Model European Union 2013

Radvilė Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė, MEP Lithuania

Dear participants,

I am proud to be a part of this project. Furthermore, I would like to thank you to BETA team who organised this event. It gives an opportunity to gain more experience about the European Union. The Union is a unique economic and political partnership between 27 Member States (28 from the 1st of July), so the Model EU will give you a nuanced understanding how the EU functions practically.

Probably there is no greater wealth than wise, well informed and well educated young people! This project is an excellent opportunity to meet and to exchange ideas, to bring you closer to the EU and share the challenges the Union and its institutions are facing today.

I believe that time spent here in Strasbourg will give a significant value in your future career. I wish you all an interesting, constructive and successful work in Strasbourg! I believe you will take a part in the shaping of our society and of Europe as a whole in near future.

Kind regards,
Radvilė Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė, MEP
Lithuania

I strongly support all initiatives that allow young Europeans to get better understanding of how EU and different institutions work, and help them to get engaged into building youthful, strong and vibrant Europe.

„Model European Union 2013 Strasbourg“ is a great opportunity for young people to learn participating in the debate, in the decision-making process. Youth oppinion matters! – but people have to find ways to  participate and make their opinion heard. On the other hand, politicians and institutions have to become more open and willing to engage into dialogue with citizens.

The future of EU will be decided by young people – do they want to engage into so called European project, will they put their energy and passion into bringing it onto new levels of development. So I would like to extend my best greetings and encouragement to all young people who will get involved in this project.

Justina Vitkauskaitė Bernard, ALDE, Darbo partija (Lithuania)

© European Union 2012 PE-EP
Androulla Vassiliou
EU Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth

"Initiatives like the "Model European Union" deserve all our support and encouragement. They enable young people to participate in Europe's democratic process, and to gain first-hand knowledge of its decision-making mechanisms, bringing Europe closer to its young citizens – and tomorrow's decision-makers. It is for this reason that the European Commission supports the 'Model European Union 2012' project through its Youth in Action programme. We believe that the active participation of young people in democratic processes at local and European level is crucial to the advancement of the European project and to the transmission of the European values of democracy, freedom and solidarity to the next generation.

The 'Model European Union' project is an excellent example of how to prepare young Europeans for their future role in society. It is a non-formal learning experience which empowers young people through the acquisition of skills – debating and negotiating skills, communication skills, and intercultural and advocacy skills – all of which are increasingly valued both in the labour market and in society at large.

Tomorrow's Europe needs active and empowered citizens – aware of their rights and responsibilities and able to articulate and defend them – if it is to master the challenges posed by an increasingly complex world."

"[...] Looking back on six successful years of 'Model European Union', I would like to congratulate you on this great achievement. As patron for the last three years, I am proud to be part of this unique project which offers young engaged Europeans first-hand experience of the functioning of the European institutions. The simulation of the European legislative procedures aims at helping participants to gain a better understanding of the processes which take place within the European Union (EU). Further it may raise their interest in public affairs at the European level. It thereby contributes to building a bridge between the European institutions and the citizens.

[...] Despite all crises we had and have to face, the EU as a whole is strong. You as the young generation take a right step towards a better future by getting engaged with this world. Your contribution is crucial for the shaping of our common future. Please stay engaged for Europe!"

Read the whole welcome note

Hans-Gert Pöttering
Ret. President of the European Parliament
MEP for Germany - European People's Party
Chairman of the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation

"[...] This event offers a fantastic opportunity to experience first-hand how the European Institutions operate, and to come together, from across the continent, to make links and to break down national barriers. The MEU also gives you the chance to develop your skills in EU law, debating and negotiations at an EU level in a unique and exciting way, an opportunity to really experience what it is like to be a professional working in the EU. This is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime chance to gain a deep understanding of the founding principles of the EU, and to really develop your European identity - so grab it with both hands [...]"

Read the whole welcome note

Cecilia Malmström
EU Commissioner for Home Affairs

Maroš Šefčovič
Vice-President of the European Commission
EU Commissioner for Inter-Institutional Relations and Administration

"I am particularly excited about this new initiative, as I believe it will encourage young people in particular to re-engage with Europe. Imagine what it would be like to be the instigator of an initiative that eventually becomes law, changing the lives (for the better) of millions of Europeans? That is the potential of the ECI!

