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.

Report written by Norah Kibaka-Vibila.