Over 100 young people from the Republic of Moldova participated in the second edition of “Model European Union Moldova” (MEU), an interactive exercise simulating the decision-making process of European Union (EU) institutions. Held from March 28 to 30, 2025, at the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, the event allowed participants to take on roles as Members of the European Parliament, European Commissioners, political advisors, and journalists. They debated legislative proposals, negotiated amendments, and identified solutions to citizens’ challenges.
During the three-day event, participants formed political groups, simulating the current composition of the European Parliament. This process helped them understand party ideologies and positions on debated topics. Through this experience, they formed political alliances, negotiated European legislation, drafted legal amendments, and made decisions at the EU level.
Doina Gherman, Vice President of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova:
“I can say I see the future before my eyes. You are the future parliamentarians, ministers, and state secretaries. I am confident that the Republic of Moldova is in good hands because you are the European Union generation. You, the youth, represent our hope, and we count on you to advance the country’s European agenda and path.”
Jānis Mažeiks, EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova:
“The Republic of Moldova aims to become a member of the European Union by 2030. In five years, many of you will be leading this country and directly contributing to major changes. And this change starts today, right here. You will discover how EU institutions work and influence people’s daily lives.”
Margret Maria Uebber, German Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova:
“The increasing involvement of young people in European processes is becoming essential. We strongly believe that such simulations provide valuable opportunities for youth to deepen their understanding of the European Union and to become active supporters of Moldova’s European integration.”
This year’s MEU edition proposed two main topics for discussion.
- The first focused on Moldova’s EU accession process and the European Parliament’s non-legislative procedure for approving the accession treaty.
- The second addressed debates on the European Digital Services Act (DSA) and provisions related to combating online disinformation.
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Young participants roleplayed journalists from leading EU and Moldovan media outlets reporting on parliamentary sessions.
Participants attended workshops dedicated to the functioning of EU institutions, debate techniques, and public speaking skills, ensuring high-level performances. This exercise aimed to develop critical thinking, effective communication, cooperation, and leadership among participants.
Ovidiu-Artur Harunjen, Model EU Moldova participant:
“The experience in these legislative simulations and my passion for politics motivated me to become part of this year’s MEU team. This event is a great opportunity to learn more about the European legislative process, build new friendships, and create lasting memories with other young people.”
Context
Model European Union Moldova (MEU) is an interactive exercise simulating the decision-making process of EU institutions. The first edition took place in April 2024, bringing together over 80 young participants. This year, over 100 young people from 20 districts across Moldova participated, learning about political alliance formation, European legislation negotiation, and EU-level decision-making through real-world simulations.
The EU and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development support the organization of Model European Union Moldova. The event happens within the “EU4Youth: Youth Engagement and Empowerment” project. The initiative is implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) in collaboration with the Young European Ambassadors, the National Youth Council of Moldova (CNTM), and the EU Information Center in Chisinau – Europe Café.