From November 1st to 3rd, the Model European Parliament (MEP) took place at Abbey Rolduc in Kerkrade, Netherlands. MEP aims to familiarize participants with the basic structures of the European Union (EU) and its decision-making processes while helping students develop skills in public speaking, negotiating, teamwork, networking, and socializing in both formal and informal settings. English was the official language of the event.
This year’s event saw participation from schools across Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, including 16 KCG students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. Preparation for the event began after the Pentecost holidays, with the MEP club meeting every Friday from 1.30pm to 3pm. During these sessions, students engaged with current EU topics and issues.
At MEP, participants assumed the roles of politicians from European factions and committees, developing their own ideas and solutions aligned with their assigned party's stance. This year's committees included:
- Constitutional Affairs (AFCO): Preserving commitment to the foundations of the Union and its constitutional values in the face of political divisiveness concerning the integration of new member states.
- Security and Defense (SEDE): Enhancing self-sufficiency in military production while also working more closely with international allies.
- Foreign Affairs (AFET): Improving and strengthening the common foreign policy within the EU.
- Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI): Reforming the Green Deal to create a secure food supply chain for the European Union.
The topics were thoroughly debated in committee sessions, which could last as long as four hours, with students from other schools assigned to the same committee. The results of the faction meetings and committee meetings were compiled in a common position paper (CP) and then voted on in the model parliament.
The KCG students really enjoyed their stay at Abbey Rolduc, enhancing their English skills while making new friends along the way. KCG didn’t leave without a prize, as Christopher Okech (JG2) won the award for “Best Non-Native Speaker“ in the Committee of AFCO. Congratulations!
KCG is looking forward to next year’s meeting and hopes to engage even more people to participate in this unique event.
