60th iMEP Athens, 2024

Sep 30, 2025
5 min read

Updated: Mar 3

There are cities that bear the memory of the greatest moments in human history. Athens, however, the cradle of democracy and the Western civilization, stands out above the rest as a hub of ideas, liberty, and civic courage, where history is not merely remembered, but actively guides the path toward the future!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvtRip_mR_c&t=236s

October 2024: the spirit of Ancient Athens was awakened under the footsteps of hundreds of young people who did not just take on the role of European diplomats, but also brought an inspiring and powerful flame.

The 60th international session of the Model European Parliament brought together young people from all over Europe in the Hellenic capital for a magical week – one where ideas collided, friendships were born, memories were forever commemorated, and above all, a promise for a bright future was instilled in the souls of all who encountered the MEP. For many, this was not just a conference, but an experience that left a lasting mark, teaching on how to foster dialogue, defend a position, and seek a lasting solution.

The Bulgarian delegation

From the very first day sunny and welcoming Athens opened its heart to delegations from 32 countries, who were greeted by dedicated volunteers. In the evening, delegates, presidents, guests, teachers, and coordinators had the opportunity to engage in flaming conversations and laughter under the city's starry sky and lay the foundation for what would drive them in the coming days.

The session officially began where the European idea was probably born - on the Acropolis. In the shades of olive trees and on stones capturing centuries of history, the delegates engaged in team-building activities with their respective committees, while the Parthenon towered above them. Young people from different parts of Europe “broke the ice” between each other and laid the foundations of friendship, partnership, and even some competition.

The walk through the Acropolis and the National Garden still echoes in our minds as a memorable start to the session and the beautiful views that inspired us for days. The day smoothly transitioned into the first committee meetings, and so the first ideas and thoughts began to flow on the topics that each committee had to work on: from the future of artificial intelligence and the fight against global warming, through transatlantic relations, democratic sustainability and social inequalities, to education, the housing crisis, and protection of human rights. And so, the committees brought to the table the most pressing issues the EU faces not only today, but also tomorrow.

The first day ended with a lively exchange of cultural traditions during an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, music, dancing, delicious food, and moments of joy and warmth.

Photos from the Cultural Evening

The official opening of the conference took place at the Olympia Municipal Music Theatre "Maria Callas" - a symbolic moment. The anthems of Hellas and the European Union, performed by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Athens, captivated the entire hall with their solemn tone and inspiring lyrics. The premiere of the magnificent musical works based on the poetry of Kostis Palamas was a reminder that politics and culture are not merely parallel worlds but are rather deeply intertwined.

Photos from the Opening Ceremony

With the session declared open, the floor was given to the delegates. 32 countries were represented by one young voice each in passionate speeches that enriched the images of each participant. After the ceremony, the traditional delegation photos with their national flags were taken, the work continued with renewed energy and quiet confidence that the most exciting part was yet to come.

The next day passed quickly with intensive committee work. The 1st Lyceum of Voula became a second home for the delegates, where all kinds of solutions and strategies for improvement were discussed, fierce debates were held, ideas were actively exchanged, and of course, the fruits of each committee's labour were born - the long-aspired resolutions. Following was the preparation for the Press Conference and the Plenary Session. As speeches were delivered, strong and weak clauses discussed, and new collaborations formed, the tensions spiked as the most exciting days were approaching.

Photos from the committee meetings

The Press Conference kicked off exciting discussions on the resolutions which motivated the delegates to engage in critical analysis of each clause during the delegation meetings. In the late afternoon the anticipated moment for the lobbying procedure arrived - writing amendments to the resolutions and seeking support from other delegates. Lobbying in the peristyle of the Zappeion Megaron, a place steeped in political history, was one of the highlights. Somewhere between the marble columns and under the scorching Athenian sun the delegates harnessed their oratory and leadership skills to assert their amendment and gain support. This was followed by visits to the Olympic Stadium and the Ancient Agora - unforgettable moments that served as a reminder that contemporary debates are rooted in foundations laid hundreds, if not thousands, of years prior.

Photos from the Lobbying and Press Conference

The Old Parliament building provided a unique atmosphere for the most decisive hours of the conference. Dressed in their finest suits, with folders in hand, speeches in the making, and genuine excitement and awe in the eyes, the delegates turned the Old Parliament hall into a gladiatorial arena of debate. Ten committees, ten resolutions, dozens of amendments, hundreds of memorable quotes - all in unison with a political maturity that is often lacking even in real institutions. The first day of the Plenary Session ended with a magical evening at Poseidon Temple at Sounio, under the full moon. A moment that seemed to transcend time and space. There, on the edge between the sea and the sky, between the earthly and the divine, Europe felt more awake and more united than ever.

Photos from the Plenary Session

The Plenary Session reached its memorable conclusion the following day. The Closing Ceremony did more than remind us of the sweetest and most unforgettable moments of the past week – it also made us proud of the work we had done and of the priceless friendships we had made. The closing of the official part of the session also planted seeds of hope and eager anticipation for the next conference set to unfold in the heart of European democracy - Strasbourg.

Photos from the Plenary Session

Most importantly, the Bulgarian delegation did more than well. All members worked hard and were granted speeches at the Plenary Session - a success that shall not be underestimated. Later that day, hugs, tears, laughter, music, dances, and promises to meet again highlighted the Varkiza beach farewell party.

Photos from the Farewell Party and the meeting at the Bulgarian Embassy

In Athens, MEP once again proved that it is more than just a conference that awakens civic engagement in young Europeans - MEP is an experience that teaches commitment, courage, and cooperation - qualities integral to one’s path towards success. Athens was also much more than just another destination - it was home to dreamers and doers, to the brightest of European youth.