During your time in Strasbourg, you will get a taste of what it is like to be a part of the legislative process: the cut and thrust of debate, the challenge of working in 23 official languages, the scrutiny of the press, the need for compromise and agreement. I hope that the experience will be enriching and enlightening; maybe it will even persuade some of you that a career in the EU is for you! But above all I hope it will help you to understand more about how the EU works to improve the lives of 500 million citizens, and I encourage you all to spread this positive message about Europe back home.

Wishing you all the best for the Model European Union 2012!"

Read the whole welcome note

"Since its origins in the 1950s and its foundation on sound fundamental values and beliefs, the European Union has grown into a highly complex organisation. As the decades have passed with successive enlargements, strengthening of legislative powers and changes in the relationship between institutions, the "EU process" can be bewildering – if not incomprehensible – to the outsider.

In today's Europe, it is essential to have a good academic understanding of the European Union and its processes, and preferably hands-on experience as well. I believe that the "Model European Union" initiative should provide participants with the valuable practical experience necessary to gain such an insight.

So I fully endorse the idea of such an initiative. I am convinced that all participants will benefit significantly from such a direct and interactive experience of the "Community method" – how the European Union really works.

Moreover, I believe that the European Union is a union for its citizens. Projects such as the "Model EU" will bring the EU closer to them as well as foster a future belief in the Union, as its founding forefathers had in the 1950s.

I encourage all participants to take full advantage of the "Model EU" as a valuable experience that will serve their interests, and those of Europe, in the future."

Siim Kallas
Vice-President of the European Commission
Commissioner for Transport

Michael Spindelegger
Vice-Chancellor of the Republic of Austria
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Austria

"Dear participants of Model European Union 2012 in Strasbourg!

At the moment, the European Union faces challenging times in which far-reaching decisions regarding the future of the Union and its citizens have to be taken.

For this reason, it is even more important that especially young people develop an interest in the significance and the functioning of the European Union and actively engage onself in it.

I am convinced that your participation in Model European Union 2012 will entail valuable cognition. You have the possibility to deepen your understanding of the certain fields of politics and proceedings that result in the complex decision-making process of the European Union. Furthermore, the project enables you to make vivid experiences when learning about the dialogue between nations or even cultures and will also make the basic idea of the European Union, namely to work mutually on peace, security and prosperity, come alive.

When taking on the roles of Members of the European Parliament, Ministers of the Council, journalists, lobbyists and interpreters for an entire week, you will gain an extensive insight into the functioning of the European Union.

I wish you interesting tasks and encounters – who knows, maybe one day you want to overtake responsibility for Europe and its citizens?

Sincerely, Dr. Michael Spindelegger."

Read the original letter of support

"I cannot but welcome such a project as the Model European Union 2012 for several, mutually interconnected reasons which I am going to introduce briefly.

At the time when the tasks but also the problems of the EU fill the front pages of newspapers worldwide, it is impossible to try to ignore the way this transnational community is developing. Our future, the future of the “old continent”, lies in European integration.

Integrated Europe, however, cannot be rigid, devoid of change which would reflect the changing world. It cannot remain “progressless”, so to speak. And let me ask: who needs to understand as clearly as possible the way the EU and its institutions work more than a young European Union citizen?

Experienced and learned young people who understand the broadest context of the role of the EU have a great chance to contribute meaningfully to shaping its future and to bring fresh air to this community which I hope will boast great culture, social justice, sound economy and security self-sufficiency. A community which will be both transnational and filled with what we call humanity."

Read the original statement of support

Milan Štěch
President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic

Vladimír Špidla
Former EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities
Former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic

"The European Union is the most innovative project in modern history. It breaks the traditional cycle of balancing of powers, which again and again gave rise to wars and conflicts. It draws on the dearly paid realization that peace cannot be preserved through intergovernmental methods. It creates a situation when a war is not only inacceptable, but also utterly impossible. The notion of shared sovereignty is innovative to such extent that political sciences still struggle to faithfully describe it within the scope of its terminology. In my opinion, this is one of the reasons why a reasonable debate about the EU is sometimes a problem.

