceedings and opts for hiding behind desk of his colleagues when called to order by the Presidency. And finally, the raison dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;etre of every MEU Chair is to ensure strict and full compliance with the Rules of Procedure. This may indeed prove to be quite an arduous task, and even Chairs are 36

A WEEK IN STRASBOURG

REFLECTIONS FROM AN ORGANISER SIMONA TARAILAITÉ PR TEAM As a member of the PR Team, I was very surprised and happy to be selected to go to Strasbourg as part of the Model European Union 2013 Strasbourg Organising Team. While in Strasbourg, my role naturally had to change, as there were other areas of greater importance and in need of staff, since there were only up to 30 of us – just half if not less of the whole team. So from being a PR Officer I jumped into the role of the 2nd Secretary of the Council of Ministers. Even though on paper being a 2nd Secretary did not seem to involve a lot, in reality I was on my feet the first half of the day and worrying about everything else the rest of the time. Catering to the needs of the Chairs and the Ministers of the Council did not consume as much time as running around to find the right people to come in – probably the hardest task of that week –, then making sure everybody has the materials needed and, finally, typing the endless amendments and getting them into their final form of resolution.

I will always remember that week in Strasbourg, probably as much as the week the year before, when I was a participant myself, however being an organiser was a lot tougher. While both participants and organisers have to get up very early every single morning and be fully prepared and functional by 9am, when the sessions start already in the European Parliament, the main difference between them are stress levels. Participants might be stressing about public speaking, whether their shirt looks good or their speech was fine. It is all very natural, but it is also a simulation, which is more of a game for those desiring to know more about the delicate EU decision-making apparatus or planning to be a part of it themselves in the future. However, organisers have to keep that game running and preferably without mistakes or at least without visible mistakes, which is not an easy task. Factors of human error, miscalculation and most of all tiredness are always there to trip you up. Nevertheless, this year the team was very devoted and did their best, which as a result produced a wonderful experience for the participants, as I have heard many of them saying the whole week. Thus, it was definitely a success and I was more than happy to be a part of it. There are many memories from this week that I will keep with me, but the best ones are probably those where participants were praising the conference, the team or the organisation overall. It came as a sweet reward for our efforts and all the stress. Even though, this was not an easy week, I did reach new heights at improving my skill of working under stress, which definitely prepared me for what will most likely come with future employment; and I also learned that you cannot do everything yourself and you do need a team to help. With this in mind, I am very grateful for Anna – the 1st Secretary of the Council – who helped me when I needed it most!

A WEEK IN STRASBOURG

REFLECTIONS FROM A DIRECTOR GENERAL EIKE ENNOK DIRECTOR GENERAL Time flies when in Strasbourg. Aya and I arrived on Thursday and before we knew it, it was time to head to the closing ceremony and wrap up our experience as Director-Generals.

as part of the charity fundraiser. Functional tasks aside, we greatly enjoyed the heated debates in the ‚European Parliament‘ and ‚the Council‘ and felt immense pride for the professionalism of our interpreters. Our last task, but certainly one of the most important ones, was the signing of the certificates for our participants. After 200 signatures, our handwriting has never been more perfect!

By and large, we were responsible for the smooth running of the conference, for both participants and organisers. Through social events and group work, we built a network of colleagues, which made the working atmosphere more relaxed and enjoyable. In particular, we learnt how structuring a team well, and understanding members’ personalities, can contribute to a project’s success. As a result, we were able to experience that on the contrary to the popular claim, it is not lonely at the top. Further, it was extremely rewarding to be part of a team, where cultural diversity is not an hindrance but an asset. Therefore, our team with members from more or less every EU member state allowed to experience the true meaning of multinational co-operation for which our location in the European capital Strasbourg was more than perfect.

In short, a day in the life of Director-Generals goes beyond people management. It is about having a vision of an innovative and enjoyable conference and ensuring such experience to participants and organisers alike. What is more, it was extremely satisfying to see our ideas becoming a reality whilst delivering another successful edition of the Model European Union project.

