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11th Brussels European Forum

Navigating troubled water

– New policy approaches in a time of transition –

Annual international simulation conference for students

March 25 - 31, 2012

Debating current topics

The Brussels European Forum offers a unique learning experience, giving students from across Europe the opportunity to simulate the roles of politicians, foreign ministers and world leaders and shape international events over the course of a week-long conference held near Brussels. 

Simulating the real-world members of the European Council, G20 and NATO, participants represent and fight for their countries’ interests in a series of intensive debating sessions that often feature all the clamour and intrigue of the real thing. Participants also have the chance to meet and pose questions to actual decision-makers in Brussels during visits to some of its international institutions, including the NATO Headquarters and European Parliament. 

The social, political and economic turbulence that has characterised world affairs over the last few years shows no signs of abating, and given the additional looming challenges of climate change and resource depletion, institutions have never been more vital.

The G-20 will have the dual role of ensuring that the still-vulnerable global economy continues along the path of recovery from the Financial Crisis, as well as addressing the wider responsibilities of the twenty richest states.

The focus within the North Atlantic Council will be split between typical security concerns, such as the winding down of the War in Afghanistan and the withdrawal of NATO forces, as well as consideration of emerging threats, such as that posed by piracy and potential security issues arising from the radically redrawn political map of the Middle East.

The European Council will deal with a broad range of issues, from the Sovereign Debt Crisis and continuing danger of heavily indebted eurozone member states defaulting, to European security policy.

The conference also features a Media Committee whose daily output adds an invaluable degree of realism to the proceedings. 

Working Together

The unique educational and personal experience that the Brussels European Forum offers is not to be missed!

The Brussels European Forum aims to bring Europe and international politics closer to you, helping you gain a deeper understanding of how international organisations work as part of a rewarding and unforgettable experience. As a participant, you will take over the role of a head of state or government minister. All participants are called upon to choose and prepare a position (that of a country* or political party) in one of four committees.

* Please note that you are not allowed to select the position of your home country 

• North Atlantic Council 
• G20
• Council of the European Union
• Media Committee

General Information 

Organisation

The Brussels European Forum is organised by the Munich European Forum Association, a non-profit organisation founded in 1994 by students of the Ludwig Maximilians University Munich. Today there are among its members students and post-graduates from various European countries and universities.

Location

The 10th Brussels European Forum will take place at the European Center La Foresta in Vaalbeek. Situated in a remote monastery on the outskirts of the historic Flemish town of Leuven, La Foresta offers an ideal setting for both the intensive committee work and the intercultural dialogue between participants from over a dozen countries.

Conference Center:

European Center La Foresta
Prosperdreef 9
3054 Vaalbeek, Belgium
Website: www.la-foresta.org

Application

To register please fill in the online application form. Additionally, please send your CV and a letter of intent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Applications will be accepted on the basis of their merit as well as the order of their reception.

The application deadline is January 15, 2012. 

Conference Fees

The fees include registration, full room and board (twin rooms, breakfast, lunch, dinner and two coffee breaks per day) at the European Center La Foresta as well as the Brussels visiting programme. Not included are travel expenses and meals outside La Foresta.

The conference fees of 255 €uro (with a discount of 35% to 165 €uro for participants studying at universities from outside Western Europe) must be paid prior to the conference until February 1, 2012 after your application has been accepted by the organising committee.