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Mudel-Euroopa Parlament Eestis 2024

2023-3-EE01-KA154-YOU-0001725402023Youth participation activitiesfinalizedGood practice
Countries: EE|EL|AT|DK|DE|MT|CZ|SI|NL|BG|FI|BE · Grant: €52,839
Key competences developmentAwareness about the European UnionReaching the policy level/dialogue with decision makers

Objectives

Main objective of the project was to organise an international Model European Parliament session – a forum for the young people of Europe to engage in political discussions, form their knowledge-based opinion on ten current and complex European issues and take part in lively debates with fellow delegates to reach compromises satisfying the needs of varying European communities. In the course of the event, the participants engaged in debates over 10 current issues of the European Union, aimed at finding common solutions to them. Firstly, the project was aimed at deepening the knowledge and understanding of critical European issues among participants. They explored a single topic in depth, and needed to get acquainted with nine other current issues to engage in informed discussions. This approach deepened their awareness of current challenges in Europe, and also broadened their understanding of the political and social dynamics across the Union, understanding that the positions of other countries may vary. As a result, participants left the program with a greater ability to follow and comprehend the 10 discussed topics. This achievement fulfilled the project’s objective of fostering long-term interest in pan-European issues, which is essential for future voter participation. Secondly, the project aimed to enhance the participants' communication and negotiation skills. One of the core objectives was to urge the participants to truly understand opposing viewpoints and find common ground. By participating in the structured debates and more informal discussions, the young people learned how to articulate their ideas clearly while respecting the differing opinions. This not only improved their public speaking skills but also encouraged them to compromise and collaborate. These skills are essential to bring back to their local communities to help build a culture of dialogue and sharing of opinions based of facts. The project also brought a sense of unity to the participants. By bringing together young people from many different countries, the session helped them get to know each other and their background. The participants learned that while the opinions across Europe may vary, we need the compromises to move forward as a united front. The standpoints across the Union are diverse, but we are stronger and better together. As the project took place just before the European Parliament elections, the event served as a great reminder for the young people to use their right to vote, and make the voice of youth heard. Meetings with decision-makers and experts, as well as sharing of the session results (resolutions) with the elected MEPs, ensured that their ideas reached the policy level.

Project partners (12)