MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS Getting the gig: In 2016, one in four European workers were on atypical contracts and non-standard jobs, including zero-hour contracts and on-demand jobs. Bearing in mind the consumer demand for services like Uber and Deliveroo, how can the EU protect vulnerable workers in this “gig economy”, whilst also allowing for flexible arrangements.
Submitted by: Ceara Beattie (St. Mary’s S.S.S.), Charlie Boylan (St Patrick’s College
Cavan), Ella Rose Feeney (Ursuline College Sligo), Kelene Mc Dermott, (Moville C.C.), Martin Mc Giveney (St Patrick’s College Cavan), Amellyne O’Regan, (St Marys S.S.S.), David English (Chairperson, IE)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Aware of the increased labour market share of the gig economy in EU labour markets, B. Alarmed by the current lack of EU legislation regarding the protection of gig workers, C. Acknowledging that excessive regulations on companies within the gig economy could damage the future growth and profitability of these corporations, potentially resulting in job losses, D. Understanding that the lack of clarity regarding employee status in Member States allows employers to deny their workers the rights that come with employee status, E. Deeply concerned by the lack of social protections for gig workers, including sick leave, familial leave, pensions, and medical insurance, F. Concerned that traditional institutions which defend workers’ rights such as trade unions do not effectively represent gig workers;
1. Calls upon Member States to introduce an intermediate classification of workers, for gig workers logging over 500 hours in a calendar year, 2. Declares that this intermediate classification would allow the maintenance of flexible working hours while providing social protections such as familial leave, sick leave and medical insurance; 3. Invites gig economy corporations to promote private pensions1 to its workers. 4. Encourages the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC)2 to create an online platform to connect workers in the gig economy and better aid unionisation. 5. Urges the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI)3 to establish a financial advisory board which will: a) aid gig corporations in adapting to the above policy changes, b) minimise job losses by maintaining market viability.
Private Pensions: A private pension is a plan into which individuals contribute from their earnings, which then will pay them a private pension after retirement. It is an alternative to the state pension. Usually individuals invest funds into saving schemes or mutual funds, run by insurance companies. 2 European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC): Representation body for 90 European Trade Unions and 45 million members. Its main aim is to lobby the EU and pursue policy changes for workers’ rights and living standards across Europe. 3 The European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI): The European fund for strategic investments (EFSI) is the core of the investment plan for Europe, aimed at boosting long-term economic growth and competitiveness in the European Union. The fund aims to help use public funding, including funding from the EU budget, to mobilise private investment for a wide range of projects carried out in the EU. The projects cover areas such as infrastructure, research and innovation, education, health, information and communications technology and other areas. 1
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY Keeping it local: With trade becoming increasingly globalized, the origins of our food are becoming more varied. While the global food market has significant benefits, its cheap imports undercut domestic farmers and its carbon footprint harms our planet. How can the EU allow access to diverse food markets in a sustainable manner, while also protecting local farming initiatives? Submitted by: James Davis (St Patrick’s College), Alva Gallagher (St. Mary’s Secondary School Ballina), Muireann Igoe (St. Mary’s Secondary School Ballina), Eoin O’Doherty (Moville Community College), Kate O Brien (Loreto College Cavan), Carla Reilly (Loreto College Cavan), Shauna Ruddy (Moville Community College), Magdalena Gautsch (Chairperson, AT)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Concerned that the globalised food trade industry prioritises profit over environment, B. Fully aware that local farmers in Europe are struggling to compete with cheap imported produce, C. Acknowledging that farmers in developing countries have a lower quality of life due to unfair payment, D. Recognizes that the demand for exotic foods by European consumers is year-round, E. Noting that food in Europe travels an average of 1500km, emitting approximately 300kg of Co2 before it arrives at the consumer,4 F. Concerned by the increasing emissions generated by food production which affects Europe’s biodiversity, G. Reaffirming that the packaging and processing of transported food impacts people’s health and harms the environment, H. Noting with deep regret that 173kg of food are wasted per person in Europe every year, seriously affecting environment and economy, 5
Leake, Lisa. "How far does your produce travel?” 100 Days of Real Food. 23 Sep. 2019, https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/how-far-does-your-produce-travel/. 5 “European Parliament:” Food waste: the problem in the EU in numbers [infographic ...." 12 May 2017, https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/society/20170505STO73528/food-waste-the-problemin-the-eu-in-numbers-infographic. 4
I. Pointing out that consumers choose convenience food over local food produce, resulting in loss of income for small-scale local farmers; 1. Invites the European Commission to implement a new directive which promotes the sale of seasonal food; 2. Urges Human Rights Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to campaign for fair wages for farmers in developing countries; 3. Reminds the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to require large corporations to obey fair trade objectives; 4. Encourages the European Commission to only import food which cannot be produced in Member States locally; 5. Endorses Members States to implement a tax for corporations based on the amount of waste they produce, 6. Suggests that Member States encourage shops to hand out unsold food to homeless people in order to minimize food waste, 7. Asks the European Commission to promote local food through media campaigns; 8. Invites Member States to implement higher taxes on food which have a large environmental impact, for example having travelled a higher mileage; 9. Recommends the European Commission to ban plastic packaging and to encourage the use of compostable or recyclable packaging; 10. Encourages farmers to use seaweed as livestock feed to reduce Co2 emissions; 11. Invites food producers to transport their products more sustainably by using environmentally friendly means of transport, such as electric cars or trains.
