Kaarina 2015 – Preparation Kit for Delegates by EYP Finland

Kaarina 2015

Regional Session of EYP Finland

Preparation Kit for Delegates Kaarina, Finland 13th - 15th November 2015

European Youth Parliament Finland – EYP-Finland ry Uudenmaankatu 15 A 5, 00120 Helsinki http://www.eypfinland.org – info@eypfinland.org

Letter from the President Dear delegates, dear participants of Kaarina Regional Session of EYP Finland, I want most warmly to welcome you all to the Session and with this Preparation Kit that has been carefully drafted by the chairsteam of the session, I wish to deliver you the first tools for your pre-session research. This Kit has been crafted to introduce you the basics of the European Union and give you insight on the topics to be discussed during the session. I hope that the topic overviews empower you to do more research and that you will be able to find how the topic manifests in your daily life. During Kaarina, you will be able to use this research and in collaboration within your committee, find answers to the topic questions and discuss alternatives for the future of the Union. I truly hope that as a result the discussions held during the session, you will think of Kaarina 2015 as a Session where you were able to not only develop the Union to a more sustainable and inclusive one as a result of successful resolutions, but also a Session, where you were able to develop yourself. The European Youth Parliament has been a big part of my life for the past 5 years, an anniversary I will celebrate in Kaarina. I have realised many aspects in myself and in the world through participating in this organisation’s events and I hope that Kaarina will do the same for you. Why are you joining this session? In what kind of Europe do you want to live in the future? What do you want to achieve from this session? Do not feel afraid to ponder these questions and use this chance to find out more of yourself and your true capabilities, starting with careful research. The session theme, ‘Towards Better Management of the Baltic Sea’, was chosen by the Head-Organisers of the session, Roosa Eskola and Susanna Ahonen with the following reflection behind it: “Baltic Sea is something that surrounds us, something that we see nearly every day. Still we rarely realize how important it would be to do everything we can to protect this enormous natural resource. We really think that it is extremely important to develop new ways to utilize the Baltic Sea in the future. In that way we will be able to create more job opportunities, new renewable energy resources and as a whole, a real new sustainable future for this area.” Even if you do not live by the Baltic Sea or do not come from a Baltic Sea state, you need to remember that all life on Earth is indeed interdependent; all actions affect others due to the biosphere, where nothing can be confined. I, as a Baltic Sea state citizen myself, am deeply concerned of the current state of the Sea and its effects to its citizens and find it immensely important to have this Session gather individuals to discuss these issues . I wish you all prosperous planning and sunny autumn days until we meet in November. All the best, Charlotta Lahnalahti President of Kaarina 2015 – Regional Session of EYP Finland

European Youth Parliament Finland â&#x20AC;&#x201C; EYP-Finland ry Uudenmaankatu 15 A 5, 00120 Helsinki http://www.eypfinland.org â&#x20AC;&#x201C; info@eypfinland.org

European Youth Parliament (EYP) The European Youth Parliament represents a non-partisan and independent educational project, which is tailored specifically to the needs of the young European citizens. European Youth Parliament Finland, established in 2001, is the National Committee of the EYP in Finland. The EYP encourages independent thinking and initiative in young people and facilitates the learning of crucial social and professional skills. Since its inauguration, many tens of thousands of young people have taken part in Regional, National and International Sessions, formed friendships and made international contacts across and beyond borders. The EYP has thus mad a vital contribution towards uniting Europe. Today the EYP is one of the largest European platforms for political debate, intercultural encounters, political educational work and the exchange of ideas among young people in Europe. The EYP consists of a network of 41 European associations in which thousands of young people are active in a voluntary capacity. The EYP is a programme of the Schwarzkopf Foundation.

European Union (EU) The European Union is an economic and political union of 28 Member States. The EU was established by the Treaty of Maastricht in 1992 upon the foundations of the European Communities. The EU has developed a single market through a standardised system of laws, which apply in all Member States, and ensures the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital, including the abolition of passport controls within the Schengen area. It enacts legislation in justice and home affairs, and maintains common policies on trade, agriculture, fisheries and regional development. Eighteen Member States have adopted a common currency, the euro. With a view to its relations with the wider world, the EU has developed a limited role in foreign and defence policy through the Common Foreign and Security Policy. Permanent diplomatic missions have been established around the world and the EU is represented at the United Nations, the World Trade Organization (WTO), the G8 and the G-20. The EU operates through a hybrid system of supranationalism and intergovernmentalism. In certain areas decisions are taken by independent institutions, while in others, they are made through negotiation between Member States. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community formed by six countries in the 1950s. Since the, it has grown in size through enlargement, and in power through the addition of policy areas to its remit. The last amendment to the constitutional basis of the EU came into force in 2009 and was the Lisbon Treaty.

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The Institutions of the European Union The European Council is responsible for defining the general political direction and priorities of the EU. It comprises the heads of state of government of EU Member States, along with its President (currently Donald Tusk from Poland) and the President of the Commission. The Council of the European Union (commonly referred to as the Council of Ministers) is the institution in the legislature of the EU representing the governments of Member States, the other legislative body being the European Parliament. The exact membership depends on the topic: for instance, when discussing agricultural policy the Council is formed by the 28 national ministers whose portfolio includes this policy area. The European Parliament is directly elected parliamentary institution of the EU. Together with the Council, it forms the bicameral legislative branch of the EU. The Parliament is composed of 751 MEPs. The current president is Martin Schultz from Germany. The European Commission is the executive body of the EU. It is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the Union’s treaties and the general day-to-day running of the Union. The Commission operates as a cabinet government, with 28 commissioners. The Current President is Jean-Claude Juncker from Luxembourg. Other important institutions of the EU include the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Central Bank. The EU also has several agencies and other institutions.

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Committee Topics 1. Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) Chairperson: Elza Linda Purvinska (LV) There’s no doubt at all that probably the most vunerable part of the NATO alliance at the moment is the Baltic States” – Michael Fallon, the British Defence Secretary. With large Russian minorities in the Baltic Region and continuing instability in Eastern Europe, how can the EU act pre-emptively to protect the territorial integrity of the Baltic States?

2. Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI I) Chairperson: Lotta Moisala (FI) While Nordic local initiatives try to tackle local food waste issues, the EU wastes over 100 million tonnes of food yearly: How can the EU inspire change in food consumption patterns in order to reduce food waste and strengthen the sustainability of the food chain?

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1. Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) Chairperson: Elza Linda Purvinska (LV) There’s no doubt at all that probably the most vunerable part of the NATO alliance at the moment is the Baltic States” – Michael Fallon, the British Defence Secretary. With large Russian minorities in the Baltic Region and continuing instability in Eastern Europe, how can the EU act pre-emptively to protect the territorial integrity of the Baltic States?

