The Department of Political Science offers the Master in International Relations and Diplomacy as well as the Master in Political Science, which include not only knowledge and research-related competencies but also professional skills. These skills are essential for the European Negotiation Seminar, an elective course open to political science students and, more recently, law students. The seminar is part of the TACEUSS international consortium, which is made up of 20 universities from the US, the UK, Germany, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Belgium. The consortium organizes EuroSim, the largest transatlantic simulation of EU decision-making, alternately in the US and Europe. The University of Antwerp first participated in 2006 and has played a leading role since then, having written the scenarios, prepared students, and hosted the event in 2010, 2016, and 2020.
EuroSim is a unique tool for higher education, bringing together students of various disciplines, including politics, economics, law, and even a military academy, from two continents and dozens of nationalities for a four-day simulation of EU decision-making. Each year, the staff creates new scenarios that reflect the current affairs of the EU. In recent years, EuroSim has covered EU legislation related to digital policies, climate, and external security policies. In 2024, the simulation focused on the recently adopted Artificial Intelligence Act.
Aftermovie EuroSim 2010
For Antwerp students to participate in EuroSim, they must enroll in the European Negotiation Seminar, which provides them with in-depth knowledge of EU decision-making, the topic of the simulation, and professional skills such as debating, developing arguments, presenting, and negotiating. Students are required to do research for academic papers as well as position and strategy papers for their alter egos, who may be members of the European Parliament, Member States' ministers, or lobbyists. The main part of the students' evaluation is based on their performance during the simulation, and a scoring rubric is used to grade them. We also regularly publish research papers discussing the effects of participation in simulations on students' efficacy.
EuroSim is an example of an international classroom, immersing UAntwerp students in an international environment by studying and experiencing the European Union. The seminar invites international guest lecturers during the preparatory stage, we travel to a foreign partner university and engage in cooperative active learning with students from all over the world.
The next edition will be hosted again by the University of Antwerp in January 2025, co-financed by the Jean Monnet Program of the European Union.
"Eurosim had a great impact on my professional career in many different ways."
"The simulation improved important skills such as negotiation skills, and public speaking skills. In addition to this, the simulation gave valuable insights into decision-making within the EU, further enhancing my knowledge on the European Union. Furthermore, by participating in Eurosim, I decided that working in an international environment with ties to politics and international relations is the type of work I would like to carry out, leading to where I am today. Additionally, Eurosim expanded my international network as participants get into contact with people from all over the world.” - Janina Bau
"Participating in Eurosim has been a highly valuable experience for me, both during my years as a student and throughout my academic career."
"Not only does Eurosim offer a firsthand insight into the functioning of European institutions and their politics, it also creates lasting international friendships. In addition to the exciting discussions during the simulation, I had nightlong discussions about European and national politics with the other participants – of course, with a beverage in hand." - Bastiaan Redert, Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Political Science at University of Antwerp
“My participation in EuroSim has not only boosted my self-confidence but also fostered valuable friendships for life."
"This international experience has enriched my academic journey as the skills I acquired here – debating, networking, public speaking – propelled me into my further doctoral trajectory.” - Evelien Willems, FWO Junior Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Political Science at University of Antwerp