First Annual EU SIMULATION 2005

The European Union Center at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs host a Spring 2005 European Union simulation for Masters students. While there are several regional and national model-UN conferences, as well as an annual undergraduate Transatlantic EU simulation, we were convinced that a simulation for Masters level students with an interest in the EU will be both beneficial and rewarding. As students prepare to enter the workplace, whether private or public, in the U.S., Europe, or elsewhere, a simulation which enables them to utilize the knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom, addressing real life topics, while applying the rules and norms found in EU institutions, can be very valuable. Therefore, as part of our expanding EU Center agenda, we intend to facilitate such an opportunity for professional IR Masters students in our region, with the intention of expanding the size and scope of the simulation over the coming years.

The simulation, to the extent feasible, adhered to the rules and procedures in the Council of the European Union. While details on some specific procedures was included in a pamphlet distributed to all participants in advance of the simulation, participants were expected to be familiar with the workings of the EU and perform accordingly. The EU Center had a secretariat and assistants during the simulation to help facilitate the experience of an EU summit.

Dates: Friday March 25^th – Sunday March 27^th, 2005, at the EU Center at the Moynihan Institute, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University.

Topic: The topic is the EU’s Security and Defense Policy, specifically the largest  military crisis management operation to date, as well as a the ongoing debates over the European Armaments Agency and EU Battle Groups (see link above).

Role assignments: While the inaugural simulation will be fairly small in size, we strive for excellent quality. We expect to have one representatives from each member state (Head of state). Roles will be assigned after final commitments to participate have been received, in February.

Preparations: Students prepare for the simulation at their home universities, and should draw on support from faculty. Researching the simulation topic and the assigned roles constitutes an important part of all students’ preparatory work. Participating students can prepare either as part of a class or a club-format, all that is needed is knowledge of the EU and a genuine interest in applying this knowledge in an interesting, stimulating, and educational setting. Each country will be asked to submit a 1-page position paper ten days prior to the simulation to allow the acting president to conduct a preliminary coordination of positions, and to enable other member states to identify positions in preparations for negotiations. (Professional dress expected.)

Cost: The conference fee is $120.00 per student. This includes food, accommodations, and secretariat services. More specifically, there are two receptions, Friday and Saturday, breakfast and lunch both Saturday and Sunday, and snacks throughout the conference. Rooms will be provide at a hotel adjacent the university. Travel expenses to the conference remain the responsibility of participants, but if you arrive by train or air we will ensure pick-up and drop-off service.