Issue 1 of The Alpha by Kerstin Mathias

The Alpha Welcome Issue

71st International Session of the European Youth Parliament in Amsterdam

EDITORIAL At the core of deliberative democracy is political

extremelly relevant and important, is going to be

conversation. It is in conversation that people can

hard for the delegates to deal with. It requires ma-

bridge the meaning of their personal experience

turity and knowledge which very few of us will

with the meaning of political worlds. To flourish,

have, to face it effectively, thus leading to the un-

democracy demands continuous conversation,

derdevelopment of the topic.”

open argumentation, information in context and debate. The 71st International Session perfectly fits

This is a common and wide-spread fear among

into Habermas‘ concept of deliberative democra-

many, not just young adults, and maybe partly

cy and the regeneration of a public sphere. It will

also encouraged by politicans. Don’t allow them

above all provide an educational adventure for all

to make you believe that you don’t have what it

of you by allowing you to experience democratic

takes to debate anything you like. Enjoy the Wel-

values, the importance of being informed, having

come Issue of THE ALPHA and I am looking for-

on opinion that is based on facts rather than feel-

ward to seeing you engage in many conversations

ings, and not being afraid to stand up for it. It is

– serious and silly – during the upcoming days!

the Amsterdam Media Team’s hope to contribute to intensifying the experience described above. By whole-heartedly engaging with all participants through interviews, conversations, articles etc. the media team aims to encourage all participants to think about and explore a great variety of different topics and arguments, by no means limited to the committee topics. However, this vision can only bloom and flourish if you, the delegates, join forces with us. Read the articles and tell us what you liked and did not like about them, take part in the speaker’s corner and above all: do not be afraid to share your opnion. In the poll that we asked you to take part in prior to your arrival in Amsterdam, one of you left the following comment: “I think that the choice

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of the crisis as the theme of the IS, while being

Kerstin

CONTENTS 4

Travel Stories

Delegates, Be Aware!

Ending Misconceptions

Meet Gillian

Go Dutch in Amsterdam

Dutch for Dummies

Imagine All the ClichĂŠs

The Venues Avenue

Please Raise for His Royal Highness

The Hague Tribunal

Where It All Begins...

EYP - Exclusive, Expensive and Elitist

Future, Imagined: Where Do We Go From Here?

Debate in Democracy

Swimming Costumes Mandatory

Welco me

27 Amsterpoem

3 The Alpha

Delegates arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only ones to face experience problems while travelling. A member of our Media Team from the UK tried to withdraw Euros once she landed in Amsterdam. Unfortunately, for some obscure reason, she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t succeed. As a matter of fact, her card was rejected and blocked when she tried to use it one more time. Furthermore, she discovered that 300 pounds had been taken from her bank account for no apparent reason.

While waiting for her plane after already having gone through the check-in control, one of the members of the Spanish delegation realised that she had lost her boarding pass. This moment of panic caused her to start unpacking, until she decided to run up to the treadmill,

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and indeed, she found her boarding pass there.

TRAVEL STORIES Célia Poncelin

has gathered the most interesting

travel stories for you to

Enjoy.

Arriving before a session starts isn’t always a good idea – the Ukrainian delegation experienced this when they arrived on Thursday. On their way from Munich to Amsterdam, the cabin crew noticed that the visa of one of the delegates was going to expire one day before the session ends. Once they landed, they looked for a place to sleep and went to the centre of Amsterdam. Unfortunately, they ended up falling asleep in the Burger King and were awaken by a rat. Thus, they decided to go back to the airport in order to lay down there. Nevertheless, one should always look at the bright side – the Swiss delegation had an experience of that A bad surprise awaited a member of the Russian delegation once she had landed in Amsterdam: her suitcase had broken during the flight. The delegate had pushed the suitcase to its limits, having stuffed it with clothes for the cold weather of the Netherlands. Fortunately,

sort. The train on the way to Amsterdam was very crowded with their huge suitcases further worsening the situation. Suddenly, the wagon started to shake so much that a member of the Swiss delegation was about to fall, when a Dutch gentleman caught her.

none of her belongings got lost. A travel story can also involve love. The Latvian delegation was killing time in a coffee shop, before boarding the plane. One of the members started to cry due to an allergic reaction, something that the couple next to them probably didn’t realise. Nevertheless, they did notice the quite serious conversation that our two Latvian men had moments before and thought that they had just broken up. Catching a bus could prove to be harder than expected. In fact, one of the members of the Czech delegation had such an experience. While being in class, he found out that his bus would leave thirty minutes earlier than expected, which gave him one hour to go back home, pack, and catch his bus – which he did.

