On February 20 and 21, teams from all European Union member states gathered in Brussels, ready to take on their roles as EU leaders, ambassadors, national experts, ministers, and journalists, participating in the EU-level decision-making processes. Over the course of two days, six students from each team simulated a series of meetings at all levels of the Council of the EU, focusing on current affairs topics.
This year, Latvia was represented by a mixed team that included Kristiāna Bule, Elīza Lote Lapaine from Riga Graduate School of Law, Reinis Zonenbergs, Maija Tiva Hilla from the University of Latvia, and Helēna Vanaga and Ramona Gravelsine-Vermauska from Biznesa augstskola Turība. The Latvian team was coordinated and prepared by Viktorija Soņeca, a Visiting Lecturer at Riga Graduate School of Law.
Additionally, students had the opportunity to meet with the team from the Permanent Representation of Latvia to the European Union, speaking with the Ambassador, Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU, Mārtiņš Kreitus, who provided an insightful presentation on the Council's negotiation and decision-making processes.
This trip was funded by the EU and was a part of ConSIMium, a Council simulation experience where the students have a chance to step into the shoes of national decision-makers. Students from all over Europe visit Brussels and take a crash course in European policymaking as they negotiate new rules for the whole European Union.
This was the third year the students from Latvia participated in this project. Many thanks to the team coordinator, our Visiting Lecturer, Viktorija Soņeca.