In a dynamic and interactive session, students at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) participated in a European Council simulation as part of their European Union studies. This hands-on exercise, led by faculty member Dr. Shwan Azeez, Assistant Professor, was conducted based on the official agenda format of the European Council, 20 March 2025, offering students a realistic experience of how European Union diplomacy functions. 

Following the formal structure of an EU summit, delegates debated key topics including the war in Ukraine, the crisis in Gaza and Syria, European competitiveness and defense, and migration and multilateralism. Each student took on the role of a different EU member state, presenting their assigned country’s policy positions using data, official statements, and diplomatic language. Rapporteurs were tasked with summarizing each session and contributing to the Council’s draft conclusions. 

The simulation strengthened students’ skills in public speaking, negotiation, and critical thinking, while deepening their understanding of EU institutions and decision-making processes. The session concluded with a formal vote on the adoption of conclusions, reinforcing the importance of consensus and cooperation in international governance. 
This event reflects AUIS’s commitment to experiential learning, preparing students to think critically and act professionally in global political contexts.