Participants

There are three different types of position available, and we are sure that there will be something that suits you. Have a read through and see what intrigues you. Each job will need preparation, but you will certainly get a lot out of it too! The Commisioners jobs listed below have now been taken, but the description remains since it is useful for applicants to know all of the roles.

Commissioners

Commissioners are at the heart of the conference. They prepare three major proposals, which will be discussed on the Discussion Board. The final proposal will be taken to the Conference, and each Council will vote on whether to accept, reject or amend the three proposals.

Since Commissioners play such a crucial part in determining the content of the Conference they are selected very early, and all positions have now been filled..

Heads of Government (or State)

In a slight change to previous years, and to make the terminology reflect that used in the real European Council, the term 'Head of Government' will be used for all countries except Cyprus, France and Finland, which will be represented by a 'Head of State'. Their roles will of course be identical, and they will meet in the 'General Affairs Council'.

As a Head of Government (or State), your most important responsibility is to assemble a delegation that will represent your country. Take them out for a drink, get them to know each other, oh, and don't forget to discuss the proposals of course!

Each country has to have a National Agenda, which should reflect the real-life interests of its country. As Head of Government (or State) you need to make sure that your ministers act in accordance with these principles. You will also have to defend your own and your ministers’ actions in press conferences, in which the press has the potential of unravelling any inconsistencies.

Finally, it is in the General Affairs Council that the really important and current political issues are discussed. You are most likely to get your hands on the infamous European Constitution, and who knows what else will be on the agenda this year…

Ministers

A by no means less important role is played by the Ministers. You will discuss the proposals, you will negotiate even the smallest changes, and you will have the final vote. You can give your Commissioner grief about his proposals, and you can choose who your allies are.

Once the first draft of the proposals is posted on the website, the discussion starts, and you can let them know what you and your country thinks of them. This is the chance for you to ask for amendments and make innovative suggestions that should be implemented in the final proposals. Find out who your friends are, and where you will have opportunities to bargain at the conference itself.

Don't be fooled into thinking that big countries with many votes are all too important, because it is often the small ones that play the decisive role!

Journalists

There will only be a small number of journalists (around a dozen). Ministers will need to declare themselves in interviews and press conferences, and the control exercised by the journalists is a vital ingredient to the realistic atmosphere of the conference.

Two journalists will closely follow each Council and write about its progress, as well as the animosities and all the juicy gossip. Our own newspaper will be printed at the end of the conference so that everyone can take a copy of those stories home, and our journalists will, no doubt, be remembered for their breaking news and wit, which will make them a joy to read.

Councils