Cork 2018 -21st National Session of EYP Ireland: Resolution Booklet
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Committee Page Committee on Security and Defense...............................4 Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety .......................................7 Committee on Constitutional Affairs II..........................10 COFFEE BREAK Committee on Industry, Trade and Energy ..................12 Committee on Legal Affairs..............................................15 Committee on Constitutional Affairs I...........................17 LUNCH Committe on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs..................................................20 Committee on Foreign Affairs I.......................................23 COFFE BREAK Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs...........26 Committee on Agriculture Rural Development...........28 Committee on Employment and Social Affairs...........30 Committee on Wome’s Rights and Gender Equality..................................................................33 Cork 2018 - 21st National Session of EYP Ireland | www.eyp.ie
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Procedure of the General Assembly
Brainstorming Time (2 min.) Delegates are given 2 minutes to read over the proposed resolution before each debate starts, to plan Defence Speech (3 min.) One member of the committee will have the chance to go to the podium and deliver the defence speech on the resolution, laying out the basic, underlying concepts of the proposing committee’s resolution. Attack Speech (2 x 1.5 min.) Following the Defence speech, a delegate from another committee has the chance to give an attack speech on the Motion for a Resolution of the proposing committee. Response to the Attack Speech (1 min.) After the attack speech has been delivered, a member of the proposing committee receives the chance to answer the concerns raised. The response to the attack speech is given from the floor. Open Debate Any committee with a point or a question on the resolution can raise their committee placard and, when recognised by the board, pose it to the proposing committee. The board will take approximately 3 points from the floor before allowing the proposing committee to respond to all of them. There will be 3 rounds of open debate per committee. During each debate, committees must raise the placard with their committee name to show that they want to speak and wait for the board to officially give them the right to speak. For each resolution, a committee has the possibility to utilise one Direct Response. Summation Speech (2 x 1.5 min.) Two members of the proposing committee can go to the podium to defend their resolution one last time. This occurs after the last round of Open Debate was responded to from the floor. The Summation Speech will be hold from the podium and it is the final chance to use all rhetorical energy and skill to convince people to vote in favour of the resolution. Voting Finally, the General Assembly will proceed to vote on the resolution by the proposing committee. Cork 2018 - 21st National Session of EYP Ireland | www.eyp.ie
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SEDE MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON SECURITY AND DEFENSE Given the rise of terrorist attacks in Europe, how can national Member State secret services better work together and share intelligence in order to coordinate anti-terrorist operations and prevent future attacks? Submitted by: Ayiesha Marron-Boyle (Dundalk Grammar School), Bríd Kenny (Ardscoil Mhuire, Ballinasloe), Emer O’Sullivan (Scoil Mhuire), Emma Barry (St Aloysius College, Carrigtwohill), Evan Quigley (St Patrick’s College, Cavan), Eve Digby (The King’s Hospital, Lucan), Henry Cullen (Good Counsel College, New Ross), Kevin Griffiths (Mount Temple Comprehensive) Laura Kelly (Stratford College, Rathgar), Shane Burke (Bandon Grammar School), Vincent Morand (CEC André-Chavanne, Geneva), ORAN DONOVAN (chairperson, IE) The European Youth Parliament, A. Alarmed that end-to-end encryption (E2EE)1 communications services can allow for untraceable communication between radical terrorists online, B. Recognising that the information stored on the Schengen Information System (SIS)2 is used primarily for external border checks only, C. Concerned that security agencies such as Europol, and the European Counter Terrorism Centre (ECTC) lack employees and resources compared to other non-EU security agencies of a similar nature, D. Acknowledges that the SIS serves only Member States that are within the Schengen Area, leaving certain Member States without access to or use of this data sharing platform, E. Regretting the lack of dialogue between countries with respect to security concerns on both an intra-EU and an extra-EU level, F. Realising that the lack of communication between Member States prevents the views and information held by certain Member States from receiving appropriate exposure and recognition,
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End-to-end encryption: a form of data encryption used for secure messaging, where only the sending and receiving parties have access to the message content. Schengen Information System: an intelligence deposit for security agencies based inside the Schengen Area, used as a database for reference during external Schengen Area border checks.
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SEDE G. Seriously concerned by the voluntary nature of data sharing infrastructures such as the SIS and the Europol Information System3 (EIS), and the absence of any specific criteria whereby certain intelligence is required to be disclosed, H. Bearing in mind that the manner in which certain national security agencies obtain intelligence potentially infringes upon the privacy rights of EU citizens, I. Noting with regret that the freedom of movement facilitated by the Schengen Area has previously allowed individuals connected to radical terrorist organisations to gain easier access to specific Member States;
1. Recommends the inter-Member State sharing of relevant information from internal national security databases regarding terrorist threats to Member States; 2. Seeks the creation of EU legislation necessitating E2EE communication platforms to implement software backdoors whereby potential security threats could be identified by the service providers, and in these circumstances shared with the relevant security service; 3. Urges the SIS to be used in assisting more scrutinous border checks carried out on individuals upon entry into the Schengen Area; 4. Endorses an increase in funding for Europol and its constituent agencies in order to accommodate for an increase in personnel and adequate facilities; 5. Supports increased funding in specialist training programmes for Europol anti-terrorist officers, and for employing a larger number of officers; 6. Welcomes the pooling of resources and intelligence between the EIS and the SIS, and the harmonisation of databases making such information commonly available to both Member States and Schengen Area countries; 7. Calls for a summit to be held on a quarterly basis facilitating dialogue between senior officials of European state security services in relation to intelligence sharing; 3
European Information System: a forum designed to facilitate enhanced intelligence sharing between Europol’s member nations’ security services.
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SEDE J. Encourages the implementation of an officer exchange programme between secret services of Member States and of external non-EU secret services; 8. Proposes the introduction of a monetary sum payable to Member States by Europol in exchange for sufficient intelligence sharing regarding terrorist activity; 9. Requests that individuals that are flagged by the SIS are immediately put under surveillance by the ECTC’s Internet Referral Unit4 (IRU); 10. Suggests that Member States make use of more secure digital and non-digital communication methods while transmitting and sharing intelligence concerning terrorist activity on both an intra-EU and an extra-EU basis; 11. Strongly encourages the issuing and distribution of intelligence from Member States regarding terrorist activity under emergency ‘Red Notices’5, as defined by Interpol.
