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Meet the team - MEU

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General Director

Ekhi Mantzizidor

  • LinkedIn

Hello! My name is Ekhi Mantzizidor and I am the General Director of the II edition of Brussels MEU Youth Shaping the Future! It is with great pleasure that I invite you to the simulation, as the entire team has dedicated a tremendous amount of effort and enthusiasm to this project, and we are eager to welcome you and guarantee a truly enriching experience. Currently, I am pursuing a Dual Degree in Law and International Relations, specialising in European Studies and International Geopolitics. This academic background, coupled with my deep passion for these topics and international institution simulations, has equipped me with a great amount of experience. Through past experiences in different simulations, I have gained a deep understanding of the European Union and have had the privilege of building lasting friendships. Now, I extend this exciting opportunity to you, inviting you to participate in this fantastic learning experience and embark on an unforgettable journey in Brussels!

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Project and Communication Coordinator

Clara Medeiros

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Hello! My name is Clara, and I am the Project and Communication Coordinator for the II Brussels MEU - Youth Shaping the Future. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from PUC-Rio and recently graduated with a Master's in Marketing Management - Global and Digital Strategy from the Complutense University of Madrid. My passion for learning different languages, cultures, and global dynamics has driven me to study abroad, work in the Educational sector and participate in various international projects. I truly believe that hands-on experiences like the Model EU are vital for fostering effective learning and inspiring youth to engage with our society, both now and in the future. I’m excited to meet you in Brussels and share this enriching experience together!

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Press Coordinator

Hannah Schuback

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Hey! My name is Hannah Schuback and I am one of the Press Coordinators. I have a BA in European Languages and Culture, where I specialised in European politics, and currently, I am a student of the Erasmus Mundus Master Euroculture. During my studies, I lived in the Netherlands, Ireland and France. Growing up I loved being in a multicultural environment and I am grateful that I am able to continue to spend my academic and social life surrounded by different cultures and languages. I am very interested in (European) politics, although I will complain about it a lot, journalism, as it is so much more fun than academic writing, meeting new people and learning about their culture. I look forward to meeting many new faces at the MEU, the enriching debates and the community of young people aiming to shape the EU’s future.

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Role Coordinator

Jule Gonzalez

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Hello! My name is Jule Gonzalez, and l am the Coordinator of Personal. I am currently studying International Relations at Deusto University in Bilbao. I am really interested in topics like politics, regionalism and youth, therefore, am really excited to be part of this project. I think that is a great opportunity for young people to know more about the European Union and in a certain way to be involved in it.

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Logistics Coordinator

Kristina Tikhonova

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​Hello! My name is Kristina Tikhonova and I am one of the Logistics Coordinators. After completing my Bachelor's degree in Sociology, I had the opportunity to work as a sociologist for a few years. However, I have always been passionate about international relations and gender studies. Now, I am pursuing my Master's degree in European Studies and having an internship at the UN, with the hope of combining my different interests. In addition, since 2020, I have been a co-founder and co-organiser of the first independent Model United Nations in Russia. I believe that these simulations provide a valuable opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of global issues, convey the importance of human rights and explore ways to enhance them through dialogue.​​​​

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Logistics Coordinator

Bengisu Erdogan

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Hi! I'm Bengi, I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and am currently pursuing a Master's Degree in European Politics. I've had the privilege of living and studying in several countries, including Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands, which has greatly enriched my perspective on intercultural organisations and conferences. Over the past four years, I've been deeply involved in organizing workshops for private companies and leading public relations at various Model United Nations Conferences. My passion includes empowering the vulnerable through volunteer work in education, democracy, human rights, and disaster management. I’m really incredibly excited to meet everyone at MEU - Youth Shaping the Future. See you soon!

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General Secretary

Cristina Arce

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Hello! I am Cristina Arce Castro, and I am the Secretary of the MEU. At the moment, I am a second-year student at Una Europa’s BA in European Studies, which I currently follow at Universidad Complutense de Madrid. From a young age, I have had a passion for unravelling cultures and appreciating the beauty of diversity and respect, which had a big influence on my choice of studies: those related to the European Union and its belonging and surrounding communities, as well as the disciplines of philosophy, politics and history, among others. I am sure that this project will allow participants to grasp the essential values of the EU and its main institutions, while also being a great opportunity to get to know other young people interested in the matter.​​​​

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Press Coordinator

Daria Pakhomova

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Hi there! My name is Daria and I anticipate meeting you all soon. Being one of those young people who still find it fun to study a lot while travelling around, I am going to embark on a new journey at Sorbonne, my already fifth university, in September. Since my other passion is writing and languages and writing in different languages too, at the MEU I will be part of the press team. We will keep you posted about the ongoing events such as the debates, discussions and conferences which I am sure you will find insightful. Due to the political studies I pursued in Poland, France, Spain and more than 30 wonderful countries discovered, my horizons were completely and irrevocably widened. Be careful, it is what our EU model might do to you too this autumn! However, it must be exactly what you are looking for and what we will strive for. So see you there!

