old fashioned - 1st issue [welcome]

Welcome 7 April

Old Fashioned

1.

Index

Most of you don’t know what EYP is really about and it will take you some time to figure it out. Frankly, that was the case with all of us when first taking part in a session… Even today as this session begins we have managed to know some things and we are still learning others. It is all part of a very sweet process formally known among us as “EYPing”.

So what better way of welcoming you all than sharing some of our insight on EYP? We could think of no other so this issue turned out to be mixture of the elements that make EYP: sessions, travelling, friends, national committees and of course knowledge and information.

It is difficult to describe in words or depict EYP but we tried and what you are now holding in your hands is the result of our fair effort… So enjoy… The press team is wholeheartedly welcoming you all!!!

Mariela & Manto

2.

Editors:

Mariela Apostolaki Manto Souvatzidaki

Editorial Assistants: Theodoropoulos Dionysios Papadogeorgopoulos Fotis

Journalists:

Goula Konstantina Gigelos John Grigoriadis George Koukou Katerina Mylona Emy Palma Gaia Ringström George Selmer Nina Cathrine Van Leeuwen Bas Vidvei Nini Mandersloot Mattho

Contents 4 // The EYP organisation 5 // Zagreb Experience & Ready? Set...EYP! 6 // IYF & Athens 2011 7 // Zucchini's Tale & EYP Sweden 8 // The Nedrlands & EYP Norway 9 // PEG 10 // Airplanes... (!)

11 // Cyber Criminals & New Virus 12 // Europe: Hot & Cold & Arts VS Economic crsis 13 // Unemployment

&

Greek debt crisis

14 // European Identity & European Financial crisis 15 // Euroscepticism

Bye Bye Monkeys . . . .

3.

EYP: The organisation

by Mattho Mandersoot

4.

The Governing body – whom are they governing? The National Board - hold up, do you mean the Board of the session? No wait, that’s not ‘national’, there’s a Portuguese guy and a Latvian lady in there. The President – what kind of person is this anyway; I mean is Mr. Machado ‘my’ president? The Alumnus – Is that what I am, alumnus? Alright, well what is that?

I’m recalling the confusion that raged through my head when I first tried to grasp the structure of the organisation ‘EYP’, my only knowledge about it being the structure of my very first session. To prevent you from having the same fuss, let me teach you the basics.

Right now, as you know, you are attending the National Selection Conference which is an event organised by the National Board of EYP Greece. Every National Board organises at least a National Session and in most of the bigger countries Regional Sessions are organised as well. Furthermore in every country the Alumni, all of those who attended a National Session (so yes, that is you!), stay in touch through all kinds of minor events organised within their country. Make sure to stay updated about all that EYP Greece has to offer you!

Every session yields a president who can be an experienced EYP member from every EYP country, whereas every National Board is presided by a native president. Mr. Machado is your president for this session and the president of EYP Greece Sofia Zafeiriou addressed you during the Opening Ceremony.

Lastly there is the Governing Body, consisting of the most experienced EYP members from various countries, elected annually by the members of the National Committees. The GB is therefore a covering body for all the National Boards and in this way particularly responsible for the quality assurance of the International Sessions

The Zagreb Experience

by Nina Cathrine Selmer

It was in the end of September last year, and 250 young people from 33 different European countries gathered in Zagreb, Croatia. It was the 68th international session of the European Youth Parliament. The next ten

days brought more than any of these young people could have imagined. Meeting young people from all over Europe is an exciting experience itself, but when you discuss politics, economics, culture and science with

them, it rises to another level.

Being able to discuss the economic situation in Greece with someone from Greece, or the political state in Belgium with someone from Belgium gives you a whole new perspective, and a different understanding of a situation you thought you already knew. The diversity among the group of youths was not only shown through the different stands at Euro Village, but also through different takes on European matters.

However, discuss was far from all we did. During the teambuilding we had several pool parties under the stars.

