The Crow's Nest - Issue 2 by Berkok Yüksel

the

Crow’s Nest Issue - 2

#quoteoftheday/

Viral Videos Gone Crazy / The Ultimate Question #ThroughTheLens /

Interview with Delegates/

#Culture Clash: Spain vs Finland /

GA GUIDE INCLUDED!

Editorial

editorial As you approach the culmination of this session, General Assembly, you may find this ist he defining point of the session. Will your resolution pass? Can you overcome your nerves and hold that great speech you’ve been preparing for hours? In many ways General Assembly does seem like the final test, the reason to be here. But for us Editors that is not the case. For us the process of coming together as a team and creating a resolution of your own is where one really shines. There is no comparable feeling to having worked together for a common goal and having a tangible end product.

topic and thus find a new angle to make an excellent point of debate. We are sure you can find some use in it. Teresa, Tom and Giorgina have gathered your thoughts on the session so far and collected them in a longer piece to give you an impression of your fellow delegate’s opinions. In other news, Alyona brings light to one of the world’s great mysteries, Sorcha takes a look at the marketing of viral videos and Gonzalo and Anna debate over their cultural differences.

We look forward to hearing and seeing you at GA and reThat’s not to say GA is any the lesser challenge, having the member: A point not made is the worst kind of point. nerve to speak and express your opinion in front of so many people is already such an impressive achievement, let alone Theodor Hall (CH) & Berkok Yüksel (TR) the mountain of holding a good speech. GA challenges your energy, your mind and sometimes even your patience, but overcoming that challenge is what makes it so special. Nevertheless your Media Team has brought you a guide to each committee’s topic and resolution. With this we hope to aid you in your debates, maybe you will find an interesting new perspective or gain a better understanding of someone else’s

#ToughattheTop

#quoteoftheday „One day I was waiting for lunch and all I saw across the room was an angelic official. To my surprise, she approached me and began to open her mouth. I wondered what magnificent words she would utter with an awe-inspiring voice. After which she shouted ‚Hey guys, it‘s Chris Browne!‘. I wish people see me for who I really am, not some award-winning, swagholding, talented singer.“

- Chris Browne

Brought to you by Hamburg Media Team; Alyona Vyshnevska (UA), Teresa Kerkhoff (DE), George Ross (UK), Sorcha Foster (UK), Gonzalo Sola Rodriguez (ES), Jannis Kühlencord (DE), Tom Wagenhammer (DE), Giorgina Giani (GR), Anna Pusa (FI) Video-Editor: Oliver Kötter (DE) Editors: Berkok Yüksel (TR), Theodor Hall (CH)

GA Guide - AFET

Committee on International Affairs

French weapons in Georgia, Italian combat helicopters and German communication technology in Libya: Global military conflicts evoke a booming international trade on arms in which the EU has become the world’s biggest supplier. Which priorities should the EU and its Member States set in order to discourage arms trade whilst still maintaining trade relations with the Middle East and other regions of conflict?

The European Union is one the world’s biggest arms exporters. European weapons are used in North Africa and the Middle East, areas where there is much political tension. These weapons are often used for the violation of Human Rights. The Union has to find a way to maintain the already existing trade relations with these states, while discouraging the trade of armoury.

AFET produced a resolution that benefits both the EU and the areas of conflict. It enforces a strict common policy for the members of the EU, ensures transparency and deals with the union’s dependency on energy supplies to these countries. Additionally, it limits the exportable kinds of armory and stands in favor of the creation of a Court on Arms. It protects citizens of the importing countries and discourages illicit trafficking through the attribution of full responsibility to all arm owners.

• Should the EU tolerate such extensive and uncontrolled arms trade? On the one hand the arms industry provides jobs for a lot of Europeans, enhances the European economy and improves the field of research. On the other hand, European weapons are used by dictators against civil populations and violate human rights. They are also used in illicit trafficking. Lastly, state funds are spent on armoury instead of being invested on the field of education or culture.

• The former Egyptian, Libyan and Tunisian dictatorships had licenses for armory of 531 million Euros from EU members.

• Should the EU diminish arms trade? It is a fact that this would encourage the respect of Human Rights and would potentially prevent wars, even civil ones. Sacrificing human life for the benefit of companies is morally unacceptable. However, this would be lead to economic instability within the EU, as unemployment would increase rapidly and arm industries would have a huge loss.