5 The Alpha

DELEGATES,

BE AWARE Attending an International Session of the European Youth Parliament is an extraordinary experience. Sílvia Susach and Tuna Dökmeci tell you what to expect from these ten days in the Netherlands.

oming in Amsterdam to participate in the 71st International Session of the European Youth Parliament is probably the most exciting thing for you at the moment. However, we are also aware that the unknown can be scary sometimes, and taking into account that this is your first International Session (IS) experience, we feel the duty to shed some light on the IS mystery. You might have already understood that this session stands out in many ways. The venues are jaw-dropping, the organisation and the programme are so one of a kind and Amsterdam is said to lift standards to a whole new level. At an International Session, you are no longer competing to get selected, or to prove yourself; you are here to experience what EYP is all about and contribute to the success of the event in your own way. Everything, from the prestigious venues to the emphasis put on the academic quality, is here to make your Amsterdam experience worthwhile. We realise that the buzz around an IS can be over-

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whelming. The discussions will be much more lively

and heated compared to other sessions you have been to. The unique multicultural character of the IS in Amsterdam will also challenge you to put all your differences aside in order to reach agreements in the end. Taking part in an IS has turned out to be a life-changing experience for all of us going from session to session for several years; if you want to, it can be the same for you. In the end, one realises that it is not only about the interesting debates, the great people and different cultures, but it is also about the new person you might become. The International Session in Amsterdam will exceed certainly your expectations, provide a platform for interesting debates and help bridge cultural divides. It will bring you lasting friendships, and perhaps even love. So make the best out of this exceptional opportunity – you are one out 220 delegagtes after all – challenge yourselves, step out of your comfort zone and do not be afraid to let the session affect you in all its different ways. In the end you certainly will have gone further than you would have ever imagined.

ENDING MISCONCEPTIONS Camille Dugay Comencini

explains the im-

portance of engaging in a discussion about the challenging topic of the financial crisis.

Not only do we trust in your ability to bring a fresh, genuine point of view on the topic, but we also understand the importance of having solid background knowledge basis in order to critically examine the information you are provided with.

nding the crisis. Quite an ambitious task, isn’t

If coming here you felt like you did not understand

it? You have been asked to come up with inno-

anything about economics and you never will, it

vative solutions to something that has now been

does not matter. The point is more to raise your

going on for five years and that politicians and

awareness and to awaken a certain curiosity. “I do

governments have been struggling with. Are the

not pretend to believe that everyone is going to go

organisers out of their minds? No. They simply

home thinking ‘oh my god, the crisis theme!’”,

believe that this group of young people truly has

says Mark, “I want everyone to go back home be-

the potential to bring a new point of view on the

ing curious to research things about the financial

matter, they trust in the clash of bright minds and

crisis and not think that because they are only

are convinced that you will be able to get a bet-

seventeen they cannot understand it.”

ter understanding of the historical importance of what we are going through.

However, the theme is not only meant to stimulate your interest in an issue affecting our everyday

Mark Brakel – Head Organiser of the Session –

life; it is also an element that links different mo-

explains the reasons behind the choice of this

ments of the session. It should also stimulate you

theme. He says: “If you think about it, the topic is

to interact with all of the participants on different

not that hard. It is complicated of course but some

levels than just committee work. Why not use it as

solutions that can be proposed are not so diffi-

a stimulus to start a conversation with your fellow

cult to understand. It seems to me that politicians

delegates during coffee break or with the organis-

try to make it sound more difficult than it really

er sitting next to you at lunch?

is, and this clearly works to their advantage. Let’s face it, the crisis is a political problem.” 7 The Alpha

P re si d e nt ia l In te rv ie w

MEET GILLIAN PRESIDENT OF THE 71ST INTERNATIONAL SESSION OF THE EUROPEAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT

Oscar Stenbom chats to Ms. Gillian Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Halloran about her first EYP experience, the extraordinary people and bidding farewell.

o transmit via words the electric enthusiasm and positive energy of our President, Gillian

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Halloran, would be a task befit of any great writer. Such is the zeal of the instantly recognisable, Irish-born and London-based helmswoman that my spluttering adjectives will probably only be understood once you get to meet her in person. I first met Gillian as a delegate when she was pre-

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siding the Iberian Forum last summer and unrelated

to lifting her up, quite literally, on the dance floor

iticians that combines to create “one of the first

late in the Spanish night to sing “Happy Birthday”.

times you don’t see a glass ceiling but instead a

I distinctly remember leaving Spain knowing for

physical energy you can truly feel”.

the first time how a session should be presided. Therefore it is quite hard to imagine Gillian as an

Moving on to the session Gillian is full of praise

Irish schoolgirl attending her first IS in Paris, 2006,

for her friend Mark, the Head Organiser. His re-

when compared to the well-travelled, hard-work-

laxed and competent style of management in giv-

ing woman who loves to sail, ski and cook.

ing his sub-human team freedom and ownership over their respective domains has led to fresh ide-

Aside from her unnatural habit of unavoidable

as such as no wake-up calls or late bus departures

single hiccups at specific times of day our num-

thereby giving the delegates freedom and respon-

ber one lady, who dreams of sailing the Atlantic

sibility, too. More broadly speaking the fact that

Ocean one day, admits that only her family has

the vibrant city of Amsterdam and the power-

had a greater impact on her personal develop-

house that is EYP the Netherlands has been given

ment. The friends, opportunities and inspiration

the opportunity to show what it can do with an

have changed O’Halloran’s view on life; from be-

International Session clearly puts a gleam in our

ing focused on staying in Dublin, studying Law,

Celtic Superwoman’s eye.

becoming a Barrister and living a ‘comfortable Celtic Tiger life’ to moving around Europe, work-

