First-time voters learn about European elections in role-playing simulations

Dr. Tatjana Hilker, Eppingen local councillor and BELC member, recently organised role-playing simulations of European elections at local schools for first-time voters. After an initial event that she organised with youth in September 2023 in Eppingen (BW) sparked strong demand from schools and teachers for more activities, Dr. Hilker organised and coordinated three further events focused on the European Elections 2024 and the process of making political decisions, specifically targeting youth and first-time voters.

One of the aims of these activities was to help connect European politics to the lives of Eppingen citizens. “Strasbourg and Brussels seem far away; however, the EU's decisions also influence our daily activities here on site. The elections to the European Parliament are therefore of great importance for all of us”, Dr. Hilker said.

The events were held in April and May 2024 at a prestigious hall in the Bürgherhaus, in collaboration with Hartmanni-Gymnasium and Hellberg-Gemeinschaftsschule. She also provided support to Hannes Lauter from Europe Direct Centre Karlsruhe who facilitated the role-playing simulations.

Social studies teachers prepared the students for these sessions. Both students and teachers expressed a strong desire to make this an annual activity.