• “Supplying weapons and equipment that are then used in wars and for the purpose of oppression within states by dictatorial regimes is an ongoing scandal of German foreign and economic foreign policy” Margot Kassman

• In 2011 the EU traded armory which overall worth $ 5 billion. • In the EU, companies that produce weapons have 97.000 employees. • Military operations globally cost more than $ 1.5 trillion.

GA Guide - AFCO

Committee on Constitutional Affairs

Subsidiarity versus sustainability: Due to the nature of the EU’s environmental policy as shared competence, Member States enjoy a high degree of autonomy in the implementation of EU directives regarding environmental protection. In the face of the transnational effects of issues surrounding climate change and pollution, should the EU’s legislative powers be strengthened in this field and, if so, to which degree? AFCO’s topic, in short terms, asks whether the EU’s powers to legislate on the issues concerning the environment should be strengthened and if they are strengthened, how much stronger they should become. It also takes into account the high degree of autonomy Member States currently observe.

AFCO’s response to this resolution touches upon key issues brought to light by this question and also suggests how to tackle them. Firstly, the resolution recognises that environmental issues show no respect to borders and therefore they need to be addressed on a pan-European level. It comments upon fundamental issues such as how a country’s non-compliance with the EU 2020 strategy does not result in any sanctions. It also expresses dissatisfaction with how the price of CO2 certificates have decreased significantly which has resulted in the certificates having a limited impact on the reduction of industrial emissions. In conclusion, it presents aptly and concisely ideas at the crux of the topic under debate. PROS: Some of the highlights of the resolution were how the operative clauses address the core issues efficiently. They bring to light strategies that have been previously established within the EU such as the 2020 strategy. It also makes use of detailed, subject specific statistics such as how 22% of global greenhouse gas emissions originate from the EU.

CONS: However, one might argue that the plausibility of member states giving up their sovereignty is questionable. They also comment on an age old problem, the longterm risk of radiation that comes hand in hand with nuclear energy, that one can argue might never be resolved. It might not be as large an issue as has been alluded to.

Some statistics ad quotes: • “14 out of 27 member states are not going to meet the criteria set by the 2020 strategy” • ‘Even the darkest sceptic has to admit that when it comes to environment policy it makes sense for states to cooperate and do things in common’ – Dr. Caroline Jackson MEP, 2003 • ‘Nobody has the foggiest idea how the renewables target will be met.’ – Ernest-Antoine Seillière, Head of Business Europe, March 2007 • CONS: However, one might argue that the plausibility of Member States giving up their sovereignty is questionable. They also comment on an age old problem, the long-term risk of radiation that comes hand in hand with nuclear energy, that one can argue might never be resolved. It might not be as large an issue as has been alluded to.

“Carbon dioxide accounted for 82.4 % of EU27 greenhouse gas emissions in 2010“ -Eurostat

GA Guide - AGRI

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Resolution

Global food shortage is not as unlikely to happen as some people would want it to. Experts predict a vast increase of world population until 2050 and, on top of that, a decline of agricultural yields is imminent due to climate change which will affect the abundance of dietary staples like wheat, corn and rice. Hence, measures have to be taken through the responsible actors and the EU as one of them has to take a stance in this issue. An existing measure is probably to be overhauled Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Quality controls of the CAP and further research in agricultural fields are emphasised and encouraged. Moreover, the resolution calls for more subsidies for organic farming and going preferably for amount of produce than size of land while it also demands tax restrictions on exports to indirectly regulate European overproduction and the foreign competition. It also recommends the adoption of plantgraising to enhance fertility and harvestability.

Stats and quotes

listened to the message from the UK that the CAP has to do more to help the environment, and that its budget cannot keep increasing in the midst of an economic crisis. But while some of the Commission’s rhetoric is right, overall we’re disappointed and the proposals as they stand could actually take us backwards.” (Environment Secretary

-“Food shortages undermined earlier civilisations. We are on the same path.” (Lester Brown, President of the Earth Policy Research Centre, Washington) -“The European Commission’s proposals for a reform of

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the CAP after 2013 aim to strengthen the competitiveness and the sustainability of agriculture and maintain its presence in all regions, in order to guarantee European citizens healthy and quality food production, to preserve the environment and to help develop rural areas.” -“We’re pleased that the European Commission has at least

Caroline Spelman October 2011) Nearly three-quarters of EU farmers have an income under £5,000 per year (although some only farm on a part-time basis) and incomes in the agricultural sector are just 50% of the average in other sectors. Creation of CAP (Common Agricultural Policy): 1957 under Treaty of Rome, started operating in 1962.

