Munich European Forum
Founded 29 years ago, Munich European Forum is a non-profit association dedicated to the political and academic education of students and young professionals from all over the world
Role-play global scenarios & events
- Step in the shoes of a politician and negotiate international agreements
- Master the decision-making process and shape the policies of tomorrow
Analyses of current events
- Collect and fact-check news on political, economical, and social events
- Hone your writing skills and publish articles and analyses of current events
Capacity building and networking
- Develop skills and competencies in an expanding and multicultural organisation
- Adhere to a global network of members active in private organisations, think tanks, and political institutions
1994
1995
1997
Shift towards simulating regional organisations such as the EU and NATO. Name changed to Munich European Forum e.V.
2001
2003
3rd edition of Brussels European Forum, held for the first time at the European Centre La Foresta in Leuven (Belgium).
2010
9th edition of Brussels European Forum, introducing the simulation of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, one of the first such simulations in the world.
2015
2019
2020
The Brussels European Forum 2019 was awarded the Altiero Spinelli Prize for Outreach by the European Comission.
Who we are
The Munich European Forum (MEF) is a non-profit association dedicated to the political and academic education of students and young professionals. Since our foundation 29 years ago, the association has created a large network of members and alumni from all walks of life who are active in private organisations, think tanks and political institutions.
Established in Munich in 1994, our bedrock of values – cooperation, tolerance, inclusiveness – cemented the trust between members and provided excellent opportunities for networking.
The Brussels European Forum
By bringing together students and young professionals from all around the world, our conference promotes international understanding and offers a unique networking opportunity.
A week full of negotiations and debates on current political issues gives our participants a deep understanding of international decision-making processes within the EU, G-20 and NATO. The presence of an advocacy group and of a media team bring an additional sense of realism and accountability.
The program includes a visit to the NATO Headquarters and EU institutions in Brussels, where our participants attend briefings with experts and decision makers there.
By combining simulation sessions with reality checks, we offer a unique and rewarding learning experience.
Our experienced staff and the Academic Council of the association guarantee a high-quality and realistic conference, as well as a great learning experience, whether you are a student or in the early stages of your career.
The European Blog
This project is meant to give a stage for participants and alumni of Brussels European Forum, as well as for the members of our association to discuss current topics in international politics.
Each month on the fifteenth day we publish a new article under the “Monthly mind” section that aims to capture the latest global trends and look beyond the surface, all while making highly political or scientific topics more easily accessible to people interested in them.
Since its launch in 2015, the European Blog has published over 30 essays and analyses on topics as European politics, economy, security, elections and others.
Brussels European Forum
calendar_today February 26 - March 4, 2023
Brussels European Forum
calendar_today February 26 - March 4, 2023
Our partners & sponsors
Our activities are only possible with the support of our trusted partners and sponsors.
This year our special thanks go to everyone who believed in us and our mission.
20th Brussels European Forum
calendar_today February 26 - March 4, 2023
20th Brussels European Forum
calendar_today February 26 - March 4, 2023
By simulating the roles of world leaders, journalists and advocates you benefit from a unique opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the intricate workings of the Council of the European Union, NATO and the G-20. We put you face to face with decision-makers and experts in Brussels and give you the floor to ask your questions.
Join us now and experience what it’s like to be part of the global decision making process.
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Meet our Board Members
Verena Beck
President
Verena Beck has been the President of the Munich European Forum since 2021. In 2018, she was a participant at the Brussels European Forum for the first time and immediately joined the association. During the three following simulation conferences, the BEF and the VEF, she was chair of the North Atlantic Council Committee.
Verena studied at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Germany and at UC Santa Barbara, California, USA. She holds degrees in communications, law and political science.
Her professional experience includes working in corporate communications, most recently as a speechwriter for board members of a DAX company. She currently works as an editor for a German automotive group. In her free time, Verena enjoys playing tennis, hiking and running, as well as playing the piano.
Veli Uygar Özener
Vice-President
Vice-President of the Munich European Forum Since 2021, Veli Uygar Özener first attended the BEF in 2019 where he represented the UK in the NAC, joining the association in the same year, Veli Uygar served as the North Atlantic Committee Chair in VEF and BEF.
Previously studying in Politics and International Relations in University of Manchester, Veli Uygar is currently a student in Charles University’s Politics,Philosophy and Economics programme. Alongside his studies, Veli Uygar has completed internships in International Organisations and Government Bodies, and he is currently working in the Security Sector.
In his free time, Veli Uygar enjoys music production, videogames, bowling and traveling
Victoria Haberler
Treasurer
Victoria Haberler has assumed the role of Treasurer in 2021.
Initially she applied for the BEF 2020, but after its cancellation decided to take part in the first ever Virtual European Forum (VEF) that same year.
Following her participation, she joined the association in 2021 and chaired the North Atlantic Council in the second VEF.
Currently she is pursuing her master’s degree in Political Science at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich, Germany, after receiving her bachelor’s degree in this field at the same university. The main focus of her studies lies on political theory and international relations.
Victoria’s personal interests encompass reading all sorts of books and spending a lot of time outside with the horses.
Anika Welter
Secretary
Anika Welter has been the Secretary of the Munich European Forum since 2021.
She joined the association in 2017, right after participating in the Brussels European Forum for the first time that year. During the two ensuing BEFs she chaired the G20 Committee. Between 2019 and 2021 she assumed the role of President of the Munich European Forum.
She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Political Science at the Ludwig-Maximilians- University in Munich, Germany. In her thesis she focuses on Private Environmental Governance. Previously she graduated from a Bachelors’ program in the same field of study, focusing on voting behaviors in two round electoral systems. Her main areas of interest are the intersection of politics, economics and society.
Joao Lucas Hilgert
Chief Technology Officer / Assessor
Joao Lucas Hilgert has been the Chief Technology Officer of the Munich European Forum since 2021.
He joined the association in 2017, after participating in the Brussels European Forum for the first time that year. During the two ensuing BEFs, he chaired the Global Media Committee and the North Atlantic Council. Between 2019 and 2021 he assumed the role of Treasurer of the Munich European Forum.
He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in ‘Politics and Technology’ at the Technical University of Munich in Germany. Previously, he studied business management and received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich, Germany.
He has previously worked as Business Development Manager in the technology sector, as Market Analyst for a consulting company and is currently Managing Partner for a startup in the advertisement business. Joao hopes to follow a career in academia in Political and Computer Science. He is particularly interested in the intersection between politics and technology.
Donations via bank transfer
Account owner
Munich European Forum e.V.
Legal address of the association
Nymphenburger Str. 77
80636 Munich
Germany
c/o Welter
Bank name
Kreissparkasse München Starnberg Ebersberg
IBAN
DE92 7025 0150 0009 7062 50
BIC/SWIFT
BYLADEM1KMS