Sociology Student Dora Reštigorac Participates in the Council of the European Union Project

Graduate sociology student Dora Reštigorac was appointed as the representative of Croatian universities in the Council of the European Union project ConSIMium 2026, held in Brussels from 4 to 7 February 2026.
 

The ConSIMium project is a simulation of the work of the Council of the European Union, enabling students to gain practical insight into decision-making processes at the level of the European Union. During the simulation, participants assume the roles of national experts, ministers, ambassadors, prime ministers and journalists, and through negotiations and alignment of positions experience the dynamics of the legislative procedure within the Council of the EU.

Ms Reštigorac participated in the role of national expert, working on the proposal of the ACI (Anti-Coercion Instrument), an instrument aimed at protecting the European Union and its Member States from economic pressure and coercive measures imposed by third countries. In her role, she represented the position of the Republic of Croatia, analysed the European Commission’s proposal and assessed its potential benefits and risks for the Croatian economy and foreign policy position. Particular emphasis was placed on evaluating the instrument’s contribution to the security and resilience of the Republic of Croatia, while also considering possible consequences such as trade restrictions or diplomatic tensions. During the simulation, she cooperated with other national experts to align positions and shape compromise solutions, and advised representatives at higher levels of decision-making on the course of negotiations and key discussion points.

“Participating in the project was an extremely valuable experience for me, as I had the opportunity to experience first-hand the complexity of the European decision-making process. I realised how important it is to clearly articulate national interests, but also to be ready to compromise in order to achieve a common solution. The project further deepened my understanding of how the Council of the EU functions, which is why I consider it an exceptionally useful and motivating experience,” Dora Reštigorac described her experience.

We congratulate our colleague, as a representative of the Catholic University of Croatia, on her participation in a project of national and university significance.