President and Vice President of the European Parliament
At MEU 2012, the European Parliament will be presided over by two co-Chairs. While one will serve as President and one as Vice President, the two should cooperate closely and in an atmosphere of mutual respect. In addition, while those that preside over the European Parliament in reality are affiliated with one parliamentary group or another, the President and Vice President will be expected to be neutral during the simulation.
The European Parliament is a very large body. Given the sheer number of participants assuming the roles of MEP’s, the President and Vice President will need to be very time-conscious and should not hesitate to strictly, but respectfully, enforce the rules of procedure.
While sharing the responsibilities of chairing the sessions of the European Parliament and some press conferences, the President and Vice President will be supported by members of the organising team. A Secretary, and potentially others, will help to process proposals for amendments. From time-to-time, Commissioners can be turned to for input on technical questions regarding proposals. And the Chairs’ Coordinator can be consulted for advice on the rules of procedure. With this extensive support from the organising team, the President and Vice President of the European Parliament will inspire their peers, moderate the debates, facilitate compromise, and help make MEU 2012 a success.
President and Vice President of the Council
At MEU 2012, the Council of Ministers will be presided over by two co-Chairs. While one will serve as President and one as Vice President, the two should cooperate closely and in an atmosphere of mutual respect. In addition, while the presidency customarily rotates through the Member States in reality, the President and Vice President will be expected to remain relatively neutral during the simulation.
The Council is a smaller body and can therefore be more close-knit than decidedly larger bodies, such as the European Parliament. Nonetheless, the President and Vice President will need to ensure that the rules of procedure are upheld so as to ensure the conditions for debate are equal and fair. Discretion should be used respectfully and where necessary, so as to keep the Council on topic and on schedule.
While sharing the responsibilities of chairing the sessions of the Council and some press conferences, the President and Vice President will be supported by members of the organising team. A Secretary, and potentially others, will help to process proposals for amendments. From time-to-time, Commissioners can be turned to for input on technical questions regarding proposals. And the Chairs’ Coordinator can be consulted for advice on the rules of procedure.
With this extensive support from the organising team, the President and Vice President of the Council will inspire their peers, moderate the debates, facilitate compromise, and help make MEU 2012 a success.
