COMMITTEE
TOPICS
COMMITTEE TOPICS 1. COMMITTEE ON CULTURE AND EDUCATION I (CULT I) “Sport (…) is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.” – Nelson Mandela In light of the recent outbreaks of racist and homophobic behaviour during international sports events across Europe: How can the EU aid the governing bodies of different sporting associations in the fight against discrimination? 2. COMMITTEE ON CULTURE AND EDUCATION II (CULT II) “The main hope of a nation lies in the proper education of its youth” – Erasmus of Rotterdam With the Pisa Report 2012 revealing a worrying disparity between educational performance across Europe: How can the EU support its Member States in providing the highest possible standard of school education? 3. COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY (ENVI) “Modern technology, owes ecology, an apology.” – Alan M. Eddison With around 6 million tonnes of e-waste generated in Europe annually, and continued dumping of this waste in developing countries: How can Member States act to ensure responsible management of e-waste? 4. COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC AND MONETARY AFFAIRS I (ECON I) “It is too early to declare victory (…) we must continue working to modernise the European economy, for sustainable growth and job creation.” – Olli Rehn, Vice-President of the European Commission 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, and to what extent could a social market economy model be a modern solution? 5. COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC AND MONETARY AFFAIRS II (ECON II) “Let me issue and control a nation’s money and I care not who writes the laws.” Mayer A. Rothschild With the EU moving towards a pan-European banking union: How can Europe successfully balance between EUlevel and state-level regulation? 6. COMMITTEE ON CIVIL LIBERTIES, JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS I (LIBE I) “The European Union cannot accept that thousands of people die at its borders. The challenges that Lampedusa and Italy are facing are European challenges.” – José Manuel Durão Barroso, President of the European Commission With continuing tragedies at Lampedusa and the growing strain of illegal immigration: How can the EU support its Member States in managing the increasing flow of asylum seekers through its Mediterranean borders whilst ensuring their humane treatment? 7. COMMITTEE ON CIVIL LIBERTIES, JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS II (LIBE II) “I have given thought to the idea that in the initial moment, between the referendum and the proclamation of independence, we could remain outside of Europe…This would be a shame because we want to remain in the EU” – Artur Mas, President of Catalonia With continuing tensions between the Spanish government and the region of Catalonia, as well as the upcoming referendum on Scotland’s future: How should the EU react to regions seeking independence within its territory? 8. COMMITTEE ON CIVIL LIBERTIES, JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS III (LIBE III) “...Not to depend on decisions made elsewhere, but to decide ourselves how we want to protect the personal data of our citizens” — Viviane Reding, Vice-President of the European Commission Protecting our personal data online: With the limited effect of the Data Protection Directive in practice, what steps should the EU take in implementing legislation in order to ensure an effective protection of its citizens online?
committee topics 9. COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS (AFET) “Democracy; from Greek dēmokratia, dēmos ‘the people’ + -kratia ‘power, rule’” – Oxford Dictionary Following the public protests in response to Ukraine’s withdrawal from signing an association agreement with the EU: How should the EU approach Ukraine’s government and its people in developing a future relationship with its Eastern neighbour? 10. COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE (INTA) “What seems sometimes to be altruism, in relation to Africa, or in relation to developing countries, is more than that. It is enlightened self-interest.” – Gordon Brown The future of the EU-Africa trade relationship: With China’s growing influence in the continent and the EU’s preferential trade agreements with African states expiring in October, how can the EU position itself to maintain solid trade links with African states? 11. COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS I (AFCO I) “It is my conviction, that the Union which 28 countries have at their disposal, with its flaws and its qualities, always a work in progress, that this Union is an essential means for Europeans to advance in the world, together.” – Herman van Rompuy, President of the European Council Safeguarding the future of the Union: To what extent is a multi-tiered or multi-speed approach instrumental in ensuring greater stability of the economic and monetary union? 12. COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS II (AFCO II) “That we have the vote means nothing. That we use it in the right way means everything.” Lou H. Hoover EP elections 2014: How can the EU successfully cooperate with the governments of its Member States in order to achieve a high rate of voter turnout whilst ensuring that the electorate is well-informed? 13. COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY, RESEARCH AND ENERGY (ITRE) “We must avoid 28 Member States with 28 different agendas doing bilateral deals, each seeking national interests to the detriment of its neighbours. We need solidarity; seeing that, as one, Europe is far better equipped to compete, and win, in today’s tough energy world.” –Gunther Oettinger, Commissioner for Energy With the South Stream bilateral agreements declared “in breach of EU law” by the European Commission: How can the EU work towards achieving energy security whilst underlining the need for adherence to its energy and environmental legislation? 14. COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS I (EMPL I) “Internships are crucial to facilitate the transition from education to the labor market. With the current high levels of youth unemployment in the EU, it is essential to ensure that interns receive excellent training, the experience needed to get a job, and that they are not exploited.” –Laszlo Andor, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Internships: opportunity or exploitation? How can the EU effectively support its youth in making a smooth transition from education to employment? 15. COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS II (EMPL II) “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” – Alvin Toffler The age of ageing: As Europe faces the challenge of an ageing labour force, how can the EU act now in order to maintain competitiveness and sustain robust economic growth in the future?
