KZRS'14 Resolution Booklet

RESOLUTION

BOOKLET

KURZEME ZEMGALE REGIONAL SESSION 2014 18th Regional Session of EYP Latvia 23rd December 2014 Olaine, Latvia

KURZEME ZEMGALE REGIONAL SESSION 2014 OLAINE, LATVIA

P ROGRAMME 6:30

Wake-up call

7:00-7:30

Breakfast

7:30 – 7:45

Gathering for the GA at the Great Hall (leave your packed bags there and be ready to go outside)

8:15 – 9.00

1st Committee – DROI

9.00 - 9.45

2nd Committee – ENVI

9.45 - 10.30

3rd Committee – TRAN

10.30 – 10.50

Coffee Break

10.50 - 11.35

4th Committee – LIBE

11.40 – 12.25

5th Committee – SEDE

12.30 – 13.15

6th Committee – AFCO

13.20 – 14.10

Lunch

14.10 – 14.20

Session Photo

14.20 – 15.05

7th Committee – CLIM

15.05 – 15.50

8th Committee – CULT

15.50 – 16.35

Europe in 2030

16.35 – 17.05

Coffee Break

17.05 – 17.50

Closing Ceremony

17.50 – 18.10

Closure in Committees

18.20

Departures

M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY THE C OMMITTEE ON H UMAN R IGHTS (DROI) Following the recent recognition of same-sex unions in Estonia and increasing visibility of LGBT people, to what extent should their rights be protected in the European Union?

Submitted by:

Kurts Auza (Rīgas Valsts 2.ģimnāzija), Elizabete Gaile (Rīgas Franču licejs), Brigita Kavaliaukaite (LT), Elza Linda Purvinska (Profesionālā Vidusskola Perspektīva), Pauls Raimonds Sīlis (Rīgas Valsts 1.ģimnāzija), Ričards Zaļmežs (Ventspils 1.ģimnāzija), Liisbet Valgiste (EE), Ilze Vējkrīgere (Olaines 1.vidusskola), Austris Cīrulnieks (Chairperson, LV), Thi Anh Tuyet Nguyen (Chairperson, CZ)

The European Youth Parliament Latvia, A. Noting with regret that a large part of society is not willing to learn more about the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) and Transsexual community related issues, B. Taking into account that the lack of information and knowledge regarding LGBT people lead to thinking that sexual orientation and gender identity is a choice, a disease or a phase, C. Fully alarmed by the fact that a lot of LGBT people are highly discriminated within the Member States due to strongly conservative views which are influenced by anti-LGBT political parties or religious beliefs, D. Deeply concerned by the fact that LGBT people rights of receiving equal treatment in, e.g., healthcare, education and employment are often violated, E. Emphasising that there is a lack of common legislation regarding LGBT people amongst the Member States concerning: Legal guardianship while travelling as an LGBT family in the Member States, Adequate punishment for criminal activity such as hate crimes and harassment, F. Realising that LGBT people experience severe hate crimes in their everyday lives due to their sexual orientation and gender identity, such as bullying in, e.g., educational facilities and workplaces, G. Regrets that neither same-sex civil unions nor marriage are legal in all the Member States, H. Draws attention to the fact that the rights granted by same-sex civil unions are not the same as heterosexual marriage rights, I.

Recognising that children adoption for same-sex couples is not legal in all the Member States,

J.

