What does it really mean to shape European policy? From 5–8 February 2026, students in Košice experienced it firsthand. Model European Union brought together 60 high school students from across Slovakia for an immersive, English-language simulation of EU decision-making. Stepping into the roles of Members of the European Parliament, EU Commissioners, and national representatives, they debated pressing topics such as the EU–Mercosur trade agreement and the Green Claims Directive tackling greenwashing. Organised by BETA Slovakia in cooperation with FUTURUM Bilingual High School, and supported by the European Parliament Liaison Office in Slovakia, the event blended dynamic debate with real-world insight. We spoke with participating students, as well as Veronica Anna Lacová, President of BETA Slovakia, and Ján Haraslín, Community Manager at the EP Liaison Office in Bratislava. The programme was further enriched by the opening address of the Vice Mayor of Košice and by discussions with MEPs Katarína Roth Neveďalová and Michal Wiezik, who engaged directly with students about the work of the European Parliament and the importance of youth participation in European democracy.