Accidentally …………Vilnius
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE MEDIA TEAM OF VILNIUS 2018
Accidentally Vilnius Editor
KLARA BIRCHLEY Layout by
KAJA SILVA AULIK YANNIKA RÖNNQVIST Projects, Photos
& Stories by
JAN FRANCISZEK ADAMSKI NADIA D*AMICO LARS KIENI TOMS KRISTIANS OZOLINS ALEX RAICU YANNIKA RÖNNQVIST NORA SCHMIEDBAUER JURE SUSNIK KILIAN TRANCHANT
VILNIUS 2018
A PROJECT BY
B E A U T Y T
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I E S I N
N A D I A D ’A M I C O
O F T H E
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Y B E E S H
O L D E R
E Y P. .FRIENDSHIPS. . B E YO N D. ..BORDERS B y : K i l i a n Tr a n c h a t .
Anastasija & ….Lucija Lucija : I am from Croatia and she is from Serbia so, we have a lot of commun interest and common friends. A n a s t a s i j a : To m e , E Y P i s a n a m a z i n g p l a t f o r m to make friendships across borders, since I h a v e s t a r t e d E Y P, I m e t a l o t o f p e o p l e f r o m different nationalities. I think that all political problems that could occur in our own countries are not present here and I have a lot of friends from Croatia and Albania. To s u m u p : E Y P i s a r e a l c h a n c e t o m e e t people that you I would never meet in your daily life. Anastasija Lončarević (RS) & Lucija Lovrić (HR)
Caroline & ‌.Romnane Caroline : I think it makes us friends because we spent a lot of time together and we had to cooperate with each other which makes us learn a lot about everyone and EYP is kind of a facilitator of friendships. Romane : I think that making us work on d i f f e r e n t s t o p i c s m a k e s u s c l o s e r.
Caroline Love (UK) & Romane Petit Jean (FR)
Constantina & ‌.Mehmet C o n s t a n t i n a : T h e a t m o s p h e r e i s r e a l l y f r i e n d l y, ever yone has an EYP Friendly Style, I mean everyone is making a lot of hugs and a lot of l o v e b e c a u s e i n E Y P, y o u d o n o t s e e t h e differences between people, EYP is about connecting people. Mehmet : At the beginning we were just walking around during a coffee break as could usually people do after at School but instead of people leaving after a mathematics class, you have people smiling and ready to live their life. Then you see the atmosphere and you really want to meet new people, you are just in a mood that makes you want to discover new individuals. Constantina Evangelou (CY) & Mehmet Semi Kethuda (TK)
Define & ….Vahagn Va h a g n : O n e w o r d : Te a m b u i d l i n g D e f i n e : I n Tu r k e y t h e r e i s a p r e j u d i c e a b o u t A r m e n i a n people and I think it is the same in both countries. But i n E Y P, t h e p r e j u d i c e i s t h e l o w e s t t h a t y o u c o u l d g e t and there are only humans and we don’t pay attention of the race or the home countr y of people, EYP is only about “us” as human beings Va h a g n : I n s t e a d o f d e s t r o y i n g t h e b r i d g e s w e b u i l d bridges. Define : yes , I am think about a career in politics so, I will do my best to also have my people in my country to get this prejudice as lowest it could be.
Define Güzey (TK) & Vahagn Hakobyan (AM)
Eva & ‌.Diogo E v a : T h a n k s t o Te a m b u i l d i n g . Diogo : We became friends during the session she is awesome, this is very awkward, but yes, E Y P m a k e s e v e r y o n e b e c o m e f r i e n d s a c t u a l l y. E v a : Yo u k n o w y o u h a v e t h i s k i n d o f f l o w because you’re here with the same goals to meet new people, to experience new things and to see new countries and I think this makes EYP what it is.
Eva Jannes (BE) & Diogo Gandara (LU)
Nadia & ……Illia Illia : I think this is quite hard to explain, it you just come to an event you see a person and at s o m e p o i n t y o u r e a l i s e t h a t i t ’s y o u r p e r s o n a n d make it during deep talk and eating together Nadia : I think it makes you friends regardless where you come from, because when you come to EYP sessions you come with a blank mind with no prejudice so you meet people in an apolitical context such as EYP which allows you to star t a session open minded.
