Issue 2 7TH NATIONAL SESSION OF EYP CYPRUS
From the Editor
Dear participants of the 7th National Session of EYP Cyprus, We’re back with the second Issue of the session! After getting stuffed at the first ever, EYP Cyprus Eurovillage, enjoyed teambuilding under the hot, summer sun and engaged in at least one heated debate on a European topic; you’re officially an EYPer! Read on to find out what defying indifference is all about, discover more about the HOs and learn how to perfect your EYP frappé. Yours, Arriana Yiallourides
Contents: Defy indifference, shape tomorrow Chatting with the Head Organisers A taste of Europe The art of Frappé Your topics: Explained (Part II) AFCO CRIM AFET I IMCO LIBE II Will intra-EU migration make us or break us? Larnax: Things you didn’t know Thou art a lovely limerick
Defy indifference, shape tomorrow By Ciara Robinson
Europe is the place where some of the core political principles that still govern the Western world today were first founded. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the accomplished Enlightenment philosopher, wrote, “Man is born free; yet everywhere he is in chains.” Have we imprisoned ourselves by not exercising the rights given to us? A democracy is meant to protect the basic freedoms of all individuals. However, if we do not vote, do not voice our concerns and do not defy indifference, how can we expect to shape our future, a better future? 2013 has been designated as the European Year of Citizens. This year, the Union has focussed its efforts on increasing awareness of European rights and electoral rights, in particular. Nonetheless, the total electoral turnout for the European Parliament Elections in 2009 was a meagre 43%. As the Commission attempts to provide a stronger democratic platform for political participation, it is our responsibility to take initiative.
Rosa Douw, VP of the Session, mentioned how “people take political privileges for granted”. This may be a wise observation indeed. Our political system has historically made Europe unique. The blood, sweat and tears, the sacrifices that went into the transformation from the title of ‘subjects’ to ‘citizens’ cannot be forgotten. The Enlightenment constituted the milestone of vast change and modernisation that laid the foundations of modern democracy. By defying indifference and actively shaping tomorrow, we are not only appreciating how lucky we are, but also claiming a stake in our own futures. With the economy destabilising and unemployment surging, never has there been a more important time to have your voice heard and yours rights entrenched. Young Europeans with an unsteady future, this is our duty to be politically active, both in national and European elections. We, who are lucky to live in a representative democracy, cannot complain of the failures of Europe, if we choose not to take
advantage of the opportunities available. The question must be asked; how can a system be truly democratic if its members do not participate? If we rest indifferent, as Rosa argued, “electoral turnouts drop and politicians are no longer representative of their people”. This completely undermines the values of a “representative” democracy. However, it is not as if opportunities are not available. The recently introduced European Citizens’ Initiative is the perfect example of an aspect of direct democracy which allows members to actively influence public policy. However, this requires motivation, it requires knowledge and it requires the belief that your cause, no matter how small, is important.
Ultimately, to defy indifference is simple. Using the tools available, we must become educated and then proceed to act. Currently, 68% of EU citizens do not feel informed. 74% of citizens with a negative perception of the EU admit that they are not well-informed. Perhaps the EU has not provided sufficient, transparent information to its members. However, the EU is enhancing this as we speak. The Commission intends to expand the public platforms from which information is presented and to make them more accessible to all. Yet, already in existence are developed media outlets and websites from which the work of the Commission and Parliament are both well documented. This is linked to the second, perhaps, most important point demonstrated by the previous statistics.
Join the debate!
Chatting with the Head Organisers By Anna Petterson & Ciara Robinson
An EYP session can be compared to a tapestry. You see something beautiful and you can enjoy it to the fullest, but behind that are many delicate threads woven together to produce such a fine piece. Everything you are provided with, from the venues to the delicious ice cream, is the result of the hard work of the Organisers. So, we are going to discover the two people who orchestrated this session, our Head Organisers: Helena Pierides and Soloans Karoullas. Why do you return to EYP sessions and what made you want to organise one? Solonas: It is mainly for the people I have met. You meet participants from the most random countries and although it is just for a few days, you bond really quickly and those friendships sometimes last beyond the session. In fact, when a session ends, I look forward to meeting those people again. During those precious few days, you gain so much that it is hard to let it go. Helena: I remember the first time I was a Delegate: I looked at the Officials’ team and I could
feel that there was something special between them. Ever since, I wanted to be an Official as well and this is how I ended up organising a session. As a Head Organiser, you surely have many responsibilities, so what is your biggest fear for this session? Helena: The check-in, definitely. And the other Organisers know it well. Solonas: The whole job of an Organiser is to make sure that everything during the session runs smoothly and, therefore, my biggest fear is that something hinders this. Of all the different tasks you have to accomplish, what is the most challenging one? Helena: I would say, trying to balance the responsibilities of a HO and the everyday demands of university and life. We have put lots of effort into organising this Session and trust me when I say that it requires months of preparation.
Solonas: Probably the early-morning calls from the sponsors, however, they help us a lot and we are very grateful for it. Journos’ note: as a matter of fact, Solonas leaves for few minutes, as his phone rings.
Solonas: I guess that this is going to be a completely new experience for all the Delegates involved, so be open to everything and let go of any expectations you might have. Step out of your comfort zone and truly embrace the Session.
What piece of advice would you give to these delegates you are taking care of?
If you could have a superpower, what would that be?
Helena: Enjoy the Session to its fullest and take it as a whole new experience. What you learn from EYP is something you will not be taught in School or anywhere else.
Helena: Kill people with eye contact. (whip sound) Solonas has run out of energy and is lacking in active brain cells due to the hard work. Therefore, he cannot even think and he denies to answer.
THE SESSION IN NUMBERS
2 AMAZING HEAD ORGANISERS
22 TEACHERS
780 WATER BOTTLES 163 PARTICIPANTS
51 OFFICIALS
230 SANDWICHES
A taste of Europe Visiting the Eurovillage, the start of an amazing session By Elena Papathoma, George Hadjipavlis & Katerina Stavri
Journos and Organisers at the EYP Cyprus table.
Success is the word that best describes the introduction of Eurovillage to EYP Cyprus. For the first time, participants had the opportunity to travel the world by simply walking past the array of tables filled with traditional food from foreign countries. As Maria Kountouri of AFET II admitted, “I’ve always wanted to travel in many European countries, but I’ve never had the chance. Eurovillage provided me with the opportunity to experience the culinary diversity of these countries.”. The evening consisted of traditional delicacies from Cyprus, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Russia, Greece and Sweden. It was evident from the variety of foods that despite being part of a big European community, these countries continue to retain their heritage, culture and national identity. From paella to halloumi, the different countries were easily identifiable. However, all obvious differences vanished as participants descended onto the dance floor to enjoy a
selection of European music. Having a fantastic DJ to keep the party alive meant that all Delegates, Officials and Teachers were danced to the latest and greatest summer hits. Stephanos Kantor of LIBE I eloquently described the evening when concluding that “from Cyprus to Sweden in the blink of an eye, Eurovillage has it all. Multicultural diversity, astonishing cuisine, and most importantly, fun”. So, with some dressed as ancient Hellene gods and goddesses, others as fine French messieurs, Eurovillage offered us an unforgettable first night. Between the food, the outfits and the dancing, one can only hope future evenings are as successful.
Let it mark the start of a delicious tradition in EYP Cyprus.
The art of Frappé By George Hadjipavlis and Dionysis Patriarcheas
In 1957, Demetris Vakondios invented the greatest beverage ever, the frappé. Despite its awesomeness, it was created randomly. At a Nestle product exhibition in Thessaloniki (Greece), Demetris wanted to make coffee by imitating the way we prepare a regular chocolate beverage. Specifically, at a coffee break during the exhibition, due to being unable to find hot water, the aforementioned hero tried making instant coffee with only cold water. That was the moment frappé was officially created. Now, with frappé being the reason a Greek and a Cypriot Journalist cooperate to unravel the secrets of coffee making in its ultimate form, we cannot stress enough the importance of frappe in EYP. Most Delegates and Officials would drink Frappé at the beginning or the middle of the day to maintain their endurance during these demanding and stressful four days.
Instructions for the perfect frappe: 1. Firstly, smile and pour two table spoons of instant coffee in a shaker. 2. If you are not a sweet person, add sugar (as much as you like). 3. Add purified dihydrogen monoxide (H2O). 4. Dance the big fat pony in a shaky way, with the shaker in your hand. 5. Optionally add the miraculous, cowy, white liquid (a.k.a. milk). Press Team’s advice: Use semi-skimmed milk. 6. Take the fanciest glass you have, because frappe is really fancy, and pour the WHOLE mixture inside! 7. Do an EYP Energizer, while overflowing the glass with energized ice-cubes and cold dihydrogen monoxide. 8. Orgas use a blue straw, journalists a pink one, chairs a green one and delegates a rainbow one (or pretty much whatever you like) and there you go! You have the perfect EYP Frappé!
Teambuil... wait, what? By Katerina Stavri & Elena Papathomas
Bonding is the most important factor for a successful group of people at a gathering such as the EYP. Teambuilding is what provides the foundations for the Delegates to become a united group, where they get to know the Committee’s dynamics leading to an outstanding effort for a Motion for a Resolution. Fun, excitement, loud voices and laughter are the proper words to describe Teambuilding as a whole. Seeing the Delegates running around, having fun in the sun proves that this Session already thrives!
IMCO The awkward moment when a Committee decides to play the “Name the Animal” game. Everyone had to mimic an animal while the rest of the team had to guess that animal without a single word being said. Andys made a strange choice by deciding to mimic the unicorn by raising his finger just above his head. That not being enough, he frantically started galloping around everyone prompting laughter and, fairly, some question marks along.
CRIM “Girls are nice like rice!” Fair enough and analogously criminal.
FEMM “The Ninja Game” might have offered the most enjoyable moment during Teambiulding Quiet and kind-looking, Stephanos is a surprising subtle talent. No one saw him as a threat; he finally got them all.
ENVI The Committee has at some point been involved in a word-game, in which where every word they said had to be linked with the previous one. They ended up talking about bras and how elastic they apparently are.
AFET II LIBE II – I like jaguars. – Oh, the cars! country would you be the President of? – No… the animals…
It has definitely been quite the experience watching people trying to synchronize themselves while playing the “A-So-Ko Game”. Right as said, “I knew that synchronising your hand with your mouth was hard but I didn’t see that coming”!
AFCO EMPL The funny moment when playing a blindfolded game. Arif was keeping his glasses on the blindfold – guaranteed success!
The most interesting game played was “Throw and catch”, using a water-filled balloon. The Chairs brutally turned on one another and both came out soaking wet.
AFET I LIBE I After playing lots and lots of name games, we still had trouble calling each other with the correct name! Awkward, non?
– I didn’t think you could bend that way!” – Which country would you be the President of? – Chad. – Wait, I don’t understand. Who is Chad?
LIBE II: Rights ignored Are you sure you know your rights? By Dionysis Patriarcheas
The rights to life, education, health, marriage, family, justice, are all basic, so basic that they are considered to be fundamental to our society. Without exceptions, we embrace them in our everyday life and oftentimes even take them for granted, while, in the same time, there also is a notable set of further (such?) rights that come along with our European citizenship. The right to free movement anywhere within the Union is a quite characteristic exemplar of these rights. When it comes to rights less referred to and used, though, research has sadly shown that EU Citizens are ignorant, to say the least. Just to make matters worse, even those who fundamentally feel knowledgeable about their rights would be unable to take action in case their rights were not respected. Who is to blame? In a European Union of austerity measures and the Crisis, it is only natural that citizens have partly lost their confidence in the institutions set down by
the process of European Integration. Their reputation is on the verge of reaching critically low levels, with Euroscepticism on the rise. Furthermore, citizens fail to get informed about the Union and their rights or report cases of violations and complaints. Prima facie, the problem is obvious; where there are problems, solutions are needed. You should, therefore, only ask yourselves, is this issue to be solved by national governments or is it a responsibility within the jurisdiction of the European Union? Whereas this balance has to be found, strategies for educating Europeans about their rights are necessary. However, would it be possible to have a common policy across the whole EU and how could the reputation of the institutions improve? As the topic vouches for burning discussions and a strong resolution, this is left up to LIBE II to decide.
CRIM: The end justifies the means, or does it? By Flora Mavri
120 billion euros is the loss which the EU suffers yearly as a result of corruption. It is hard to erase from our memories the shocking Siemens scandal that came out in Greece back in 2008, smearing the company’s name with allegations of bribery to secure a raft on contracts for the Athens’ Olympic Games in 2004. The scandal brought forward one of the toughest challenges which the EU must face; Corruption. Despite many differences in terms of the nature of corruption across the EU, extortion constitutes a threat to the entire EU. It lowers investment levels, hindering the fair operation of the internal market and reducing public finances. Although the European Commission, Transparency International and EUROPOL play a significant role in the fight against corruption instead of diminishing it seems to be increasing. This affects countries worst hit by the financial crisis (Transparency International's annual Corruption Perceptions Index shows Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece with
the lowest scores in Western Europe.) The data shows a visible link between corruption and the crisis-stricken countries, with an obvious example being the involvement of Greek officials in the Siemens scandal. As Tacitus said; “the more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws”. In Europe’s case, the already existing anti-corruption framework along with the yet-to-be ratified numerous Conventions and bureaucratic instruments create tension between North and South. This simultaneously increases Euroscepticism while the Commission fails to properly implement existing legal instruments. In this fight the main players are the countries’ leaders yet the citizens remain passive in the demand for transparency. This is another issue to be resolved while the uncertain economic environment prevails. According to Charles Caleb Colton, corruption is like a ball of snow and once it starts rolling it must increase. Now the question is: When and where does it stop?
AFCO: Euroscepticism Galore! By Lisa Allison
In a nutshell, the concept of Euroscepticism, existent throughout the political spectrum of the process of European Integration, could be summarized in the body of criticism against the European Union and opposition to the process of the political integration itself. Given the consecutive instability of our days’ economic turmoil, we are more and more faced with Euroscepticism today. The Crisis has greatly disheartened many European citizens who are slowly losing faith in the vision of a united Europe. In difficult economic times, people have a tendency to see their glasses half empty, yet it is vital we remind people of the strengths and accomplishments of the European Union. Over the past 50 years, Europe has seen a unprecedented increase in the expansion of public health and social welfare. Human rights have never been more foremost. In 2011, for instance, the Union promoted and adopted
key legislative and policy measures in (just indicatively) the areas of victim protection, human trafficking and the integration of the Roma, and, for the first time, it was itself directly bound to an international human rights treaty – the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Furthermore, the free movement of labour, including students, anywhere within the bounds of the Union, has allowed for major cultural exchanges within the EU Member States countries and in higher education. It is quite remarkable that a continent, which for much of its modern history was embroiled in gory warfare, now seems to be one of the most stable regions of the world. For these few reasons amongst myriads of others, it is imperative that confidence in the European Union be restored. Wouldn’t you rather prefer living in a more solid and truly united Europe of solidarity among the people?
AFET I: A war for freedom in a country led by fear By Charlotte Martin
From the modern Cypriot civil war imposed on Cyprus to the civil war of the times of the Roman Empire, the desire of power is not a rarity. If one were to read through a History book of the World, no doubt a struggle for power between opposing sides would be mentioned. Bloody wars have been fought in efforts to achieve thrones or topple governments and the Assad regime faces such an exact threat by the rebel forces in Syria. The civil war in Syria is not a selfish act for power but a desperate endeavour for freedom from the harsh Assad regime. What started as a simple plea for further reform on civil rights has led to a massacre leaving 100,000 dead, millions displaced and forced almost 2,000,000 refugees to flee their homeland. Such events do require immediate attention, debatably military intervention from the EU and pressure on the UN.
After the EU rejected the plan for free elections in Syria after claiming lack of pressure against the regime, it becomes more plausible that only minimal efforts are being made. Nonetheless, the EU is not ignoring the graveness of the problem and they have indeed pressured the UN into making proposals for action. Although measures such as abstaining from buying Syria’s oil can be deemed extreme, and would definitely affect the world economy, it should be noted that any firm stance by the EU should be adopted to tackle the situation before greater inevitable extremes take place from the Assad regime’s part. As the death toll rises continuingly, the EU needs a strongly devised plan to not just end the violence in Syria, but also ensure that the initial pleas for civil rights and freedoms are ultimately met.
IMCO: Targeted Advertising A digital era challenge – the boundaries between personal privacy and profit By George Hadjipavlis
The possibility of a person or an entity having full knowledge of, or even the potential of full access to, information you consider private and personal and that you do not wish to share, is a possibility that we would all find rather scary. Yet this is a reality. We currently find ourselves in the Internet Era, during which the West is almost constantly wired and uses the Internet to store and search for all kinds of information, thus allowing any ‘big brothers’ to construct individual personal profiles. On the other hand, we all enjoy the potential of receiving advertisements and info on discounts only on the items we actually care about, directly in our doorstep… or inbox. It saves lots of trouble and it makes the market work quicker as it resolves the basic economic problem of ‘imperfect information’. Therefore, no one can deny that it is a reality rather profitable and good for business. Despite the hype around the issue, though, there is a high lack of concern. Internet users claim that they are aware of the use of their private information. Still, are they
aware of the extent of it? Wouldn’t they be bothered by a potential misuse? Addressing this issue is challenging. A way to consider the solution is through your personal viewpoint. Are you comfortable knowing that your e-mail provider scans through every email that you send and receive? And let’s not forget the potential of theft of this information, or the data reaching unintended receivers, such as the National Security Agency. This question also poses a great dilemma. The consumers have to choose between privacy and efficient purchases, while the corporations have to decide if the efficient use of economic resources is worth the consequences, such as public scare through potential misuse of data. It is true that the economic system continues to constantly develop through technology and that allowing it to do so effectively leads to growth. Quite honestly, no one can imagine how the concept of marketing will be addressed in 25 years from now. However, how much are we willing to sacrifice for the sake of it?
Will intra-EU migration make us or break us? By Flora Mavri
The line for the unemployment benefit office in many EU Member States is getting longer day by day. One cannot help but consider the prospect of working in another country and becoming financially independent. However, this sui generis mobility places pressure on the socio-economic infrastructure of both the host and the origin country, relatively increasing tension between Member States. The Schengen Agreement of 1985 and the principle free intra-EU mobility offer a chance for the unemployed to move and search for work abroad. One has to acknowledge that variation between perceived employment opportunities is a significant cause of migration. Whether it is an increase in wages or greater demand for labour, many job-seekers look for employment elsewhere. Immigration can, of course, bear both positive and negative impacts on host countries. Immigrants contribute to public finances, support the development of industries and create new jobs. However, it would be na誰ve to disregard the consequent reduction in wages and in the employment prospects of certain groups, such as the less skilled.
The origin countries also face certain pressures. On the one hand, remittances can bring extra capital into the country and outflows can alleviate unemployment. Nevertheless, brain drain or shortages in specific sectors of industry can stunt the growth of the economy in that country. It is worth mentioning that, in many countries, the percentage of what we would call highly skilled employees is greater than that of low skilled employees. This could mean that the competition between natives and migrants of the host country increases. Thus, the issue of unemployment simply shifts to the natives rather than being resolved. Yet, highly skilled workers can also fill gaps in specific employment sectors. Ultimately, with the co-operation of all Member States and with the effects of migration in mind, solutions to these problems can be found. Balancing the demands of both sending and receiving countries would be the best possible solution rather than focusing more on only one side of the argument. It could take any turn at the end.
Larnax: Things you didn’t know By Flora Mavri
When one mentions Larnaca, the first thing that comes to mind is the beach, the salt lake (yes, the one with the flamingos) and of course Finikoudes. When I decided to write about Larnaca, I had no clue that there were things I didn’t know about this so familiar city; yet you’d be surprised! What on earth does ‘Larnaca’ even mean? Warning: This is slightly macabre! It seems that the city is named after the Greek word ‘larnax’. Larnax means sarcophagus and it originates from the many sarcophaguses which were discovered during excavations in the Larnaca region.
Other than the mouflon and the flamingo, the donkey is perhaps the most popular mascot of Cypriot culture. The donkey, the Cypriot equivalent of a horse is apparently an endangered species; figure that! The former kingdom-city of Kition, is the place to find two donkey sanctuaries; the Dipotamos donkey farm and the Oroklini donkey park (pick your treat), to learn more about Cypriot traditional life and how they work to protect the donkey population. The best part is that you get a donkey ride!
The locals also oddly refer to the city as ‘Scala.’ Scala is the latin word for ladder. At the same time, it happens to be the name given to the seashore, south of the Larnaca Castle which is where the commercial port was located. Did Leonardo Da Vinci visit or not visit Lefkara? Well, that is the question! Lefkara is a village located in the Larnaca district . The village is famous for its lace, known as lefkaritika, as well as the silver handicrafts. Legend has it, that once upon a time, Leonardo da Vinci visited Lefkara. Allegedly, he was so impressed by the locals’ adaptation of Venetian embroidery that he took a “lefkaritiko” with the “potamos” design back to Italy. The embroiderey is said to grace the altar in Milan Cathedral. It is still a mystery whether that is true! Save the donkeys!
Christian or Muslim? Cyprus is well-known for its large number of churches. However, it is also worth noting that Larnaca satisfies both the needs of the Christian and Muslim population. The St. Lazarus church is said to hold the empty grave of Saint Lazarus. Also, the Hala Sultan Tekke, the mosque located by the salt lake, is said to be the burial place of Umm Haram; an aunt of prophet Mohammed. The specific religious centers are two of the most visited places in Larnaca. Christian or Muslim, there’s definitely places worth visiting in Larnaca!
Thou art a lovely limerick By Lisa Allison & Charlotte Martin
Not only have we established that our delegates are accomplished debaters and innovative thinkers, we have also discovered a few Shakespeares in the making! To enrich the teambuilding process and instill a healthy competitive drive, we decided to engage these eager emissaries in some poetry. We challenged these committees to produce limericks and these were some of the most intriguing. One can’t help but noticing how most of them were inspired by Cyprus’ August summer sun…
IMCO
CRIM
In this hot summer we fight, To protect consumer rights, And have some fun Under the sun IMCO’s future’s bright.
This session is really hot, And everyone’s sweating a lot The girls are so pretty The boys are a pity But are we bored? Absolutely not!
AFCO
FLAMINFOS
Wouldn’t cold weather be nice I wish we’d been given advice But all’s fine and dandy Like our dear friend Randy Who loved to skate on ice.
There was a pink flamingo Who loved to play some bingo He’d always win Then drink some gin his favourite Beatle was Ringo
EYP CYPRUS WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF ITS GENEROUS SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS FOR THEIR VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION IN MAKING THIS SESSION POSSIBLE FOR ALL ITS PARTICIPANTS.
CO-ORGANISER
Representation in Cyprus
SPONSORS
MEDIA SPONSORS
SUPPORTERS