My journalism experience at Model of the European Union in Lisbon: youth vision for the future of the European Union

Can you imagine being a part of the European Parliament and give your voice in desision-making process? Model of the European Union (MEU) provide you this opportunity with simulation of the process of approving laws in the European Union.

ISEG (Lisbon School of Economics & Management) gathered together more than 50 young people from different countries all over the worls in order to work on the mutual vision for the future of European Union.

I’ve been a Journalist, my tasks was to promote all the actions within the Confefence: speeches, debates, meetings with Interest Representatives. I wrote an articles, news, film opinions of EU Members, made announcements and held a Press Conference, summing up the results of the day. Also, as a Rapporteur I presented trialogues conclusions and took a pictures.

We had a simulation of European Politics, we assumed the role of a Members of the European Parliament, Ministers of the Council of the European Union, European Commission. We discussed the topics of Migration, asylum, Sustanability, Climate & environment, EU Dialogues, youth commitment and involvement, how to prepare for the EU Competitions and become a civil servant of the European Institutions, how to be more active in civic life and what does it means to be a European citizen.

During the simulations we tackled two controversial, real-life legislative proposals drafted by the European Commission: the European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and the creation of a European Network of Immigration Liason Officers. We had a Workshops, Proposals, Presentations, Votings, Opening Statements, Faction Meetings, Election, Debate. Also, we had an open discussions with Deputy Ambassador of Czech Respublic, EC Representative Office in Portugal, EP Information Office in Portugal, Vice President at BETA Europe.

MEU helped me to develop professionalizing experience: strategic thinking, public speaking, teamwork and negotiation. As well as long-lasted network of other EU enthusiasts, gain a better understanding of the decision-making process of the European Union, be engaged in a well-organised and challenging simulation.

I would like to Thank to *BETA Portugal for such a high level of organisation and amazing welcoming us in Lisbon.

*BETA Portugal is the Portuguese section of Bringing Europeans Together Association (BETA Europe), a non-profit association based in Brussels and present in 25 countries, with the mission of promoting democratic values and education for European citizenship, through the organization of simulations of European politics.