The unparalleled experience that awaits delegates

ing internationally and thinking globally. The way

is what excites Gillian the most as she leans for-

that the general norm is exponentially raised at

ward after reminiscing over her first times as a del-

EYP sessions through its exceptional people has

egate as she recalls how the gradual excitement,

made President O’Halloran think bigger, develop

hope and suspense builds until you are sudden-

a hunger for working with different cultures and

ly there and barely realise that a whirlwind week

fostered a genuine interest in EU and national pol-

has begun. But for our President it will be the last

itics.

time she gets to witness that moment after teambuilding where people start going back to their

When you ask almost any EYPer what it is that

committees instead of delegations and she gets

makes our organisation special the answer as you

emotional when she thinks of the moment that she

will discover, or rediscover during the next seven

has thought about several times over the years;

days is inevitably the people. Our main woman

the closing ceremony after presiding an IS – tra-

believes it comes down to the setting; when you

ditionally your last session. She feels sadness but

take people out of that special environment they

utter relief as she prepares to bid farewell to an

become quite ordinary. We all struggle to explain

organisation that she has left a permanent mark

exactly what we do when we travel with EYP and

on, and which has forever changed her. More than

Gillian is no stranger to going from researching

anything I feel her genuine delight at knowing how

and learning at work to presiding over 300 partic-

people will open up, “their brains will go ‘pop’ ”,

ipants in a foreign country; a complete change in

and how different they might be in 5 years’ time

atmosphere. Ms. President elaborates that it is an

because of it. There is even a slight hint of envy as

expectation of everything being in its right place;

Gillian O’Halloran slightly wishes she could do it

the best people, locations, leaders and key pol-

all again. So enjoy it whilst it lasts. 9 The Alpha

he N et he rl a nd s T y: tr un o C st Ho ur o Y

GO DUTCH IN AMSTERDAM Tuna Dökmeci elaborates on The Netherlands’ image in the popular culture with the valuable help of Willem Koelewijn, a reak Dutchman, and shows how ‘EYP-ish’ it actually is. he world tends to see the Dutch as overly lib-

Tolerance and openness towards other cultures

eral, sex-crazed people who simply cannot get

have been important aspects of their way of life

through a day without marijuana. However, this is

throughout Dutch history. However, we should

not the case and it’s an overly exaggerated form of

emphasise that today, this does not fully corre-

the truth, the Dutch are certainly unique and we,

spond to the political reality in the Netherlands.

the participants of Amsterdam 2012, have much to

Nonetheless, we can still say that the Netherlands

learn from them.

have a unique position when it comes to the accepting differences – being home to over 190 na-

On the top of the list of what gives the Dutch the

tionalities. It was also the first country to recog-

image of liberals and free-thinkers is evidently the

nise same-sex marriage.

tolerant policy on soft drugs. Yet it is not true that they are all addicts, or that the coffee shops are

As you can see, not everything we attribute to the

filled with Dutch people getting high. On the con-

Dutch people holds true. Yet, it is also correct to

trary, the places where the consumption of drugs

say that we can all learn from them as we gather

are legal are mostly frequented by the tourists

here in Amsterdam. In the coming days, you will

and the number of Dutch people who have serious

be discussing issues, such as a women’s place in

problems with drugs form 0.56% of the society; a

the job market, European integration, the concept

percentage that is way below other countries. The

of democracy in different states, and embryonic

Dutch certainly understand that bans and restric-

stem cell research with more than 200 delegates

tions only makes people curious about it.

from 36 different countries. Be free-minded, liber-

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al and tolerant. Go Dutch in Amsterdam.

DUTCH FOR DUMMIES Jonathan Piepers provides an insight into the strange rambling language you will hear in the streets of Amsterdam hen roaming across the city of Amster-

being spoken by considerable minorities in Indo-

dam, the people might be adressing you

nesia, the US and Canada. Dutch is being consid-

in Dutch, a language that is often perceived as

ered by some as the language possesing the rich-

containing an insane amount of glutturals and be-

est vocabulary in the world because words can be

ing spoken with a verry funny accent. But there’s

combined infinitely. Ask a native to translate this:

more to the language.

kindercarnavalsoptochtvoorbereidingswerkzaamhedencomitéleden. The language also donated

Dutch, or Nederlands, is the official language in

words to a wide array of other languages e.g.

the Netherlands; but also in Belgium, Curaçao,

the English ‘boss’ and ‘sleigh’ or the Norwegian

Aruba, Suriname and Sint Maarten. With over 23

‘klappskøyte’.

million native speakers it is ranked 37th language

Finally here are some useful phrases and words

worldwide and 8th in the EU, next to that it is

that might prove to be useful:

To the organisers

Can I have a coke / coffee / beer / … please? Mag ik een cola / koffie / biertje / … alstublieft?

Thank you

Dankjewel

Please Alstublieft

I don’t understand, do you speak English?

Good morning

Goede morgen

Ik begrijp u niet, spreekt u Engels?

Good job

Goed zo

See you later

Tot ziens / Doei

What time is it? Hoe laat is het?

