King's in Brussels

 
European Studies makes its presence felt in the European Parliament
 
Five students from King’s College London, were the first ever to represent their university in the European Parliament at the annual Negotiation Moot Simulation in Brussels, in April 2010. The five students from Kings, Rositsa Argirova, Eike Ennok, Yentyl Williams (BA students), Simge Andi and Triin Pravell (MA students) grasped this unique opportunity to make their mark in Brussels. All the students were recognised for their outstanding input and communication over the two days winning 5 of the 12 awards available. The students certainly made their presence felt, with Triin Paavel representing the Spanish Presidency in Day 1 of the negotiations, and Yentyl Williams being elected President of the European Parliament, Day 2.
 
The Negotiation Moot is a Simulation which takes place over two days in the European Parliament, Brussels. Each Simulation revolves around the negotiation of particular legislation, this year’s being CO2 emissions within the European Union. Students were paired with fellow students from varying universities around the competing Member States, and together they completed a Position Paper representing the Member State to which they were allocated e.g. One of our King’s students was paired with another student from the University of Budapest, Hungary to represent the UK. This prepared the students for Day 1 of the negotiations, simulating the Council process of preparing a CO2 emissions proposal through debate with the other Member States present. For Day 2, the students were randomly selected to represent one of the European Political Parties and negotiate to pass the legislation proposed in Day1. In two days, students had the opportunity to practically apply all theoretical knowledge of the passing of legislation in the European Union, working as European officials within the Parliament.
 
The five King’s students have certainly left an indelible impression during this year’s Negotiation Moot Simulation in the European Parliament. Although, this was the first time that King’s was represented, and recognising the achievements of the five students, it shall not be the last. The students are currently striving to guarantee King’s College London is represented in Brussels, to ensure King’s posterity can enjoy and emulate their successes in participating in the European Parliament Simulation.