UCC Law Society announced as national representatives at Charlemagne Youth Prize

The 27 national winners of this year’s European Charlemagne Youth Prize (ECYP) have been announced. In Ireland, the national jury declared the Model European Union, organised by the Law Society at University College Cork (UCC), as their winner for 2025.

A first-of-its-kind event in Ireland, the Model European Union project brought together students from across Ireland and Europe to simulate the legislative processes of European institutions, including both the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. The simulation provided participants with the opportunity to experience the challenges and complexities of policy shaping within the EU and its deliberative bodies via debating, negotiating, and decision-making.

The project, alongside the 26 other national winners from across the European Union, will now be considered for the European prize, which will be awarded at a special ceremony in Aachen, Germany, on 27 May. One representative from the Model European Union project will be invited to attend the Ceremony and the Winners Week.

The European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin would like to congratulate the UCC Law Society on this incredible achievement, and wishes them the very best of luck in Aachen. Go n-éirí an t-ádh libh!

What is the European Charlemagne Youth Prize?

The ECYP is awarded annually to youth-led projects and initiatives that promote democracy, active citizenship and community within the EU. Ran jointly by the European Parliament and the Foundation of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen, the ECYP celebrates the efforts of young people to make a positive impact on the future of Europe and in fostering a shared European identity.

In Aachen in May, a European jury headed by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will select the first, second, and third prizes, with prize money of up to €7,500 being awarded to laureates. Winners will also receive the opportunity to visit the Parliament in Brussels or Strasbourg, and one representative from each of the three prize winning projects will be offered Schuman Traineeships in the Parliament.

To learn more about the ECYP, click here.

A full list of national winners can be seen here.

Details of each of the national winners, including the UCC Law Society’s Model European Union, can be viewed here.