Some tongue twisters When on the streets ‘De kat krabt de krollen van de trap’ Do you know the way to the youth hostel / bar

‘De poppenmaker propt zijn pop proppensvol

/ toilet / …?

met proppen’

Kunt u me zeggen waar de jeugdherberg / het

‘De koetsier poetst de postkoets met postkoet-

dichtste café / het toilet / … is?

spoets’

11 The Alpha

IMAGINE ALL THE CLICHÉS

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Panaghiotis P. Kalaïdhopoulos and Maximilian Kiehn examine what it takes for a stereotype to be EYP-established and shortlist the most refined Amsterdam 2012 EYP Clichés.

eyond any academic categorisation, a stereo-

Even though it may most likely be nothing more

type, never mind how unfair, erroneous, ma-

than an innocent misconception, it always dis-

levolent or just random it is, will finally rear its

torts reality and it is therefore some good food for

ugly head in EYP. It usually does not take more

thought and worth recording. Let’s have a look at

than a group of EYPers, a keen observer and a

what is being written down here, in de Eemhof.

punch line surviving more than two sessions for an EYP cliché to be born.

“Working for EYP”

What is Euroscepticism?

It may not be you, though this rarely is the case,

You must be another rose tinted cheerful pro-Eu-

but there are many first-time delegates out there

ropean youngster. We may not know what a DG is,

Facebook-listed as “working for the European

but we love the Commission, n’est-ce pas?

Youth Parliament” right after getting back home from their very first session. Really, what do we need the Governing Body, Board ofNC and NCs for? Beware!

Eurocircles No other geometric shape could be more EYP.

What about your studies?

Ovals barely work. Squares – you need to be out of your mind!

Law, International Relations, Humanities, at least. Perhaps you take a gap year and organise a session or two, you maverick you.

EYPers talk strictly serious issues Another media campaign!

While this is not a complete lie and despite the common EYP grandparents’ misbelief that EYP is

From banking crisis to women’s rights, we only

such a fundamentally institutional entity that ac-

need the public informed and the issues are au-

tually seats either in Strasbourg or Brussels, we

to-solved. One TV ad and the world’s all right.

do occasionally happen to engage in small talks. (“Did they really hook up in Tallinn?”)

13 The Alpha

THE VENUES AVENUE FOR PLACES HAVE ALWAYS SOMETHING TO SAY Panaghiotis P. Kalaïdhopoulos and Laura Peréz-Galdós take you on a quick, yet rewarding, walk around the three session localities and seven venues, in Zeewolde, Den Haag and Amsterdam, before getting back to De Eemhof for the last time.

fter the Seven Sages of Greece, the Seven Roman Emperors, the Seven Deadly Sins, even Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, or the Seven Samurai, Amsterdam 2012 high standards could cer-

tainly not be contained in fewer than exactly seven venues. They are out there waiting for us. Shall we?

De Eemhof | Zeewolde Inaugurated in 1980 literally in the middle of nowhere – for some peculiar rea-son, public buses perform suspicious circles before approaching it – De Eemhof is a recreational facility owned by Center Parks Europe and home to the unofficial launch and the Teambuilding of the Session. Within its 65 acres, it features nearly everything, from subtropical swimming facilities to externally-humble-great-in-the-inside cottages that can accommodate up to 3515 guests. Its Mediterranean-styled

Market Square opened in 2002, after its pre-decessor burnt down in 2000, whereas the new slide to its Aqua Mundo ‘Tur-bo Twister’ is the longest slide in the Benelux States. Make sure to leave the place in a civilised state and pack everything before marching out to The Hague and Amsterdam.

Ridderzaal | The Hague A morning bus is going to get us to the heart of the Netherlands and the Bin-nenhof, where the bicameral national parliament is headquartered. The earli-est version of this complex

was built in the 13th century as a hunting lodge – which might partially also account for the bloodthirsty nature of politics. Rid-derzaal, the “Knights’ Hall”, our Opening Ceremony venue, is the place where every third Tuesday of September the Sovereign officially opens the Parlia-ment in joint session and deliver their speech from the Throne. Monarchs, carpets, wool and leather. It is not a common’s place at all.

ZOMIXED | Southeast Amsterdam

Once in Amsterdam, Committee Work will not be a theoretical exercise any-more. The proper venue for this, ZOMIXED, is really so mixed. This is its actual English interpretation: “so mixed” or “mixed in the South-East”, with a good-humoured reference to the venue’s location. When this former HEMA headquarters’ site, where a mix of enterprises, institutions and residents are housed today, became vacant, a new set of people and entities were

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willing to settle in. It is CW’s turn this time.

Rijksmuseum | Amsterdam A first impression is often the most telling one. You start every journey with a first step and you never forget your first kiss. Every year, the Rijksmuseum creates first impressions for hundreds and hundreds of people offering its visi-tors famous

masterpieces. Future plans for the venue also include adding ed-ucational programmes to their range of services. The Rijksmuseumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s building, designed by Pierre Cuypers, has been open for 125 years. It is currently undergoing renovation, and it is going to open exclu-sively for our EYP Gala Dinner, so we must all realise what an honour this is!

Koninklijk Instituut voor de Tropen | Amsterdam In its contemporary state, the Royal Tropical Institute has been founded in 1910, with

the designated scope of studying the tropics and promoting trade and industry in the then colonial territories of the Netherlands. Founded with government support on a primarily private initiative, it is a quite interesting ex-ample of an early public-private partnership. Since 1926, it has been housed in a historic building by the Oosterpark, richly adorned with decorative fea-tures and symbols referring to various cultures of the world and the colonial history of the Netherlands, even with the assistance of a special Committee on Decoration. Expanded and restored till today, the KIT nowadays aims at promoting science and culture and honours the session by accommodating Euroconcert.