The Opening Ceremony took place in a museum of contemporary art, and a mall and a movie theatre were only a few of the different locations for social events. The session ended with a General Assembly in the beautiful Parliament building, and a dinner in the Croatian President’s

palace. But these were only a few of the amazing experiences we delegates brought with us home. Croatia is a beautiful country, and a day to spend in the city centre of Zagreb as well as events in fantastic venues all over the city showed the diversity the city has. The country is in the midst of the process of becoming a member of the European Union, and this made the session even more interesting, considering that it took place in a country where Europe was indeed on the agenda. In addition to this, three days of Committee Work and two days of General Assembly made room for many discussions, and innovative resolutions. The debate heated when the future of Africa, the right wing extremism or the financial crisis was discussed. Zagreb 2011 was indeed just that, an experience.

Ready? Set... EYP!

by Emy Mylona

Travelling abroad: something you may have dreamt over and over again. What you haven’t dreamt about, though, is travelling abroad for 10 days, going to places you probably wouldn’t go otherwise, meeting people from all over Europe, keeping yourself updated with current European issues and having the time of your life, all at once! Well, no, we are not trying to mess with you, all of this is real and it’s certainly EYPish.

Let’s now go back one or two years, shall we? More specifically, let’s take a look into two International Sessions, one in Lviv (Ukraine) and another in Rhône-Alpes region (France).

Our first trip back in time stops in October 2010 when the Greek delegation, consisting of 10 people, began its journey to an unknown destination, Lviv. No one had heard of that name before so Google was our adviser as to what to expect but who would predict the astonishing beauty of the city located in western Ukraine? The almost medieval spirit carried us away but apart from that there were some trivial elements that made the session unique, such as that beautiful small forest in front of our hotel. The most important contributing factor, however, was that this session represented the best beginning we could imagine to EYP-International life.

Recovering from PED (Post-EYP-Depression) was too hard to bear so, behold, another session in line! The destination this time was France and we were lucky enough to visit three different places, Villard de Lans, a commune in southern-eastern France which is an ideal place to shoot a movie like “Little House on the Prairie”, Grenoble and, then, Lyon. Once more we experienced what EYP really is and among the many interesting parts of this session were the sights we got to visit, like La Bastille (téléphériques included, people!), a really cool GA venue and, well, the parties.

All in all, being part of an International Session in EYP is definitely a must. As delegates, you will have innumerable opportunities to experience this sense of awesomeness so exploit as many you can! Get ready, get excited!

5.

IYF:

amazing and cool

by Katerina Koukou

.

Interesting, amazing, exciting, fabulous, marvelous, great, thrilling, unique; oops I have just run out of adjectives, but it’s cool because International Youth Forum in Istanbul is cool, really cool. So what makes me exaggerate? First of all it is the city…Istanbul is absolutely amazing. It is the place where East and West dance a passionate tango and the visitor just can’t take his eyes of them. Moreover IYF is unique because of the venues where the session usually takes place. Robert College is located on a wooded area overlooking Bosporus which means that participants enjoy teambuilding games while the sea breeze mixes their hair and phrase their resolutions inspired by the magnificent view through the windows.

Nevertheless, what makes a session unique isn’t the place or the venues but the organizer’s eagerness, the journalist’s inspiration and the chair’s and delegate’s excitement. Hence, IYF was simply unique. Organizers were always there with a hearty smile, journalists with amazing articles and chairs with everything a delegate could have ever wanted from them.

In addition to all these the academic level of the session was rather high, with demanding topics, qualified and experienced delegates. Well written resolutions, interesting debates in committee work and general assembly are the result of an amazing session. Hundreds of photos ,comments on Facebook , four Bull Issues, many of new friends are the result of a cool session. IYF is the place to be both for those who look for an amazing-interesting session and for those who desire a cool one or even better for those who seek both of them.

Having already organized many great NSCs and Forums it was high time for EYP Turkey to organize the 69th International Session. It did it and it was again a unique one. In order to convince you here is the statement of one of the participants: “If you ask me to describe the session in Istanbul in one sentence, it would be: "I have never slept 22 hours in 8 nights" “(from the FB page of the 69th International Session of EYP).

6.

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66th International

Democracy…seems to be the hardest word!

by George Grigoriadis

So many revolutions, so many battles were needed for this regime to be established in many countries. But, the greatest revolution, caused this time by democracy itself, is: the 66th International EYP Conference in Athens!

Indeed, the city, where democracy was born, hosted, about 2.500 years after, an international session with the theme “European Democracy 2.0”. Many delegates, coming from various European countries, taking into account social and political aspects fruitfully debated in order to mould visions for a better society of citizens.