It definitely felt that there were not enough hours in the day to bring things to perfection, there were unexpected setbacks and stressful situations but the opportunity to witness sheer satisfaction on the faces of our participants made it all worthwhile. It all started with preparing the meeting rooms in the European Parliament, packing welcome bags for the participants and checking-in nearly 200 participants in more or less 3 hours over the weekend. During the conference, we would assist the participants’ travel to the European Parliament, followed by an organisers briefing prior to the start of the sessions and numerous administrative tasks. The most exciting part of our daily schedule was meeting guest speakers and representatives of our partner organisations. Thus, Aya and I had the opportunity to confer with the President of AEGEE Europe and host a dinner for the Deputy Prime Minister of Lichtenstein. We were also pleased to raise €500 for a local homeless charity thanks to our generous participants 38

MODEL EUROPEAN UNION 2013

APPLICATION ESSAYS ASSESSMENT OF A SINGLE MARKET IN MUSIC INDUSTRY TO PREVENT MUSIC PIRACY TILBE BIRENGEL By the significant improvement in technology, the changes in digital environment have made it necessary to reform the intellectual property rights. The involvement of World-Wide Web to our lives has improved the technology, made this time the age of change. As well as the facilitative and constructive effect of it, internet by its ill-minded users that are also named as pirates is a threat to the music industry. The practices to overcome online piracy such as legal regulations and public education are not enough to catch the cyber speed of illegal users. In the following paragraphs, the necessity of a single market to prevent piracy will be discussed.

of this industry is a must. Doubtlessly, a harmonized Copyright system will improve the awareness about the sanctions of piracy in consumersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; eye and will reduce the likelihood of pirating. In a unified system, designation of infringement will be easier for the state. Moreover, the complexity of e-commerce and different legislations of states makes it harder to develop a digital market. Providing an easier and cheaper system to access songs will discourage freeriders. It is foreseeable that a rational person would less likely act illegally, if he is able to reach songs easily with a reasonable price. The desire of creating a digital single market is beneficial as it enables the consumer to access the songs regardless of his location. The previous legislations of states shall be gathered and re-shaped for a unified system to secure the highstandard for both consumers and right holders. With such a market that is not bound by borders the variance between member statesĂ˘ laws can be removed, VAT rates can be homogenized and one stop shop can be achieved. As well as the standards mentioned above site blocking, sanction and suspension for copyright infringement can be used to reduce piracy. In this regard; cancellation of given advertisements to the piracy sites and acts of payment provider services will help to prevent the income of illegal acts. Cooperation with search engines to control the authorization of sites can be another way to detect free-riders. However, none of these methods are efficient enough to prevent piracy utterly. They shall be combined in a single market system to integrate the regulations in European Union. In this manner; the demand of the will be fulfilled, right holders will earn what they deserve; creativity and cultural diversity will be promoted. In such a competitive environment, music industry will finally achieve the value it deserves.

In a union that countries are aiming to designate high standards in legal, economic and humanitarian level; single market is necessary to secure the improvement of economy, competition and cultural diversity. Reforms done in the domestic law of the EU member states are pleasing but not enough. Because of the piracy in digital music sector, the right holder is alienated from the acquisition of his own art. It significantly reduces the profit gained and quality of service that could be provided in future. It sabotages the creative environment. As well as the bitter effect on right holderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life, piracy also prevents the progress of European economy. In order to change the manner of approach to musical work, unification in entire area 39

APPLICATION ESSAYS

WOULD EU MEMBERSHIP BE BENEFICIAL FOR THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION? DIJANA CAVLOVIC

Aquiring a status of full membership in European Union (EU) is a strategic goal for all western Balkan countries. Each has significantly progressed towards EU integration since the 90s, though each in an uneven way. There are several reasons why western Balkans needed to focus towards Europe. Reasons that are concurrently substantial benefits of EU membership.

incentive for acceleration of dispute settlement between Serbia and Kosovo, as well as in establishing the grounds for further cooperation - that might, hopefully, in the future resolve in an official recognition of Kosovo’s independence by Belgrade. Secondly, strategic frame and set up standards were backed up by financial support for all required structural and institutional changes. All funds have been channelled through a single, unified instrument, the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA).

Firstly, after the escalation of violence in early 90s European Community, at the time, had to provide with a strong peace policy that would enable reconciliation and re-establishment of goodneighborly relations. Stabilization and association process (SAP), set up in 1999, obtained a firm stategic framework for a further development of civil society, promotion of democratic values, respect for human rights, protection of minorities, reconciliation and regional cooperation between western Balkan countries.

Thirdly, the prospect of membership and its benefits became visible to citizens through measures such as full visa liberalisation for travelling into the ‘Schengen countries’ - which is very important for countries like Croatia, where tourism makes around 10% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). After pointing out the advantages of joining EU, it is important to shortly elaborate on its disadvantages as well. Disadvantages

In the recent events of newly established Republic of Kosovo (2008), prospect of EU membership reaffirmed as a strong 40

APPLICATION ESSAYS

WOULD MEMBER STATES BENEFIT FROM A TWO-SPEED EUROPE? PAUL NALLON such as unpreparedness of national economies for joining the single market, noncompetitive market actors and various restrictions in production and agriculture, that significantly contributed to the reduction of citizens support for joining EU. Deep social and economic crisis within their own borders, followed by a high unemployment rate (for instance in Croatia it is around 21% and constantly rising), combined with the economic and financial crisis within EU itself additionally increases the euroscepticism.

