New EPAS at USP College recruits attend workshop at Europe House

Some of our newly recruited European Parliament Junior Ambassadors from USP College visited Europe House in Westminster, London on October 3rd to participate in a workshop hosted by EPAS UK coordinator Asher Jacobsberg. The educational session focused on the history and institutions of the EU, the role and function of the European Parliament, and debating contemporary issues and priorities in the UK and the EU.

Students participated in a mock European Parliament, divided into eight groups corresponding to the current political groups represented in the European Parliament. Reflecting the ideologies of the political groups, students indicated how they would vote on a range of issues including action on climate change, strengthening workers’ rights, and closer EU integration. 

Students also identified issues that they think the UK government and the European Parliament should prioritise over the coming period. The two main issues highlighted were artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change. Some students expressed concerns about AI closing the door on employment opportunities in the Arts. Other students shared their trepidation that the climate crisis seems to be slipping down the public agenda. Students discussed recommendations for policymakers to address these problems. 

Every participant in the workshop was a first-year Politics student interested in getting involved in the EPAS programme, so time was set aside to discuss potential activities and events that could be organised during the course of the year. A popular suggestion was the creation of a podcast to discuss various political issues. 

USP College would like to thank Asher and the European Parliament Liaison Office for hosting us. We look forward to further collaboration during the academic year and yet again cementing our status as an accredited European Parliament Ambassador School!