The Financial Perspective 2007-2013 Simulation Game

OBJECTIVES, ROLES, RULES OF THE GAME

Presentation based on Bruno Scholl’s Manual and Presentation of March 2004’27.03.2006 Brussels

Plan of the presentation

Introduction of the “game” What is a Financial Perspective Selection of subjects to be discussed Distribution of roles

The objectives and tasks of a Simulation Game

Research (Documents and Literature) Positions papers Communication Tactics

Introduction of the game: What are you doing?

You will be discussing the 2008/9review of the financial perspective 2007-2013

the discussion is led during the Czech Republic Presidency

You won’t discuss all problems contained in the Financial Perspective

What is a Financial Perspective?

Legal character of the Financial Perspective? Is it possible to „correct” it during its

functioning?

The issues at stake:

You are not negotiating in a vacuum: Draft Financial Perspective adopted in

December 2005: - new structure- new objectives - new goals

- However: Draft Financial Perspective is only a ‘good basis’ for the work of European Council

Still/again to be settled:

not all MS satisfied with the Financial Perspective results- your targets – to discuss: 

sustainable development- competitiveness for growth and employment;- cohesion for growth and employment;

preservation and management of natural resources

– agricultural markets– rural development– fisheries – environmental protection

citizenship, freedom, security and justice; the EU as a global player;

external action pre-accession instruments

And now…to the game

You are performing a role reflecting the ‘real’ position took in Financial Perspective negotiations

We are following the official rules of the European Council:

– high level negotiations (each team at least two members)– unanimity (final result has to be reached consensually)– EP / Commission participation (they can speak but cannot

vote)

Who participates in the negotiations on Financial Perspective?

Presidency (2) Council Secretariat (2) Member States (Head of State / Prime Minister,

Foreign Minister per Country) (2)

European Commission (3) European Parliament (2)

Part II: Simulation Games- Overview

What are Simulation Games?– Functions– Objectives– Structure of a Simulation

Acting in Simulations– Preparing Negotiations– Actor Analysis– Tactics

Simulation Games

can show and explain complex and even unknown structures of the „real world” policy

can develop "soft skills" of participants – observing, negotiation and moderation skills

can show and explain social and intercultural behaviour:– connected to everyday experiences – build-up a knowledge base of behavioural skills

can be easily used by actors with different cultural background:

– it confronts and addresses prejudices – and stereotypes of other cultures

Objectives I - Research

– on the Financial Perspective debate in the EU

– on general background of UE actors interplay

– on specific interests of country or institution represented by the team

Objectives II – soft skills

Improvement and grounded experience of EU negotiations

Improvement of communication skills Improving drafting capabilities (position

papers/ treaty text) Complexity of Multi-lateral bargaining

and the art of arguing

Deliverables - The Position Papers

Important deliverable (for each group) Maximum paper

– Contains your positions (official, shown to the others)– Indicate some room of manoeuvre – Indicate possible allies (to make your position stronger)

Precise language / short (3 pages) Should help to guide you through the negotiations Minimum Paper

– Define your fall-back positions– Only to be shown to the teaching staff

Before you start working: Strategies and Tactics

Financial Perspective?- between reforms and status quo- increase or decrease of input?

Avoiding conflicts?- starting with identifying controversial issues or

searching for consensus

Cleavages?- agriculture v. other policies?- new Member States v. old Member States? - smaller vs. larger member states

Preparing negotiation

Set goals– identify obstacles, and fix a time line

start by clearly stating the goal you hope to achieve– Try to get deals done even before the negotiations start

Fix sub-goals – Identify smaller obstacles that could stop you from

reaching the main goal– Give them numbers until a deadline– or fix a sub-goals set-out from the start to the end

Actor analysis

Culture:– Research the cultures of those with whom you are

negotiating

Personality– Research the personality and likely approach they

will take

Negotiation Tactics

„It ‘s not me" Warning of consequences Good & bad guy/girl (cop) Risk of the rival Fictional deadline Done deal Win-win

Tactics I

„It‘s not me" – claim that you are not responsible for the decision. If faced

with this, always try to go to the one who is responsible! [but beware of false accusations!]

– if you use this, it risks undermining your authority as a negotiator

Warning of consequences – "if you do not do x, then y will happen". – Dangerous: the claim is likely to become public some day,

and may actually provoke y! Alternatively, they may see your bluff, and if nothing happens, your credibility is damaged

Tactics II

Good & Bad Guy/Girl – one person plays tough, the other is conciliatory – especially when you are negotiating on two levels

Risk of the rival – "if you do not do this deal with me, I will go to your rival„

Fictional deadlines – "we have to do this before x date, as otherwise y".

Tactics III

Done Deal – the issue is solved before the meeting starts by

the assistants or juniors

Win-Win – identify those issues where both sides gain from a

deal: preferably the low cost, high value

Methods I

Official framework set by the Presidency– Time table– Rules of procedure– The Commission’s Proposal – 25th April 2006– Request for official papers – 10th May 2006– Presenting compromises or first texts

You can get active as well next to Presidency:– Start initiatives – Get active with possible allies– Distribute ‘press releases’

Methods II

How can you do that?– Use Email (use the participants’ mailing list)– Use the Internet (you might want to create a

website)

Remember:– First consult in your group– Only then go outside

Expected Results

1) You can improve the Financial Perspective!Negotiate and draft those parts of the Financial Perspective where the December European Council failed

2) Play your role reasonably There should be no result which is obviously

running in total contrast to your original position !