Between 12 and 14 June 2023, more than 200 students participated in the first ever Council of Europe Model of Negotiation, the CoEMoN, inspired by the United Nations model (MUN).
The event, held in Strasbourg, gathered political science students from more than 30 countries to play the role of parliamentarians and representatives of member states within the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Committee of Ministers. The simulation was organised on the initiative of the Permanent Representation of France to the Council of Europe in conjunction with the Council of Europe Secretariat and student associations. The aim was to raise awareness of the role, functioning and added value of the Council of Europe among these young people whose studies are related to European politics, citizenship and values.
Taking part in the simulation, Giulia Pascuzzi, from the University of Palermo in Italy reflected on the simulation process. She said that it led to her to consider: “What it means to put yourself in doubt, put your values in doubt and of course, to represent a country that may not align fully with your personal positions. This is something very important, that I wish we all learn. It’s about understanding, it’s about knowing the other”.
The Council of Europe is “an institution which is fundamental within the European continent, because since World War II we have had the longest period of peace, which unfortunately was threatened recently by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. But at the same time, the Council was able to give a strong reply to that aggression and show respect of the rule of law. The respect for human rights and the rule of law has a great impact on every person that lives on the European continent. We cannot forget that peace and development go hand in hand”, she concluded.
The Franco-Canadian Mathieu Bailly from the University of Toulouse II Jean Jaurès, France, also took part in the simulation.
“The Council of Europe is about human rights protection, democracy, and the rule of law. And for me, the Council of Europe is the watchdog of these rights. I know that for the future, as a citizen of a member state, I will be protected throughout my whole life and all my rights will be respected”, he said.
During the simulation, he learned more about conflict resolution.
“I also hope that the international organisations will rely more on the Council of Europe, in their decisions and international conflict resolution. One of the lessons learned during this simulation is that all decisions at the Committee of Ministers are taken unanimously. This would enable a better problem resolution because international problems are unanimously agreed by all parties”.
Giulia Pascuzzi, University of Palermo, Italy
Mathieu Bailly, University of Toulouse II Jean Jaurès, France
