03/05/2026
Politicians, take note: Red Dragons are making moves on the global stage.
Before the start of the spring semester, seven students traveled to the Global Model European Union (GMEU) in Belgium. There they simulated the European Council and learned just what it takes to survive and thrive in international politics.
More than 120 students representing 12 schools from six countries made the trip in January to host city Brussels.
In addition to the U.S., participants came from Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. Cortland was among five institutions from New York, a group that also included Ithaca College, the University at Albany and the University at Buffalo.Participants were welcomed to Vesalius College. Cortland’s students enrolled in a fall course on the European Union to prepare and better understand the often contradictory needs of the EU’s members.
“I was a bit skeptical when I was invited to Brussels — at first, (the GMEU) looks like a lot of work — but I agreed and I couldn’t be more grateful that I did,” said Emma Caraher, a triple major in history, anthropology: museum studies and international studies.
“Preparing for GMEU is a lot of work, but it’s also so ultimately rewarding. I made lots of new friends and met so many interesting people.”
While there, Layla Myers, a double major in teaching English as a second language and international studies, represented Poland as its prime minister. Ava Graziano, a community health major, was prime minister of Denmark. Maria Fernandez, a double major in history and international studies, acted as Poland’s foreign minister while Caraher assumed the same role for Denmark.
Maddie Houghton, a double major in archaeology and international studies, and Carly Hammond, a double major in archaeology and history, were the defense ministers of Poland and Portugal, respectively. Zach Biemer, a double major in geographic information systems and international studies, served as the Portuguese representative on the Environmental Council.
For Fernandez, preparing for the GMEU was a prelude to what she gained from her time spent with people from around the world.
“Actually putting that research into practice and being able to interact with peers who also dedicated their time to preparing for their roles was extremely enlightening and I am very thankful that I was able to participate in this experience,” she said.
An array of topical discussions dug into the finer points of diplomacy. They included tariffs, the Middle East, Ukraine, cybersecurity and other challenges.
“The way that real time events influenced the simulation was unique as the invasion of Venezuela and the debate about Greenland really unfolded just before and during the conference, and students roleplaying as foreign ministers and heads of government had to respond to those events in their negotiations,” said Professor of History Scott Moranda, who attended the conference as faculty advisor and mentor for Cortland’s delegation.
Moranda explained that the GMEU is a great opportunity for students to travel abroad, experience European cities and build new friendships. While there, students also learn directly about the EU and its history.
Beyond the main experience at the GMEU, the group visited museums, enjoyed a day trip to the city of Bruges and guest talks from EU dignitaries.
Moranda credited support from the International Programs Office, the School of Arts and Sciences, the President’s Office and the Clark Center for Global Engagement for making the visit possible.
“The simulation offered a learning experience that could not be replicated in a typical classroom,” Moranda said. “While you could technically do it online, it would not be the same as being in the same room with other students from multiple countries learning to compromise, craft proposals and find common ground in real time.”
The current GMEU began in 2022, with Cortland making trips the past three years. But Alexandru Balas, professor of international studies, said Cortland was one of the first universities in the U.S. to take part in Model EU conferences in 1988 — then called Model European Communities conference.
He sees it as an effective way to build negotiating skills, test EU knowledge and gain confidence in public speaking.
It was a feeling shared by Biemer, who enjoyed chances to network while learning how countries with different goals find common ground.
“I have gained new leadership skills ... (and) I look back on the trip with no regrets and would highly do it all over again, as I have felt like I got to embrace a new culture and enjoyed the experience to the fullest.”