Executive Summary The instability in Eastern Europe, namely Ukraine, has spread to the Baltics as a result of the chaotic and unsettled history between the states and Russia, leading to fluctuation in trade between these countries. As a result of the imbalance, the Baltics are facing internal turmoil, including Russia in the play as a major actor in the Baltic region. With the claimed annexation of Crimea in 2014, where Russians represented 58.5% of the population, the Baltics have started to re-evaluate its relationship to Russia as a result of the region’s large Russian minorities. Main Problem The history of the issue dates back as far as 1922 – the beginning of the Soviet Union. Before, during and after World War II Russia created a union with 15 different subnational republics forming a dictatorship based union that, at the time, was the world’s largest country covering a sixth of Earth’s surface. The union held a unified centrally planned economy and unionwide legislations. Since then, most of the republics have gained statuses of independent nations. However, Russia has imposed public threats of aggression to multiple of them and during the past year, to the Baltic States. Protecting Russian citizens residing in the Baltics may be seen as a plausible action to take, but not the only one Russia could have in store. It has been speculated that its aim for the Baltic invasion is the region’s status as the ‘gateway to Europe’, aiming to overtake the trade opportunities the Baltics hold, due to them being located next to the Baltic Sea.

Main Actors, Interests & Conflicts

The Baltic States: Aiming to broaden their trade market, protect their territory and strengthen their place within the EU and NATO. If conflict with Russia arises, the Baltics have NATO troops at their defence. Quoting the president of The United States Barack Obama: “If you ever ask again ‘Who will come to help?’ you’ll know the answer: the NATO alliance, including the armed forces of the United States of America. We’ll be here for Estonia. We’ll be here for Latvia. We’ll be here for Lithuania.” NATO: Due to the North Atlantic Treaty, it is NATO’s duty to protect every Member State from external attacks, in this case the Baltic States from the possible attack from Russia. Due to its relatively slow decision-making process, it has often been in NATO’s best interest to act pre-emptively, leading to actions that have been highly criticised on.

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Russia: Like most countries, Russia wishes to expand its trade gateways, decrease its dependence on import and have more control over like-minded citizens residing in the Baltics. Russia has tried to impact on the political agenda of Baltic EU Member States through its power play in the region. As stated by the president of Russia Vladimir Putin: “If I wanted to, in two days I could have Russian troops not only in Kiev, but also in Riga, Vilnius, Tallinn, Warsaw and Bucharest”. Current Legislation & Policies The North Atlantic Treaty: A treaty based on an intergovernmental military alliance signed on 4 April, 1949. Constitutes a system of collective defence whereby its Member States agree on mutual defence in response to an attack by an external party. The Treaty has been signed by 28 countries in Europe and North America . Article 4 of the Treaty states that if the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any of the parties is threatened, the treaty will be acted on with necessary means. Perspectives There are many ways this issue could potentially unfold in the future. The Baltics and Russia could find mutual grounds on how to cooperate regarding trade opportunities, providing Russia with more access to the European market while benefitting from the agreement, respecting territorial integrity and not damaging the economic state of either of the parties involved. On the other hand, Russia could continue threatening the Baltics with acts of aggression or invasion, but not committing them, due to the power NATO holds, as the Baltics are a part of both the European Union and the NATO alliance. Russia could also disregard the worldwide consequences that would come with committing a pledged attack, potentially unleashing a battle between numerous countries. What stance should the Baltics take? How can the EU assist to resolve this issue? Key Words The Baltic States, the North Atlantic Treaty, Russia, Territorial integrity Definitions Soviet Union: A union of multiple subnational Soviet republics that existed between 1922 and 1991. Territorial integrity: A principle defined under international law where state borders are sacred; the idea that nationstates should not attempt to promote secessionist movements to promote changes in other nation states. Statistics Percentage of ethnic Russians residing in former Soviet Republics vary from 25% or more in Estonia and Latvia to Armenia’s less than 1%.

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Links Diplomatic affairs between Russia and the Baltics: http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/article/russia-and-baltics-once-friend-now-foe Estonia’s export to Russia: http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/analytics/?doc=95941 How powerful are the Baltic States?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FvWN9J2CZM Latvia’s export to Russia: http://www.liaa.gov.lv/trade/foreign-trade-statistics Lithuania’s export to Russia: http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/analytics/?doc=104310 Plan of the interconnections of the Baltic energy market: https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/infrastructure/baltic-energy-market-interconnection-plan Putin openly threatening to invade the Baltics: http://eaglerising.com/8794/russian-president-putin-threatening-invade-european-nations/ The Pentagon preparing new war plans for a Baltic battle against Russia: http://foreignpolicy.com/2015/09/18/exclusive-the-pentagon-is-preparing-new-war-plans-for-a-baltic-battle-againstrussia/ Russia – a real danger to the Baltic States: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31528981 Russia can occupy the Baltics in two days: http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-can-occupy-baltics-in-2-days-2015-5 Russia reviews the legitimacy of the Baltic States’ independence: http://www.rferl.org/content/russia-examines-recognition-of-baltic-independence/27102853.html What if Russia went to war with the Baltics? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMyNP0OVv2c

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2. Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development I (AGRI I) Chairperson: Lotta Moisala (FI) While Nordic local initiatives try to tackle local food waste issues, the EU wastes over 100 million tonnes of food yearly: How can the EU inspire change in food consumption patterns in order to reduce food waste and strengthen the sustainability of the food chain? Executive Summary Vast amounts of edible food is wasted in food manufacturing and households. Food loss and food waste are risks to the European economy, environment and the society causing unnecessary pollution and waste of money, labour and resources. As a result of inadequate national- and supranational initiatives, the civil society is trying to tackle the issue of food waste. A change in the food supply chain and consumption is inevitable if we want to save our planet - and feed our people. Main Problem The “take, make, consume and dispose”-model of the contemporary economic system, as originally inspired by the industrial revolution, is draining our planet from resources, people are dying of hunger and our food production is polluting the climate alongside other industries. Food manufacturing makes extensive use of water, land and finite resources that need time to recover. Not only does food manufacturing destroy resources, it pollutes: Food waste makes up to 3% of greenhouse gas emissions and the growing amount of bio waste in wastelands produces toxic methane. According to the EU’s “A zero waste programme for Europe”, it has been estimated that up to 30% of all food produced around the world is lost or wasted . How can these unsustainable patterns be reversed? The General Food Law outlines that the EU citizens have the right to access safe and wholesome food. Despite tonnes of food being wasted daily, some EU citizens suffer from hunger. A Finnish initiative “Saa syödä”, has stated that the most common reason to throw away food is that it has expired, putting blame on the labelling (“best before” and “use by”) for unnecessary wastage. Has the EU gone too far in its food safety legislation, even defining the allowed gradients of bend cucumbers? Main Actors, Interests & Conflicts European Commission: The executive body of the EU responsible for proposing legislation and implementing decisions. The Commission can call for the support of existing initiatives and propose the launch of a new initiative. National Governments: Member State governments are responsible for implementing the legislation and programmes initiated by the Commission. Many Member States are still suffering from the consequences of the financial crisis - how to ensure that food waste is prioritised in national legislation? Nordic local initiatives: Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Businesses & Institutions: Filling in the gaps the EU is not able to fill? The current role of NGOs is mainly delivering and distributing food donations, gathering interested actors

