Model European Union 2012

President of the European Parliament

Thomas Kramer

"I am 24 years old and currently studying Public Service Policy and Management at King’s College London. I have taken part in several MEU/MUN conferences, including MEU 2010, WorldMUN and EuroMUN. I served as Vice-President of the European Parliament at MEU 2011 and I will be taking a challenge as President of the European Parliament at MEU 2012.

I expect MEU 2012 to build on the success of previous years and as Chair I hope to see lively and passionate debates and excellent negotiations in the plenary and beyond the scenes with a diverse range of committed participants. I wish MEU 2012 participants all the best in making the most out of this exceptional opportunity. As much as I relish the learning and socialising opportunities of MEU I hope all participants gain a unique insight into real negotiating and decision-making and that they will make friends for life".

Thomas in 3 words: conscientious, diplomatic and motivated

Vice-President of the European Parliament

Sarah Heitz

“I am 31 years old and I studied Political Science at the University of Augsburg. I have participated in NMUN in New York and I will be serving as Vice-President of the European Parliament at MEU 2012.
I expect MEU 2012 to be a great learning experience and personal challenge to enable participants to have the most realistic and constructive sessions in the European Parliament, to meet their expectations and to spark the European spirit. My wish for all MEU 2012 participants is: “Have fun, enjoy the experience, absorb everything and make the most out of this week!”

President of the Council of the European Union

Andreas Wiese

“I am 22 years old, currently studying history at the University of Oxford. I have participated in MEU 2010 in Strasbourg as the Spanish Minister in the Council. I expect to meet just as many if not more, young individuals from all 27 EU member states and diverse backgrounds who are eager to share their ideas. My wish for all of you, MEU 2012 participants: “Come prepared and with an open mind. Don’t be shy but take up your role and challenge the ideas of others. Feel the European spirit, meet as many people as you can and enjoy your time. I’m looking forward to an unforgettable MEU 2012!”

Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union

Theresa Mast

“I am 25 years old and currently studying English, Geography and Education at Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz. I have started with voluntary work for MEU in 2008 and worked my way up to being one of the Directors-General in 2011. I have also gained my chairing experience at MEU Albania 2011 and I will be taking over the role of the Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union at MEU 2012.
Having organised MEU Strasbourg and seen its progress, I have no doubt that 2012 will be the best-organised and most professional edition yet. I am looking forward to meeting ambitious participants and excited organisers. I expect MEU 2012 to be hard work but simultaneously very rewarding and a lot of fun! My wish for all of you, MEU 2012 participants: “Have the courage to take on your role completely during the conference. I wish you the strength to work through this tiring but very exciting week. Most of all, I wish you all the ability to make the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime experience!”

Commissioner for Home Affairs

Léo Wilkinson

“I am 20 years old and currently studying Politics and International Relations at the University of Kent. I have taken part in several MUN/MEU conferences, including OxIMUN, CUIMUN, LiMUN and MEU 2011. I will be serving as Commissioner for Home Affairs at MEU 2012 and I will do my best to ensure that the entire conference is both realistic and enjoyable to all participants. As a Commissioner specifically, I am looking forward to working with both Ministers and MEPs, and to make sure to uphold the reputation of the European Commission at Model European Union!

What can participants expect from me? Being at their service and to help them understand the Frontex proposal, as well as making sure that all participants are engaging with the topics and grasping the importance and consequences of both proposals. I will also be involved at many stages of MEU’s policy-making process, thus making sure that the negotiations are as informed as possible. My wish for all participants: “Make the most of the conference, which will be over much quicker than they think! I sincerely hope that MEU 2012 will be as much of an eye-opener for them as it was for me.”

Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship

Thanasis Apostolakoudis

“I am 21 years old and I am currently studying Law at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. I have participated in some MUNs, but MEU 2011 was the one conference that really made the difference for me. It was a unique experience which has helped me to see how many things we Europeans have in common, to make some good friends and to start thinking out of the box. I will be taking a challenge as Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship at MEU 2012.

What can participants expect from me? I would try to do my best so that participants would understand and get familiar with the complex way the decisions in the European Union are made. Inspiring the participants to get more engaged, express themselves and influence the decisions made would be my top priority. I am more than convinced that this year’s participants would make the simulation one of a kind with their interest and enthusiasm! My wish for all participants: “Be yourselves! Express yourselves as you do in your everyday lives! Don’t hide beyond your black and grey suits and be passionate and original. It is your fresh ideas and your motivation we need to give a new perspective to the simulation as well as to the European project. After all the future leaders of Europe are among you! Let’s make Europe as we have dreamt!” .