November 12, 2025

Professor Ahmed El-Minshawy, President of Assiut University, affirmed the importance of developing students’ leadership and critical thinking skills through simulation models that prepare them to confront global challenges and contribute positively to their communities. His remarks came during the opening of the Tenth Annual European Union Simulation Model, held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, under the title “Europe at the Crossroads of Innovation and Digital Sovereignty: Artificial Intelligence between Governance, Security, and Economy.”

The event was organized by the Faculty of Commerce under the supervision of Professor Mohamed Ahmed Adawy, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs and General Supervisor of the Model, and Dr. Marwa Bakr, Coordinator of Student Activities. The simulation was held in the presence of Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Egypt.

Also attending were Professor Alaa Abdel-Hafiz, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce; Dr. Ahmed El-Shouri, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Coordinator of the PPIS Program; academic supervisors Dr. Ehsan Mohamed and Mr. Mahmoud Othman; in addition to faculty members, representatives of the EU Delegation in Cairo, and the participating students.

Professor El-Minshawy emphasized that such simulation models serve as powerful tools to engage youth in decision-making processes and to harness their creative energy in addressing complex global issues. He noted that this year’s model brought together 100 students representing 27 EU member states, who discussed key technological and economic issues, including the evolution of trade relations with the United States in the fields of steel and technology, and the role of artificial intelligence in supporting Europe’s collective security, border protection, infrastructure resilience, and democratic values.

The sessions also explored how EU member states could benefit equitably from digital and economic transformations, as well as the European Council’s future directions in digital diplomacy, particularly in its relations with Latin America and Asia, to foster a human-centered global digital order. Participants further examined mechanisms for engaging with China amid economic and technological competition, and ways to strengthen cooperation among the Council, the Commission, and the European Parliament to ensure the effective implementation of the AI Act. The students concluded with their own visions for the future of Europe in light of accelerating technological and geopolitical changes.

In his remarks, Professor Mohamed Adawy highlighted that the EU Simulation Model reflects the strategic partnership between Egypt and the European Union, noting the shared commitment of both sides to key issues such as peace, security, and the Palestinian cause. He praised the students’ exceptional performance, their deep understanding of global issues, and their ability to engage in ethical discussions surrounding AI applications and the role of technology in advancing sustainable development. He also expressed appreciation to the organizing team for their continued efforts and the success of the model over ten consecutive seasons.

Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst expressed her delight at the students’ outstanding performance during the sessions, commending their adherence to diplomatic protocols, the precision of their session organization, and the remarkable harmony among the country representatives. She further praised the students’ ability to conduct discussions in multiple EU languages, English, Spanish, French, and German, which, she noted, reflects the depth of partnership between Egypt and the European Union. Ambassador Eichhorst described the Assiut University EU Simulation Model as a unique and distinguished experience among Egyptian universities, expressing her gratitude to the faculty supervisors and students for their excellent organization and execution.

Professor Alaa Abdel-Hafiz expressed his pride in the students’ professionalism and their deep awareness in representing EU member states, emphasizing that their success embodies the strong and historic ties between Egypt and Europe.

Dr. Marwa Bakr also noted the university’s ongoing commitment to empowering students through extracurricular activities that enhance their personal and leadership skills. She thanked the university administration, the faculty, and the organizing team for their efforts and revealed plans for upcoming collaborative activities with the EU Delegation in Egypt in the near future.