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and spreading knowledge. Civil society led initiatives and platforms have allowed a change in food patterns, including in a Danish hospital that changed the operation of their food services including portion management and is now avoiding 40 tonnes of food waste yearly . Businesses, especially food manufacturing, have a significant role: Package sizes - willing to sell more at the cost of food waste and its associative problems? EU-funded projects, FoRWaRd & FUSIONS: FUSIONS aims at a more resource efficient Europe by diminishing food waste. Their “Feeding the 5000” -project served free food for thousands in several participating Member States. The scientific community: Innovations? The scientific community have the skills to research and develop, but their input is not utilised to the fullest due to financial barriers. Households: Individuals are primarily responsible for their consumption patterns but such intuitive and habitual behaviour can be changed. Do people have enough knowledge on preserving food and storing leftovers? Current Legislation & Policies The Landfill Directive 1999/31/EC: This Directive obliges the Member States to reduce the amount of biodegradable municipal waste that they landfill to 35% of 1995 levels by 2016. The European Commission has launched a Working Group on Food Losses and Food Waste, advisory groups and consumer website providing information on the issue of food waste and tips for preventing it. “A zero waste programme for Europe” & The EU Waste Law: The Commission has set a target to reduce food waste by at least 30% by year 2025 in the programme. “Circular Economy Strategy”: This initiative contributes to the Commission’s objectives of sustainable development through a boost for jobs, growth and investment, in an economy that supports reuse and recycling. A new, more ambitious strategy will come out in late 2015. The Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe: The Roadmap wishes to guide the EU’s economy into more sustainable direction and sets a target of 50% for food waste reduction. Perspectives The issue of food wastage can be approached from three perspectives: economic, environmental and social. In terms of economy, according to WRAP a household could annually save 595 euro by preventing avoidable food waste. The waste management costs, including waste transport, landfill management, operation and separation costs, can be considered as straight economic losses to governments due to their avoidable nature. The environmental aspect highlights that bio waste increases CO2 emissions, accelerating the global warming. The environment suffers from the overuse and unnecessary use of natural resources. The social aspect is an ethical and a moral question - is it fair to throw away edible food that someone else could have eaten? Helsinki University gives a good example of raising awareness and challenging the locals on the abovementioned ethical and moral question: its cafeterias have a scale weighing the daily food waste and a scoreboard

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showing people the amount that has been thrown away. Key Words & Definitions Bio waste: Biodegradable waste, includes food and kitchen waste from households. Circular Economy: An approach in which industrial systems that are restorative and regenerative by intention and design. In circular economy matter formerly regarded as waste can be turned into a resource by recycling and reusing. Food waste: Food that is fit for human consumption but lost from the food supply chain, because it expires or is thrown away due to abundance by retailers or consumers, becoming food waste and thus bio waste. Food waste can be divided into avoidable and non-avoidable waste. Food loss: Food that gets spilled or spoilt before it reaches its final product or retail stage. Statistics Food waste in the EU varied in 2010 from the Netherland’s 541 kg per capita to Slovenia’s 72 kg per capita. Links European Commission’s Guidelines on the preparation of food waste prevention programmes http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/prevention/pdf/prevention_guidelines.pdf European Environment Agency http://www.eea.europa.eu/signals/signals-2012/close-ups/food-waste EU actions against food waste http://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/food_waste/eu_actions/index_en.htm Food waste in the EU http://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/food_waste/index_en.htm General Food Law http://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/general_food_law/index_en.htm STOP FOOD WASTE - video http://ec.europa.eu/avservices/video/player.cfm?sitelang=en&ref=I075463 10 tips to reduce food waste http://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/food_waste/library/docs/tips_stop_food_waste_en.pdf

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3. Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI II) Chairperson: Ludvig Dietmann (SE) The slow reaction time of the Baltic Sea has led to nutrient loadings prevailing in its waters. Taking into account the connection between agricultural waste and increasing eutrophication of the Baltic Sea; what further steps can be made to decrease the hazardous eutrophication? Executive Summary Excessive amounts of nutrients in the Baltic Sea have created during past decades a vicious circle shaking the ecosystem and deteriorating water quality. The nutrient flows can be traced to sewage plants, agricultural fertilisers and transportation. Since the first environmental alarms, progress has been made but continued action is needed especially within the agricultural sector and wastewater treatment. It could take decades for the sea to recover in the case that the issue remains untouched. Main Problem The Baltic Sea is the largest brackish sea in the world. Its surface is larger than Finland and the catchment area of the sea is more than four times larger than the actual sea. About 90 million people live within this catchment area. Hundred years ago, the Baltic Sea was not particularly nutrient rich. Agricultural fertilisers, sewage plants, individual wastewater systems and modern transportation have made it burdened with nutrients since then. Today, the amounts of nitrogen and phosphorous have increase by 4 and 8 times respectively causing major impacts on the ecosystem. While plankton and fine-fibred algae such as cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) benefit from eutrophication, the excess of plankton makes the water less transparent causing difficulties for other plants and animal species, destroying parts of the seabed. In addition, some algae species produce neurotoxin that can have major biological impacts. The sea’s natural balance has been lost, and the process is hard to reverse. Main Actors, Interests & Conflicts The European Commission coordinates the efforts of the ‘European Union (EU) Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region’ (EUSBSR) which is the first comprehensive EU strategy to target a macro-region. The strategy comprises all relevant EU funding and policies, EU countries, regions, pan-Baltic organisations, financing institutions and non-governmental bodies. One of the objectives is to reduce nutrient emissions. Farmers are an important stakeholder group since almost half of the human induced nutrient emissions derive from agricultural activity. European farming today operates in a subsidy-driven market where actors are striving to increase yields and profits and consequently have been using artificial fertilisers without much of restrictions. Here is where the conflict lies: While the EU is protecting farmers and ensures domestic food security, it is also in the interest of the EU citizens to protect the marine environment. Sustainable methods of farming are evolving but are still not widespread.

