A project over which we laboured long and hard is about to take shape in concrete form and we are delighted to report that we have resumed work on MEP Copenhagen.

 

MEP Copenhagen: October 29 – November 5

Staff of IUC-Europe has been proud to actively involve itself in the lengthy preparations of Model European Parliament Copenhagen, leading the administrative coordination of the project, in close cooperation with Sankt Annæ Gymnasium, Gefion Gymnasium and Rysensteen Gymnasium. Deserving acknowledgement are all of the teachers and students whose efforts and dedication have been instrumental in making MEP Copenhagen a reality. The conference has also been generously supported by Erasmus + and Europa Nævnet as well as the participating schools.

Though we still have a lot of logistical snails and a double-dose of details to deal with, we are eagerly anticipating the week of October 29 – November 5, and hope for a rewarding session in Copenhagen!

The European Parliament becomes a patron for MEP Copenhagen

Considering the limited number of events which are granted the patronage of the European Parliament each year, we are honoured to have made it to the list of ‘approved’ conferences and would like to extend our deep appreciation of EP’s recognition of the project’s clear European dimension. Receiving such an overwhelmingly positive feedback from an institution like the European Parliament arms us with energy and enthusiasm to tackle any challenges head on, and helps us to maintain the valuable momentum that we have worked so hard to build over the last couple of months.

 

Nina’s Commentary

Juggling responsibilities, resources and budgets to meet changing demands is a requisite step in the planning & preparation of MEP Copenhagen and we have Nina Nørgaard, executive director of IUC-Europe and administrative coordinator of the project, offering us a sneak peek at how this process is unfolding and an assessment of the objectives so ardently desired.

Magdalena: Nina, after a short summer hiatus the show is once again on the road. How far have you come with the preparations and what exciting developments can you share with our audience?

Nina: The preparations for MEP Copenhagen have come very far. We have a strong organizational team of teachers and students, and tasks have been delegated, when it comes to budget/economy, programme, venues, host families, embassies, catering, excursions etc. – not to mention the selection of issues to be dealt with and of the 20 moderators. Also our professional website is in place – all major parts of the session are in place, now all the cogwheels have to be united.

Magdalena: What was the most complex assignment you have had to deal with so far? Was it unique to MEP Copenhagen or a common aspect of the work to all MEP projects?

Nina: The most complex assignment is often the fundraising – a particularly strenuous task is writing EU applications, but miraculously we succeeded again and the project now seems to be well funded. Another serious task is the intercultural aspect – dealing with partners, teachers and students from more than 30 countries – very challenging and inspiring. MEP Copenhagen is the most demanding project due to the number of people involved but basically not different from the other work we do.

Magdalena: Many responsibilities have fallen on your shoulders since you first started working on the project. What keeps you motivated to push through the challenges and maintain a healthy dose of enthusiasm in the process?

Nina: Once the difficult part of the funding is in place you cannot help being inspired by the great amount of energy and support you receive from everybody – the enthusiasm emanating from the student team, their willingness to spend enormous amounts of time to make the conference work – also the importance of the work we do in a fragmented Europe to offer young people from all EU countries, applicant countries and observer countries this chance of meeting and discussing political issues, setting agendas makes me happy and motivated. Finally voluntary staff – interns at IUC do a perfect job in a number of contexts.

 

Written by Magdalena Tashkova