PRO 1. The EU must look after its farmers because they help protect the countryside. 2. The free market is unstable. Without intervention, prices would fluctuate and farmers would not be able to respond to consumer demand.

CON 1. Resources are best allocated through a free market: CAP and other measures make food more expensive in the EU than it need be. 2. The CAP increases poverty in poor countries by competing unfairly with local farmers.

GA Guide - CULT

Committee on Culture and Education

Feeding the world in a changing climate: Until 2050, a massive world population growth is projected to be met by a climate-related decline in agricultural yields especially for dietary staples such as wheat, corn and rice. How can the EU’s agricultural and external trade policy respond to the threat of global food shortages whilst bearing in mind the interests of Europe’s agricultural producers? If you check the rankings of the best universities in the world, you will find some European colleges on the top, based on these results it seems like the European educational institutions have succeeded. Nevertheless, more than 50% of some member state’s youth population are unemployed. Consequently, we can say we are witnessing the failure of European educational institutions as a lot of European graduates do not have the skills the labour market requires in order for them to find a job. We cannot avoid the impact of the current financial crisis on the youth employability. However, this situation is becoming even more of a structural problem for “Data the youngis not informa- sters throughout Europe. tion, information is not knowledge, knowledge is not understanding, understanding is not wisdom” Clifford Stoll.

The Committee on Culture and Education, chaired by Tua Malmberg and Florian Noichl, are facing that critical situation. They have looked for solutions in order to improve the entrance of the European youth population in the labour market. For this reason, CULT finds the role of internships as a previous step to get a job essential. Furthermore, the important status of these internships should be combined with the advertising of the jobs needed by the labour market, for instance using social networks. Besides this, the impacts of these issues we are discussing here are visible throughout the whole of the European Union. Therefore, our committee promotes the creation of a common European educational system controlled by the European ministry across the EU.

It is clear enough that we, the European youth, need to find new ways to end these high unemployment rates. From my viewpoint, the promotion of practical education through the implementation of internships for those still in education is the main way to secure their future in our current economic climate. However, we cannot forget what the original sense of the university is: university from Latin universitas “the whole” in late Latin from universus. By adopting these kinds of measures we are constructing an educational system based on the goal of finding a job, this means that we are prostituting the meaning of the university due to the “importance” of the economy. Is it time to affirm that the universities we knew are already over and done with or should we just keep in mind that the economy is a dynamic element which is constantly changing?

Research: The Origins of

The Mystery of the Meal and the City

Alyona Vyshnevska uncovers the age-old question that follows us in our dreams: why do we call a hamburger a hamburger?

The answer is quite pleasant to the residents of the delightfully tempting city of Hamburg. Ever since, its name has been set in the minds of people all around the world as it gave its name to the delicious meal which is served both at the fanciest restaurants and cheapest fast food kiosks. The majority of us have given it a try at least once. The hamburger was first cooked by nomadic people who invaded central Asia and Eastern Europe in the Middle Ages. They preferred it raw, mixed with eggs and chopped onions; they called it ‘‘Steak Tartare’. his simple cavemen meal was brought to one of the biggest ports in Europe - Hamburg in the 1600s. Here it was mixed with different spices, fried and boiled.The delicious ‘Hamburg Steak’ was born. When German emigrants brought it to America, the hamburger took one step further in its evolution. It was cooked on a grill and served between two slices of bread. What made “Hamburg Steak” famous and widely-known was its appearance at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, Texas where it was included in the menu as a ‘hamburger’. How a piece of beef between two slices of a bun became such a triumph, served in millions of restaurants worldwide still remains a puzzling mystery. By and large, statistics claim that in the US alone, almost 14 billion burgers are consumed per year. If you are from Hamburg, it doesn’t matter whether you are a big fan of hamburgers or you hate them, you are still officially an original hamburger.

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Videos Gone Viral

#Opinion

Sorcha Foster, takes a new approach to the issue that occupies most of our daily lives: videos that have gone viral.

