Model Council of the European Union Debate

The annual Model Council of the European Union debate for Irish secondary schools took place on Friday 9 March in the Printworks in Dublin Castle. The event was formally opened by the Minister of State for European Affairs, Helen McEntee TD. Former Secretary-General of the European Commission, Catherine Day chaired the debate. The theme of the 2018 debate was the Future of Europe. Schools debated a simplified version of the European Commission"s 2017 White Paper: The future of Europe – Reflections and scenarios for the EU27 by 2025. A team of three students from each participating school represented the minister from one of the EU Member States. Croatia was represented by three students from Coláiste Nano Nagle, Limerick. The Model Council is an annual debate for secondary schools organised by the European Commission Representation in Ireland. It is a simulation of a meeting of the Council of the European Union and involves teams from 28 secondary schools, each of which represents an EU Member State. The event allows schools to gain first-hand experience of the EU"s decision-making process. Ivan Mašina, Ambassador of Croatia to Ireland, attended the debate and met the team. He also presented students with brochures and Croatian souvenirs.

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