Three Skytte Students Participated in EU Council Simulation in Brussels

A delegation of six highly motivated and talented students from various Estonian universities, including three from Skytte institute, participated in the third edition of ConSIMium, an EU-wide simulation of the decision-making process of the Council of the European Union. The event brought together 27 national teams to negotiate and deliberate on one of the most pressing challenges facing Europe today in times of geopolitical uncertainty: the reinforcement of the European defence industry through common procurement and sustainable supply of critical raw materials.

During the two-day simulation, the students stepped into the roles of Prime Ministers, Ministers, Ambassadors, experts, and journalists, engaging in high-level discussions and negotiations that closely mirrored real-life EU decision-making. Notably, the simulation took place in Brussels, in the very buildings and venues where ministers and heads of state and government meet, providing an unparalleled sense of realism and immersion. This hands-on exercise offered participants a deeper understanding of the complexities of European policymaking and the dynamics of intergovernmental cooperation.

Beyond the simulation, the Estonian delegation also had the opportunity to visit the Permanent Representation of Estonia to the European Union, where they gained first-hand insights into the daily tasks of Estonian diplomats and the workings of EU institutions. The Representation also organized an online preparatory workshop a few weeks before the simulation to help the students refine their negotiation strategies and policymaking skills.

Dr. Stefano Braghiroli, Associate Professor of European Studies at the University of Tartu and the team’s academic coordinator, emphasized the value of experiential learning in EU studies: “ConSIMium provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to grasp the nuances of EU decision-making, sharpen their negotiation skills, and appreciate the importance of European cooperation. Given the current geopolitical landscape, discussing Europe’s security and resilience could not be more relevant. Our students excelled in stepping into the shoes of decision-makers, demonstrating both competence and commitment.”

Reflecting on the experience, one of the participating students – Roman Zolotarjov (master’s student in the ‘International Relations and Regional Studies’ programme) – noted: “ConSIMium was an eye-opening experience, offering students a real taste of cooperation and diplomacy. The simulation highlighted the fragility of international cooperation, the challenge of balancing diverse interests, and the immense value of the European project. Beyond diplomacy, it provided valuable experience, new connections, and a deeper understanding of why the EU matters.”