60th iMEP Brussels - Model European Parliament (MEP)

The Birthplace of Democracy provides the perfect backdrop for our convention where young minds from across Europe and beyond will come together to debate, collaborate, and shape the future of our continent. This session marks a significant milestone in the history of the MEP, and we are honoured we will have each of you contributing your unique perspectives and ideas.

While in Athens, you will have the chance to visit remarkable historical sites that date back millennia and immerse yourselves in the Hellenic heritage and culture. Most importantly, however, those participating as delegates and committee presidents, will engage in rigorous discussions, develop innovative solutions to pressing issues, and build lasting connections with fellow delegates. Your role is crucial, and we are confident that your contributions will have a lasting impact because what you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments but what is woven into the lives of others.

We are positive that this session has the potential to spark a passion in you regarding various matters that you will have to discover yourselves. Whether that has to do with your future, the people you meet, stepping out of your comfort zone, contributing to the successful function of democracy or, most importantly, letting your voices be heard throughout Europe, we are eager to see you bloom in what we have prepared for you.

We encourage you to fully embrace this opportunity, to challenge yourselves as well as each other, and to approach every debate with an open mind and a collaborative spirit. The diversity of thought and experience that you bring is what makes MEP such a powerful and enriching experience. MEP is the kindling of a flame which has potential, and we are here to assure you that we will ignite that flame to flare up!

We are both positive that you will give it your all to make this session one of the most memorable weeks of your lives!

ABOUT MEP

The aim of the MEP programme is to develop interest and skills in addressing high level international issues jointly among Europe’s decision makers of tomorrow.

The Model European Parliament is a leadership programme for youths in the 27 EU member states and guest countries.

The aim of the MEP is to educate young people at high school level about European integration and cooperation, and to develop their understanding of common issues as well as provide them with knowledge about EU institutions. The programme develops political awareness and an understanding for Europe’s cultural diversity.

• a place for young EU parlamentarians
• a place for new ideas
• a place for the decision makers of tomorrow
• a place to be

History

Set up in 1994 with a secretariat in The Hague, Netherlands in the inspiring care of Anna and Leopold van Sminia, the MEP programme since 2014 is coordinated by an innovating multi-national board with an association based in Madrid.

Organization

MEP Europe is organized into four Euroregional sections (MEP Baltic Sea Region, MEP Western European Region, MEP Central and South Eastern European Region and the MEP Mediterranean Region) each headed by a regional coordinator. As in the MEP BSR since 2004, Euroregional networking and annual sessions will follow in the other three regions of Europe, opening up further opportunities for participation. An MEP Alumni branch will cater for the needs of former participants, offering a whole range of post-MEP activities and events.

In recent years the MEP has caught on well in candidate countries. The FYR of Macedonia and Turkey have been hosts to international sessions. Lately Serbia and Albania have joined the Model European Parliament programme.

Education

The MEP is a training ground for future leaders and politicians as well as for talented students who share an interest in European issues. It is also a cultural and social event, which gives the participants the opportunity to experience the diversity of the countries around Europe. They take part in various social events, such as teambuilding, discussion forums, dances, sightseeing along with living with a family in the host country.

National Level

On a national level, the MEP encourages European activities, initiated by National Committees. In every country national MEP organisations play a leading role, acting as hosts to an annual national event. As many schools as possible, from different regions, with students from different social backgrounds are invited to join this European project. The National Committees promote the development of the European dimension in new establishments as well as ensure the continuation of European activities in schools that have been participating in the MEP already.

How our Sessions work

Two EU 28+ sessions take place a year in a different European capital. The working language in international sessions is English. Five students are chosen to represent each EU member state, and together they comprise a delegation. Each delegate represents his/her native country in one of ten committees to discuss international issues which appear on the agenda of the European Parliament. The common goal is to find consensus within a committee on the draft of a resolution that is presented to the General Assembly and vigorously defended in the hope of winning majority approval.

Over the past twenty years the national governments of the Member States have lent their support by providing facilities and giving permission for the two plenary days to be held in one of the assembly chambers of the Parliament of the host country:

• Austria: the Parlament der Republik Österreich
• Bulgaria: the National Assembly
• Cyprus: the House of Representatives
• Denmark: the Christiansborg Landstingssalen
• Finland: the Eduskunta
• France: the Assemblée Nationale
• Luxembourg: the Hemicycle of the Senate in the Palais de Luxembourg

• Germany: the Bundestag
• Greece: the Old Parliament
• Hungary: the Magyar Orszaggyules
• Ireland: the Dail Eireann
• Italy: the Camera dei Deputati and the Senate of Rome
• Lithuania: the Seimas
• the Netherlands: the Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal

• Poland: the Sejm
• Portugal: the Assembleia da republica
• Slovak Republic: the National Council
• Slovenia: the Drzavni Zbor
• Spain: El Congreso de los Diputados and the Senado
• Sweden: the Riksdag
• Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia: the Congress Hall

The MEP has also enjoyed attending a reception in Portcullis House given by the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Right Honorable John Bercow.

Owing to these prestigious locations and the excellent quality of debates, the Model European Parliament programme throughout Europe enjoys a high standing and receives full media attention. As a non-profit, non-partisan association MEP Europe is sponsored by the Youth in Action/Erasmus+ programme, by national governments, local authorities, schools, private donors and associations.