Model European Union 2012

Model European Union (MEU) is a unique simulation of EU decision-making and politics, taking place annually in Strasbourg; a city that carries a lot of symbolism in relation to peace and democracy in Europe.

MEU 2012, the sixth edition of MEU, will once again bring together 180 young Europeans in the premises of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. Their mission shall be to simulate the EU law-making and decision-making process as professionally as possible.

In MEU 2012, participants will have the opportunity to debate two real-life legislative proposals drafted by the European Commission. In so doing, they will bring to life two different legislative procedures: the ordinary legislative procedure and the consultation procedure.

MEU 2012 is open to any young people from the EU or any EFTA state, as well as candidate countries (Croatia, Turkey) who are curious about the functioning of the European Institutions and who want to actively take part in a lifelike simulation.

People from 18 to 26 years old are most welcome to MEU 2012. A suitable applicant is a tolerant and open person who is much into debating and exchanging viewpoints. An important trait would also be both the sociability and curiosity of the applicant towards others. Being able to actively participate to a debate and relate to others is definitely the key point of getting a lot out of the simulation and enjoying this incredible experience.

MEU 2012 being a simulation of the European institutions, each and every participant will be given a role, according to their choice, to ensure the closest adequacy with the actual institutions.

Every role offers different opportunities in terms of simulation experience. Not only should an MEP, a Minister or a Lobbyist be a good speaker, but also be able to shrewdly interact with other MEPs/Ministers/Lobbyists to try and convince them. A journalist will need to astutely choose whom to interview, observe everything and relate all events. Interpreters will be absolutely necessary to ensure a perfect understanding during debates and avoid any dialogue of the deaf. Each role is mostly important and a good handling of them will result in a passionate and thrilling simulation.

Application form here

In order to successfully complete your application, you must:

- Fill out the Application form

- Write a short motivation for every role you apply to

- Upload any document required for your application

- Answer ONE essay question (500 words ±10%, no endnotes) depending on your role preference.

Please read the notes of guidance carefully before starting your application.

Notes of guidance

1. General

This document is the official application for the simulation entitled “Model European Union 2012” (MEU 2012) that will take place in Strasbourg between 24 and 31 March 2012. In order to participate, you need to have your application submitted and accepted, be able to cover your travel costs both to and from Strasbourg (at least within the short term) and pay the participation fee. The participation fee covers the accommodation in Strasbourg as well as meals, social events and transportation within the city.
Anyone holding a valid short-term or long-term residence permit in one of the following states is eligible to apply: all 27 European Union member states, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Turkey and Croatia.
Applicants must be between 18 and 26 years of age.
All fields in the application form MUST BE filled in British English, the official language of MEU2012.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automatically generated confirmation.

2. Essay

As stated previously, essays MUST be written in English. We strongly advise that you keep a copy of your essay after submitting your application. Note that, because of anti-plagiarism procedures, two identical essays from two different applicants will disqualify them.
Application with no essays or essays on a different topic that those proposed will be automatically rejected.

You must choose one of the following essay questions:

- Should Europe abandon nuclear energy?
- Should the Eurozone form a fiscal union?
- Is immigration a threat or a great opportunity for the European Union?

3. Roles

You may pick up to two different roles from all five proposed. These are:

- Member of the European Parliament (MEP)

- Minister of the Council of the European Union

- Journalist

- Lobbyist

- Interpreter

Once you’ve selected your position, different boxes will pop up. These are:

- Member of the European Parliament: essay (500 words ±10%), motivation (150 words). You may also indicate whether you would be interestedin becoming faction secretary for the pre-conference period and if you wish to be part of the NI (see faction description).

- Minister of the Council of the European Union: essay (500 words ±10%), motivation (150 words).

- Lobbyist: essay (500 words ±10%), motivation (150 words).

- Journalist: essay (500 words ±10%), motivation (1000 words), sample article (one A4 page), letter of recommendation (not required but recommended).

- Interpreter: language overview, motivation (maximum of 1000 words), 2 reference letters (1 for EN = active language and 1 for EN = passive language)

Please note that if you apply to two roles demanding an essay each, you will have to write ONE essay ONLY. If the two roles you selected require a motivation letter each, you will have to write TWO motivation letters.
Before submitting your application, you ought to agree with the Terms and Conditions.

4. File upload

You may upload up to 8MB in total. If you encounter any error, upload a smaller file or contact the Head of Delegate Coordination via e-mail. Please consult the FAQ for more specific instructions or contact the Head of Delegate Coordination (Laurent Mathey, l.mathey@beta-europe.org).

More information on: http://meu-strasbourg.org/