Of course, a session without organizing would be merely impossible. The organizing part was a little strange, but in fact very interesting. Many Greek people worked hard for many months so as to make the session happen in the best way. It was difficult for them, but in the end they managed to cooperate, to find nice venues, to make good deals as well as to make this project financially secure. As far as the timing is concerned, that is something special. In Greece time works in a different, unique way from other countries.

But this is not a problem. It is up to you to handle it for your benefit. And this session proved that!

The delegates, according to the statistics of the session, declared that they were satisfied and gained many valuable pieces of information. Apart from that they spent a wonderful time attending interesting workshops and visiting beautiful venues. Which other conference included a visit to a spa centre? I think no one. Furthermore, their accommodation was facilitated by the amazing organizing team. Inexhaustible night shifts with special equipment throughout the camp of Loutraki “Sportcamp” made their stay safe and secure. Last but not least, we cannot skip the unforgettable EYP-events. Ok, we can admit that one or two parties were a bit lame but, the other were smash hits and restored the fame of Greece!!!

Delegates, officials, Democracy: all these factors combined under the blue Attic sky, with the prevailing view of the Acropolis and the diffuse spirit of our great ancestors, made what we proudly call: the 66th International EYP session in Athens!

A Zucchini’s tale under the scenery of Lake Constance: a narration on how to challenge the change

by Konstantina Goula

After abstaining a year from EYP, the European Youth Summit on Climate Change in Friedrichshafen from 14-19 August 2011 was the challenge I was looking forward to. Thus, let me start the narration.

14th of August: As a delegate it was high time to meet the other members of the AFET committee, break the ice and lower the original hesitancies through the Teambuilding games. EYPers are definitely the masters of randomness. How else could you explain the show up of two zucchinis at the beginning of the session used by the editors to express themselves? Since then, they became a legend and the masquot of the session. Mutual trust, problem solving games and a Macarena dance brought us closer. In spite we knew each other only 24 hours, we could engage in a discussion with our co-delegates about their childhood, their secret dream or fear.

15th-18th of August: It was high time to prove our engagement and put our hands together to propose as a team a concrete solution to our topic dealing with the increasing competition over resources in the MENA countries due to climate change. Essentially, Committee Work required recognizing and appreciating the different perspectives and to be guided by tolerance. Through this democratic decision-making procedure I learned to participate actively in shaping our common vision into a resolution.

19th of August: Last day and the General Assembly is the proof that EYP exists through debates. The last words of my chair are still echoing in my head: ‘‘we might never come across each other again but now there is connection between us .Think the awkward moment when you shook hands and realized how tight you hug each other now. You have known each other only for 7 days but when after months you will be looking back at the session you will all feel touched regardless of national identities or special personal bonds. Remember, time is a privilege in EYP and the change happens at an extreme speed. We are not here to change the world but to change your attitude and make you act considering how your choices affect your society.’’

EYP Sweden - An Insight-

by George Ringstrom

Even though Sweden has sent delegates to international sessions since 1991, it was not until 1995, on the initiative of two university lectors, that a national committee was formed. It is the national committee that since then has been responsible for selecting the delegations that are to attend the international sessions. In 2003 previous EYP delegates formed an alumni organization which two years later, in 2005, joined together with the national committee to form a new organization under the common name EYP Sweden. That is how the Swedish section of EYP took its current shape.

Since the creation of EYP Sweden eight national sessions have taken place, the most recent one in Stockholm last February. As of last year the process of selecting

what delegations to send to IS has been refined. Delegates now first compete on a regional level and then qualify to the national session. This means that every delegation has to go through not one but two sessions in order to reach the international session.

The way of selecting students for the school delegation varies. Some schools have essay-writing contests while others merely rely on teacher recommendations.

For the national session held in February, Stockholm school Kungsholmens Gymnasium initiated a new method which took the whole process one step further.

With the aim of integrating as many students as possible the school chose to organize its very own mini-session.

Through posters, information talks and

Facebook activity, the session managed to gather around 60 students from the school. During the course of a Friday afternoon an entire session, albeit severely reduced in time, was held.

At the end of the day a delegation for the nationals had been assembled. But more than that had been achieved. Even though most students were not elected, a general interest for the EYP had been awoken.

