RESOLUTION BOOKLET General Assembly Sunday 8th February 2015
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
ORDER OF DEBATE
COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY, TRADE & RESEARCH COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, FOOD & PUBLIC HEALTH I COMMITTEE ON DEVELOPMENT I COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMITTEE ON DEVELOPMENT II COMMITTEE ON DEVELOPMENT III COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, FOOD & PUBLIC HEALTH II COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT & SOCIAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ON CIVIL LIBERTIIES, JUSTICE & HOME AFFAIRS CLOSING CEREMONY
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
M OTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON I NDUSTRY , R ESEARCH AND E NERGY Despite the fact that diversification of energy sources is a noble aim of the EU, still almost 25% of gas supply still comes through Ukraine. As tensions continue in this area and the increased use of other gas sources such as Azerbaijani or Norwegian supplies offering alternatives, should the EU rethink its current energy strategy in order to become more independent and ecological? Submitted by: Rebecca Bradly (St. Mary’s Charleville), Emma deRoe (St Aloysius College), Kim Harrington (Colaiste Pobail Bheanntrai), Catriona Meehan (St Angela’s College), Aurelie Naiker (St Patricks College), Ruth O Connell (Mercy Mounthawk), Blathnaid O Connor (Presentation Secondary Tralee), Cathal O Donovan (Christian Brother’s College), Cliodhna O Keeffe (Hazelwood College), Sarah Jane O Mahoney (Scoile Mhuire College), Donnchadh O Mahony (St Fachtna’s De La Salle), Laoise Ryan, (Loreto Secondary School, Fermoy), Katie Kilcoyne (IE), Nikola Vranes (RS). The European Youth Parliament, A. Concerned by the ongoing disputes between Russia and Ukraine that are disrupting the gas supply to the European Union (EU) partially due to: i)
Ukraine’s 2.5 billion EUR debt to Russia over gas,
ii) Gazprom increasing Ukraine’s oil and gas prices by 81%, B. Alarmed that the EU’s current energy supply structure is neither ecological nor sustainable enough to maintain distribution efficiency and energy security, C. Acknowledging with gratitude the existence of the European Roadmap 2050 Scheme’s aim to secure the 2030 Carbon Emission Goals, D. Aware of the fact that the EU is significantly lacking in diverse energy supplies hence leading to over-‐‑dependence on Russian gas supplies, E. Deeply concerned by the fact that Member States such as Germany are reluctant to sever their trade relations with Russia which discourages a unanimous decision by the EU in changing Russia’s role in Europe’s energy mix,
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
F. Taking into consideration that Norway can only increase its potential gas exports to the EU by 15% for a limited amount of time due to the scarcity of its reserves, G. Deeply regretting Russia’s uncooperative behaviour in negotiations and agreements due to their control over gas supplies; 1. Proposes a regulation which limits the percentage increase on gas prices for the Ukrainian market based on current market value; 2. Calls for an increase in oil and gas trading between Member States as well as between the EU and third countries such as Scotland, Norway, and Azerbaijan to decrease dependence on Russian supplies; 3. Recommends the establishment of public facilities such as cafes, hostels, and community centres which will be powered entirely by renewable energy sources within EU member states; 4. Encourages corporations and businesses to use renewable energy sources for the purpose of environmental security and not as a political move against Russia; 5. Further calls upon the European Commission to propose legislation to provide incentives such as tax breaks to facilitate the aforementioned goal; 6. Suggests the implementation of short-‐‑term and temporary non-‐‑renewable solutions such as fracking which can be immediately utilised to reduce oil dependency; 7. Draws attention to the need for research and innovation in the fields of renewable energy sources such as: a) Fission, b) Fusion, c)
Hydrogen gas fuel.