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Communication Coordinator

Javier Bolaños

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Hello! My name is Javier Bolaños, and I am one of the Communication Coordinators. I am currently completing my degree in Aerospace Engineering at Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio. I consider myself a strong advocate for providing great educational opportunities to young people. That is why I aim to connect with all of you through social media. Together, we can create a brighter future for the next generation.

 

 

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Logistics and Communication Coordinator

Rodrigo Guerra

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Hello! My name is Rodrigo, I am from Spain, and I have studied Journalism and International Relations. I am currently specializing in corporate communication. I have been collaborating on various European projects for over 5 years, ranging from social perspective projects related to refugees to educational projects through which I have grown as a person. I am excited to participate in the MEU to continue developing my skills and knowledge about the European Union.

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Academic Coordinator

Theresa Elhage

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Hi! I am passionate about foreign languages and cultures, and I've been a globetrotter since childhood. Growing up in a multicultural family in France, I always tried to weave these interests into my studies and life experiences. After obtaining a BA in Foreign Languages, Cultures, and History, I embarked on a journey to Dubai to master Arabic. My academic path continued with a master's degree, leading me to move to the United States to teach French at a Californian university for two years. Currently, I'm advancing my studies to pursue a career in European diplomacy and intercultural relations. My goal in my future career is to bridge cultures and shape cultural policies across Europe.
 

Meet the team - Agoras

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Agora Coordinator

Alexandra Ferrufino

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Hi everyone! My name is Alexandra Ferrufino and I am part of the Agoras planning team. I am currently pursuing the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Euroculture. I hold a Bachelor's degree in International Relations, and my interests lie in international cooperation and integration processes, particularly the relations between the EU and Latin American countries. With my experience at non-European international organisations, I hope to bring an outsider's perspective on the EU, as well as learn more about the functioning of European Institutions. I look forward to sharing these insights during the Agora sessions in the following weeks.

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Agora Coordinator

Celia Robayna

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Hello! My name is Celia Robayna and I am part of the Agoras planning team. I am currently studying a Bilingual Double Degree in Advertising and Marketing at CEU San Pablo in Madrid. I have always been deeply interested in global issues and their diverse impacts on people. I am passionate about learning new cultures and traditions, besides travelling as much as I possibly can! My studies have taken me to various countries, including Belgium, a country which holds a special place in my heart. I believe that this project will foster youth interest in the European Union and help shape the future of our world.​

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Agora Coordinator

Sara Tillenius

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Hi everyone! My name is Sara Tillenius and I am part of the Agoras planning team. Currently, I am pursuing an Erasmus Mundus Master in Euroculture at the University of Strasbourg and the Jagiellonian University in Krakow. My interest in European cooperation is driven by a desire to understand how it is part of shaping global sustainability and justice. As a curious person, I am always eager to explore new perspectives and ideas. I look forward to contributing to the discussions and debates during the Agora sessions leading up to the MEU in Brussels, engaging with key issues facing Europe today.

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Agora Coordinator

Carmen Brañas

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Hello! My name is Carmen Brañas Ruiz and I am part of the Agoras planning team. I am currently studying a double degree in Law and International Relations at the Pontifical University of Comillas (ICADE). I am keenly interested in issues such as immigration, human rights, and defending the rights of girls and women in countries where these are not secured. I am looking forward to participating in this MEU, since I believe it is a very enriching experience for anyone interested in global issues that allows you to get closer and learn more about the functioning of the European Union and the different positions that make it work.
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Agora Coordinator

Elena Fernández

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Hello! My name is Elena and I am part of the Agoras team. I am currently a student at IE University in Madrid, studying for a double degree in Business Administration and International Relations. I feel hugely interested in political areas which touch on issues like immigration, justice, and overall governance. Being in such an international atmosphere at university has enriched me and made me learn from different cultures, languages and people. My motivation to participate at the MEU is due to the first-hand experience it will give us to know how the EU organs work. I look forward to actively participating in the Agora sessions and learning from the discussions and debates that Europe is currently focused on.