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL LIBERTIES, JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS II Duty of care: Of the 72,000 refugees and migrants stranded in Greece, Cyprus and the Balkans, more than 22,500 are children. Many children are in legal limbo, struggling to fit into their host communities while being psychologically traumatised by their journeys. What can the EU do to ensure child asylum seekers feel welcome, safe and supported once they arrive in Europe? Submitted by: Aoife Devlin (Ursuline College Sligo), Andrew Gilcrest (St. Patrick’s
College Cavan), Ellie McManus (Loreto College Cavan), Laura O’Hara (Loreto College Cavan), Naiara Zuniga Santxotena (St. Mary’s Ballina), Lenka Voskarova (St. Mary’s Ballina), Emma Bradfield (Chairperson, IE)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Deeply regretting that over 12,000 migrant children were separated from their families on the journey to Europe in 2018,6 B. Bearing in mind that Member States’ current refugee processing systems do not adequately support child migrants, C. Fully alarmed that child asylum seekers who are not native speakers of their host countries’ language often fall at least two years behind their peers academically, D. Stressing that the lack of knowledge about child refugees in Member States acts as a barrier to integration, E. Acknowledging that the cultures of migrant children are often misunderstood and not accepted in their European host countries, which threatens the loss of this culture, F. Anxious that the resurgence of extremist groups across Europe has led to increased anti-immigration and xenophobic sentiments, G. Alarmed by the lack of measures in place within Member States to protect migrant children from psychological and physical abuse, H. Concerned that child migrants face discrimination in their host country,
6
Latest statistics and graphics on refugee and migrant children, UNICEF.
1. Calls on the European Commission to establish a group of qualified professionals which: a) Protects the physical and psychological wellbeing of migrant children in refugee camps; b) works with Member States to keep families together during processing; 2. Suggests that Eurobarometer7 researches best practice in Member States regarding: a) systems in place for processing migrants upon their arrival b) the treatment and integration of child migrants; 3. Asks the European Asylum Support Office to establish a database to facilitate the reunification of migrant children with family members; 4. Urges the European Commission to monitor the safety conditions of children within refugee camps; 5. Recommends that Member States invest in learning support staff for migrant children with a focus on overcoming language barriers; 6. Endorses Member States to encourage diversity and acceptance within host communities by: a) establishing a ‘multicultural flag’ award system for schools; b) developing local cultural diversity clubs; c) increasing the publication of children’s books with a multicultural focus; 7. Further suggests the European Committee of the Regions appoint a representative to each Member State to facilitate dialogue between governments and the host communities of refugees; 8. Requests Member States fund a media campaign outlining the dangers of online misinformation about asylum seekers.
7
Eurobarometer conducts surveys across Member States about a wide variety of European issues.
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY RESEARCH AND ENERGY The Great Hack: The Cambridge Analytical data scandal shed light on the process of abusing people's personal data to influence their political outlook. Given concerns that misinformation disseminated through social media can influence democratic processes, how should the EU regulate the development and use of such technologies? Submitted by: Will Farren (Moville Community College), Anna Gillespie (St Marys
Secondary School), Sean Mc Avinney (St Patricks college Cavan), Emer Minish (Davitt College), Orlagh McDaid (Moville Community College), Darragh O’Sullivan (Mercy Mounthawk), Neil Stuart (C.B.S The Green), Amy Cox (Chairperson, IE) and Michael Fleming (Chairperson, IE).