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
M OTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON F OREIGN A FFAIRS Conflicts in Ukraine, Libya and Mali have brought the European Union’s ability to project its power internationally into question. How should the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy define Europe’s international role and establish the Union as a significant international actor? Submitted by:
Fahd Baig (Christian Brothers College, Cork), Sophie Broderick (Scoil Mhuire), Caroline Cotter (Loreto Clonmel), Mary Cussen (Hazelwood College), Emily Horgan (St.Aloysius College Carrigtwohill), Michael Kenny (St. Mary’s CBS), Megan Luddy (St. Angela’s College), Moira McCarthy (Mercy Heights Secondary School), Siún Ní Mhuimhneacháin (Gaelcholaiste Choilm), ), Vaneza Panagsagan (Presentation Secondary Tralee), Meara Thompson (Christ King Secondary School), Ben English (Chairperson, IE)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Cognisant that the European Union’s (EU) Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) is currently lacking clear strategy and effective implementation by the European External Action Service (EEAS), B. Fully believing that there is unused potential within the CFSP to strengthen the EU’s ability to act on conflicts through the development of more sophisticated civilian and military capacities, C. Observing that the current CFSP has not been updated since 2003 and consequently fails to allow for strategies to deal with more recent conflicts in Mali and Libya, D. Recognising that the EU was built on foundations of peace which have gradually led the EU to a position of successfully engaging in conflict resolution beyond its borders, E. Deeply concerned that sanctions imposed by the EU on Russia have been ineffective to date largely due to:
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
i) A lack of collaborative effort from the EU and other key international actors such as the United States with regard to imposing sanctions, ii) Russia’s ability to sustain the impact of sanctions imposed by the EU through financial independence and energy self-‐‑sufficiency, iii) The EU’s continuing dependency on Russia for oil as a key energy source, F. Confident that soft power can be an effective method of mitigating the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine, G. Recognising that a combination of military intervention and peacekeeping can be effective in preventing civilian casualties in conflict stricken areas in Africa such as Mali and Libya, H. Conscious of the need to preserve the safety of nations bordering Ukraine, I. Fully aware of the rise in pro-‐‑Russian militants in Crimea and the need for the CFSP to empower the EU to take action and mitigate this growing risk, J. Deploring the gross human rights violations which currently take place in Ukraine as a result of Russian actions, K. Aware that certain Member States such as Germany and France play a more active role in EU decision-‐‑making with respect to the EU’s position as an international actor, L. Seriously concerned by the growing number of EU citizens defecting to Jihadist Groups and other forms of extremism which pose a threat to the safety and the international integrity of the EU; 1. Strongly urges a review of the CFSP by EU member states with a view to developing a long term strategy for allowing the EEAS and the EU to increase their role in international conflicts; 2. Instructs the CFSP to include provisions to allow the EU a more clearly defined role in conflicts in Mali and Libya with respect to peacekeeping and military intervention; 3. Trusts that a more collaborative and proactive implementation of the CFSP will strengthen the EU’s role as an international actor and preserve its long term power within the geopolitical sphere; 4. Requests that the EU endeavour to reduce its dependency on Russia as an energy provider through the increased use of renewable energy and other alternative energy sources;
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
5. Expresses its hope for increased intergovernmental dialogue between Russia and the EU to constrain the role of Russia in providing arms to rebels in Ukraine and thus escalating conflict further; 6. Calls for additional reinforcement in areas of civil unrest in Northern Mali, with primary emphasis on additional peacekeeping efforts; 7. Encourages increased collaboration between Member States to strengthen the impact of EU actions which aim to isolate Russia and discourage any abuse of Human Rights or territorial invasion in Ukraine; 8. Endorses the introduction of developmental projects in the Crimea with the aim of rebuilding communities and infrastructure which have been destroyed as a result of the on going conflict; 9. Confirms the need for the use of hard power in areas of isolated conflict in order to preserve stability, peace, and civilian safety; 10. Recommends that Member States explore the potential for the creation of a European Intelligence Agency to enable the Union to deal more effectively and proactively with international conflicts; 11. Proposes that EU Member States such as France and Germany increase their role in developing the international capabilities of the EU through the respective use of their military and economic capabilities; 12. Draws attention to the need to strengthen external border protection across the EU through more stringent visa processes and continued surveillance of potential terrorists’ threats.
