Negotiating Climate Targets in the Council of the EU
This interactive simulation for 5th and 6th Class pupils explores how EU countries negotiate environmental policy through the example of the European Green Deal. Pupils represent different member states at a Council of the EU meeting and debate whether the EU should reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% or 55% by 2030.
Through structured debate and position papers, pupils experience how environmental ambition, economic realities and national interests shape EU climate policy.
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 European Green Deal is
- Explain what climate neutrality by 2050 means
- Identify the role of the Council of the EU
- Recognise that countries have different economic situations
- Debate whether emissions should be reduced by 50% or 55% by 2030
- Understand that compromise is often necessary
- Develop persuasive speaking and negotiation skills
- Experience real-world EU decision-making
- Reflect on fairness, solidarity and responsibility
What is the European Green Deal?
The European Green Deal is a plan designed to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.
Climate neutrality means:
- Not adding extra harmful gases to the atmosphere
- Protecting nature and the environment
The Green Deal includes clear targets such as:
- Cutting carbon pollution by 50–55% by 2030
- Investing in renewable energy
- Supporting eco-friendly buildings and transport
- Creating green jobs
Pupils learn that while the EU has already reduced emissions since the 1990s, much more work is needed.
Preparing for the simulation
Each pupil is assigned an EU country and receives a position paper reflecting that country’s official viewpoint.
Before the debate, pupils:
- Learn about the Green Deal
- Rewrite their country’s position in their own words
- Prepare to explain whether they support the Green Deal
- Decide whether they favour a 50% or 55% reduction target
Some countries strongly support ambitious targets, while others argue that economic realities require flexibility or financial support.
The Council of the EU meeting
The classroom becomes a Council of the EU summit.
The teacher takes the role of the presidency and:
- Opens the meeting
- Invites each country to present its position
- Allows time for discussion and negotiation
- Reconvenes to hear each country’s final decision
Pupils may propose:
- Exceptions for economically struggling countries
- Financial support through EU funds
- Penalties for countries that fail to meet targets
At the end of the debate, each delegate states whether they support or oppose the proposal.
Exploring different national perspectives
The simulation highlights the diversity of EU member states:
- Some countries already rely heavily on renewable energy
- Others depend on coal or heavy industry
- Some call for stronger sanctions
- Others request financial support or more time
Pupils discover that while all countries agree climate change is serious, they disagree on how fast change should happen and who should bear the cost.
Why this activity works
- Designed specifically for 5th and 6th Class
- Uses realistic country positions
- Develops negotiation and critical thinking skills
- Encourages respectful debate
- Demonstrates how solidarity and national interest interact
- Makes EU climate policy understandable and engaging
- Supports SESE, SPHE and citizenship education
