_{Hi everyone! I’m Yaniek Meijer, a second-year student in Global Responsibility & Leadership at Campus Fryslân. I was born and raised in Bedum, a village near Groningen, and at the start of 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to take part in EuroSim 2025 in Antwerp! Stay with me as I walk you through my diplomatic adventure!}

Hi there, EU Law!

Before diving into what EuroSim is all about, let me take you back a few months. During the first term of this academic year, I started the course EU Law, a subject I had little prior knowledge of. At first, I had no real grasp of European legislation or its impact on daily life. However, as I learned more, I realised just how much of our world is shaped by EU legislation. Without EU regulations on free movement, many of my international friends probably wouldn’t even have had the opportunity to study here at Campus Fryslân. This realisation sparked a passion in me for European policymaking and governance, making me curious to know more.

❝Without EU regulations on free movement, many of my international friends probably wouldn’t even have had the opportunity to study here at Campus Fryslân.❞

After completing the course, our lecturer, Tim Huiskes, introduced us to an amazing opportunity: EuroSim, an annual four-day lasting EU simulation in Antwerp, bringing together 150 students from European and US universities.

Each participant takes on the role of an EU decision-maker, from Members of the European Parliament to Council representatives, mirroring real-world negotiations. After applying, I was assigned the role of Niels Flemming Hansen, a European People's Party Parliamentarian.

The Preparation Before the Storm

Before heading to EuroSim at the start of January, we had quite a bit of preparation. We received numerous articles and legislative proposals to familiarise ourselves with the topics. So, during my Christmas break, I had plenty of reading to do! Looking back, this really helped strengthen my analytical and research skills.

Fortunately, our lecturer organised several lectures next to the individual preparatory work, where both he and guest speakers gave us insights into what it’s like to act as an EU official. We had the privilege of welcoming ex-MEP Anja Hagen, who gave us a lecture on the workings of the European Parliament, and current MEP Raquel van der Walle, who shared her firsthand experiences of being part of today’s Parliament. This for sure gave us a better understanding of the roles we were about to take on!

Stepping into the Political Arena

When the moment finally arrived, me and my peers hopped on the Eurostar to Antwerp, excitement and nerves rushing through my head. What if I wasn’t prepared enough, or even worse, what if I was the only one in a suit (insert scared emoji)? Thoughts like these raced through my head as I flipped through my notes one last time, trying to reassure myself that I had done everything I could. Despite the uncertainty, I knew I wasn’t alone in this process.

Surrounded by classmates who shared the same mix of anticipation and anxiety, I slowly felt my nerves settle. And then, before I had the time to overthink it one more time, we arrived. From the moment we stepped into the simulation, everything started falling into place. The debates, the negotiations, the formalities, it all happened naturally, and what earlier felt intimidating quickly turned into one of the most valuable learning experiences I’ve ever had.

❝From the moment we stepped into the simulation, everything started falling into place. [...] what earlier felt intimidating quickly turned into one of the most valuable learning experiences I’ve ever had.❞

Teamwork for the Win

One of the biggest contributors to this experience was the opportunity to work in a larger group. As a member of the EPP, the largest party in the European Parliament, I had a strong team to rely on. Getting to know each other beforehand helped us set expectations and work efficiently. We drafted amendments as a team, discussed strategy, and prepared for the debates ahead. When it was time to negotiate, I realised how much I valued that teamwork. It wasn’t just about politics and policy, but also about collaboration and strategy. I genuinely enjoyed building coalitions and making deals with other parties. By the end, I realised this wasn’t just an academic experience – I could actually see myself doing this in the future.

My Takeaway: The EU is Here, Now, For Us!

Looking back, EuroSim was more than just a simulation. It was a deep dive into how the EU functions and cooperates, beyond what can be taught in the classroom. It challenged me to think critically, negotiate strategically, and collaborate across cultures, all while being incredibly engaging. What surprised me most was how real it felt: one moment, we were drafting policies and debating amendments, and the next, I was making friendships with people from around the world. It made me see the EU not as some distant institution, but as a place where real impactful change can begin.

❝It made me see the EU not as some distant institution, but as a place where real impactful change can begin.❞

If you’re even remotely interested in politics, international relations, or simply understanding how decisions that shape our daily lives are made, I can’t recommend this experience enough. Beyond the academic benefits, I can guarantee you’ll build friendships and connections that last well beyond the simulation.

Join the programme and be next in line for an inspiring opportunity!

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