In Sweden the EYP can sometimes seem rather confined to a small group of individuals, but through activities such as the one at Kungsholmens Gymnasium, the hope is to broaden the scope of participants and truly make the EYP into what it really is – a place for everybody to express opinions whilst making new friends.

7.

The Netherlands: A small country in the north of Europe recognised worldwide for its commercial spirit, where people who work hard all-day and have dinner every single night at 6 o’clock, go to church every Sunday. Or at least, that is how we like to think we are like, while people from abroad seem to have some quite a different opinion about Holland. Ask any random American for instance about what they think is typically Dutch; they will firstly tell you that they have no idea where it is, after that they will immediately mention the fact

that we can smoke pot legally and are stoned 24/7, whilst our youth starts using alcohol at the age of 12. The words Marijuana, Weed and Holland are now rather synonymous, and the word ‘coffee-shop’ has a very different meaning in Dutch than it does in other languages. And how lucky you are that you can be selected in this NSC to be a delegate in an International Session of the EYP in Amsterdam in December! Symbolically the Netherlands is quite an interesting place to have the session as well, for the first modern republic in the world was founded in Holland, The Republic of the Seven United Provinces, whereas all other countries remained absolute monarchies for at least 2 more centuries! During this time, what is also today one of the very causes of the financial

crisis arose, the apparition of the first joint-stock company, the Dutch EastIndia Company. With this in mind, EYP the Netherlands tries to keep the youth in Holland internationally aware and active and builds in this process on our liberal, open and internationally orientated society. For such a small country with such a rich history, like Greece, needs to maintain presence in the international theatre. Therefore, organizing an IS is very important. Since this is the first IS that EYP the Netherlands will host, it is therefore bound to be a really well organised, stunning and great IS, as we ‘Dutchies’ are capable of doing. The locations are already planned and one has to be part of this!

by Bas Van Leeuwen

EYP Norway

Ten Years, Still Going Strong

by Nini Videvei

This year, EYP Norway will hold its 10th National Selection Conference (NSC). After 10 years of hard work, EYP Norway keeps on inspiring Norwegian youth to discuss issues that matter.

Every year, EYP Norway holds one NSC, usually in September. About 100 students gather from all over Norway to learn and debate current issues related to Europe. The last NSC was held in the third largest Norwegian city, Trondheim. Committee work was done in the offices of the City Council, while General Assembly (GA) took place in a quite uncommon location - the city’s football stadium. This gave the conference a special atmosphere. It was a successful NSC, with many engaging discussions.

Since the founding of the organization, EYP Norway has contributed a lot to Norwegian youth. In Norway, extracurricular activities, such as the EYP, are something out of the ordinary. It is rare that schools and organizations cooperate on encouraging young people to engage themselves in current issues. EYP Norway is great because it allows students to think about political questions in school. In addition, EYP is special in Norway because it offers an insight to Europe. Norway is not a member of the European Union, and therefore, topics considering Europe are not discussed as much in Norwegian classrooms as in many other European classrooms. In Norway, EYP gives young Norwegians a stronger feeling of belonging to Europe. This is of importance because of the essential relations between the EU and Norway that quite a few Norwegians are unaware of.

The 10th National Selection Conference in Norway will be held in Oslo between the 17th and 19th of October, 2012.

8.

Parlamento Europeo Giovani

by Gaia Palma

Only a few days ago our beloved PEG (Parlamento Europeo Giovani) turned 18!

In fact, PEG was born in 1994 and ever since it has organised three Regional Sessions, twenty nine National Sessions and four International Sessions.

Regional Sessions are something pretty new to us Italian EYPers, as the first one took place in 2010.

The purpose is to give the opportunity to live the most significant moments of a National Session to some of those schools which didn’t make the selection phase.

National Sessions are the main activity of PEG, they take place twice a year involving over 300 students!

During four days of hard work, sleepless nights and lots of coffee the delegates work in Committees in order to write resolutions about some European issues.

Of course there is still time to have plenty of fun, in those epic moments such as the Teambuilding, On the first day the delegates get the theme party and the farewell to know each other thanks to party!

Teambuilding.