Gangnam Style, the Harlem shake, Honey Boo Boo. If viewing the clip, an unavoidable short advertisement must you don’t know what I’m referring to you must have been living under a rock for the past few years. Word of mouth recommendations have created trends throughout human history. However, the rise of Internet has accelerated the speed at which these ideas can be shared whilst simultaneously making them available to a global audience.

Youtube has been one of the prime platforms and financial benefactors of the breakneck speed of trending. It has harnessed sites such as Facebook and Twitter to form an interface for sharing hints, tips and recommendations, creating a perfect situation for mass viral videos to propogate.

also be watched which can lead to lucrative contracts and substantial wealth for the creators. Gangnam style itself has generated around 1.8 million dollars of this type of revenue, of which half goes to Youtube. However, the sensation of viral popularity is not exclusive to songs or amusing clips. It can be also used as a means of bringing awareness to an important cause or for charitable impact. The Invisible Children video of 2012 which altered many people to the war crimes committed by the Ugandan militia leader Joseph Kony. The video resulted in an unprecedented response from the international community; the African Union engaged over five thousand troops in the region with the goal of “neutralising” Kony.

Take Psy, the creator of Gangnam Style for instance. Although very well-known inside his home country, Korea, he was a relative unknown in the rest of the world. That could Viral videos, although largely a source of entertainment, not be said anymore. Thanks to hit video with its catchy beat can both create wealth and have a profound impact on the global political process. And the most amazing part is you and dance moves he is today a global superstar. could create one, on your phone or webcam. Who knows Youtube has enabled Psy to make money from his new found what will be the next hit, it could be you. celebrity by allowing him to monetise his videos. Prior to

#ThroughTheLens

Committee Work Day

Interview

Your Voice, Bam! Tom Wagenhammer, Teresa Kerkhoff and Giorgina Giani measure the pulse of the session participants.

How would you explain EYP to your friends? Susanna: “I would explain EYP as something fun to do with your friends. We discuss about political issues concerning EU.” Viktor: “It’s a place where you meet a lots of people from different nations all over Europe. And you discuss current European issues and find solutions for them with the help of your committee.” And it’s also fun. “Yes, it is. That’s pretty much it. Well, you create resolutions, bringing them up to General Assembly, vote and try to make it work.“ Moritz: “I would describe EYP as a place to meet different people, cultures and exchange opinions. Furthermore you have fun.” Horrem: “EYP is a very interesting place with many open-minded people.” Gonzalo: “I see EYP as a place where you can meet many new people in the pools, all of them very talkative and open-minded. It’s a place where you can debate, share your opinions and everybody accepts you. It’s about discussing and developing together.“ Saskia: “For me EYP is a program to get new friends and to discuss political issues and just get new ideas of the different topics.“

Johanna: “I would explain that it‘s this simulation game modelled after the European Parliament and that we‘re working together to get a resolution.“ Lennart: “I would say to them that you meet these new people and you play games together in the committee and work on real questions and try to find solutions.“ Pauline: “It‘s a fun experience where you make new friends and I think it‘s great to experience something like that in your life.“ Judith: “It‘s fun. You meet many people there and you‘re discussing politically relevant topics. And even if you don‘t have a clue, it‘s still fun because you get along well with the people because they‘re really open.“

What is EYP, rather a ship, that gathers all people and that brings you forward or a lonely island where you mostly have to arrange with everyone because you cannot leave it? Hanna: “I would describe the EYP in Hamburg as a great ship, because at the teambuilding yesterday we got to know each other and that surely leads us somewhere.” Jonathan: “I think the EYP is like a ship because you’re going to explore new people, find new friends in your committee

Interview

and arrange with people you don’t know and we are not standing still, we are going to the future of the European Union and I basically think that EYP is a ship that takes you somewhere.” David: “I think EYP is both, a ship and an island because at first it is an island where you get in touch with the people and kind of arrange with them and after some time it gets a ship that brings you forward.” Moritz: “it’s like a ship because I met new people and gained experiences.” Horrem: “I think it’s a ship, because it definitely amplifies my horizon.” Anna: “I definitely think that EYP is a ship that drives you to shores also because it increases the interest in European and international affairs. And I think with EYP a whole new world has opened to me. I actually feel like moving something.” Saskia: “Well I think that EYP takes you to new shores because you get a lot of different opinions about political issues that are currently discussed and that are needed to be discussed. You additionally get a lot of impressions from other people that give their opinions on that topic.“ Pauline Spahr: “I think it‘s more like a ship but it‘s no ship that goes to an island, I think it‘s a ship that just goes around