The European Youth Parliament, A. Noting with regret that: i) only 20% of Europeans know which public authority is responsible for protecting their data,8 ii) 32% of Europeans have never heard of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR),9 B. Recognising that Big Tech10 companies have collected and stored an incalculable amount of data, taking the right to be forgotten away from Europeans, C. Fully alarmed that an individual’s personal data11 can be distributed across many platforms without their knowledge, D. Deeply disturbed that people can be easily influenced by the spread of misinformation through social media platforms as evidenced by the Cambridge Analytica scandal,
‘GDPR shows results, but work needs to continue’, 24th July 2019, European Commission. https://ec.europa.eu/ireland/news/general-data-protection-regulation-shows-results-but-work-needsto-continue_en 9 Foltyn, Tomas, ‘GDPR one year on: Most Europeans know at least some of their rights’, 14 June 2019, We Live Security. www.welivesecurity.com/2019/06/14/gdpr-europeans-awareness-rights/ 10 Big Tech refers to the five major technology companies; Apple, Amazon, Facebook, Google and Microsoft, also called the Big Five. 11 Personal data is any data that can distinguish a living individual from others, e.g. name, age, race, religion etc. 8
E. Alarmed by loopholes in the GDPR that allow Big Tech companies to dodge regulations by the use of third-party mediators to shift responsibility away from them, F. Noting with concern that personal data breaches are still occurring despite the implementation of GDPR one year ago, G. Deeply concerned by the monopoly of some tech companies and its effects on smallscale competitors, H. Noting with regret that companies collect information in cases where it is not necessary;
1. Suggests implementing education in schools and workplaces to; a. draw attention to the misuse of personal data, b. address the dangers and effects to both adults and young people alike; 2. Directs companies operating in Member States to supply a brief synopsis of their terms and conditions alongside the full terms and conditions; 3. Urges the European Data Protection Commission (EDPC) to: a. push companies to give full control of harvested personal data over to the consumer concerned, b. provide users with simple instructions on how to reclaim their data; 4. Encourages online platforms to create a more stringent screening process to ensure the factual accuracy of advertised media; 5. Urges social media sites to inform users when they are shown personalised content based on their data; 6. Directs Member States to enforce responsibility for data abuses equally on tech companies and their third-party mediators; 7. Welcomes increased data inspections by Data Protection Officers (DPOs); 8. Requests the European Court of Justice to implement progressive punishment for repeat offenders of GDPR; 9. Calls on the European Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) to provide grants to smaller technology companies who are competing with Big Tech; 10. Calls upon the European Commission's antitrust branch to force corporate restructuring in large tech firms if they exercise a monopoly on the industry; 11. Applauds the work of the European Data Protection Board as a centralised legal mediator in writing policies on data protection.
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON SECURITY AND DEFENCE On the question of Human rights watchdog? Italian bombs fall on civilians in Yemen, Austrian rifles end up in the hands of Islamist groups and Saudi Arabia tops the table of arms purchases from France. Together, the EU’s Member States are second only to the US in the volume of arms they export. With the EU presenting itself as a protector of human rights and peace, how can it ensure arms produced here are not used in war crimes? Submitted by: Cathal Hanrahan (Saint Gerald’s College), Daniel Kelly (Gonzaga
College), Mitchella Lacuesta (Saint Mary’s Secondary School Ballina), Martin McHale (Jesus and Mary Secondary School), Emmanuel SafoAnkoma (Saint Gerald’s College), Tony O’Halloran (Chairperson, IE)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Deeply alarmed Member States allow weapons to be exported to countries which have committed human rights violations, B. Gravely concerned arms produced in Member States are being used against citizens in regions that avail of EU humanitarian aid, C. Noting with regret arms exports fall under the area of defence and therefore are a matter of national sovereignty and not one for which the EU can legislate directly, D. Deeply conscious the EU currently does not have a formal mechanism to enforce the 2008 Common Position on Arms Export Controls 12, E. Recognising the EU does not have control over where arms ultimately end up and for what purpose they are used once they have been sold, F. Aware the arms industry provides benefits such as employment and taxation revenue to many Member States, with the value of arms exports licences valued at EUR 15 billion in 2013 alone13; The 2008 Common Position on Arms Export Controls is a policy document which sets out the eight criteria by which Member States must abide by when making decisions on who they allow companies to export arms to. This Common Position is legally binding. 13 Chalabi, Mona. “An Interactive Guide to Europe's Arms Trade.” The Guardian, 13 June 2013, https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/interactive/2013/jun/13/interactive-investigateeurope-arm-trade 12
1. Invites the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights to publish a blacklist of human rights-violating countries which Member States would be strongly discouraged from exporting arms to; 2. Calls upon the Member States to establish a Citizens Assembly in each Member State which is tasked with: a) investigating the export of arms from within that state to countries which are guilty of human rights violations, b) producing a series of recommendations that outline the people's opinion on the arms business of their country; 3. Requests the European Commission to establish a mixed media campaign which would highlight the findings of the Citizens Assembly in each Member State, violations of the blacklist, and the role that EU manufactured weapons are having in humanitarian crises; 4. Appeals to the European Commission to encourage third party countries to sign an agreement with the EU guaranteeing not to use the arms in a manner which contravenes with EU principles; 5. Recommends the European Social Fund ensures arms workers of all Member States have greater access to reskilling courses; 6. Asks the Directorate-General for the Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs to provide schemes that help arms manufacturing contactors convert to other types of manufacturing.