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
M OTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON E NVIRONMENT , F OOD SAFETY AND PUBLIC HEALTH I With the European Council agreement for Member States to have the final say on GMO cultivation, the EU has taken a step towards a new era of GMO legislation. Given that many Members of the European Parliament are still doubtful about GMO cultivation, how should the EU move forward to prepare for consequences to future generations and bear the advantages to GMOs in mind? Submitted by: Hollie Boyd (Presentation Secondary School, Tralee), Alison Dillane (Mercy Heights, Skibbereen), Lucy Fitzgerald (Bandon Gammar School), Orla Gaughran (Loreto Secondary School, Clonmell), Orlaith Geaney (St. Aloysius College, Cork), Yara Haroun (Scoil Mhuire, Cork), Lucy Hegarty (Ursuline Secondary School), Jack Madden (Presentation Brothers College, Cork), Siúan Mannion (St. Angelas College, Cork), Chloe Nagle (St. Patricks College), Katie O’Gorman (Hazeiwood College, Dromcolligher), Jerdie O’Shea (St. Mary’s CBS The Green, Tralee), Cathal Whelan (Kinsala Community School), Karolina Kraft (Chairperson, SE), Brendan Byrne (Chairperson, IE) The European Youth Parliament, A. Acknowledging that legislation implemented in January 2015 by the European Parliament gives each Member State sovereignty over the decision to legalise Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), B. Bearing in mind that the world population is expected to increase to 9.6 billion by 2050 and consequently demand for both food and living space will rise accordingly, C. Concerned by the damaging effects of droughts and famines on international food supplies, D. Alarmed by the possible ecological and environmental effects of cross-‐‑border pollination,
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
E. Deploring the lack of an existing certification mark in the current EU labelling system for Genetically Modified products across the EU, F. Deeply concerned by the lack of general awareness surrounding GMOs, G. Observing the lack of consensus between experts in the field of GMOs and environmental Non-‐‑Governmental Organisations (NGO), H. Strongly emphasising the importance of research into the risks and benefits of GMOs by the EU; 1. Encourages the prudent use of EU verified GM crops to ensure the optimum yield and use of land to combat the growing demand for food globally; 2. Proposes the use of non-‐‑fertile GM seeds to prevent cross-‐‑border pollination; 3. Urges all Member States to implement and regulate a buffer zone in the form of a tree belt where possible on all borders of GM crop using farms with particular attention to borders with other Member States; 4. Calls for the creation of a logo to be printed on the labelling of all GM products in order to facilitate easy identification of GM ingredients; 5. Requests the implementation of a pan-‐‑European educational campaign to be monitored by the European Commission which would aim to deliver objective information about the risks and benefits of GMOs, including: a) media campaigns specifically directed at young people, b) distribution of informative leaflets to educate the general public about GMOs and GMO labelling, c) information for farmers about the advantages and disadvantages of using GM crops; 6. Recommends the funding of research by experts in the field of GMOs with the intention of anticipating potential dangers; 7. Demands the EU to invest in shares in companies which currently cultivate GMOs; 8. Further encourages the development of a contract with aforementioned companies whereby the EU pays a dividend at a fixed rate in return for the provision of GMO crops for domestic use;
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
9. Strongly urges the EU to develop and research their own crops independent of other companies to prevent dependency on multinational corporations as a source for GM crops.
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
M OTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON D EVELOPMENT I On the question of “Energy poverty and ensuring sustainability are the defining challenges of our time. Energy is central to both of them.” Jim Yong Kim, World Bank Group President. Following on from the creation of the SE4All (Sustainable Energy for All) initiative, what action should the EU now take to deliver sustainable energy for all? Submitted by:
Maria Cremin (Hazelwood College), Eimar Downey (Colaiste Pobail Bheanntraī), Cathal Hannafin (St. Mary’s CBS Tralee), Caitrina Horgan (Presentation Secondary School), James Keavy Jimenez (Christians Brothers College), Patrick Kennedy (St. Kieran’s College), Helen McKennedy (Mercy Heights), Eve Moore (St. Aloysius College), Roisin Neville (St. Angela’s College), Collete O’Shea (Colaiste na Sceilige), Rugile Šaltyti (Loreto Secondary School), Osama Shammary (Colaiste an Spioraid Naomh), Hai Ying Sung (Scoil Mhuire Secondary School), Jack McGann (Chairperson, IE), Katerina Stavri (Chairperson, CY)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Alarmed by the fact that 1.2 billion people live without electricity with 85% of them located in hard to reach rural areas of developing countries, B. Deeply regretting the 4.3 million lives lost annually due to respiratory illnesses associated with indoor and outdoor pollution, C. Acknowledges the current importance of biomass1 as an energy supply in developing countries due to its accessibility, D. Deeply concerned by the potential biomass resources decaying in rapidly overflowing landfills due to the lack of knowledge regarding its potential uses, E. Concerned by the inadequate health care systems in poverty stricken countries due to the lack of electricity which result in: i) prevention of life saving vaccines being stored, ii) unsuitable environment for ventilators and other basic medical equipment, 1
Carbon-based organic material derived from living, or recently living organisms. It mainly includes plant-based material such as wood and coal, as well as animal based material such as
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
iii) unnecessary deaths,
F. Conscious of the high number of cases of corruption related to sustainable energy which may deter future investments, G. Emphasising the lack of research in new forms of renewable energy, H. Bearing in mind that companies will not locate in poverty and energy stricken areas which leads to further unemployment, I. Taking into consideration current oil and gas exploration contracts between Member States and companies lead to an unwillingness to invest in sustainable energy initiatives, J. Further realising that countries with large finite natural resources may be reluctant to contribute to the goal of sustainable energy, K. Viewing with appreciation the existing measures taken by the United Nations and individual member states such as the Sustainable Energy for All2 (SE4All) initiative, the Millennium Development Goals3 and the France-‐‑Kenya partnership4; 1. Recommends investment of funds in research and development in order to develop: a) Underground power lines suitable for long distance energy supply, b) Existing renewable energy sources, c)
Existing technological advancements and electrical supplies;
2. Encourages the education of citizens from developing countries in relation to: a) The correct use of biomass as a cooking fuel, b) The health dangers associated with the misuse of biomass, 2
A UN initiative working towards accomplishing universal access to electricity, doubling the share of the world’s energy supplied by renewable sources and doubling the rate of improvement in energy efficiency. 3 Another UN initiative focusing on eradicating poverty, providing universal primary education and taking a stand in sustainable development and sustainable energy to help endeavoring countries. 4
The French Agency for Development works on new mechanisms for financing renewable energy and energy efficiency in partnership with the government of Kenya.
