10 June, 2025
News
On the morning of Thursday, June 6, different languages and viewpoints filled the impressive, newly renovated Senate Hall of the Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (h_da). The blended mobility program “Be a Member of the European Parliament for a Day!”, part of the EUT+ Work Week in Germany, was ready to begin with the participation of over 40 students from three universities in the alliance: the Cyprus University of Technology, Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (h_da), and the University of Technology of Troyes.
“Our Senate Hall is truly impressive – everything is brand new,” said h_da President Arnd Steinmetz, addressing students from France, Cyprus, and Germany. “And it’s yours to use!”
The hall was transformed for one day into a simulation of the European Parliament’s plenary chamber to host the EUT+ Simulation Program. A podium was set up, a table was placed displaying the 27 EU member state flags, designated seating areas were assigned to six political groups, and large photos of the Parliament chamber in Strasbourg were hung on the walls.
From Idea to Action – The Preparation
The initiative originated from students at the University of Technology of Troyes in early 2024. Soon after, Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences and the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) joined the effort.
The preparation was intense and essential. Through two-day seminars and online workshops held since March 2024, participants trained in public speaking, rhetoric, debate, and—most importantly—active listening and collaboration.
The highlight of the program was the simulation in Darmstadt on June 6, preceded by a visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg just a few days earlier, on June 2.
From CUT, the students were accompanied by academics Dr. Vicky Triga and Dr. Nikandros Ioannidis from the Department of Communication and Internet Studies. As they noted, the experience was invaluable for all participants. During the visit to the Parliament, Dr. Triga remarked:
“Our students are thrilled to have the opportunity to explore the place where decisions are made that directly affect us.”
An Icebreaker for Europe’s New Generation
The presentations on June 6 impressed with the students’ level of preparation and political maturity. With the support of their professors, students from France, Cyprus, and Germany won over the audience with the eloquence, seriousness, and authenticity of their interventions.
Klaus Pendl, with long-standing experience in the European Commission in Brussels and chair of the simulation, described the program as an “icebreaker”: a first but pivotal step toward shaping European citizens with critical thinking and active civic engagement.
Cross-Border Thinking and Cultural Awareness
Doxia and Maria, students from CUT, spoke about the overall experience and emphasized its political and cultural significance. “We all face common challenges, but each country starts from a different point,” noted Doxia.
“That’s why it’s important to think beyond our borders,” added Maria, who represented the “Left Group.”
Anja, a student of Information Law at h_da, shared how the program gave her a new perspective: “I learned to think not only as a German, but also as a European.” She also highlighted the importance of political alliances, such as the one for the Green Deal, adding:
“Collaboration is essential – but never at the expense of our values.”
Looking Ahead – A Pan-European Endeavor
Cyprus and France have already committed to continuing the program for the next two years. Active participation from the remaining six universities in the EUT+ alliance is expected to follow. Dr. Haidvogl, one of the program’s initiators, stated: “This is just the beginning – a model we propose for all EUT+ universities. Democracy must be cultivated every day.”
Source: https://impact.h-da.de/en/eut-simulation-game-european-parliament / Annette Wannemacher-Saal