Talking with foreign EYPers I’ve been Each one of them is given a topic told that PEG sessions seem to be much to write a resolution about more competitive than they are in and discuss it in the General other countries, but actually we didn’t Assembly really feel the rivalry until we got to the GA, when the jury chose the two winning delegations whose members had the opportunity to participate at an International Session.

Italy has hosted four International Sessions; in 1995 it was held in Milan, in 1999 in Rome, in 2002 in Turin and in 2005 in Bari.

These lasted nine days and involved students from over 30 countries.

Whatever session you attend, it will be one of the best experiences of your life and you will learn so much in such a short time!

PEG’s main goals are in fact to promote the development of a wider European dimension, the studying of European regulations and Institutions by young people and to encourage them to take a deep interest in topical questions.

9.

Socialists in European Parliament ask for Wifi in Airplanes

An Industry In Conflict

By Bas van Leeuwen

Over Rights To Pollute

by George Ringstrom

A Dutch Socialist MEP (Member of the European ParliaEvery year the flight industry can be held responsible for ment), Judith Markies, recently asked the European Comabout 3 percent of the total emissions of green house gases. mission to undertake action so as to ensure further use of Yet the sector has managed to avoid any particular restricInternet, even on airplanes. The MP Markies also wants tions or regulations. That however saw a change at the start of to implement measures as to enable mobile phone calls this year. As of the first of January the European Union has put whilst in the air. According to her Mobile phones are of into force a distribution system of emission rights that will tax immense importance in our lives today, and the role all airlines flying in and out of airports located in member states. they play is going to increase even more over the coming years as everyone can see. She thinks the question These new emission regulations have been met by great proto be asked is not if Wifi is offered during flights, but tests from companies worldwide. Voices have been raised in Ruswhen they are first introducing it. According to our sia, Canada and India amongst other countries. Chinese airlines sources however, this is already happening in counhave even threatened the French aircraft producer Airbus that tries like the US or Mexico and projects have startthey will cancel their orders if the rules are not abolished. This new ed in some countries in Asia. Despite the fact all of taxation system of a limited distribution of emission rights has not the aforementioned happen on a relatively small only received criticism from external parties. Manufacturers as well scale, Markies sees a future for Wifi during flights as other agencies involved in the flight industry from both France on a larger, global scale, so that everyone can enand Germany have presented their concerns to the EU Commission. joy the pleasure of traveling fast, and being able Pressure from American airlines has now even resulted in the EU tributo make a conversation on their mobile so as to nal trying the case to see whether or not it is in line with international break the isolated situation people flying are justice. The current status of this trial, according to the preliminary rul- in today. She has asked the European Coming of a tribunal general lawyer, states that the newly enforced taxation mission to elaborate on this issue and make rules on aircraft emissions are not in conflict with any international justice. plans to introduce Wifi and Phone-calls in Airplanes in Europe and on the way they Despite the turbulence surrounding the case, are planning on making the system work, EU’s climate commissionaire Connie Hedefor there are, apparently, two ways. The gaard sees no reason as to why the EU should first is a connection via satellites, which back down. Instead she points out that the will prove very costly if it has to be implepreliminary ruling of the tribunal if anything mented on all flights, and the second way should strengthen the decision. She further is by a so-called air-to-ground system, mentions that it is in fact not a matwhich is much cheaper and already ter of a lot of money. Airlines will being tested in the US proving to on an average have to pay about 0.5 to 1 Euro per passenger. be successful. Let’s hope that the European Commission Speculations have it that several airlines located out- furthers this idea and, side of the Union are looking over their options of who knows, maybe landing at alternative airports. An interesting in five years time region for all Asian airlines is the Mid- we will all be dle East, where countries such as ‘facebooking’ Turkey or Egypt could func- on an airtion as substitutes to p l a n e ! the Union states.

10.

Bad News for Cyber Criminals

by Nini Vidvei

The European Union has decided to launch a cybercrime center in order to handle an increasing amount of online crimes. The center, that will be located in The Hague, will be the first of its kind.

The EU states that cyber crime is a global problem, and therefore it has to be solved internationally. Internet criminals often operate across the EU-borders, and this slows down the process of catching the offenders. In many cases they are never caught or punished. By establishing a pan-European platform to crimes on the internet, the EU hopes that the fight against cybercrime will be more efficient.

Cyber criminals are often involved in organized networks, and their online crimes include a wide range of serious illegal activities. Examples are sexual exploitation of children and attacks on critical IT systems. The most common offences, however, are financial crimes and crimes connected to the social media. Every day, approximately 600, 000 Facebook accounts are reported to be blocked, as a consequence of hacking attempts.

In addition to affecting EU citizens personally, cyber crimes are an economical burden. On a global level, it has been estimated to cost about $388 billion annually. This means that cyber crimes

now bring more profits than the world wide trade of marihuana, cocaine and heroin combined.

The cybercrime center is planned to open in the beginning of 2013, with a staff of 55 employees. Hopefully, it will be a landmark for development towards a safer future for the European users of the internet.

The EU home affairs Commissioner, Cecilia MalmstrĂśm, announced the new initiative

New dangerous virus raises questions‌

by Dionysis Theodoropoulos

Recently scientists working on an international research project to furhter understand the avian flu virus (H5N1) mutated it into the much more infectious mutH5N1 which can be transmitted amongst humans. If mutH5N1 is accidentally released it could spread across the globe in a short time and then we would face one of the worst pandemics in the history of mankind, especially if it gets into the hands of people who may want to use it for mischievous purposes. This research has raised a debate on the limits of scientific freedom, specifically in cases of "dual-use research", studies with potential public health benefit, which could also be adapted for mischief, such as bio-warfare. And the scientific community is divided. On the one side the supporters of better biosecurity who want to control this kind of experiments and to take care not to make the knowledge available to biologists. On the other side, there are proponents of freedom of scientific research, convinced that these experiments contribute to the improvement of public health. One of the issues underlying this crisis comes from the implementation of the April 2011 agreement adopted by the WHO in cooperation with developed and developing countries to facilitate exchange of influenza virus samples. This agreement is in crisis since Indonesia refused to share H5N1 samples and now mutH5N1 only complicated international cooperation in this area, making clear that this pact has to reach a compromise for the restoration of cooperation. But if national influenza laboratories can unilaterally decide what scientific knowledge can be disseminated or what research may be conducted, and under what conditions, this can have an impact on access to this information by scientists from developing countries or their ability to conduct themselves such researches and thus risk jeopardizing the proper functioning of the agreement. After all, the One Health approach, supported by the EU, stresses that the danger comes from the interface between man, nature and animals and that animal diseases can be transmitted to humans when the environment changes. In this debate mutH5N1 emphasizes that this danger may in fact come from laboratories and scientists themselves.

11.

{ Europe; Hot & Cold

by Nina Cathrine Selmer

{

During the first months of 2012, Europe was faced with extreme temperatures in both directions of the thermometer. The southern and eastern part of Europe has felt the cold like never before, while the northern part has had summer in March. Is this just a coincidence, or are we feeling the global warming first hand?

The cold wave in Europe started in the end of January and lasted until the middle of February. During this period, more than 800 people died as a consequence of the extreme cold, and it brought with over 500 million euro of material damage. In Finland, the temperature was as low as -39 °C , while the Czech Republic had -38 °C. Ukraine was one of the countries that suffered the most. The snow reached the one-meter mark, and many froze to death in their own homes. Even the southern part of France was covered in snow, and in Mallorca, who had not seen show since 1952, there was a snowfall. The snow also caused power outages, and in Italy 120 000 people lost their electricity. In Greece, a dam on the Evros river burst due to the pressure, and the temperature sunk to under -25 °C. However, in the northern part of Europe, March was as warm as it has never been before. In Norway, which is normally a country with low temperatures, the thermometer showed over 23 °C in March. This is an all time high temperature, and broke the old record. So, what has created these exceptional temperatures? Not only has Europe been faced with extremely low temperatures, but also with temperatures higher than ever before. Are we standing face-to-face with global warming, or is this just a record year unaffected with the changes in the climate?

12.

!

ARTS vs ECONOMIC CRISIS: 1-0

by George Grigoriadis

The last two years under the shadow of economic crisis, a daily routine could be imaginable: You wake up in the morning and before washing your face you start thinking about bills, costs and many other stressful issues. There is no time for the arts. And here is the big surprise: Arts can face the crisis!

A real and dynamic example that proves the above is the 30th Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFF), which is taking place from 5-17 April. This festival wants to suggest an alternative way out of the crisis, a way that the past won’t kidnap the future.

