The Malta University Debating Union (MUDU) in collaboration with the National Student Travel Foundation (NSTF) took part in a ConSIMium, a EUCO (European Council) Simulation for students pilot-project by the Council of the European Union’s General Secretariat.

In anticipation of this simulation, MUDU had hosted a local simulation to select UM students who represented Malta in Brussels last week.

As the students arrived in Brussels for the ConSIMium, UM was represented by a number of students. Holly Knerich debated in a European Council simulation as Head of State while Michael Gatt took part in a COREPER meeting as Ambassador. Aimee Mallia finished off the simulation with a meeting for ministers.

Through the different layers of the simulation the topics of alternative fuels, infrastructure and CO2 reduction were discussed, with Leo Ghorishi and Andre Apap attending their own meetings as the two national experts respectively, providing the Ambassador and Minister with much valued insight.

Finally, Gabriella Mallia stepped into the shoes of a journalist and attended the press conference for every Head of State, and also contributed by writing an article.

These 6 UM students worked together to represent Malta’s position in the European Council. While in Brussels, the students were also presented with the opportunity to meet with the Permanent Representative of Malta to the EU Dr Marlene Bonnici and the rest of the Permanent Representation in Dar Malta.

MUDU and NSTF would like to thank Dr Andreas Kotelis from the Institute for European Studies for assisting the team of students as a national coordinator, and look forward to providing more international opportunities for UM students.