Athens resolution booklet nsc 2014

RESOLUTION BOOKLET

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M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON I NTERNAL M ARKET AND C ONSUMER P ROTECTION With the European Banking Authority distancing itself from the Bitcoin: what steps should the EU take in order to ensure the protection and education of its citizens regarding the new digital currency?

Submitted by:

Katerina Kaskouti (GR), Foivos Manietis (GR), Tryfonas Mavroudis (GR), Nefeli Dimitra Noe (GR), Dionysis Pyromenis (GR), Marie Anne Ventouri (GR), Myrto Apostolidou (Chairperson, GR), Niklas Herpertz (Chairperson, DE)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Observing that the Bitcoin is a new form of currency, based on cryptography, which enables digital peer-to-peer payments without the need for third party verification, B. Recognising that the Bitcoin allows for fast, global transactions at a comparatively low cost, C. Realising that the Bitcoin could reduce the bureaucratic procedures currently required for donations, micropayments and crowd funding, D. Noting with deep concern that the pseudo-anonymity associated with Bitcoin transactions could be exploited through money laundering, tax evasion and the exchange of illegal goods, E. Deeply concerned that Bitcoin service providers are vulnerable to hacking, as indicated by the recent collapse of Mt. Gox which was previously the largest bitcoin exchange, F. Referring to the absence of harmonised legislation regulating the Bitcoin across Member States, G. Aware of the high volatility of the Bitcoin’s value and the lack of a deposit insurance; 1. Calls for the European Commission (EC) to initiate common legislation for the European Union that will formally recognise the Bitcoin as a currency, and tax it accordingly; 2. Recommends that independent auditors carry out mandatory and confidential auditing of Bitcoin service providers’ transactions and end-of-year balances on an annual basis;

3. Encourages leading Bitcoin service providers to cooperate and develop selfregulation guidelines to enhance security standards; 4. Further calls for the EC to amend the 2014 - 2020 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) in order to reallocate funds for the research and development of the technological aspects of the Bitcoin to improve security for users; 5. Has resolved to inform citizens of the risks associated with using the Bitcoin, such as changes in value and losses caused by hacking, and its potential advantages through: a)

Social media campaigns,

b) Events, c)

Workshops.

M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON F OREIGN A FFAIRS Following the public protests in response to Ukraine’s withdrawal from signing an Association Agreement with the EU: How should the EU react to the goverment’s decision and the resultant civil unrest?

Submitted by:

Giasemina Alchander (GR), Ioanna Kostaki (GR), Georgis Christos Kouis (GR), Mariam Mari Mangana (GR), Constantinos Mitsotakis (GR), Konstantina Papadopoulou (GR), Dimitris Tsianikas (GR), Anastasia Tsigiorti (GR), Minoas Vitalis (GR), Christina Georgia Zacharaki (GR), Rafail Zoulis (GR), Dmytro Kharcheko (Chairperson, UA)

The European Youth Parliament, H. Alarmed by the ongoing political and economic crisis in Ukraine, I. Recognising that recent protests in Kyiv were triggered by Yanukovych’s refusal to sign the Association Agreement (AA) with the European Union (EU), J. Deeply concerned by the recent human rights violations in Ukraine carried out by the riot police during the aforementioned protests, K. Disturbed by the Russian Federation’s actions in the Crimean peninsula including, but not limited to: i) Its military intervention in the region, ii) Its support of an illegal and unconstitutional referendum that took place on 16 March 2014, L. Observing that both the civil unrest in Ukraine and the military mobilisation along the Ukrainian-Russian border threaten international peace and security, M. Recalling the Budapest Memorandum of 1994 where Ukraine abandoned its nuclear arsenal in exchange for the protection of its territorial integrity by the United Kingdom, the United States and Russia, N. Taking into consideration that Europe’s dependence on Russian energy resources may be affecting its ability to take decisive action in helping resolve the current conflict;

6. Condemns the illegal and unconstitutional referendum in Crimea as well as the de facto annexation of the peninsula by the Russian Federation; 7. Further condemns the violation of the Budapest Memorandum by the Russian Federation; 8. Congratulates the interim Ukrainian government on its moderate reaction to the Russian Federation’s provocative actions; 9. Supports the establishment of effective dialogue between the interim Ukrainian government and the Russian Federation with the aim of stabilising the current situation; 10. Reaffirms the already existing sanctions imposed by the EU on individual Russian and Ukrainian officials responsible for human rights violations; 11. Recommends that additional sanctions be applied in the event of an escalation of violence in the region; 12. Welcomes the assistance of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in helping to balance the Ukrainian economy; 13. Confirms the readiness of the EU to support and consult with the interim Ukrainian government in order to ensure effective reforms and democratic elections on 25 May 2014.

M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON E CONOMIC AND M ONETARY A FFAIRS With the Eurozone officially out of recession and Ireland being the first country to end its bailout: What steps should be taken to sustain the momentum of the European economic recovery process?

Submitted by:

Panagiotis Doudos (GR), Alex Mitropoulos (GR), Evangelia Makri (GR), Myrto Apostolidi (GR), Stefaanos Synadinos (GR), Nikoli Pilidi (GR), Anastasia Sinani (GR), Dimitrios Skaftouros (GR), Anastasia Haviaropoulou (GR), Carl-Alexander Van Tornout (Chairperson, BE)

The European Youth Parliament, 1. Observing the change in both the initial values on which the European Union (EU) was based and the current economic climate, 2. Having examined the mismanagement of governmental funds by Member States, 3. Noting with regret the increased levels of unemployment in Member States, 4. Deeply concerned by the decrease in economic activity in the EU caused by considerable levels of debt and high interest rates in Member States, 5. Bearing in mind that people are not well informed on issues concerning the EU and more specifically the sovereign debt crisis, 6. Noting that profit is often prioritised over the welfare of European citizens, 7. Fully alarmed that the economic crisis has caused citizens to lose faith in European democratic ideas, 8. Noting with appreciation the work of the Europe2020 programme in improving employment, education, research and development, 9. Taking into account that the inefficient fiscal policy of various Member States has resulted in: a)

A fiscal deficit,

b) Corrective austerity measures;

1.

Encourages each Member State to sell a Eurobond, the size of which will depend on the individual Member State’s Gross Domestic Product;

2.

Supports investments using public and private funds in parallel to the Europe2020 programme;

3.

Urges Member States to reform their educational systems in order to ensure that they promote democratic values to young citizens and encourage them to become active members of the EU;

4.

Resolves to strengthen the belief in the Eurozone by using media campaigns to inform citizens of the steps taken to alleviate the current economic situation;

5.

Calls for the European Central Bank to adjust austerity measures according to the economic situations of individual Member States;

6.

Endorses a universal tax system across Member States where taxes are adjusted for each company or individual based on local governmental law;

7.

Further requests the creation of a European institution that will: a)

Approve funding and advise on the investments of each Member State;

b)

Publish reports on subsequent findings.

M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON H UMAN R IGHTS Following the success of the BeatBullying campaign of 2013: What strategy should the EU adopt in order to become a leading light in the fight against e-bullying?

Submitted by:

Vasiliki Maria Amaxa (GR), Nikolaos Gkeroutsos GR), Filothei Katsoula (GR), Olga Miche (GR), Eleni Mpiniakou (GR), Alkmini Mpistina (GR), Vasiliki Nikolaou (GR), Alexandra-Myrto Rekka (GR), Rafaella Anastasia Schoinochoriti (GR), Marajia Siountri (GR), Danae Triantafyllou (GR), Despina Papadopoulou (Chairperson, GR), Dennis Patriarcheas (Chairperson, GR)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Fully aware that the rapid development of technology and the tendency of bullies to harass their victims online has led to an increase in e-bullying, B. Recognising that the extent of e-bullying varies significantly across Member States, C. Deeply concerned by the limited amount of time parents devote to their children and their consequent failure to intervene if their child is bullied, D. Noting with deep concern the different types of e-bullying that have emerged, E. Taking into consideration the varying impact of e-bullying on its victims, which may include: i)

Depression,

ii) Anxiety, iii) Suicide attempts, iv) The victim becoming a bully, F. Conscious of the fact that online anonymity enables bullies to act without fear of consequences, G. Alarmed by the reluctance of e-bullying victims to report incidents due to fear of criticism and the bullies’ reaction, H. Further noting the lack of awareness of e-bullying in the society and among educational institutions;

1. Calls for presentations and seminars of teacher training to be organised by educational institutions in cooperation with psychologists and representatives from the Safer Internet Programme; 2. Recommends for existing campaigns such as ‘#delete_cyberbullying’ to also include interactive online games and TV commercials; 3. Urges organisations that aim to tackle to e-bullying to seek funding from the European Commission’s (EC) Daphne III funding programme; 4. Further recommends that the EC proposes a legal framework that would make ebullying illegal; 5. Encourages all social networks to sign the already existing European agreement on Social Networks and guarantee privacy by default; 6. Endorses the establishment of a new sub-sector of BeatBullying that would provide parents with information about e-bullying and its prevention.

M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON CIVIL LIBERTIES , J USTICE AND H OME A FFAIRS With continuing tragedies and the growing strain of illegal immigation: How can the EU support its Member States in managing the increading flows of asylym seekers whilst ensuring humane treatment?

Submitted by:

Despina Lamprou (GR), Katerina Basta (GR), Konstantinos Kontogiannis (GR), Thalis-Petros Sachas (GR), Sofia Ntali (GR), Chrysoula Stavropoulou (GR), Ioanna Korkovili (GR), Ilias Papadopoulos (GR), Panagiotis Iliopoulos (GR), Isabella Hayward (Vice-President, SE), Panagiotis Orfanakos (Chairperson, GR)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Noting illegal attempts by migrants to reach the European Union’s (EU) shores have resulted in thousands of deaths at the EU’s borders, B. Deeply concerned that Member States’ authorities have been accused of violating both European and International Human Rights law, in relation to migrants’ reception conditions, unlawful detention and violent refoulement, C. Recognising that some Member States deal with the uneven burden of a disproportionate number of asylum-seekers as a result of: i)

Varying immigration flows,

ii) Their capacity to handle the aforementioned flows, D. Believing that the ‘First Safe Country’ principle, enshrined in the Dublin Regulation, further enhances this uneven burden, E. Noting with satisfaction the on-going work to establish a Common European Asylum System (CEAS) that harmonises Member States’ asylum practices, F. Noting with regret that the CEAS is yet to be fully implemented across the EU, G. Highlighting the limited cooperation between Member States, their neighbouring countries, the countries of transit and countries of origin, H. Taking into account that the lack of public awareness and the stereotyping of immigrants may foster anti-immigration sentiments and lead to policies contradicting the humane treatment of refugees;

1. Encourages Member States to both establish and further enhance common bilateral agreements with countries concerned to better monitor illegal immigration and asylum-seeking; 2. Requests that the European Commission raises public awareness, concerning the rights of asylum-seekers, through EU-wide media campaigns and educational programmes; 3. Authorises replacing existing detention methods through the establishment of open reception infrastructures and suitable accommodation for vulnerable groups such as unaccompanied minors; 4. Strongly recommends that the EU amend the Dublin regulation by: a)

abolishing the ‘First Safe Country’ principle,

b) establishing new criteria for the distribution of asylum applicants based on Member States’ capacity to receive asylum seekers such as evaluating their financial situation and detention facilities; 5. Urges the European Commission to strictly monitor the implementation of the CEAS, requesting the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to apply fixed or periodic fines when Member States are found to be in continued breach of regulation; 6. Supports enhancing the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union (FRONTEX) and the European Border Surveillance System (EUROSUR), in order to identify and monitor migratory ‘hot-spots’ thus preventing future tragedies and deaths; 7. Requests that the European Commission proportionately distribute the available financial aid, such as the Refugee Fund, in order to support Member States who: a)

host large numbers of asylum-seekers,

b) improve detention conditions such as infrastructure and detention facilities, c)

address capacity issues within Member States;

8. Further requests the European Court of Auditors to ensure these funds are efficiently used.

M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON I NDUSTRY , R ESEARCH AND E NERGY Online piracy, where does the bucket stop? With an ever-increasing stream of illegal downloads available online, how can the EU effectively target those at fault in order to reduce the number of illegal downloads?

Submitted by:

Claire Angelopoulos (GR), Dimitrios Patounis (GR), Konstantina Xenou (GR), Aggeliki Vatikioti (GR), Nikitas Philipides (GR), Michaela Nisioti (GR), Dimitris Ntounis (GR), Eleftheria Politi (GR), Maria Zapanti (GR), Irida Karasmanoglou (Chairperson, GR), Ilir Kola (Chairperson, AL)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Alarmed that online piracy violates intellectual property rights, B. Noting with deep concern that anti-piracy laws are not up-to-date with current technologies thus reducing their effectiveness, C. Bearing in mind that online piracy affects people’s way of thinking by establishing the belief that theft of ideas is acceptable, D. Taking into account online piracy lowers the income of both content producers and governments, E. Believing that the high prices of certain products may contribute to illegal downloading, F. Recognising that the downloading of copyrighted content has increased the intellectual level of society by providing people with previously inaccessible content;

1. Suggests that the European Commission (EC) create a directive which implements subscription fees for ‘Cyberlocker’ sites where people can download material after an agreement between the producers and the website has been reached; 2. Further suggests that, as part of the aforementioned agreement, a portion of the money collected from the subscription fees go to the producers; 3. Declares that websites who refuse to follow this directive and advertise the download of copyrighted material will be treated as illegal websites;

4. Calls upon the Directorate General for Information Society and Media to cooperate with the EC in proposing new laws according to technological developments; 5. Urges Member States to inform adolescents on the consequences of illegally downloading copyrighted material through: a)

Yearly research projects conducted by students with assistance from experts,

b) Lessons concerning cybernetic rights in their school curricula; 6. Encourages businesses and producers to agree to lower the price of certain products for a specific period of time, making them more widely accessible and reducing the need for illegal downloads.

M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON E MPLOYMENT AND S OCIAL A FFAIRS Internships: opportunity or exploitation? How can the European Union effectively support its youth in making a smooth transition from education to employment?

Submitted by:

Evangelia Vasiliki Anastasakou (GR), Anastasia Andritsaki (GR), Roxanne Chlopsidi (GR), Vasilis Christophorus (GR), Christina Dousmanis (GR), Petros Nikolou (GR), Maria Pareli (GR), Katerini Printziou (GR), Eleni Ioanna Siozou (GR), Eleni Tragara (GR), Panayiotis Zinelis (GR), Isabel Cantalapiedra (Chairperson, ES), João Moreira (Chairperson, PT)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Having considered that the majority of students are unaware of both the opportunities and the working conditions offered by internships, B. Bearing in mind that interns are often engaged in mundane tasks, which are not related to their area of interest and do not help them acquire practical skills, C. Fully alarmed by the lack of governmental oversight on employers with regards to the violation of the interns’ rights, D. Deeply concerned that interns may be obliged to work more hours than initially agreed in the contract with the employer, E. Noting with concern the possibility to take on an unlimited number of internships, F. Having considered that interns’ mobility across the European Union (EU) is not encouraged by the governments of Member States, G. Gravely concerned by the lack of medical insurance and social security provided to interns by their employers, H. Considering the inconsistency of the legal framework concerning internships in the majority of Member States;

1. Calls for expansion of the European Employment Services (EURES) platform which will provide more information on internships available in each Member State and their respective legal framework; 2. Recommends that Member States organise annual seminars providing potential interns with the necessary information about the legal background and working conditions of internships; 3. Proposes limiting the number of internships any individual can take on;

4. Supports the creation of an EU-wide certificate that is issued upon completion of an internship; 5. Further recommends the increase in transparency of internship contracts, clearly specifying interns’ working environment, working hours, insurance provisions, salary and learning objectives; 6. Urges all Member States to further clarify internship legislation at the national level; 7. Encourages all EU countries to promote the mobility of interns through financial reimbursements towards travel and accommodation costs.

M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON C ONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS e-European Parliament Elections 2014: How can the EU fully utilise the technology available in order to achieve a high rate of youth voter turnout and ensure that the electorate is well-informed?

Submitted by:

Eleni Makridi (GR), Marina Stamelou (GR), Foteini Ifanti (GR), Konstantina Angelopoulou (GR), Styliani Katsardi (GR), Charalambos-Ioannis Loumiotis (GR), Alexandros Nikolaidis (GR), Maria-Eirini Barkatsa (GR), Myrto Mylona (GR), Xristos Tsagkaris (GR), Ciara Robinson (Chairperson, UK), Giorgina Giani (Chairperson, GR)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Alarmed that since 1999, voter turnout in European Parliament (EP) elections has remained below a qualified majority of 50%, B. Noting with concern that only 29% of young eligible citizens cast their votes in the previous EP elections, C. Recognising that the directly elected EP is the most proportionally representative institution of the European Union (EU), D. Convinced that the lack of awareness of young European citizens regarding European politics is a major cause of the low voter turnouts, E. Recalling the findings of the Eurobarometer survey which states that 57% of young people do not trust European politicians to successfully represent their views, F. Concerned by the lack of information that is available online concerning: i)

The role of the seven European institutions,

ii) The impact of these institutions on the daily lives of European citizens, iii) The ways for young Europeans to get involved, G. Noting with regret the lack of media coverage given to European issues and politics, H. Emphasising the potential benefits of using technology in European politics, in order to: i)

Increase dialogue between European citizens and European decision-makers,

ii) Improve access to information concerning the EU and the seven European institutions, iii) Introduce faster voting procedures,

I. Fully aware of the threats to online security that are associated with methods of edemocracy, with specific reference to: i)

The privacy of European citizens,

ii) The rigging of elections;

1. Calls for the introduction of e-voting systems for the EP elections, based upon the model developed in Estonia; 2. Invites all Member States to hold the EP elections on the same day; 3. Authorises the creation of an interactive online programme offered to educational institutions of Member States, which would provide: a)

Informative materials on European politics,

b) A platform for student-led discussion forums, c)

Teaching plans for lessons on European politics available to faculty members;

4. Recommends that Member States include European politics in the national curriculum, making use of the aforementioned interactive programme; 5. Has resolved to create a media campaign that supports existing political organisations in Member States who encourage youth participation in politics; 6. Endorses the creation and broadcast of a high-profile youth debate on European politics and the decision-making process in the EU; 7. Proposes the creation of a website that would direct individuals to online platforms where they can discuss pan-European issues; 8. Supports the development of European cultural and political events which promote a common European spirit among young citizens.

M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON S ECURITY AND D EFENCE "In a world where data flows across borders as easily as the air we breathe" according to European Union Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding, how can the European Union safeguard the personal data of its citizens online whilst also ensuring their security?