I firmly believe that a move towards a two-speed Europe would fatally undermine the very founding ideals of the Union including the solidarity and equality of all member states. Pursing this flawed political objective would only create a rift between ins and outs which could widen over time and eventually result in a permanent two-tier Europe made up of first- and secondclass members. For a Europe already concerned by the presence of a democratic deficit and of the dominance of larger nations, it would pay to be wary of formalising the inequality of nations within the EU and of disenfranchising those at the edges.

Citizens are aware that economic stagnation, rise of living costs and simultaneous reduction of income are not the kind of problems EU membership can resolve. Combating corruption, a crucial and most evasive phenomenon that is eroding judicial systems and consequently economies, is an indispensable prerequisite for the future development of western Balkans societies. Passing out number of laws in national Parliaments in accordance with EU Directives and Regulations, as one of the membership prerequisites, unfortunately does not grant their proper implementation in practice. Many times these regulations remain only a “dead letter on the paper”, a common phrase citizens use to describe such phenomena. So without substantial, strategic, well thought and long term plan and action of each western Balkans country, EU membership won’t bring any substantial improvement in living standards.

Secondly in economic terms, the development of a twospeed Europe could endanger the greatest success of the European project, the Single Market. It is inevitable that an economically integrated Eurozone would act as a single actor, using its financial strength in negotiations with the ten ‘outer-core’ members

In conclusion, prospect of EU Membership provides a strong strategic frame for implementation of democratic values and the rule of law in western Balkans, but without transparent and well thought political action by national governments to fight the existing crime and corruption it will be hard for some western Balkan countries to meet the necessary requirements.

APPLICATION ESSAYS

to further its priorities rather than the interests of the Union as a collective. In time, divergent economic interests of the inner and outer cores could engender a two-tiered European market which increases the economic divide between the centre and periphery. This could in turn prove detrimental to the Union’s objective of a cohesive European market with equal economic opportunities for all its citizens.

Although a two-speed Europe would be damaging to the interests of member states, the status quo is as equally unacceptable. Deepening economic, political and social divides are sowing the seed for the ultimate separation of the Union. European leaders need to agree to a reformed EU which reconciles the Euro area with non-Eurozone countries, the centre with the periphery, and most importantly the Union with its citizenry. A new deal will require member states to realise that it is in their interests to reach a consensus on an agreed vision of the Union in an ever transforming world economy.

Thirdly, the implications of a two-speed EU spread wider than the continent. European member states, especially smaller ones, currently have significant international influence through their membership of the world’s largest soft-power actor. Creating a two-tiered membership structure questions the future sustainability of a unified European foreign policy. Against this backdrop, a two-speed Europe runs the risk of relegating key states, such as the United Kingdom, from the EUs foreign and security framework thereby weakening the capacity of the Union to respond to emerging security threats at Europe’s doorstep. This has detrimental consequences on Europe’s relationship with the US, who have consistently called for a strengthened European defence and security framework.

Since its inception, European integration has moved forward with recurrent crises. This crisis, like preceding ones, calls for a reinvigoration of the Union’s founding values of equality, harmony and peaceful cooperation. Member states must do so in the face of degradation, discord and uncertainty which a two-speed Europe kindles. European states share a common destiny in challenging times of globalisation. And in these challenging times, we as Europeans require the unity and strength of a one and indivisible Union to steer through these difficult and uncertain times.

MODEL EUROPEAN UNION 2013

MEU STRASBOURG ORGANISERS

DIRECTOR GENERAL: Eike Ennok

CONTENT TEAM

IT TEAM

DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL: Aya Lafif

HEAD: Léo Wilkinson

HEAD: Cristina Pascalau

Ivana Dimitrova

Beso Elbakidze

TREASURER: Tomas Libal

Flavia Popescu-Richardson

SECRETARY: Karolina Zubel

Conor Slowey Janis Rusis

INSTITUTIONS’ LIAISON OFFICER: Simona Pronckute

Karim Mousharafa Martin Dederke

HEAD OF DELEGATE COORDINATION: Beata Fejesová LOBBYISTS’ COORDINATOR: Daniel Keck

FUNDRAISING TEAM

JOURNALISTS’ COORDINATOR: Joshua Henwood

HEAD: Pavel Mraz

VISUAL MEDIA COORDINATOR: Aleksandra Wisniewska

Florence Hodesdon

CHAIRS’ COORDINATOR: Martina Drahosova

Thanasis Apostolakoudis Aleksander Szczesny

INTERPRETERS’ TEAM

PR TEAM HEAD: Dearbhla Ní Fhloinn Simona Taralaite Anna Serafini Lubka Mieresova Ashira Siraj

