Students from Okemos High School in Michigan Win 2024 Euro Challenge

Students from Okemos High School in Michigan won the final round of this year's Euro Challenge competition - an academic contest for high school students showcasing their knowledge of international economics and policy-making from a European Union perspective. They led five winning teams, including Marlboro High School in New Jersey (2nd place), Maclay School in Florida (3rd place), The Benjamin School in Florida (4th place), and Mt. Hebron High School in Maryland (5th place).

"Participating in my first Euro Challenge as a new Ambassador in the U.S. was a wonderful experience," said Ambassador of the European Union to the United States Jovita Neliupšienė. "I'm amazed that high school students are not shying away from proposing solutions for German labor force problems, delve into solving energy diversification problems and fostering Greek olive oil production. Even discussing European Central Bank policies is not too complicated a question for them. I hope they not only choose to study economics or international studies, but will become true believers in transatlantic cooperation and work to strengthen the EU-U.S. bond."

Ambassador Neliupšienė congratulated the five top teams and all Euro Challenge participants for their remarkable performances. She also recognized the teachers' efforts and dedication in coaching their teams in extracurricular hours. Students presented a range of creative policy recommendations on complex challenges the European Union faces as it dramatically reduces its energy dependence on Russia, accelerates the transition to renewable energy sources, tackles high inflation, and strengthens transatlantic supply chains, to the benefit of the European, the transatlantic, and the global economy.

Organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the United States, this year's contest marked the 18th edition of the Euro Challenge, an annual competition that provides high school students nationwide an exciting opportunity to learn about the global economy, EU-U.S. relations, policy-making in the EU and the EU's single currency, the Euro. Participating teams step into the role of policymakers to consider innovative solutions to shared problems with the goal of building better, more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable societies. In their presentations to expert panels, students also focused on broader challenges, including Europe's green energy transition, measures to reduce inequality, migration, and efforts to help the EU enhance its global competitiveness. Following regional contests, 25 teams from across the country travelled to New York City to participate in the semi-finals hosted at the New York City Bar Association and the final round on April 30. The expert panel of judges comprised Ben Carliner, Senior Economist at the Delegation of the European Union to the U.S., Bruce Kasman, Chief Economist and Global Head of Economic Research at JP Morgan Chase, and Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at the Conference Board.

The Euro Challenge promotes economic literacy, introduces students to the European Union, and underscores the importance of transatlantic ties. Since its inception, more than 7,000 U.S. students across the United States have benefited from participating in the event, which also engaged over 1,000 teachers. This year's 78 teams collectively represented high schools from 20 U.S. states. The first and second placed teams will also enjoy a field trip to Washington, D.C., to present their recommendations to the embassy of the country they researched.

The Euro Challenge is a program launched and supported by the Delegation of the European Union to the United States, with practical support provided by W!se (Working in Support of Education). Partners are BNP Paribas, Florida International University, the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Illinois, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Washington, the World Affairs Council of Charlotte, the World Affairs Council of Seattle, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta (Miami Branch).

For updates on the competition, please see: @EUintheUS@EuroChallenge_ #EuroChallenge

For further information on the competition, please visit: www.euro-challenge.org

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