Danny Vazquez Tarrau

Danny Vazquez Tarrau

Having had the opportunity to participate in the simulations of the real-life experience of what it would be like to work for and within the European Union was an experience, to even one such as myself who, respectfully of course, considers himself quite versed in European affairs, unlike any other. Except of course for the real-life thrill (or headache?). Having studied international relations as in depth as is possible at Florida International University (FIU), it was no exaggeration to say, for my part at least, that I felt the weight and magnitude of the issues we had to tackle and the near impossibility of corralling 27 independent and sovereign European states, thus implying a particular set of complex and overlapping, historical, ethnic, cultural and to say nothing of the socio-economic disseverances and disparities that straddle this at times frustratingly crazy, and yet so uniquely beautiful project. One of my biggest takeaways, especially after the end of the final competition, was the level to which each member state, even during these times of the COVID, does to a certain degree, even when under increasingly difficult times, do indeed band together and at least try as much as possible to maintain the veneer of “solidarity”. Thus, perhaps explaining the difficulties in “adequately” calling out member states domestic issues and concerns by other member states, who themselves, while perhaps on a different realm, are themselves vulnerable to being called out for their own democratic and post-world war liberal order credentials. The reality that comes with sharing the international political space that is the European Union, and more so during the vast geopolitical shifts of our era, that are themselves are evolving in some instances at a rapid pace, is unlike any other and this was personally felt the most during the Midwestern Model EU, where I had the singular privilege of being a Member of the European Commission. No matter how personally angered one’s sense of honor, or pride, in one’s own country’s sense of personal beliefs, that’s does not negate, in any way, the realities of help that certain states, given their geographical region, are in need of. How does one square idealism with reality? Especially those cold and often brutal political truths? Like some countries, even when the can, may not be lining up to spend more of their own wealth on other external, yet within the EU, concerns. This does not make them inherently evil or cruel, nor does it their diplomats and representatives, with whom one must respect and work with, while that, naturally produces a relationship, that can quite honestly sometimes become rather aggressive, yet diplomatically. What fun! While on the more personal level, winning for FIU overall was awesome, more so as this coincided with the final semester of my B.A. studies. While at the same time, helping me further home in on skills that will serve me well during my M.A. studies in Europe. And not only having the chance to represent FIU, at the same time, because of our special connection, we also had the distinguished honor, to represent the Miami-Florida Jean Monnet European Center of Excellence. A center of which I am personally involved with on and off campus and having been since the beginnings of my senior year in January of 2020. To say that thanks to the Model EU program, to my university, and to the Jean Monnet European Center in Miami, this was the most unforgettable and special of semester to cap with my graduation. A lifetime of rewards.