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL LIBERTIES, JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS Tying the knot: in July of this year, the UK's parliament voted to extend same-sex marriage to Northern Ireland, effective January 2020. However, in thirteen Member States, marriage is still not open to same-sex couples. With the Charter of Fundamental Rights prohibiting any discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, what stance should the European Union take on this issue? Submitted by: Tara Byrne (Borrisokane Community College), Evelyn Davidson (Mercy
College Sligo), Cliona Doyle (Magh Ene), Elisha Kearns (Loreto College Cavan), Kollete Kucinskas (Davitt College), Diarmuid Mulrennan (Abbey CC), Caroline Ranum Skaar (Chairperson, NO)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Applauding the 13 Member States that have already fully implied equal marriage in their national law, B. Deeply concerned that same-sex marriage is illegal in 13 Member States and constitutionally banned in seven Member States 14, C. Affirming that the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights states that no one should be discriminated against on grounds of their sexual orientation, D. Further affirming the Treaty of Amsterdam states that all discrimination on sexual orientation is prohibited, E. Noting with regret the United Nations’ statement that Article 16 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which states that marriage is a human right, does not apply to same-sex couples, 15, F. Fully aware that the diversity of culture and religious views within the EU is a barrier to introducing equal marriage in all Member States, G. Having considered that marriage has several proven health benefits for same-sex couples that civil unions do not have16, H. Deeply concerned about the lack of knowledge, education and news coverage on the rights of and discrimination against same-sex couples;
Pew Research Centre, "Same-Sex Marriage in Europe", October 2019 The United Nations Human Right Office of the High Commissioner, "Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70: 30 Articles on 30 Articles - Article 16", June 2018 16 The Washington Blade staff reporters. "Same-sex marriage brings health benefits". Washington Blade. 21 April 2017 14 15
1. Urges the European Commission to adopt the view that all Member States should recognise the right of same-sex couples to marry; 2. Calls upon the European Commission to launch a framework for second-level education to cover same-sex marriage and human rights; 3. Strongly urges private and public actors to avoid relations with institutions against marriage equality; 4. Invites European Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to work with the LGBT+ population to campaign for marriage equality; 5. Urges Member States that recognise same-sex civil unions to expand this to include marriage; 6. Decides to launch a media campaign to spread awareness and information on same-sex marriage to the public; 7. Emphasises the need for an updated Article 16 of the UDHR to include samesex marriage.
