Model European Parliament

After participating in the MUN-conference (MunoM 2011: 15th - 18th November) in Munich, an exciting extra-curricular activity offered to pupils in year 7 and 8 at our school, I was fully aware of the benefits of such national and international initiatives. Therefore, I immediately looked for similar opportunities and finally applied for the Model European Parliament Linz, which instantly caught my interest. Further sessions in Copenhagen (as an International Delegate) and in Graz (as Committee President) followed.

But what is MEP really about?

The Model European Parliament (MEP) was established in 1994. Its aim is to foster better understanding and awareness of European issues among the young adults of Europe. Participation in one of these sessions gives students an insight into the workings of the European Parliament. It also helps to bring about a sense of European identity. The lingua franca during the week-long session is English. Depending on the session, six to ten committees meet to discuss topical issues, which they have done research on. When the resolutions have been agreed upon in the committees they are debated at the General Assembly of the MEP.

I consider the Model European Parliament an extraordinary opportunity to improve their rhetorical, conversational and interpersonal skills by making use of a variety of communicative skills and critical thinking abilities in order to represent the policies of a party or country. What is more, the fact that this kind of political simulation is enriched with possibilities for socialising to foster group cohesion adds to the unique character of this event.

Special thanks to my school, Europagymnasium Baumgartenberg, for enabling me my participation and Mag. Rowena Hametner who supported my preparation work for complex discussions on a variety of complicated issues.

Klemens Schauer (8b)