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Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) is the governing body of the Convention of the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area with the objective to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution through intergovernmental cooperation. Current Legislations & Policies Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) by Helsinki Commission (HELCOM): BSAP is an ambitious programme adopted by all coastal states in 2007 and aims to restore the Baltic marine environment by 2021. One of the plan’s four objectives is to prevent further eutrophication and reach concentrations of nutrients close to natural levels. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP): The European Union’s (EU) agricultural policy that promotes the intensification and concentration of agricultural production. The CAP has been criticised for encouraging the extensive use of artificial fertilisers by giving large subsidies without setting and enforcing strict enough environmental policies against nutrient overload. The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD): MSFD aims to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) of the EU’s marine waters by 2020. One of the four defined marine regions is the Baltic Sea and the MSFD requires each Member State to develop a strategy for how to reach GES with set time plan for the progress. Project on Reduction of the Eutrophication of the Baltic Sea Today (Project PRESTO): The project strived to improve quality of local waters and the Baltic Sea by reducing nutrient load through transnational investments, education and awareness rising. The investments were directed to municipal wastewater treatment plants in Lithuania, Latvia, as well as Belarus, since the country is a part of the Baltic Seas catchment area. Regulation (EU) No 259/2012: The regulation declares a ban on the use of phosphorus compounds in consumer laundry detergents and automatic dishwasher detergents. The regulation thus ensures prevention of further eutrophication to some extent in the Baltic Sea as well as in other areas of the EU such as the Adriatic Sea. Perspectives Though the annual pollution has been reduced, great amounts of nutrients remain in the sea, and the situation is predicted to worsen during this century. In the future, the sea is likely to be warmer, lower in oxygen and more acidic. Climate change will have its impact on the Baltic Sea since up to 20 % more rain and snowfall is possible which will escalate river flow into the sea and worsen eutrophication and rise freshwater concentration, which will make living conditions for plants and animals difficult. The trend will most likely continue to 2100 and new ecosystems will develop. Key Words & Definitions Cyanobacteria: phylum of bacteria that obtain their energy through photosynthesis, also called blue-green algae. Eutrophication: the ecosystem’s response to the addition of artificial or natural substances through detergents, fertilisers,

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or sewage, to an aquatic system. Statistics While at least 95 % of the phosphorus load enter the Baltic Sea via rivers or as direct waterborne discharges, about 75 % of the nitrogen load enter in this way, while the remaining 25 % comes as atmospheric deposition. Numbers of agreed nutrient reduction requirements from the Baltic Sea Action Plan. Eutrophication status is found acceptable in only 7 % areas all through the Baltic Sea.

Links Explanation of the BSAP with attached PDF: http://helcom.fi/baltic-sea-action-plan The Marine Strategy Framework Directive: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/marine/eu-coast-and-marine-policy/marine-strategy-framework-directive/index_ en.htm The Presto Project Investment Examples: http://www.prestobalticsea.eu/index.php/pr:investments The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region website with video: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/policy/cooperation/macro-regional-strategies/baltic-sea/ ‘Restoring Waters in the Baltic Sea Region’ – report by The Boston Consulting Group: http://www.bcg.se/documents/file182374.pdf

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4. Committee on Human Rights (DROI) Chairpersons: Eveliina Hannikainen (FI), Thi Anh Tuyet Nguyen (CZ) & Eirini Samara (GR) With drastic human rights violations, massacres and forced displacements occurring in Iraq and Syria at the hands of Islamic State (IS), what role should the Baltic and other Member States take to protect and assist the victims of IS? Executive Summary The Islamic State (IS), which established a self-proclaimed Islamic caliphate in 2014, is known for its brutality in the Middle East, especially in Iraq and Syria. IS and conflicts in the Middle East have forced millions of civilians to seek for asylum, causing an increase in the refugee influx in Europe. Europe is struggling to handle the vast amounts of refugees, which culminated in the summer of 2015. It has proven difficult for the EU Member States to find a common legal context to solve the refugee crisis. Main Problem Many of the victims of IS flee their countries in the face of destruction and instability, explaining the drastic increase of migration flows to Europe in the spring and summer of 2015. In most cases people have to take extreme measures to get to the borders of the EU, and past them; nearly 3000 people have drowned in the Mediterranean this year trying to cross the sea on fragile boats, and human smugglers benefit from the desperate need of the refugees to reach Europe. Southern Member States of the EU, especially Greece and Italy, are struggling with the ever increasing number of refugees arriving though most of the refugees hope to reach central European countries. Passage countries, such as Hungary, Croatia, oppose the refugee flows going through them, and as they are incapable of adequately managing the significant number of refugees arriving daily, they have resulted in violent measures. In addition many other Member States such as the Baltic States, have not been eager to receive asylum seekers as imposed by the quota system, generating a negative atmosphere on the topic. On the other hand, several organisations and citizens are aiding the refugees. However, the refugee crisis in Europe cannot be resolved only by citizens. The EU has tried to find a common asylum policy and ways to assist refugees but the negotiations haven’t been successful; the Member States do not agree on a common asylum policy. There are international demands for the EU to address the roots of the refugee crisis in the Middle East – especially the actions of IS. Main Actors, Interests & Conflicts The European Union: The EU has been criticized for disregarding their responsibility for human rights enforcement during the refugee crisis and has been accused for solely of the Union’s own interests, with the example of stricter border controls. The Gulf countries: Although rich Gulf States are close to IS violence, they have provided zero resettlement to refugees, receiving criticism from the UN and Amnesty International.

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The Islamic State (IS): The brutality of the IS fighters has caused an alarming situation in the Middle East, which has led to thousands of casualties, millions of displaced people and priceless historical monuments destroyed. With the western countries failing to restrain its spread in Iraq and Syria, more and more people are trying to flee the danger zones. Member States Unwilling to accept the quota system: States like Estonia, Latvia and United Kingdom have been sceptic about the system of quotas that aims to a fair distribution of refugees among all Member States. The receiving Member States: Especially the southern Member States are having a hard time managing the ever increasing refugee flows. Greece, who is struggling with its own economic problems, receives almost 5 000 refugees per day. Hungary, as the most popular passage way to Central Europe, has been under immense pressure as well and has recently closed its borders for passage. NGOs: Many NGOs aid the refugees and pressure the governments to act more decisively. The main NGOs that have been active during the refugee crisis are the European Council on Refugees and Exiles, Amnesty International, Jesuit Refugee Service Europe and UNICEF. The refugees: Millions of people from Iraq and Syria are forced flee elsewhere for a safe future. Some have fled to the neighbouring countries, especially Lebanon and Turkey, which already host almost 5 million refugees. Current Legislation & Policies UNHRC ‘The 1951 Refugee Convention and Protocol’: a refugee should not be returned to a country where he or she faces serious threats to his or her life or freedom . According to the Dublin Regulations the country where a refugee first arrives, is responsible to examine their asylum application, in our case the “Southern European Gates”. Some countries have decided to suspend the terms of the treaty and not send the refugees back to the countries they first enter in order to relieve pressure from them . The EU ministers voted and agreed to relocate 120,000 migrants across the continent over the next two years . The reformed Agenda on Migration, delivered by the European Commission, includes, among others, an emergency relocation proposal, a permanent relocation mechanism for all Member States, a list of safe countries of origin and a proposal to make return policy more effective . The European Commission has offered assistance to candidate (Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey) and potential candidate countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo) in order to tackle the massive influx of asylum seekers in their territories.

