66th Internati
33rd International Session, Athen
24th International Session, Thessaloniki, Greece, 199
Establishment of the European Youth Parliament Greece, Thessalon
3rd International Session, Thessaloniki, Greece, 1989
30th Nationa位 Se位ection Conference, Thessa位oniki, Greece, 2014
ional Session, Athens, Greece, 2011
ns, Greece
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niki, Greece, 1994
Editors Editorial Assistants Video Editor Journalists
Marianna Georgiadi (GR) Chrysanthi Koniou (GR) Dimitris Davris (GR) Katerina Stavri (CY/GR) Adi Grishaj (AL) Natasa Antalaki (GR) Nikos Avramidis (GR) Iker Bengoetxea de Tena (ES) Panagiotis Chatzistratis (GR) Athina Firtinidou (GR) Nikos Koukovinos (GR) Anastasia Ntracha (GR) Kostina Prifti (AL) Einar Stefansson (NO) Kalliopi Terzidou (GR)
Editoriaλ This year, EYP Greece celebrates its 20th anniversary gathering many older and younger members in this special event. Having been involved in the activities of EYP Greece for quite a long time, we have both seen our national committee growing and developing. The anniversary character of this event was what initially motivated us to participate in what we hope you have recognized as a special event. You are about to experience a newspaper different than the ones usually summing the session; presenting you some of EYP Greece’s best moments in the past years, we invite you to learn more about it and create future worth-sharing memories. The Media Team Members have prepared articles on how EYP might affect the world around them, some chapters of the history of EYP Greece, why and how to stay involved and what can be further done so that it can expand even further. Fare well λ, to the next to come.
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
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Τhe 20 years’ changes to EYP 20 reasons to keep going How to stay involved in EYP I am not the only one EYP Greece turns 20 The impact of involvement in EYP Greece
20 years of EYP Greece , 20+ years of history EYP GREECE a throwback in history Breaking the chains Can EYP change the world? Interviews A letter from Solon Molho
Τhe 20 years’ European Youth Parliament is a politically unbound non-profit organization which changessupports the development of young people into politically aware and responsible citizens by involving them in European political thinking and promoting interculturto EYP al understanding. It was conceived in 1987 as a school project at François-Premier
Lycée in Fontainebleau, France, by Bettina Carr-Allinson. As the years passed, the organisation experienced an enduring growth with an increasing number of National Committees joining the network and its activities expanded. In November 2004, Heinz-Schwarzkopf Foundation became the international umbrella organization of EYP which is now hosted in Berlin, Germany. EYP annually organizes three international nine-day sessions in different countries. Additionally National Committees organize regularly several National Selection Conferences, Regional sessions, and International Fora. Every session includes Teambuilding activities, Committee Work and General Assembly. Passed resolutions are sent to the European Parliament, for the consideration from MEPs. On an international level, EYP is administered by the Governing Body. The day-to-day business of the organisation is administered by a hired manager, Krista Simberg being the current one. Through the process of its evolution, EYP has introduced several reforms to infuse transparency in its institutions and further enlarge its activities. Since 2006, European Youth Parliament has its own Think Tank. Every year, experienced alumni of EYP produce a policy paper on a current European political issue at the request of a European Commissioner. In 2011 European Youth Polls were introduced and with easily accessible online opinion surveys, the voices of thousands of young people all over Europe are collected and made visible to politicians and the media, facilitating the dialogue between the youth and decision makers. In fact, the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, has received the results in person and answered in video messages to the young participants. Furthermore, in 2013, EYP introduced Alumni Councils in several areas, such as educational and regional development, in order to enhance participation at the organisation’s work on an international level. Efforts have been made to increase EYP’s Outreach by holding special trainings as the one organized in 2014 in Greece. Since 2013 EYP has a continuous partnership with the Youthbridge Foundation from Ghana and in spring 2014, the first Euro African Youth Parliament was held in Berlin bringing together over 100 young people from both Europe and Africa. Until today, EYP has been growing steadily, involving young people from literally all European countries in its activities. With more than 350 events held across the network each year, including more than 27.000 participants from 41 countries and the work of more than 1.700 volunteers, European Youth Parliament is today the largest organization of non-formal and informal European political education.
by Anastasia Ntracha
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EYP Greece turns 20; An anniversary celebrated with a most promising event, the 30th National Selection Conference. At the end of each conference, each delegate forms an idea about the concept of EYP and appreciates it on a different level. But when you go back home looking at all those moments you created through the past three days, you may ask yourself: why do I keep coming back? Behold the 20 reasons you should be engaged with EYP: 1. Being almost an expert on some of the most intriguing issues of our days, 2. Better understanding of European Parliament procedures and how European Union works, 3. Discovering yourself and your abilities, 4. Being able to share your ideas through constructive dialogue, 5. Putting yourself up to challenges you wouldn’t believe you could meet, 6. Learning how to cooperate and work in a team, 7.Gaining more experience in public speaking, 8.Adding extracurricular activities to your CV, 9.Being able to evolve through different roles in sessions throughout your EYP journey, 10.Making new, and sometimes lifetime friendships, 11.Creating a new family all around Europe, 12.Traveling to awesome places, 13.Finding hospitality while travelling abroad, 14.Having the pleasure and excitement to meet your friends again, at your common course throughout EYP, 15.Surviving through some of the most amazing parties, 16. Socializing unconditionally, 17.Taking your mind off everyday stuff, Let us hear what the officials have to say: “EYP requires good listeners, productive thinkers and collaborators. My way of thinking and working within a team, has been so deeply influenced by EYP that I am still motivated to participate in sessions, so as to contribute to involving more young people in this programme.’’ Aspa Georgakopolou ( Vice President) “EYP is people. When I open the map ,I see faces rather than countries” - Elisavet Sandaltzopoulou ( Organizer) “EYP brings out another part of myself , less introvert , more open to people. In it I feel secure” - Vayalena Drampa (Organizer) Having experienced them or not, these are the reasons why you should stay with us. But they are not the only ones. What is so magical about the EYP world is that it is special and unique for every person. The feeling you get at the end of the conference is the motivation that will prompt you to start your own journey.
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by Kalliopi Terzidou
20 YEARS EYP GREECE 20 REASONS TO KEEP GOING
y a t s o t w Ho l v e d i n o v n i
P Y E
Having attended this 30th National Selection Conference of EYP Greece, you are probably left with mixed feelings. On one hand, you -hopefully- had a blast with incredibly friendly, caring and funny people. On the other hand, you might have felt intimidated during weird games. In any case, the world you have been living in during the past days is a quite unique one, that you will undoubtedly miss after some time and wish to experience again. In other words, you will suffer from what is commonly known as PED – Post EYP Depression. The best medicine for PED, is to attend another session. In practice, you now have two main options: 1. You can attend more sessions as a delegate, 2. or you can apply for sessions as an official. Most EYP alumni would probably advise you to attend more than one session as a delegate. Attending more sessions as a delegate will make you realise that each time, you develop and learn something new. Sooner or later, you will find yourself ready for new challenges and experiences, and you will decide to try attending a session from a different perspective, from the official’s point of view. However, the best way to cure PED during the next days is to dig in into the Media Team products: issues, photos and videos. Keep your best session memories alive and – of course – stay in touch with your new EYP friends!
by Einar Stefansson
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I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE Marginalisation could be defined as ‘the process whereby someone is pushed to the edge of a group and accorded of lesser importance.’ This is a process which usually occurs within a society, and consequently entire groups of people are left behind, their needs are disregarded and their opinions ignored. As it has been proven several times over the years, lack of knowledge and understanding are the main sources of marginalization. People tend to fear the unknown and distrust the different, however the more they get to know each other and appreciate their differences, the more likely it is for them to accept and respect their individuality. Meeting youngsters from different backgrounds, countries and religions, in an atmosphere where equality and respect reign over any personal beliefs is the perfect antidote against stereotypes. But wait a second...doesn’t it sound familiar to you? Don’t panic, this is not some kind of dêja vu, this is real! If you don’t believe me, just take a quick look around you. EYP is far from being just a bunch of young Europeans wearing smart clothes and talking about fixing the world. In many aspects, this organization represents what society should be: a place where no discrimination is tolerated and where everybody can freely speak their minds; a place where even the whisperer is able to shout. Up to now, in the sessions I have attended, I have not listened to any kind of insult or affront towards someone due to the color of their skin, the economic means of their families or the person they love. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about the streets of our cities. I’m not saying the EYP will save mankind from self-destruction or global warming. However if we want a better world, someone has to start. If you have been patient enough to reach these lines, bearing with my midnight deliriums, you may probably think I’m not totally sane. Or maybe, you may say I’m a dreamer, but do you want to know something? I am not the only one.
Iker Bengoetxea de Tena
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EYP Greece turns
20
Since its official establishment in 1994, EYP Greece has had a long history of conferences. This year, with its 30th National Selection Conference, EYP Greece gets the chance to celebrate all these years of active involvement, work and innovation. Fact is, EYP Greece has managed to evolve during all these years, involve more people, institutionalize its actions, gain recognition and establish itself as a non-profit organization. These facts attributed a certain task to this session, which is not an easy one. Giving credits to 20 years of action in a 3-day program is a challenge. Summarizing the story of an organization, show all the progress it has made, the activities it supports and the achievements it has acquired, while at the same time reflecting this special mixture of feelings and the emotional value of such an occasion, is not the easiest concept to begin with. Nevertheless, through the session’s festive character, its older and newer members celebrated the 20 years of EYP Greece. Demarginalisation as the session theme and the related panel discussion, enhanced understanding on the notion of margin from an alternative perspective. The selection of venues was not accidental: all venues have a historical significance to the city attributing to a unique formal character to the event. The Opening Ceremony had a great value as an event; participants had the chance to meet some of the founding members of EYP Greece, share experiences and listen to their inspiring words. Indeed, it was a session with a specific goal and orientation which can stand as a model for the future. But most importantly, it can work as a stepping-stone, preserving properly what has been achieved till now and at the same time, bring some inspiration for future conferences.
by Panagiotis Chatzistratis
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The impact of involvement in EYP Greece Quite often, EYPers tend to recognize each other in their everyday lives. Whether it is the way they speak, the way they act or simply their reaction to a word or phrase, people involved in EYP carry specific traits. There are always subtle, yet distinct clues that help in identifying them from non-EYPers. The truth is, EYP changes people. Starting from the sole process of standing up, expressing and defending your opinion, or trusting people you have just met to guide you while blindfolded, EYP allows one to grow as an individual. When participating in a session, either as a delegate or as an official, the interaction between people from different backgrounds, nationalities and cultures serves as a great opportunity for intercultural dialogue, thus increasing awareness and respect towards diverse mindsets. The involvement in EYP Greece provides youngsters favorable circumstances to do just that; grow as individuals and as Europeans. The way the EU works is often unclear in young people’s mind, while society does not always promote, or even accept diversity and open discussion regarding topics and ideas that contradict what is “normally accepted”. On top of that, lies the fact that with the given crisis and the political situation in the country, it is hard for Greece’s youth to gladly accept their pan-European coherence. By being involved in EYP, however, young people stop defining themselves as French, Italians, Dutch or Serbians, but acquire a wider identity, becoming Europeans. The entire essence of EYP promotes the European identity for participants, increasing awareness on the way the EU functions and of current European affairs. The importance of EYP though, is much greater than that. With points from resolutions produced during a session being sent and discussed in the actual European Parliament, its impact broadens. There are many examples of propositions written from EYPers which the Parliament endorsed and actually implemented. So it becomes clear: EYP is not just about travelling and having fun and meeting new people; it can mean so much more. It is a platform on which youth from across Europe can take a stand and be part of discussion in politics, education, employment or economics. It is a way to be present, to be willing to achieve slow, yet real, change. After all, “the world’s biggest power is the youth”.
by Anastasia Ntracha
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20
years of EYP Greece
20+ years of history
Now, with the 30th National Selection Conference of EYP Greece concluding, one more successful session is becoming a part of EYP Greece’s history. A history that goes on for more than 20 years and that hopefully will continue to go on for many generations to come. But I suppose that you all have one question in your mind: How did it all start? EYP was founded in the French capital, Paris, in 1987 and it is there where three out of the first four International Sessions were held. However the fourth International Session was held here, in Thessaloniki. In 1989 Thessaloniki hosted the first EYP session, in a country other than France. The man behind the session was Mr. John Gateley, professor in Anatolia College of Thessaloniki at the time. Mr Gateley continued to support EYP Greece, even when it was established as an independent organization. This process started in 1992, after the Alumni session in Strasbourg, where the establishment of an autonomous organization was decided, by every national delegation. EYP Greece was finally recognized as an independent NGO, in 1994. The next year the 1st NSC is organized in Thessaloniki and delegates are selected individually from their schools. In the same year a network of EYPers was established in Athens too, which resulted in the first NSC ever held in Athens in 1998. Since then, EYP Greece organizes two NSC every year, one in Thessaloniki and one in Athens. Apart from its national activity, EYP Greece also has a strong international presence. In March 1997, Thessaloniki hosted the 24th International session of the EYP, while Athens hosted two International sessions, one in 2001 and one in 2011. In addition, five international forums have been organized; the first was hosted in Kavala, in 2008, followed by Naousa Regional Forum in 2010. The third was the Ionian International Forum in Corfu in 2012 which was succeeded by the Thessaly International Forum in the summer of 2013. Last but not least, the fifth forum, Thessaloniki International Forum took place last August. After years of evolution and expansion, EYP Greece has reached the point of having members all over Greece. It is these members that take care and run the organization, through the General Meetings, which are held every month either in Thessaloniki or in Athens. With this session coming to an end, consider coming to these gatherings and join the community. It is you who will write the next pages of the EYP history.
