The AFNORTH Model European Parliament (MEP)
The AFNORTH International “Model European Parliament” is a two and a half day conference simulating the basic concept of decision-making in the European Union.
The 8th MEP will take place 06-08 November 2009 at the “Congrescentrum Rolduc”, Kerkrade, The Netherlands.
The European Parliament is the world's largest multinational Parliament. It reflects the political will of more than 490 million European citizens. As the process of European economic and political integration has steadily advanced over the past few years, so has the role and importance of the European Parliament.
The accession of the new member states in January 2007 has marked a further milestone on the way to a united Europe.
Considering the fact, that today's decisions of the European Parliament affect almost all people living within the borders of the EU, we regard it as fairly adequate to simulate the workings of this decisive European political instrument.
Our aim is twofold: to provide the participants with a deeper insight into European institutions and to foster an understanding of political decision-making processes within the EU. We also hope to promote international integration and a European spirit among young people.
The MEP involves around 270 students. A number of students meeting prior to the main conference will represent the EU-Commissioners preparing legislative proposals on topical European issues.
These proposals will serve as input for debate in the parliamentary committees and later in Parliament itself. All other students will obtain the position of a Member of Parliament representing a delegate from a European country.
Apart from representing a certain country delegates are also members of one of the four big parties in the European Parliament. By promoting the interests of a country other than their own, the students can learn to break away from narrow, national self-interest and develop a true European outlook and spirit of cooperation.
Of course, students have to learn to make compromises to find a balance between their position and the views and opinions of others. Certainly developing that competency is part of the challenge of MEP as well as politics. In addition the participants will be able to improve their public speaking skills.
For those who attend schools taught primarily in a language other than English, MEP also offers an excellent opportunity for them to enhance their proficiency with the English language.
The 8th MEP will begin on Friday, 06 November 2009. The formal opening session of Parliament will be held on the following morning.
The MEP conference will end on Sunday, 08 November 2009, with a final plenary session of Parliament as the Closing Ceremony.
