HMCE 2026

Harvard Model Congress Europe 2026 – Madrid, Spain

Harvard Model Congress Europe (HMCE) is the oldest and most established international government simulation run entirely by undergraduate students at Harvard College. Since 1987, HMCE has provided high-school students from across the globe with a rigorous, immersive, and dynamic introduction to policymaking, diplomacy, and civic leadership.

Each spring, hundreds of delegates gather in Europe for an academically challenging conference that blends U.S. legislative processes, international diplomacy, and crisis-driven decision-making. The conference is designed to train delegates in negotiation, consensus-building, public speaking, and analytical thinking — all in an environment that mirrors real-world political institutions.

HMCE offers a uniquely educational, student-driven, and globally inclusive experience grounded in decades of Harvard-led civic engagement.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Dates & Venue

March 13–16, 2026
Madrid, Spain

Hotel Melia Castilla

HMCE 2026 will be held in Madrid, one of Europe’s most thriving political, historical, and cultural capitals. The conference venue offers modern meeting spaces, easy access to major transportation hubs, and proximity to museums, historic neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks.

The HMCE schedule includes structured committee sessions, opening and closing ceremonies, teacher programming, and cultural exploration opportunities for delegations.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

At HMCE, delegates step into the roles of legislators, judges, diplomats, cabinet secretaries, intelligence officials, and global policymakers. The conference features a diverse set of U.S. domestic bodies and international institutions, each with a unique format tailored to realism, collaboration, and substantive policy debate.

U.S. Government Committees

• House Committees
  Delegates debate domestic priorities ranging from homeland security and economic policy to healthcare, environment, and oversight. Sessions include amendment drafting, party caucusing, hearings, and coalition-building.
• Senate Committees
  Delegates work within the distinct procedural framework of the U.S. Senate, where negotiations require bipartisanship, complex negotiations, and strategic floor management.
• National Security Council
  Delegates advise the President during crises, craft executive strategies, coordinate federal agencies, and respond to national and international emergencies.
• Supreme Court
  Delegates argue constitutional cases, interpret legal precedent, draft judicial opinions, and explore the philosophy of U.S. jurisprudence.

International & Specialized Committees

• United Nations Committees
  Committees include UNSC and UNHRC, allowing delegates to address pressing global challenges—from peace and security to human rights and international cooperation.
• European & Intergovernmental Bodies
  Committees include simulations of the European Council, NATO, the World Bank, Interpol, G20, and more, designed to mirror real international policy challenges.
• International Criminal Court
  High-intensity sessions centered on war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the legal and moral dilemmas that shape international justice.
• Historical Committee
  High-intensity sessions are designed around rapid decision-making, unexpected developments, and deep strategic thinking.

Across all programs, delegates learn how different institutions operate and how decisions ripple across political, economic, and global systems.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Conference Highlights

• Harvard-Led Training and Mentorship:
  All committees are staffed by Harvard undergraduates who design agendas, facilitate debate, mentor delegates, and ensure an engaging and educational experience.
• Authentic Simulation Design:
  Every committee format reflects the real procedures, norms, and constraints of that institution — from judicial deliberation to legislative amendment strategy.
• Skill-Focused Development:
  Delegates refine public speaking, policy writing, negotiation, crisis management, and leadership capabilities throughout the conference.
• Global Community:
  HMCE hosts students from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, creating a uniquely international environment for collaboration and cultural exchange.
• Madrid Cultural Experience:
  Delegations have opportunities to explore the city, enjoy Spanish cuisine, and experience Madrid’s blend of tradition, innovation, and civic life.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Who Should Participate?

HMCE is ideal for students who are:

• Passionate about government, public service, global affairs, or international diplomacy
• Interested in law, economics, policy, national security, or political strategy
• Looking to sharpen debate, research, writing, and negotiation skills
  Seeking a high-level academic environment that encourages intellectual curiosity
• Eager to meet peers from across the world who share a commitment to leadership and civic engagement

Both experienced delegates and complete beginners will find committees designed to challenge and support them.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Financial Aid & Accessibility

HMCE offers a dedicated financial aid program for students demonstrating financial need. The program is designed to ensure that motivated and passionate delegates — regardless of socioeconomic background — can attend the conference. Funding may cover conference fees and, in some cases, additional expenses for schools and individuals.

Why HMCE Stands Apart

Harvard Model Congress Europe uniquely combines:

• Authentic U.S. government simulation + Global diplomacy and international institutions
• Harvard-student mentorship + Intimate committee sizes
• A vibrant international student community + A historic European host city
• A proven 30+ year legacy of excellence

The result is a conference that is intellectually rigorous, globally engaging, and personally transformative — a signature Harvard experience brought to Europe.

Discover all things HMCE on HMCEurope.org and visit our FAQ to learn more about applying, sending delegations, and more.

See you in Madrid!