by Nikos Avramidis
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EYP GREECE | A throwback in history The European Youth Parliament of Greece, or EYP Greece for short, is a non-profit organization, founded in 1994 in the city of Thessaloniki. Since then EYP Greece aims to give young people the opportunity to get involved into current European matters, to get in touch with democratic institutions and meet new people from all over Greece and Europe. 20 years, 30 successful National Conferences Since 1992 EYP Greece is regularly organizing two National Selection Conferences (NSC) annually, one in Thessaloniki and one in Athens. Through these sessions young delegates make their firsts steps in the world of EYP. The exponential increase on participation in the NCS is quite remarkable; during the NSC in 2004 there were less than 50 delegates, whereas today the sessions involve more than 100 delegates from all over Greece. Thessaloniki; one city, two International Sessions Thessaloniki’s contribution to EYP Greece is extremely significant through history. Among other things, this contribution includes the hosting of two International Sessions. Particularly notable is the fact that one of them, the 3rd International Session of EYP in 1989, was organized four years before EYP Greece was formed as an official organization. The General Assembly of that session was marked by the announcement of the fall of the Berlin wall. Eight years later, in 1997 Thessaloniki was announced European Cultural Capital and hosted another International Session with great success. Athens holds the 66th International Session In 2011 it was Athens’ turn to host an International Session. A challenging task, requiring great effort marking the first “modern” International Session ever organized by EYP Greece. Over 200 young Europeans met in Athens to discuss, tackle crucial problems and take matters into their own hands. The sessions’ theme was “Rediscovering democracy in its birthplace”; the most appropriate session theme for a session taking place in a city like Athens. Summer sessions in Greece, the ultimate destination EYP Greece excels in the organization of International Forums as it turns out to be one of the most active national committees in terms of hosting summer sessions. Back in 2008, the 1st Regional session was held in Kavala. The participation was most encouraging and in 2010 another Forum took place, this time in Naousa. The success of the aforementioned sessions was predisposing the 3rd International Forum on the island of Corfu, which was met with great excitement and support marking only the beginning of an era. Thessaly and Thessaloniki International Forums in 2013 and 2014 respectively, are still in the minds of those who were lucky to be a part them. All five sessions combined provide an inspiration for the nos i younger members to ov k maintain the tra- ou K dition; so who os knows what Nik is next? by
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he Br ch ea ai kin ns g t Plato, in his work The Republic, first brought the idea of a philosopher ruler as the most effective way of leadership. In his famous allegory of the cave, Plato explains that the philosopher is the only person who, unlike the others, is not satisfied with shadows in the wall of his cave, but instead fights to break the chains, leave the cave and see the world for what it really is‌ More than two thousand years later, we are still in a way like the cave men when it comes to the pan-European or worldwide cooperation between countries, especially on the cultural level. Although not unanimously, the world is slowly floating towards new seas of connections between countries; globalization is a process that moves forward in small tides. In the current stage of the world, the role of the EU is not limited to the borders of the old continent; instead, EU is an organization striving for unity between the countries with the tendency to create a ripple effect. The benefits of a border-free world, where citizens do not feel themselves as simply a part of their nationality, but especially as Global Citizens, who strive for global development, are certainly vital for world development. European Youth Parliament (EYP) connects youngsters from all over Europe, and renders them more aware of the current reality on a European, but also on national level, since these two are highly correlated. Providing youth with a broader perspective on national and European reality, shaping critical thinking towards the current reality, raising awareness towards other cultures, people and mindsets, EYP contributes immensely to further pushing and developing unity and mutual understanding worldwide
by Kostina Prifti
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Can EYP change the world?