One of the major problems that the crisis caused is the lack of imagination and creativity. However, there is no doubt that a vibrant cultural life creates cities that in turn attract ever-more creative workers. This could be achieved (Brussels also prove that) if the regions that are affected by the departure of talented young people rediscover vibrancy through culture. European cities have huge potential, taking into account their rich historical heritage and cosmopolitan mixture of diverse cultures and languages. The development of culture, aiming at city planning, city design and business development could create ever-more sustainable and attractive cities where it is a pleasure to live in.

Of course, this won’t happen unless the EU financially supports these programs. The first step that has to be taken is to widely recognize the importance of the arts. Finally, this article could not be complete without quoting the words of the Danish Culture Minister Uffe Elbæk, and Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou: “It is…clear that Europe has many reasons for optimism and hope. What we are proposing –as European politicians and individuals with a passion for art and culture – is that we start looking at our cultural sector as a reservoir of hope, ideas and new economic growth that can lead us out of the crisis.”

Unemployment rate across countries of the Eurozone reached the 10.8 percent in February, after rising for ten consecutive months; it is the highest percentage ever reported since the introduction of the currency in 1999.

It is estimated that more than 17,1 million men and women were out of work in February, 162.000 more than a month earlier.

Eurozone leaders have promised to pursue growth and employment strategies to tackle an imminent recession but they insist that unpopular budget cuts and structural reforms must continue, despite people’s complaints.

Spain is the most affected country, with the highest rate at 23.6

percent, followed by Greece at 21 percent, Portugal at 15 percent and Ireland at 14.7 percent.

The North-South divide is clearly visible; the countries which have lowest rates are Austria on 4.2 percent, the Netherlands 4.9 percent, Luxembourg 5.2 percent and Germany 5.7 percent.

Youth unemployment rates are generally much higher than unemployment rates for all ages.

Throughout the last ten years the rate in the Member States was around twice as high as the rate for the total population.

In February 2012, 3.272 million young people were jobless in the euro zone; compared with February 2011, youth unemployment

increased by 106,000.

Youth joblessness has reached about 50% in Spain and Greece, and many are already packing their bags for richer European nations.

At the same time, manufacturing activity in the Eurozone fell in March, after eight straight months of shrinking.

“An 'unemployed' existence is a worse negation of life than death itself.”

-José Ortega y Gassetby Gaia Palma

Tackling corruption in the face of the Greek debt crisis

by Konstantina Goula

For over two years, a fruitless broad public debate is conducted in Greece, concerning the analysis of the causes of the financial crisis as well as the evaluation of the measures adopted by the political parties. As it is argued, the growth of debt is due to the mismanagement and squandering of public money, leading particularly to the loss of income for the citizens and to the current high unemployment rates. The impact of the debt crisis on the national economy is indeed enormous since civil and working rights were abolished. Despite the opposition of the political parties and their representatives, trade unions and journalists to the need for painful measures, their incentives were petty and they served political or even personal interests.

What dominate in television panels and daily newspapers are populism, alarmism and false or fabricated news. Certain TV presenters usually appear as defenders of the middle class by underlining the threats in order to terrorize the audience and display the overall situation as irreversible seducing the public but hampering the recovery of the economy .The interlinked interests of politicians and mass media suppress the emerging questions of how we reached that point of social and political degradation, and who have accumulated wealth during the past.

Thereby, Greece suffers from social erosion indicated by the dominance of arbitrariness, blackmail, self-interest and political favors. This infectious disease spreads in every aspect of social, political and economic life. Consequently, this crisis is not dangerous only due to the reduction of the income of the weaker large social groups causing mass protest and resistance, but also due to the belief that every effort and sacrifice will remain ineffective.

Taking the above points into serious consideration, it is certain that the transition from the grandeur and consumerism to an unstable social environment led the citizens to the collaboration with the corrupted system in order to survive. The Greeks can seize the opportunity of this crisis to oppose to the prevailing system and to create a civilized state comparable with other EU states.

13.

EUROPEAN IDENTITY

by Katerina Koukou

The European Union is set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between neighbors, which culminated in the Second World War. "National systems have very much invested in constructing their own identity," Klaus Welle, the secretary general of the European Parliament mentioned in his speech at the Centre for European Policy Studies.

