The European Movement in Serbia today officially launched the programme “EU Simulation Game in Serbia 2026” at Europe House in Belgrade. The programme is designed for students and young professionals from different parts of Serbia who, over five weekends in March and April, will learn about the functioning of the European legislative procedure through practical work. The programme is implemented in cooperation with Europe House and the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia, and brings together over 90 students and young professionals of different academic backgrounds and professions, who will gain direct insight into the decision-making process in the European Union by assuming the roles of the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, media and interest groups, while developing their skills in negotiation, drafting texts and public communication through the EU simulation game.
The programme was officially opened by the Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia, Andreas von Beckerath, who welcomed the participants, expressed strong support for the programme and highlighted its importance, noting that the young people gathered there are future actors of political life in the European Union. He also expressed hope that Serbia will soon become a member of the European Union and a valuable part of it.
Secretary General of the European Movement in Serbia, Dragana Đurica, said that during the five weekends participants will not only learn about the decision-making process in the European Union, but will experience it directly through work. She emphasised the great importance of such an experience, considering that the European Union is often perceived in the domestic public space as something technical, abstract or reduced to political slogans, while in reality it is a system of pluralism, institutions, procedures, negotiations and compromises aimed at serving citizens. She assessed that understanding this process is particularly important for Serbia today, because the European future of the country remains relevant even in times of political instability, adding that the EU represents the most important strategic horizon for Serbia’s development.
Member of the European Parliament from the Renew Europe political group Sandro Gozi pointed to the importance of understanding European institutions and their interaction in practice, assessing that this programme represents a valuable experience for the participants. He stated that success in the decision-making process depends on the ability to listen to and understand the other side and to remain open to compromise.
Member of the European Parliament from the European People’s Party (EPP) Michael Gahler stated that the only optimistic and prosperous future for Serbia lies in the European Union, noting that there are no shortcuts in the enlargement process and that it is important for Serbia to become a functioning European democracy, which, in his assessment, is in the interest of its citizens.
Director of the Transport Community, Matej Zakonjšek, highlighted the importance of the political decision-making process in the European Union, assessing that a timely and important legislative topic related to reducing carbon dioxide emissions and transport policy had been selected. He stated that policy-making in the European Union is based on compromise and balancing different interests and said that the strength of every argument lies in understanding the other side.
Following opening remarks, lectures were held by Professor Duško Lopandić and Dr Vladimir Međak on functioning of institutions of the European Union, inter-institutional negotiations and the way European laws are produced. During the first weekend of the programme, participants will continue their work through introductory presentations and working sessions, while the lead expert of the programme, Jon Worth, will run the workshops.
Please find the photos from the event below:
