TABLE OF CONTENTS
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General Assembly Procedure
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Motion for a Resolution on the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI)
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Motion for a Resolution on the Committee on Fisheries (PECH) Motion for a Resolution on the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality I (FEMM I)
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Motion for a Resolution on the Committee on Human Rights (DROI)
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Motion for a Resolution on the Committee on Regional Development (REGI)
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Motion for a Resolution on the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality II (FEMM II)
MIKKELI 2021 THE PROCEDURE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY GENERAL RULES ● ● ● ● ●
The authority of the Board is absolute. All delegates are encouraged to vote and refrain from abstaining unless they have a true moral conflict. Each committee will have two direct responses per round of open debate. Delegates shall afford equal respect to all debates as if they were their own. Chairpersons of the respective committee shall make use of the placards at all times.
PLACARDS COMMITTEE PLACARDS A committee should raise their placard when they need attention on something. Once it is raised alone, it indicates that the committee is ready to be recognised by the Academic Board for a speech or a point. It is important to highlight that when a committee wishes to use other placards for a certain matter, the committee placard should be raised in combination with them. The authority of the Board is absolute regarding recognitions. DIRECT RESPONSE Each committee may use the Direct response twice in each set of rounds of debate for one resolution. Raising this placard will lead to the committee immediately being recognised by the Board and given the floor as soon as the point being made is concluded. A Direct Response can only refer and add up to the previous point made right beforehand. Should two or more Direct Responses be requested at once, the Board has the right to decide which committee to recognise. In that matter, the second Direct Response can only be used if the point relates to the first Direct Response, so on and so forth. ● ●
Point: “Why is it the Commission who is implementing this programme, and how will you make this programme accessible for everyone?” Direct Response (Wrong): “Yes, also, how will you make sure the Commission can get funding for this programme?”
This Direct Response is not successful because: (1) although it is about the same topic, it does not directly build on top of the previous point, (2) the point before the Direct Response consisted of two questions, and you may only Direct Response the very last thing said (so the accessibility part, but not the Commission part). Instead, you could try the following: ●
Point: “Why is it the Commission who is implementing this programme, and how will you make this programme accessible for everyone?”
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Direct Response (Correct): “I think a programme such as this should be offered in all EU languages to be made more accessible.”
POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE Raising this placard is a request to the Board to ask a Delegate to repeat a point that was inaudible. Failure to understand the vocabulary being spoken does not warrant a Point of Personal Privilege. POINT OF ORDER The Chairperson can raise this placard only if the committee feels the Board has not adequately followed the General Assembly procedure. An example of this would be that the Board forgets to allow the proposing committee to respond to the position speeches. Not getting recognised for a point that was previously promised does not warrant a Point of Order. Ultimately, the authority of the Board remains absolute.
PROCEDURE AND TIME SETTINGS ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Reading out the proposed topic sentence- the Board Silent time to view and read the resolution- 2 minutes Defence speech- 3 minutes (podium) Position speeches- 2x 2 minutes (podium) Response to position speeches- 1 minute (in the audience) Rounds of open debate - 3 rounds (35 minutes) Summation speech- 2 minutes (podium) Voting- 3 minutes
DEFENCE SPEECH - 2 MINUTES - PODIUM The proposing committee uses this speech to explain and elaborate more on the proposed resolution on the podium. It is used to present the underlying goals and motives of the committee and highlight how the current resolution is an effective and efficient way to reach those goals. Defence speech is rather factual and logical than emotional. POSITION SPEECHES - 2x2 MINUTES - PODIUM Upon will and preparedness, two delegates from different committees come to the podium and deliver a speech on their ideal position on the proposed resolution as a whole. The speech may not only be on one or two points but should present a person or their respective committee’s stance on the spirit of the resolution by using concrete points as examples. However, it is crucial and highly encouraged that the position speeches are kept more constructive to build upon the resolution positively, instead of proposing an attack towards the work put into the making of it. RESPONSE TO POSITION SPEECHES - 1 MINUTE - IN AUDIENCE One delegate from the proposing committee has the opportunity to respond to the points raised in the position speeches.
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ROUNDS OF OPEN DEBATE - 3 ROUNDS - 35 MINUTES - IN AUDIENCE During the rounds of open debate, delegates from different committees make points on the proposing resolution. Points can freely express approval with a certain clause (Points of Agreement) or propose a way to improve a clause which they think is not an effective solution to the respective problem at hand (Points of Improvement). Most points should reflect one’s opinion on the clause. However, if deemed necessary, points asking a question about a clause can be accepted if they are relevant for making the voting decision (Points of Information). Once a committee is recognised by the Board, a delegate will stand up and present their point speaking to a microphone in the audience. A point may only include one issue at a time. Aft er around 4-5 points or Direct Response chains, the Board will conclude the round by allowing the proposing committee to react to the points. This reaction does not have a time limit, but the speaker will be cut off if it seems the speaker has covered everything they can. Rounds 1-3 will be on different thematic areas in the resolution, as indicated in the Resolution Booklet, and round 4 will be speared for points concerning all areas. SUMMATION SPEECH - 2 MINUTES - PODIUM One delegate from the proposing committee approaches the podium and delivers a summation of the discussion, reacting to any points that could not have been answered during the Rounds of Debate. However, most importantly, the summation speech should be used to convince the General Assembly to vote in favour of their resolution. VOTING The Chairperson will collect all the Delegates’ votes and indicate them on the General Assembly Statistics page on their computer. The possible voting options are positive (Vote in Favour), negative (Vote Against), or empty (Abstention). The last option should only be used in cases of a serious moral impediment to express one’s opinion. If a delegate is not present, it will then be marked absent. A resolution passes if it reaches a simple majority of votes in favour.
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY (ENVI) Terms and Conditions May Apply: Whereas technological advances increase the opportunities for EU citizens to monitor their own health, privacy rules and regulations make it difficult for medical workers to communicate personal data with their colleagues efficiently. How can the Union maximise the positive returns of e-health while upholding the right to privacy? SUBMITTED BY: Narmin Abbasova (FI), Cléo Huotari (FI), Lotta Liuhamo (FI), Patrik Niemi (FI), Pyry Nuottanen (FI), Eemeli Toivanen (FI), Iida Salonurmi (FI, Chairperson) The European Youth Parliament aims to maximise the positive returns of eHealth by increasing knowledge and investing in digital infrastructure to improve the efficiency of healthcare. At the same time, we want to sustain the high level of privacy to increase trust among citizens towards the eHealth services. THE EUROPEAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT, A. Emphasising data is included within the EU’s core principle of “four freedoms”, B. Alarmed by the lack of IT-skills and knowledge on how to use eHealth among patients and medical workers, C. Regretting that only 22% of Europeans find digital services and products, namely search engines, social networking sites, and email services trustworthy, D. Recognising the implementation of eHealth systems requires EU citizens to be willing to migrate to these systems, E. Noting with deep concern high costs make it difficult for Member States to adopt eHealth systems and technologies, F. Keeping in mind eHealth systems must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), G. Emphasising the sensitive nature of individuals’ health data, H. Taking into consideration the large differences between the level of digitalisation and access to technology in different Member States;
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THEREFORE EDUCATION 1. Invites the European Commission to produce accessible, free, and user-friendly guides to inform citizens on the usage and benefits of eHealth systems; 2. Implores the Directorate-General of Communications Networks, Content and Technology to devise and provide eHealth operation practices for medical workers and practitioners; PRIVACY 3. Urges the European Commission to integrate eHealth systems within the GDPR; 4. Endorses the European Data Protection Board to create a sub-committee to monitor data privacy in eHealth services; INFRASTRUCTURE 5. Requests the Directorate-General for Informatics to fund the construction of high security electronic storage facilities for eHealth data; 6. Congratulates the European Commission on acknowledging and prioritising current developments towards digital healthcare and eHealth; 7. Encourages Member States to further engage with the timely improvements of the eHealth systems and digital healthcare by creating a roadmap; 8. Calls upon the European Commission to facilitate the development of digital systems to improve healthcare and embrace eHealth.
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES (PECH) Big Fish Little Fish: Over the four decades, there has been a decrease of 39% recorded in marine species worldwide. Bearing in mind that 88% of European fish stocks are currently overfished, how can the EU opt for a more sustainable fishing industry while maintaining its economic viability? SUBMITTED BY: Elias Hamari (FI), Viktor Hristov (FI), Mathilda Johansson (NO), Linnea Ryhänen (FI), Viljami Ritvanen (FI), Meera Kaiser (UK, Chairperson) The European Youth Parliament aims to end overfishing to sustain marine biodiversity and thereby allow long-term economic growth through healthier fish stocks. We propose developing systems to minimise harmful fishing practices by requiring modifications to fishing gear and techniques. Furthermore we want to emphasise existing legislation such as the Common Fisheries Policy. Finally, by placing a particular focus on small fisheries, we aim to promote sustainability by incentivising techniques such as aquaculture and using fishing gear in a more environmentally friendly way. THE EUROPEAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT, A. Noting with regret that as a result of poor management and lack of ambition the goals outlined by the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) for 2020 have not been achieved, B. Concerned that almost half of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for 2020 being set above the recommended limit contrary to scientific advice, C. Further concerned that the lack of compliance with the landing obligation1 results in an unnecessary discarding of fish stocks, D. Alarmed that an estimated 16% of fishing imports to the EU are from illegal sources, E. Conscious that the use of modern commercial fishing gear and techniques result in excess bycatches, resulting in 300,000 small marine mammals dying each year, F. Aware that political and economic pressures force small fisheries into unsustainable operation techniques, G. Taking into account that fishing gear causes 70% of macroplastics polluting the ocean, H. Bearing in mind that aquaculture is a more sustainable alternative to wild fishing; THEREFORE REINFORCING EXISTING MEASURES 1. Strongly reaffirms the goals of the CFP in protecting the marine ecosystems and reducing The landing obligation has been fully in force since 2019, and places an obligation on fisheries to bring all catches to land and count them against their quotas. 1
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overfishing, and its use as a baseline for any new fishing policies; 2. Requests the European Commission to comply with scientific advice when establishing TACs; 3. Calls upon the Member States to reinforce the landing obligation to minimise the unnecessary discard of fish stocks; PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE MEASURES IN FISHERIES 4. Recommends the use of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund to financially support small fisheries to help them exercise sustainable practices; 5. Urges the European Commission to increase transparency regarding the sustainability of fish products by promoting and funding the MSC Fisheries Standard label2; 6. Directs the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries to support the development and production of biodegradable and sustainable materials and fishing gear; 7. Requires Member States to establish facilities for repairing and recycling fishing gear; 8. Strongly suggest the Member States to prioritise aquaculture and Territorial Use Rights for Fishing (TURF) reserves to reduce the amount of wild fishing; INCENTIVISING SUSTAINABLE CONSUMERISM 9. Requires the European Commission to launch a media campaign that encourages consumers to purchase fish that has been caught within the EU; 10. Calls upon the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety to reduce illegal fish imports by including legality as a requirement when inspecting fish imports.
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The MSC Fisheries Standard label indicates seafood products that have been sourced with sustainable practices. It is run by the Marine Stewardship Council, which is an international non-governmental organisation.
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND GENDER EQUALITY I (FEMM I) Reproductive Rights: Although sexual and reproductive healthcare was recently declared a fundamental pillar of women’s rights, levels of access to this right vary drastically between the Member States. What steps can the EU take to ensure all citizens have equal and easy access to the reproductive support they require? SUBMITTED BY: Jonatan Forus (SE), Elisabeth Gienapp (FI), Otto Hoikkala (FI), Aava Holopainen, Iida Paavilainen (FI), Lily Päivänen (FI), Renāte Laure (LV, Chairperson) The European Youth Parliament aims to ensure the sexual well being and reproductive rights for all citizens in Member States by improving the quality of sexual education, reducing stigmatisation, and making healthcare more easily available to all. We aim to do this through creating funds encouraging social activism, implementing regulations ensuring that no Member States have laws contradicting the human rights stated in the EU constitution as well as making research cooperations concerning sexual and reproductive health. THE EUROPEAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT, A. Noting with deep regret the social stigma around talking about sexual health is aggrevating prejudice against reproductive healthcare, B. Alarmed by the lack of access to contraceptive products in several Member States, caused by strong restrictions, high prices, and numerous prescription requirements, C. Bearing in mind the European citizens with lower socio-economic life conditions and backgrounds may have restricted access to the necessary sexual and reproductive healthcare than those from higher socio-economic backgrounds, D. Concerned by the lack of social awareness on male contraception, E. Deeply concerned that abortion on request or socio-political grounds is not legal in two Member States, namely Malta and Poland, F. Alarmed by the absence of medically accurate and mandatory sexual education at a secondary school level in some Member States, G. Noting further with regret that in some Member States doctors are able to deny performing abortion based on their personal beliefs and prejudices;
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THEREFORE DESTIGMATISING TOPICS SURROUNDING SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 1. Calls upon Directorate-General for Communication to produce an EU-wide media campaign available in all recognised EU and minority languages to raise awareness of: a. sexual and reproductive health and rights, b. the availability and ease of male contraception products; 2. Invites the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety to fund clinics for sexual and reproductive health which are open to everyone regardless of citizens’ socio-economic condition or background; 3. Urges the Directorate-General on Education, Youth, Sport and culture to develop an EU-wide curricula guideline for sexual education with input from health professionals and individuals from diverse backgrounds; ACCESSIBILITY OF SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 4. Encourages Member States introduce a tax exemption for all sanitary and contraceptive products; 5. Further calls upon the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety to emphasise the importance of NGOs which provide affordable sanitary products and facilitate their further efforts; ABORTION AND BIRTH CONTROL 6. Endorses Member States legalise abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy; 7. Recommends the European Commission to introduce an EU-wide program for the training and education of sexual education providers; 8. Expresses its hope Member States introduce legislation which prohibits medical professionals from denying any healthcare treatment based on personal grounds when a medical justification is lacking; 9. Suggests that Member States allow access to emergency contraception with no prescription requirements.
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS (DROI) Locked Rights: With 29.7% of EU prisons being overcrowded, inmates' physical and mental health issues are at stake. How should the EU ensure Member States combat the risk of inhumane treatment while improving prison health and guaranteeing prisoners' right to adequate healthcare? SUBMITTED BY: Emilia Borrusch (FI), Maria Numminen (FI), Lotta Naumanen (FI), Juho Hupli (FI), Milo Helenius (FI), Kiia Kuparinen (FI), Timofei Makarenko (FI, Chairperson) The European Youth Parliament aims to create a safe environment in prisons by assuring necessary hygiene and adequate healthcare for both mental and physical health issues, as well as preventing overcrowding. By encouraging the Member States to reconsider their prison systems, future prisons should be free from inhumane treatments. THE EUROPEAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT, A. Emphasising the lack of adequate hygiene standards in EU prisons, B. Bearing in mind drug use and the spread of infectious diseases are more frequent among prisoners than in the wider community within the EU, C. Concerned that at least 11 EU Member States' prison systems are overcrowded, D. Noting with regret the suicide rates amongst EU prisoners are 4.4 times higher than in the general EU citizen population, E. Deeply regretting the variance in legislation concerning prison healthcare across Member States, F. Alarmed by the social stigma surrounding prisoners and their welfare resulting in societal injustices, G. Stressing the fact that sexual assault and violence committed by both prisoners and prison personnel are oft en overlooked by local authorities;
THEREFORE, 1. Encourages Member States to adjust their prison healthcare and hygiene standards in prisons, in line with the principles of the five pillars created by the WHO for improving prison health; 2. Invites the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction to offer its services to prisoners struggling with substance abuse disorders;
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3. Recommends Member States to: a. prioritise providing psychological counselling for prisoners, b. while only using solitary confinement as a last-resort measure; 4. Suggests Member States provide prisoners with meaningful activities, included but not limited to work, sports or studying to improve their mental wellbeing; 5. Requests Member States to consider stronger EU cooperation in the prison systems within the EU to ensure their compliance with adequate healthcare standards; 6. Calls upon the European Research Council to further investigate prison healthcare policies across the EU to ascertain the imbalance in living conditions for prisoners; 7. Asks Penal Reform International to reduce social stigma of former prisoners by organising networking events; 8. Invites Prison Observatory to support in the observation and supervision of prison staff and inmate activity, whilst regularly rotating its staff to avoid corruption; 9. Recommends Member States to tackle prison overcrowding by: a. expanding prison infrastructure, b. considering parole for minor crimes.
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT (REGI) Death of the High Street: 73% of EU internet users did online shopping in 2020, and this trend is rapidly increasing, further aided by the pandemic. With more and more consumers opting out from town centres and the closure of local shops increasing every year, what steps should the EU take to encourage people to buy local and keep town centres vibrant and healthy, given its benefits and limitations? SUBMITTED BY: Ronja Kristola (FI), Ganesh Manisekaran (FI), Atte Rantanen (FI), Kate Crowley (IE, Chairperson), Kārlis Ošs (LV, Chairperson) The European Youth Parliament aims to sustain local businesses and town centres by funding and educating business owners. We aim to support start-up Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by encouraging local governments to create new business districts. THE EUROPEAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT, A. Taking into account the SMEs lack the same funds and knowledge for marketing as their larger counterparts, B. Deeply concerned the closure of local shops destroys the cultural values of town centres, C. Alarmed by the increasing unemployment rates caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, D. Concerned by the great environmental impact of international shipping products bought online, with shipping emissions accounting for 2.8% of greenhouse gas emissions1 globally, E. Acknowledging the increasing lack of post-sales customer interaction in differentiating market activities and cooperation during the shopping process create distance between the consumer and seller, F. Conscious that some consumers favour online shopping for the sake of convenience, G. Observing consumers may lack of awareness of the negative impacts of online shopping, H. Stressing that starting a small business is not considered a viable option for most considering the economic risks; THEREFORE 1. Invites the the Directorate General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs to launch educational programs regarding marketing and business activities for up-and-coming as well as pre-existing sectors;
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The emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the earth's atmosphere.