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Internet Referral Unit: a body functioning within the ECTC, identifying terrorist threats through online surveillance. Red Notice: the closest instrument to an international arrest warrant in use today, circulated by Interpol, circulated by Interpol to member countries listing persons who are wanted for extradition.
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ENVI MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY Given the growth of extreme weather such as heatwaves, flooding and hurricanes across Europe in recent years, how can the EU be better prepared to predict and respond to meteorological emergencies? Submitted by: Claire O’Dowd (Colaiste na Toirbhirte), Éadaoin O’Shea Costley (Mount Saint Michael, Rosscarbery), Jakub Pypkowski (IV Secondary School in Bydgoszcz, PL), James O’Brien (St. Josephs Rush), Liam Carton (Coláiste Iognáid), Mórna Henehan (Loreto College, St. Stephen’s Green), Oisín McGinley (St Conleths College), Raman Malashchanka (Ashfield College), Ronan Shanley (St Colmcilles Community School), Ultán MacGearailk (Pobalscoil Gnbhéar Scéine), William Godfrey (Coláiste Iognáid), Marthe Wedøe (chairperson, NO) The European Youth Parliament, A. Bearing in mind the probability of severe weather leading to personal losses, such as property damage, displacement, injuries and illnesses, and traumas, B. Taking into consideration the heightened risk posed at vulnerable people during extreme weather events, such as the homeless, the elderly, and people living in isolated areas, C. Recognising the lack of awareness of citizens about the advised procedures in the event of extreme weather, D. Taking into account the lack of an efficient EU system for notifying the public about extreme weather forecasts and emphasising the potential dangers these may cause, E. Having noted a potential division of competences according to extreme weather catastrophes among various EU bodies1, F. Having noted a potential division of competences according to extreme weather catastrophes among various EU bodies, G. Alarmed by the lack of attention put at agricultural resources during extreme weather events such as heatwaves and floods, H. Noting with regret the pressure put at certain members of the workforce to work in unsafe weather conditions, 1
The responsibility to deal with weather related issues in the EU is today divided between bodies such as the European Severe Storm Laboratory, European Meteorological infrastructure, European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO) and Emergency Response Coordination Centre.
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ENVI I. Concerned by the extreme weather, infrastructure damage such as fallen buildings, obstructed transport networks, power lines and communications leading to limited access to essential facilities and services, and extremely costly repairs, J. Having considered the potential negative impact of extreme weather on businesses, especially local Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and industries such as tourism, retail and agriculture, K. Aware of the lack of concern for conservation efforts for historical, cultural and wildlife sites during extreme weather, L. Affirming the need for: i) research into previous extreme weather cases and their outcomes, ii) increase research and technological development in areas such as technology;
1. Calls upon the European Commission to establish an umbrella organisation that: a) coordinates the efforts of existing disaster relief organisation b) aims to fund and advise on rebuilding efforts after extreme weather crisis; 2. Reaffirms the European Commission’s efficient endorsement of the work of NGOs who deal with medical, psychological, and financial issues faced by victims of extreme weather; 3. Invites local authorities to put in place emergency action plans that could: a) prioritise vulnerable members of society, b) encourage citizens to remain vigilant regarding evacuation and basic survival measures; 4. Encourages Member States to raise awareness about advised procedures in the event of extreme weather by: a) implementing courses in the curriculum directed at students, b) launching media campaigns directed at all citizens; 5. Asks the European Commission to introduce and implement a system that enables Member States to notify their citizens on weather emergencies through phone, TV and radio alerts; Cork 2018 - 21st National Session of EYP Ireland | www.eyp.ie
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ENVI 6. Calls for the EU bodies working on severe weather research prevention and management to continue their actions with emphasis on their closer cooperation; 7. Requests the European Commission to: a) minimise and tackle the effects of extreme weather on agriculture b) do this through providing financial grants and incentives for the development of infrastructure, such as irrigation and drainage; 8. Instructs the European Commission to: a) update its regulations on health and safety in fixed-term and temporary employment, b) and include measures regarding extreme weather conditions in the updated regulations; 9. Urges the European Commission to launch a programme aiming to provide the equipment necessary for delivering a more effective response to extreme weather damages, rapidly clearing transport roots and repairing post-emergency communication infrastructure; 10. Recommends Member States financially support businesses severely affected by extreme weather by: a) considering implementing appropriate tax reliefs for sales lost by SMEs forced to remain closed throughout the duration of the emergency, b) continuing and potentially increasing subsidies for industries such as tourism, retail, and agriculture; 11. Endorses Member States’ support for the conservation of areas of significance against extreme weather, such as historical, cultural and wildlife sites; 12. Calls upon the The European Research Council (ERC) to fund research and technology with emphasis on analysing the causes and strategies for tackling past extreme weather events with the purpose of their future implementation.
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AFCO II MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS II In light of recent events in Catalonia, Corsica and Northern Italy, how should the EU address the current secessionist movements within its borders while accounting for the differing historical contexts and degrees of independence being sought by different movements? Submitted by: Jessica Andriessen (Dunshaughlin Community College), Kate Bisogno (St Angela’s College, Cork), Ciaran Boylan (Mount Temple Comprehensive School), Chloe Bright (Davitt College, Mayo), David Cronin (Christian Brothers College, Cork), Síofra Kelleher (Ursuline College, Sligo), Conor MacCarthy (Christian Brothers College, Cork), Daniela Matias (International, CH), Harry Redfern (Coláiste Iognáid, Galway), Fadilah Salawu (Ashbourne Community School, Meath), Jakub Woźniak (International, PL), Charlotte Crawford (Chairperson, UK), Daniel Røvik (Chairperson, NO) The European Youth Parliament, A. Recognising that the EU’s power over Member States’ domestic affairs is limited by the Lisbon Treaty, B. Acknowledging the differing degrees of independence or autonomy sought by different secessionist movements within Member States, ranging from moderate administrative autonomy to full independence, and the need for these individual movements to be handled accordingly, C. Conscious of newly independent states’ obligations to meet the 1993 Copenhagen criteria1 before potential accession to the EU and the economic difficulty involved in meeting these requirements, D. Alarmed that referenda, especially those which are technically unconstitutional, such as the one in Catalonia: i) often proceed undemocratically ii) potentially distort the representation of public opinion,
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The essential conditions all candidate countries must satisfy to join the EU.
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AFCO II E. Anxious about the possibility of an increase in the number of regions seeking some degree of independence, and its potential to: i) trigger a process of Balkanisation2 ii) cause governance of the EU to become unmanageable and inefficient, F. Stressing that Member States have a variety of unique legal frameworks and constitutional laws, which: i) complicate any EU effort to assist in secession crises, ii) make a standardised EU approach to secession impossible, G. Profoundly concerned by the strong possibility of rising political and economic tensions between the parent state3 and the seceded state which could lead to violence and isolation from the international market;
1. Calls upon the Council of the EU to lead diplomatic negotiations through creating a mediation committee consisting of representatives from the parent state, the seceding state and a third party; 2. Invites the mediation committee to suggest and facilitate peacefully acceptable alternatives to full secession, such as internal governance and decentralised taxation; 3. Appeals to the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)4 to: a) offer trial membership of the Association to seceded states, b) provide economic support to either the parent or seceded state proportionate to GDP lost; 4. Suggests Eurostat collaborates with secessionist regions with the aim of assessing the public opinion on secession as accurately as possible; 5. Encourages parent and seceding states to remain open to the possibility of a second referendum being conducted after the wish to secede from the parent state having been declared; 6. Requests the parent state to allow those in a seceding state with parent state citizenship to retain that citizenship post-secession.
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Balkanisation is the process of fragmentation or division of a region or state into smaller regions or states. A parent state is the state from which the secessionist movement wants to become independent, such as France in the case of Corsica. The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is an intergovernmental organisation consisting of four Member States Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland - set up for the promotion of free trade and economic integration.
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ITRE MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY, TRADE AND RESEARCH Implementing the Circular Economy: How can the ideas in the EU’s Circular Economy Package be made more accessible, affordable and practical for Small and Medium Enterprises to implement? Submitted by: Dara Golden (Coláiste Iognaid), Olivia Boland (St. Dominic’s College Cabra), Richard Beattie (The King’s Hospital), Muireann Carton (Sacred Heart School, Tullamore), Cathy Hynes (Kinsale Community College), Adam Kelly (St Patrick’s College, Cavan), Seán Hennessy (Mercy Mounthawk, Tralee), Ciara O’Malley (Loreto Secondary School Letterkenny), Avan Albedairy (Jesus and Mary College), Sean O’Leary (Bruce College Cork), Cian Horgan (chairperson, IE) The European Youth Parliament, A. Recognising the inability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to afford direct costs associated with transitioning to a circular economy model, such as capital investment, design costs for new processes and ongoing costs associated with recycling compared to landfill, B. Aware of the difficulties faced by SMEs to pay hidden costs associated with transitioning to a circular economy model including loss of productivity and liquidity, C. Cognisant of the disadvantaged position of the SMEs upon competing with larger companies and on the international stage due to extra costs posed by the transition to a circular economy model, D. Regretting the lack of short and medium-term incentives for SMEs to transition to a circular economy model, E. Recognising the need to work effectively alongside national governments to aid SMEs in transitioning to a circular economy model, F. Alarmed by the insufficient levels of consumer awareness regarding the economic and environmental benefits of a circular economy and the negative impacts of the current linear model, G. Aware that there is a lack of knowledge among many SMEs of the benefits of a circular economy model, Cork 2018 - 21st National Session of EYP Ireland | www.eyp.ie
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ITRE H. Acutely aware that the access to information and technical expertise regarding the implementation of the Circular Economy Package in individual enterprises can pose a significant challenge to SMEs, I. Bearing in mind that some SMEs may find it difficult to access infrastructure to implement the Circular Economy Package, J. Considered with the practical challenges that SMEs face in recycling some of the 27 Critical Raw Materials;
1. Calls upon the European Commission to: 2. provide grants to SMEs for the direct and indirect costs of the transition to a circular economy model 3. increase the funds of the Executive Agency for SMEs (EASME); 4. Calls upon all Member States to implement the VAT reduction policy as outlined in the Action Plan of the Circular Economy Package; 5. Calls upon Member States to implement a system modelled on the Pfand System to facilitate materials in re-entering the production cycle for use in manufacturing; 6. Calls upon Member States to advertise the economic and environmental benefits of the circular economy with the intention of creating a demand for goods created in line with its objectives; 7. Invites the Directorate-General for Environment and the European Economic and Social Committee to expand the Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform to host local and regional conferences alongside its annual Brussels conference; 8. Calls upon the Commission to provide more funds for the Directorate General of the Environment, with the purpose of enabling further research into the capability and affordability of recycling Critical Raw Materials; 9. Calls on the European Regional Development Fund to: a) provide funds for the construction of recycling facilities with the capacity to recycle a broad range of materials b) to allocate funds based on local waste requirements.
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ITRE Fact Sheet Circular Economy Package: The package contains amendments to four directives - on waste, the landfill of waste, packaging and packaging waste, and chemical-electrical waste, as well as an action plan outlining how to approach a transition to a circular economy Critical Raw Materials: The Commission has published and regularly updated a list of raw manufacturing materials it deems critical. A material may be critical because they have a significant economic importance for key sectors, the EU is faced with high supply risks, or there is currently a lack of substitutes. Pfand System: The German Pfand system was brought into force to ensure that there was a responsible policy in place for the recycling of plastic bottles. It came into being to encourage drinks companies to supply their product in multi-use, refillable plastic or glass bottles. These can be refilled up to 25 times for the plastic variety and up to 50 times for glass. Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform: The European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform brings together stakeholders active in the broad field of the circular economy in Europe. European Regional Development Fund: This fund aims to to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union through investment in structural infrastructure. The ERDF budget for the 2014-2020 period amounts to €196 billion.
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JURI MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON LEGAL AFFAIRS How can the EU ensure that its Victims of Crimes Directive is upheld across the union, particularly where the underreporting of certain crimes, a lack of engagement with the criminal justice system, and differing needs for certain victims persists? Submitted by: Abby Fleming (Loreto Secondary School Clonmel), Ciara Reynolds (Loreto College Crumlin), Jack Cullen (Presentation Brothers College Cork), Jemma Barrett (Skibbereen Community School), Kate O’Connor (Ashfield College Dundrum), Keelin White (St. Mary’s College Naas), Killian Morris (Coláiste Éanna, Dublin), Laura Higgins (St. Angela’s College Cork), Megan Lawton (St Aloysius College, Carrigtwohill), Rachel Keenan Dillon (Jesus and Mary College, Dublin), Tony O’Halloran (Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh) Róise McGagh (Chairperson, IE) The European Youth Parliament, A. Deeply concerned by the sixteen Member States still needing to implement the Victims of Crime Directive1 despite the 2015 deadline, B. Acknowledging the efforts of the Victims of Crime Directive for the recognition of different types of crime victims, C. Keeping in mind citizens distrust in the police force among Member States reaching 10-60%2, D. Cognisant of the negative consequences faced by victims after reporting a crime, such as victim blaming and sensationalized media coverage, E. Conscious of the preconceived bureaucracy and apathy in the current system of crime reporting leading to victims being discouraged to report certain crimes, F. Acknowledging the confusion and injustice caused by the discrepancies between the severity of punishment for crimes among Member States, G. Alarmed by the lack of inclusive data sets leading to incomprehensive EU crime statistics, H. Aware of the inconsistency and insufficiency of punishment for sexual violence and hate crimes, I. Bearing in mind the potential unwillingness of undocumented immigrants to report crimes for fear of legal consequences, 1 The Victims of Crime Directive is a minimum standard of rules that aims for all victims of crime to have 2
access to justice and to receive support and protection according to their specific needs. The European Social Survey December 2011.
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JURI J. Seriously concerned by the inefficiency of the support and resources provided for victims, K. Noting with regret the citizen’s lack awareness of their rights as a victims;
1. Suggests the establishment of an intergovernmental advisory body to foster cooperation between Member States on victim’s rights that will encourage other Member States to implement the Victims of Crime Directive; 2. Calls upon Member States to establish youth outreach programmes, community engagement programmes and designated liaison officers in areas with high crime rates; 3. Requests that Member States provide information to citizens through public education programmes in schools and posters in public buildings about existing laws regarding harassment, breaches of privacy and defamation; 4. Urges the media to be conscious of their responsibility to remain considerate in reporting crime; 5. Resolves to run information campaigns on victims’ rights in the EU through social media and a comprehensive website; 6. Requests that Eurostat stop the release of crime statistics on the European Union if all relevant Member States are not included in the data; 7. Seeks for the European Commission to: a) review punishments for hate crimes and sexual violence b) publish a suggested set of guidelines for Member States on sentencing lengths; 8. Encourages the placement of information points at transnational crossings such as airports and docks regarding the justice systems in the Member State; 9. Asks that organisations working with refugees in Europe provide them with information on their rights as victims in the EU; 10. Implores Member States to improve cooperation with National Government Organisations who provide support for victims of crime in order to achieve more efficient victim support; 11. Directs the European Commission to create a GEM3 which Member States can avail of to improve resource management and access to services for victims. 3
Generalised Erlangian Model: a queuing theory operations management data centre to that can be used improve resource management increase speed and access to services for victims
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AFCO I MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS I Given the EU’s goals regarding youth disengagement in it’s 2018 Work Programme, and initiatives such as the European Youth Event, what else can the EU do to facilitate young people’s input into European affairs through official channels, via both new ideas and existing projects? Submitted by: Aidan Mamo-Cooney (Cólaiste an Spioraid Naoimh, Bishopstown), Ali Gavin (Loreto Secondary School, Clonmel), Charlotte O’Halloran (Mercy Mounthawk Secondary School, Tralee), David English (St Patrick’s College, Cavan), John Feeney (Davitt College ETB, Castlebar), Lily-Rose Pemple (Ashfield College Dundrum), Lorcan O’Rourke (St Macartans College, Monaghan), Paraic O’Reilly (Coláiste Einde, Salthill), Thomas Lynch (St Patrick’s College, Cavan), Weronika Gromek (IB World School, Kielce), CIARA O’FLAHERTY (chairperson, IE) The European Youth Parliament, A. Concerned by the absence of a two-way dialogue between young people and the governing bodies of the EU1, B. Noting with regret the ineffectiveness of existing EU channels and documents targeting youth disengagement, C. Conscious of the failure of various education systems across Member States to effectively promote active citizenship, D. Alarmed by the lack of awareness among young people about pan-European political issues, E. Cognisant of the politicians’ indifference towards young people’s views, and their subsequent unwillingness to establish a constructive dialogue with them, F. Regretting the great influence of social environmental factors, such as elder generations’ perceptions of youth, media portrayal of youth and level of political participation within families on the degree to which young people become engaged in politics, G. Stressing severe underrepresentation of young people and their views in the European Parliament, resulting in these interests becoming neglected and unresolved, 1
The five main governing bodies of the EU are the European Parliament, The European Court of Justice (ECJ), The European Commission, The Council of Ministers and the European Council.
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AFCO I H. Profoundly concerned by the insufficient transparency of, and limited access to, EU political discourse and information, specifically young people’s inability to engage with the information, I. Acknowledging that many young people are beginning to dissociate themselves from the EU, contributing to growing distrust in the EU as well as lower voter participation and civic engagement;
1. Calls upon the European Commission to foster dialogue between the European Parliament and young citizens by creating the Forum of European Youth Representatives2, consisting of national youth representatives in charge of: a) executing regular meetings with the country’s national MEPs, b) presenting goals and reports with regard to youth issues, c) holding MEPs accountable for addressing young people’s issues in the European Parliament; 2. Recommends the introduction of a module focusing on active citizenship and political engagement that would be: a) designed by an unbiased third party, b) taught by educators that have attended specific training, c) introduced in Member States’ education systems; 3. Resolves to work with young people on the creation of a website providing accessible and engaging information about all aspects of European political workings, including a forum fostering the discussion of young people; 4. Intends to create a campaign targeting young people with the aim of: a) promoting the civic and political participation of young people, b) educating young people about the work and structure of European institutions, c) encouraging active citizenship by combatting the stigmas surrounding youth engagement, d) raising awareness about European events and decisions, e) encouraging intergenerational dialogue; 2
The Forum of European Youth Representatives is to be formed by national ambassadors firstly elected at local and regional youth meetings, and subsequently elected to the board of national representatives. To stand for election as a European Youth Representative, the candidate must be between the ages of 15 and 21, and must not have been elected thrice beforehand. The Forum is to be held on an annual basis and consist of all national youth representatives.
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AFCO I 5. Suggests the development of a mobile application designed by a third party to provide neutral information on upcoming European and national elections and referenda; 6. Appeals for MEPs to officially and publicly recognise the efforts of young people by considering the conclusions of previously held youth meetings throughout the course of the decision-making process; 7. Requests the European Central Bank to foster active citizenship through financially supporting youth organisations; 8. Encourages Member States to create public holidays on election days; 9. Invites Member States to encourage young citizens previously alienated by the voting process to participate in European elections by introducing accessible polling stations.
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LIBE MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL LIBERTIES, JUSTICE, AND HOME AFFAIRS Despite its great potential for revolutionising existing security and identity processes, how can the EU legislate for distributed ledger technologies (DLTs) without infringing on the privacy rights, the right to be forgotten, and the territorial jurisdictional rights of its citizens? Submitted by: Conor Dorgan (Presentation Brothers College), Eva Murphy (Bandon Grammar School), Jordan Swann (Scoil Mhuire), Lisa Bermingham (Pobalscoil Neasáin), Luke Bishop (CBS The Green), Matthew Barry (Magh Ene College), Naoise Luby (St. David’s College Holy Faith), Oisín Butler (Pobalscoil Neasáin), Jack Counihan (chairperson, IE) The European Youth Parliament, A. Concerned by the security risks Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLTs) present for the private information of Member State citizens using such platforms, B. Keeping in mind the direct contradiction between the founding principles of DLTs and the loss of anonymity that may occur from their regulation, C. Noting with concern the illegal practices such as drug trafficking, fraud, and tax evasion facilitated by the lack of accountability on DLT platforms, D. Aware of the disparities between EU member states’ legal systems in relation to the prosecution of cybercrime, E. Keeping in mind the entry into force of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) from 25th May 2018, F. Commending Member States for incorporating DLTs in government services, specifically Sweden and Estonia for introducing DLT-based land and medical registries respectively, G. Commending the Horizon 2020 Project with regards to: i) the EUR 83 million invested in Blockchain related projects to date, ii) the EUR 340 million that will follow by 2020, iii) awarding the Horizon Prize “Blockchains for Social Good” to entrepreneurs who put forward innovative uses for DLTs;
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LIBE 1. Requests the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) to oversee: a) the establishment of an EU DLT Monitoring System (DLTMS) for overseeing account activity across the network, b) the creation of a firewall security system to work in tandem with the DLTMS, c) the creation of a registry for accounts which includes a sample of personal information in exchange for unrestricted access to DLT networks that can be accessed if a crime is committed; 2. Directs the European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) to investigate and refer details of accounts flagged for suspicious activity by the DLTMS to the relevant Member States; 3. Instructs the EC3 to review accounts for suspicious activity before honouring requests for account deactivation or termination; 4. Calls upon the European Commission to create an independent working group tasked with finding a common standard for the prosecution of cross-border cybercrimes in relation to DLTs such as identity fraud, tax evasion, and drug trafficking; 5. Seeks to extend the scope of the GDPR to protect the core principles of DLT, including decentralisation, anonymity and transparency; 6. Urges the Directorate General for Communications, Networks, Content & Technology to encourage the expansive use of DLTs by establishing a grant framework for Member State bodies and large-scale private businesses based in the EU; 7. Encourages third level institutions and IT firms to further participate in the Horizon 2020 Project and other similar research funding schemes.
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LIBE Fact Sheet Distributed Ledger Technology: This is a decentralized digital storage space used for the synchronized recording data and asset that is unrestricted to the members of the network General Data Protection Regulation: The GDPR is a regulation in EU law concerning data protection and privacy for all individuals within the EU Horizon 2020: is the biggest EU research and innovation programme ever with nearly EUR 80 billion of funding available over 7 years (2014-2020). Blockchain: A Blockchain is a digital public ledger where the most recent transactions are recorded and distributed to all members of the network and is used in methods of encryption. The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS): is an independent supervisory authority whose primary objective is to ensure that European institutions and bodies respect the right to privacy and data protection when they process personal data and develop new policies. European Cybercrime Centre (EC3): was set up to strengthen the law enforcement response to cybercrime in the EU and thus to protect European citizens, businesses, and governments from online crime
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AFET MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS How can the programmes and institutions run by the North-South Ministerial Council between Ireland and Northern Ireland and underpinned by EU law be best protected from the financial, political and practical fallout of Brexit? Submitted by: Jessica Allen (St. Mary’s College Naas), Eoin Bonass (Mount Temple Comprehensive), Rian Claffey (Banagher College Coláiste na Sionna), Alysia Cloake (Loreto High School Beaufort), Emer Connolly (Loreto College St. Stephen’s Green), Aaron Firth (Good Counsel College), Dan Griffin (Ashfield College), Timothy Grimes (Mercy Mounthawk Tralee), Andrew Kelleher (Christian Brothers College Cork), Ciarán Meers (Coláiste na Spioraid Naoimh Cork), Cerys Walsh (St. Mary’s College Naas), Conall Molloy (Chairperson, IE) The European Youth Parliament, A. Appreciating the importance of the North South Ministerial Council1 (NSMC) in the maintenance of peace and stability between Ireland and Northern Ireland, B. Reaffirming the European Union’s commitment to supporting the Good Friday Agreement2, C. Cognisant of the interdependence of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in matters of trade, D. Recognising the role the NSMC programmes play in maintaining cross-border communication and inter-cultural dialogue, E. Anxious that increased border controls may weaken NSMC programmes relating to businesses in both countries and cross-border commuters and shared transport infrastructure, F. Deeply alarmed by the prospect of World Trade Organisation3 (WTO) tariffs being imposed on cross-border trade programmes co-ordinated by the NSMC,
1 2 3
The North South Ministerial Council is a body cooperates and acts on matters concerning the whole island of Ireland e.g. education, shared waterways, trade, and tourism. The Good Friday Agreement, signed in 1998, laid out, in binding international law, Northern Ireland’s status in the UK, its relationship with Ireland, and founded numerous institutions to foster and maintain peace in Northern Ireland, including the NSMC. The World Trade Organisation is a global, international body dealing with the rules of trade between nations.
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AFET G. Alarmed by the potential end to shared regulatory standards between Northern Ireland and Ireland, post Brexit, in areas such as agriculture, pharmaceutical products and the environment, H. Alarmed by the potential negative impact of Brexit on the NSMC’s resource-sharing healthcare programmes such as emergency planning, ambulance sharing, and procedural cooperation, I. Concerned by the possibility of post- Brexit visa requirements for countries outside the Common Travel Area4 having a detrimental effect on the NSMC’s cross-border tourism programmes;
1. Calls upon the NSMC to establish a working group on Brexit consisting of representatives from the 12 Areas of Cooperation5; 2. Reaffirms its commitment to avoiding a ‘hard border’ between Ireland and Northern Ireland in accordance with the Good Friday Agreement; 3. Urges the Commission, the UK Government and the Irish Government to invest in and develop border control technologies to minimise disruption in the case of a ‘hard border’ being established; 4. Recommends the EU Directorate General for Mobility and Transport provides subsidies for public transport systems operating on a cross-border basis in order to ease congestion and inconvenience arising from a controlled border between Ireland and Northern Ireland; 5. Requests that lessened tariffs and tariff exemptions be applied to the cross-border trading of economically significant items in the EU’s post-Brexit trade agreement with the UK; 6. Suggests that the Northern Irish Government maintain and adopt policies compatible with current and future EU regulations relating to agriculture, the environment, healthcare and pharmaceutical standards, and food safety in order to facilitate the continuing cooperative work of the NSMC; 7. Invites the governments of the UK and Ireland to make use of existing cooperative bodies, such as the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference6, to enhance bilateral coordination of regulations and policies; 8. Approves of the maintenance of the NSMC’s work in cross border healthcare initiatives; 4 5 6
The Common Travel Area is an open borders area, consisting of Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands. The areas addressed by the 12 Areas of Cooperation are: agriculture, transport, the environment, education, healthcare, tourism, waterways, food safety, Irish and Ulster Scots language, cross-border trade, and loughs and lighthouses. The British Irish Intergovernmental Conference was a body founded to foster and develop a harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship between Ireland and the United Kingdom.
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AFET 9. Further recommends the development of emergency vehicle specific lanes in border crossing zones; 10. Encourages the preservation and expansion of the British-Irish Visa Scheme7 to facilitate tourism in the island of Ireland from non-EU countries; 11. Asks Tourism Ireland8 to produce and distribute information on all-Ireland tourism opportunities and the visa requirements of both countries; 12. Supports the continuation of Tourism Ireland’s advertising of Ireland as a single entity for tourists.
The British Irish Visa Scheme allows tourists from India and China to visit and travel freely through CTA countries with a single visa. 8 Tourism Ireland is a publicly owned limited company governed by and responsible for the implementation of policies set by the NSMC’s tourism section. 7
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ECON MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC AND MONETARY AFFAIRS Despite comprehensive existing legal frameworks and provisions in Member States, conviction and enforcement rates for money laundering remain low across the EU. How can the EU narrow the enforcement gap, improve private sector knowledge and address the rise of money laundering in the Union for financing terrorist organisations? Submitted by: Cillian Sheehan (Christian Brothers College), Deirbhile Ni Dheasmhunaigh (Scoil Mhuire Cork), Hugh Gallagher (Gaelcholaiste Luimnigh), Julia Dowling (Alexandra College), Lana Badereddin (Ashfield College), Maria Henehan (Ursuline College Sligo), Mark Smith (St.Patrick’s College, Cavan), Philippe Luiz Dick (CEC Andre-Chavanne), Sam McMahon (Colaiste Eanna Dublin), Zakariah Buzakhar (Ashfield College), Elvin Hajiyev (chairperson, AZ) The European Youth Parliament, A. Disappointed by the lack of recording of suspicious transactions and effective penalties for money laundering across Member States, B. Noting with regret the lack of transparency to the identities of beneficial owners1 of shell companies2, C. Deeply concerned by the absence in EU legislation in regards to: i) cryptocurrency, thereby allowing for the possibility of money laundering, ii) obliging Non Profit Organizations (NPOs) to disclose income and expenditure records, D. Emphasising the insufficient reporting of suspicious transactions by notaries, financial institutions and NPOs leading to the under activity of the Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), E. Recognises the need for the sharing of financial intelligence between individual Member States as well as national FIUs exchanaging effective strategies practices,
1 A beneficial owner is a term where property rights in shares belong to a person even though legal title of the property belongs to someone else 2 Shell company is a non-trading company used as a vehicle for various financial manoeuvres
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ECON F. Alarmed by the inadequate knowledge in the private sector with regards to EU money laundering and counter terrorism finance regulations3, G. Worried by the insufficient level of investigation and vetting of potential shell companies and proxy servers4 in regards to Private Limited Company (PLCs) and NPOs;
1. Requests that Member States update their Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) standards to align with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)5 guidelines; 2. Encourages Member States to harmonize minimum financial sanctions in proportion to the value of money laundered to reduce the risk of forum shopping; 3. Calls on Member States to compile a register of Beneficial Owners6 in line with the EU Anti-Money Laundering Regulations on the Beneficial Ownership of Corporate Entities 2016; 4. Supports the European Commission’s research into cryptocurrencies; 5. Implores the Commission to take into special consideration in its research the possible illegal use of cryptocurrencies for money laundering; 6. Directs NGOs, PLCs and notaries to disclose related financial records to a potential investigation following a suspicious transaction report; 7. Appeals to individual Member States to create an intergovernmental database of suspicious activity relating to money laundering and terrorist financing; 8. Calls upon the EU to endorse: a) AML and CFT seminars for private sector employees and notaries b) the provision of condensed versions of legislation and guidelines surrounding AML and CFT; 9. Strongly urges the European Research Council to research more efficient methods of identifying illegal uses of proxy servers and associated devices.