This is a tough question but all EYPers would very easily give the same answer; yes! Hundreds of young Europeans participate in numerous sessions and EYP events; they puzzle themselves over severe European issues that have to do either with politics, economics, human rights or culture. They pore over them, study thoroughly on many aspects on each problem. They brainstorm together, they discuss and at the end of the committee work, they come up with resolutions, which they propose to the General Assembly. However, EYP is not just about resolutions. What I mean is that in each session participants are given the opportunity to meet new people, coming from different socio-economic backgrounds, with different stories and life experiences to share. During EYP sessions we interact in a safe environment, where each one can express their personal thoughts, feelings and ideas without being judged. People can agree to disagree while having high respect for each other. Resolutions and human relationsvhips are of paramount importance for all EYPers. Nonetheless, we may understand if EYP can change the world if we attempt to answer why we actually do EYP? Is it because we want to boost our self-esteem and show off? Is it because we want to play teambuilding games and improve our English? Or is there another reason why we keep participating in EYP activities? Do we conceive the European continent is one united area, where we all live and interact? Do we realize that we are the future and if we want something to change then it is in our initiative to achieve it? Once we realize that, then the answer to the question Can EYP change the world? is Yes indeed.
by Natasa Antalaki
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An interview with Christos Triftoudis, Founding Member of EYP Greece
-How do you feel about the Ν’ session? - I really enjoy seeing many beautiful and devoted young people that continue our work with lots of love and energy. In fact I am very happy that a dream of us conceived 20 years ago manages to inspire so many people. Thus, I am very happy that you invited me to attend this session because it was also a chance to see lots of loved and familiar faces. I feel really emotional right now. Moreover, I am very pleased with the topic choices and with the way the organizing committee handles every situation. I have noticed that so far no problem has appeared whatsoever. Furthermore, I really like the way the delegates approach the topics as well as the fact that they seem to have researched not just theirs but all the topics of the agenda. - Can you spot similarities and differences between this session and older ones? -As far as the similarities are concerned, the youth always seems passionate and idealistic with the way they handle the different topics. Also, the organizing committee still cares about the wellbeing of all session’s participants and tries to resolve every issue in a harmonic and discrete way. The big difference I noticed is that youth today seems to be much
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more organized and capable to deal with any issue that may occur. However, I felt that the delegates I observed discussing seemed less rebellious and innovative and that can be a bit disappointing. I expected them to feel angrier towards us, the previous generations, for the current reality. I would like them to be more demanding! -If you would organize a session right now what would be your priority? -I believe that it is important to motivate people to join the discussions so my priority would be to choose an appropriate session theme to grab everybody’s attention. As far as the 30th NSC is concerned, the topics are indeed very carefully selected. I am not sure though that I would put internet under the umbrella of de-marginalisation. However, I do understand the necessity of having a topic on such an important tool for our modern, technologically-inclined societies. - What would you like to say to the delegates? - First of all I would like to thank all delegates for their participation and I would also like to make a small request; You have arguments and you have a voice; shout as loud as you can so that everybody hears you!
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A discussion with Solon Molcho, Founding Member of EYP Greece
A person that during the conference did stand out with his special presence, his inspiring words, bright ideas and his eagerness to help, got involved in the flow of the conference, made comments and helped us see things from a different perspective; during the GA I met Solon Molcho and had an interesting discussion. Being one of the founding members of EYP Greece, and having achieved many things since then, Solon has the experience, the understanding and the ability to evaluate the efforts made in this conference, share his opinion with us concerning the whole organisation, detect the positive sides and the kind of progress that has been made throughout the years. What he found interesting and impressive about this conference was its structure; a very efficient, well-set and goal-oriented organisation with skillful members that managed to pull through a great number of tasks, stick to the programme and cover all participants’ needs. Compared to the first Greek NSC in 1995, Solon observed the great number of delegates, the vast participation from schools, the improved academic background, the currency of the topics contributing to a high level debate and an all-in-all qualitative session. The impact of such organisations is radical. Discipline, respecting the rules, creativity development and academic variety have set a whole new and promising path for EYP Greece. Making such a progress is a great conquest for this organisation, which has a bright future ahead.
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A little apprehensive, tight lipped, unsure perhaps but eager, excited all the same. why? what about? You are starting to express opinions, fledglings spreading their wings for the first time. You are starting to think, articulate, and even enjoy the process. You may not know it yet, but you are changing in the process. You are but the tip of the iceberg. Many have walked this path before, and many more will, i am now convinced, follow. This will become a habit of yours. I am watching you like a dot in an Escher drawing. Your organizers are great. They feel that they have undertaken a Herculean task. They have not. They have undertaken a Sisyphean one. Step up and into their shoes. Spread the benefit and make the contradiction a truism. Thank you Solon Molho
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