Resolution Booklet - IEFA 2014

1st International EYP Forum in Armenia

Yerevan 2014 3-4 May, 2014

RESOLUTION BOOKLET

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Contents Procedure of the General Assembly ................................................................................. 4 Motion for a Resolution by the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ................................................................................................................................. 5 Motion for a Resolution by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) ........................ 7 Motion for a Resolution by the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE) ............ 9 Motion for a Resolution by the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) ............................................................................................................................... 11 Motion for a Resolution by the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) ............................................................................................................................................ 14 Motion for a Resolution by the Committee on Human Rights (DROI) ....................... 17 Motion for a Resolution by the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) ..................................................................................................................... 20 Motion for a Resolution by the Committee on Environment, Food Security and Public Health (ENVI) ......................................................................................................... 22 Motion for a Resolution by the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM)............................................................................................................................... 25 Motion for a Resolution by the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) ............ 28

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â?§ The content of the resolutions do not, by any means, reflect opinions or politics of

the European Youth Parliament Armenia as an organisation. The opinions are limited to the respective authors of the topic overviews only.

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Procedure of the General Assembly General rules The wish to speak is indicated by raising the committee placard. The authority of the board is absolute.

Procedure and time settings 1. Reading out the operative clauses 2. Three minutes to defend the motion for a resolution 3. Three minutes to attack the motion for a resolution 4. 30 minutes of open debate 5. Five minutes to sum up the debate 6. Voting procedure 7. Announcing the votes

Friendly amendment Friendly amendment is a last-minute modification of a resolution. They are to be handed in on a specific form one resolution before the resolution in question.

Direct response Each committee may use the direct response placard once per debate. Should a committee member raise the committee placard and the direct response sign, the board recognises the committee immediately. The direct response sign is used to answer the point made directly beforehand.

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E CONOMIC

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M ONETARY A FFAIRS

(ECON) Since the start of the financial crisis the EU has been facing growing competitiveness gaps within the region and become a more fragile bloc. Countries have received international monetary assistance, bailouts and other rescues mechanisms with the string of “austerity� attached. What should the EU stance be for the governments to build support for reforms aimed at reducing debt and fostering competitiveness?

Submitted by:

Davit

Shindyan

(Chairperson,

AM),

Astghik

Abrahamyan

(AM),

Dianna Asryan (AM), Eduard Melkonian (AM), Grigor Ghazaryan (AM), Gurgen Khasapetyan (AM), Kristina Medvedeva (RU), Lucine Alexanyan (AM), Mariam Gabrielyan (AM), Nazeli Aslanyan (AM), Shake Sargsyan (AM), Shant Kehyeian (AM), Shushan Margaryan (AM), Sona Badalyan (AM), Vicrotia Pilinko (LV), Yeranuhi Yandyan (AM)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Realizing increasing competition for natural resources as a global challenge and energy dependence of the EU from other states, B. Recognising the ineffective flexibility of EU labour markets and imbalance in labour markets, C. Taking into account the weak links between educational system and business sector in the countries of the Eastern Europe, D. Realising non-sufficient level of new technologies adoption in the private sector, E. Alarmed by rising external competition from BRIC states,

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F. Deeply concerned by uneven development within the EU,

1. Declares accordingly to diversify the energy sources import and find substitution of traditional energy sources, 2. Calls

for

the

creation

of

tax

exemption

mechanisms

for

energy

efficiency

schemes among economic operators, 3. Encourages to increase wages flexibility and to improve labour market models for economic operators, in particular for SMEs, 4. Supports direct involvement of business into education in the countries of Eastern Europe, 5. Emphasizes the need to increase the number of intercultural/language/traineeship exchange programmes and their funding, develop user-friendly platforms and applications for EU-wide job search, offer assistance for mobile workers, 6. Calls for investments of more private funds in R&D and technology and digital infrastructure, support SME and start-ups, creation of conditions for financial industry to back innovations, improvement of financing opportunities for business ideas, encouragement of educational/industry collaboration, 7. Further recommends to secure the manufacturing sectors and know-how while enabling industry to preserve its global competitiveness.

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F OREIGN A FFAIRS (AFET)

Since Yanukovych refused to sign an Association Agreement with the EU, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have taken to the streets of Kyiv and other cities entailing the resignation of the government. What policy should the EU adopt towards Ukraine in the given circumstances given the huge pressure and economic sanctions imposed from Russia on Ukraine?

Submitted by:

Veronika Aghajanyan (Chairperson, AM), Ani Baghdasaryan (AM), Areg Badalyan (AM), Armine Shahverdyan (AM), Armine Tsarukyan (AM), David Harutyunyan (AM), Diana Amirbekyan (AM), Elizabet Mamikonyan

(AM),

Gayane

Muradyan

(AM),

Gayane

Shabunts

(AM), Hayk Aleksanyan (AM), Kristina Simonyan (AM), Martina Reichmanova (CZ), Nurbek Rymbekov (KZ), Rabih Eltair (LB), Sandra Insenburg (DE), Satenik Davtyan (AM), Susanna Alexanyan (AM), Susanna Avetyan (AM)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Taking into account that Ukraine has a temporary government unable to control the complete territory of Ukraine, B. Recognizing the violation of constitutional law of Ukraine by holding referendum in Crimea, whilst excluding the rest of Ukraine, C. Alarmed by the lack of efficient dialogue between the European Union and the Russian Federation, D. Deeply disturbed by the further escalation of the situation in Ukraine and the threat of civil war,

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E. Deeply conscious of the critical situation caused by the increased price of natural gas and the threats of Russia to cut the supply, F. Being aware of the limits on trade for exports and imports in Ukraine, G. Taking into consideration the financial dependency of Ukraine on Russia, H. Noting further the economic fluctuations in the country such as inflation, the decline of the value of the national currency and the increase in unemployment, I.

Noting with regret the violation of fundamental human rights such as the freedom of expression, the right of life and justice and the rights of minorities

1. Acknowledges the reality that Crimea is already a part of Russia and recommends EU to accept the fact, therefore, giving a new breath to the relations between EU and Russia and encouraging Russia to support further Ukrainian territorial integrity, 2. Encourages current authorities to conduct free and fair presidential elections, 3. Calls upon international delegates from other states including EU, Russian Federation and other international actors to ensure unbiased observation of the presidential elections, 4. Encourages the future government of Ukraine to have a constructive dialogue with Russia on the issue of territorial integrity of Ukraine, 5. Encourages Ukraine to develop the renewable energy program as an alternative source of energy, 6. Recommends the EU to provide assistance to Ukraine in improving the quality of the products in order to meet the EU standards and, therefore, to enter the European market, 7. Suggests to initiate an international committee on monitoring the international financial assistance to Ukraine, 8. Suggests a common platform for all the parties involved to conduct investigation on the possibility of adoption a new state structure, accommodating needs and interests of the national minorities in Ukraine.

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D EFENCE (SEDE)

Since the political violence escalation in Egypt (summer of 2013), the EU Foreign Affairs Council has declared the actions of the Egyptian security forces disproportionate, hence, suspended the export to Egypt of any equipment which might be used for internal repression. At this stage of the EU-Egypt cooperation, in which way the EU should reassess its export of military equipment and review its security assistance to Egypt?

Submitted by:

Inna

Shcherbyna

(Chairperson,

UA),

Tatev

Hayrapetyan

(Chairperson, AM), Alik Sargsyan (AM), Anano Basilaia (GE), Ani Papyan (AM), Armine Gabrielyan (AM), Bill Sandstorm (NO), Diana Nikoghosyan (AM), Diana Torosyan (AM), Hagop Khachatrian (AM), Louise Poghosyan (AM), Lusine Minasyan (AM), Mohamed Ghazy (EG), Nina Kankanyan (AM), Nune Hayrapetyan (AM), Roksolana Yusypchuk (UA), Shogher Sahakyan (AM), Sos Avetisyan (AM).

The European Youth Parliament, A. Fully aware of the escalations of clashes between the supporters of former president Moursy and the current government, B. Keeping in mind the necessity to restore the security and peace in Egypt, to guarantee stability and sustainable development for the future generations, to minimize the on-going

violence,

C. Deeply regretting the continuous violation of human rights, D. Recognizing the urgent need for political reform aiming to enhance the democratic political structures, E. Noting with deep concern the violence of human rights because of the lack of the dialogue between political parties,

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F. Taking into consideration the possibility of acquiring the military equipment from other sources by Egypt, G. Welcoming the creation of the incentives for democratic development and good governance.

1. Calls for the export of military equipment to Egypt to be further conditioned by the will of the Egyptian government in order to a) insure the security and stability for its citizens, b) enhance the democratic reforms, c) ensure fair trails via civil courts 2. Further requests to allow European monitoring missions to track political reforms aimed at ensuring political pluralism, 3. Recommends to create the platform for peaceful exchange of ideas and raising concerns between the opposing parties, 4. Encourages to respond the protests by the attraction of investments for police trainings in order to minimize clash cases, 5. Further proclaims the establishing of Human Rights Office in Egypt.

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S OCIAL A FFAIRS

(EMPL) With budgets still tight and austerity measures in place, Europe's youth unemployment rate stands at 23.5 percent, with every 4th young European being unemployed. Taking into account, that the youth employment is the backbone of the competitive economy and failure to

ensure the latter may result in social tensions, the above-mentioned issues has become very urgent in the recent years for the EU and EaP. Thus, what should be the main pillars of the program to reverse the rising joblessness for the under 25’s in the EU and EaP countries?

Submitted by:

Anna

Mamyan

(Chairperson,

AM),

Anna

Leidig

(DE),

Anna

Shahinyan (AM), Isabel Shatoyan (AM), Karen Smbatyan (AM), Karen Melkomyan (AM), Karlen Martirosyan (AM), Mariam Davtyan (AM), Mariam Meyroyan (AM), Mariam Tumanyan (AM), Margarita Mnatsakanyan (AM), Mikayel Melikyan (AM), Narine Khachatryan (AM), Nataliya Borys (HU), Paruyr Danielian (AM), Rim Bassem Mikhail (EG), Tatevik Margaryan (AM), Teona Gelashvili (GE), Zina Hovhannisyan (AM) The European Youth Parliament, A. Deeply concerned with a higher rate of youth unemployment in EU Member States, B. Believing in the successful implementation of Europe 2020 by EU Member States,1 C. Emphasizing the lack of centralized data and trustworthy information, D. Taking into account the lack of mobility among young people,

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Europe 2020 is a 10-year strategy proposed by the European Commission for advancement of

the economy of the European Union.

E. Having considered the language differences as a barrier to labour flexicurity and mobility,2 F. Noting with deep concern the lack of assistance for adaptation and orientation at a new workplace (both professional and social), G. Alarmed by the fact that there is very little cooperation between the employer and potential employees, H. Deeply conscious about society’s pressure on least common professions, I.

Considering the lack of specially designed professional orientation programmes in high schools,

J.

Convinced that the support from governments to push up businesses is less than it should be,

1. Urges stronger partnerships between political authorities, business and trade unions at EU, national, regional and local levels, 2. Encourages the Member States to efficiently implement and promote Youth on the Move educational and employment initiatives,3 3. Requests European Commission to allocate more funds for investments in youth entrepreneurship and further develop support for social entrepreneurs and young starters, 4. Supports Member States to create marketing campaigns, improve quality and quantity of information available in labour markets and encourage youngsters to get involved in jobs, 5. Recommends of better implementing EURES on-line platform and promotion throughout all Europe,4 6. Encourages Member States to create career centres, which will provide a real life- work experience for the students with specific achievements, moreover establish work-study opportunities in order to get job experience,

2

Flexicurity is about striking the right balance between flexible job arrangements and secure transi-

tions between jobs, so that more and better jobs can be created.

3

Youth on the Move is a comprehensive package of policy initiatives on education and employ-

ment for young people in Europe.

4

European Employment Services is a cooperation network designed to facilitate the free movement of

workers within the European Economic Area.

7. Calls upon Member States organizing professional orientation sessions to different type of organizations (factories, corporations, NGOs) and giving possibilities for studying various languages, 8. Encourages EU Member States to match the school/university requirements with company’s requirements and expectations by establishing communication between institutions and organizations, 9. Further recommends creating an advertisement campaign for raising the awareness among society towards least common professions, 10. Recommends EU member states to encourage the establishment of SMEs in accordance to Small Business Act (SBA) by adopting flexible taxation system (taxation according to the amount of sales, equity, etc.) 5.

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The SBA builds on the Commission’s and Member States’ policy achievements, creates a new policy

framework which integrates the existing enterprise policy instruments.

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I NDUSTRY , R ESEARCH

AND

(ITRE)

E NERGY

The EU aims to get 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020 to enable cutting greenhouse emissions and make it less dependent on imported energy. But on the other hand the stability of Europe’s electricity generation is at risk from the warped market structure caused by skyrocketing renewable energy subsidies which have led to unacceptably high utility bills for the residences and businesses , and even risk causing continent-wide blackouts. What trade-off the EU should come up with to address the current issue?

Submitted by: Karapet Gyumjibashyan (Chairperson, AM), Lara Leitner (Chairperson, AT), Ganna Kondratiuk (UA), Manish Parashar (IN), Mohammadreza Hatamzadeh Esfahani (IR), Alexandrina

Vasilichi

(RO), Giorgi

Mosiashvili (GE),

Arman

Gasparian

(AM),

Hrachya

Tandilyan (AM), Tatevik Torosyan (AM), Eduard Babayan (AM), Ani Hayrapetyan (AM), Marine Baghdasaryan (AM), Anna Hovhannisyan (AM), Ani Mkrtchyan (AM), Yeva Harutyunyan (AM), Ani Makaryan (AM), Sirun Shekoyan (AM) The European Youth Parliament, A. Noting with regret that EU countries that produce oil and gas are not politically interested in the development of the renewable energy sector, B. Deeply concerned by the existence of lobbying activities against renewables from the companies engaged in fossil fuel business, C. Fully aware of the lack of implementation and monitoring of national policies concerning renewable energy , D. Noting with deep concern the dependence of EU's energy security on Russia-EU political relations and the lack of diversification of energy supply routes caused by: a. the high level of corruption and bribery in Russia b. the lack of conflict-resolving mechanism

c.

the market vulnerability to political problems in oil/gas producing countries

E. Fully aware of the high cost of R&D (Research and Development) in production and storage of renewable energy which results in the: a. decrease of short term welfare for Member States b. lack of incentives for investments in R&D F. Recognizing the market's instability and the seasonal dependence of renewable energy production, G. Deeply disturbed with the skyrocketing prices of renewable energy subsidies and the high tariffs for end consumers, H. Having studied the improbability to increase the efficiency of energy by 20% by 2020, I.

Observing

the

lack

of

interconnection

between

the

Member

States

regarding

exchanging knowledge on renewable energy production and research, J.

Taking into account that not all the sectors are covered by ETS (Energy Trading System) regulations,

1. Recommends to introduce grant and loan programmes as well as provide tax privileges for high energy consuming companies to foster renewable energy production, 2. Requests the creation of national and international committees for political advice and experience, 3. Calls for a mechanism to manage the Russia/Ukraine/EU relations in energy and support the realization of a common energy policy to give more power to the Agency for Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) in areas of gas supply, prices and contracts, 4. Encourages to find new sources and partners to diversify energy import and stabilize the prices by considering to include more sectors in ETS besides transportation, agriculture, waste and housing and revise and strengthen legislations, 5. Affirms further lowering of taxes for renewable energy producers involving banks and providing financial incentives for renewable energy users in the form of taking percentages off prices, 6. Further invites to increase public awareness for companies and platforms of the benefits of renewable energies,

7. Endorses giving privileges to traditional energy area employees for easier access to new job opportunities, 8. Further proclaims the necessity to increase the amount of storages

a. of CO2 in underground geological formations to decrease the negative environmental impact of traditional energy processes b. of energy in pumped-storage systems c.

of fossil fuels in order to overcome possible blackout risks

9. Calls upon allocation of more resources in the post-Lisbon Energy Initiative and Energy Efficiency Action Plan.

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H UMAN R IGHTS (DROI)

ON

The law that bans Holocaust denial has been adopted in most of the EU countries and has been in force already for a decade. In the recent years, the Armenian Genocide denial law has been brought on the agenda of several European superpowers and since then become a very disputable issue. Its supporters are underlining the importance of preventing the hate speech, while its opponents bring forward the limitation to the freedom of speech. What should the EU’s stance be on the matter, given its strong ties with Turkey?

Submitted by:

Hovsep

Patvakanyan

(Chairperson,

AM),

Amalya

Fljyan

(AM),

Andranik Shirinyan (AM), Ani Hakobyan (AM), Ani Varderesyan (AM),

Arman

Melikyan

(AM),

Armine

Mosiyan

(AM),

Hasmik

Karapetyan (AM), Henrik Harutyunyan (AM), Igor Gralczyk (PL), Lewis Emmerton (UK), Magdalena Karkulak (PL), Minas Shahinian (AM),

Petya

Yankova

(BU),

Rima

Kharatyan

(AM),

Shoghig

Keoshkerian (AM), Sona Ignatosyan (AM), Tatev Derzyan (AM), Vilmante Lokcikaite (LT)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Alarmed by the existence of the Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code which makes it illegal to insult Turkey, the Turkish nation and Turkish government institutions, and, furthermore, penalizes those residents who raise the issue of the Armenian Genocide recognition, B. Noting the ongoing contradiction between the concepts of the hate speech and freedom of speech on the matter of the Armenian Genocide denial law adoption, C. Noting with regret the lack of dialogue between the Armenian and Turkish states on the process of the recognition reconciliation,

D. Bearing in mind that in case of the Genocide recognition the monetary compensation to the successors of the Armenian Genocide survivors are to be incurred by the current Turkish government, E. Taking into account that Armenian-Turkish border was closed by Turkey

since 1993

after the collapse of the Soviet Union, F. Further recalling that Armenian Genocide recognition and the opening of the TurkishArmenian border are preconditions for Turkey to gain the full EU membership, G. Realizing that the lack of cooperation between the youth organizations from Turkey and Armenia on the Genocide recognition issue may perpetuate and escalate the mistrust between the civil societies of the two states.

1. Expresses its hope that the Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code which makes it illegal to insult Turkish nation will be reconsidered so as not to limit the fundamental right of freedom of speech as defined by the UNDHR and the European Charter of the Human Rights, 2. Calls the EU members and Turkey to recognize the massacres of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire in 1915-1921 as genocide in accordance with the UN

Convention

on

Genocide of 1948 and take all the necessary measures to prevent the hate speech and xenophobic activities on the matter, 3. Invites Turkey to a dialogue with Armenia on the topic of the recognition of the Genocide with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy being a mediator in the process, 4. Encourages disclosure of all available archives and documents on the Armenian–Turkish shared history that will be used by the Independent Expert Committee to evaluate the monetary losses to be incurred by the Turkish Government after the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, 5. Approves the initiation of a discussion on the opening of the border between Turkey and Armenia without a precondition of involving

3rd

parties in the reconciliation process,

6. Endorses the establishment of more youth programs aiming at the Armenian-Turkish cultural exchange, including the creation of the common history books with the supervision of the academicians from the Armenian and Turkish Universities.

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C IVIL L IBERTIES , J USTICE A FFAIRS (LIBE)

AND

H OME

In the recent years one of the most disputable topics in the EU has become the burqa ban law. Many European countries have adopted the laws banning wearing clothes that constitute an ostensible religious symbol in the public places, mainly referring to the hijab, veil, and the burqa. The supporters of the law justify it as a measure to ensure the secularism and religious neutrality of the state, while the opponents highly criticize it emphasizing the violation of basic human rights and civil liberties. Should the burqa ban law take a more pan-European level or should be reconsidered given the high rate of Muslim population in the EU? Submitted by:

Rima Sargsyan (Chairperson, AM), Amalia Kamalian (AM), Armine Khamoyan (AM), Christian Michels (LU), Edgar Andriasyan (AM), Grigor Janikyan (AM), Hanna Huryna (BY), Hmayak Manukyan (AM), Katarzyna Budzinska (PL), Lilit Gizhlaryan (AM), Lusine Grigoryan (AM), Mary Mesropyan (AM), Mate Tevzadze (GE), Mikayel Arzumanyan (AM), Nazeli Tovmasyan (AM), Olga Cojocariu (RO), Silva Vardanyan (AM), Yerazik Alexian (AM)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Reaffirming belief in the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms, especially those of religion and expression, B. Emphasizing the importance of individual freedom of choice and respect for human dignity, C. Noting further the importance of providing opportunities for women to exercise their right of free will, D. Alarmed by the concerns on behalf of religious minorities, specifically those of Muslims, regarding the possibility of losing their cultural identity,

E. Fully believing in the significance of both cultural and social integration of women wearing burqas, hijabs and niqabs, F. Recognizing the existing security issues connected with hardships of identification and face-recognition of people wearing face-covering clothing attire, G. Assuring the secularism of the state and the educational institutions,

1. Emphasizes the significance of the role of the government in protection of fundamental human rights, 2. Recommends EU Member States to undertake necessary measures directed towards a)

organizing obligatory formal and non-formal educational activities for individuals willing to gain permanent residency in the EU member states,

b)

facilitating the accessibility of these formal and non-formal educational activities for any other person interested,

3. Urges EU Member States to provide hotlines and assistance in conducting anonymous surveys for Muslim women concerning their freedom of choice in wearing a hijab, burqa, or niqab, 4. Expresses the need for organizing intercultural events, forums, conferences and social meetings separately for men and women aimed at sharing and exchanging different cultural values and empowering tolerance, 5. Calls upon EU Member States to impose the requirement of a visible face on identification documents and consequently at the travel checkpoints, 6. Strongly condemns wearing face-covering clothing attire in the forms of hijab, burqa and niqab by the teaching staff in schools in order to exclude the impact of the strong religious symbolism over forming minds of minors.

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E NVIRONMENT , F OOD S ECURITY

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P UBLIC H EALTH (ENVI)

Air pollution is a local, pan-European and hemispheric issue. Air pollutants released in one country may be transported in the atmosphere, contributing to or resulting in poor air quality elsewhere. In Europe, emissions of many air pollutants have decreased substantially over the past decades, however, air pollutant concentrations are still too high, and air quality problems persist. What new mechanisms or non-tariff barriers should the EU apply to reduce the air pollution?

Submitted by:

Margarita Gevorgyan (Chairperson, AM), Aghavni Avetisyan (AM), Ana Mirianashvili (GE), Anahit Yeprikyan (AM), David Alaverdyan (AM), Durek Babakhanian (AM), Elena Shishkina (RU), Elya Ghiasyan (AM), Fredrik Svensson (UK), Henrike Wenger (DE), Irina Muradyan (AM), Lusine Snkchyan (AM), Nare Vardanyan (AM), Natalie Sahakyan (AM), Rusudan Mamutchadze (GE), Svetlana Hovhannisyan (AM), Tigran Bazarchyan (AM), Vardges Shahmenendyan (AM)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Taking into account that emission caused by usage of fuel leads to increased level of CO2, SO2, Pb, NO2 causing cardio respiratory diseases, B.

Having considered

that air pollution and soil/water contamination caused by facto-

ries create a danger not only for humans, but also for

plants and animals,

C. Deeply concerned with the fact that ozone depletion caused

by air pollution exposes

human directly to the ultraviolet radiation causing number of diseases,

D. Further recalling with the fact that Green House effect leads to Global Warming, Non-communicable diseases and hazardous smogs, E. Guided by the fact that there is lack of traffic regulation, F. Taking into account the poor quality of petrol, G. Fully aware that as per EU Clean Air Policy Package

EU national emission ceilings

and EU air quality standards are established, though not all the EU member states have adopted the policy package, H. Noting further that livestock production accounts for:

I.

i)

9% of carbon dioxide emissions,

ii)

37% of methane emissions,

iii)

65% of nitrous oxide,

iv)

68% of ammonia emissions,

Recognizing that, due to that food production has shifted to intensive industrial production units to meet the increasing food demand, the use of pesticides, fertilizers and chemicals has increased, in an incorrect way,

J.

Deeply disturbed by

the lack of environmental education among students, business

and farmers, K. Nothing with dissatisfaction the lack of social advertising in recycling and reusage issues, L. Noting further the lack of promotion of alternative transportation, 1. Requests

making public transport

more affordable and comfortable in order to re-

duce the number of vehicles, 2. Discourages building factories near houses or villages and reinforcing the law of using filters for factories, 3. Encourages the usage of the cars that runs on electricity which comes from renewable energy sources and having common electrical chargers for them in all the EU member states, 4. Suggests that imported cars should pass strict regulations. Reinforce the law of using filters on cars and make more routes for bikes as environmentally friendly way of transportation,

5. Recommends the EU member states to install traffic lights with buttons which will stop the traffic for passengers when needed, construct underground and ground transitions and increase the price for parking in narrow streets, 6. Declares accordingly to ensure that petrol undergoes special inspection/check on the quality and is filtered from lead, 7. Calls the EU countries to fully adopt the EU Clean Air Policy Package, which establishes the EU national emission ceilings and EU air quality standards, 8. Suggests that: i)

Carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced by using fossil fuels more efficiently and moving towards renewable sources of energy,

ii)

Methane emissions can be reduced by improving the diets of livestock,

iii)