Podium Mozaiek | Western Amsterdam Setting each day of the General Assembly in a different venue has not really been the case before, at least not until this very 71st International Session. Podium Mozaiek is hosting the first day of the General Assembly, followed by the Amsterdam Conservatory for the next one. This cultural multiplex, pre-senting the public with a theatre, a number of offices, studi-

os and workshop spaces is said to have given Western Amsterdam its very own new cultural heart. It only remains to be seen whether it will bear an equally enlivening ef-fect for the first day of the General Assembly as well.

Conservatorium van Amsterdam | Amsterdam, apparently Being privileged enough to have the benefit of such a setting, we are actually concluding the work of the General Assembly in the brand new building of the Conservatorium

van Amsterdam. In use only since 2008, it could not give â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;brand newâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; a more accurate context. Even more, it now is once again stand-ing up to its lively spirit by offering one of its four full equipped amphitheatres for the purpose of the General Assembly and the Closing Ceremony.

By Zeewolde, The Hague and Amsterdam, there still is much time until that moment. As for now, have a nice time while still in De Eemhof, make the most out of your stay here, there and everywhere. The experience will otherwise not be worth it. 15 The Alpha

a nd s M o re o n th e N et he rl

PLEASE RISE FOR HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS Dmitry Vyskrebentsev explores the intricacies of the Dutch Royal House

ere we are in the Netherlands, home to Eu-

lem-Alexander, and Prince Friso. The country is a

rope’s most orange monarchy. While it might

perfect example of the coexistence of monarchy

not be the oldest one since it was only established

and democracy, which is not that common nowa-

in 1815, it certainly has developed rather curious

days. The fact that Prince Constatijn will be partic-

traditions. Such as the abdication of the throne

ipating in the session in his capacity as a member

for example, which has become a de facto practice

of staff of EU Commissioner Neelie Kroes only

in the Dutch monarchy. Queen Wilhelmina and

proves this.

Queen Juliana both abdicated in favour of their daughters and William I abdicated in favor of his

When speaking of the Queen, it would be inter-

eldest son. Other curious facts include how the

esting to also learn more about the coronation

constitution refers to the monarch of the Kingdom

ceremony: as a matter of fact, Dutch monarchs

of the Netherlands. “The King” is an indication of

are not crowned but instead invested as heads of

the role and refers equally to a man or a woman.

state. A new monarch assumes the royal preroga-

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tive as soon as his or her predecessor dies or abBut how is all of this related to us? As some of you

dicates. The Constitution stipulates that the new

might know already, we will have the honour to

monarch must be sworn in and invested as soon

see in person His Royal Highness Prince Constan-

as possible.

tijn Christof Frederik Aschwin of the Netherlands,

As it appears the Dutch monarchy has a lot to of-

Prince of Orange-Nassau, Jonkheer van Amsberg

fer and that is why the Amsterdam Media Team

who will hold a speech at the Ridderzaal during

encourages everyone to make the most of the op-

Opening Ceremony. He is Prince Claus and Queen

portunities they are presented at this session be it

Beatrix’s youngest son out of the three they have.

the speech of Prince Constantijn or the chance to

There are also the heir to the throne, Prince Wil-

visit the Ridderzaal. Discoveries await..!

THE HAGUE TRIBUNAL The Yugoslavian federal state started falling apart in summer of 1991 leading to a civil war. Stefan Zoričić, as someone coming from a former Yugoslavian country, tells us how the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia dealt with war criminals and helped those countries to come to terms with the past. ugoslavia was a country of peace up until the

Tribunals mandate to bring war criminals to the

death of Tito, former Yugoslavian President,

Hague and the national government’s of every

in 1980. After which everything was questioned

ex-Yugoslavian country co-operation with the tri-

and started falling apart; peace and stability as

bunal, it has been rather successful in its mission.

well as the economy, the result of which was one

Looking more specifically at the Republic of Ser-

of the worst civil wars. A multinational, -cultural,

bia, its government started arresting war criminals

-religious country in total chaos; a dark episode

back in 2003, getting hold of the last war criminal

for all ex-Yugoslavian nations. All war criminals ac-

on July 20th 2011. The Serbian government made

cused of atrocities of all kinds were of court held

it very clear that it had acted as expected and re-

responsible at the International War Tribunal in

quests and prosecuted all war criminals.

The Hague. However, it is nearly impossible to tell if their acThe International Criminal Court is a permanent

tions were motivated by the wish of the nation-

tribunal to prosecute individuals for genocide,

al governments to do so, or the European Union

crimes against humanity, war and aggression.

making it a conditionality for further progress in

The International Tribunal for the Prosecution of

accession negotiations with the Union. The transi-

Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of In-

tion from a socialistic to a capitalistic regime was

ternational Humanitarian Law Committed in the

a hard and daunting task for all citizens to whom

Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991 -

war had brought nothing but pain, instability and

more commonly referred to as the International

division.

Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) - is a body of the UN established to prosecute

However, things are moving forward. The EU has

serious crimes committed during the Yugoslavian

played a major role in establishing stability and

civil war.

maintaining peace in the Balkans. It is the EU, the UN and the ICTY that we should be grateful to,

Ever since 1993, when the Tribunal for the former

and we does not only refer to the former Yugo-

Yugoslavian War Crimes was founded, it has ful-

slavian nations, but also Europe in general, since

filled the daunting task of bringing justice to the

the Balkans will play a big role in Europe’s future.

peoples of former Yugoslavia. By combining the 17 The Alpha

WHERE IT ALL BEGINS… As these lines are being written, it is only a matter of days before the participants of Amsterdam 2012 gather at the Knights Hall for the Opening Ceremony of the session. ince 1904, the Knights’ Hall has been the set-

decisions by numbers. This ignores the continu-

ting for the reading of the Queen’s speech at

ous and essential need for debate in shaping our

the annual opening of the Parliament. Very much

democratic decisions. Democracy is only a force

like during this formal event, the Opening Cere-

for the majority when we are not willing to engage

mony is expected to feature a series of prominent

in debate. It is incredible to think that a word as

speakers and guests that have come to provide us

simple as ’why’ can change democracy. Yet it does.

with interesting insight on the session theme and

Every time we argue about policy, or criticise an

share their own experiences and opinions on how

action, we expand our minds and those of others.

to end the crisis.

We imply that there are alternatives, we force ourselves to consider other options. This expanded

The greatest misconception about democracy is

thinking is what changes minds. Debate has the

that it is a force for the majority. This perspective

potential to turn the opinion of one into a shared

is founded in the fact that we make democratic

goal of the majority.

Chris Buijink is the Secretary General of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation, and also an active user of Twitter; unfortunately, he does not follow Amsterdamedia yet. The Ministry’s policy efforts concern the pursuit of economic prosperity in a sustainable way. The speech will most likely provide us with ideas on development and investments in times of crisis.

Rainer Wieland serves as Vice-President of the European Parliament. As a member of the only directly elected EU institution, Mr. Wieland will address us to his insight on the work of the European Parliament that will

18 e

Pa g

inspire the work of you throughout the course of the session.

For those of you not living in a monarchy, the Opening Ceremony offers a chance to encounter a real blue-blooded. Even though his descent, His Royal Highness Prince Constantijn of Orange-Nassau will not attend this event in his capacity as a member of the Dutch royal family, but as Deputy Head of Cabinet of the Vice-President of the European Commission, Neelie Kroes, his prestige and his experience in European politics will make for a very interesting speech about the crisis and the role of the European Commission.

Snežana Samardžić-Marković is a former Minister of Youth and Sports of the Government of Serbia and resigned her post in order to serve as Director General of the Directorate General Democracy at the Council of Europe. She has declared that she will use this new position to help her country to quickly and successfully participate in the European integration process. She will probably deliver a speech inspired by her ties to Eastern Europe.

Connie Hedegaard was the youngest Danish MP to be elected when she first entered parliament. As the EU’s first Climate Action Commissioner, her areas of responsibility encompass a strategy on a sustainable future and solutions that benefit the climate whilst strengthening the economy and not risking energy security, matters directly linked with the economic and geostrategic interests of Europe.

Before Connie Hedegaard, Ville Vasaramäk, the

need as detailed an introduction as the person-

Executive Director of the European Youth Par-

alities above. Their speeches will highlight key

liament and the delegate ambassadors of Estonia

points concerning the preparation of the session

and the Netherlands, host countries of the previ-

and their hard work and devotion to its realisa-

ous and current international sessions, will refer to

tion, and willinspire respect for the values of EYP

their experiences as delegates at an IS and inform

in every participant.

the participants about the difference the sessions made or are expected to make in the world of EYP.

Opening Ceremonies tend to become lenghty and boring for everyone – this one will be an excep-

After the official guests will have adressed the par-

tion. Pay attention to every speaker’s words and

ticipants the stage will be taken by Mark Brakel,

memorise a quote from their speech. Wise words

Head Organiser of Amsterdam 2012, and Gillian

have the power to change the world.

O’Halloran, Session President. These two do not 19 The Alpha

EYP – EXCLUSIVE, EXPENSIVE AND ELITIST Drawing on the results of Amsterdam Media Team poll answered by 150 delegates Max Kiehn and Sílvia Susach analyse how open EYP really is. iving the European youth a voice is what EYP

diverse backgrounds with different levels of edu-

aims to do. Nevertheless, this poll revealed

cation, the huge majority of the session’s partici-

that the delegates of the International Session in

pants come from a particular background. Just by

Amsterdam are far away from representing Eu-

taking a look at the numbers, it seems very unlike-

rope’s youth or diverse social backgrounds. Is EYP

ly that this session reflects the European Youth in

at all inclusive, or are we all part of an elitist or-

its full diversity.

ganisation? Financial issues Educational background Money makes the world go round? In EYP one The apple does not fall far from the tree, this is

needs to travel around to participate in this event

true as the level of education of one’s parents de-

like the International Session in Amsterdam as a

termines the likelihood of students joining EYP.

