EU Centre at Universitas Airlangga hosts Indonesia’s first Model European Union (MEU) in Surabaya
EU Centre at Universitas Airlangga hosts Indonesia’s first Model European Union (MEU) in Surabaya
Surabaya, 30 October 2025 - The European Union (EU) Centre at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) Surabaya is hosting the first-ever Model European Union event in Indonesia today.
This pioneering educational initiative brings together 40 university students from 5 higher education institutions across East Java – UNAIR, Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA), Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Ampel Surabaya (UINSA), Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jawa Timur (UPNVJT) and Universitas Trunojoyo Madura (UTM).
The Model European Union (MEU) is a simulation-based learning activity that combines debate, negotiation and role-play. Participants represent EU Member States in the Council of the European Union, as well as the European Commission and the European Parliament, as they engage in the EU’s legislative process. This process allows them to experience how proposals are negotiated, amended, and adopted between institutions.
As the first MEU held in Indonesia, the Surabaya edition represents an opportunity four youth engagement, allowing Indonesian students to develop a deeper understanding of international relations while inspiring them to consider how principles of multilateralism and regional cooperation can be relevant in ASEAN and beyond. It cultivates their ability to communicate persuasively and collaborate across perspectives, preparing them to tackle complex issues such as climate change, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
“This initiative reflects the EU’s strong commitment to fostering global understanding and cooperation through education and youth empowerment. By experiencing how the EU’s democratic institutions work and how European countries collaborate to solve shared challenges, Indonesian students gain valuable perspectives on consensus-building, diversity, and regional integration,” said H.E. Denis Chaibi, EU Ambassador to Indonesia.
With its vibrant academic community and dynamic youth culture, Surabaya provides an ideal setting for this event. By hosting this pioneering initiative, UNAIR and the EU Delegation to Indonesia continue to strengthen Indonesia–EU collaboration in the fields of education, cultural exchange, and youth engagement.
EU Centre UNAIR
EU Centre UNAIR