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c)
The environmental impact of burning biomass;
3. Calls for the improvement of existing power grids and energy infrastructure in developing countries by providing the relevant authorities and governments with EU funding; 4. Emphasises the need for the prioritisation of medical facilities’ electricity supply in the aforementioned infrastructural improvements; 5. Requests the full disclosure of the EU funding process with the International Association of Anti-‐‑Corruption Authorities (IAACA) acting as an independent auditor; 6. Endorses schemes aimed at young entrepreneurs in Europe focusing on research into new renewable energy resources; 7. Proposes financial grants for EU member states to aid the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources in Europe; 8. Directs Europe to lead by example with regards sustainable energy initiatives.
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
M OTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON I NTERNATIONAL T RADE Following the release of some of the negotiating documents on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), how should the EU combat claims surrounding the issues of transparency and public dissatisfaction regarding the talks, while also ensuring the EU’s priorities and aims of the agreement are clear in going forward in talks? Submitted by: Laoise Bennis (Hazelwood College, Limerick) Amy Carmody (Mercy Mounthawk, Tralee), Ciara Desmond (St. Angela’s College, Cork), Zoe Donnelly (Scoile Mhuire, Cork), Daire Horgan (Christian Brothers College. Cork), Sadhbh Madigan (Loreto Clonmel), Alan McLoughlin (CBS The Green, Tralee), Ciara O’Regan (Presentation College, Tralee), Evan O’Sullivan (CPB Colaiste Pobail Bheanntrai, Cork) Claudia Dalby (Chairperson, IE), Michal Koláček (Chairperson, CZ) The European Youth Parliament, A. Recognising the importance of the TTIP for the economic growth of the European Union (EU), B. Emphasising that United States (US) food safety standards are inadequate for the sale and consumption food requirements in the EU, C. Concerned by the current US product and service quality regulations, D. Bearing in mind the possible issues presented by the Investor-‐‑State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) as a part of the TTIP, such as: i)
the absolute right to litigate against governments given to corporations which causes damage to citizen protection
ii) flaws of the investor-‐‑state arbitration system, E. Aware that the lack of communication between the EU and citizens regarding TTIP leads to public distrust towards it, F. Taking into consideration that the public’s capacity to change the TTIP is less than optimal;
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
1. Proclaims that European food safety regulations must not be changed under the TTIP, especially in regard to: a) Hormone injections into meat b) Genetically modified organisms c)
Usage of pesticides;
2. Encourages the EU and the US to come to a compromise in regard to the safety standards and quality of products and services; 3. Requests that the EU and the US comprehensively discuss the ISDS with one another and relevant independent professionals; 4. Proposes educating citizens about the TTIP using a range of media such as newspapers, radio and television in order to make information easily accessible; 5. Further encourages participation of citizens in informative events such as: i)
An introductory talk about TTIP delivered by an impartial body such as Business Europe,
ii) A question-‐‑and-‐‑answer session with MEPs in their constituencies, iii) An opinion poll following the aforementioned meeting which will be available to the public online.
