Mock Council of the European Union
Students were selected from British Council school-linking programmes to take part in a mock meeting of the European Council and represent the 27 EU member states. The students debated and made decisions on issues around climate change and universal broadband access for Europe. The event took place in the historic Locarno Rooms in Whitehall on 03 November 2009. Here is a selection of comments from participants:
Representing France: Antony Sophocli, Edmonton County School
'I thought politics was quite dull before today and never really thought much about it.
It was good representing France and getting insight into another country. I thought that France was probably quite a wasteful country before I started researching, and not good on climate change. I didn’t know they were building wind farms and use a lot of nuclear power - they are involved and taking action.
Before, I thought that everything in politics was done very by the book if you know what I mean. Today made me realise that people really want what’s best and they can get very emotional and defensive about it – even though we weren’t even representing our own countries in this case.
It was harder than I thought being a minister. You think you are prepared and know what you think, but it all changes when everyone gets involved. I understand politicians much better now and how they have to work.
I definitely want to follow what’s happening now with Copenhagen and find out what France actually says and see how similar it is.'
'With politics usually you think - what’s the point? Today emphasised the point that it’s there for a reason.'
Representing Poland: Tom Bacon, Highgate Wood School
I’m doing Government and Politics A-level, so I already knew how important it is. Politics affects everyday life – it’s about how the country is run. Today increased my understanding of European politics, which is an area we don’t really touch on in my course. It was interesting how groups of different countries work together. Small countries try and work with bigger countries, and even if lots of small countries get together, it still might not count against the big countries like Germany whose votes have more weight.
It was interesting representing Poland. They have difficult problems to face. I learnt a lot about their position from visiting the Polish Embassy before the event. They don’t have enough money to stop using coal and invest in infrastructure for green energy.
On climate change, Germany will work with us as they need the coal we have. And we are working with Denmark to propose to the Commission a clause that Poland and other developing countries get funds to put in place alternative sources of energy.
The European Union should work together, otherwise rich countries will just get richer and poor poorer. Europe is really important especially on climate change. Today has made me realise just how influential Europe will be.'
Representing the European Commission: Haddy Jallow, Chestnut Grove
'With politics usually you think - what’s the point? You read the paper but don’t really take notice. Today emphasised the point that it’s there for a reason.
It was really tough representing the Commission, and frustrating. You have to take into account what everyone wants and consolidate all those views into one proposal. It’s hard to convince people to change their views, but you do have good interaction with the different countries. It was surprising how the different countries all work together in groups.
I realise how important the European Union is now.'
This event was part of the British Council's 75th anniversary activities running throughout 2009 and represented one of a series of Mock Council events held England, Northern Ireland and Wales. It was organised by the British Council, Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the European Commission.