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Perspectives Some Member States disagree with the compulsory distribution of refugees in the EU, whilst others see that it is the only fair way to resolve the crisis. Several NGOs and other parties think that the EU should receive more refugees as well as ensure their safety on their way to Europe. However, these positions have provoked a heated debate. For example, the immigration critical parties generally oppose the receiving of refugees. It has also been stated that instead of solving the refugee crisis inside Europe, the EU should concentrate on solving the problems in Syria and Iraq, which would be a much more effective solution both to the refugee and the humanitarian crisis. Ought the EU improve the safety and legality of the ways refugees use to get to Europe? Should the EU concentrate on solving the refugee crisis, or the armed conflict in the Middle East? How can the EU deal with the unwillingness of some Member States to assist the refugees, and their escalating hostility towards the refugees? Should the humanitarian aid to the refugees be a responsibility of governments or NGOs? What can and should the Baltic States do? Key Words Middle Eastern conflict, Islamic State’s expansion Definitions Asylum seeker: a refugee who seeks for asylum in a country, but whose claim has not yet been definitively evaluated. Refugee: 1951 Geneva Convention for refugees: Someone who owing to fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is forced to flee and unable to return to their own country . Human rights: Basic rights, including right to life and liberty. Definition of right to life and liberty as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights . The right to life and liberty is also protected in EU Conventions. Statistics Approximately 350,000 migrants crossed the EU’s borders in January-August 2015, when in 2014, only 280,000 entered Europe in the whole of 2014. Europe is the top destination for asylum seekers, which claims have reached a peak since the wars in former Yugoslavia. More than 3,000 migrants have died crossing the Mediterranean this year, the number being more than four times the estimated deaths in 2013.

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Links Amnesty International proposals on how to ameliorate the refugee crisis: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2015/09/what-can-europe-do-to-welcome-refugees/ Background of the refugee crisis: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-24583286 Common European Asylum System; European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/asylum/index_en.htm Eurostat’s statistics on the number of refugees in Europe in the second quarter of 2015: http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/6996925/3-18092015-BP-EN.pdf/b0377f79-f06d-4263-aa5b-cc9b4f6a838f Factsheets of European Commission’s department on humanitarian aid and civil protection on Syria and Iraq: http://ec.europa.eu/echo/files/aid/countries/factsheets/syria_en.pdf http://ec.europa.eu/echo/files/aid/countries/factsheets/iraq_en.pdf Germany imposes border controls aggravating the situation in Hungary with the latter announcing the imprisonment of those crossing its borders illegally: http://www.dw.com/en/germany-imposes-temporary-border-checks/a-18712291 Number of asylum applications in the EU in the second quarter of 2015: http://www.ecre.org/component/content/article/70-weekly-bulletin-articles/1193-over-210000-first-time-asylum-seekers-in-the-eu-in-the-second-quarter-of-2015-.html The refugee crisis in Europe: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34271002 Syria’s refugee crisis in numbers: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2015/09/syrias-refugee-crisis-in-numbers/ Time running out to resolve refugee emergency in Europe: http://www.unhcr.org/55fc0e386.html.

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5. Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) Chairpersons: Miriam Aitken (CH) & Iida Kalliokoski (FI) Waste-to-fuel programmes have proven successful in Sweden, where 50% of its household waste is utilised in energy production. How should the EU incentivize a wider adoption of such programmes in other Member States and regulate the merging waste trade market? Executive Summary The amount of waste is rapidly exceeding the capacity of the environment, introducing harmful substances in the biosphere. In Sweden, steps have been taken towards more sustainable waste-management, with the aim of reducing the amount of waste through so called waste-to-fuel programme, where fuel and energy are created from waste through a chemical process and heat. Waste has potential to become a never-ending source of energy as long as we continue consuming and measures of harnessing waste to fuel and energy are further developed. Main Problem Waste is an ever-growing problem in all of the EU, influencing the Baltic region strongly due to its compact size, where the environment impacts rapidly to changes in the area’s natural ecosystem. Landfills overflowing with waste, EU is starting to work towards more sustainable future where waste-management plays a great role. Example can be taken from Sweden but waste-management is a field where many other EU Member States lack in infrastructure and expertise. The basis of the process of waste-to-fuel is when waste is converted into different liquids, such as alcohols, that can be used in fuel production . Waste-to-energy, burning waste to create heat (incineration) would be easily set in process with some of the expertise already in place. Why is not this being used more widely? Is it something undesirable? Waste-to-fuel is so far a missed opportunity. The programme could ultimately reduce our reliance on the finite supply of fossil fuels with the added benefit of causing less pollution for the environment from wastelands. Should such models and programmes be implemented and if so, how can they be incentivised? Main Actors, Interests & Conflicts Businesses: The development of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is important and some large corporations, e.g. Coca Cola and Renault have committed to working together to move towards a circular economy . Civil society: Every individual has his or her own responsibility when it comes to recycling, disposal of waste and consumer choices in their daily lives. At the same time, everyone is affected by the accumulation of waste and the system of our economy, as we all are consumers and we feel the state of our environment. European institutions: As environment is a shared competence, both the EU and the individual Member States can make national legislation on this field, as long as there is no binding legislation from the EU in force. The European Commission

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as the executive body of the EU can propose laws that are decided upon in the European Parliament together with the Council of Ministers. The EU has issued several Directives with the aim of moving towards a sustainable future. Member States: Recycling and waste reduction initiatives and energy-recovery schemes vary from country to country, with Member States such as Sweden in the lead with ambitious waste policies, while others lack infrastructure and expertise. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs): NGOs and think tanks, including Zero Waste Europe and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation , play a big role in promoting sustainable lifestyle and developing economic strategies, including circular economy and zero-waste policies. Current Legislation & Policies Circular Economy Roadmap: This proposal for an initiative is meant to replace the EU’s 2014 Communication ‘Towards a circular economy’ and focuses more on product policies and the development of a market for secondary raw materials to enable the transition to a circular economy. Green Action Plan for SMEs: With the European Commission’s Plan, the EU aims to support SMEs in the transition to a green and circular economy and inform them of the business opportunities by supporting green entrepreneurship, reducing costs and facilitating access to the market for green SMEs. ‘Towards a circular economy: A zero waste programme for Europe’: In 2014, the European Commission issued a communication outlining the benefits of a circular economy and proposing measures to improve waste-management, resource efficiency, recycling, innovation and investment in a more circular economy. It also proposes legally binding targets mainly concerning landfilling and recycling. Waste Framework Directive: Directive 2008/98/EC adopted in 2008 by the European Parliament and the Council establishing a ‘waste hierarchy’ with prevention being most important in waste-management, followed by reuse, recycling, energy recovery and finally disposal. Perspectives When thinking about introducing waste-management programs to all of EU, costs and environmental aspects need to be realized. In the case that waste-to-fuel would be incentivised in the EU, costs of building processors can easily exceed expectations. It has already been seen with the lack of initiative with implementing alternative energy resources that the Member States prioritise energy development very low, often due to lacking existing infrastructure and its costs. Whenever waste-trade happens, thousands of kilos of waste needs to be transported, causing pollution. Waste-to-fuel has serious downsides: 20% of the incineration waste ends up turning to ash, which contains substances labelled as toxic and many fumes from chemical processes are harmful to the atmosphere if not filtered properly. Even though waste-to-fuel

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has functioned in Sweden, is it dirty business after all? How to encourage the citizens to recycle and lead more sustainable life styles? How can obstacles of costs, priorities and environmental risks be solved? Key Words Circular economy, Recycling. Sustainability. Waste-management, Waste-to-fuel Definitions Circular economy: An economic system based on the reuse and recovery of resources once products have reached the end of their life, thus eliminating waste and creating further value as resources can be used again and again. Corporate social responsibility: The incorporation of environmental and social initiatives into a company’s business model, that generally go beyond required regulations. Waste-to-fuel: A process in which energy, is generated from waste, usually through incineration. Waste > Waste collection > Energy plant > Waste processing > Energy Statistics A Greek company has finalised its testing on a system that shows high potential: It generates 25kwatts of electricity and 25kwatts of heat from just waste water. Links Being wise with waste: the EU’s approach to waste management http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/pdf/WASTE%20BROCHURE.pdf Incineration; Why are we still addicted to burning waste? http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2015/aug/03/why-are-we-still-addicted-to-burning-waste Statistics showing the situation of recycling in the EU at the moment http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Recycling_%E2%80%93_secondary_material_price_indicator The Swedish Recycling Revolution https://sweden.se/nature/the-swedish-recycling-revolution/

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Further links Video: “Don’t waste your waste” - Sustainable waste management https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr_DGf77OhM Video: “Re-thinking Progress: The Circular Economy” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCRKvDyyHmI Waste management in different countries http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4620041.stm Waste shipment statistics in the EU http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Waste_shipment_statistics Waste-to-fuel http://www.forbes.com/sites/freddiedawson/2014/06/30/waste-to-fuel-how-to-make-a-challenge-an-opportunity/

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6. Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) Chairpersons: Jussi Hakosalo (FI) & Dana Kristiana Skrupska (LV) The seas: providing us with energy security, sustainability and economic growth all at once? Considering the potential ecological, environmental and economic advantages and disadvantages of sea-based energy technologies, what role should such technologies play in Europe’s future energy supply? Executive Summary As energy-producing technologies have rapidly advanced and the need for developing alternatives to fossil fuels become more urgent, there is certain that the seas will be considered as potential energy sources in the future. Unfortunately, such technologies are still relatively young, untested and costly, possibly harming the environment if adopted without further research and supervision. Ought these new technologies be employed and if yes, how to tackle its prevailing issues? Main Problem The climate is changing rapidly and the global energy usage is getting bigger by the minute as a result of developing countries becoming more industrialized and wealthier. Due to the finiteness of fossil fuels, alternative energies need to be endorsed, the Baltic Sea possibly playing a major role in the region. As opposed to traditional renewable energy sources, ocean energy is much more abundant in the scale of the EU: of its 28 Member States, 23 have coastline . According to the European Commission, ocean energy would be able to satisfy 15% of European energy demand and create 420 000 workplaces by 2050 . It has been seen in the lack of will to prioritise energy development, that the Member States are not inclined to initiate alternative energy resources. With its positive prospects, wouldn’t sea-based energies be perfect to fulfil the needs of sustainability, employment and self-sufficiency in energy? The possible disadvantages of sea-based energy, its effects on the environment and ecology of the seas have not been researched enough to be sure of its advantages in the long run. Is it justified to pursue further research on an energy form that could harm the biosphere? Main Actors, Interests & Conflicts The European Commission: The EU strives for sustainable, reliable and safe energy production for both the ecosystem and people. Notable work is done by the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, who is responsible for overseeing and assisting with the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy and the Integrated Maritime Policy. SETIS (Strategic Energy Technologies Information System): An institution under the European Commission that aims to transform energy production in the EU. The two main implementation mechanisms of the SET-Plan are the European Industrial Initiatives (EII) and the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA). The institution has stated that the move towards a low-carbon Europe requires research, effective strategic planning and timely, appropriate actions.

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Current Legislation & Policies European Commission Ocean Energy Forum: The European Commission has developed a two-step action plan to support this emerging sector, established in 2014 to tackle the problems that are a concern in ocean based energy problems on 3 work streams: Environment & Consenting, Finance and Technology . EU Renewable energy directive, Directive 2009/28/EC: The directive was established in 2009 with the focus of specifying national energy targets through regulating and creating policy for the production and promotion of renewable energy. It is stated in the Directive, by 2020, 20% of total energy should come from renewables . Ocean Energy Europe: The world’s largest ocean energy network that gathers professionals, industrialists and research institutes to work on the development of ocean energy. Its aim is to promote ocean energy, linking its research with European ocean energy industry, EU institutions and EU Member States . EU Blue Growth Strategy: A long term strategy assembled by the European Commission to support the marine and maritime sector goals of the Europe 2020 strategy of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. The Blue Growth Strategy declares that seas and oceans are driving forces of the European economy and with the strategy, Europe has high potential to lead in innovation and growth in the field of maritime affairs . Perspectives “The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.” – William James, an American philosopher and psychologist, 1900. In 2015, sea-based technologies are in an early stage of development. If the EU encourages those 23 Member States with coastlines to invest in the growth of the sea-based technologies, Europe will be one of the most powerful continents when it comes to the use of renewable energy, already in 2050. To ensure this, attention needs to be paid to the possible disadvantaged of sea-based energy on the ecosystem of the seas. How can the EU encourage the Member States to decide upon the future of sea-based energy technologies? Key Words The European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Ocean energy forum, Ocean energy association, Renewable energy directive, Sea-based energy, Sea-based technology, SETIS (Strategic Energy Technologies Information System) Definitions Renewable energy: Energy from resources which are naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat.