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
M OTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON D EVELOPMENT II On the question of With supply chains of multinational corporations being spread across an ever greater number of countries to take advantage of less regulated labour markets in the developing world, how should Europe act to ensure that products bought and sold within the common market are produced safely and ethically? Submitted by: Rachel Coomey (Christ King Girls’ Secondary School), Gráinne Cowhig (Mount Mercy College), Maria Daly (Presentation Secondary School Tralee), Deirbhile Fitzgerald (Loreto Secondary school, Clonmel), Saoirse Flanagan (St. Aloysius College Carrigtoohill), Cian Horgan (Christian Brothers College Cork), Pádraig McAuliffe (Colaiste Choilm, Ballincollig), Jacqueline McCarthy (Hazelwood College), Kinga Pelowswka (St. Angela’s College), Philippa Ryan (Bandon Grammar School), Julia Fahy (Vice-‐‑President, IE), Adam Stanford (Chairperson, UK) The European Youth Parliament, A. Deeply regretting the lack of sufficient training and education regarding workers’ rights in the developing world, B. Recognising the lack of awareness amongst Member State consumers concerning the origins of products they consume within the European Union (EU), C. Acknowledging multinational corporations’ (MNCs) attraction to the option of cheap labour provided by developing countries, D. Concerned that cheaper labour costs can imply that safety and ethical standards in the workplace may be compromised, E. Conscious that the standard minimum wage for production workers is often below the living wage in developing countries, F. Guided by the economic interdependence between EU member states and MNCs, G. Convinced that preventative action must be taken to stop developing countries from being exploited by MNCs in the future,
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
H. Deeply concerned by the ineffectiveness of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in regulating working conditions in developing countries; 1. Urges MNCs to increase their minimum wage level to align with living wage standards in developing countries; 2. Further urges the sanctioning of said MNCs in cases of incompliance; 3. Calls for the provision of financial grants to MNCs as an incentive to improve safety and ethical standards; 4. Trusts that the aforementioned grants and sanction will be applied to MNCs based on compliance with ILO workplace standards; 5. Proposes the implementation of a ‘UnFairTrade’ logo to be imposed on MNCs that do not comply with the aforementioned ILO standards; 6. Requests the subsidising of cooperatives in developing countries with the aim of decreasing the cost of living in countries who are economically dependent on exporting to the EU; 7. Appeals to the governments of developing countries to restrict working hours for children and offer further incentives for them to attend school such as free school lunches; 8. Recommends the establishment of minimum safety and ethical working standards in developing countries prior to MNCs setting up there.
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
M OTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON C OMMITTEE ON D EVELOPMENT III West Africa is dependent on external economic and medical relief to stop the spread of Ebola as are many health services in developing countries. What future measures should the EU take to tackle this epidemic, prevent expansion, and develop healthcare systems abroad in the longterm? Submitted by:
Grainne Ahern (Hazelwood College), Laura Courtney (Presentation Secondary School, Tralee), Robert Dinan (Christain Brothers College, Cork), Olivia Downey (Scoil Mhuire Cork), Rebecca Gill (Bandon Grammar School), Eoin Glynn (St. Fachtna’s de la Salle), Fionulla Hoctor (Loretto Clonmel), Caitlin Lenihan (St. Mary’s Secondary School), Caolán McCarthy (Coláiste Muire), Rebecca Murphy (St. Aloysius College), Aisling O’Driscoll, (Mercy Heights Secondary School), Rhona Pierce (St. Angela’s College), Liam Wallace (St. Kieran’s College), Ellen O'ʹDoherty (Chairperson, IE), Yannick Weber (Chairperson, CH)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Recognising that cultural practices, especially burial customs, have contributed to the spread of disease, B. Alarmed by the corruption and abuse of power in West Africa which has led to the widespread mistrust in government and authority and further incompliance with medical regulations, C. Deeply concerned by the possibility of government misuse of aid and development funds, D. Keeping in mind that European aid can be unfairly distributed due to political relations and colonial ties, E. Observing West Africa’s dependence on European aid, F. Distressed by the lack of adequate healthcare in Ebola effected countries due to: i)
improper training,
ii) unsuitable equipment, iii) outdated infrastructure,
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
iv) unsatisfactory standards of sanitation, G. Expresses its appreciation for the work of NGOs fighting Ebola in West Africa, H. Conscious of the lack of awareness and education about Ebola within African nations which contributes to its unrestrained spread across the continent, I. Regretting the lack of coordination between affected countries and various key actors such as World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), Médecins sans Frontières (MSF), Red Cross and various NGOs; 1. Requests the WHO to educate local communities of Ebola affected countries on safer burial methods by running workshops along with prominent members of these communities; 2. Recommends that volunteers travelling to Ebola affected countries are educated about local traditions and customs in order to increase trust in healthcare systems; 3. Calls on governments receiving EU emergency aid to regularly draft a report on the usage of said aid in order to increase transparency; 4. Further requests a special EU coordinator to verify the accuracy of these reports; 5. Solemnly declares that aid provided to African countries will be reduced or withdrawn and reallocated to NGOs if the receiving country fails to deliver accurate and transparent reports; 6. Calls for increased cooperation between NGOs, affected states in West Africa, and EU member states; 7. Urges that the WHO sends experts to inspect healthcare facilities and Ebola Treatment Centres (ETCs) to identify areas where further help is needed; 8. Encourages health workers to follow WHO guidelines in Ebola treatment; 9. Presses for the WHO to set up trainings for locals to become medical personnel; 10. Affirms the need for the involvement of Ebola survivors in public awareness campaigns; 11. Authorises the creation of an EU epidemic emergency fund which will: (i)
distribute EU health aid and perform an advisory role in EU development aid policy,
(ii)
set up mobile information centres to educate local citizens about Ebola,
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
(iii) finance the transformation of ETCs into hospitals offering an array of health services e.g. maternity care; 12. Requests that the EU epidemic emergency fund sets up a risk assessment programme with the aim of researching different diseases and to assess the likelihood of a breakout, thus minimizing the risk of another public health emergency on the scale of Ebola; 13. Suggests the creation of a special stamp on passports for people travelling through areas affected by epidemics of global importance; 14. Proposes that the transfer of non-‐‑EU citizens to the EU for treatment of Ebola will be discontinued; 15. Endorses regular Ebola screenings by Member States for individuals arriving into the EU from Ebola affected countries.
