Exciting Learning Opportunity: Summer Semester ended with a simulation of EU Decision-Making

Students from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU), Technical University of Darmstadt, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and various partner universities from the European university alliance FORTHEM, gathered at the end of the summer semester 2024 2024 to simulate the legislative processes of the European Union. This event, which took place shortly after the European elections, saw 50 young people from 7 countries take on the roles of members of the European Parliament and representatives of EU member states in the Council of the European Union, bringing the European idea to life through an immersive role-playing experience.

Celebrating its 14th year in 2024, MEUM is one of the oldest EU simulations in Europe and is integrated into political science projects at JGU, led by Prof. Dr. Arne Niemann, and at TU Darmstadt, led by Prof. Dr. Michèle Knodt. The simulation provided students with a deeper, more interactive understanding of the EU's ordinary legislative process than traditional classroom settings can offer.

Participants debated real legislative proposals from the European Commission. By working in the Parliament, students not only increased their formal knowledge of the EU, but also gained personal insight into the complexities of negotiating at a supranational level and in a highly polarised environment. They learned to navigate and enhance different perspectives.

In 2024, participants simulated the European Commission's proposal to promote climate neutral industries and a draft aimed at curbing strategic lawsuits against public participation. These realistic scenarios allowed students to work in detail, adding amendments to the legislative text and voting on the final draft. The simulation was enriched by a comprehensive social programme that fostered connections among young Europeans.

The objectives of the simulation went beyond academic achievement. It aimed to bring young Europeans together and promote European integration on a personal level. It also increased participants' understanding of the complexities of European energy policy.