Erasmus University’s Sara Ždrale, student of Bachelor programme Management of International Social Challenges, participated in ConSIMium - an European Council simulation experience for university students from the European Union member countries. The simulation was focused on one of the primary European Union’s concerns – sustainability.
On the 2 and 3 of February 2023, Council’s premises in Brussels were filled with more than 160 ambitious students from 27 member-state delegations. Students gathered to get acquainted with processes that shape European decision-making and to experience a first-hand simulation of the Council of the European Union and European Council.
Erasmus University’s Sara Ždrale, a student of Bachelor programme Management of International Social Challenges, was one of them. The simulation was focused on sustainability. Students negotiated two proposals of the European Commission: Alternative Fuel Infrastructure and CO2 emissions. Additionally, the simulation consisted of all levels of operation of the European Council and the Council of the European Union, so participants simulated roles of national experts, ambassadors, Ministers, Heads of State, and journalists.
Dutch delegation
Sara took part in the simulation as a part of the Dutch student delegation. Coordinated by University of Maastricht, six students representing five Dutch universities: Rotterdam, Maastricht, Leiden, Groningen, and Tilburg. The delegation was coordinated by Professor Christine Neuhold and Robin Dirix.
Sara Ždrale shared her thoughts regarding her experience during the project: “Being a part of pilot ConSIMium assured me that voices of the European Youth are being heard. Starting from national coordinators, organizers, and fellow delegates, everyone put effort into making this simulation an unforgettable experience that reinforced the spirit of unity as the critical element to solving transboundary issues. I am grateful to Council’s organizers and Erasmus University for giving me the opportunity to participate in the project”.
Sara highlighted the main takeaways from her experience: “Networking, traineeship Q&A sessions, quizzes and social events – I was astonished by opportunities provided. However, the fact standing out the most was the amount of effort going into the decision-making process. Of course, we all see how it looks from the outside – we see the proposal, final product and streaming of some negotiations, but we should never disregard the work happening during other formal and informal negotiations of the Union”.
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