3 4 5 6
2005 anti-money laundering directive, which employs mandatory reporting of suspicious transactions Proxy server is a dedicated computer or a software system used as an intermediary to ensure that identity of the users is protected The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an inter-governmental body whose purpose is the development and promotion of policies, both at national and international levels, to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. Beneficial Owner; The beneficial owner is the true owner of an asset or security that is under a different legal name.
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AGRI MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT Given the recent publication of the European Commission’s initiative to improve the position of European farmers in the food supply chain, what can be done to improve farmers’ bargaining positions in the face of unfair trading practices and the availability (or lack) of information publicly for supply chain participants on key market data such as prices, weather and production/consumption rates? Submitted by: Aaron O’Connell (St Patrick’s College, Cavan), Áine King (Coláiste an Phiarsaigh, Glanmire), Amy Bevan (Kinsale Community School, Kinsale), Eimear Rudden (Loreto College, Cavan), Gavin Brady (St Patrick’s College, Cavan), Meadhbh Kehoe (Heywood Community School, Ballinakill), Shane Kearns (Banagher College Coláiste na Sionna, Banagher), Vanessa Nunan (Loreto Secondary School, Letterkenny), James Helfer (chairperson, UK)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Deeply conscious that farmers in the EU are the most vulnerable actors in the food supply chain, B. Recognising the important role farmers’ associations1 play in improving the bargaining position2 of small farmers, C. Regretting that farmers are not aware of the membership benefits farmer associations offer, D. Disappointed by the failure of Member States to share key market data relating to production rates, consumption rates, and pricing, E. Noting with regret the lack of communication and collaboration along the supply chain, between farmers, processors and supermarkets, F. Gravely concerned by the existence of Unfair Trading Practices3 (UTPs), such as late payments to farmers, 1 2 3
Farmers associations are groups of farmers who work together, improving their bargaining power within the food supply chain. The bargaining position of farmers refers to their ability to negotiate favourable deals with other actors within the supply chain. Unfair Trading Practices are contrary to good faith and fair dealing. They are unilaterally imposed by one trading partner on its counterparty and they grossly deviate from good commercial conduct.
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AGRI G. Alarmed by the absence of decisive action and legislation against UTPs, H. Acknowledging the potential threats of the Mercosur trade deal4 to the bargaining position of EU farmers;
1. Directs the General Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives5 to work alongside national farmers’ associations to support the creation and development of regional farmers’ associations; 2. Recommends that Member States improve current education and training opportunities in institutions such as agricultural colleges to inform existing and prospective farmers about farmers’ associations; 3. Invites the EU Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development to create an agency with the purpose of collaborating with national farmers’ associations to compile an online database with weekly market data; 4. Requests that Member States establish a national agricultural mediation office to assist farmers with commercial disputes on a national level; 5. Calls upon the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development to create a European initiative to provide legal assistance and guidance to national agricultural mediation offices with international commercial disputes; 6. Encourages Member States to enhance cooperation between processors, supermarkets, and farmers’ associations by formalising and contracting future businesses; 7. Instructs the Commission to provide a comprehensive definition of a UTP in EU law; 8. Demands that the Commission outlaw UTPs, under the jurisdiction of EU competition law; 9. Calls for the Council of the EU to exclude the beef industry from the Mercosur trade deal.
4 5
The EU is currently negotiating a trade agreement with the four founding members of Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) as part of a bi-regional Association Agreement. A significant part of the trade deal is channelled through the beef industry, thus presenting a threat to the bargaining position of European farmers. The General Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives represents the general and specific interests of some 40,000 farmers’ cooperatives across Europe.
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EMPL MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS What can be done to assist migrants to the EU in terms of an accreditation system for recognising academic or professional from their home country on arrival in the EU? Submitted by: Barry Lynch (St Patrick’s College, Cavan), Emma Bradfield (St Angela’s College, Cork), Emma Dolan (Loreto College, Cavan), Flora Suchy (St Patrick’s College, Cork), Hannah McGagh (Magh Ene College, Donegal), John McCrohan (Mercy Mounthawk, Kerry), Kate Kiely (Sacred Heart Secondary School, Cork), Li Yeng Lee (College Andié-Chavanne, Switzerland), Lucy O’Connell (Loreto Secondary School, Letterkenny), Mary O’Connell (Mercy Mounthawk, Kerry), Carlota Mendes Martins (Chairperson, PT) The European Youth Parliament, A. Concerned by the accreditation system being inefficiently implemented due to the surplus of stakeholders and policies, B. Noting with regret the lack of coordination within and amongst Member-States following the accreditation system’s implementation, C. Taking into account the need for a reform of the current excessively long process of the qualifications’ recognition, D. Bearing in mind the lack of opportunities and recognition of migrants’ qualifications may lead to a deterioration of their mental health, E. Deeply conscious of the insufficient funds allocated to unemployed migrants, F. Deeply disturbed by the lack of awareness among EU citizens with regards to: i) Migrants positively contributing to the workforce; ii) The current accreditation system being implemented in their country; G. Noting with concern that Member States might refuse hosting new migrants due to their financial impact on the Member States’ economies, H. Conscious of the disparities between educational systems leading to difficulties upon the comparison of the level and content of their citizens’ degrees, Cork 2018 - 21st National Session of EYP Ireland | www.eyp.ie
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EMPL I. Fully alarmed by the lack of training programmes offered to migrants intending to further improve their skills, J. Emphasising the severe difficulty of obtaining documents necessary for providing one’s identity, qualifications and experience,
1. Invites the European Commission and the Council of Europe to outline an European-wide standardised framework towards the recognition of qualifications within the EU of non-EU citizens; 2. Requests the Council of Europe to extend their European Qualifications Passport1 to all migrants, asylum seekers and refugees; 3. Further recommends all Member States implement and encourage the use of the European Qualifications Passport; 4. Emphasises the need to accelerate the accreditation process within the Member States to a timeframe of no longer than 9 months; 5. Supports the implementation of a mental health assessment of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees throughout their integration process by all Member States 6. Encourages Member States to allocate part of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF)2 to further implement an adequate accreditation system, enabling migrants to work within their field of expertise at a earlier stage; 7. Urges the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to present a study concerning the benefits of welcoming migrants into the workforce; 8. Recommends that all Member States provide a clear and understandable explanation of their current accreditation system to their citizens; 1 The European Qualifications Passport for Refugees directed at refugees fleeing their countries who might not have with them the documents proving their education qualifications. It aims to help refugees to be admitted to further studies or enter the job market in the host country. 2 The Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, implemented in 2014 and expect to last until 2020, will promote the efficient management of migration flows and the implementation, strengthening and development of a common Union approach to asylum and immigration.
