EuroSim - A transatlantic simulation
The Europa-Institut, in cooperation with a consortium of American and European universities, organizes an annual simulation of European decision-making processes, called EuroSim.
The event, which is held in English, offers students an excellent opportunity to test their acquired knowledge and skills in practice. EuroSim takes place every year, alternating between universities in Europe and the USA.
EuroSim 2026
From 07 April 2026 to 13 April 2026, the Europa-Institut participated in EuroSim, organised by the Center for European and Transatlantic Studies and the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence at Virginia Tech in Alexandria, Virginia. The simulation itself took place from 09 April to 12 April 2026.
This year’s simulation of the EU legislative process focused on adapting a real-life draft of the Omnibus I Package for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). For the purposes of the simulation, the package was renamed the Regulatory Efficiency and Accountability Package (REAP). The Europa-Institut students represented the European Commission and were responsible for drafting the Commission proposal, which served as the basis for the legislative process. In addition, students took on the roles of Members of Parliament in the ENVI and ECON Committees, a Head of State in the European Council, and a Vice-Chair in the General Affairs Council.
The team from the Europa-Institut received three awards from the EuroSim organizers. The participant portraying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was awarded Most Valuable Contribution from the Commission. The participant playing MEP Sybille Berg (unaffiliated) received two awards: Most Effective Debater in the ECON Committee and Best Prepared Participant Overall.
Throughout the simulation, the students were able to apply the legal knowledge and public speaking skills they had developed at the Europa-Institut, including during the preparatory sessions held in the months leading up to the event. Their strong commitment, teamwork, and professionalism were evident throughout the week and contributed significantly to the success of the simulation.
Before the start of the simulation, the delegation also had the opportunity to explore Washington, D.C., visiting Georgetown, the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. After the simulation, students visited Capitol Hill, and the group spent a day discovering Old Town Alexandria. The trip offered a rich combination of academic challenge, cultural experiences, and valuable insights into European and American political institutions.
EuroSim 2025
From January 2 to 5, 2025, the Europa-Institut participated in EuroSim, an annual simulation of European decision-making processes. This year, EuroSim was organized by the University of Antwerp and the STRATEGO Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence. This year’s simulation of an EU legislative process focused on adapting a real draft regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the comprehensive regulation to prevent pellet loss in order to reduce microplastic pollution. The students from the Europa-Institut took on the roles of rapporteurs, heads of state, Council ministers, political group leaders, and various parliamentary ministers.
The Europa-Institut team received three awards from the EuroSim organizers. Two of our students received the “Most Effective Debater” award—one for portraying MEP Emma Wiesner (Renew Europe) and one for portraying MEP and party leader Katri Kulmuni (also Renew Europe). In addition, the participant who played lobbyist Patrizia Heidegger (European Environmental Bureau) was honored for the most valuable contribution by an NGO/special role.
During the moot court competition in Antwerp, the team was able to apply the legal knowledge and public speaking skills they had acquired during the preparatory sessions at the Europa-Institut. The entire team worked very hard and with great dedication, and cooperated well with the other participants to make the simulation a success overall.
Unfortunately, due to the timing of this year’s simulation, the team was unable to participate in the extracurricular activities prior to the simulation. However, after the simulation and before returning to Saarbrücken, the students and their advisors spent a few hours exploring the city of Antwerp. Next year, Eurosim will take place in the United States again, this time in April 2026 in Washington, D.C.
EuroSim 2024
From 10 April 2024 to 14 April 2024, the Europa-Institut participated in EuroSim, organized by the State University of New York, College of Brockport. This year's simulation of an EU legislative process involved adapting a real-life draft for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the comprehensive regulation of artificial intelligence (also known as the AI Act). The Europa-Institut students took on the role of the Commission, among others, and were responsible for drafting the Commission proposal for the regulation, which formed the basis for the legislative process.
The team from the Europa-Institut received two prizes from the EuroSim organizers. Firstly, the participant playing Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was honored for her constructive and dedicated work before and during the simulation. Secondly, the team from the Europa-Institut received the most votes overall in the individual categories and was therefore the most successful team.
After the simulation, the excursion team traveled to New York City to spend the remaining three days in this dynamic global metropolis before flying back to Frankfurt. This part of the trip was, and should have been, seen by the participants as a reward for their efforts of the previous days, but above all included exciting excursions to the United Nations and the German Permanent Representation to the United Nations. At both institutions, the students gained an insight into the workings of the UN.
EuroSim 2023
From January 3 to 7, 2023, nine students from the Europa-Institut took part in EuroSim, one of the world's largest simulations of decision-making processes in the European Union.
EuroSim 2023 was hosted by the University of South Wales at the International Convention Center Wales and brought together almost 160 students from 17 partner universities from both sides of the Atlantic. In the simulation, participants negotiated a regulation to alleviate the burden of increased EU climate action on vulnerable households across Europe. Strategic autonomy in the energy sector was also on the agenda of the European Council.
The Europa-Institut team had the honor and responsibility of taking on the role of the European Commission, which included drafting the legislative proposal for the “European Social Climate Fund”. The team spent a lot of time drafting the proposed regulation in the run-up to Christmas, making a significant contribution to the simulation taking place. In Wales, the students from the Europa Institut also took on responsibility in their role as the Commission and guided the simulated legislative process. The team was praised by the EuroSim hosts for their excellent design work and on-site support.
In addition to the academic component, the participants had the opportunity to explore the cities of Cardiff and Newport, visit the St. Faggans Museum and socialize with the other participants at a gala dinner, the numerous coffee breaks and a closing party. We congratulate the entire team on their remarkable group performance and wish them every success for the future. The team was financially supported by a so-called PROMOS scholarship via the DAAD program (“PROMOS”) to increase the international mobility of students at Saarland University.
EuroSim turned out to be a fast-paced, multi-layered experience with unexpected twists and intense debates that made it more realistic and challenging. The coaches were highly supportive during the whole process and helped sharpening our oral, public speaking, time management, negotiation and, most importantly, our research skills. I look forward to applying them to future endeavors, both in the academic and professional spheres.
Elozona Nzekwe
The actual EuroSim simulation was a thrilling and transformative experience. When I signed up for EuroSim, I expected an intellectually stimulating experience, that would give me the opportunity to grow in many ways. These expectations were met and exceeded.
Irene Emanuela Falcone
The EuroSim simulation, held in Antwerp, was a unique opportunity to experience the European Union's legislative process in the context of a real challenge: the European Green Deal and the proposed regulations regarding microplastics. One of the most important takeaways from this simulation is how crucial cooperation and dialogue between Member States are. I understood how important it is to listen to others, understanding their perspectives, and searching for compromises together.
Artur Kubik
From the moment I began preparing, I realized that this simulation was not just about debating policy but about learning how to navigate political dynamics, persuade others, and compromise to achieve tangible results. Beyond the academic benefits, EuroSim was an incredible opportunity to connect with passionate individuals from different backgrounds, exchange perspectives, and build lasting friendships. If given the chance, I would absolutely participate in EuroSim again, knowing that the lessons learned extend far beyond the conference itself.
Gizem Beste Engin
To me, democracy needs not only to be taught but also to be experienced. I believe EuroSim embodied this concept exceptionally well. The political banter with my fellow students quickly became the highlight of the sessions. Meeting people from diverse backgrounds is always a valuable experience, but the unique aspect of switching between my own identity and a completely different person made the experience even more memorable.
Julian Schilly
Below you will find a series of testimonials from EuroSim participants—just click on the book icon and read what our successful team members have to say about their participation in EuroSim!