explanatory paragraphs COMMITTEE ON CULTURE AND EDUCATION I (CULT I) “Sport (…) is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.” – Nelson Mandela In light of the recent outbreaks of racist and homophobic behaviour during international sports events across Europe: How can the EU aid the governing bodies of different sporting associations in the fight against discrimination? Discriminatory and racist behaviour in the workplace is approached with zero tolerance. If a lawyer regularly approached his colleague with racist name-calling, he would soon lose his job. Why are the rules of the game seem different when the place of work is a sports arena, and the subject is a professional sportsman rather than a lawyer? International football tournaments, Sochi Winter Olympics and many other recent sports events have been closely tied with stories of homophobic behaviour, racist chanting and other dicriminatory outbreaks. Sport, which is known to be a powerful tool to unite people despite their differences, has become a platform for expressions of intolerance. Questions of how we define a punishable offence in a sports context, and who should take preventative action are more relevant than ever. Is it the responsibility of international sports governing bodies, event organisers, individual Member States? Where does the EU come into the picture? These are the questions CULT I will have to tackle in order to consider all the relevant perspectives and show that sport has the power to unite, not divide.
COMMITTEE ON CULTURE AND EDUCATION II (CULT II) “The main hope of a nation lies in the proper education of its youth” – Erasmus of Rotterdam With the Pisa Report 2012 revealing a worrying disparity between educational performance across Europe: How can the EU support its Member States in providing the highest possible standard of school education? “If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” The PISA Report 2012, measuring maths, science and reading skills of 15-year-olds worldwide, revealed a gap among performance of EU Member States, reported girls outperforming boys, and suggested a link between social background and success in school. However, do performance indicators really talk about a person’s level of education? Proving difficult to define in measurable terms, education stretches from concrete skills to issues like lifelong motivation and selfconfidence. Research suggests that more teachers for smaller classes are desirable; but does that make school more attractive? And does education only happen in schools? CULT II will face the tricky question of what factors contribute to high educational standards; and how the EU can contribute to their development. With such a variety of perspectives and a diverse cultural understanding of education, the committee can expect a heated debate on what part the EU shall play in saving people from believing they are stupid.
COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY (ENVI)
“Modern technology, owes ecology, an apology.” – Alan M. Eddison With around 6 million tonnes of e-waste generated in Europe annually, and continued dumping of this waste in developing countries: How can Member States act to ensure responsible management of e-waste?
The average European would struggle to go about his day without using a smartphone, a tablet or a computer. But the fact that we are armed with more and more electronic gadgets also means that we produce increasing amounts of electronic waste. Where does it all go? A UN study says that in 2009, the EU dumped 220,000 tonnes of e-waste to West African countries. This export of disposed electronic goods is largely illegal, yet the scale of it is frightening. As a result, not only are African countries being polluted with toxic materials; the EU is also carelessly wasting scarce elements used in producing electronic gadgets. The Committee on Environment, Health and Food Safety may have to be harsh but just, and decide who should be held responsible for effective recycling of e-waste in Europe, and how can illicit dumping of this waste abroad be successfully prevented.
COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC AND MONETARY AFFAIRS I (ECON I) “It is too early to declare victory (…) we must continue working to modernise the European economy, for sustainable growth and job creation.” – Olli Rehn, Vice-President of the European Commission 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 and achieve unfragmented growth across the Eurozone, and to what extent could a social market economy model be a modern solution? The economic and social crisis has caused social and political discontent in Europe and led to profound questioning of the foundations of the Economic and Monetary Union (“EMU”). The lack of collective economic policy-making complicates the creation of a single economic recovery policy. The disparity in economic structures and the different fiscal strengths of the Member States becloud centralisation. The implementation of a single currency in structurally diverse countries brings criticism on interest rate adjustments. These issues are among the many points raised by those criticising the EMU for its poor performance when facing financial difficulty. Now, as the Eurozone declares the end of recession, the EU needs to look at the future and carefully choose its next steps in order to make a successful transition from the recessionary period to stability and growth. The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs I will take on the task of debating the options for the future strategy of the EMU, assessing its fundamental elements, revising the efficiency of bailout mechanisms and proposing solutions for the coordination of national policies.
COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC AND MONETARY AFFAIRS II(ECON II) “Let me issue and control a nation’s money and I care not who writes the laws.” Mayer A. Rothschild With the EU moving towards a pan-European banking union: How can Europe successfully balance between EU-level and state-level regulation? The EU’s current economic turmoil to a large extent stems from the Lehman Brothers’ default in 2008 – one of the biggest bankruptcies in history, which had tremendous knock-on effects on the global economy. After lengthy discussions on how best to limit any future damage, the EU has decided to establish a banking union. But the shape and the character of the banking union remain blurred, and the challenges on the way to greater stability are numerous - from deciding the extent to which the EU should assume responsibility, to defining the limits of regulatory supervision over global banks. Which EU institution is capable to credibly supervise the banking sector? Finally, should the EU favour economic growth over financial stability, or is a compromise possible? The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs II is presented with a unique opportunity to restructure the European financial sector, but needs to remain aware of the details affected by their decisions; such as the potential consequences of infringements upon national sovereignty, the sensitivity of the financial industry and the competition amongst global financial hubs. COMMITTEE ON CIVIL LIBERTIES, JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS I (LIBE I) “The European Union cannot accept that thousands of people die at its borders. The challenges that Lampedusa and Italy are facing are European challenges.” – José Manuel Durão Barroso, President of the European Commission With continuing tragedies at Lampedusa and the growing strain of illegal immigration: How can the EU support its Member States in managing the increasing flow of asylum seekers through its Mediterranean borders whilst ensuring their humane treatment? In the past two decades, over 20,000 people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean. As political turbulence drives people to undertake the perilous journey by sea, the EU is obliged to provide asylum to those facing persecution in their home countries. With uneven burden sharing between Member-States, countries along the Mediterranean border have repeatedly been found to violate the fundamental human rights of migrants. Living standards in reception and detention centres appal human rights’ organisations; at the same time, border guards fail to rescue shipwrecked migrants who try to reach European soil. The delegates of LIBE I will have to tackle this sensitive topic, considering the realities of irregular migration against the backdrop of the EU’s ambitious aim of developing a Common European Asylum System, and bring into question the extent to which Member States shall cede sovereignty and commit to a harmonised and humane migration policy.
COMMITTEE ON CIVIL LIBERTIES, JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS II (LIBE II) “I have given thought to the idea that in the initial moment, between the referendum and the proclamation of independence, we could remain outside of Europe…This would be a shame because we want to remain in the EU” – Artur Mas, President of Catalonia With continuing tensions between the Spanish government and the region of Catalonia, as well as the upcoming referendum on Scotland’s future: How should the EU react to regions seeking independence within its territory? In 2014, Scotland will hold a binding referendum on its independence following the Scottish Nationalist Party’s decade-long demand. Although Catalonia has been calling for independence for considerably longer, it has not been afforded the same response, with the Spanish government declaring the Catalan president’s pledge to hold a referendum in 2014 unconstitutional. For the EU, a situation where ‘internal enlargement’ has become a real possibility is unprecedented. If a region becomes independent, what are the implications for its, and the original Member State’s, EU membership? Furthermore, since secessionist movements inevitably create tension within Member States, the EU needs to decide on a clear approach. The delegates of LIBE II will discuss how the EU should respond to these tensions; as well as react to the aftermath of any referendum vote, no matter the outcome. Whatever path is chosen will set a precedent for all Member States and thus must be thought through carefully, as it could change the face of the EU.
COMMITTEE ON CIVIL LIBERTIES, JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS III (LIBE III)
“...Not to depend on decisions made elsewhere, but to decide ourselves how we want to protect the personal data of our citizens” — Viviane Reding, Vice-President of the European Commission Protecting our personal data online: With the limited effect of the Data Protection Directive in practice, what steps should the EU take in implementing legislation in order to ensure an effective protection of its citizens online?
Living in a “brave new data world” requires a balance between ensuring the fundamental right to data protection while supporting the functioning of a diverse internal market. In an era where the internet plays a central role in communication, entertainment, business, and shopping, the EU Data Protection Directive has gone through numerous amendments in order to stay up-to-speed with rapid technological development. LIBE II will face no small task of translate the existing debates on the Data Protection Reform into a balanced view on the existing proposal while taking into consideration the interest of all stakeholders - the personal security of EU citizens on one side, and needs for development within the internal market on the other. The delegates will need to consider not only the substance of the modification proposals, but also the need to ensure uniform implementation of the potentially amended Directive, both within the EU and in relation to non-EU entities. The debate that is both sensitive and complex, but remember - data protection concerns all of you!
COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE (INTA) “What seems sometimes to be altruism, in relation to Africa, or in relation to developing countries, is more than that. It is enlightened self-interest.” – Gordon Brown The future of the EU-Africa trade relationship: With China’s growing influence in the continent and the EU’s preferential trade agreements with African states expiring in October, how can the EU position itself to maintain solid trade links with African states?
Since mid-20th century, the EU has played various roles in Africa as a trade partner, a development worker, an investor and a political consultant. The EU offers development support and an appealing trade regime. In return, it gains access to vast African markets and solid economic links with a region of growing global importance. Since 1975, African states have possessed nonreciprocal preferential access to the EU market. However, if these countries do not manage to conclude the Economic Partnership Agreements until October 2014, they are likely to lose the exclusive benefits that have become an integral part of their economy. For the EU, this would entail a diplomatic debacle right away and substantial trade and political losses in the future. In the meanwhile, actors like China continue to heavily invest in the region, gaining a lead in trade and political influence. The Committee on International Trade will tackle this time-sensitive issue, and debate how the EU can secure crucial trade links while maintaining its role as a supporter of African development. COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS (AFET) “Democracy; from Greek dēmokratia, dēmos ‘the people’ + -kratia ‘power, rule’” – Oxford Dictionary Following the public protests in response to Ukraine’s withdrawal from signing an association agreement with the EU: How should the EU approach Ukraine’s government and its people in developing a future relationship with its Eastern neighbour?
Last November, the Ukrainian government backed out of an association agreement with the EU which would have established a free-trade area between Ukraine and the EU. Today, media headlines proclaim chaos in Kiev, with mass protests, recorded casualties and the resignation of the Prime Minister. The Ukrainian people are defying President Yanukovych, who passed stringent anti-protest laws in an effort to quell dissent. Russia has since frozen the bailout it had initially offered to Ukraine. The EU’s voice has been one of first, surprise at the backing out, then of opposition to the escalating violence. Envoys to the country have urged a return to peaceful dialogue. President Barroso and German diplomats have recently threatened concrete action, including the possibility of sanctions. As the situation in Ukraine presents developments by the day, The Committee on Foreign Affairs will have to keep a close eye on news headlines and decide on the positioning that the EU should take in its relationship with the non-Member State in both the short- and the long-term.
COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS I (AFCO I) “It is my conviction, that the Union which 28 countries have at their disposal, with its flaws and its qualities, always a work in progress, that this Union is an essential means for Europeans to advance in the world, together.” – Herman van Rompuy, President of the European Council Safeguarding the future of the Union: To what extent is a multi-tiered or multi-speed approach instrumental in ensuring greater stability of the economic and monetary union?
The European project has, from early beginnings as the EEC to its current state as an ever-deepening Union, been built on step-by-step integration in different areas by several combinations of countries. From the Eurozone to the Schengen Area, a patchwork of pan-European initiatives led by states eager for further cooperation has led to a more overarching and encompassing union, enshrined by treaties that simultaneously grant opt-outs. Contrasting levels of economic and political cohesion, known as differentiated integration, is a natural result of diverse aims and conditions across Member States. As the explicit aim of the Economic and Monetary Union remains greater co-ordination amongst all 28 members, how can a varied integration progress be used as a tool of support the EU’s economic strength and political progress? In its work, the Committee on Constitutional Affairs I will consider the future of the Union by looking at its core structures, and assess the role that differentiated integration could play in that picture. COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS II (AFCO II) “That we have the vote means nothing. That we use it in the right way means everything.” Lou H. Hoover EP elections 2014: How can the EU successfully cooperate with the governments of its Member States in order to achieve a high rate of voter turnout whilst ensuring that the electorate is well-informed?
“This time it’s different,” claims the European Parliament’s media campaign for the May 2014 elections. But in what way? Currently, despite the EP being ever more powerful, citizens seem increasingly indifferent towards it with voter turnout consistently lower than in national elections (43% in 2009). Pan-European issues receive limited media coverage, campaigns are still dominated by domestic matters and polls suggest that the rise of populist movements is partly a result of protest vote. EP elections, ideally legitimised by high participation of a well-informed electorate, will shape the future of the EU. To what extent is it the responsibility of individual Member States to mobilise voters, whilst also ensuring that citizens make thought-through decisions, and to what extent is it the responsibility of the European Union? The Committee on Constitutional Affairs II will need to consider the various factors influencing EP elections in order to propose effective ways to successfully restore the legitimacy of EU politics.
COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY, RESEARCH AND ENERGY (ITRE) “We must avoid 28 Member States with 28 different agendas doing bilateral deals, each seeking national interests to the detriment of its neighbours. We need solidarity; seeing that, as one, Europe is far better equipped to compete, and win, in today’s tough energy world.” –Gunther Oettinger, Commissioner for Energy With the South Stream bilateral agreements declared “in breach of EU law” by the European Commission: How can the EU work towards achieving energy security whilst underlining the need for adherence to its energy and environmental legislation? In January 2009, the Russia-Ukraine gas dispute led to Russia cutting all natural gas exports via Ukraine, leaving hundreds of thousands of Europeans shivering. Building pipelines like South Stream aim at diversifying energy networks and preventing the recurrence of such crises. Europe’s current scarce internal energy sources leave the EU strongly dependent on external providers, mainly regarding fossil fuels (particularly gas). Rising European energy consumption and increasing competition of energy sources has placed many European states to take individual action in ensuring their energy stability. Desperation that resulted in members of the Energy Community consciously “breaching EU law” clearly reflects that European action towards better energy security is still deficient. Witnessing Member States resort to international law and intergovernmental agreements rather than abide by EU policies and agreements threatens to question the legitimacy of the EU in its entirety. The ITRE Committee will have to consider how the EU can act to ensure the energy needs of its members and strengthen common European goals towards a more energy-secure Europe. COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS I (EMPL I) “Internships are crucial to facilitate the transition from education to the labor market. With the current high levels of youth unemployment in the EU, it is essential to ensure that interns receive excellent training, the experience needed to get a job, and that they are not exploited.” –Laszlo Andor, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Internships: opportunity or exploitation? How can the EU effectively support its youth in making a smooth transition from education to employment? Is setting up a financially self-sufficient life a privilege only for the wealthy? Increasingly, young Europeans are faced with the necessity to complete traineeships and apprenticeships for several years before accumulating enough experience to be employed. Using interns to cover regular employee roles (as opposed to offering unique professional training experience) is illegal; however, while some Member States are determined to clamp down on such practices, others are willing to turn a blind eye. In times when unemployment has become a pressing issue across Member States, significantly changing the way young generations enter their first jobs, accumulate savings and invest into the economy, the issue of internships can become a game-changer. If managed well, it can contribute to the development of a knowledgeable, well-trained and motivated workforce. On the other hand, mismanagement may lead to stagnant career development and loss of skills. The topic that LIBE I will tackle focuses on the role that the EU can play in protecting young Europeans from being exploited through unpaid work, and supporting internships that lead to more successful employment.
COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS II (EMPL II) “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” – Alvin Toffler The age of ageing: As Europe faces the challenge of an ageing labour force, how can the EU act now in order to maintain competitiveness and sustain robust economic growth in the future? Across the EU, life expectancy is consistently increasing and birth rates decreasing. Such demographic changes have serious impacts on the workforce. With fewer workers to support rising numbers of retirees, social security systems face increasing pressure, affecting GDP growth and the economy as a whole. Some Member States have already begun to approach this issue, reforming pension schemes and/or employment policies, raising the age of retirement or promoting active ageing. However, these attempts have proved insufficient as the Lisbon objective of reaching a 50% employment rate in 55-64 year olds was not met. In order to achieve objectives set by the European Commission, Member States must ensure the employability of workers throughout their lives. The Committee on Employment and Social Affairs II needs to address the economic impact of an ageing workforce, discuss the effectiveness of existing measures and propose solutions on how to use the skills and experience of this ageing workforce to bolster the economy while maintaining their right to a comfortable retirement.