representative of your country. Roughly 60% of

While in 2011, 34.6% of the EU population be-

the delegates have not received any kind of finan-

tween 30 and 34 years old held a university de-

cial help apart from support from relatives. In fact,

gree, the results of our poll show a shockingly dif-

30% see the financial burden as the biggest obsta-

ferent picture. 80% of the delegates’ parents have

cle for future participation in EYP events, which is

obtained at least a university degree. While Eu-

be a gross.

rope’s society is characterised by people of from

On the other hand, more than 50% of the respon-

TOTAL COST OF PARTICIPATION (TRAVEL EXPENSES, PARTICIPATION FEE, ETC.) under 250 € 250 -‐ 350 € 350 -‐ 500 € under 250 €

500 -‐ 600 €

250 -‐ 350 €

more than 600 €

350 -‐ 500 € 500 -‐ 600 €

20 ge

more than 600 €

WHY WOULD YOU HESITATE TO TAKE PART IN ANOTHER EYP EVENT AFTER THE IS?

80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

lack fo 1me

it is too expensive

none

lack of support high academic level

dants live in a household with an average income

needed more than €500 including fees, travel

of more than 3000€ per month, while only 30%

costs and other expenses. Furthermore, 35% of

have less than 1500€ during the same period of

the delegates answered that they paid between

time.

€350 and €500. While some National Committees, schools, or in-

But there is a contradiction to be found here; you

stitutions offer travel reimbursements to EYPers,

might not know that the whole session, from

many of them are left without any kind of financial

every night in the hostel to every dish we eat is

support. In short, only a small part of the Europe-

completely paid for by external sponsors. 20% of

an youth is capable of paying such an amount.

the participants also received additional external funding to cover their travel expenses. Different

To sum it up, one might claim that this is a lot of

social and economic situations in all European

fuss about nothing, as we are all aware that EYP

country make it impossible to generalise these

cannot represent every segment of society and we

answers, but it is clear that the future of EYP de-

certainly are quite privileged to be able to travel

pends on fundraising to be more inclusive.

around Europe. Nonetheless it is important not to whitewash the present situation. Frankly, we, in

It is striking how much money participants have

EYP, have to admit that we are not the European

paid to attend Amsterdam 2012. A quarter of them

Youth! 21 The Alpha

Just EYP

a few short weeks ago, the that we all know and love

reached the grand old age of

light of this,

25.

Kieran McNulty looks at what the organisation, at its first International Session since the milestone, could possibly achieve next.

t this session, we stand at a crossroads. Amsterdam looks set to offer up one of the great-

est EYP sessions of all-time, maybe even the best. If all goes superbly well at this session â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and there are many hopes that it will â&#x20AC;&#x201C; EYP will have outdone itself in many areas, not least in academic quality and the prestige of events on offer. We will even have a new Imagine to sing to. Which leads us to the question: what next? What can we possibly achieve; what exactly should we aim for? Opinions are voiced that EYP should become further linked with Brussels and our adult counter-

22 ge

parts. It is a reasonable wish that our resolutions

FUTURE, IMAGINED: WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? should attract more attention than they do. At an

EYP, for me, is a safe haven; a place in which polit-

IS level, they represent the ideas of some extreme-

ical ideologies hardly touch. It is a debate platform

ly bright minds. Let the resolutions be discussed

where any opinion is welcome. There is no agen-

in the European Parliament, why not? Can’t the or-

da. In terms of politics, it seems as if you need to

ganisation be recognised as a major youth voice in

take a side on everything, your ideas need to be

European politics? The counter-argument to this

fully formed. For someone interested in politics

is that if EYP becomes more of an official organ

but who has not yet developed a firm answer to

of the EU, if what we do has direct consequences,

the world’s many divisive issues, EYP is perfect. It

then the ‘magic’ of EYP as being a world where

would be a very different and a much less special

we are free to experiment and ask any question

organisation if we were to focus on being politi-

is lost. The unique blend of work and play would

cally active, one that I would not take part in. I am

definitely be altered, if not scrapped altogether.

sure that I would not be alone.

EYP could lose its soul. In this regard, EYP may not need changing in the future.

If indeed EYP needs changing at all! Ask anyone returning from a session about the session and

There is another key question. Should EYP be-

they will always reply with an overload of superla-

come more political? By this we mean: do we be-

tives to deafen your ears. EYP is an experience that

come an organisation that stands for more than

for many of us is unparalleled. For much of the last

encouraging political debate, do we take a po-

twenty-five years, it has been steadily improving

litical stance? This, while hardly ever discussed,

on what has come before. There are only bene-

is an issue that needs a closer look. We are all

fits to gain from progressing in the same man-

aware of how controversial European integration

ner. Amsterdam will surely set a gold standard;

has become over the last year or so. As the Eu-

attempts should be made to beat it. We can access

ropean Youth Parliament, we encourage debate

more countries, we can make as big of a name for

about European affairs. With questions on soli-

ourselves as we can, but we should not lose what

darity between Member States and the transfer of

makes EYP the organisation that it is. EYP only has

ever more rights to the European level, becoming

a future if that spirit remains. In moving on from

more prevalent, it is time we defined our position

Amsterdam to a dazzling future, to fifty years of

on this. This journalist believes that EYP should

EYP, this must be kept in mind.

