SFA’s Model EU team captures third place at the Midwest Model European Union competition

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University’s Model European Union team, consisting of eight political science majors and one accounting major, earned third place in the Best Delegation contest during the 2026 Midwest Model European Union in Bloomington, Indiana.

Hosted by Indiana University, the MMEU competition is the nation’s largest and second-oldest intercollegiate simulation of the European Union in North America. The purpose of the competition is to provide students with opportunities to practice skills in negotiation, bargaining and professionalism while increasing awareness and knowledge of the EU. This year’s competition included 23 teams from 19 universities.

“Our students showed a great sense of composure and commitment in this competition, which is regarded as the largest Model EU program in the country,” said Dr. Steven Galatas, SFA associate professor of government and Model EU faculty advisor. “The students developed a greater understanding of the EU’s global role and the critical importance of the United States and EU relationship in ensuring peace and stability both in Europe and worldwide.”

SFA’s team represented Poland, which was chosen through a lottery system. In preparation, the team met regularly to review EU legislature processes and research the country’s positions on important or critical issues facing the EU today.

The simulation models the legislative bodies and administration of the European Union. Students use bargaining, negotiation, public speaking and diplomacy skills to pass legislation. In most legislative bodies of the EU, a unanimous vote or a weighted majority is needed.

“My most memorable part of my time at Midwest Model EU was serving in the European Parliament, where I passed and amended directives,” said Aurora Williams, political science senior from La Porte. “I was also able to author protective legislation addressing the risks associated with AI-generated imagery. By building coalitions with peers and advisors, I successfully was able to pass directives, make important amendments and get my directive passed.”

Additionally, Mia Bradley, political science senior from Lufkin, earned first place in the Foreign Affairs Council as foreign minister of Poland.

“This year, I was able to hone my leadership skills and develop a thorough understanding of Polish foreign policy,” Bradley said. “The Midwest Model EU competition is a game of negotiation, cooperation and compromise. It provides experience in interpersonal communication skills, teamwork and strategy. These skills are highly applicable in most fields, not just political science and government.”

Other team members included Riley Siegfried of Nacogdoches, prime minister of the European Council; Colby England of Houston, economic minister of the Economic and Finance Council; Crystal Reyes of Longview, justice minister of the Justice and Home Affairs Council; Ezra Gaitan of Hallsville, environment minister of the Environment Council; Devenney Brandes of Lufkin and Aidan Cooner of Jefferson, who both served on the Left Party of European Parliament; and Carlos Salazar of Richmond and Williams, who both served on the civic coalition of European Parliament.

“A student should join the SFA Model EU team not just because of the skills and learning opportunities you get from it, but because of the unique experience you can only get by being a part of this team,” Cooner said. “Getting to explore the Indiana University campus, networking with people who have similar interests as you and the friendships you gain with your fellow teammates were nothing short of amazing. I learned valuable information and skills I can apply while earning my degree here at SFA, I networked with a variety of students from different colleges all over the U.S. and I got to laugh with my friends. I could not ask anything else from a college academic team.”

Interested in seeing what Model EU has in store for you? Contact Galatas at galatasse@sfasu.edu. For more information about SFA’s Department of Government and Sociology, visit sfasu.edu/govtsoci.