Members of the European Parliament are directly elected to represent the citizens of the 27 EU Member States in the European Parliament. As in the national parliaments, these representatives work together in political groupings at EU level. With support from their respective factions, MEPs debate and discuss proposals drafted by the European Commission, statements of the Council, newly released reports and general developments in EU life.
Yet, as they are composed of MEPs emanating from many different national parties, political factions in the EP are not homogeneous. Such diversity may generate some difficulties in forming a common position. During debates, MEPs are often expected to align themselves to the common position of their faction, but this is not mandatory.
In MEU 2012, participants assigned the role of MEP shall work together with their colleagues in order to reach a common position within their faction and then try to create consensus in the European Parliament and the Council. MEPs may leave the political grouping to which they belong and become independent MEPs (Non-Inscrits).
In order to facilitate cooperation between the European Parliament and the Council, 2-3 MEPs shall be elected to attend trilogue meetings that will also include the Minister of the Member State holding the presidency of the Council and the Commissioner responsible for each Proposal.
Non-Inscrits
One of MEU 2012’s novelties is the participation of Non-Inscrits, a.k.a. non-attached members. In MEU 2012, the Nis shall have a specific political identity that shall be assigned to them in their acceptance letter. Delegates who will be NIs will obviously not have to write a Faction Position Paper, but they will need to be aware of the positions of the EP factions, as they might have to ally with one in order to have an influence. You should also note that, as an NI, you will have to make speeches in front of the Parliament and be involved in many discussions with other factions. It is a very interesting and thrilling role, since most of your work will be to discuss with other factions and try to reach compromises. It is one of the most active, and hence interesting roles of MEU 2012!
Additional roles:
People who apply for MEP positions will be given the opportunity to apply for an additional role. Should you be interested in one of these roles, please state in the application form.
Pre-conference Faction Secretary
This is an optional additional role for the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). Those applicants applying to be MEPs may also express their interest in becoming a Faction Secretary by ticking the relevant field in the application form. Faction Secretaries shall act as coordinators for their respective factions in the pre-conference period. They shall be in charge of organising internet-based faction meetings. They shall also oversee the preparation of common Faction Position Papers based on the Individual Position Papers. Once in Strasbourg, they will coordinate the very first faction meeting, where the Faction Secretary will be elected. Every Faction Secretary may stand in Faction Leader elections. Should they get elected, a new Secretary may then be elected. It is important to note that this is not compulsory, yet it is highly recommended that bigger Factions have a Faction Secretary who will help Faction Leaders in their work. If they remain in their position, the Secretary will remain responsible for administrative tasks within the faction. Please note that this role is only additional – every Faction Secretary remains a Member of the European Parliament, too.
Once in Strasbourg, you may be elected to one of the following positions:
Faction Leader
Faction Leaders shall be elected by their respective factions on the very first day of the simulation in the EP and every MEP may stand for nomination. Alongside Faction Secretaries, Faction Leaders shall organise and coordinate the work of their faction. They shall chair their faction meetings and organise the drafting of amendments to the legislative proposals. At the beginning of the debate on each proposal in the EP, they shall hold a short speech in which they shall present their faction’s position on each proposal.
Faction Secretary
Faction Secretaries are recommended for the bigger factions and also elected during the first faction meeting by all members of their respective factions. Any member may stand in the election. The work of the Secretary would be to assist Faction Leaders in their work. They will also replace their respective Faction Leaders, should the latter be absent. It is recommended that Faction Secretaries assist their leaders in the writing of speeches, due to time constraints.