Nitrous oxide emissions can be reduced by improving pesticide and fertilizer management,

iv)

Ammonia emissions can be reduced by, for example, ensuring that animals are not fed more protein than necessary. Additionally, ozone- depleting substances can be reduced by maintaining refridgeration equipment in farms,

9. Endorsing that agricultural technologies must be improved and enhanced across the world, to reduce the environmental harm, such as air pollution, caused by the livestock sector while still ensuring food security. These technologies include precision feed and precision use of pesticides, 10. Encourages the initiation of creating Eco-clubs in educational and institutions to promote Eco-lifestyle, 11. Suggests organizing media-competitions and promotional instruments among youth against air pollution, 12. Supports implementing Eco-lifestyle promoting events such as “No Car� day with involvement of local politicians and celebrities.

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BY AND

E QUALITY (FEMM)

G ENDER

A gender imbalance in the three states of the South Caucasus has always been issue from the very beginning of their independence from the Soviet Union. Nevertheless, the biggest issue in these terms remain the gender based abortion and is of utmost urgency given its potential consequences and because it perpetuates a culture of gender inequality. In which way should the EU use its levers to impose the change in the national legislation to combat gender based abortions in those countries?

Submitted by:

Caterina Duca (Chairperson, SE), Samson Martirosyan (Chairperson, AM),

Armine

Tumanyan

(AM),

Artyom

Avagyan

(AM),

Ejmin

Shahbazian (AM), Flavio De Prosperis (IT), Hasmik Aloyan (AM), Hripsime Zohrabyan (AM), Judith Rosendahl (DE), Julia Blach (DE), Lilit Sargsyan (AM), Lusine Yeghiazaryan (AM), Maria Vardanyan (AM),

Marie

Borisyonok

(BY),

Meline

Ghonyan

(AM),

Suren

Khachatryan (AM), Syuzanna Smbatyan (AM), Tatevik Mkrtumyan (AM), Tatevik Sevoyan (AM)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Noting with deep concern that the combination of predominantly conservative views and a lack of education in the field of reproductive health and gender equality among people in South Caucasus is one of the reasons of the high rates of sex-selective abortions, B. Deeply concerned by the fact that the pension provided by the respective states to retired people is not sufficient to ensure decent living standards which leads to financial dependence of parents on male children, C. Taking into account that low standards of living do not allow families to have the desired number of children, thus increasing the probability of sex-selective abortions,

D. Fully alarmed by the practice of illegal abortions and the lack of regulations by the government on abortion drugs that are sold in pharmacies without medical prescription, E. Aware of women’s vulnerability in terms of financial dependence on their partners leading to a relevant imbalance in decision making concerning family planning, F. Keeping in mind the historical and cultural backgrounds, geographic characteristics and economic situations of the states of South Caucasus, the outcome of which are widespread

stereotypes such as strict and fixed gender roles, gender inequality,

and a

socio-cultural family structure that attributes privileges to conceiving a male child, G. Having considered that the citizens in the South Caucasus states distrust their governments, NGOs and international programs, thus making many of the projects concerning the solution of the gender based abortion issue being perceived negatively and impeding the realization of their full potential, H. Aware of the negative influence that an unbalanced Mass Media production reflects by representing stereotypical family structures which the audience does not question , I.

Observing that the lack of awareness among women and men in the South Caucasus region on topics such as contraception, negative effects of abortion on women’s health, their problems with the existing bureaucracy in the healthcare system, and the lack of expertise of professionals in the medical field, fosters high levels of unwanted pregnancies, which result in induced abortions especially if the sex of the foetus is female,

J.

Fully believing that the cultural reason of the high level of gender based selective abortion in South Caucasus is considered to be the male-centred mentality, which is partly based on historical backgrounds and educational gaps,

1. Encourages governments to adopt and develop educational projects about reproductive health and gender equality in schools and universities, 2. Encourages the governments to reform the social security system in order to guarantee decent living standards to the elderly thus ensuring their financial independence from their children,

