Learning about the EU by experiencing it
The annual role-play exercise is part of the course European Governance and brought together students from Lund University’s two European Affairs master’s programmes: the long-standing European Affairs - Master of Science programme and the newer Master of Science in European Affairs with a specialisation in Public Administration (in Swedish): European Affairs, Offentlig förvaltning - Masterprogram.
Representing ten member-state delegations as well as key EU institutions, the students spent the day negotiating European policy and building alliances in a simulation designed to mirror the realities of EU decision-making. Throughout the day, they worked in delegation headquarters, ministerial meetings, and a final European Council summit where compromises had to be reached under time pressure and competing national interests.
From theory to real-world negotiations
The negotiation game is a central element of the programmes’ active learning approach, explains Professor Ian Manners. Rather than merely studying institutions and policies, students are challenged to apply their knowledge in a realistic setting where outcomes depend on their own preparation, judgement and ability to collaborate.
Reading about EU negotiations is one thing. Taking part in them, defending national positions and trying to find agreements with other member states is something completely different. The exercise gives students valuable insights into the complexity of European decision-making and the importance of negotiation, diplomacy and cooperation.
Two master's programmes with a European focus
This year’s exercise was the largest to date, reflecting growing student interest in European Affairs at Lund University. With participants from both master’s programmes, the event brought together a diverse group of students united by a common interest in European politics, governance and public administration.
The growing success of the programmes in European Affairs, including the courses European Governance, EU law, EU Public Administration, and the EU as a Global Actor, shows that Sweden’s oldest, largest, and most renowned EU masters are going from strength to strength, with both lecturers and experts involved in teaching the programmes.
Skills for an international career
By the end of the day, the corridors of Eden had witnessed intense diplomacy, strategic bargaining and countless bilateral meetings. While the negotiations were simulated, the skills developed were very real: critical thinking, teamwork, communication and the ability to navigate complex political environments.
