Model EU Reflection: The Benefits of EU Simulation
Kate Honan studies Environmental Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. She participated in the Pittsburgh Model EU as Cyprus’ Head of State, and in the Midwest Model EU as Croatia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Participating in Model EU this year was an extremely impactful experience, and really demonstrated why political simulation of the EU is important. Often when I tell people that I do these simulations, a common question I get is “Why?”, and as a previous participant in these simulations I never felt as through I had a good answer. I would give an obligatory answer about how it taught me more about the EU institutions and that I enjoyed conversing with people who are also interested in European politics, which was all true but felt incomplete.
This year, especially in a virtual setting, I realized it brings participants so much more. It fosters empathy for others, practices problem solving and impactful conversation, and respect and better understanding for both the process and struggles of the European Union.
As someone who follows EU and European Politics closely, I found myself being critical and frustrated with the both the speed that the EU would respond and how “watered down” I felt the responses use to be. But after participating in multiple simulations where a comprehensive (or any) response to migration on the Mediterranean coast was brought up to be followed by agreed on solution or statement, it really showed that it is not that easy. A compromise could not be raised between 30 people, when these conversations are being influenced and talked about by hundreds. In a low stake situation in these discussions, I went through the wide range of emotions ranging from confidence, frustration, fear, anger, sadness, and pride. Obviously, I was very passionate about these topics, but when this is magnified to somewhere where this is someone’s job which is always at risk by elections, and these electorates are a wide and diverse group of people it is no wonder that progress if often slow and parceled.
This realization has showed me that anger over gridlock and slow progress in any government (not only the EU), is does not show weakness in the system but the important deliberation of all voices trying to bring something that is the best that can delivered to their electorate. This lesson from MEU simulations helps form more educated and patient citizens in our own country, but also shows students what the “real world” of politics and government is like. It is not as easy as showing up and thinking that you are going to jam legislation through because you either think you are right or the most knowledgeable, but that real governing is being willing to sit down and have real conversations about tough issues to find common ground.
These simulations create a group of young intelligent citizens who have learned from and respect the EU and are willing to sit down and face real problems with a new set of tools for productive conversations.
This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of UNC, Pitt, and FIU, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