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
M OTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON C ONSTITUTIONAL A FFAIRS On the question of “Fighting corruption needs to come from the top and that is where Europe fails the test”. – Cobus de Swardt, Managing Director of the global Transparency International Secretariat in Berlin. With confidence in EU institutions at an all-‐‑time low and € 120 billion missing from EU coffers, how should the EU work to fight corruption in its institutions and their employees? Submitted by:
Katie Ahern (Presentation Secondary School, Tralee), Madeleine Carton (Coláiste Daibhéid) Reidin Doyle (St. Angela’s College, Cork), Conal O’Gadhra (CBC), Ema Laurynaviciute (Christ King Secondary School), Cassie Morrissey (Loreto Secondary School, Clonmel), Jenny O’Keeffe (St. Aloysius College, Carrigtwohill), Sarah Ryan (Ursulines Blackrock), Ellie Stone (Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher), Sam Woodhams (Colaiste Chailn, Ballincollig), Adina Zagoneanu (Mount Mercy College, Cork) Sophie Silverstein (Chairperson, CH), David Corish (Vice-‐‑President, IE)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Acknowledging corruption as the action of promising, giving, or directly receiving an advantage for themselves or a third party to act or refrain from acting according with their duty, B. Aware that there is a general lack of knowledge among EU citizens regarding the decision-‐‑making process in EU institutions, C. Viewing with appreciation the work of bodies such as Group of States against corruption (GRECO) and European Anti-‐‑Fraud Office (OLAF) in investigating and monitoring corruption, D. Pointing out that the most recent evaluation round5 undertaken by GRECO was in 2012,
5
Evaluation Round: GRECO evaluation procedures involve the collection of information through questionnaire(s), on-site country visits enabling evaluation teams to solicit further information during high-level discussions with domestic key players, and drafting of evaluation reports.
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
E. Emphasising that the loss of the aforementioned 120 billion EUR highlights the prevalent level of corruption still present within European Union (EU) institutions, F. Expressing concern that decision makers within EU institutions and Member States are not always held accountable for their actions, G. Noting the lack of investigation of EU officials and employees suspected of corruption regarding their financial transactions and political decisions, H. Deeply concerned by the lack of legislation protecting whistleblowers within the EU; 1. Invites GRECO to launch a new evaluation round monitoring institutions within the EU in the near future; 2. Further invites GRECO to investigate the causes and effects of the cumulatively missing sum of 120 billion EUR; 3. Requests that all offenders be held accountable for their corruption regardless of their position in institutions within the EU or Member States; 4. Asks the European Commission (EC) to initiate legislation allowing suspects of corruption as identified by GRECO to be tried and punished by EU courts and not their Member States; 5. Trusts the EC will recognise the recommendations of GRECO and other anti-‐‑ corruption bodies when drafting this legislation; 6. Recommends the EC take the necessary legal steps to protect whistleblowers with a focus on: a) Anonymity, b) Relocation, c)
Confidentiality;
7. Supports awareness raising campaigns which highlight the accessibility of agendas, minutes, reports and investigations surrounding EU institutions and its officials.
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
M OTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON THE E NVIRONMENT , P UBLIC H EALTH AND F OOD S AFETY II On the question of: With one in three EU citizens overweight or obese, European health systems are coming under increased strain through increased chronic diseases among citizens. Although Food Information has become more sophisticated in the EU, and many healthy-‐‑living awareness campaigns exist across Member States, the problem remains unresolved and increasing. How should the EU work with Member State governments to prepare to deal with the future consequences? Submitted by: Matthew Brohan (Coláiste Choilm, Cork), Seán Cahill (St Mary’s CBS, Tralee), Roisin Cronin (Christ King College, Cork), Debra Daly (St Angela’s College, Cork), Anne Dowling (Mercy Mounthawk, Tralee), David Fox (Christian Brothers College, Cork), Sarah Gavaghan (Presentation, Tralee), Elaine McCarthy (Scoil Mhuire College, Cork), Niamh O’Shea (St Aloysius, Carrigtwohill), Elaine O’Sullivan (Coláiste Pobail, Bheanntraí), Norma O’Sullivan (Hazelwood College, Limerick), Jessica Walsh (St Patrick’s College, Cork), Emma Young (Bandon Grammar School, Cork), Varvara Tyurina (Chairperson, RU), James Bradfield (Chairperson, IE) The European Youth Parliament, G. Recognising that obesity is increasing at an alarming rate with 30% of men and 34% of women in the European Union (EU) predicted to be obese by 20256, H. Acknowledging that a lack of awareness regarding food composition and its effects on the body are significant contributing factors in aforementioned statistics, D. Deeply concerned by the fact that certain food-‐‑groups containing high percentages of fat and oil can be up to ten7 times cheaper than fresh fruit and vegetables, E. Noting the link between socio-‐‑economic status and eating habits, http://www.ucd.ie/lipgene/downloads/findings/consumer/Questions%20and%20Answers.pdf Food Safety Authority of Ireland Scientific Recommendations for Healthy Eating Guidelines, 2011
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Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
F. Alarmed by the difference in volume between time dedicated to junk-‐‑food and healthy food in advertising, G. Conscious that an increase in chronic diseases caused by overweightness and obesity will put a strain on both the public and private sectors through: i)
increased strain on healthcare services,
ii) permanent or temporary incapability to work due to illness, G. Aware that obesity is one of the four main factors influencing non-‐‑communicable diseases8 (NCDs) which account for 60% of deaths world wide9, H. Regretting the social acceptance of unhealthy body types which deters citizens and governments alike to consider this issue seriously in the long-‐‑term; 1. Encourages the implementation of a pan-‐‑European workshop-‐‑based school programme which on a rotating basis: a) teaches practical life skills such as cooking and shopping for healthy foods, b) gives an extra physical education class based on fitness and health rather than sports; 2. Calls for an advertisement campaign showing real people suffering due to the effects of obesity in line with popular Anti-‐‑Smoking campaigns; 3. Demands that food-‐‑serving establishments display calorie counts on all menus and menu boards in a clear and visible font; 4. Supports the new recent improvements made to food labelling; 5. Requests the introduction of a ‘Robin Hood’ tax which taxes food products with a saturated fat content greater than 2.3% and uses this tax to subsidise cheap fruit and vegetables; 6. Suggests the foundation of a European body to award healthy eating flags to schools who promote a healthy eating culture; 7. Promotes the effort of local communities with the intent to motivate citizens to partake in activities such as outdoor gyms and ‘Go Bike’ schemes.
A noncommunicable disease is a medical condition or disease which is by definition non-‐‑infectious and non-‐‑transferable among people. 9 The NCD Alliance 8
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
M OTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON E MPLOYMENT AND S OCIAL A FFAIRS With youth unemployment averaging rate of almost 23% across Member States and schemes such as the Youth Guarantee Scheme still not being widely or successfully implemented at national level, how should the EU work with Member States to encourage increased use of these projects and improve the quality of proposed schemes? Submitted by: Danielle Ahern (Hazelwood College), Eoin Barrett (Colaiste Chriost Ri), Conall de Paor (Gael Cholaiste, Phort Lairge), Saoirse Doolan (Mercy Heights Secondary School), Rhiannon Hurley (Mount Mercy College), Chris Keane (Mercy Mounthawk, Tralee), Alana O’Flynn (St Angela’s College), Beth O’Reilly (St. Aloysius College), Barry O’Sullivan (Schull Community College), Naomi Quinn (St Patrick’s College, Gardiner’s Hill), Susie Rice (Presentation College, Tralee), Anna Nichols (Vice-‐‑President, IE), Leo Sjöberg (Chairperson, SE) The European Youth Parliament, A. Acutely aware of the youth unemployment crisis costing the European Union (EU) 153 billion EUR annually, B. Expressing its concern that the current EU budget allocates an insufficient sum of 20 billion EUR to the funding of youth employment schemes, C. Recognising that youth unemployment rates: i) vary in severity, ii) are indicative of a Member State’s economic stature, iii) present unique problems in each Member State, D. Bearing in mind that youth unemployment is at a critically high level due to the current state of the EU economy relying on a young skilled workforce, E. Aware that despite two million available jobs in the EU five million young Europeans remain unemployed, F. Deeply concerned by the lack of student grants that are awarded with the socio-‐‑ economic and geographical needs of the applicant in mind,
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