The BETA project greatly contributes to the understanding and internalization of the way the EU functions. Focusing on individual cases is the best way to understand things and identify underlying concepts otherwise hidden under what seems to be pure technicalities.

Such understanding is an important, even if small, step towards creating a European “polis” which will hopefully provide a sound basis for the future of the EU. I have no doubts about its future, because I have no doubts about young Europeans.

Best,

Vladimír Špidla, Former European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities"

Read the original statement of support

"Místopředseda vlády a ministr zahraničních věcí uděluje záštitu projektu „Modelová Evropská unie 2012“ který se uskuteční 2012 v budově Evropského parlamentu ve Štrasburku".

Read the statement of support

Karel Schwarzenberg
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic

Sylvie Guillaume
MEP for France
Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats

"Le fonctionnement des institutions européennes est une mécanique plutôt complexe qu'il est pourtant important de faire comprendre à nos concitoyens, surtout les plus jeunes. Cela est un outil, parmi d'autres, pour contribuer à combattre cette idée que l'Europe est une machine coupée des citoyens, alors même que nous, députés européens, prenons chaque jour des décisions qui influent sur le quotidien de 500 millions d'Européennes et d'Européens. Pour ces raisons, les simulations législatives comme le Model European Union, qui permettent à des étudiants de se mettre à la place des décideurs européens, sont d'excellentes initiatives. J'ai déjà soutenu et participé à des simulations comme celle-ci sur ma circonscription et il est vrai que ce sont d'excellents jeux de rôles démocratiques, qui permettent aux jeunes de bâtir une véritable citoyenneté européenne. Je souhaite aux participants de l'édition 2012 du MEU d'excellents travaux."

"Wenn junge Europäer in die Rolle von politischen Entscheidungsträgern, Journalisten, Lobbyisten und Dolmetschern schlüpfen, hat dies meiner Ansicht nach mindestens zwei wichtige positive Effekte. Erstens lernen die jungen Menschen die Struktur und die Gesetzgebungsverfahren der EU besser kennen, was in einem immer enger zusammenwachsenden Europa von großer Bedeutung ist. Zweitens stärkt eine solche Simulation den europäischen Gemeinsinn innerhalb der jungen Generation und trägt zur Verwirklichung eines bürgernahen Europas bei.

[...]

Ich bin davon überzeugt, dass Model EU 2012 einen wichtigen Beitrag zum politischen Diskurs in Europa leisten wird und wünsche den Organisatoren bei der Ausrichtung der Veranstaltung viel Erfolg."

Read the whole statement of support

Franziska Brantner
MEP for Germany
Greens/European Free Alliance

Andrew Duff
MEP for the United Kingdom
Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe

"I am delighted to be able to support the Model European Union week in Strasbourg in 2012.

Your project has a proven track record in enlivening debate about the future of Europe and in stimulating informed and democratic engagement among young people about the critical decisions which affect their lives.

Your choice of specific subjects, FRONTEX and PNR, are two of the hottest issues confronting the European Parliament as we try to create a credible area of freedom, security and justice across our continent.

My very best wishes for your success.

Andrew Duff
MEP (Liberal Democrat, East of England)
Spokesman on Constitutional Affairs, Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE)
President, Union of European Federalists (UEF)"

"I support Model European Union (MEU) as it is a great opportunity for young Europeans to learn about the EU and the challenges we face as a society in a globalised world.

Today some of the biggest challenges we face as a society are global in their essence. The economic crisis is one example. The climate crisis is another example. These are issues we cannot deal with on a national level. We have to work together in order to be able to meet these challenges.

This is what we do in the EU. We work together in order to face the challenges of the 21st century. And this is why it is so important for young people to understand and engage in the European project. The need to work together across national borders will only grow in the future.

I believe that that MEU is a great way of engaging and learning about the EU and the challenges that we face as Europeans today and in the years ahead. By taking the participant into the very machine room of the EU, I am convinced that MEU will provide its participant with a lot of experience and useful knowledge."