Deeply concerned that trans people are receiving only limited or no healthcare, and even that merely in a few Member States,

1

Transgender and transsexual

1

K. Expressing its appreciation of the increasing visibility of LGBT people, achieved by holding annual prides in most Member States and well-known personalities revealing their sexual orientation and gender identity;

2

1. Encourages the Member States to, supported by ILGA Europe , offer classes and courses on sexual orientation and gender identity, which would be taught by already existing LGBT organisation members and held in, e.g., workplaces and educational facilities; 2. Calls for the European Commission (EC) to increase financial support to already existing LGBT organisations in order to help them to cover maintenance costs and create a bilingual learning platform; 3

3. Endorses the EC to extend the Anti-Discrimination Directive in order to protect the LGBT rights in education, health care and other goods and services; 4. Recommends the Member States to enforce various punishments for committing hate crimes, such as imprisonment, fees and community work, according to their legislation; 5. Urges the Member States to legally recognise other Member States’ legislation granting legal guardianship to LGBT families while travelling; 6. Further invites the Member States which have not legalised same-sex civil unions to implement this step; 7. Emphasises that LGBT people should have equal rights regarding children adoption, but only recommends legally enforcing the right to lesbian, gay and bisexual people due to intolerance; 8. Encourages national governments to provide healthcare for trans people, with special needs regarding sex change.

2

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA-Europe) is an international nongovernmental umbrella organisation, which brings together 407 organisations from 45 of the 49 countries in Europe.

3 Draft of Anti-Discrimination Directive would forbid discrimination based on religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation in access to goods and services, education, and access to social benefits.

M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY THE C OMMITTEE ON E NVIRONMENT , P UBLIC H EALTH AND F OOD S AFETY (ENVI) With the Baltic Sea being one of the world's most polluted seas, what should be done to lessen the damaging human impact of over-fishing and littering, as well as climate change on Europe’s seas?

Submitted by:

Monika Krūmiņa (Rīgas Valsts 1.ģimnāzja), Beāte Paleja (Smiltenes ģimnāzija), Emilija Rakštelyte (LT), Nicole Shevchenko (Rīgas Zolitūdes ģimnāzija), Marta Siliņa (Valmieras Valsts ģimnāzija), Anna Skorinko (Rīgas Valsts 1.ģimnāzija), Edna Švalbe (Rīgas Hanzas vidusskola), Valerie Boyko (Chairperson, UA), Kristīne Fainveica (Chairperson, LV).

The European Youth Parliament Latvia, A. Deeply concerned about the decreasing biodiversity in the Baltic Sea region caused by climate change, B. Observing with regret the lack of centralised scientific research and monitoring processes regarding environmental changes in the Baltic Sea region, C. Convinced that illegal actions, such as poaching and overfishing have an ever-lasting effect on the ecosystem of the Baltic Sea, D. Further noting the ineffective action of the Member States and neighbouring countries on improving the ecological situation of marine ecosystems, E. Bearing in mind that in 2011 estimated losses caused by illegal fishing constituted to €19.2 billion worldwide, F. Noting with regret that currently 32,000 tons of war waste remain in the waters of the North and Baltic Seas, G. Acknowledging that hazardous waste, such as chemical waste, nuclear waste, and mineral oil causes pollution, H. Having examined that phosphorus and nitrogen thrown away as a result of agricultural activities cause eutrophication in the Baltic Sea, I.

Recognising the unsatisfactory cooperation between the Member States and neighbouring countries due to contrasting priorities,

J.

Deeply disturbed by Russia’s contribution to the pollution of the Baltic Sea;

1. Calls for the European Commission (EC), in cooperation with the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission - Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) and local Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to improve and establish high quality Marine Protected Areas (MPA); 2. Recommends the EC to invest funds into breeding endangered species; 3. Requests that the Member States and neighbouring countries host conferences in order to provide a platform for the dialogue between representatives of NGOs and governmental organisations; 4. Further requests the EC to establish joint research projects to protect marine environment and biodiversity; 5. Expresses its appreciation for the international experience exchange programs between researchers and professionals working in the field of marine biology; 6. Further recommends the Member States to establish stricter penalties for illegal marine activities, such as poaching and overfishing; 7. Invites the EC to establish the Union of the National Controlling Committees which would assess the environmental situation locally; 8. Further invites the Member States to provide economic support, such as tax benefits, for the seafood distribution companies purchasing their products from legal sources across the European Union; 4

9. Urges the Member States to introduce the zero-discharge principle for the companies using water for their production in order to minimise the discharging of hazardous substances into the environment; 10. Calls for the EC to create a mobile application that would raise social awareness by using the geolocation of the user to simulate the outcomes of environmental implications due to war wastes and other hazardous substances in their area; 5

11. Designates the HELCOM to isolate the war waste materials using natural Pozzolan; 12. Calls for the HELCOM to install oxygen pumps across the Baltic Sea;

13. Encourages the EC to provide additional funding to the Member States and neighbouring countries for acquiring equipment needed for a filtering sewage waters.

4

Principle of recycling all industrial wastewater. This means that wastewater will be treated and used again in the process. Because of the water reuse, wastewater will not be released in the sewer system or surface waters.

5 Chemical substance with cementitious properties.

M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY THE C OMMITTEE ON T RANSPORT AND T OURISM (TRAN) Technological differences, underinvestment and political hurdles: Taking into account various problems regarding the construction of Rail Baltica, how should the European Union proceed in order to ensure efficient railway connections across Europe?

Submitted by:

Sindija Bērziņa (Rīgas Franču licejs), Linards Daugavietis (Rīgas Franču licejs), Edgars Eglītis (Rīgas 6.vidusskola), Vitalijs Gusevs (Rīgas Valsts 1.ģimnāzija), Diana Helme (EE), Hannariin Lamp (EE), Evita Ločmele (Rīgas Valsts 1.ģimnāzija), Ilva Ogle (Rīgas Valsts 2.ģimnāzija), Artis Segrums (Olaines 1.vidusskola), Ingus Zeļenkovs (Rīgas Valsts 1.ģimnāzija) Kārlis Jonāss (Chairperson, LV).

The European Youth Parliament Latvia, A. Approving that the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI) has a focus on 6 investing in infrastructure, 7

B. Recognising the existence of Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking , which attempts to move the European Union (EU) towards a Single European Railway Area by pursuing innovation in the rail sector, C. Welcoming the implementation of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Deployment Plan, which foresees the installation of ERTMS equipment on 8 more than 10,000 km of railway lines by 2015 and 25,000 km by 2020, respectively, D. Taking into account that the EU is developing a new directive for the period from 2015 onwards, by which Member States are asked to lower the sulphur content in fuel to 0,10%, at an extra €3 billion per year, E. Realising that the energy consumption of transporting 100 tonnes of freight is 75,000 9 MJ for road, 58,000 MJ for inland waterways, and only 33,000 MJ for rail, F. Taking into consideration that the current system, in which rail companies are mostly owned by national governments, makes it difficult for the private sector to participate in the market of railway operators, G. Aware that future railway project routes could cross private lands, public territories and cultural heritage, e.g., monuments and graveyards, H. Viewing with appreciation that some of the national railway operators already collaborate with each other, e.g., Deutsche Bahn, and PKP Poland,

6

The EFSI is a fund for boosting the EU’s economy and bridge its investment gap, which will be aimed towards infrastructure projects and collaboration between public and private investment in all Member States.

7 Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking is a new public-private partnership in the rail sector for pursuing innovations in the rail sector and moving the EU towards the Single European Railway Area.

8 There are over 20 different, incompatible national signalling and speed control systems existing in the European rail system at the moment.

9 Based on ecotransIT research 2012 on the route from Basel to the port of Rotterdam.

I.

Fully aware that different political interests regarding railway routes and, e.g., which cities should be included in routes or how projects should be financed, persist,

J.

Observing that railway connections between the Baltic States are poorly developed, e.g., a trip from Tallinn to Vilnius by train goes through Russia and takes 34 hours,

K. Reaffirming that some European countries still use rail gauges sized 1,520 mm whilst the European standard is 1,435 mm;

10

1. Congratulates the European Commission’s proposed Fourth Railway Package on improving transport standards in the EU, as well as liberalisation of the railway market; 2. Encourages the Member States to financially support, e.g., by tax discounts, railway companies that cooperate with similar companies in other Member States; 3. Further encourages the Member States to prioritise the usage of railway networks instead of other means of transportation because of environmental considerations; 4. Invites the EU to follow the example of the United States on establishing criteria for determining the amount of compensation for properties damaged in the process of constructing future railway connections; 11

5. Expresses its hope that the Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T) programme manages to achieve the completion of both ongoing and new projects with an on-time delivery, 6. Calls upon the Member States to encourage railway companies to expand already existing networks and create equal rail operation standards within the entire EU by sharing experience; 7. Requests the Member States to participate in pan-European projects and express their opinion on projects well in advance in order to: a)

Avoid political conflicts,

b)

Make decisions which prioritise the EU needs over national interests;

8. Confirms the European standard gauge size as a united standard for all the Member States; 9. Recommends to replace old and non-regular rails in the long-term; 10. Accepts the construction of gauge changing stations near the EU border.

10

The Fourth Railway Package is a set of planned improvements to rail transport in the European Union. It covers standards and authorisation for rolling stocks, workforce skills, independent management of infrastructure and the liberalisation of domestic passenger services.

11 TEN-T is a planned set of road, rail, air and water transportation networks in the EU.

M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY THE C OMMITTEE ON C IVIL L IBERTIES , J USTICE AND H OME A FFAIRS (LIBE) Mass media – the ‘Fourth Estate’ of modern democracies: How can the European Union ensure freedom, independence and inclusivity of Member States’ media in their plural societies?

Submitted by:

Jānis Mārtiņš Bērziņš (Valmieras Pārgaujas ģimnāzija), Linda Birziņa (Jelgavas Valsts ģimnāzija), Timurs Davilovs (Rīgas Valsts 1.ģimnāzija), Milda Folkmanaite (LT), Vytaute Rimdzevičiūtė (LT), Mārtiņš Andrejs Strēlis (Valmieras Pārgaujas ģimnāzija), Diana Vederik (EE), Karl-Joosep Volmerson (EE), Sigita Zvejniece (Chairperson, LV).

The European Youth Parliament Latvia, A. Guided by Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which demands that “freedom and pluralism of the media shall be respected”, B. Condemns the oppression of journalists and the increasing amount of both censorship and self-censorship within the European Union (EU), C. Deeply disturbed by physical attacks against journalists in the EU, D. Expresses its appreciation of organisations such as Reporters Without Borders and the European Federation of Journalists, which fight for the safety and freedom of journalists, E. Recognises that in most Member States the existing legal frameworks are insufficient to guarantee the transparency of media outlet ownership, F. Disturbed by the monopolisation of the media market, which results in a lack of plurality in information sources, G. Fully aware that political forces use the media as a platform for their own agenda, which leads to self-censorship, H. Realises that the economic aspects of globalisation increase the risk of external financial influence on local media, I.

Noting with regret that delays in the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation caused the revelation of personal data in the Member States’ media,

J.

Further recognises that general public information is often insufficiently available in minority languages, which limits the ability of minorities to express their opinions and creates ethnical biases in mass media,

K. Acknowledges an urgent need for a shield law journalists’ confidential sources,

12

12

due to privacy violations of

A law which “provides statutory protection for the ‘reporters’ privilege’— legal rules which protect journalists against the government requiring them to reveal confidential sources or other information.”

th

L. Deeply regrets that in the World Press Freedom Index Greece scores only 99 out of 180 countries monitored, holding the lowest position amongst the Member States; 1. Calls upon the Member States to provide sufficient ownership information for consumers to enable identification of the true owners and beneficiaries of media outlets; 2. Recommends the Member States to prohibit political forces from owning media agencies in order to prevent political bias in the media; 3. Calls for media outlets to publically announce any actors who: a) Pay for hidden advertisements, b) Encourage publishers to select or slant published content; 4. Further recommends the Member States to financially support small, local media; 5. Encourages educational institutions to organise open lectures, which would consist of non-biased information about mass media; 6. Urges the Member States’ media agencies to provide direct translations of content from majority languages to minority languages and vice versa; 7. Further encourages journalists to use verified sources and follow ethical norms; 8. Invites the Member States to introduce shield laws to ensure media freedom and increase the quality of investigative journalism; 9. Calls upon the European Commission to establish an institution responsible for helping journalists to prepare their demands for trial and investigation in the European Court of Justice; 10. Invites independent experts on media freedom to monitor the Member States with low or deteriorating levels of media freedom.

M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY THE C OMMITTEE ON S ECURITY AND D EFENCE (SEDE) With post-Cold War borders in Europe challenged by recent events in Ukraine, how should Member States respond to guarantee Europe's territorial integrity and address growing concerns in the European Union?

Submitted by:

Kristiāna Imša (Rīgas Franču licejs), Viktorija Jansone (Olaines 1.vidusskola), Leonārs Ēriks Kaupmanis (Rīgas Centra Humanitārā vidusskola), Karina Kostjuka (Grobiņas ģimnāzija), Andra Laugmaa (EE), Daniels Mašonskis (Jelgavas 4.vidusskola), Mārcis Nīmants (Valmieras Pārgaujas ģimnāzija), Artūrs Ramza (Jelgavas 4.vidusskola), Normunds Rutka (Jelgavas Valsts ģimnāzija), Linda Vaher (EE), Jeroen De Marteau (Chairperson, BE).

The European Youth Parliament Latvia, A. Alarmed by tensions between ethnic Russians and citizens of other ethnicities within the European Union (EU), intensified by propaganda from Russia, B. Realising that Russian minorities living in the Members States pose a passive threat to the EU’s territorial integrity, given the fact that Russia has used the protection of these minorities as a validation for previous acts of aggression, C. Noting with regret the inability of the EU to adequately address possible threats on its territorial integrity due to: D. The fact that the Member States are overall reluctant to contribute both money and forces to the EU, E. The lack of military forces located near the EU-Russian border, F. Lack of funding for the military within the Member States, G. Bearing in mind that implementing common economic sanctions is challenging for the EU since national interests often prevail over European unity, H. Taking into account that dependency of the Member States on natural resources from Russia, such as natural gas, leads to ineffectiveness of economic sanctions due to the fact that Russia has a monopoly on them, I.

Recognising that the implementation of economic sanctions might lead to economic stagnation for all parties involved,

J.

Fully aware that the unanimity requirement of decision-making in the European Council is extremely time consuming, thus preventing EU Battlegroups from responding quickly and effectively to a posed thread on the EU’s territorial integrity,

K. Deeply disturbed that the Estonian Internal Security Service Officer, Eston Kohver, was kidnapped by the Federal Security Service of Russia because the border treaty between Estonia and Russia has not been ratified yet;

1. Encourages the Member States to increase the number of mixed kindergartens and schools to prevent ethnic conflicts and improve the integration of Russian-speaking minorities; 2. Recommends shifting the negative opinion of the local inhabitants in the Member States with significant numbers of Russian-speaking minorities by excluding the focus on ethnicity in the media; 3. Further encourages the European Centre for Minority Issues to frequently assess the integration of Russian-speaking minorities; 4. Approves further military exercises in which multiple Member State military forces are involved; 5. Condemns some Member States for not fully following the established European economic sanctions against Russia; 6. Calls upon the European Commission (EC) to enact a directive by which the Member States would be subject to a fine of 25% of the remainder of their respective Gross Domestic Product (GDP) that still needs to be spend on its military when a Member State does not: a)

Respect the EU-wide sanctions that have been implemented against Russia,

b)

Spend at least 2% of its respective GDP on military expenditure;

7. Notes that the fines obtained by means of the new directive would be used to fund new equipment for the Member States that border Russia; 8. Authorises the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to create closer diplomatic relations with non-EU countries that have the same resources as Russia’s natural resource monopolies; 9. Further calls upon the EC to propose a change in the Treaty of Lisbon concerning the deployment of the EU Battlegroups that changes the unanimity requirement in the European Council for all Member States to a system where the EU Battlegroups can be deployed when two-thirds of the Member States in the region of a possible threat agree to do so.

M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY THE C OMMITTEE ON C ONSTITUTIONAL A FFAIRS (AFCO) ‘More Europe’ or less? Taking into account global challenges, growing Euroscepticism and its weak economic performance over the last years, what should be the future of the European Union?

Submitted by:

Kristaps Bergmanis (Jelgavas Valsts ģimnāzija), Dans Blūmiņš (Rīgas Valsts 3.ģimnāzija), Ausma Cīrulniece (Smiltenes ģimnāzija), Jānis Galakrodzinieks (Rīgas Valsts 1.ģimnāzija), Anastasiya Koval (BY), Konstantīns Nikolajevs (Rīgas Zolitūdes ģimnāzija), Dagnis Prūsis (Grobiņas ģimnāzija), Deimantė Rimkutė (LT), Karīna Segruma (Olaines 1.vidusskola), Amanda Strīķe (Jelgavas Valsts ģimnāzija), Justīne Leitarte (Chairperson, LV), Judīte Petroviča (Chairperson, LV).

The European Youth Parliament Latvia, A. Observing the unbalanced power distribution between the Member States in European Union (EU) institutions, such as in the European Parliament, B. Disturbed by the exhaustion in the wealthier Member States due to their duty to financially assist the struggling Member States, such as Greece, C. Noting with regret the ineffectiveness of the current Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) of the EU, which negatively affects the development of the Member States, D. Emphasising the problems of representing Member States’ interests regarding the CFSP, 13

E. Alarmed by Euroscepticism , which causes EU citizens to lose faith in the EU as an efficient and democratic institution, F. Recognising ongoing discussions regarding federalisation of the EU, G. Having considered potential economic and cultural pressures between the Member States and candidate countries in case of a possible enlargement of the EU;

13

A person who is opposed to increasing the powers of the European Union.

1. Recommends the EU to give more power to the regional representatives in the decisionmaking process through regional lobby groups; 2. Calls for the European Commission (EC) to adjust the current debt repayment procedure 14 of the European Financial Stability Mechanism (EFSM) by ensuring that the country in question has recovered from the financial crisis before repaying the loan; 3. Calls upon the EC to draft a legislation which would increase strategic investment in order to boost economic growth in the EU; 4. Further calls upon the EC to propose changes in the Treaty of Lisbon regarding the current EU competences: a) b)

14

Changing infrastructure and research into an exclusive competence Shifting the CFSP into the supportive

16

15

of the EU,

competence section of the EU.

An emergency funding programme reliant upon funds raised on the financial markets and guaranteed by the European Commission using the budget of the European Union.

15 The EU alone is able to legislate and adopt binding acts in exclusive competence fields. The Member States’ role is therefore limited to applying these acts, unless the Union authorises them to adopt certain acts themselves.

16 The EU can only intervene to support, coordinate or complement the action of the Member States. Consequently, it has no legislative power in these fields and may not interfere in the exercise of these competences reserved for the Member States.

M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY THE C OMMITTEE ON C LIMATE C HANGE (CLIM) In light of the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference and considering the potential impact on its economy, what should be the European Union’s stance on tackling climate change?

Submitted by:

Ilva Frīdenberga (Rīgas Valsts 1.ģimnāzija), Zane Grēta Grants (Rīgas Franču licejs), Dana Lāce (Talsu Valsts ģimnāzija), Elizabete Laiviņa (Rīgas Franču licejs), Elza Helēna Sniķerproģe (Rīgas Valsts 1.ģimnāzija), Daniels Šterns (Rīgas Valsts 2.ģimnāzija), Toms Elvijs Šusts (Rīgas Valsts 1.ģimnāzija), Tomas Vitas (LT), Lauris Lauža (Chairperson, LV), Erik Lewenhaupt (Chairperson, SE).