the ocean. And we are going to have a good time there, I think.“ Johanna: “It‘s rather like an island because we‘re all meeting new people and have to get along with them.“ Lennart: “It‘s rather like a ship; we are travelling with EYP and working with other people and we are building new friendships.“ Allegra: “I don‘t think it‘s a lonely island because you find new friends and you travel along and you meet people from other countries, such as Sweden or Finland and it‘s overall very international.“ Kiara: “I think it‘s more like a lonely island at first and you have a ship afterwards. I.e. you meet the people and then you take the ship to other stages of a journey.“ Isabella: “I do not think that it‘s a lonely island because I would say that it is very international with new friends.“ Josephine: “I think it is a ship because on an island you‘re not able to go far; on a ship you‘re able to discover, you‘re able to go where you want to go (steer the direction).“

GA Guide - DEVE

Committee on Development Freedom of trade versus the protection of development objectives: At a time of rapidly increasing globalisation and trade liberalisation, the EU’s external trade policy plays a key role in maintaining European competitiveness. How can the EU promote a fair integration of less developed countries into the world trading system, which benefitsboth Europe and its trade partners? The Topic The EU’s Foreign Trade Policy’s goals are to keep the EU open for trade with third party countries in order to maintain the union’s competitiveness. However, as the world’s third biggest exporter and importer the EU cannot merely care about its own competitiveness. The EU puts focus on reaching ts development goals for thirld world countries. An equal free trade relationship that benefits both parties involved can surely improve the development of the less developed party and strengthen both parties economic growth However, opening up a free trade relationship between unequal parties can have unexpected results. Tariffs and other barriers might be vital in protecting both parties industries from foreign competition.

The Resolution In its motion for a resolution, the Committee on Development focuses on the view of the Less Developed Countries (LDCs) and their current position in the world trading system. It does so by realising that the gap between the LDCs and the industrialised countries remains too wide to establish a frutiful and equal free trade relationship at the moment, for example this is shown through: the industrialised countries profit from trade between them and LDCs more than the LDCs do. Thus the committee suggest that focus needs to be put on reaching the development objectives in order to achieve a more equal balance between the EU and the LDCs before putting focus on free trade between these actors.

In favor: "Making it easier and cheaper to trade will help developing countries to better integrate in regional and global trade system. This will contribute to facilitate trade development and diversification, enhance job-creation and the wider sharing Against: 'Reducing barriers to trade drives economic of the benefits of international trade.” Andris Piegrowth. It is not an unfair price to be paid by developbalgs, EU Development Commissioner, 2013 ing countries.' Peter Mandelson, EU Trade Commissioner, 2013

GA Guide - EMPL

Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

Solidarity between generations in times of population ageing: How can the EU and its Member States prepare for the extremes of demographic development until 2050? Should pension planning primarily become a private responsibility or what could a pan-European strategy to secure public pension funding entail? Population ageing has multiple problems that come along with it, but its impact on pension sustainability is one of the most pressing. The question of whether a public, private or a hybrid of the two systems is best placed to deal with this fundamental Europe wide problem must be faced head on. The role of the EU in reducing divergence across public pension systems must also be addressed to create a fully coherent strategy The Committee on Employment and Social Affairs’ resolution reflects the multi-pronged approach which must be taken to produce a long lasting and effective solution. Policies recognise the essential role of national governments whilst promoting further integration inside the EU. They also reflect upon the need to increase the rate of reproduction while simultaneously increasing the retirement age to reflect the demographic realities. The arguments surrounding pensions provoke both ideological and logistical debates. Should the rich pay for the pensions of the poor? Should we increase taxes in pursuit of increased equality at retirement or should we let the market work its magic and determine our futures? How do we increase the fertility rate to rebalance the demographic reality? Do we increase women’s rights and implement high quality childcare provision or do we rely on subsidies for business and tax incentives? Should the retirement age be raised and if so how can we ensure that the elderly are not the recipients of ageism and can we ensure they will continue to be useful and productive participants in the work force?

Facts • The average life expectancy increases by two months every year in Europe. • “(Pension policy) requires active ageing strategies, investments in life-long learning of all age groups, the adaption of workplaces to the needs of older workers and new forms of labour-force participation,» László Andor, commissioner for employment and social affairs. • The replacement ratio, a comparison of earnings pre and post retirement, is on average 70.1 per cent for low income households across the twenty seven member states.

GA Guide - JURI

Committee on Legal Affairs

The future of embryonic stem cell research in a heterogeneous legal landscape: How can the EU and its Member States strike a balance between protecting embryos for moral reasons, enhancing therapeutic prospects for patients suffering from incurable diseases, and protecting freedom of research? JURI. Saving unborn lives or curing heavy diseases? Alzheimer, Diabetes and Parkinson strongly affect people’s lives since they are immedicable. However, ECS research has open up a possibility of potential treatment. As with many medical issues, that research demands many different experiments for which you need stem cells, which are extracted from embryos. The potential life of the embryo is endangered and furthermore it starts the moral debate when you can consider embryos as human beings. Another problem is the heterogeneous legal landscape within the European Union. Resolution: The JURI resolution basically focused on several problems that appear whilst approaching the topic. However, they pointed out that it is important to define the beginning of life, especially those of embryos. Although they keep in mind that stem cells have the chance to cure serious diseases, which is the most controversial question surrounding the topic. It is furthermore emphasized that other means of stem cell research should be taken into consideration, e.g. adult stem cell research. As a solution they suggest the establishment of an agency that takes control of all research and administers a database gathering all information about ESC. They also encourage the EU to create common law prohibiting cloning and artificially created embryos.

Arguments: Keeping in mind, that there are so many people are already suffering from incurable diseases which could be cured in the future by ESC research Main problem is the balance between prevent suffering or underestimating human lives When do you personally define embryos as ‘full’ human beings? IVF (=In-Vitro-fertilization) is a possibility to create human lives can be considered as ‘playing god’ Embryo is not able to live outside of the women’s womb What about abortion? How about freedom of research? Statistics and quotes: “You destroy human life in order to save human lives. That’s how you can describe the problem in a very brutal way.” (patient suffering from Parkinson disease) The EU is going to spent an estimated amount of € 80 billion dollars on research projects such as stem cell research Facts concerning embryo development: before the 14th day after fertilization the embryo has no central nerve system and therefore no senses. If we actually declare people as brain-dead and transplant their organs you can use embryos for experiments as well.

GA Guide - INTA

Committee on International Trade

Exporting for growth: With small and medium-sized enterprises’ building the backbone of the European economy, how can the EU further promote the internationalisation of SMEs in order to help them access international trading markets?

Topic Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play an important role for the European economy with the majority of Europe’s labour force being employed in them. Nevertheless they are considered as being so important to the European economy and are more dynamic than bigger enterprises. Only 40 percent of European SMEs are competing on an international level due to the lack of access to capital and information needed for internationalisation. For the good of the European economy’s future it is necessary to provide support to SMEs facing globalised markets. Resolution The lack of information SMEs are facing when it comes to expanding internationally, can be solved by introducing a media campaign which focuses on promoting existing programs and websites providing information about the internationalisation of SMEs. Furthermore the availability information can be increased by a new organisation consisting of experts from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), providing essential details about foreign policies, markets and laws. What’s more it can guarantee the credibility of SMEs by awarding certificates, which evaluate their concepts and potential, overcoming the high burden of getting credit. To reduce the problems caused by cultural diversity, like language barriers and different values the member states should increase their language education expenditures. Opinion The European SMEs should ensure the expected turnovers when engaging in new markets by hiring high-qualified labour forces, which can ensure the European quality standard. This will guarantee successful competition against cheaper, but poor quality products from other markets. The European Union can try to help SMEs to compete internationally by liberalising the market. Reduced taxes on import and export make it possible to lower product prices and increase the financial strength of consumers, but even though it may lead to economic growth it may also result in more competition for SMEs. By increasing expenditure on education it is possible to reduce the problems of cultural diversity, but even highly educated, innovative people won’t help to increase the number of SMEs competing successfully on an international level without creating an environment where entrepreneurship is rewarded and supported.

