Students from 32 schools across the UK, including Christ the King College, took part in a mock summit of EU leaders last week at the Law Society in Chancery Lane.
The 64 students discussed and debated 2 key issues: the future of the United Kingdom in the Erasmus+ Programme and the rights of EU citizens in the UK once it has left the European Union.
The mock European Council is organised annually by the European Commission in partnership with the British Council and has taken place since 2010. It aims to give sixth-form students a chance to experience the EU’s decision-making process by taking part in debates and learning more about EU policies in specific areas.
Each school was assigned the role of one of the EU’s 28 member states and sent two students to play its head of government, negotiating on 1 of the 2 issues in the talks. The role of the UK was played by 2 different schools and 1 school played the role of the European Commission.
Elsie Lewis and Rees Cooper, from Christ the King College, were allocated the role of representing Croatia at the Summit. They were fortunate enough to be able to visit the Croatian Embassy the day before where they met the Ambassador and Minister Counsellor who helped them to prepare for the summit and understand Croatia’s views on the debate topics.
The British Council’s EU Regional Director, Rebecca Walton, opened the event, with welcoming remarks by Christine Dalby, Acting Head of the European Commission Representation in the UK. Her Excellency Ms. Tiina Intelmann, the Estonian ambassador to the UK, closed the one-day event.
Prior to the event, Christine Dalby said:
“The UK is leaving the EU but the way the EU works and takes decisions will continue to be relevant to British economic and political life in the future. Taking part in the mock summit will give the students an invaluable insight into the dynamics of political negotiations.”
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Following the event, Pauline Stirling, Head of Citizenship and PSHE at Christ the King College, said:
“This has been an amazing experience for our students: learning about how the EU works, learning about diplomacy and collaborating with students from other schools. Rees and Elsie earned their place at this event by performing well at local debate heats and both took part fully in negotiations.”
Elsie Lewis said:
“Going to the Mock EU council was such an amazing experience. I really enjoyed the trip – especially visiting the Croatian embassy – and I thought that it was such a great opportunity to learn more about the position and opinion of a small member state of the EU. I learnt skills such as negotiating with other people that will definitely be applicable to daily life!”
