Abstract:

Theory matters, and it is necessary to understand the context and functioning of the European Union. But theory alone cannot give students some important lessons, as the real degree of complexity derived from the existence of several simultaneous but interlinked tables of negotiation. Leadership, strategic thinking, taking decisions with incomplete information and scarce time, are other important elements in order to understand the real functioning of the EU. These generic skills are very difficult to be trained by classical methodologies. The simulation we present here can help us, designing a limited – yet quite realistic – environment in which students can perceive some real atmosphere of the plenipotentiaries bargaining in the European Union. This simulation on the negotiation of the EU budget tries to capture the tension between politics and economics, domestic and international affairs in an easy but realistic way. Our results show how students improve their theoretical knowledge and technical language, their motivation and comprehension of real complexity, and last but not least they are trained in some important generic skills.
This simulation has been designed to operate with groups of 13-15 students and usually lasts about 90 minutes. The class is divided in teams of two students representing the different EU member states and one more representing the European Commission. Each country has a detailed dossier with their particular data and instructions, at the same time that altogether must reach a general budget agreement. Evaluation is based on the achievements of each student, team objectives and final budget agreement. Each student must write a personal report after the simulation with his/her personal point of view on what has happened during the negotiation process. This simulation has been developed ten times in the last six years with students of the University of the Basque Country – coming from Political Science and Business grades– and from the USAC consortium (Reno, USA) from Business courses.

Keywords:

Simulation, EU Budget, European Union, European politics, generic skills.