Two University of Limerick students have participated in simulated decision-making processes at the highest level of the European Council.
The European Studies students, Niamh McLoughlin and Sarah Nunan, were brought to Brussels in February to give a presentation to the European Council courtesy of the Irish Universities Association
The students had the opportunity to participate in the European Council’s first ever pan-European Council Simulation alongside more than 160 other students from all member states to a debate a policy change on climate issues.
Dr Sorcha de Brún, Course Director of European Studies, said the event was a “major success”.
“The participating students from UL delivered an outstanding performance in all areas of the simulation,” Dr de Brún explained.
“In addition, they showcased the extent to which essential professional skills, global priorities such as the environment and addressing the problems of our endangered planet, and work practices for the twenty first century are embedded at a high level in, for example, the European Studies undergraduate programme in UL.”
European Studies student – and now graduate – Niamh McLoughlin said the simulation was “a once in a lifetime experience to partake in, particularly for such an important year for not only Ireland in the EU, celebrating our 50-year membership, but also for UL and its 50 years of European Studies.
“The world is changing and in European Studies, it is important to understand not only what is happening domestically but across Europe as well. Amidst this backdrop, both Sarah and I had the opportunity to participate and what attracted me most was the opportunity it afforded to gain practical and international experience in a peer-to-peer environment with aspiring diplomats and political enthusiasts.
“We had already engaged in a simulation run by Professor Joachim Fischer through our European Studies course, where we had initial exposure to debate and consultation. I wanted to replicate this and develop further what I had learned from that experience.
“I was chosen as the Ireland’s ‘Perm Rep’, meaning that I was representing Ireland permanently in the EU, whereas other team members were given the roles of journalist, national experts and Taoiseach. At the Council, we were able to craft recommendations and form alliances with other like-minded states to vote on the proposal.
“Some of the highlights of the Simulation included a clearer insight of the Council and how it functions, particularly in the area of environment, a shared competence of the EU which is extremely relevant in today’s context. Another memorable aspect was meeting some Irish members of staff in the European Council, who were kind enough to offer us a tour and some great pieces of professional guidance.
“The friendships that we made from across Europe during the short period of time shouldn’t be undermined, as the group chat remains active. We ask each other questions relating to our studies or if someone is visiting another country, everyone is very open to lending a hand and even act as tour guide,” Niamh added.
Dr de Brún outlined that the simulation is scheduled to take place again in April 2024 and that planning is already underway for a longer, two-day event.
Given the long and illustrious history of European Studies in UL, Professor Joachim Fischer will be National Coordinator for Ireland for the event. The 2024 edition of the simulation, three other Irish universities will also take part, as well as students from 27 member states.