Young people become MEPs for a day in simEUlation exercise hosted by MEP Peter Agius

Brussels – Five Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from different countries on Thursday welcomed youth groups — including 41 young participants from Malta — for a day of discussions and negotiations on key European themes such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the use of social media.

Opening the event held in the European Parliament in Brussels, MEP Peter Agius stated:
“Politicians do not know everything — we need to hear from you on how we should shape decisions on the issues that impact young people the most, including the opportunities and challenges of AI, social media, and mental health. That is why we wanted to invite you here, so you can live what we do in Europe — negotiate among yourselves like MEPs, and be better prepared to engage actively in European democracy.”

More than 150 young people from 12 countries took part in the activity, with groups from Luxembourg, Germany, Hungary, Ireland and Malta forming European political parties, negotiating, speaking in debates, and presenting written and oral amendments.

The activity, called simEUlation, was designed to provide practical training on how the European Union functions and how young people can contribute to shaping and improving it for Europe’s citizens.

Participants included youth groups from Teamstart and MŻPN, including candidates, activists, councillors and PN mayors, as well as several MEPs from other countries, among them Regina Doherty, Dora David, Niels Geuking and Martine Kemp.

Closing the activity, MEP Agius emphasised that young people can be the EU’s strongest ambassadors:
“A strong Europe is essential for young people to succeed in their careers and projects — whether as students, workers, or young entrepreneurs in the near future. We need you to pass on that truth all around you.”