avoid political activism like the proverbial plague. 23 The Alpha

DEBATE IN DEMOCRACY Rónán O’Connor investigates the role of debate at Amsterdam 2012.

ebate. What a grand and wonderful word. A

decisions by numbers. This ignores the continu-

word that is the pride of the modern West, an

ous and essential need for debate in shaping our

essential aspect of modern democracy. But do we

democratic decisions. Democracy is only a force

really understand it? We have forgotten the value

for the majority when we are not willing to engage

of a stirring speech and what it can achieve. De-

in debate. It is incredible to think that a word as

mocracy is about a collection of individuals, val-

simple as ’why’ can change democracy. Yet it does.

uing the sum of our parts. Is that really how our

Every time we argue about policy, or criticise an

democracy works? For most people, voting in an

action, we expand our minds and those of others.

election is the limit of their democratic responsi-

We imply that there are alternatives, we force our-

bility. I see this as a disparaging attempt to fulfill

selves to consider other options. This expanded

an ideal that is so much more valuable than ticking

thinking is what changes minds. Debate has the

a box in an election.

potential to turn the opinion of one into a shared goal of the majority.

24 ge

The greatest misconception about democracy is that it is a force for the majority. This perspective

Debate is key to EYP. We will spend two whole

is founded in the fact that we make democratic

days of our time here in Amsterdam debating

your work. The organisers have planned for GA

up and be counted. The best arguments are often

preparation to include expert debate training. Zah-

the ones that no one agrees with, because they

ra Runderkamp, one of the organisers, and Pres-

make us question that which we assume to be true.

ident of EYP the Netherlands, is working to have

We may know something to be true, but we may

your resolutions published in the national media.

not know why. Without analysis and justification,

So why are they doing this? The endeavour is to

all we have is trust in our policies, and this is sim-

ground our work in reality. This serves to teach us

ply not enough.

that our work is not just a discussion of idealised concepts. Through true debate we can find orig-

Never rely on trust when you can rely on logic. Be

inal answers to long-standing questions, such as

the dissenter who asks the questions that no one

how to end the crisis. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not necessarily about

can answer. Argue the point that everyone else is

the particular issues that you are discussing. The

happy to agree on. Debate is not only essential to

importance of debate in EYP is to demonstrate the

EYP, but it is essential to a functioning democracy.

skills that are fundamental to our democracy, to

In a time of crisis when real change is imminent,

display and exercise the skills of argumentation

democracy may be our way forward, but it is noth-

and analysis. There is no shame in realising you are

ing without debate.

wrong. There is only shame in your silence. Stand 25 The Alpha

SWIMMING CO ST UM E S MANDATORY With the Netherlands experience weather to rival Sandy currently and lying below sea level, Dunja Tanovic investigates what would happen to this IS if the host country turned into a pool?

f the idea of a pool party didn’t float your boat

kept in line with their creative range of ideas - why

then you won’t enjoy this tidal wave of news; if

draw the shore at cow costumes? Somewhere in

the rain carries on at this rate Amsterdam will be

Centre Parks there lives a large, red tent. While

flooding but this time, unlike Friday night’s activ-

this is commonly used by circus performers – al-

ities, there won’t be an opt-out clause.

though it’s quite impossible to claim that teambuilding doesn’t turn you into a clown – it would

While the crisis may be the theme of the session,

have become the host of teambuilding during

no one expected this waterway to be taking the

Atlantis2012. Imagine an Aqua Mundo 2.0 if you

starring role. Economics seems like a relatively

will, but without the twister slides and the gener-

minor problem when you realise that you could

al public. What’s not to like?

be spending the next week living on a boat – The Lonely Island and Flo Rida not included.

Imagine a session where swimming costumes become formal wear; Gill swans around in her

So what happens to the International Session tak-

gondola steered by the senior Vice-President of

ing place in new Atlantis? Will we all be forced to

course; and the under-the-weather Head-Organ-

start our swims home or is there a way to salvage

iser will end up having to invest in life vests for

this submerging situation?

220 delegates.

Well, let’s just say that our dedicated group of

If the prospect of this doesn’t open your water-

organisers had a contingency plan from day 0 –

ways with happiness then quite frankly you’re just

to put it bluntly, the dikes caving in was always

sinking our ship.

26 ge

an unfortunate possibility. Of course the ‘Plan B’

AMSTERPOEM Evanthia Kasiora & Laura Pérez-Galdós

Arrived at the airport, a peculiar crowd Foreigners, feeling like screaming out loud Making our way to the distant hotel Proving to be tricky, we ask for some help The bus window gives us a glimpse of the city The canals and bikes, they all look so pretty Amsterdam is such a colourful town If only we could stay forever around So then when we finally get to the place The delegates look with an anxious face They’re reading the paper of our media team Exchanging ideas on the session theme Ten days go by, the session ends A painful goodbye to all our new friends What is it that makes an IS unique? Multicultural values reaching their peak!

27 The Alpha

The Alpha Amsterdam 2012, the 71st International Session of the European Youth Parliament is supported by: Key Partners

Onze activiteiten worden mede mogelijk gemaakt door het vfonds met middelen uit de BankGiro Loterij en Lotto. Uw deelname aan deze loterijen wordt daarom van harte aanbevolen.

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