Letter from the presidents

Honourable Delegates, Committee Presidents, and CIEs, 

We, the presidency, are delighted to welcome you to the 23^rd national MEP session in Klosterneuburg, Austria. From the 18^th to the 21^st of January, you will get to experience some of Lower Austria’s finest institutions, such as the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), the Klosterneuburg Abbey and the Landhaus in St. Pölten, all of which have extended their hospitality and granted us the opportunity to get to know their best assets. In our town, which is the 3^rd largest in Lower Austria, we have a variety of rich traditions, ranging from the most extraordinary wines from the abbey to our annual festivities for our patron, Saint Leopold. Every year, around the 15^th of November, people from Klosterneuburg and its surroundings gather to drink punch, hop on merry-go-rounds and slide down the 1000 litre barrel to make a wish. Maybe you will get the chance to join us and celebrate with us next year.

Our honourable speakers stem from both the political and scientific field and will shed light on the potential role of artificial intelligence in the world of politics. This unprecedented focus on some of the most pressing issues in the 21^st century is part of the reason why this session will be extraordinary and memorable. We are proud to announce that leading experts, Professor Dr. Gaia Novarino, Prof. Dr. Tim Vogels and Prof. Dr. Martin Selmayr will share their insights into the topic. Furthermore, two of the most prominent figures of Lower Austria’s political landscape, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, the governor of Lower Austria and Mag. Stefan Schmuckenschlager, the Mayor of Klosterneuburg, have shown the courtesy of welcoming us in the opening ceremony. As a representative of the Klosterneuburg Abbey, the new provost will greet us as well. 

Dear delegates, within the course of three days, you will learn about the legislative structures of the European Union and the process that goes along with creating a resolution. But most importantly, you will learn about yourself. What role do you want to take on during the session? You have been given the chance to participate in committee discussions, hold fruitful debates and give speeches. Our advice: Use it to the best of your abilities. Use it to discover who you are. You may find out that you can keep listeners on the edge of their seats with your speech. Or that you are a team player in the committee meetings, working towards a common goal. Whatever it is, embrace it and capitalize on your strengths. Naturally, it will not always be easy to navigate through your committee work. We advise you to step out of your comfort zone and keep an open mind. Compromise and tolerance are key components of a successful MEP session. Keeping this in mind, you will get the most out of it. 

Let’s work together and make this session the very best! 

Good luck, 

Your presidency