Executive Committee
European Council
"The European Council defines the EU's overall political direction and priorities. It is not one of the EU's legislating institutions, so does not negotiate or adopt EU laws. Instead it sets the EU's policy agenda. It usually adopts 'conclusions' during European Council meetings which identify issues of concern and actions to take." [1] Not to be confused with the Council of Europe or the Council of the European Union (EU), the European Council (informally EUCO) is "a strategic (and crisis-solving) body that provides the union with general political directions and priorities, and acts as a collective presidency. The European Commission (a different body) remains the sole initiator of legislation, but the European Council is able to provide an impetus to guide legislative policy." [2]
- [1]: Website of the European Council: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/european-council/how-the-european-council-works/
- [2].: Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Council
Topic A
Re-evaluating encryption to
combat online abuse materials
While the EU has been at the forefront of stimulating the use of encryption as a means to protect user data, concerns have been voiced lately about the flipside of the encryption coin. While several EU bodies have strongly urged for a new approach to regulating encryption, a dismantling of encrypted techniques is out of the question. During this year’s BIMUN meeting of the European Council, all states will have to work together to come up with a joint approach to this multifaceted problem.
Topic B
Actions speak louder than words: Enforcing the ‘LGBTIQ
Freedom Zone’
In March 2021, the European Parliament declared the EU an ‘LGBTIQ Freedom Zone’ in response to the backsliding of LGBTIQ rights in some of its member states. The effectiveness of the declaration is unclear. While jurisdiction in some countries have tried adjusting to the declaration, most progress is slow and often met by even more discriminating countermeasures. This topic balances two very delicate areas, one being the inclusivity of all people, regardless of gender and sexual orientation, and the other being the sovereignty of each member state.
COUNTRY MATRIX
- COMING SOON
Manon Duymelinck
Hi, I am Manon! I’m a 21-year-old law student at the KU Leuven and part of the executive board of its MUN association, serving this year as its president. After chairing last year’s FAO committee at the 20th BIMUN edition, I fell in love with the conference so much that I had to join again. When I’m not MUN’ing or studying, I like to go for a swim or have a drink with some friends. As this year’s chair of the European Council, I’m looking forward very much to seeing the delegates debate on the rather advanced topics, while also socializing with them later on at the “rather advanced” socials! See you there!
Koen Kockx
Hello everyone, my name is Koen Kockx and I have to honor the be one of the chairs of the European Council at BIMUN/SINUB 2022. I am a 22-year old law student from Belgium, studying in Leuven where I specialize in international and European law. When I was a delegate at BIMUN 2021 conference, I immediately knew I wanted to chair there as well and now my dream has become a reality. Together with Manon, I hope we can provide an unforgettable experience for the delegates. - In my free time I like to spend time organizing our own conference (KULMUN) as the vice-conference manager and visiting MUN's all over Europe. I love playing and discussing basketball or going for a refreshing beer after a long day of work. I can't wait to visit Bonn again (especially the Christmas Market) and look forward to meeting all of you in November!
