From March 2 to 4, the provincial edition of the Model European Parliament (MEP) will take place in Middelburg. About sixty havo and vwo students from all eight secondary schools in Zeeland will take on the role of Members of the European Parliament. The conference will be opened by Kings Commissioner Hugo de Jonge. Participants have the chance to advance to the national and international MEP conferences.
Simulation of the European Parliament
The Model European Parliament is a simulation of the European Parliament, intended for secondary school students from all over Europe. Participants delve into cross-border issues within the European Union and experience firsthand how European decision-making takes place. As Members of the European Parliament, they learn to negotiate, collaborate, and reach compromises between different member states.
During the provincial conferences, participants are selected to represent their province at the national conference, after which another selection follows for international participation.
Working on current European themes
The conference days take place in the provincial house in Middelburg. In committees, students work on topics such as air quality, cultural heritage, and the position of small and medium-sized enterprises within the EU. On the third day, the committees come together in the States Hall for the plenary session, where they present and defend their resolutions. The focus is not on winning, but on the learning process, increasing European awareness, and mutual cooperation.
Support from experts
Province of Zeeland provides experts who support the committees with substantive knowledge and targeted feedback. They help students further strengthen their proposals.
MEP Press present
MEP Press is also present again this year. This journalistic delegation consists of students with a special interest in the press and media part of the conference. This group of students provides coverage of the event in words and images, under the guidance of MEP Netherlands.
Valuable learning experience
MEP Zeeland has offered students a valuable extracurricular learning experience for years. Participants develop skills in debating, arguing, negotiating, and public speaking. They also meet peers from across the province, which often leads to new friendships and networks.