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2. Endorses the Single Market Program (SMP)2 to finance resources for smaller businesses to enhance the competition in various markets; 3. Encourages municipalities of Member States to create events and festivals within town centers; 4. Expresses its appreciation to the European Commission on the enactment of the SURE instrument3 in combating the increasing effects of the pandemic on unemployment rates; 5. Requests the Directorate General of Mobility and Transport facilitate the development of environmentally friendly technology to use in modes of shipping goods; 6. Proposes the European Commission to consider the environmental impacts of delivery methods when proposing new legislation; 7. Further encourages businesses to: a. Implement the usage of product and service rating and reward systems, b. Provide the consumers with financial incentives for participating in evaluation activities; 8. Suggests Member States support local entrepreneurs by providing educational opportunities regarding developing online business presence and expanding online; 9. Welcomes non-governmental organisations to create informational pop-up stands about the negative impacts of online shopping; 10. Recommends local governments support the creation of business districts4 by providing affordable land and infrastructure.
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An EU funding program to help the single market reach its full potential and ensure Europec recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 3 This fund is available for Member States that need to mobilise significant financial means to fight the negative economic and social consequences of the coronavirus outbreak on their territory. 4 Part of a city or town where there are many businesses.
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND GENDER EQUALITY II (FEMM II) Women at Risk: With 33% of women in 2014 having experienced either physical or sexual violence across the EU, the safety and well being of women is at risk. What steps should the EU and its Member States take to reduce the levels of physical and sexual violence women face to ensure their safety? SUBMITTED BY: Ville Niemi (FI), Thy Nguyen (FI), Topias Jeynes (FI), Paula Perro (FI), Alexandra Beiros (LU, Chairperson) The European Youth Parliament aims to reduce physical and sexual violence against women by raising awareness of the problem, as well as educating about Violence Against Women (VAW) through school and campaigns. Our goal is to ensure help for women is provided more efficiently whilst also improving the quality of that help, including preventive and trauma care. THE EUROPEAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT, A. Regretting society’s current patriarchal norms and generalisations result in sexist beliefs and stereotypes, B. Noting Member States have differing laws concerning VAW, C. Alarmed that 22% of women have experienced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), D. Recognising lack of education on VAW and consent contributes to a continuing cycle of violence perpetrated by men, E. Gravely concerned due to the cycle of abuse, 67% of women do not report IPV to the police or other organisations, F. Noting with deep regret that acts of physical and sexual violence against women leave permanent traumas and mental bruises, limiting women’s healthy development and social opportunities, G. Deeply alarmed that annually 3500 deaths related to IPV occur in the EU,, H. Noting with deep concern the large precentage increase of VAW throughout the COVID-19 pandemic; THEREFORE 1. Suggests Member States promote school programmes which educate youth on topics including VAW, consent, gender roles, and the cycle of abuse; 16
2. Directs the European Commission to: a. provide an EU-wide legislative framework in harmonising Member States’ differing national laws concerning gender-based violence, b. ensure the inclusion of gender-based violence within the framework respecting other and non-categorised genders; 3. Strongly encourages Member States to ensure the Istanbul Convention is sufficiently implemented into national legislation ; 4. Welcomes the European Commision to support NGOs namely Men Stopping Violence to raise awareness of VAW among men through public panel debates, workshops, and expert speeches; 5. Urges the European Commission to fund further vocational training for mental health professionals who specialise in the effects of VAW; 6. Recommends Member States use the European Social Fund Plus to subsidise treatment and counseling for victims of VAW; 7. Suggests Women Against Violence Europe create support groups for women who have been impacted by IPV; 8. Calls upon the European Institution of Gender Equality to perform continual research on gender-based violence which will be updated regularly to guarantee access to current relevant, and academically sound information.
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