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS Authoritarian tendencies: as the current presiding country of the Council of the EU, Finland has raised concerns about the threat to an independent judiciary and free press in countries such as Poland and Hungary. With the European Union being founded upon democratic and Rule of Law principles, what stance should the EU take on these Member States, while also respecting their national sovereignty? Submitted by: Stephen Fitzpatrick (Davitt College), Callum Kelly (St. Patrick’s College
Cavan), Evan Moore (Abbey Community College), Paddy Mulligan (St. Patrick’s College Cavan), Meu Lui Tu (St Mary’s Secondary School), Wiktoria Urawska (St Joseph’s Foxford Secondary School), Meri Mentula (Chairperson, FI)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Fully alarmed by the Hungarian and Polish governments’ interference with the independence of the judiciary occurring through actions such as politically motivated appointments of judges, B. Noting with deep concern that interference with the independence of the courts weakens the rule of law and places too much power in the hands of the government, C. Concerned by the lack of communication and cooperation between the EU and Member States such as Hungary and Poland, who have breached rule of law and democratic principles, D. Alarmed by the ineffectiveness of the EU’s attempts to sanction Member States such as Poland and Hungary under Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union for breaching the rule of law, resulting from these Member States’ agreement to veto any sanctions against the other, E. Noting with regret that the ineffectiveness of the EU sanction mechanism for breaching rule of law and democratic principles can further Euroscepticism17 by contributing to a perception of the EU as weak, F. Deeply regretting populist and authoritarian figures such as Kaczynski18 exercise power in a way that breaches democratic principles, G. Recognising the EU’s powers to intervene in Member States’ national party politics are limited,
Euroscepticism can be defined as the criticism of the EU, and ranges from those who oppose some EU institutions and policies, to those who directly oppose EU membership. 17
18
The chairman of the Polish populist Law and Justice party,
H. Deeply disturbed by the suppression of freedom of the press in Member States such as Poland and Hungary, I. Noting with concern that curtailing freedom of the press weakens freedom of expression and limits citizens’ awareness of political affairs; 1. Calls upon the European Commission to initiate infringement procedures against Member States that are in breach of rule of law and democratic principles; 2. Reaffirms the suspension of voting rights for Member States who have had Article 7 triggered against them under the Rule of Law Framework19; 3. Encourages the European Commission and the Council of the EU to further open dialogue with heads of state of Member States such as Hungary and Poland; 4. Invites the European Commission to launch an extensive educational media campaign on rule of law and democratic issues in Member States aimed at citizens across the continent; 5. Encourages independent journalists to pursue stories that inform the public of the injustices occurring in their countries; 6. Urges the European Commission to supply legal and financial aid to independent journalists; 7. Calls upon the European Commission to officially endorse support for protests against Member States that are in breach of rule of law and democratic principles
The Rule of Law Framework is a three-stage tool to address and respond to systemic threats to the rule of law. 19
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE Towards a just transition: 20th September 2019 witnessed the largest climate strike in history, with millions of people in over 150 countries partaking in the youth-led movement. However, the ‘gilets jaunes’ (yellow vests) movement illustrates a growing discontent by those who feel constrained in their mobility and budget by ‘green’ regulations. How should the EU look to achieve its 2030 and 2050 climate and energy targets while ensuring that the transition is fair and manageable for all socio-economic groups
Submitted by: Aoife Baker (Loreto College, Cavan), Tessa Cassidy (Ursuline College, Sligo), Connor Gannon (St. Patrick’s College, Cavan), Teigan Hughes (Davitt College, Castlebar), William McGibney (St. Patrick’s College, Cavan), Caragh Rooney (Mercy College, Sligo), Regina White (Loreto College, Cavan), Serin Jacob (Chairperson, IE) and Claire Casey (Chairperson, IE)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Alarmed that calls for climate action are not being met with sufficient activity from Member States in order to achieve the 203020 and 2050 goals21, B. Profoundly concerned by the detrimental effect the current exploitation and use of fossil fuels is having on the health of individuals, C. Conscious that currently only 17.5%22 of Europe’s energy comes from renewable sources, D. Appreciates the “Fridays For Future” initiative to counter the effects of climate change, E. Notes that the richest 10% of consumers are responsible for 50% of global carbon emissions while the poorest 50% are responsible for just 10%23, F. Acknowledges that green regulations can negatively impact lower socioeconomic groups, leading to a rise in anti-green sentiment, 2030 Climate and Energy Objective: Targets that aim to reduce the effects of climate change 2050 Carbon Neutrality Goal: Strategic long-term vision for a climate-neutral economy by 2050 22 Renewable Energy Statistics https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statisticsexplained/index.php/Renewable_energy_statistics 23Gore, Timothy. “Extreme Carbon Inequality” Oxfam International, 2 December 2015 https://www.oxfam.org/en/research/extreme-carbon-inequality 20 21
G. Recognises that current green regulations have a large effect on basic necessities, disproportionately affecting middle and lower socio-economic groups, H. Regretting that environmental regulations have rendered workers from pollutive sectors unemployed and unable to apply their skills elsewhere; 1. Advises Member States to dedicate a minimum percentage of their GDP towards incentivising renewable energy, 2. Requests the European Commission to subsidise renewables in order to increase their accessibility; 3. Recommends Member States implement a tiered “Pay as You Earn� carbon tax system based on income, where the amount of tax payable increases with higher salaries; 4. Commends the Fridays for Future movement for their work in raising awareness of climate issues; 5. Encourages Member States to create a tax scheme that penalises those who exceed carbon quotas; 6. Calls upon Member States to develop a renewable energy plan that utilises their natural resources, 7. Encourages Member States to establish low-cost green retraining programmes for those who have lost jobs in pollution-producing industries.
