On June 26th, a group of young people from Italy gathered in Rome for a visit to Esperienza Europa, which was organized under the “Changemakers for European Democracy” project. The day was filled with educational activities designed to explore the EU’s decision-making processes and operational mechanisms. The visit included informative sessions that covered a wide range of topics, from the historical evolution of the EU to its current political structure and the roles of its various institutions.
Lucia Iglesias Herrero, a participant in the event, shares more about her experience:
“Regarding the activity itself, I can say that it was both educational and enjoyable. At the Europa Experience center, I was able to discover more about the European community and the efforts it makes to tackle current and future challenges. The interactive devices are very comprehensive; you can choose from 24 languages and navigate through the ‘map of Europe,’ discovering what Europe has achieved and what its future holds.”
One of the most anticipated parts of the day was an engaging role-play simulation, where participants took on the roles of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). This simulation was not just an exercise in theoretical knowledge but a practical exploration of political dynamics within the EU. The participants were divided into different political groups, each representing various political ideologies and parties within the Parliament.
Lucia reflected on this activity:
“One of the most interesting parts of the experience was the opportunity to become an MEP for a few hours and learn how to manage important decisions through a role-playing game. Without a doubt, this teamwork was very interesting as we could see the dynamics created through negotiations. Most importantly, we learned that without collaboration and understanding, you can’t get anywhere.”
The visit to Esperienza Europa enhanced the participants’ understanding of the European Union’s decision-making and equipped them with practical skills for political engagement. Initiatives like these are essential in ensuring a promising future for European democracy, driven by informed and passionate young leaders. “Overall, I highly recommend everyone who is interested to take the opportunity to enjoy this experience because you won’t regret it. Whether you are passionate about European politics or simply curious about how the EU operates, Esperienza Europa is an experience worth having,” says Lucia.