Dan Jørgensen
MEP for Denmark
Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats

Sandra Kalniete
MEP for Latvia
European People's Party

"The Model European Union is a great opportunity not only for young people to learn more about the functions of the European Union and to debate and think deeply about pressing current issues which we face, it also provides the opportunity for them to come into contact with their peers from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds helping them to learn from each other and to build lifelong friendships. I truly believe that the Model European Union helps to better educate the future generations of Europe, promote unity in diversity, and will no doubt be the catalyst for some of Europe's future leaders.“

"Bei „Model European Union 2012“ haben junge Menschen die Möglichkeit, die europäische Politik einmal aus ungewohnten Perspektiven kennenzulernen: Sie sind es, die als Abgeordnete Gesetze machen. Sie sind es, die als Journalisten über EU-politische Entscheidungen berichten. Sie sind es, die als Übersetzer Verständigung trotz der europäischen Sprachenvielfalt ermöglichen. Spielerisch wird am praktischen Beispiel selbst ausprobiert, wie EU-Gesetzgebungsprozesse funktionieren. Und was jemand einmal selbst gemacht hat, bleibt viel eher im Gedächtnis als das lange Büffeln grauer Theorie. Doch Europa erlernen ist nur die eine Seite von „Model European Union 2012“: Europa erleben ist mindestens genauso wichtig. Genau das ist möglich, wenn man anderen Jugendlichen aus ganz Europa begegnet, mit ihnen zusammenarbeitet und feiert. Als Europaabgeordneter würde ich mich natürlich freuen, wenn die eine oder der andere durch „Model European Union 2012“ angeregt wird, sich auch im Alltag in die europäische Politik einzumischen. Denn viele Probleme, die über die Gegenwart und Zukunft der jungen Generation entscheiden, müssen heute auf europäischer Ebene gelöst werden. Und die beste Politik FÜR junge Menschen ist meiner Ansicht nach Politik MIT jungen Menschen“.

Bernd Lange
MEP for Germany
Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats

Sylvie Goulard
MEP for France
Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe

"J'apporte mon soutien au projet Model European Union, parce qu'il encourage les jeunes s'engager pour l'Europe. Durant une semaine, près de deux cent jeunes sont invités à participer à des simulations de débat grandeur nature, au sein même du Parlement européen, à Strasbourg. Au fil de cette expérience concrète et pédagogique, ils apprendront les rouages du dialogue institutionnel communautaire et réfléchiront à ce que signifie, en pratique, vivre ensemble. Cette initiative les incitera à faire preuve d'écoute, d'ouverture et de conciliation qui sont des valeurs européennes par excellence.
Sur fond de climat économique morose, il est toujours bon de porter le regard sur des programmes porteurs et innovants, dédiés aux jeunes européens. Model European Union fait précisément partie de ces projets éducatifs dont l'Europe tire toute sa vitalité.

Sylvie Goulard
Membre titulaire et coordinatrice ALDE de la commission ECON
Membre suppléant de la commission AGRI
Membre du Group Spinelli"

"I am delighted to support the Model European Union in Strasbourg this year. The Model European Union has a proven track record of giving young Europeans the opportunity to understand and experience how our European Institutions work and to focus on the challenges facing the EU.

I believe that the Model European Union will give participants the opportunity to improve both their academic and personal skills but also challenge them to take on new perspectives and engage in lively debate about European policy. It will also bring participants into contact with a wide variety of languages and cultures from around Europe, deepening their understanding of the European community, politics and policy formulation.

Irish students have participated in the Model European Union with distinction for many years and I wish this year's participants every success.

Liam Aylward
MEP for Ireland East
Member of the European Parliament Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
Substitute Member of the European Parliament Committee on Culture and Education"

Liam Aylward
MEP for Ireland
Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe

Charles Goerens
MEP for Luxembourg
Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe

"Je souhaite ici soutenir l’initiative Model European Union 2012 et l’organisation Bringing Europeans Together Association qui la conduit. Rapprocher la jeunesse des institutions et des décideurs politiques européens, faire connaître l’Europe à un moment où sa légitimité est remise en cause, sont autant de bonnes raisons pour soutenir ce projet. Formateur, rassembleur, il favorisera, je l’espère, l’émergence d’une identité européenne partagée par vous tous, jeunes générations d’aujourd’hui, acteurs de demain".

"Dear friends of the Model European Union 2012,

As the European Youth, You are the driving force that helps us face the challenges of our era. The European construction is based on sound foundations thanks to its fundamental values. But to continue its upturn in the future, your active participation is indispensable.

The Model European Union offers you a great opportunity to gain an insight view of the functioning of a European Institution. You can all contribute, each of you from a different key position but finally acting collectively, to the best possible consensus the European citizens can profit from, which is the desirable result after all. Your fresh ideas are an inspiration to us and we should all work together to bring Europe closer to its citizens!

I wish you every success in your work!"

Sylvana Rapti
MEP for Greece
Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats

"I support Model European Union 2012 because it offers a real-life event for young Europeans to experience what they have learnt in theory about the procedures of the European Union. MEU demonstrates the European decision-making process in a brilliant way; therefore, I would recommend as many students as possible to take part in an event like this. Beyond the professional experience you gain, you will be able to meet peers from all over Europe and experience the outstanding cultural and linguistic diversity of the 27 Member States of the European Union." (continues)

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Rózsa Hoffman
Minister of State for Education - Hungary

@European Union 2012 PE-EP
Antonyia Parvanova
MEP for Bulgaria
Vice-President of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe

"Throughout the years, the Model European Union 2012 has established itself as a unique educational exercise which inspires the participants and the wider public alike to delve into the political and social phenomena that shape the European Union on ongoing basis. At a time of serious economic challenges with far-reaching social and political implications, the need for well-argued and comprehensive decisions to tackle the problems of our Union has never been more crucial. [...] Make the most of your experience, nurture your interest in European policy-making, meet and exchange ideas, communicate in different and ultimately decide whether you want to be the next generation of European policy-makers." (continues)

Read the whole letter

"Dear Participants,

It is with great pleasure that I greet all the initiators, organizers, and participants of the 2012 Model European Union Program. For years, this program has provided a unique opportunity for young people to test themselves and their knowledge of the European Union outside of the classroom.

Since this is a simulated project, the young participants get to know the workings of the European Union and its institutions in practice. The stakes are no less than a better understanding of each others’ points of view and principles, the utilisation of opportunities for cooperation, the practice of consensus-building strategies, the knowledge of decision-making processes based upon shared values, as well as the development of a debating culture. To this end, a high level of proficiency in one of the working languages of the European Union is required, as well as prior study of the history of the European Union’s integration and the operation of its institutions..." (continues)

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@European Union 2012 PE-EP
Kinga Göncz
MEP for Hungary
Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats

Lenka Andrýsová
Member of Parliament of the Czech Republic
Vice-chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee

"Jan Amos Comenius, the teacher of nations, argued that one learns best when he plays. The Model European Union, as well as similar simulations of political procedures, helps students understand a process of political decision-making and obstacles of finding a political compromise. During my studies I attended a simulated meeting of the Council of the EU at the level of foreign ministers. From perspective of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, I looked into the structure of the European Union. I understood the complexity of foreign policy problems of my Baltic country. I am sure I could not gain such an experience at any college or university. I am very glad to be asked by the Czech PR team led by Michael Žižlavský to support such an event. I strongly recommend that students participated in this Model European Union 2011."

"To hear about the European Union is one thing, to experience how it works is another. The week ahead of you, no doubt, will be a very fruitful one, since you will be able to experience the ups and downs of decision-making in the EU of 27 Member States yourself.

[...]

I wish you all a fruitful work and unforgettable experiences!“

Read the whole letter of support

Piroska Bakos
Spokesperson for the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU 2011

@European Union 2012 PE-EP
Tamás Deutsch
Hungarian MEP of the EPP Faction

Read the letter

Interviewed by the newspaper “Die Zeit” about the Dutch sentiments concerning Europe, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Ben Knapen answered: “If you ask the Dutch about Europe, most of them are enthusiastic. If you ask them about Brussels, a lot of them are doubtful. Europe can be regarded as a sausage: you like them but if you see how they are made, you are less rapt.”

