Asylum and Migration Management and Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition were the two legislative measures that were debated and discussed during the weekend of May 3-5, 2024, at the VeUMEU (Venice Universities Model European Union), a simulation of the legislative procedures of the European Union.
Organized by students of the Venice Diplomatic Society and Ca’ Foscari, VeUMEU attracts participants from various universities, including Venice International University. Students took on roles as Members of the European Parliament, the Council of the EU, and the press corps, gaining invaluable experience in international relations, policy-making, debating, diplomacy, and journalism.
They researched the issues in advance and drafted position papers and amendments to the Regulation Proposal (Asylum and migration management) and the Directive Proposal (Consumers and the Green Transition). These were then debated in plenary sittings of the Parliament and at the meetings of the Council held at Venice International University over the weekend at the beginning of May.
Since its inception in May 2017, this annual event has been part of the Festival of Europe, organized by Europe Direct of the City of Venice, as in cities around the continent to commemorate the foundation of the intergovernmental institutions that were tasked with building cooperation and peace following the Second World War. VIU is a member of the Europe Direct information network.
The participants of the VeUMEU were mentored by three members of the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS): Micaela Del Monte, Clement Evroux, and Joana Apap, who provided scientific resources in advance for the students' research, and observed and advised the students over the weekend. Micaela Del Monte is Head of the Citizens' Policies Unit; Clement Evroux is a Policy Analyst with the Economic Policies Unit, while Joana Apap is responsible for Strategic liaison with Academia for EPRS.
Sara De Vido, professor of International Law at Ca’ Foscari, and Sara Dal Monico, post-doc in International Law, also Ca’ Foscari, continue to provide invaluable guidance to the students each year, ensuring an outstanding learning experience.
The event received support from Europe Direct Venezia, Ca’ Foscari University, San Servolo Servizi, and Venice International University, which provided the venue.
The successful execution of VeUMEU 2024 was thanks to the dedication of students like Alesia Kovacevic, Timon Gerrits, and Luis Marroquin.
- Alesia Kovacevic, a first-year Comparative International Relations master’s student at Ca’ Foscari specializing in European Studies, participated in VeUMEU two years ago as a Member of the European Parliament. This year, she served as Deputy Director General.
- Timon Gerrits, a second-year PISE (Philosophy, International Studies, and Economics) student at Ca’ Foscari from the Netherlands, has extensive experience organizing events and simulations, including last year’s VeUMEU. This year, he took on the role of Director General.
- Luis Marroquin, this year’s Event Coordinator, honed his leadership skills as Student Council President in high school. As a member of the Venice Diplomatic Society, he works within a network of diligent, like-minded individuals.
Read the three editions of EU Now, published by the Press Corps daily during the event:
EU Now | First Edition EU Now | Second Edition EU Now | Third Edition
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the institutional partners, and to the students and teachers whose effort, perseverance, and dedication made VeUMEU 2024 a success. Over 100 participants contributed to the event, making it a memorable and impactful experience.