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Sustainability: Capacity to endure; it is how biological systems remain diverse and productive indefinitely. Wave power: The coupling of energy from ocean surface waves, and the capture of that energy. Statistics The European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) confirms that 4% of all renewable energy can be harnessed from seabased energy in 2050. Links CETO wave-power converter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZZauaX3oXI Information on Ocean energy by Commission Maritime Affairs: http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/policy/ocean_energy/index_en.htm European Commission - Short introduction to ocean energy production: http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/documentation/publications/documents/ocean-energy_en.pdf Factsheet on ocean energy by European Commission: https://setis.ec.europa.eu/system/files/Technology_Information_Sheet_Ocean_Energy.pdf European Commission Ocean Energy Forum: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/maritimeforum/en/frontpage/1036 European Commission Research and Innovation: Ocean Energy: http://ec.europa.eu/research/energy/eu/index_en.cfm?pg=research-ocean Ocean Energy Europe: http://www.oceanenergy-europe.eu/ Sea-based energy: http://www.seaenergy-plc.com/#2 http://www.seabased.com/en/technology/seabased-wave-energy

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7. Committee on Fisheries (PECH) Chairpersons: Ans Van Gasse (BE) & Hans Näsman (FI) While overfishing poses a serious threat to the maritime ecosystem, more and more people consume fish as a part of a healthy diet. What role can aquaculture play in meeting this rising demand and what stance should the EU take towards this sector of maritime economy, keeping in mind its ecological impact? Executive Summary As the European Union (EU) governs the largest maritime zone in the world , the burden of overfishing, also recognised as a global threat, is constantly leading to degradation of the ecosystem of the Baltic Sea. In order to tackle the issue at hand, the European Commission issued a goal of achieving environmentally healthy marine waters by 2020 through the marine strategy framework directive (MSFD). How can the supply and demand of fish be met in sustainable and ecological circumstances? Main Problem Overfishing changes marine ecosystems. Currently, 29% of the world’s fish stocks are considered overfished and 61% of them are officially fully exploited . Demand for seafood will keep on growing with no end in sight as the global population continues increasing. An important question we must take into consideration is what fishing industry we want to support in the future: The use of aquaculture might offer a solution for the rising demand for fish, even though there are also considerable disadvantages compared to traditional fishing as the ecological sustainability of aquafarming is subject of discussion. Protecting our oceans can realise economic and social gains, as healthy ocean ecosystems are renewable and therefore continue offering goods. Main Actors, Interests & Conflicts The European Commission (EC): The Commission drafts directives, provides action plans and proposes legislation, such as ‘The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP)’. The Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries is responsible for the implementation of the new CFP. The Agricultural and Fisheries Council: This Council brings together the respective ministers from each EU Member State to discuss matters on Agriculture and Fisheries. The Council adopts legislation proposed by the Commission, in codecision with the European Parliament. Fishermen: Evidently, people who are active in the fishing industry heavily depend on the profit they make from their catch. The fishermen need to find a balance between commercial instinct and sustainable approach to fishery, while following new legislation and the developments of the Agricultural and Fisheries Council.

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Producer Organisations: Voluntary organisations set up by fishermen or fish farmers to assist in selling their products. They are empowered to take products out of the market if prices fall below levels set by the Agricultural and Fisheries Council and receive compensation from the community. Third countries: Countries outside the EU, as fisheries are not limited to the European maritime zone due to their natural movement. Catch limits and fishing regulations are therefore always discussed with third countries before implemented. Additionally, stocks for certain fish are international. This implies that despite EU’s hard efforts to overcome overfishing, due to the movement of the stocks, the attempts of the Union may not end overfishing of these stocks in reality. Current Legislation & Policies The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP): The CFP was first introduced in the seventies and went through its last updates in January 2014. As stocks are finite, EU Member States have taken action to ensure an environmentally, economically and socially sustainable approach to fisheries. The European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF): The EMFF was established by the Commission and The European Investment Bank for the CFP to run as smoothly as possible. The EMFF takes on tasks such as helping fishermen in their transition to sustainable fishing, and funds them with the aim of growth and employment in the EU. Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD): The MFSD aims to achieve a Good Environmental Status (GES) for the EU’s marine waters by 2020, the MSFD was the first European legislative instrument to protect marine biodiversity. The MSFD offers a legislative framework that aims to minimalize the impact of human activity on marine ecosystems. Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF): To make sure that the CFP is implemented efficiently, the EC nominates highly qualified scientific staff for assistance. Perspectives Small-scale fishing/artisanal fishing implies traditional fisheries involving fishing households (as opposed to commercial companies), using relatively small amount of capital and energy, making short fishing trips, close to shore, mainly for local consumption. Does small-scale fishing offer a more sustainable way of supplying what is demanded? Should small-scale fishing be supported more? Using mainly passive gears, artisanal fisheries have a smaller ecological impact. However, their actions do not guarantee an end to overfishing. Aquaculture can on the one hand negatively affect the environment by disrupting the food chain by feeding less valuable fish to more valuable farmed fish or polluting the ecosystem with the use of chemicals. It can on the other hand provide consistent quantities of seafood, and environmental impacts are typically temporary. Are the ecological drawbacks of aquaculture significant enough to rule it out as an option to produce fish, or can they be tolerated?