The European Union, for sure, is a complex system with several parties and with a huge impact on its member countries. But the EU is much more than that: it is a guarantee for freedom for the people living within its territories. It cannot be taken for granted, as it results from close collaboration of different players.

Model European Union is a great simulation that helps to give young people a better understanding of the European Union’s functionality. With your work and experience, you make an enormous contribution to the European integration without forgetting the necessity of socializing and the opportunity to make friends. Just like Henry Ford said: “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

May you have a great and unforgettable time! 

Axel Knoerig
Member of Bundestag, CDU

"Taking part in events like MEU 2011 can help stimulate and encourage young British men and women to build links with fellow Europeans and explore the opportunities that a career within the European institutions such as the Parliament and the Commission can offer. By gaining a better understanding of how the EU works, they will leave with a greater understanding of the benefits that EU membership brings and the ways in which this Government is pursuing an activist and positive agenda for the EU's future.

[...]

I hope many students at UK Universities will have the confidence to apply to take part in MEU 2011, to join other young Europeans as they learn more about how the EU works - and to have fun!"

Read the whole letter of support

Nick Clegg
UK Deputy Prime Minister

"In my opinion, the "Model European Union" (MEU) demonstrates the political decision-making process in Brussels and Strasbourg in a brilliant manner. I believe that MEU is the best instrument to provide our European youth with deeper insights into the work of ministers, Members of Parliament, lobbyists and even interpreters. Moreover, it helps them to identify with the European Union. Being a diplomat for a week and debating amongst each other in the premises of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, students experience the true EU atmosphere, get in touch with many other cultures and learn the art of diplomacy and finding mutually beneficial compromises. This is the best way to convey the message that in our globalised world Europe needs to speak with one voice."

Elisabeth Jeggle
MEP for Germany
European People's Party

"I very much support the work of the project "Model European Union". These kinds of projects are extremely important to bring young Europeans together and to give them the opportunity to learn about the procedures of the European Union. We need to promote the success of the EU, especially in times, where crises and nationalist movements are shadowing the whole construct of this world wide unique peace project we have. Let's continue promoting the value and meaning of the European Union and let's communicate this together with young Europeans!"

Helga Trüpel
MEP for Germany
Greens/European Free Alliance

"The "Model European Union" is an outstanding opportunity to bring together young Europeans committed to the idea of a united Europe. It is a great chance to show people from all over Europe what an extraordinary achievement it is that twenty years after the fall of the Iron Curtain Spaniards and Slovakians, Belgians and Bulgarians, with their diverse backgrounds, work towards a united continent with common ideas and values."

Alexander Alvaro
MEP for Germany
Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe

"Europa ist unsere gemeinsame Zukunft - aber es muss auch in den Herzen und Köpfen der jungen Europäer ankommen. Projekte wie Model European Union 2011 sind deshalb so wichtig, weil sie Europa erlebbar machen."

Translation: "Europe is our common future – but is has to make its way into the hearts and minds of young people. Projects like Model European Union 2011 are therefore highly important, because they offer a truly European experience."

Jorgos Chatzimarkakis
MEP for Germany
Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe

"The 2011 MEU conference brought together 180 young Europeans, who were enthusiastic to broaden their perspectives by stepping out of their comfort zone and to actively learn about the democratic process at the European Parliament. The program is not merely a simulation, but rather an intensive debate about some of the most challenging problems that the European Union is currently facing, and, as a consequence, it is a crucial and unique experience that teaches the participants how to see beyond obstacles, collaborate and negotiate in order to find solutions, just as MEPs do."

Herbert Reul
MEP for Germany
European People's Party

"I support Model European Union 2011. It offers 180 students the chance to debate pressing European policy issues, challenges students to take on new perspectives, and helps in building new friendships that span across Europe. That way, Europe really comes closer to its citizens."

Alexander Graf Lambsdorff

MEP for Germany
Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe