The Connacht Ulster Regional Session of EYP Ireland
Resolution Booklet 'Our Place in Europe'
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON CULTURE AND EDUCATION (CULT) Speak up! Despite Member States committing to the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages at least 130 languages across Europe at risk of extinction, what measures should Member States adopt to integrate their multilingual heritage into European and national society?
Anastasia Gladysheva (Davitt College), Niamh Coyle (The Royal and Prior Comprehensive School), Gracjan Fasciszewski (Davitt College), Conor Gannon (St. Patricks College), Wiktoria Zebrowska (St Clare's Comprehensive), Amy Sheridan (Loreto College), Darragh Kelly (Presentation College Athenry), Anushka Pathak (Sligo Grammar School), John McCrohan (IE, Chairperson)
The European Youth Parliament,
A. Recognising the emergence of negative connotations associated with minority languages, B. Concerned with the correlation between economically disadvantaged regions and the prevalence of regional and minority languages (RML’s)1 , C. Recognising the failure of the EU and Member States to update the protections afforded to RMLs, D. Noting with regret the EU's failure to grant official status to many minority languages in Europe leading to a lack of representation in EU institutions, E. Alarmed by the decline in language vitality,2 of RMLs among the general population of Member States, F. Taking into consideration that educational institutions teaching RMLs are often underresourced and employ ineffective methods leading to a lack of support for rejuvenating RML’s, G. Understanding that there are negative perceptions of RMLs, as a result of certain stereotypes or a view that RMLs are not practical or beneficial;
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Regional and Minority Languages (RML’s) are minority languages spoken by about 40-50 million people in the EU 2 Language Vitality is demonstrated by the extent that the language is used as a means of communication in various social contexts for specific purposes.
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1. Calls upon the EU to establish a body to promote cross-political acceptance of RMLs and to work to resolve political tensions surrounding the languages, E.g., Peace IV3; 2. Recommending that the European Commission provide economic support through the European Regional Development Fund4 to economically disadvantaged regions which are home to minority languages and cultures, such as the Gaeltacht in Ireland. 3. Urges the European Parliament to make all RMLs that are native to Member States official EU languages regardless of political associations; 4. Call on the EU to commission a report into the potential uses of modern technology to promote and protect RMLs and update charters and policies accordingly; 5. Call on the European Commission to support a report into the most effective method of teaching RMLs, and provide Member States with relevant supports and resources on the basis of this report; 6. Encourages the EU to provide support for programs to raise awareness among the general population of Member States of RMLS and cultures about the threats that they face that are in breach of The Oslo recommendations5; 7. Directs the EU to support existing initiatives that promote acceptance of minority languages in European institutions and wider European society such as the European Language Equality Network6.
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The Peace IV program is a unique EU initiative which aims to promote peace and reconciliation in Northern Irish and border counties. 4 The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) aims to strengthen economic and social cohesion in the European Union by correcting imbalances between its regions. 5 The Oslo Recommendations is a document detailing the development of State policies and laws which may contribute to an effective implementation of the language rights of persons belonging to national minorities, especially in the public sphere 6 The European Language Equality Network (ELEN) was established in 2011 with a view to protecting and promoting Europe’s regional, minority and endangered languages RMLs
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS (DROI) Direct Division: What common guidelines should the EU introduce regarding the rights of refugees, asylum facility conditions, and social reintegration? What steps can be taken to ensure these standards are respected and maintained? Submitted by:
Miriam Dobra (Davitt College, Mayo), James Dolan (St Patrick’s College Cavan), Aisling Graven (Davitt College), Oran Lafferty (St. Columba’s College, Donegal), Áine McGing (St Catherine’s VS Killybegs), Séana Miney (Loreto College Cavan), Tess Nealon (St Josephs, Foxford), Aoibhínn Newell (Jesus & Mary Secondary School), Aoibh Rooney (Mercy College Sligo), Paschal Walsh (Presentation College, Athenry), Joshua Fitzgerald (IE, Chairperson), Stephanie Keane (IE, Chairperson)
The European Youth Parliament,
A. Conscious of social barriers facing refugees attempting to integrate with society, B. Cognisant of the xenophobia and exclusion faced by refugees in many communities, C. Deeply concerned about the lengthy asylum process used in administering refugees, D. Realising the lack of educational facilities for refugees and asylum seekers, E. Deeply disturbed by the inadequate housing facilities provided to asylum seekers and refugees, F. Alarmed by the stigmas surrounding mental health in many refugee’s native countries and thus the lack of supports available to refugees and asylum seekers, G. Stressing the difficulties refugees face concerning: i. access to and awareness of government support programmes, ii. employment rights and labour market discrimination, H. Noting with concern the absence of multi denominational religious facilities made available to refugees in asylum centres.
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1. Calls upon the European Solidarity Corps7 to provide language classes to teach refugees the local language assisting them with finding employment and social reintegration;
2. Invites the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations Agency8 to implement an information campaign to break down barriers between refugees and locals; 3. Recommends the European Commission to invest in a stream-lined, people-centred, EUwide standardised asylum process through: i. more funding and resources to asylum offices, ii. the de-bureaucratisation of these processes; 4. Urges Member States to implement employment-training schemes, introducing refugees and asylum seekers to the workforce; 5. Advises Member States to fund accommodation programmes to facilitate the development of improved housing infrastructure; 6. Encourages Mental Health Europe9 to implement a research programme that aims to destigmatize mental health issues among refugees through adult educational programmes; 7. Appeals to Frontex10 to ensure that all immigration officials be given psychological first aid training to assist refugees in need; 8. Urges Member States to put family reunification at the heart of their asylum seeker policy and governance; 9. Endorses the European Asylum Support Office to facilitate a tandem program where refugees will be paired with a local to support their social integration; 10. Implores the European Commission to grant support to fund multi denominational community centres for refugees where they can practice their faith.
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The European Solidarity Corps is a youth organization with the aim of bringing together young people to build a more inclusive society, supporting vulnerable people and responding to societal challenges. 8 The European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations Agency runs high impact communication campaigns to raise awareness and enhance understanding and support of humanitarian aid values among the EU citizens. 9 Mental Health Europe is a European organisation that raises awareness of issues relating to mental health with the aim of ending mental health stigma and discrimination. 10 Frontex is an agency of the European Union tasked with border control of the European Schengen Area.
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COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC AND MONETARY AFFAIRS (ECON) Throwing away the key: Following the climax of the Covid-19 pandemic, how should Member States strive towards economic recovery whilst simultaneously increasing environmental sustainability, abiding by public health guidelines and safeguarding against the need for further economic shutdowns? Submitted by:
Shona O’Kelly, (Presentation College Athenry), Latisha Beirne (St. Nathy’s College) Caoimhe Murphy (Davitt College, Castlebarg) Jennifer Holly, (Royal and Prior Comprehensive School), Cole Meilic (Convent of Mercy Roscommon) ,Maria Barrett (St Joseph's Secondary School, Castelbar), Csenge Bodnar ( Loreto Convent Letterkenny), Niamh Cawley (Davitt College Castlebar), Eimear Feeney, (St Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton), Holly Cook, (Merlin College) Emer O’Sullivan (IE, Chairperson) and Alan McLoughlin (IE, Chairperson) The European Youth Parliament,
A. Recognising the efforts of the European Council in agreeing to the Next Generation European Fund (NGEU), B. Recognises the consequences that further COVID-19 resurgences will have for both public health and the economy, C. Draws attention to the lack of coordination in the Member States’ lockdowns left the business sector exposed, D. Acknowledging the differing opinions on the disbursement of recovery funds, especially certain northern European countries who demanding downward adjustment of the NGEU, E. Taking into consideration the Commission's informal commitment to disbursement of NGEU funds based on meeting sustainability requirements, F. Believes that funding should be directed to sustainable projects which both create jobs and help reach climate goals, G. Recognising that each Member State has autonomy when it comes to stimulating their domestic economy, H. Aware that Member States do not want to go into another lockdown, I.
Gravely concerned by the negative effects that the disposal of masks and PPE have on the tackling of the climate crisis,
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J. Noting with satisfaction the reduced carbon footprint that results from the decrease in people travelling to work every day, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, K. Regrets the adverse effects of the lockdowns on small to medium sized businesses, L. Alarmed by the effect of Covid-19 on people's mental health;
1. Accepts that the Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme should be expanded beyond what it currently resolves11; 2. Endorses the Governing Council of the European Central Bank to consider revising it’s self-imposed debt-issuing limits as necessary to ensure its actions are proportionate to the risks that we face; 3. Urges that the European Council make sustainability requirements for the disbursement of NGEU funds binding; 4. Proposes that the governments of EU Member States promote a sustainable lifestyle researching into a "circular economy" as being one of the central ideas of the economic recovery; 5. Declares the need for a coordinated system of Covid-19 restrictions across member states; 6. Calls on Member States to enhance unemployment services and reskilling programmes so those affected by the Covid 19 pandemic are equipped to deal with the current jobs market; 7. Encourages Member States to advocate for people to work part-time from home as part of a sustainable lifestyle; 8. Recommends that the European Competition Commission creates a grant program with the aim creating resources to help SMEs transition to online; 9. Calls upon Member States to introduce annual tax return claims for consumers to support domestic businesses; 10. Encourages Member States to provide support to airlines and travel firms by introducing holiday vouchers, travel packages and free waivers on air services;
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https://www.ecb.europa.eu/mopo/implement/pepp/html/index.en.html
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11. Supports further research into the introduction of Universal Basic Income in an effort to attenuate the effects of further potential lockdowns.
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (AGRI) Food for thought: With an increasingly urban Europe affecting the population of rural areas, how should Europe’s food supply be secured, given rising standards for sustainable food production and climate smart agriculture? Submitted by:
Ava Murray (St Clare's Comprehensive), Ciara Mcardle (Dundalk Grammar School), Darragh Langtry (St Patrick’s College), Eoin Thompson (St.Joseph's Secondary), Isabell Keenan (Davitt College), Jenushiya Jehu (St Joseph's Secondary School), Katie Tara English (Scoil Mhuire Strokestown), Petra Bodnar (Loreto College), Thomas Joyce (Presentation College Athenry), Tony Keane (Jesus & Mary Secondary School), Chengji Zhao, (NL, Chairperson)
The European Youth Parliament,
A. Aware of the negative effects domestic migration has on rural, agricultural areas, B. Deeply concerned by the inability of indigenous crops to thrive in certain Member States, C. Alarmed by the uneven distribution of benefits from the Common Agricultural Project (CAP)12, D. Noting with deep concern the increasing malnutrition amongst disadvantaged communities13 across Member States, especially urban areas, E. Regretting the prevalence of food waste throughout the agricultural industry, F. Bearing in mind the damage caused by monocultural farms on local ecosystem, G. Noting with regret the vast amounts of chemical fertiliser currently being utilised, H. Acknowledging the disparity in policies between Member States to prevent deforestation;
1. Urges the European Commission to further incentivise and strengthen ethical and sustainable farming in the CAP;
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European Commission, “The common agricultural policy at a glance”, 2020 https://bit.ly/3kp2p4H EUFIC, https://www.eufic.org/en/food-today/article/time-to-recognise-malnutrition-in-europe
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2. Encourages Member States to promote gleaning14 within agricultural industry in order to reduce food wastage; 3. Calls upon the Commission to increase their efforts to approve the cultivation and sale of high-potential GMOs across all Member States; 4. Asks Member States and their regional authorities to adopt a policy of deurbanization15 in metropolitan areas; 5. Calls Upon Member States to promote organic farming practices amongst citizens through grants to sustainable, organic food producers; 6. Strongly urges Member States to protect land from deforestation by: i. implementing policies that would protect natural biodiversity by diversifying range of habitats,16 ii. educating citizens and businesses about the importance of nature reserves; 7. Strongly encourages Member States’ regional institutions to provide food for people in disadvantaged urban areas by: i. introducing community gardens,17 ii. conducting research and outline beneficial future changes for problem areas, iii. promoting gleaning and providing those people with nutritious food; 8. Calls upon Member States to provide financial support and investment in food producers transitioning away from archaic machinery; 9. Asking Member States to introduce grants for polytunnels, greenhouses and the farmer’s market to reduce reliance on importance.
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this refers to the act of collecting unattractive crops which are not economically profitable anymore but nevertheless as nutritious as normal crops 15 This is a demographic process whereby people move from urban areas to rural area 16 e.g., the GLAS scheme: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmerschemespayments/glas/ 17 They're shared plots of land where people gather together to grow fresh veggies and flowers
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH II (ENVI II) Clean, Green, Environmental Machines? In light of the EU’s 2030 Climate and Energy Framework, and wider commitment of a net-zero economy by 2050, how should the EU approach proposed renewable, low carbon, and carbon reduction solutions to ensure we meet these goals? Submitted by:
Aibhe McBride (St Joseph’s College, Castlebar), Caitlin Hilton (Loreto College, Cavan), Darragh Moloney (St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford), Isaac Howard (Merlin College, Galway), Indira Kelly (Seamount College, Galway), Rebecca Murray (Davitt College, Castlebar), Sionainn Fee (St Clare’s Comprehensive), Ali-Maeve Fitzgerald (IE, Chairperson), Sadhbh O’Riordan (IE, Chairperson)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Deeply concerned that air pollution which has been caused by carbon-emissions results in 400,000 premature deaths in the EU annually18, B. Noting with deep concern that over €250,000,000 has been donated by fossil fuel companies to major European political parties since 201019, C. Bearing in mind the inequality in the effects of the climate crisis on people of varying geopolitical or socio-economic backgrounds20, D. Acknowledging the unavailability of financial support or subsidies to sustainable and lowcarbon alternatives to household products for low-income consumers across markets in the EU21, E. Conscious that increased “climate-literacy”22 among young European citizens will encourage societal action in the global response to climate change, F. Alarmed that the fast fashion industry accounts for over 10% of global carbon emissions, while its waste produces environmentally damaging toxins such as microplastics23, 18
“1 in 8 Deaths in Europe linked to Climate Change, says EU” World Economic Forum, 09/09/2002 https://bit.ly/3fWEHfz 19 “Fossil Free Politics”, Corporate Europe Observatory, 24/10/2019, https://bit.ly/33sc2Kd 20 “Distributional Aspects of Climate Change”, OECD, 2003 https://bit.ly/3mcLwf7 21 “Fossil Fuel Subsidies in Europe”, Climate Action Network Europe, 2018 https://bit.ly/37navGy 22 Climate Literacy: an understanding of a person's contribution to the environment, and how these contributions impact climate change. 23 “Environmental Impact of the Textile and Clothing Industry”, European Parliamentary Research Service, January 2019 https://bit.ly/3nZSRPu
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G. Concerned that the European construction industry accounts for 40% of the EU’s energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions making the sector the single largest energy consumer in Europe24; H. Applauding the work of the European Battery Alliance in its aims to recycle industrial batteries in Europe resulting in the alleviation of the 250,000 metric tonnes of unprocessed waste car batteries accumulated in 15 years25, I.
Acknowledging that not all potential for renewable energy has been exploited in Member States26,
J. Noting with appreciation the positive effect that research funded by the Horizon 2020 project has had on lowering the cost of renewable energy for European citizens27;
1. Requests that the European Commission explicitly divest from fossil fuel projects and non-renewable energy sources to meet their climate goal; 2. Calls upon Member States to promote more sustainable lifestyle choices amongst their citizens through the provision of grants to sustainable small business, such as vegan restaurants or those with a negative carbon-footprint; 3. Encourages Member States to introduce or raise punitive taxes on companies providing environmentally damaging products and services28; 4. Directs Member States to ensure citizens of lower socio-economic status are best protected against the disproportionate consequences of the climate crisis; 5. Requests for the European Commission to support the development of renewable energy infrastructure in Member States failing to meet current climate targets by prioritising grants for such projects in these Member States, through the new Recovery and Resiliency Facility; 6. Encourages Member States governments to include “climate literacy” programmes across all primary and secondary educational institutes, including teachings on an individual’s carbon-footprint, sustainable gardening and nutrition;
“Energy Use in Buildings”, European Commission, https://bit.ly/2VaHHen “Batteries and Accumulators”, European Environment Agency, https://bit.ly/3ob67kJ 26 “Europe requires 150% renewable energy to become fossil-free”, energy post, 29/04/2016 https://bit.ly/3q6xCgW 27 “Secure, Clean and Efficient Energy”, European Commission, https://bit.ly/3fIXquR 28 “EaP GREEN: Taxation of environmentally harmful products”, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, https://bit.ly/37fA2RU 24 25
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7. Encourages Member States to foster innovative, localised projects in the scope of promotion and preservation of historical and cultural sites, using sustainable construction alternatives such as the use of a waste-concrete mix29; 8. Calls upon the EIT InnoEnergy Association to further support the work of the European Battery Alliance by providing grants for the research on the recycling of electric vehicles and their batteries; 9. Requests the European Environmental Agency30 to create a media campaign on the damaging effects the “fast-fashion�31 industry has on the supply chain and highlighting more sustainable alternatives.
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Waste-concrete mix: a low-waste concrete alternative created using rubble of the building demolished. European Environment Agency: is an agency of the European Union, whose task is to provide sound, independent information on the environment. 31 Fast fashion: clothing designs that move quickly from production to markets in order to meet current trends. This rushed production period often causes a greater environmental impact to its traditional counterpart. 30
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS (EMPL) Working hard but it’s hardly working: With COVID-19 worsening an already gloomy and insecure economic future for those 25 and under, how can Member States now work together and help young people entering the workforce?
Submitted by:
Cassie Lewis-Jones (Gortnor Abbey), Gormlaith Mac Conghail (Coláiste Oiriall), Áine Mallon (Davitt College), Michael Maradesa (St Patrick’s College, Cavan) Lani O’Brien (Davitt College), Eilish Victorino (St Clare’s Comprehensive School), Iona Lindsay, (UK, Chairperson)
The European Youth Parliament,
A. Fully alarmed by the budgetary cuts made for Youth Employment Support at the EU Summit in July, B. Notices that the Youth Guarantee32 is non-binding, C. Alarmed by the decline in new job opportunities as a result of COVID-19, D. Applauds the efforts of the German Government in helping reduce youth unemployment in the wake of COVID-1933, E. Supports the efforts of the UK Youth Employment Group (YEG)34 in the UK, F. Concerned by the prevalence of young people who work in industries disproportionately affected by COVID-19 restrictions, G. Concerned by the growing nature of the “Gig Economy” which provides almost no job security or employment law protection to its workers, H. Recognising that most NEETs35 lack the necessary skills to qualify for potential job opportunities and so find it difficult to reintegrate into the world of work, 32
The Youth Guarantee aims to ensure youths a good-quality offer of employment, continued education, an apprenticeship or traineeship within four months of becoming unemployed or leaving formal education. 33 During the pandemic, Germany’s federal government has worked to offer one-time bonuses to firms that stepped-up training or took over apprenticeships from other, struggling companies 34 In the UK, five charities have come together to form the Youth Employment Group (YEG) to focus on tackling the immediate and longer-term impacts of the pandemic on youth employment by providing recommendations from six working groups to UK policy makers. 35 NEET is an acronym that is normally used to describe young people who are "Not in Education, Employment, or Training.
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I.
Concerned by the continued practice of unpaid internships, traineeships, and apprenticeships within EU Member States,
J. Concerned by the negative impact COVID-19 has had on the mental health of NEETs, consequently reducing their employability;
1. Calls upon the European Commission to reverse the decision to cut the budget for Youth Employment support36, 2. Calls on the Commission to propose a Youth Guarantee regulation; 3. Encourages Member States to adopt the German Federal Government’s COVID-19 vocational Training Support model; 4. Calls upon the European Social Fund to support the establishment of Collaborative NGO working-group initiatives across the EU, following the example of the Youth Employment Group in the UK; 5. Encourage Member States to annually update secondary school curricula to include career modules which focus on: i. guidance on finding secure employment with constant changes to the demand for jobs in the labour market37, ii. providing information on the dangers of finding employment in the unstable gig economy where very few rights are protected by Member State employment law; 6. Calls upon the European Commission’s Horizon Europe to fund an online platform where: i. individuals can advertise their specific vocational skills in their respective work environment so that companies can offer a paid trial to test their suitability for an employment position, ii. businesses can reach inexperienced youths and invite them to training days to provide them with vital vocational skills, iii. following the example of the Workpilot app,38 individuals can input their specific skillset and be matched to an appropriate employment opportunity; 7. Urges Member States to ban the practice of unpaid internships, traineeships and apprenticeships; 8. Advise Member States to subsidise telephone therapy consultations for the Covid unemployed.
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The European Commission has proposed downsizing the budget of the MultiAnnual Financial Framework by EUR 60 million from its proposal last May, cutting the funds available for Youth Employment Support. 37 For example, COVID-19 has left very few available jobs in tourism, but many opportunities for employment in social care and emerging green industries 38 WorkPilots Oy has developed a mobile job-matching app called WorkPilots to match young people with one-off work opportunities in the gig economy.
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL LIBERTIES, JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS (LIBE) The country doth protest too much? With recent COVID-19 movement restrictions and clashes between local authorities and peaceful protesters breaking out in Europe and globally, how can the EU protect the right to peaceful protest especially in relation to the militarisation of police forces and set a global example?
Submitted by:
Adam Behan (St Catherine’s Vocational School), Isaac Bruce (Royal and Prior Comprehensive School), Ella Coleman (St. Nathy’s College), Stephen Gallagher (St. Joseph’s Secondary School), Lainey Jordan (Gortnor Abbey), Aisling Kearns (Davitt College), Kacper Maj (St.Clare’s Comprehensive), Ella McMullin ( St Columbas College), Oliwia Piszczek ( St. Joseph’s Secondary School), Lakshmi Shaji (Loreto Secondary School ), Oliver Talbot (Davitt College), Zak Aboukrhes (IE, Chairperson)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Deeply concerned that Articles 11 and 12 in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights39 are being breached by Member States, B. Worried by the potential disparity in police training programmes within the EU, 40 C. Anxious about the frequency and efficiency of The European Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL)41 training, D. Concerned by the amount of funding allocated to police forces42 by the EU since 2014; E. Concerned by the conflict which has arose between Covid-19 restrictions43 and Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), F. Concerned that an increase of opposing political views creates fear of condemnation amount the general public44, G. Noting with regret the disregard some Member States have towards the European Convention of Human Rights,45 H. Deeply worried by the extent police in Member States use force in response to violent protest,46
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European Charter of Fundamental Rights, United Nations (UN), <https://bit.ly/35ROJdc> “From guns to neck restraints, how police tactics differ around the world, The Washington Post, <https://wapo.st/2Gh3ayw> 41 CEPOL: The European Agency for Law Enforcement Training `<https://bit.ly/2VqCvn7> 42 EU Funding Plans, EUCPN, <https://bit.ly/36eutnq> 43 “Will our right to protest ever be funny returned” Amnesty International, << https://bit.ly/37kkKeD> 44 “How Political Fear Works”, The New York Political,<https://bit.ly/36i4coa> 45 “Ukraine crisis: Deadly bomb blast hits rally in Kharkiv”, BBC News 2015, <https://bbc.in/37fOw45> 46 Use of force in the policing of demonstrations”, European Commission, <https://bit.ly/36lo61P> 40
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1. Calls upon the Justice and Home Affairs Council to continuously ensure all Member States are upholding legal frameworks; 2. Asks the Justice and Home Affairs Council of Europe to regularly discuss Member States implementing uniform protest control strategies at their meetings; 3. Calls upon to CEPOL improve upon training methods and practices available to Member Statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; police forces; 4. Seeks that the European Court of Auditors ensure adequate funding, provided by the European Commission, is given to each Member State according to population and statistical differences to ensure adequate training, equipment and facilities are provided for state police forces; 5. Encourages Member States to uphold the right to protest when passing emergency legislation; 6. Urges the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian aid operations to create and promote educational programs informing citizens of rights and responsibilities; 7. Implores the ECTHR to actively prosecute rule of law cases dealing with violations of the ECHR; 8. Recommends CEPOL to provide analysis of police tendencies and actions in protest environments in coordination with Member Statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; own internal investigations.