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON CULTURE AND EDUCATION (CULT) On the question of Equality in education: many of Europe's over 50 national minorities, such as Travellers in Ireland, the Roma in Central Europe and the Sámi in Scandinavia, face marginalisation in the education system, with curriculums failing to recognise their culture. With the rate of progression to higher education within these groups remaining well below the national average, how can the European Union ensure equality of access to educational pathways for all its citizens? Submitted by: Ceanna Bolton (Árd Scoil Mhuire), Ciaran Bailey (St. Geralds College),
Daire Donohoe (St. Patrick’s College), Erin Young (Loreto College), Grazvydas Artiomovas (Davitt College), Jennarose Smyth (Loreto Abbey Dalkey), Emily Usner (Chairperson, AT), Katie Kiely (Chairperson, IE)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Deeply concerned by the lack of tolerance shown by the general public and teachers towards national minorities24, B. Noting with regret the lack of information available to the general public concerning the culture and history of national minorities, C. Aware that the nomadic nature of some national minorities can lead to: i) difficulty in accessing education, ii) financial insecurity, D. Recognising the lack of accessible information available to members of national minorities regarding third level education, E. Noting with concern that the culture of national minorities is rarely recognised in school curriculums, F. Cognisant of the language barrier present for members of many national minorities, G. Conscious that members of national minorities typically come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds resulting in difficulty accessing education,
National Minority: Although there is no one definition agreed upon by the EU, the term national minority generally refers to a population that is characterised by their own national, ethnic, linguistic or religious identity, which differs from that of the majority population. Furthermore, they are neither immigrants nor immigrant descendants, rather they have settled and lived in Europe for a long time. 24
H. Alarmed by the frequent segregation of national minority students in some Member States’ school systems; 1. Encourages Member States to incorporate classes on their country’s minority cultures in their national curricula; 2. Calls upon the European Commission to cooperate with NGOs such as the European Roma Rights Center (ERRC)25 to better inform the general public about national minorities through integration schemes and community involvement events; 3. Invites Member States to implement a cultural awareness and appreciation week in all educational institutions to raise awareness and celebrate minority cultures; 4. Requests the European Association of Institutions in Higher Education (EURASHE)26 to: a) supply information to students and parents through third level talks, career days, leaflets and online resources, b) employ career guidance workers to specifically assist minority youths with their prospects in the education system, c) provide education and apprenticeship opportunities for adult members of national minorities; 5. Strongly endorses the introduction of quota in the public sector to incentivise the employment of national minority members of all education levels; 6. Encourages the European Schoolnet27 to help break down language barriers for national minority students by: a) providing free language classes and activities in the country’s vernacular for members of national minorities, b) employing teachers and learning assistants who speak minority languages; 7. Strongly suggests that the European Schoolnet facilitate the transfer and integration of students into new schools via an online Inter School Communication System (ISCS) that: The European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) is a Roma-led international public interest law organisation working to combat anti-Romani racism and human rights abuse of Roma through strategic litigation, research and policy development, advocacy and human rights education. 26 The European Association of Institutions in Higher Education (EURASHE) aims to ensure the standards of higherlevel education within Europe by influencing policymaking at European level. This includes having an input on legislation regarding national minorities and discrimination within third level institutions. 27 The European Schoolnet is a network of 34 European Ministries of Education, based in Brussels. Their aims include ensuring equal access to education for all students, no matter their ethnic or socio-economic background. 25
a) adheres to GDPR, b) tracks students’ progress, c) provides a digital grade report; 8. Encourages Member States to create and maintain an accessible online version of their course curricula 9. Calls upon the European Schoolnet to facilitate a mandatory assessment of national minority student’s capabilities before placing them in separate classes or schools; 10. Urges the European Commission to provide grants, schemes and scholarships for national minorities to achieve further education.