European Parliament simulations for schools

Youth's Europe

The Youth’s Europe project organises European Parliament simulations for 15- to 22-year-olds in upper secondary schools all over Finland. The purpose of the project is to improve young people’s knowledge about political decision-making and the European Union, as well as to encourage them to participate in discussions about societal questions. The project is funded by the European Parliament Liason Office in Finland. The project is usually active during the spring semester which is the time period when we offer the parliament simulations. Also final classes of lower secondary schools, organisations and youth groups may request the simulation, as long as the participants are approximately 15 to 22 years old.

In the simulation, participants immerse themselves in the decision-making and the processes of the European Parliament and form their own opinions on current European issues. The simulations are suitable for e.g. social studies classes.

During the simulation, the young people get to discuss current themes for Europe and shared and regional challenges. The participants formulate solutions to them and based on them their own resolution papers, which will be presented to the rest of the group in the “general assembly”. The simulations are facilitated by trained EU ambassadors.

EP simulations are free of charge, they are available in all parts of Finland in Finnish, Swedish and English on the spot or remotely. The duration is 75 to 90 minutes.

The objective of the simulation is to help participants grasp the ways of social advocacy on the European level and more generally the functioning of parliamentary bodies. During the simulation participants will familiarise themselves with the ways in which the European Union affects the everyday lives of the citizens and what topics are dealt with on the European level decision-making. At the same time, you will get to know the political side of the Union and the ways in which citizens can influence the future of the Union. The simulations offer young people useful information about politics in a participatory and easy-to-grasp way.

After the simulation, the participants may join the activities and events of EYP Finland, which will allow them to further their knowledge on European politics, acquire useful skills for work and international settings, and join the amazing EYP community.

We also encourage young people to check out the page together.eu for further involvement.

You can request an EP simulation by sending us an email: sofia.olin@eypfinland.org. In the email, please provide the name and location of your school and possible dates & times for the visit. Info days are free of charge and they are available in all upper secondary school in Finland.