Nadia D’Amico (RU/IT) & Illia Koshytskyi (UA)
Nuno & Violeta Violeta : He actually knew someone from my delegation and we met the first day because of h e r. T h e n w e w e r e g o i n g t o t h e s a m e c o m m i t t e e and we were discussion about which country is t h e b e s t b e t w e e n Po r t u g a l a n d S p a i n . Nuno : She wanted to be more friend with me that I actually wanted to be a friend with her B e c a u s e s h e i s S p a n i s h a n d I a m Po r t u g u e s e . I will say that before in EYP everyone could find new friends because there a lot of event to socialise without knowing where you are from. I n E Y P w e g e t t o g e t h e r a n d i f t h i n k t h a t ’s w h y EYP exists.
Nuno Vilaça (PT) & Violeta García Domingo (ES)
Tim & Tristan Tim : I think it is somehow the teambuilding of course, it is really awesome at the beginning I found this kind games of weird to make but it really bring people together in a very shor t time so this is one of the major reasons. A n d i n t h e s e s s i o n , i t ’s a l s o e s p e c i a l l y b e c a u s e we share rooms with other committee members s o b a s i c a l l y, w e h a v e a l o t o f t i m e t o s p e n t t o g e t h e r, w e l l , w i t h Tr i s t a n t o g e t h e r w e h a v e a t least quite a lot in common because, we’re both really interested in the session and also we are a kind of similar in like our ways of thinking. Tr i s t a n : I t h i n k t h a t t h e t e a m b u l i d i n g i s a c o o l t h i n g t h a t b r i n g s p e o p l e t o g e t h e r. Tim Bardikowski (DE) & Tristan Fauvre (FR)
Tales of EYP
By: Jure Susnik
An Anthropologist’s Account Dear Marjorie,
greater scientific community; these people could
You will rejoice to hear my undertaking has not been in vain, for I arrived in Vilnius last night. As always, I am accompanied by Jeeves my consistently foul-mooded butler. He finds my enthusiasm for the endeavour of observing northern traditions, “The most ridiculous thing I have ever heard”, however I am determined to take no notice.
For an anthropologist and
scientist, like myself, the observation,
have hidden extraordinary secrets, which can only be revealed to those who are daring enough to inquire. I intend to be the one to uncover them.
Today I came across a peculiar tribe, of what at first seemed like inhabitants of the dense forests of Lithuania. Intriguing my imagination I decided to observe them. Dearest sister, these people must have some of the oddest rituals I have ever seen. However, some still resemble universal
documentation and scrutiny of traditions and
anthropological trends. Let me tell you about the
customs has immeasurable value. Dearest sister,
tribe with unconventional, yet fascinating
think of all the possible contributions to the
customs, a tale of the people that Jeeves believes
are “a childish group of savages, who should
several days. This continues until the last part of
have died out a long time ago”, a tribe called EYP.
the festival where the uninitiated present their
After further examination I must conclude that
contemplations and flaunt their knowledge. Such
these people are nomadic, originating from all
small groups formed of twelve to sixteen
corners of the European continent. They come
uninitiated with a shaman, build up their own
together for seasonal festivals, where they
individual identity. They adapt symbols in the
contemplate, are captivated and consume
form of penguins, and flamingos, as an
spiritual drinks. It is most peculiar to experience
expression of unity. I suppose symbology has
members of so many cultures across the
always had a strong unifying effect, however the
continent come together to form a new tribe. It
relationship between birds and unity continues to
will be most interesting to see, which customs
puzzle me.
remain despite cultural differences: this could help uncover some customs universal to all
I found myself wondering, whether the
societies!
arrangement of many chieftains necessarily leads to conflict. Soon enough I witnessed a
This tribe, as eccentric as some may see it, has
shaman and warrior disagree over some material
established an incredibly intricate system of social
the shaman demanded for his craft. Here I
hierarchy. From what information I have gathered
encountered yet another universal characteristic
they are a kind of chiefdom. They are irregular in
of all human civilizations: the methods of settling
the view that different varieties of chiefs exist,
disputes with minimal bloodshed. The conflict
some of which even share the status with one or
was in the end resolved without further
many other individuals. Each chief has the power
escalation. My observations have led me to
and responsibility over a different aspect of daily
conclude that this might be due to this chiefdom
life. I have uncovered that their society is
using an uncharacteristically large amount of
separated into four distinct categories: the
time to consider conflict. Can you imagine that
uninitiated who seem to come here in scholarly
they even cause problems intentionally with the
pursuit, the warriors, who valiantly provide crucial
sole aim of resolving them? I have to agree with
materials, the shamans conducting initiation
Jeeves who labelled this as bizarre, although he
rituals and the artists who occupy themselves
did do that in a much more colourful language.
with what Jeeves calls “The reason they are still
However, if I attempt to distance myself from my
not capable of practical thinking“. A crucial role in
own inherent biases, perhaps the notion is not so
this festival is played by the shamans. The role is
ridiculous; the tribe certainly seems to be very
characterized by leading a group of the
skilled at resolving difficult situations. As with all
uninitiated. The shamans perform a range of
civilisations this tribe possesses their own
rituals ranging from face-painting masks, to
humour. Most jokes seem to centre around food,
ritualistic chants of “HE HA HO ALELE”, and even
although I must confess that I do not understand
some combat training, which is reminiscent of
what is unusual or humorous about consistent
Eastern martial arts. All of these appear to be part
rice-based meals. The rest of the humour is
of an initiation ceremony, as after the shamans
based on the observation that everyone seemed
run through their rituals, the groups of uninitiated
to have had an experience where the word
seem to be stuck in deep contemplation for
“coffee” in “coffee break” was metaphorical. The
“Can you imagine that they even cause problems intentionally with the sole aim of resolving them? “
tribe’s nomadic character becomes most apparent when the festivals draws to a close. Throughout the duration of their time
melancholy pervading the very air I breathe, the shamans perform one last ritual. Sitting in a circle the group shares their last experiences, impressions, emotions and feelings, thus allowing for a final closure of the festival.
It has crossed my mind that what I have observed is not a chiefdom, but rather a cult. I am disappointed to say that I have yet to find enough evidence to confirm this hypothesis. This is a question another anthropologist will have to confirm.
together the uninitiated build a strong
Your affectionate brother,
collective identity. To combat the suffocating
Chopsen Wollstonecraft
By: Jure Susnik
Tales of EYP The Happiness Hatchery
Once upon a time there was a hatchery. It
rather with child-like intuition. Whenever a
wasn't a big, or a technologically advanced,
new egg appeared, the girl’s eyes lit up with
or even a well-stocked hatchery. Instead I
joy and pride at the accomplishment. The
want you to imagine a small, cosy barn with
chicken continued to lay eggs and for a
a single brown chicken in it.
short time everyone seemed happy.
The hatchery had an owner, an elderly man
Phoebe started growing up. As she entered
who had a small granddaughter named
school her grandfather was no longer her
Phoebe. The child’s parents passed away
only link to the outside world. As with all
and the only connection Phoebe had with
children Phoebe learned when to keep quiet,
the outside world was her grandfather. One
in what way to speak, and how to behave.
day the man told the child: “Take care of the
She made mistakes and in doing so shaped
chicken, make it lay eggs. Both your and my
her identity; a unique personality, which like
wellbeing depend on it”. For some time
a snowflake would always keep its
Phoebe did as she was told, not in the
individuality, even in the midst of a blizzard.
meticulous way her grandfather did, but
However, the chicken stopped laying eggs
so effortlessly. Phoebe now needed to invest more and more time, effort and imagination for the chicken to lay an egg. “Why can’t the eggs just appear like they used to? Why are they getting rarer and rarer?” she wondered in frustration. The light in her eyes slowly started to dim.
More time passed and the chicken would not lay any more eggs, if Phoebe did not try absolutely everything in her power to make it happen. Somewhere around this time Phoebe discovered a literature club, a place where she was surrounded by people with gleaming eyes. She could see how, if these people had chickens, they would effortlessly lay eggs, just like hers did to her when she was younger. In her desperation she joined the club. It would be unfair to say Phoebe didn’t enjoy it, in fact when she attended her first book discussion, the chicken started laying a few more eggs. For the first time in years
However, all was not good. Phoebe started to feel the oppression of the constantly lit eyes. The light once so warm and calming now seemed artificial and cold. The imperative to constantly sparkle drained the sparks out of her eyes. She could no longer shine. The chicken stopped laying eggs altogether.
Cornered and afraid
Phoebe turned back to her earliest example: her grandfather’s meticulous approach. With nothing to lose, she followed the old man’s method. She worked tirelessly, night and day, investing time and effort, changing her lifestyle and mind-set completely. She struggled, she was tempted to abandon her rekindling by the literature club, but she resisted the urge. Then one day, one very special day she was rewarded for all her efforts. The chicken had laid an egg and somehow Phoebe knew that it would never stop again.
Phoebe felt like she was back in her childhood, effortlessly challenging even the most formidable adversary: the chicken.
The End
“EYP is not a perfect representation of sunshine and rainbows, just like no human interaction can possibly be. Perhaps you will feel like this story does not belong here, because it speaks about things you might not want to hear. However I believe it is immensely important to note that there simply isn't a single situation in the universe where true happiness would materialise randomly, or be the default state of a mind when one is apathetic. Happiness, just like the eggs, require eort.â€?
EYP
MEMORIES
MITT MINNE Når jeg var ung ble moren min diagnostisert med ME. Selve dagen husker jeg ingenting av, og grunnet min unge alder var det vanskelig å helt forstå hvorfor hun alltid var sengeliggende hjemme. Slik var det i 6 år, og legene sa at hun sannsynligvis aldri kom til å bli bra igjen. Til slutt fant vi et kurs i London som skulle hjelpe, og ved hjelp av farfar fikk vi sendt hun dit. Jeg husker godt når hun kom hjem igjen med et nytt håp, samt alle følgene som for eksempel en stor ommøblering av huset. When I was young my mother was diagnosed with ME. The day in and of itself I remember nothing from, and I was too young to understand the implications, I only knew that she was constantly at home, feeling tired and sleeping through the day. This was the situation for 6 years, and the doctors said that she would probably never recover. After 6 years we found a treatment in London, took a gamble and sent her there with the help of my grandfather. The day she came home I remember clearly, she came back with renewed energy and hope, and a strict message of getting rid of both the bed and sofa she had been lying in. Ask Øren
IL MIO RICORDO Mi ricordo la prima volta che ho bevuto un caffè in una sessione estera. Per quanto il gusto pungente del caffè, che non mi è mai piaciuto, è una sensazione a cui ero preparata, quello era assolutamente rivoltante. L’unica spiegazione plausibile per il bicchiere finito che mi ritrovai in mano era il reset che da quel momento, insieme alle mie percezioni, avevano subito le mie aspettative. I remember the first time I had a coffee at a session abroad. As much as I was prepared for the sharp taste of it, which I actually never liked, that one was disgusting. The only possible explanation for the fact that I finished my cup was the complete and permanent reset of my perceptions and expectations. Nadia D’Amico
Мій спогад Неймовірно, але факт: цей музичний гурт-то справжній Океан. Океан, кожний учасник якого обіймає тебе хвилями своєї енергетики, а разом вони на декілька годин занурюють тебе у вирій емоцій. Океан, пірнаючи в який, ти забуваєш геть усе: котра година; скільки там градусів на вулиці, чи тим паче в фан-зоні(де, якщо чесно, термометр явно підскакував би до 50); скільки часу ти вже стоїш і скільки б ще простояв, лише б почути усі улюблені пісні. Океан, який настільки став зрозумілим, що змушує тебе спочатку співати, а вже ближче до приспіву згадувати назву пісні. Океан, що змушує тремтіти найпотаємніші струни твоєї душі, а шкіру покриватися мурахами кожної пісні. А потім, почувши його історію про поранених бійців, ти не можеш стримати сліз, і тут ловиш себе на тому, що: Ти справді стояш на стадіоні серед тисячного натовпу, слухаєш ці ноти і слова і просто не можеш дати собі ради. Unbelievably, but the fact is that: this music band is a real Ocean. The ocean, each member of which hugs you with the waves of his energy, and together they for a few hours immerse you in a flutter of emotions. Ocean, which you dive into, which you forget everything: what time is it; how hot is it on the street and even hotter in the fan zone (where,to be honest, the thermometer would obviously jump to 50°C); how much time you have already been standing and how much you would still stand, just to hear all your favorite songs. The ocean, which has become so familiar that it makes you sing at first, and only closer to the chorus remember the name of the song. The ocean, which makes you the most mysterious strings of your soul shake, and the skin cover with the aches of every single song. And then, listening to the story about how this music helped the wounded fighters, you can not stop the tears, and here you catch yourself on the fact that: You are really standing at a stadium among the crowd of thousands, listening to this music and words and simply can not pull yourself together. Maria Vorobiova
AMINTIREA MEA Acum o saptamana, dupa doua zile de activitati intense si planuri pentru sesiune, echipa de chairpersons din Vilnius 2018 a reusit sa transforme un moment in care incercam sa tragem de timp, intr-un moment in care am realizat ca suntem 19 oameni, impreuna, pregatiti sa ne imbarcam intr-o experienta unica. In acel moment am simtit ca suntem toti o familie, ca avem voie sa fim vulnerabili si ca putem sa ne bazam in orice moment pe oricare dintre noi. Sa realizezi asta ca ai in jurul tau oammeni care sunt pregatiti sa te ajute sa te dezvolti si cu care sa razi la orice pas este absolut incredibil. Acum sunt fericit si mandru de fiecare moment! One week ago, after two days of intense activities and plans for the session, the chairpersons team of Vilnius 2018 managed to transform a moment in which we were trying to fill up the time into one when we realised that we are 19 people, together, ready to embark in a unique experience. In that moment I felt that we are all a family, that we can be vulnerable and that we can rely on each other at any time. To acknowledge that the people around you are ready to help you develop and always have a laugh with you is incredible. Now, I am happy and proud by every moment spent with them! Razvan Lacatusu
Yannika Rรถnnqvist
TALES OF EYP
EYP-009 “The communication breakdown” Class: Euclid Special containment procedures: Instances of EYP-009 must be immediately isolated upon discovery to prevent spread to neighbouring delegates and committees. Whenever EYP-009 occurs in a session environment, additional ORGA teams must be deployed to the affected area to terminate the anomaly and restore nominal flow of information. Use of S.L.A.C.K. as well as additional third-party tools is advised to increase the reach and ensure complete containment of EYP-009. If the aforementioned means fail to eliminate the issue, HO council must be contacted to take further steps in resolving the matter and terminating EYP-009. Description: EYP-009 is an anomalous disconnect between two humanoid participants of a session. As a result of the anomaly, the receiving party is endowed with information differing from the intent of the sender. The occurrences can involve any number of participants of various roles, although they are typically observed between two distinctively different groups of officials or delegates. Whenever EYP-009 occurs, its victims can exhibit symptoms of agitation, including but not limited to verbal outbursts, mild hyperventilation, insomnia or hypersomnia as well as appetite disorders. While the anomaly does not manifest in a clear visual, tactile or audible manner, there are certain phrases associated with its presence the use of which by the onlookers and affected individuals can alert the foundation personnel to instances of EYP-009. In extreme cases, EYP-009 can lead to catastrophic moral losses, as well as loss of property and harm to personel. Addendum 001: Audio log start Dr.Brawn: So how you describe what happened after [REDACTED] in the committee room earlier today? Subject 0.14b: S-so they… You know they… I mean I was told the coffee break will be in 15 minutes, right? So what do they mean it’s at 16:30? Is that an ok thing to do you think? I mean what if someone… Dr.Brawn: And would you say you are certain that your recollection of those events is correct? Subject 0.14b: W-wait what do you mean? Dr.Brawn: Are you sure they said 15 minutes? Subject 0.14b: Well yeah I guess… although there was the [DATA EXPUNGED] so I don’t know really? It’s all just… ah forget it man. Audio log terminated
EYP-175 “Catchprase” Class: Ketter Special Containment Procedures: EYP-175 cannot be safely contained by any known physical measures. The only widely successful method of decreasing its spread is the use of high class amnesiacs. It should be noted that most instances of 175 are not necessarily dangerous in and of themselves. In the cases when the spread of the anomaly would endanger personnel or the public image of the foundation, direct interaction with affected individuals, such as in depth explanations of the dangers posed by EYP-175, are advised. However, in some cases, the spread of the anomaly can be highly beneficial to the wellbeing and satisfaction of participants. Description: EYP-175 is a phrase, word or a saying that spreads among session participants with extreme ease, causing them to repeat it in any situation, appropriate or not. Most instances of Catchphrase originate from individuals in leadership positions, or those recognised as respectable or knowledgeable, such as members of the CHAIR’s team. Notable examples include [REDACTED], [REDACTED] [citation needed] and [REDACTED]. While it is not understood what the purpose of the phenomenon is, it is commonly believed that it is not, in fact, meant to degrade, belittle or disrespect the origin individual. Furthermore, in some cases it has been observed that those who embrace the instances of EYP-175 initiated by themselves can benefit greatly from this, for instance by creating a deeper bond with their co participants. Attached file chatlog015.xml: The following is a log from chat software retrieved by [DATA EXPUNGED]: Subject 6.1: You can find the reviewed OC clauses here. Subject 6.14: Grand.
By: Alex Raicu
TALES OF EYP
here are hardly any bountiful times nowadays to rekindle the ames once passionately burning for the art of storytelling. It is with great sorrow to see that attention, be it passive or deliberate, has been on a steeping downhill into the depths of mediocrity, leaving in its trail naught but starry youth not yet bejeweled with the crystals of brilliance. Thusly, it is only the following tale that I deem able to revive the bits and pieces left scattered from the once whole picture of human imagination, but it is only you, the reader, that is responsible for its preservation and aspiring bloom.
Once upon a mystical time, in the well beknown woodland stretching across the mighty rivers of Oder and Daugava, lived a simple hunter, together with his three beloved sons, trained and skilled in the disciplines of their father. Their lives, albeit simple, had them restlessly preparing for an event well known among the youth as “The Forum�, an activity whose scope was harder to grasp for the elderly and seemed like an informal meeting of some kind. In that particular season of High Heat, the three brothers were each sent to take part in the forum, the admission into which was a perilous task in and of itself. Or at least that was what Elela, the youngest of the three thought, when he saw both his siblings returning unsuccessful in participating at the meeting. His father, taken aback by the news, had nothing to do but play his last card, sending his youngest kin to the forum, but having little to no hope.
TALES OF EYP
Upon arriving to the registration desk, Elela’s evident compassion and quick thinking convinced the organising knights of his merit to take part. They quickly adorned his wrist with a golden bracelet and his neck with a crimson necklace, at the end of which hung a plate with his name and the letter D ambiguously covering its surface. Soon enough, he was sat together with others from his region, presenting their local dishes but also tasting others from places he’d never before heard of.
From the following days onwards, Elela was on a continuous quest together with others his age towards resolving a pressing issue in the land of Europa. In the case of his commite, he had to find out ways in which foreigners would visit his land without pillaging the local structures, but others had equally important dilemmas, such as getting more children involved into the teachings of their local cleric, providing people with identification papers, reducing the amount of wealth difference between peasants and nobles, giving women more administrative power and many others. Among the daily tasks undertaken by the group led by a chaiere was also a night of feasting together, an evening of empowering orations held in a cathedral, one of practising local traditions and another in which Elela could deliver a lecture, a day of visiting the surrounding region and a night of astounding musical performances.
If hitherto Elela was but a simple youngster not even trusted by his father, the forum gave him the power to speak his mind freely, aiding the community and developing his skills. By day 6 the once youngest of three brothers was now bordering greatness and evolved beyond recognition, prepared to face a challenge that nobody sane could think of as possible, the Genus Asemblee. Round after round, argument after argument, speech after speech, the battle between commites lasted for 2 days and 2 nights, but, to Elela’s utter shock, none emerged victorious and none as defeated. In the end, everyone learned something new and shed tears when the band played “Imaginare”, vowing to see each other someplace else on the continent.
That was the tale of the 87th such Forum held in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Your quest now is to pay this experience forward and help future generations learn and evolve from the Europaeus jeugd parlement.
K a j a
K l a r a
J u r e
N o r a
A l e x
K i l l i a n
L a r s
To m s
N a d i a
J a n
THE
MEDIA
TEAM DRAWINGS BY YANNIKA RÖNNQVIST
Y a n n i k a
Supported by:
Vilnius University
In cooperation with:
Initiated by:
The Schwarzkopf Foundation is the international umbrella organisation of the European Youth Parliament (EYP). EYP Lithuania is a National Committee in the EYP network.