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY I (ENVI I) Feel so plastic: With COVID’s impact on waste stemming from Single Use Plastics (SUP) still unknown and national governments delaying SUP legislation as a result of the pandemic, how should Member States act to curb SUP’s prominence in Europe? Submitted by:
Finola Gillespie (Davitt College), Áine Killeen (Gortnor Abbey), Charlotte Kuehnel (Clifden Community School), Gabriella Madden (Merlin College), Caoimhe McCabe (Loreto College Cavan), Ava Murphy (Midleton College), Emma Nevin (Scoil Mhuire Strokestown), Lorcan Ó Dufaigh (Colaiste Oiriall), Dominick Stephens (St. Joseph’s Foxford), Úna Walker (St. Catherine’s Vocational School), Jessica Allen (IE, Chairperson)
The European Youth Parliament,
A. Remains deeply concerned by Member States' recent lack of action surrounding environmental issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic, B. Regrets the knowledge that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, demand has increased for Single Use materials such as disposable masks, gloves, and other types of PPE47, C. Is alarmed by the lack of awareness surrounding the ecological effects of SUPs among EU citizens, as these effects mainly manifest in countries where SUP waste is processed such as Vietnam and India, D. Unfortunately notes the lack of waste facilities in certain local areas which contribute to much SUP waste going into landfill or causing pollution, E. Acknowledges that a Circular Economy48 is important in reducing the impact of SUP by means of recirculating recycled plastics rather than extracting more resources, F. Notes with concern that the increased use of disposable materials such as disinfectant wipes and face coverings are contributing to high levels of microplastics within our ecosystem,
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was used throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to stop the spread of the virus. Often, PPE is made from Single Use Plastic and must be disposed of immediately in the interests of hygiene. 48 The Circular Economy is an economic life cycle where resources are kept in use for as long as possible through reuse and recycling. It is an alternative to the traditional linear economy of “take, make, dispose”.
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G. Is concerned by the lack of incentives, monetary or otherwise, for choosing reusable face coverings over disposable alternatives, H. Regretfully notes a lack of government transparency in relation to the management of how waste and SUPs are being managed; I.
Notes with deep regret that corporations are prioritising profit over environmental matters by means of using single-use plastics due to their low price and high availability,
1. Encourages the European Environment Agency49 to fund media campaigns informing citizens on i. The negative impact of SUPs upon the environment, ii. The economic and environmental impact of not using reusable masks, iii. Biodegradable alternatives to SUP, iv. Correct disposal procedures for recycling, as established by the European Strategy For Plastics; 2. Requests that the European Commission to support access across regions to recycling initiatives, in order to encourage the repurposing of pre-existing materials, such as making reusable masks from donated old clothing; 3. Seeks that Member States to subsidise the production and distribution of reusable and environmentally friendly masks; 4. Urges Member States maintain their commitment to solving problems like plastic pollution through the implementation of measures such as the Single Use Plastic Directive 50; 5. Appeal to national, regional and local governments to encourage the creation deposit systems similar to the German Pfandflaschen51 model for SUPs; 6. Invite Member States to emphasise the importance of Circular Economy; 7. Calls upon the European Commission to provide grants through the Recovery and Resiliency Facility52 to companies who produce biodegradable plastics or recycle existing plastics; 8. Appeals to the European Commission to provide grants through Horizon 2020 53 in order to: i. Invest in businesses who use biodegradable or recycled plastics in the place of SUPs,
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The European Environment Agency is involved with developing and evaluating environmental policy. The Single Use Plastic Directive is a strategy introduced by the European Commission which instructs member states to ban certain SUPs. 51 The Pfandflaschen is a system in operation Germany wherein plastic bottles can be returned to the seller in exchange for a small refund for the consumer. 52 The Recovery and Resiliency Facility aims to reduce the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to make the European economy more sustainable and resilient. 53 Horizon 2020 is a funding programme created by the European Commission which is designed to foster research and innovation within the EU. 50
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ii.
Facilitate Member States in subsidising and funding bioplastic research projects.
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The Connacht Ulster Regional Session of EYP Ireland
THANK YOU! 'Our Place in Europe'
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