SUNY MEU 2023 Blog Post

Matthew Pierro

Matthew with his SUNY MEU Placard.

Last March I traveled to New York City to participate in SUNY’s MEU conference. I represented Krišjānis Karinš, Latvia’s then Prime Minister and current Minister for Foreign Affairs. SUNY MEU was my second experience representing a head-of-state, which meant accepting an elevated responsibility for all of Latvia’s varied interests. I accordingly spent weeks prior to the conference diving into Latvian foreign policy and issues confronting the Baltic Region.

For 2 days I joined students from dozens of other MEU participant schools socializing, debating, and passing legislation. EU mutual defense became a natural point of contention. As one of the smaller members of the EU, representing Latvia meant toeing the line — collaborating with other members and sharing the microphone without sacrificing the urgency behind Russia’s invasion and Latvia’s position on the European fringe.

Throughout the weekend I made friends with members of similar dispositions. We helped focus debate to address other issues facing the EU, from immigration to climate change to energy dependence. At times, we also became the the difficult “No” vote to incomplete bills. After one such vote, the chair thanked my delegation directly. We reworked the legislation and passed it unanimously shortly after. I’ve learned that collaboration comes in many different forms.

One of the more fulfilling parts of SUNY MEU was the ability to work with co-delegates outside the chamber, too. From lunch in K-town to a night in Times Square, I saw the humanity behind my peers and the members they represented.

I’ve always said: MEU is learning by doing. As a UNC student, I’ve had the immense privilege to participate in multiple MEU simulations both in the US and abroad. Each simulation has taught me more about the EU, its arms and ambitions, its legislative processes, and tricks for collaboration. SUNY’s MEU was similarly impactful, and I am grateful to have attended.

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.