Who Makes the Decisions?

Understanding EU Institutions Through Role-Play

This lesson helps pupils in 5th and 6th Class understand how decisions are made in the European Union and the distinct roles of its main institutions. Through a short simulation, role-play and written reflection, pupils explore how ideas move from proposal to approval — or rejection — and why cooperation between institutions is essential in EU decision-making.

What’s the difference between Activities and Instructions?

Activities are the interactive games or exercises your pupils will complete in class.
Instructions are the teacher materials that help you prepare : background notes, printable sheets, or instructions.

Learning objectives

This activity helps pupils to:

• Identify the four main EU institutions
• Recognise the specific role of each institution
• Understand how a decision moves from a big idea to a law
• Explain that EU proposals can be accepted, changed or rejected
• Act, speak and decide from the point of view of an institution
• Work collaboratively using role cards
• Use persuasive communication respectfully
• Listen to and evaluate different opinions
• Understand that EU decisions require agreement and cooperation

Introducing EU institutions

The lesson begins by introducing the four key institutions involved in EU decision-making:

• European Council – brings together EU leaders and sets the big ideas
• European Commission – writes and proposes new EU laws
• Council of the European Union – represents EU countries and negotiates laws
• European Parliament – represents EU citizens and votes on proposals

Pupils learn that no single institution decides alone and that laws can only move forward if institutions work together.

Setting up the classroom simulation

The classroom is organised so that each table represents one EU institution.

Each group receives a role sheet explaining:

• Who they are
• What their responsibilities are
• What position they should defend

The simulation follows a simplified decision-making flow shown in the lesson diagram.

Following an idea from proposal to decision

The simulation is based on a concrete and accessible scenario:
reducing noise pollution from airplanes.

The process unfolds as follows:

1. The European Council introduces the big idea
2. The European Commission writes a proposal
3. The Council of the EU and the European Parliament discuss the proposal
4. Institutions may move around to convince others
5. The class reconvenes to hear whether the proposal is approved or rejected

This helps pupils understand that disagreement is normal and that discussion shapes outcomes.

Applying learning through the activity sheet

Using the activity sheet, pupils:

• Match each institution to its correct role
• Complete fill-in-the-blank questions about EU institutions
• Answer short questions about EU laws and representation
• Imagine themselves in the European Commission and suggest a new rule for children
• Complete a creative task by designing a logo for an EU institution and explaining their choice

This reinforces learning through writing, reasoning and creativity.

Reflecting on EU decision-making

The lesson concludes with reflection questions such as:

• Why do EU institutions need to agree for a law to pass?
• Why are some institutions elected by citizens?
• Why is it important that EU laws apply to all countries?
• What skills are needed to make shared decisions?

These questions help pupils link the simulation to real democratic processes.

Why this activity works

• Designed specifically for 5th and 6th Class
• Uses role-play to explain complex institutions
• Makes EU decision-making concrete and memorable
• Encourages discussion, persuasion and cooperation
• Develops citizenship and critical thinking skills
• Supports SESE, SPHE and civic education