Submitted by:

Iakovos-Paraskevas Aletras (GR), Vasiliki Chryssi (GR), John Dellis (GR), Aikaterini Koronaiou (GR), Chrysa Kougiaoumtzi (GR), Nicole Mourati (GR), Froso Paspala (GR), Eirini TrikoglouKaryka (GR), Christina Sevva (GR), George Stavroylakis (GR), George Vasileiou (GR), Thanasis Saitis (Vice-President, GR), David Soler Crespo (Chairperson, ES)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Aware of the fact that the personal data users provide while using digital means of communication then circulates online, B. Noting with deep concern that no unified European legislative framework exists to address the protection of users’ data, C. Deeply concerned that the general public do not have a clear understanding of how their personal data can be collected and used, D. Conscious of the inadequacy of existing security mechanisms to safeguard the privacy of users, E. Alarmed by the fact that it is often impossible for users to delete or request the deletion of all the data uploaded during their activities online, F. Recognising the importance of monitoring personal data for the purpose of preventing terrorist activities, G. Guided by the belief that the protection of civil liberties is one of the cornerstones of democracy; 1. Encourages the creation of an explanatory guide that would highlight the means available for the protection of citizens’ personal data with specific reference to: a) Encryption, b) Safe browser plug-ins, c) Networks that ensure anonymity;

8.

Endorses the creation of new legislation that gives citizens the right to view, obtain or delete all of their personal data from any EU-based server, with the exception of data related to suspected or proven criminal activity;

9.

Recommends for all organisations that gather data to disclose this in their Terms and Conditions;

10.

Further recommends that these Terms and Conditions are written in both an extended and a condensed format;

11.

Calls for EU citizens’ personal data to become subject to processing only after explicit consent by the individual or as a result of a judicial process;

12.

Requests the establishment of a European organisation dedicated to data protection in order to: a)

Safeguard civil liberties online,

b)

Impose fines and other penalties on those breaking the law,

c)

Supervise data transfers,

d) Develop

new security mechanisms focused on safeguarding users’ personal

data; Supports a global discussion on the necessity of balance between protection of citizens’ civil liberties and national security needs.

6.

M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON E NVIRONMENT , P UBLIC H EALTH AND F OOD S AFETY “Spaceship Earth” or a “Cowboy Economy”: With 60% of EU citizens living in urban areas, how can the EU balance development and mobility in urban areas whilst also considering green values such as sustainability, green technologies and a reduction in the consumtpion of finite resources?

Submitted by:

Kyriaki Giannikou (GR), Danae Katsila (GR), Eleni Mantzorou (GR), Orpheas Michas (GR), Aimilia Mpoukara (GR), Angeliki Georgia Nasou (GR), Nikolaos Pagonis (GR), Aggeliki Rubati (GR), Artemis Taliou (GR), Alexandros Tagkos (GR), Aikaterini Tsoliakou (GR), Maria Ntona (Chairperson, GR)

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Bearing in mind the widespread use of private means of transport by citizens is one of the main factors resulting in greenhouse gas emissions, B. Noting with regret the lack of efficiency and appeal of public transport systems, C. Drawing attention to the potential of alternative energy sources to meet the pressing demands for energy in urban areas, D. Recognising the increasing importance of green values on the redesigning of urban areas, E. Reaffirming that the infrastructure in urban areas is not as eco-friendly as it could be;

1. Calls for the enhancement of the public transport systems in Member States by supporting: a)

The development of eco-friendly versions of public transport,

b) Further expansion of public transport networks, c)

A decrease in public transport fares,

d) The “Vélos en libre-service” as an efficient and affordable means for smalldistance urban commuting; 2. Reaffirms its decision to limit the use of combustion vehicles and promote green vehicles by:

a)

Providing financial incentives in order to facilitate the exchange of conventional vehicles with eco-friendly ones,

b) Introducing tax differentiations between conventional and eco-friendly vehicles in favour of the latter; 3. Encourages the use of alternative sources of energy by: a)

Exploiting the varying climatic and morphological characteristics of Member States,

b) Promoting the integration of the Common European Energy Market; 4. Further invites Member States to implement projects of urban regeneration; 5. Endorses the construction of Energy-efficient Buildings as well as the retrofitting of existing ones with more eco-friendly materials and equipment to reduce their ecological footprint; 6. Further resolves to fund research programmes pertaining to green technologies.