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Key Words & Definitions Aquaculture: Aquaculture or aquafarming is the farming of aquatic organisms, controlling freshwater as well as saltwater populations. It is the opposite of commercial fishing -the term used to describe the harvesting of wild fish. By-catch: The term ‘by-catch’ is used to refer to any marine species that is caught unintentionally in the process of fishing and is regarded as useless by fishermen. An animal can be considered by-catch for being of the wrong species, the wrong sex or simply for being undersized. Maximum Sustainable Yields (MSY): The MSY indicate the largest catch that can be taken from fish stocks without a long term decline in stocks. Total Allowable Catches (TAC): TACs, also called fishing opportunities, are catch limits expressed in either numbers or tonnes imposed by the European Commission for most commercial fish stocks. Statistics Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Latvia have all set their fishing quotas above allowed limits and are overfishing salmon, cod, plaice and sprat to extinction. Links European Commission – Fisheries: http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/index_en.htm European Commission – Illegal fishing: http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/illegal_fishing/index_en.htm Facts and figures on fishing within the EU: http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/documentation/publications/pcp_en.pdf Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations - Small-scale and artisanal fisheries: http://www.fao.org/fishery/topic/14753/en Greenpeace - Countdown 2020 – will the EU deliver its promise of healthy seas and shift to low-impact fishing? http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/campaigns/oceans/ Information on the latest CFP reform: http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/reform/docs/msy_en.pdf

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Further links The possible dangers of aquaculture: http://sustainableseafoodcoalition.org/commercial-aquaculture-potential-environmental-issues/ WWF’s recently published ‘living blue planet report’: https://www.worldwildlife.org/publications/living-blue-planet-report-2015

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8. Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) Chairpersons: Jelle de Ruiter (NL) & Oleksandr Utsymenko (UA) As the largest simple maritime economic activity, coastal and maritime tourism offers widespread possibilities for employment. Facing the downsides such as low employment standards, greenhouse gas emissions and pollution of the seas, what measures should the EU take to foster maritime tourism in a more sustainable way in the Baltic States? Executive Summary Maritime tourism grants employment for locals and introduces the regions heritage to its visitors. This field boosts the local economy but in the name of profit, the seas and nature suffer from the increasing amounts of people coming to the coastlines in the form of pollution. Transportation, waste and even noise pollution disturb the natural balance of the regions with its tourists. How to find a balance between profitable economy and well-protected nature in the field of maritime tourism? Main Problem Maritime tourism offers once in a lifetime experiences with its vast opportunities varying from sea sports to museums. With the growing world economy, more and more people travel to the Union and its coastal destinations. Tourism offers oftentimes employment on seasonal basis but is highly profitable on those culmination months. Local economies benefit largely from these peaks and allow regional development on fields of infrastructure that advances for both tourism industry and quality of everyday life for the locals. As a downside of this, the nature is negatively affected by the growing amounts of tourism that has led to overfishing, waste and high pollution levels from transportation. Sustainable tourism has become popular throughout the world but needs further development in the Union to allow the continuity of tourism in the Baltic Sea states. How can the EU decrease the effects of the disadvantages while stimulating maritime tourism in a sustainable way in the Baltic States? Main Actors, Interests & Conflicts Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS): CBSS is a political forum for regional intergovernmental cooperation, with Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden and the European Commission as Members in the council. Their priority areas of work address the themes of environment, economic development, entrepreneurship, education, culture, civil security, children’s rights and human trafficking. NGOs: Non-governmental organisations can influence on ground through measures of protests and lobbying, trying to change the political agenda bottom-up. Oftentimes, environmental NGOs strive for less pollution and sustainability. Fishermen: Individuals working on the field of maritime and tourism can control their pollution levels but generally have very little they can do individually. Fisherman are afraid of pollution of the seas, as it will lead to a smaller catch but recognise the employment possibilities on the field.

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National governments of the Baltic States: Governments can adapt their national legislation on the fields of sustainability where the EU is not acting on. It is for the benefit of the national governments to increase maritime tourism for the sake of stimulating the economy. Tourists: The visitors and their behaviour influences the amount of pollution directly, but through individual actions can change the state of the sea. Current Legislation & Policies Directive 2014/89/EU of the European Parliament: On September 17th 2014 the EU adopted a law laying down a set of minimum requirements for maritime spatial planning in Europe. Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008: Establishes minimum requirements for EU countries to develop strategies aiming to protect the marine ecosystem and to ensure economic activities linked to the marine environment are sustainable. This also ensures good communication between countries in the same marine region (e.g. Baltic) by setting up cross-border programmes. Council report of 6 October 1999: Multiple measures taken by the EU to limit the pollution caused by transportation, divided in various sectors: road, rail, maritime and air transport. The European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR): The overall strategy for managing the Baltic region. Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: Implementing a maximum sustainable yield (MSY) in the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) to avoid overfishing. Perspectives Some argue that tourism causes a loss of heritage and traditions in the region. By introducing heritage and traditions as a profitable article to large groups, their values are oftentimes lost and made into a product of income. It is believed that expanding maritime tourism is an unworthy investment since most maritime facilities will be at risk with the rising sea level. Most coastal areas of the Baltic States are at risk if the sea level rises as a result of global warming. What can the Member States and the EU do in to achieve a sustainable blue economy? How to introduce more sustainable tourism in the Baltic region? How can the EU ensure better employment standards for people working in the maritime tourism sector? Key Words Blue economy, Employment standards, Marine region, Maritime tourism, Pollution, Sustainability

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Definitions Blue economy: sustainable economic development in the maritime sector. Marine region: Group of countries connected to the same body of water. In Europe there are four: North-East Atlantic, Baltic, Mediterranean and Black Sea marine regions. Pollution: The introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment, including noise pollution. Statistics The value added of the maritime and coastal tourism sector rises from over 152bln euros in 2006 to 183bln euros in 2011. The biggest increase takes place in the cruise sector, where the value added rises with 40%. In total value added of the EU-27, maritime and coastal tourism has a share of 1.2%. Links Minimum requirements for maritime spatial planning in Europe: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=URISERV:0201_2&qid=1443011344445 Recommendation to the Member States about a strategic approach: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1443012870017&uri=URISERV:g24229 A number of measures taken by the EU to limit pollution caused by transportation: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1443012870017&uri=URISERV:l28165 Minimum requirements for strategies to protect the marine ecosystem and cross-border communication: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1443014482614&uri=URISERV:l28164 Official website of the EUSBSR: http://www.balticsea-region-strategy.eu/ List of documents of the EUSBSR: http://www.baltic-sea-strategy-tourism.eu/cms2/EUSBSR_prod/EUSBSR/en/_Leftpane/_Documentation/Basic_documents/index.jsp Implementation of a maximum sustainable yield (MSY) for fishing: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1443381292261&uri=URISERV:l66037

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Further links Presentation about tourism cooperation in the Baltic sea region: https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/maritimeday/sites/mare-emd/files/meliss_en.pdf Presentation of a meeting of the UN about sustainable marine tourism: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/178208-%202013April_New%20York_LC.pdf In-depth explanation of the concept of blue economy: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/2978BEconcept.pdf Working document of commission staff about blue growth: http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/policy/sea_basins/baltic_sea/documents/swd-2014-167_en.pdf.pdf Official website of the CBSS: http://www.cbss.org/

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Notes

Partners of Kaarina 2015 the Regional Session of EYP Finland

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