Success at the EU!

-Welcome to the EU!-

There are several rights of passage at BHS, but none so highly regarded as the sophomore-exclusive Council of the European Union (EU). Every year, Colin Baker's AP Euro class takes to the streets for this field trip of a lifetime, clad in fanciful suits and visionary intentions. Arriving at Virginia Tech on the sixth of March, they prepare for battle.

Since 2019, Virginia Tech has hosted the next generation of politicians through their annual Model EU debate, where students roleplay as various countries to bring about a common peace. Over the two day trip, bills are proposed, deals are made, and friendships are forged for a lifetime. This year was no exception.

Blacksburg High School composed the majority of the groups, sixteen out of the twenty seven in fact, with a few other local schools in various smaller countries. The plan was simple: come to an agreement regarding three different pieces of foreign policy. This included the following,

1. Migration and the Middle East - Solved by a 65% Simple Majority

2. A Common Renewable Energy Policy - Solved by a 65% Simple Majority

3. A Common Chinese Trade Policy - Solved by a Qualified Majority

Now that you’ve been introduced to the concept, it’s time to dive into the 2025 Council of the European Union!

-Day One-

The setting was immaculate; saracenic chandeliers, dark wood panels, and black trimmed tables highlighted the hall. Note cards contrasted the surfaces, announcing the names of each country. The students split into their four person groups, already discussing strategy before they’d even had the time to sit. A few minutes later, the other schools arrived. They were easy to differentiate with the Blacksburgians.

You see, Mr. Baker is a stickler for decorum, a man raised on the principles of etiquette, common sense, and professionalism. To wear anything but a suit to the EU would be a disgrace to Mr. Baker’s legacy, and therefore we abide by the proper dress codes. 

Once everyone has settled into their seats, we find before us a man by the name of Dr. Yannis Stivachtis. Professor of European Studies in the Department of Political Science for twenty years, he is an eminent European Union scholar. Further proof of his reverence can easily be found in his interviews both with CNN and Fox News the day before we arrived on the scene. In other words, he is quite a big deal. 

Dr. Yannis Stivachtis

Standing behind a podium, well-rounded in his suit and emboldened by age, he began to lecture on the energy policies of Europe. His Greek accent was thick, wonderfully so, as he described the moral difficulties regarding Russ-e-an natural gas. Summarizing his speech would be a disservice to his intelligence, so I will instead leave you with his final words on the matter. Regarding the potentials of nuclear energy, and the pitfalls that accompany nuclear research into weaponization, he said simply,

“It’s time for the EU to do some things they won’t be happy to do.”

On that harrowing note, Dr. Stivachtis handed over the stage to the 2025 President of the EU Council, student Emily Sanford. She welcomed the various schools with a smile before calling them up alphabetically to give statements. A line formed behind the podium, like a linear amalgamation of the Animaniacs song. 

I will spare you the statements of all twenty seven countries and instead give you the rundown. Most every country agreed that illegal migration was a large concern, and must be dealt with swiftly. Most every country agreed that trading with China was necessary despite the humanitarian concerns, all except for the Czech Republic, who vehemently stood against Chinese influence. Finally, the countries differed largely on their opinions of nuclear energy. Countries like Germany refused it due to the risks, citing Chernobyl, Fukushima, and the Three Mile Island tragedies, whilst countries like France supported it from a renewable economic standpoint. Now that the various countries knew the wisps of who might be allies and who might be enemies, they took to the floor. 

Malta (Left) debates with Germany (Right)

The rest of the day was an open conversation towards the proposition of alliances, bills, and common interests. Malta was the first country to make a name for themselves, pitching the Frontex Funding Bill (FBB). If you’re wondering what Frontex is, Head of State Mateja Grove explained it to be the equivalent of European ICE. For Malta, this was the most important issue, and for good reason. In preparation, Mr. Baker and his associate, Chris Price, arranged a meeting with the Maltese Deputy Chief of Mission, Jean-Paul Gatt. Speaking with Mr. Baker on the matter, he seemed giddy, as giddy as a man like Mr. Baker can possibly be. “It’s important to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth.” 