3. Recommends the governments to increase the amount of financial aid provided to families for improving healthcare and subsidies for newly born children, 4. Expresses its hope that the governments adopt stricter laws to sanction illegal abortion practices and ban selling abortion drugs in pharmacies without medical prescription; 5. Further calls upon the European Commission to allocate small-scale grants to compensate wage gaps to women employed by the private enterprises, in order to increase their equal involvement in the labour market, 6. Encourages the European Commission to provide financial aid to the NGOs working in the field of gender equality and reproductive health issues in the states of the South Caucasus region, thus enabling them to provide expertise to different stakeholders (i.e. teachers, community leaders etc.), who will then spread this knowledge among the whole civil society, 7. Recommends the Ministries of Health of each respective country to organize public discussions and relevant educational events on contraception, family planning, consequences of abortion and other reproductive health related issues, 8. Further recommends, while emphasizing the freedom of the Media, to implement educational programs promoted with the help of celebrities and professionals on TV, radio, printed periodicals, newspapers and other kind of publications, 9. Supports all initiatives and efforts of the governments aimed to address and combat corruption in the healthcare system, 10. Further recommends, in order to remove the cultural obstacles through education to a deeper understanding of the consequences of the issue of gender based abortion, the promotion of youth camps, psychology courses and consultations to be available in the educational institutions of South Caucasus countries.

M OTION THE

C OMMITTEE

ON

FOR A

R ESOLUTION

BY

C ONSTITUTIONAL A FFAIRS (AFCO)

The negotiations on the EU membership with the EU member candidate countries like Turkey and Serbia have revived in the recent years. Nevertheless, taking into account the existing territorial dispute between Serbia and Kosovo, closed Turkish-Armenian border, what institutional reforms are required to deal with the current political situation?

Submitted by:

Areg Kochinyan (chairperson, AM), Aleksandra Kwasniewska (PL), Ani Avagyan (AM), Anna Hayrapetyan (AM),

Araks Avetyan (AM),

Arevik Avoyan (AM), Hakob Avetisyan (AM),

Lilit Gevorgyan (AM),

Manushak

Kiloian

(AM),

Maria

Chillingaryan

(AM),

Mariam

Alexanyan (AM), Monika Khloyan (AM), Petros Arabyan (AM), Rachel Looney (IR), Raffi Elliot (AM), Saba Karanadze (GE), Sos Hakobyan (AM), Varduhi Avanesyan (AM)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Taking into consideration that the closed border between Armenia and Turkey, a) increases travel time and costs for goods, limits trade potential b) makes Gyumri-Kars railroad not operational c) keeps border regions of both countries underdeveloped d) negatively affect investor trust in regional stability, thereby decreasing potential foreign direct investment e) lacks regional tourism potential B. Realizing Turkey’s stance on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution issue, C. Alarmed by Regional instability (cross-border terrorism, trafficking etc.), D. Deeply conscious that Armenian-Turkish conflict generates

a) mutual mistrust b) issues revolving around ownership of historical heritage c) lack of cross-border cooperation and communication E. Deeply concerned about lack of regional stability in the region because of SerbianKosovo conflict, F. Taking into account Kosovo’s negative image, G. Further recalling for protection of the Serbian minority in Northern Kosovo, H. Fully alarmed with lack of communication between civil society in Kosovo and Serbia.

1. Recommends parties to sign bilateral agreement that will allow goods of primary importance (medicine, consumer basket, etc.) to cross directly through the border in the nearest future, 2. Calls upon EU officials to coordinate investment conferences with the Turkish and Armenian governments, and top organisations in order to attract investors and promote sectors for investment to reduce investor distrust in the region, 3. Supports parties to cooperate in the reconstruction and reclamation of historical sites with touristic value in the Armenian Highland and engage in cross-border coordination of tourism infrastructure maintenance,

4. Strongly condemns conflict not to be held accountable to the resolution of a third party conflict, 5. Encourages parties to cooperate in the fields of fighting against terrorism and trafficking, 6. Further invites parties to create legal commission to revise property claims by Armenian persons and organisations appropriated by the Turkish government after 1915, 7. Calls parties to revisit and ratify Turkey Armenia protocols once trust-building measures are implemented, 8. Affirming the need for increased cooperation in order to reduce regional instability, the EYP reaffirms its commitment to its Stabilisation and Association Process (SAP) with Serbia including Kosovo,

9. Trusts European Union to extend a helping hand to Kosovo by assisting in improving political institutions as well as integrating it into regional trade networks, 10. Trusts Kosovo to work closely with the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights in order to ensure that institutions and prevention methods are up to date,

11. Supports EU commission to create a platform for civil society groups to discuss possibilities of solving these issues in a collaborative stance.