Welcome Letter Presidency

Honourable Delegates, Esteemed Committee Presidents, Teachers, Coordinators and Distinguished Guests,

It is our great pleasure to welcome you to Vienna for the 25th National Session of the Model European Parliament in Austria, taking place from the 15th to the 18th of January. Hosting this jubilee session in Austria’s capital and the heart of Europe, Vienna, is both a tribute to the long tradition of MEP in our country and a celebration of the spirit of dialogue and participation that continues to bring young Europeans together.

Vienna has long stood at the crossroads of cultures, ideas and histories. As a city shaped by diplomacy and renowned for fostering peace and cooperation, it offers a fitting backdrop for discussions that aim to address the challenges of our continent.

Throughout this session, you will step into the role of active citizens. Debating, negotiating, and shaping solutions to the pressing issues that affect our common European home. Whether refining your arguments in committee meetings or presenting your ideas in the Plenary Session, you will have the opportunity to experience firsthand how open-minded dialogue, and constructive compromise can lead to meaningful progress.

At the same time, this session is meant to be more than a platform for debate. It is an invitation to form new friendships, encounter perspectives that challenge and enrich your own, and discover strengths and interests you may not yet know you possess. MEP offers you the chance to develop key skills in critical thinking, diplomacy, public speaking and teamwork–competencies that will serve you well far beyond this week.

As the Presidency, our task is to guide and support you, ensuring that every voice is heard and that each of you feels encouraged to contribute. We are confident that the diversity of ideas and experiences gathered here will create an atmosphere of enthusiasm, curiosity and respect worthy of this 25th anniversary session.

We invite you to approach the coming days with openness, courage and a willingness to listen. Seek common ground even where differences persist and let the spirit of cooperation that defines the European project inspire your work. Vienna, with its blend of tradition and modernity, is the perfect place to write the next chapter of your career.

On behalf of the Presidency,
Ivan, Tim & Ian