G. Regretting the disparity between Member States in the provision of youth employment schemes as many: i) are not implemented properly despite their proven potential, ii) severely lack appropriate funding, iii) are not following successful implementation frameworks of Member States such as Germany, Austria and Finland, H. Realising that a lack of compliance incentives for businesses prevents cooperation between governments, employers, and young people; 1. Proposes the establishment of a panel of economic and employment experts from the Union to determine an exact sum for youth employment scheme funding across the EU; 2. Supports the provision of a more personalised and thorough youth employment scheme for all Member States that: a) encompasses existing Europe-‐‑wide youth employment schemes, b) acts in correlation with national schemes; 3. Calls for an increased number of third-‐‑level grants to be allocated on the basis of applicants’ socio-‐‑economic and geographical status; 4. Requests that youth employment scheme funding be administered: a) in accordance with Member State youth unemployment rates and Gross Domestic Product, b) prioritising Member States with a youth unemployment rate of over 12.5%, c) with funding increases that correspond with higher unemployment rates; 5. Recommends that the Youth Guarantee Scheme administers apprenticeships with small monetary incentives for employers; 6. Endorses the development of national youth employment schemes in accordance with Europe2020 guidelines, with sanctions for Member States who fail to meet a given deadline; 7. Encourages countries with youth unemployment rates of over 45% to lower their corporate tax rates in order to improve prospects for their native workforce;
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
8. Calls upon governments, businesses, and young people to attend annual conferences for evaluating progress and ensuring the aforementioned goals are achieved with the intent of unifying their approach to unemployment.
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
M OTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON C IVIL L IBERTIES , J USTICE AND H OME A FFAIRS On the question of inward migration: a challenging opportunity. While many migrants come to Europe by choice in search of better living stadards, others migrate in search of safety and shelter as they flee from their home countries. How should the EU balance catering for these migrants anad their integration into European society and still protect its external borders? Submitted by:
Jen Bruton (St. Angelas College), Alison Clarke (Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig), Sarah Lynch (Hazelwood College), Alan Mooney (St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny), Laura O’Connell (Presentation Secondary School, Tralee), Christina O’Donovan (Coláiste Na Toubhirte, Bandon), Kate O’Regan (Mercy Heights Secodary School Skibbereen), Laura O’Riordan (Scoil Mhuire, Cork), Conor Sheehan (Christian Brothers College), Eimear Shortiss (St. Aloysius College), Andrew Bathe (Chairperson, IE), Anna Didyk (Chairperson, CZ)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Noting with concern the high death toll of migrants attempting to reach Europe across the Mediterranean Sea, B. Recognising the imbalanced distribution of migrants among Member States with the vast majority arriving in countries along the southern coast of Europe such as Greece, Italy, and Spain, C. Pointing out that said imbalance is largely due to the Dublin regulation10, D. Deeply concerned that many migrants held in accommodation centres in the European Union (EU) are forced to live in extremely poor conditions while they wait for their asylum application to be processed, E. Aware of the practice of forging official documents and identity fraud by inward migrants in order to gain access to the EU,
10 A EU law stating that the Member State responsible for examining the asylum application is the
country of first arrival.
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
F. Conscious of the prevalence of human trafficking across external EU borders, G. Keeping in mind that the current system of asylum applications is unable to cope with the volume of applicants, H. Alarmed that many push and pull factors are driving people towards Europe including: i)
War,
ii) Poverty, iii) Persecution, I. Aware that many migrants struggle to integrate properly into their country of refuge, J. Recognising the need to maintain a strong external border protection; 1. Has resolved to set annual quotas specifying the number of refugees admitted to each Member State, based on the countries’: a) current economic status, b) population of refugees already accepted; 2. Endorses the establishment of a new European body, the Vítejte Initiative, tasked with: a) handling all asylum applications to EU member states, b) the implementation and oversight of aforementioned quotas, c)
improving and upholding the standard of comfort and safety in all asylum seekers’ accommodation centres;
3. Recommends the introduction of educational programmes accommodation centres including courses and qualifications on:
within
a) literacy, numeracy, and language skills, b) first aid, c)
computer skills;
4. Approves the provision of EU funding for developmental aid in migrants’ countries of origin with a special focus on education;
Munster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Sunday 8th February 2015
5. Supports the re-‐‑introduction of the Mare Nostrum11 programme; 6. Calls for the establishment of a specialist fleet of ships mandated to seek out and provide emergency aid to migrants attempting to reach Europe across the Mediterranean sea; 7. Further recommends increasing passport and visa security on the external borders of the EU.
11 An EU-‐funded cross-‐border project tasked with exploring new ways of protecting the
Mediterranean coastline. It was discontinued in October 2014.