“If we want to build a lasting union of solidarity we also need to invest in European identity.”

We have three statements and three facts to face. First of all we live in the 21st century and more specifically in 2012. Secondly, we face a severe global financial crisis and especially a severe European financial crisis. Last but not least there are many who support the idea of dissolving for starters the Eurozone and after that the European Union in order to achieve national development.

It has been roughly 60 years since six countries tried to unite Europe through financial bonds in order to foster lasting peace and this was back in 1950. And here we are, in 2012 facing the emergence of state centered opinions that just care about national stability and development. In addition, these nationalistic ideas are spread throughout Europe causing confusion among the citizens and tensions among the states. Throughout these years states paid great attention in constructing their national identities but were indifferent to the construction of a European identity which resulted in a Union without substantial unity.

A mighty European Union and Europe in general should be based not only on treaties and financial sustainability but also on solidarity, unity and common identity. It is high time for Europe then to redeFINE its goals and move towards this direction.

European Financial Crisis:

The threat of the 21st century for public health

by John Gigelos

On the 4th of April 2011, a 77 years old pensioner shot himself in the center of Athens. This shocking event reveals one of the most worrying effects of the crisis: high suicide rates As we all know since 2008, Europe has been seriously affected from the global financial crisis. The austerity measures that have been taken in order to deal with the consequences of the crisis seem to have affected the mental health of European citizens.

Debts, joblessness and the fear of being fired have led many people to anxiety, depression and in extreme cases to suicide. According to a recent research held by the sociologist David Stalker in a total of 10 EU countries, Greece and Ireland have the biggest increase of suicide rates followed by Britain, Finland, Nether-

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lands, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia and Romania.Only Austria seemed to have lower suicide rates and that’s probably based on the fact that it wasn’t affected by the crisis in EU. Especially Greece, which is the center of attention the last 3 years, had the lowest suicide rates in Europe (2, 8 per 100000 inhabitants).

Since then that number has almost doubled. Statistics released by the Greek ministry of health show a 40% increase of suicides between January and May in comparison with the same period in 2010. Suicide attempts have also increased.

The example of Klimaka is, one of the most important nonprofit organizations that provide psychological help to people is indicative. Whereas, they used to receive 10 calls a day before the crisis, now they get more than 100 in 24-hours.

To sum up, European leaders should consider the fact that their citizens are under immense pressure.

Supposedly, their role is to protect and secure the future of European citizens. Austerity measures throughout Europe seem to prove the opposite. Human lives are lost in the name of economic stability and growth.

Euroscepticism:

the new trend?

by Emy Mylona

“Sometimes I like to compare the EU as a creation to the organization of an empire. We have the dimension of an empire. What we have is the first non-imperial empire. We have 27 countries that fully decided to work together and to pool their sovereignty. I believe it is a great construction and we should be proud of it.”

This is a quote by the President of the European Commission, Mr. José Manuel Barroso but does it really reflect what European Union is for its citizens?

Since its formation, the European Union has been praised but also criticized. The phenomenon where political parties or citizens express resentment towards the EU is known by the term “Euroscepticism” and has, primarily, appeared in Great Britain. Generally, Euroscepticism stands for the opposition to European policies concerning European integration and can be divided into two main categories: the so-called “hard” and “soft” euroscepticism. The first, concerns the absolute rejection of even the existence of the European Union and the demand for the withdrawal of the member states and the second one concerns partial disagreement with certain European policies.

In 2009, a survey was conducted by the European Commission in order to determine the opinion of European citizens regarding their country’s membership. Latvia, United Kingdom and Hungary were amongst the countries where Euroscepticism was highest and, more specifically, in United Kingdom, where “hard” Euroscepticism is said to be popular, 32% of the population has a negative or a neutral opinion about the EU. Another interesting thing the survey revealed is that in the United Kingdom, Italy and elsewhere, over 50% of the total population believe that the membership didn’t benefit their country.

Being in the hurricane of the economic recession, Euroscepticism rises as more and more people turn against European solidarity and support their state. However, can this be the solution? EU was established as an act of cooperation and right now this cooperation is questioned. As Herman Van Rompuy stated “the biggest enemy of Europe today is fear.” Will we let this fear outweigh what the European Union has accomplished? This is our challenge.

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