EU holds its first-ever Model European Union event in Japan at the University of Tokyo, Komaba Campus
Over the weekend of 28-29 October, the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Japan held the first ever “Model European Union” event in the country at the University of Tokyo, Komaba Campus. Funded by the EU, the Model European Union is one of the Union’s flagship educational initiatives, aimed at giving university students insights into the inner workings of its institutions. At the Tokyo event, 28 students from across the capital simulated the EU’s policymaking processes to combat climate change, role-playing as representatives of the EU’s 27 Member States and the European Commission.
Key points of debate were whether nuclear power should be classified as a form of renewable energy and be part of the EU’s renewable energy mix, and how to practically implement green hydrogen production in the Member States.
At the end of the two-day event, four participants—representing France, Hungary, Portugal and Spain—were selected for their preparation and debate performance, and awarded with study trips to the EU institutions in Brussels, Belgium. These students received certificates from Jean-Eric Paquet, Ambassador of the EU to Japan.
“The climate crisis is both global and generational. It will profoundly affect the world that today’s youth will inherit. Giving young minds the skills to discuss solutions across nations and cultures is critical,” said EU Ambassador Paquet, who himself took part in a Model European Union event in his youth.
Haitze Siemers, Minister and Deputy Head of the Delegation of the EU to Japan, emphasised the importance of the Model European Union in his opening speech: “You, as the younger generation in Japan, will be taking responsibility at some point and direct the future of where you go as a country. In this context, since the EU and Japan are such close partners, it's really important that you understand how the European Union actually works.”
The students began preparing for the event during the summer, investing significant hours into understanding the Member States’ positions on climate change. At the kick-off event in mid-July, they met EU Ambassador Paquet and Member State representatives who offered real-life advice and insights on how the EU works.
Yuichi Morii, Professor of German Politics and European Union Studies at the Tokyo University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, who guided the students through the process explained: “These students are not EU studies specialists. However, since first attending lectures on EU policymaking and climate change in June, they have been researching climate change and EU decision-making with the support of EU Member State embassies.”
Ren Yamada, a first-year Master’s student at The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Public Policy who was selected to go to Brussels, gave his thoughts on representing Hungary: “Hungary’s position is rather unique, so it was quite difficult. But we had to figure out how to navigate these differences and form a consensus when drafting policy. I learned a lot.”
Yo Takemoto, a fluent French speaker in his third year at the University of Tokyo Faculty of Arts and Sciences, represented France, saying: “To ensure that my views were consistent with the French government's policies, I read French government documents and studied French-language news sites.”
The EU is moving to reduce carbon emissions by at least 55% by 2030 under a comprehensive climate roadmap, “Fit for 55”, so as to achieve its goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2050. Fit for 55 covers a wide range of action areas, including a decisive shift to low-carbon energy sources; stringent emission standards for cars and vans; reduction of emissions from transport, buildings, agriculture and waste; expansion of the EU’s emissions trading system and more.
A second Model European Union will be held in 2024 in Nara Prefecture. The timing is still to be determined.
About the Delegation of the European Union to Japan
The Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Japan is dedicated to the mission of representing, promoting and advancing the interests and values of the EU within Japan. Its primary objectives include the enhancement of bilateral cooperation across various domains, including politics, economics, culture, education, science and other sectors. The Delegation operates through a diverse array of specialised sections, all dedicated to the ongoing cultivation of collaborative efforts and the strengthening of the EU-Japan partnership.
For more information, please visit the Delegation Website Delegation of the European Union to Japan or follow the Delegation on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
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Kreab K.K. (PR agency)
Mr. Narihiro Bono
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