MEC (Model European Council) is an annual event among the European Schools, which brings together students from across Europe to simulate the proceedings of the European Council. This year, EEB2 had the honor of hosting the event, and Eurocontrol graciously offered their council rooms for the occasion. The event was a massive success, with about 250 pupils from different European Schools participating in the simulation.
The student team that organized the event was led by Davinia De Schaetzen and Margarida Verissimo, both S5 students at EEB2. They worked tirelessly to ensure that the event was a resounding success, and they were supported by a dedicated team of S5 students. The students took on different roles, including making the badges for all the participants, making a website with all the necessary information that could be accessed through a QR-code, organising an opening ceremony full of interesting and thought-provoking speeches, putting together MEC gift bags for all the participants, secretarying the various councils, representing the member states, and acting as observers.
The simulation was spread across different councils, each focusing on specific policy areas. Council 1, also known as the General Affairs Council, met in the Europa room, where all the prime ministers converged to discuss issues such as the EU’s digital security and the future of the European Union. The other councils, including Council 2 (Foreign Affairs), Council 4 (Economics and Finance), Council 4 (Justice and Home Affairs), and Council 5 (Environment and Energy), met in other rooms at Eurocontrol and discussed topics such as the digital euro, LGBTQIA+ rights, energy plans, and relations with Balkan countries.
Throughout the simulation, the students showed a remarkable level of knowledge and understanding of the workings of the European Council. They engaged in lively debates, negotiated agreements, and reached compromises on various policy issues. The discussions were guided by the principles of democracy, transparency, and mutual respect, which are at the heart of the European Union.
In conclusion, the MEC event hosted by EEB2 at Eurocontrol was a massive success. The organizers did an excellent job of ensuring that the event ran smoothly, and the students showed a remarkable level of engagement and knowledge. The event was not just a simulation; it was an opportunity for students to form friendships and learn from each other, which is in line with the values of the European Union. The event will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on all those who participated, and we look forward to future editions of MEC.
