European Council Simulation
This classroom simulation for 5th and 6th Class pupils explores how EU leaders responded to the 2015 migration crisis. Through role-play and structured debate, pupils represent different EU countries at a European Council summit and decide whether to support the European Commission’s proposal to relocate asylum seekers across the European Union.
Using real statistics, definitions and country position papers, pupils experience how solidarity, responsibility and national interests shape 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:
- Understand what the 2015 European migration crisis was
- Distinguish between refugees, asylum seekers and migrants
- Analyse why people left their countries (war, violence, poverty)
- Identify how EU countries were affected differently
- Understand the European Commission’s relocation proposal
- Debate whether responsibility should be compulsory or voluntary
- Develop empathy and critical thinking
- Present arguments clearly and respectfully
- Experience negotiation and disagreement in a democratic setting
Understanding the migration crisis
Pupils begin by learning key facts about 2015:
- Over 1 million people arrived in Europe
- More than 1.3 million asylum applications were made
- Many migrants travelled by sea in overcrowded boats
- Thousands of people died crossing the Mediterranean
They explore why people left countries such as Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq and how migration routes through Greece and Italy placed particular pressure on certain EU member states.
The European Commission’s proposal
The simulation is set during a fictional European Council summit.
The proposal suggests relocating 120,000 asylum seekers from countries under the greatest pressure.
Relocation would be based on objective criteria such as:
- Population size
- GDP
- Past asylum applications
- Unemployment rate
Financial support would also be provided to help implement the plan.
Representing EU countries
Each pupil represents a specific EU country using a position paper that outlines their government’s viewpoint.
Countries express a wide range of positions:
- Strong support for compulsory relocation
- Support only if participation is voluntary
- Firm opposition to relocation
- Financial support without accepting relocated asylum seekers
This diversity of perspectives allows pupils to experience real political tension and disagreement.
Debate and negotiation
During the summit:
- The proposal is presented.
- Each country presents its position.
- Delegates debate and negotiate.
- Each country must state whether it supports or rejects the proposal.
Pupils must decide:
- Should relocation be compulsory for all EU countries?
- Or should participation remain voluntary?
Why this activity works
- Designed specifically for 5th and 6th Class
- Uses real statistics and realistic country positions
- Develops empathy and perspective-taking
- Encourages respectful debate
- Demonstrates how solidarity and sovereignty can conflict
- Makes complex EU politics accessible
- Supports SPHE, SESE and citizenship education