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EMPL 9. Instructs the European Commission to establish the European Training Assessment Board (ETAB); 10. Further instructs the European Commission to define ETAB’s objectives to include: a) assessing and comparing the different level and content of the degrees in different countries; b) establishing general standards to the multiple degrees and qualifications; c) conducting training programmes for all migrants who wish to improve their skills and adapt to the labour market.
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FEMM MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND GENDER EQUALITY (FEMM) What measures can be taken to ensure women in Europe have better control over their reproductive lives and consistent access to reproductive and sexual healthcare supports and services? Submitted by: Gabriela Musialik (Jan III Sobieski High School), Jolan Venchiarutti (CEC Andre-Chavanne), Julianna Greene (Ardscoil Mhuire Ballinasloe), Kate Rodgers (Magh Ene College), Kayla McAvinney (Loreto College Cavan), Lowri Davies (Ard Scoil na nDeise), Meadhbh Roarty (Loreto Secondary School, Letterkenny), Sadbh Perry (Skibbereen Community School), Sinead O’Brien (Ard Scoil na nDeise), Sorcha Finan (Loreto College Cavan), Jack O’Hara (Chairperson, IE) The European Youth Parliament, A. Taking into account the negative consequences of abortion restriction, such as: i) increased clandestine and illegal abortion, ii) the denial of the rights of women to personal autonomy and bodily integrity, B. Recalling the need for all Member States within the EU to legalise access to abortion services in any capacity, C. Condemning the excessive tax imposed on certain female sanitary products and them being perceived as luxury goods rather than basic necessities, D. Acknowledging the restriction of access to forms of contraception, such as the emergency contraceptive pill and condoms for people coming from lower socio-economic backgrounds, E. Alarmed by the poor ratio of sexual health clinics to citizens in certain Member States, F. Recognising the wide discrepancies of maternity and paternity-leave periods across EU Member States, G. Profoundly concerned by the lack of comprehensive sexual education which is impaired by the lack of suitably qualified professionals facilitating sexual education,
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FEMM H. Fully alarmed by the lack of adequate sexual education in schools and everyday life leading to widespread stigma and shame surrounding sexuality and reproduction, I. Acknowledging the severe violations of 680,000 underaged women’s sexual and reproductive rights caused by female genital mutilation (FGM),1 J. Deploring the fact that eugenic2 and coerced female sterilisation is still practised in the EU;
1. Recommends that all Member States adopt the EU’s outlook surrounding restrictive abortion and its infringement on a woman’s right to autonomy and bodily integrity; 2. Seeks the introduction of free post-abortion support services facilitated by the Central and Eastern European Women’s Network for Sexual and Reproductive Rights and Health, including counselling and medical aftercare; 3. Encourages Member States to: a) make contraceptives accessible and affordable for people from every socio-economic background b) reduce taxes on female sanitary products; 4. Proposes that the Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights implements impartial social media campaigns providing information on contraceptives and sexual relations based on the published campaign ‘#sexedpl’3 in Poland; 5. Calls upon Member States to introduce subsidised sexual health assessment clinics in their domestic health systems which notify women over the national age of consent to avail of their regular sexual health check-up; 6. Further calls upon all Member States to improve their parental leave laws in which they: a) establish increased minimum time periods for both maternal and paternal-leave, b) ensure workplace protection for both parents in cases where they decide to opt for periods of extended maternal or paternal leave longer than the minimum required standard; 1 2 3
EuroNews Female Genital Mutilation: why do so many cases go unpunished in Europe? February 2015 Eugenic Sterilisation is the sterilisation of a person who is either mentally ill or mentally defective. The current Polish education system completely ignores sex education. SexEdPL fills the gap in this basic education of Polish teens.
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FEMM 7. Demands that the teaching of sexual education is coordinated only by suitably qualified and trained professionals; 8. Requests the introduction of age-appropriate material on sexual education that follows the Dutch model at first and second-level education for all genders4; 9. Invites the European Institute of Gender Equality to establish a task force specialising in the investigation and prosecution for those responsible for practicing female genital mutilation in Europe; 10. Urges all Member States to introduce more procedural safeguards in hospitals to protect women from being coerced into sterilisation by: a) enforcing a two day waiting period to be given to patients before making further decisions regarding sterilisation, b) requiring specific dialogue between the doctor and the patient outlining the choices and risks associated with their options.
4
In the Netherlands, the current sexuality education curriculum began in 1990 with two programmes: R&S (Relationships and Sexuality) for primary schools and LLL (Long Live Love) for secondary schools, still in force today.
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