On October 21st, students conducted a simulation of the European Parliament, facilitated by Joaquim Millan. The activity enabled young people to gain firsthand knowledge of how European institutions operate, practice debate and argumentation, and experience a parliamentary deliberation and voting process. The plenary session was chaired by Ana Palma, Olivella City Council's Education Councilor.
During the session, students organized into various parliamentary groups and committees to debate four proposals on current issues affecting European society: maintaining a minimum level of vegetation across the European Union to combat climate change; regulating school hours to adapt to climate change effects; incorporating an optional subject on artificial intelligence in secondary education; and facilitating access to first-time homeownership for young people under 30 by exempting them from purchase taxes.
All four proposals were approved in the final vote. The first two received unanimous support from the 33 votes cast. The proposal on artificial intelligence garnered 23 votes in favor and 10 against, while the initiative to facilitate first-time homeownership secured 18 votes in favor and 15 against.
This experience provided students with an opportunity to reflect on social, environmental, and educational challenges, understand different perspectives, and grasp the importance of dialogue, participation, and collective decision-making. The activity aligns with the goal of promoting citizenship education and bringing young people closer to democratic institutions.