Quickly, tensions arose surrounding the FFB. Denmark rumored that Germany said that Malta was proposing concentration camps for migrants. German Head of State Rithik Avinash sat down with the Maltese group, denying allegations whilst questioning the humane parameters of the FFB. During the entirety of the argument, Denmark representative Austin Mora fiendishly chimed in with various defamations against both parties. All in all, it was a gas.

Meanwhile, Lithuania and Italy began to tackle the disagreements on nuclear energy. Lithuania pitched the 50/50 Bill, proposing that countries will be paid for 50% nuclear, 50% natural. It became partnered with the Nuclear Bill for Renewal (NBR) proposed by Italy, which detailed the idea that nuclear reactors should be tested, refurbished, or decommissioned based on age and safety concerns. At one point they jokingly pitched that all nuclear waste could be ejected into Sweden. Predictably, Sweden did not agree.

Slovenia (Patrick Henry Students)

As the debate floor heats up, another contest makes a ruckus: Slovenia. What can’t be said about Slovenia? My first interaction consisted of numerous countries which accused them of forging signatures. When asked, they denied the allegations. An anonymous source approached me shortly thereafter and confirmed that Slovenia was, in fact, forging signatures. If that wasn’t enough, Slovenia was also participating in bribery. Apparently, they had been attempting to make countries sign their One Nation Bill (ONB), which outlined turning the EU into one large country. Romania approached, read the bill, and refused. Slovenia then proceeded to pull out a five dollar bill from the folds of his suit, and slid it into the pocket of Romania. Dumbfounded, Romania laughed. “I like the hustle, sure, I’ll sign it.”

There would be many more instances of bribery, from money to Capri Suns. Still, it seemed Slovenia would be passing bills, just not the right kind.

Immediately after, Denmark began speaking to Slovenia on what I like to call ‘the wonders of human trafficking’. Denmark’s proposition was thus: we have too many migrants, and you guys could take migrants, right? So we will pay you to take them, with a tax per capita on each migrant, so that they can be better used elsewhere. How’s that sound? Even Slovenia was surprised at such an inhumane suggestion. When it was stated that perhaps the children should be separated from the parents, because only parents have the ability to work, the President of the EU shut down the conversation, full stop.

From there, we emerged back into a different kind of madness. Bulgaria comes up with the groundbreaking idea for a 60/40 Bill. The plan infuriates Lithuania and Italy, obviously, with their 50/50 Bill. As tensions rise between them, I had the pleasure of listening to Estonia speak about their Easy Asylum Bill (EAB). The plan is simple, make migration simpler. In exchange for that, any illegals caught in their country will be subject to a two year imprisonment. When asked if this was a pseudo-internment camp, they said, “of course not, we’re not Malta.” With that, the day came to a close.

On the bus back to BHS, shop talk was the only available option, it seemed. Everyone was keen on passing a bill the next day, and no stone was left unturned in the verbal cesspool. All that was left was to wait.

-Day Two-

Once again, gathering around the room, we watched as Dr. Stivachtis took to the podium. Today, he would be speaking not only on migration, but on Chinese trading policies as well. In the course of his elucidation, he highlighted the difficulties and fallacies of Frontex. He cited the capsizing of a boat which killed around 800 migrants, and even noted the deficiencies of Greek migration policies. It is an ‘open secret’ that Greece violates due process and expels migrants towards Turkey, usually in dangerous situations such as boats crammed with 800 migrants. He also went on to speak about the topic of derisking and decoupling as it relates to Chinese trade. Decoupling, he said, would be detrimental. Derisking, however, would be key to the success of the EU. Reducing dependency on China was the take-away which he prescribed.

Sitting down with him after the speech, I had the immense pleasure of interviewing him. Unfortunately, I cannot detail the entirety of our dialogue, as it is akin to wading into foreign political waters. However, I will state that Dr. Stivachtis is a very brilliant man. The way he speaks denotes a certain introspection, as if he’s not speaking to you, but instead to the cogs and gears within his own head. He is constantly fluttering with the implications of this, that, and the other thing. A simple conversation can turn into an hours long oration with this intellectual luminary. 

