Model European Union is a simulation of the decision-making and legislative procedures in the European Union, bringing together more than 180 young Europeans at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France from 24th to 31st March 2012.

For one week, the participants have the opportunity to learn about the workings of EU institutions at the actual seat of the European democratic process. The main purpose of the conference is to allow its participants to become acquainted with decision-making and law-making in the European Union, in particular with the ordinary legislative procedure, which involves both the European Parliament and the Council of the EU on an equal basis. During the conference, participants play the roles of the Ministers of the EU Member States, Members of the European Parliament, lobbyists, journalists and interpreters.

The proposals up for debate in MEU 2012 are the following:

- Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the use of Passenger Name Record data for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime

(Civil liberties vs. the fight against terrorism and serious crime; the conflict between freedom and security). The Proposal will be debated under the ordinary legislative procedure.

- Proposal for a Council Regulation establishing a European Agency for the Management of Operational Co-operation at the External Borders

(The EU external borders and their management and coordination with regard to migration. Possibly all the way to a common EU defense policy?) The Proposal will be debated under the consultation procedure.

Who can apply:

- Young people from 16 to 26 years old, from all the 27 EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey and Croatia; curious about the functioning of the European Institutions and interested in actively taking part in a lifelike simulation

Essay:

Applicants will have to submit a well-thought and well-structured essay that reflects independent thinking and good research skills and answer one of the following 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?

Essays should be written in English.

Roles:

Participants may choose up to two different roles from all five proposed which are:

- Member of the European Parliament (MEP)

- Minister of the Council of the European Union

- Journalist

- Lobbyist

- Interpreter

Once selected their position, different boxes will pop up.

These are:

- Member of the European Parliament: essay (500 words ±10%), motivation (150 words).

- 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)

Participants applying for two roles demanding an essay each, will have to write ONE essay ONLY. If the two roles selected require a motivation letter each, participants will have to write TWO motivation letters.

The deadline for submitting the application is 3 January 2012

Further details:

http://www.eurodesk.eu

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