Crucial Facts

Small and medium-sized enterprises are defined as enterprises that employ less than 250 employees, have less than €50 million annual turnover and under €43 million in balance sheet assets 98% of businesses in the European Union are small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

GA Guide - ITRE

Committee on Industy, Research and Energy Europe via the Baltic Sea, concerns over the EU’s growing energy dependence on Russia and the tensions between former Eastern European transit countries and Russia have intensified. What responsibility does the EU have to mediate in such conflicts and what are possible consequences for the EU’s energy policy? Topic Resolution

The EU is dependent on Russian gas supply due to the fact that 42% of the gas that is imported comes from Russia. Since the transition path from Russia to the EU goes through the Ukraine and Belarus, their disputes highly affect supply security of gas supply to the EU. The tension increases as Russia is building the Nord Stream gas pipeline through Baltic Sea, which will lead to the loss of the transition path through the Ukraine and Belarus.

• Strengthen the relationship between the EU and Russia by creating a new institution – the European Gas Group (EGG) • Urge members of EGG to invest in companies that produce • Create committees within the EGG that will work for the benefit of both the EU and Russia • Ensure that EGG prevents political crisis by supporting financially the countries that are unable to pay Russia for the gas in order to ensure stability of gas supply for the EU

Statistics:

Pro’s and cons’:

25% of all energy consumed in the EU is produced by natural gas 58% of the gas that is consumed within the EU is imported 42% comes from Russia 80% of gas the EU imports are procured through the Ukraine Among the 8 new eastern European member states, dependence averages 77% 300-350 million cubic meters per day of gas passes through the Ukraine towards the EU, which is one fifth of total gas demand in the EU.

If the EU doesn’t care about the transition countries, it will ultimately affect its own security of supply. Although investing too much money in the uncertain and doubtful economies of the Ukraine and Belarus would be irrational. The EU cannot stop its import from Russia, because there is not enough alternative energy currently available. On the other hand, investing in the research and production of alternative energy will eventually lead to the decrease of the dependence on Russian gas supply. Increasing cooperation with Russia could lead to more stable secure relations. Nevertheless, Russia has already demonstrated its harsh methods of cutting off the gas supply if the problems occur, so it is not a reliable partner.

#SiestaorSauna

Culture Clash

Gonzalo Sola Rodriguez (ES) and Anna Pusa (FI) provide some perspective from two polar ends of our continent.

Imagine how different the situation would be if you get out of a bus and you find yourself in Sevilla than in Turku. Gonzalo Sola Rodriguez, who comes from the city of Sevilla, remembers how you can not even listen to music or hear your own voice whilst using public transport. The noise is overwhelming and the crowd makes it even more annoying. If you are looking for some peace, Gonzalo’s tip is simple: don’t get on the bus. In Turku, Anna Pusa’s hometown, you might just as well jump on the bus after a tiring day. It might actually be the optimal place to relax, since the rules of no speaking, no eye-contact and no sitting next to strangers ought not to be broken. When you look at Spanish and Finnish schools you also find differences. The Finnish educational system is famous for its student’s high results in PISA study, but the PISA study doesn’t always show the full picture. The focus on the academic education often causes the more light-hearted elements one can experience in class to suffer. The situation in Spain is completely different. In fact, it looks like it is still in the 80’s. School facilities are usually dirty and few English teachers can speak the language correctly. Maybe these are the reasons behind the fact that a lot of children skip classes at every opportunity.

Comparing the political daily life in Spanish and Finnish Parliaments, other differences become visible. While Spanish politicians cannot wait to get into a good fight over just about anything, the silent Finns try to avoid every potential disagreement and confrontation. The silent Finns need more than a couple of drinks to show their true enthusiasm at a club. Meanwhile in Spain at a fiesta, it is rare to behold a Spaniard head home early and not dance until the night is over. The Spaniard will spend all day in is pool with his friends, whereas in Finland the pool will be frozen to the core.Walking down the street, you will know for sure whether the person you meet you on the street originates from Spain or Finland.You might see a Spaniard surrounded by women on his way to siesta in his beloved hometown, the Finn will try to avoid any chance of small talk by averting their gaze and walking in the direction of the nearest sauna. One might say the moral of the story is not to talk if you’re in Finland or to avoid English lessons in Spain, but in the end we all can see that despite their massive differences we, Gonzalo and Anna, have found eachother and decided to share a bit of siesta inside the sauna as middle ground.