CLO TEAM HEAD: Callum Davis Federica Papapietro Emilia-Ioana Dragoi

HEAD: Małgorzata Pachoł

YOUTH IN ACTION OFFICER:

Saara Pokki

Romana Bicikova

Karin Karakaya

Efehan Danisman

FOUNDAIONS’ OFFICER:

Egle Pugaciauskaite

Janec Kohlschütter

Isabella Troconis

WORKSHOP AND DISCUSSION COORDINATION HEAD: Philomena Taylor

Carlos Costa

Veikko Mäkelä

DESIGN TEAM

Astrid Fokkema

Matthijs Olde

HEAD: Guilherme Gomes

Nadia Lazarova

Nikolaj Madzarov

Kathrin Eichinger

Mirela Seovic

Cemal Gündüz

ORGANISERS

Liana Kairena

LOCAL ORGANISATION TEAM

Louise Hoej Larsen

HEAD: Elysia Patel

Benjamin Benezeth

Micaela Mihov

Anna Mohrmann

Patricia Gabalova

Alexandros Zachariades

Hannah Nickel

Andrea Bukovskรก Laura Twomey

MODEL EUROPEAN UNION 2013

A GILMPSE AT MEU 2014 BY LÉO WILKINSON (DIRECTOR GENERAL MEU 2014) AND ALEKSANDRA WISNIEWSKA (DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL MEU 2014)

Preparations for the next edition of the project, MEU Strasbourg 2014, are already underway! Joining the MEU Organising Team has been as popular as ever, with more than 110 applications submitted. We are delighted to have a brand new team with many new recruits from MEU 2013 participants. Having new organisers ensures that the project evolves and that new ideas are developed; so this is very encouraging for the year ahead. We have also kept many of our most experienced organisers, to ensure both continuity and so that the new team benefits from their expertise. Together they represent as many as 25 European countries.

searching and inviting MEPs, EU and national officials and other important stakeholders to contribute to our new workshops that will take place during the conference. Our priority this year is deepening our ties with our many partners, but also developing new ways of funding the project. Particularly in the light of the changes to the European Commission’s Youth in Action programme, the project will be heavily relying on external contributions from important stakeholders, such as from EU institutions and individual MEPs. Learning how to bridge political and cultural differences by negotiating to reach consensus is a vital skill that participants develop at MEU. Echoing the famous quote in Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, the MEU project is about how “you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them”. That is what active citizenship requires in today’s multicultural Europe, and why we will continue to put this concept at the heart of the MEU project for the year ahead.

The new team is going to be building on the many successes of the MEU 2013 conference and continue towards making MEU the most professional simulation of European politics and its policymaking process. Over the course of the summer, the Content Team will be researching and deciding on the legislative proposals and procedures that are going to be debated at MEU 2014. Then, from September onwards, the Workshops and Protocol team will be 45

MODEL EUROPEAN UNION 2013

THANK YOU! WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING:

AEGEE Passau e.V.

AEGEE Wien

Centre of European Studies

Debating Society Germany e.V.

Vsl E akademija

Youth Included

International Youth Services (ijgd e.V.)

Lithuanian Youth Council

ELSA Greece

Druskinkinku JUC

ELSA Thessalonki

Community

Deutsche Nachwuchsgesellschaft für Politik- und Sozialwissenschaft JEF Germany Policy Innovation e.V. University of Hamburg, MA European Studies ALP’ Europe JRG AMAE Sciences Po Association internationale Sciences Po Aix-en-Provence ADERF Mouvement Europeen-France AEGEE Lyon AEGEE Paris Erasmus Student Network AISBL AEGEE Europe JEF Europe YEPP ASRA - VRSO

Klaipeda Association Organisations

Youth

Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Romania

Europe House Estonia

AEGEE Bucuresti

Estonian National Youth Council

VIP Romania

Active Estonian Youth

Youth Included

Genclik Turizmi Dernegi (GENCTUR)

EPP Group in the European Parliament

Informal Education Youth Centre (YASOM)

S&D Group Parliament

the

European

Young Ambassadors Society

Green Group Parliament

the

European

ALDE Group Parliament

the

European

Associazione culturale Madart Scambieuropei AIESEC Torino

European Parliament

ELSA Trento

European Commission

University of Birmingham, Model UN European Alternatives

European Social Committee

AIESEC Slovakia

Youth in Action

AIESEC Bratislava

Hippocrene Foundation

Krest’anskodemokaticka Slovenska Slovak Atlantic Commission 46

mladez

and

Economic

European Parliament Bureau d’information de Strasbourg

THANK YOU