Meet the team - EU Visits

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EU Visits Coordinator

Antony Rosero

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Hello, my name is Antony, and I’m from Quito, Ecuador. I am currently pursuing an Erasmus Mundus Master's degree in Euroculture. My first semester took place in Olomouc, and I recently completed the second in Bilbao. I hold a bachelor's degree in Political Science and International Relations. My interests relate to international law aspects including institutions, the international system and its function; also, I am interested in working in international security fields where I would like to be part of exploring the topics that are currently developing around the globe. I am looking forward to participating in this project of visits to European institutions and seeing first hand its functioning.

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EU Visits Coordinator

Daan Stiekema

  • LinkedIn

Hello everyone! My name is Daan Stiekema and I am from the Netherlands. I am also a member of the team that organises the visits to the EU institutions for the MEU. I am in my second year of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree in Euroculture, at the University of Groningen and the University of Strasbourg. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in European Language and Culture and a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy of a Specific Discipline (Political Philosophy). I am mainly interested in geopolitics and security, and migration studies, combined with a philosophic lens here and there. My research and career interests are situated in the interplay of these topics. I am very much looking forward to getting more experience with the EU institutions through the MEU program and working with my fellow students on this project!

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EU Visits Coordinator

Iliana Petrou

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Hello, my name is Iliana and I am a member of the team responsible for the coordination of MEP visits. I have a bachelor's in Political Science and I am currently pursuing the Erasmus Mundus Master of Arts called Euroculture. Being half Cypriot and half Ukrainian, I feel drawn to interests that include international security, reconciliation strategies, and emergency politics (during a crisis). Some other subjects that interest me are efficient migration policies as well as political philosophy and its application to recent issues. I have participated in a Model United Nations before, therefore I am excited to be part of this MEU experience.

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EU Visits Coordinator

Youna Le Graet

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Hello hello, my name is Youna; I am half French half Dutch; I was born in France, grew up in Tunisia, did my bachelor's in Spain and my Master's in Sweden and The Netherlands. I also did my Erasmus in Copenhagen and an internship in Paris. So, one can notice that I enjoy moving around, being in an intercultural environment and meeting new people. I just graduated from an Erasmus-Mundus Master in Euroculture where I explored European society, politics, and culture in a global context.  I am interested in democracy and civic participation. Yet I remain open to exploring new topics.  I am looking forward to being part of the MEU experience.

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EU Visits Coordinator

Cecilia Albé

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Hello! I’m Cecilia, an Italian with a global soul who has called six different countries home over the past six years. My journey has been driven by a passion for international relations and environmental issues, especially through an intersectional lens focusing on global climate justice. Recently graduated from the Erasmus Mundus Master’s in Euroculture, where I delved into European society, politics, and culture in a global context, I also completed an insightful EU traineeship at the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels. With this diverse background of experiences, I’m now excited to further expand my expertise and impact within the EU institutions through the MEU program.​​

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EU Visits Coordinator

Iga Staszak

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Hello! My name is Iga, I am from Poland and I am a member of the team that coordinates the visits to the EU institutions for the MEU. I am about to finish my Euroculture Master Degree, during which I have delved into topics related to politics, society and culture. Additionally, I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in European Law. My diverse background sparked my interest in many topics related to the functioning of the European Union. However, I am particularly interested in issues of human rights and democracy. Furthermore, I am particularly excited about the participation of young people in discussing and shaping the further development of the European community. I look forward to exchanging experiences and perspectives together.

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EU Visits Coordinator

Jumana Fakhar

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Hello everyone! My name is Jumana Fakhar, and I am a member of the team responsible for coordinating visits to EU institutions for the MEU. I am currently pursuing an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree in Euroculture, at the Georg-August University of Göttingen and the University of Udine in Italy. I hold a Bachelor's degree in International Relations. I have a passion for being in multicultural environments. My academic and social journey is surrounded by diverse cultures and languages. I am particularly interested in politics, identity and integration in the European region along with crisis management and security issues around the world. My curiosity drives me to constantly explore new perspectives and ideas. I am always excited to meet new people and learn about their cultures.

Get in touch!

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us!

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Brussels MEU 2024
Youth Shaping the Future

When? November 2nd to the 5th, 2024

Where? Brussels, Belgium

© 2023 by Model EU Brussels - Youth Shaping the Future. All rights reserved.

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