Law Society Model European Union Awarded the National Winner of the European Charlemagne Youth Prize 2025

16 Apr 2025

The UCC Law Society Model European Union, which was held from 23 – 25 February 2024 at University College Cork, has been awarded the National Winner of the European Charlemagne Youth Prize 2025.

This prize is awarded jointly by the European Parliament and the Foundation of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen to highlight projects by young people that strengthen democracy and support active participation. Alex Sheehan, the Lead Organiser of the Model EU and Debating Convenor of the 94th session of the Law Society will travel to Aachen, Germany in May to receive the award.

The Model EU simulation was a first-of-its-kind event in Ireland, spanning over three days and with participants from across Ireland and Europe. During the Model EU, participants simulated the decision-making process of both the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, providing a first-hand insight into all parts of the legislative process of the EU. This event involved debate, negotiation and innovation to achieve a consensus in both the Parliament and the Council following suggesting and voting on amendments to a real legislative Proposal from the European Commission.

During the event, participants were able to gain a deeper understanding of the work of a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and a Minister in the Council of the EU. Moreover, participants had the opportunity to discuss the work of the European Parliament with elected MEPs during the Closing Ceremony following the simulation. Notably, this Model EU was also an opportunity to highlight University College Cork and the School of Law as a focus-point for EU-related discussion and debate. 

This was also a unique Model EU simulation, since it was organised with UNIC – the European University, which is a European University Alliance of ten universities, including UCC. This allowed participants to be exposed to perspectives and views from across Europe, highlighting the value of bringing communities together in EU decision-making.

Read more about the National Winners of the European Charlemagne Youth Prize