European Union
European Union (EU)
Christian Garcia, Director
Dear Esteemed Delegates,
It’s with great pleasure that I welcome you to Harvard Model UN’s European Union Committee! My name is Christian Garcia and I will be your committee director for HMUN 2012. First off, I would like to introduce myself to my future delegates. I am from Weehawken, New Jersey—a fact that I am very proud of—and I never miss an opportunity to talk up the Garden State. Even so, I am truly excited to meet all of you and learn about where you are from. After participating in Model UN in high school, I knew I had to continue my Model UN career at Harvard, where I am currently a member of the Class of 2013. I plan to major in Government and obtain a minor in Romance Languages and Literatures. Aside from academics and Model UN, I am also involved in Harvard’s Institute of Politics and other political groups on campus.
From this point forward, all the gears are in motion as we countdown to HMUN 2012 in January. I commend each and every one of you for deciding to participate in this great event. You will have the unique opportunity to interact with a diverse pool of high school students while attempting to save the European continent from the perils of economic and energy crises. When you arrive to take your seats at the European Union committee, you will be charged with tackling two of Europe’s most challenging current issues: E.U. monetary policy and E.U. energy policy. The recent economic crisis has crippled many economies and has called the world’s governments to institute innovative, effective policies. Considering her current economic state, the European Union must also answer this call. Similarly, Europe is presently facing an ever-growing energy puzzle that requires a thoughtful and thorough approach. In order to ensure a bright and prosperous future for Europe, you must answer this call.
My job is to ensure that you have all the tools at your disposal to solve the aforementioned issues. I will focus all my energies to make sure that is the case. In order to make our committee the best it can be, you are encouraged to research and learn the policies of your respective countries. In the following weeks you will receive a study guide that will serve as a great starting point for educating yourselves on the issues. Considering the global impacts of these topics that reach far beyond Europe, additional wisdom on these topics will pay off.
If you have any questions, concerns, or positive remarks about New Jersey, please feel welcomed to contact me. I am really excited to hear abut your great ideas and I sincerely hope you share in my absolute anticipation for what I hope will be an unforgettable experience.
Best,
Christian
About Me
Class Year: 2013
Concentration: Government, with a Secondary in Romance Languages and Literatures
Hometown: Weehawken, NJ
Favorite Place: In committee with my delegates
Favorite Food: Stromboli
Favorite MUN Moment: Meeting all the delegates
Why did you choose these topics? The universality of these topics is really what drove me to choose them. When the delegates go home at the slam of the gavel, they will have learned ways to approach some of the most pressing issues that face the globe.
Some advice for new delegates: Many of you are veterans of former HMUN conferences, but to those of you who are new: relax! The best approach to this conference is to treat it as a learning experience and soon you will feel at ease and be able to get into high gear.
HMUN is the best because… Where else do you get to meet 3,000 other high school students and save the world?
Topics
Topic Area A: Monetary Policy
In the context of a global financial crisis followed a series of sovereign debt crises, the monetary policy of the European Union needs to be revisited and possibly reinvented for this new economic atmosphere. It is paramount that the monetary policy be re-calibrated in a way that ensures the future of the European project.
Topic Area B: Energy Policy
An equally pressing issue, the dynamic and ever-changing energy demands of Europe call for a new approach to European energy. The future of the European Union as a international player heavily depends upon a secure, sustainable energy policy.