Still, I will denote the more ‘student compelling’ aspects of our conversation,

How do you think this program positively affects students, not only in their ability to understand politics, but also in their understanding of Europe as American high schoolers?

“This [EU debate] allows them to familiarize themselves with current affairs related to Europe, which, at the same time, are an extension to the rest of the world. Europe's opinion of China changes according to Europe’s opinion of the U.S. So, we must learn from it. This [EU debate] is what we call ‘experience through learning’, they learn by doing things, okay? This allows them to obtain skills which they could not find in the classroom: communicational skills, diplomatic skills, interprofessional skills.”

More tangible examples?

“Exactly. It’s very useful. It helps them relate to what they’ve heard in classes to what happens in practice. I was very happy that the Maltese got to speak to a member of the embassy. Since we have the ambassadors program here, we have more contacts. Mr. Baker encouraged his students to try to reach out to the embassy so that they can get a briefing as well. It’s excellent, for many reasons. Of course it depends on how much time you have, but, given the time frame, it’s a very good program.”

Almost simultaneous with our exchange, Malta came to the podium. The FFB was finally up for the deciding vote. A mic was passed around the room, with three options given to the countries: yes, no, abstain. As each country had their say, it became abundantly clear that there was a near unanimous belief in the funding of Frontex. It passed with little to no resistance.

Then suddenly, following on the successful coattails, the 50/50 bill took to the podium. Again, the mic was passed like a solemn torch of fate. Once again, a flurry of ‘yes’ and ‘abstain’ floated across the room. Once again, a bill passed. Now all that was left to debate was a common Chinese trade policy.

Like a piece of meat thrown to twenty seven starving, mangy dogs, the final prize was up for grabs. Bills materialized seemingly from thin air, and obfuscation was at its pique. Belgium and Romania pitched the Chinese Humanitarian Trading Bill (CHTB), which outlined the decoupling of Chinese trade if humanitarian issues were not covered. When I asked about the proposed Chinese travel bans outlined if China did not cave, Christiansburg student and Belgian Head of State Leighenn Crove gave me an embarrassed laugh. Her sly smile told me everything as she laughingly whispered, “Shhh!” Watching her dance around the subject as if it were a waltz made me smile just the same. They were finally understanding the art of the trade.

The Verified Chinese Business Bill (VCBB) brought up by the Czech Republic became popular for a spell, with a 4-8% tariff which put Chinese businesses under the microscope. Slovenia presented what can only be described as an utterly Slovenian bill, the 10 Year Revolt Bill. Apparently war with China was inevitable in their minds, so you might as well be the better prepared party. Finally, France brought forth a tariff bill in which countries could choose of their own accord how much to tax Chinese goods. France took to the podium. The first country to vote: no. The second: no. The third and fourth and fifth: no. France was shot down faster than a clay pigeon, and their dreams were just as shattered.

Latvia proposing a bill after France

With minimal time left to decide, there was a relaxed scatter of defeat. Some countries still wished to prevail, whilst other spirits gave way to the downfall of energy. Lithuania and Malta found themselves around the proverbial watering hole, looking like Wall Street wannabes as they sipped Diet Coke and enjoyed their victories. 

Slovenia was the last to propose a bill. Down With the EU. In their minds, it was time to disband the EU. Most countries had given up at this point, and out of sheer humor signed the bill. It was clear the day had come to an end.

This time, Mr. Baker took to the podium. He spoke in that nonchalant Scottish tone of surprise, as if he were amazed we could have pulled this off. Yet still, Mr. Baker was congratulatory. In the past few years, there had been a lack of bills passed, he said. Today, the 2025 AP Euro class had broken that record.

-Conclusion-

We celebrated our success in fractured groups, retreating back to the safety of our schools. Getting back on the bus, Mr. Baker congratulated the group once more. His pride was genuine, and it was written clear across his face. Two bills passed, both from Blacksburg groups. It was an unprecedented achievement at the Council of the European Union.

Congrats to all students who attended this function, and a special thanks to Mr. Baker for allowing the Bruin Broadcast to tag along! We can’t wait to report for you next year!

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Written by Thomas Repass

Photography by Mac Owczarski