The European Youth Parliament Latvia, A. Emphasising that in the European Union (EU) renewable energy sources are currently more expensive than fossil fuels due to higher operation costs and limited availability, B. Concerned that, despite the awareness on climate change, EU citizens are not taking action to combat it due to a lack of direct consequences and personal gains, C. Deeply concerned that the Member States are heavily dependent on fossil fuels imported from Russia due to a lack of energy reserves, as well as an inadequate amount of other energy sources, D. Aware of the fact that developing countries fail to meet the demands of carbon emission reductions due to a different view on who holds the main responsibility for tackling climate change, E. Fully alarmed by the global increase of average temperatures as a consequence of the greenhouse effect, which negatively affects climate, F. Noting with deep concern that the annual United Nations (UN) Climate Conferences have failed to produce a united policy on tackling climate change due to different views, 17

G. Deeply disturbed that only a few of the nations which signed the Kyoto Protocol have fulfilled the requirements, H. Bearing in mind that the EU legislative framework on climate action consists of: I.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% (below the 1990) level by 2030, and 80% by 2050,

J.

Achieving the goal of becoming a low carbon economy by 2050,

K. Reaching 27% for energy savings and renewable energy of the EU’s energy mix by 2030, 17

An international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which commits its Parties by setting internationally binding emission reduction targets.

1. Calls upon the Member States to: a)

Raise taxes on fossil fuels,

b)

Lower taxes on renewable energy,

c)

Subsidise the production of renewable energy;

2. Congratulates youth initiatives which encourage environmentally friendly thinking, and combating climate change; 18

3. Supports the usage of hydraulic fracturing to gain independence from Russia’s fossil fuels while developing a renewable, long-term substitution for fossil fuels; 4. Recommends that larger economies, such as the United States and China, form sustainable partnerships regarding climate change and, thus, attract smaller nations to follow suit; 19

5. Encourages expanding the EU Emission Trading System beyond the EU’s borders, after which developing nations should be encouraged to join as well; 6. Further encourages UN Member States to develop and promote carbon-capturing 20 technologies.

18

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is the process of extracting natural gas from shale rock layers deep within the earth.

19 An international system for trading greenhouse gas emission allowances.

20 Carbon capture and storage is the process of capturing waste carbon dioxide from large point sources, such as fossil fuel power plants, transporting it to a storage site, and depositing it where it will not enter the atmosphere, normally an underground geological formation.

M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY THE C OMMITTEE ON C ULTURE AND E DUCATION (CULT) In light of continuous discussions in Latvia concerning the role of the Russian language in society, and with respect for diversity as a founding principle of the European Union: to what extent should minority languages be recognised by Member States?

Submitted by:

Māra Deksne (Rīgas Centra humanitārā vidusskola), Klaudija Gauja (Rīgas Franču licejs), Armands Gražulis (Jelgavas Valsts ģimnāzija), Ieva Jurkāne (Olaines 1.vidusskola), Raimund Marcinkevič (LT), Katrīna Milta (Āgenskalna Valsts ģimnāzija), Jaana Sild (EE), Elina Udekjul (EE), Lelde Voino (Rīgas Valsts 1.ģimnāzija), Sabīne Vonoga (Olaines 1.vidusskola), Anna Galkina (Chairperson, RU), Tomass Pildegovičs (Chairperson, LV).

The European Youth Parliament Latvia, A. Recognising differences in the significance of minority languages in society amongst Member States due to various factors, such as: B. Geographical location, C. Political climate, D. Historical background, E. Ethnic diversity, F. Having studied that, according to Eurostat, 10% out of approximately 500 million European Union citizens speak a minority or regional language as their first language, G. Deeply concerned by the negative impact of globalisation upon endangered languages, H. Observing ongoing discussions over the role of minority languages in Member States, such as the Latvian National Referendum on the status of the Russian language in 2012, I.

Deeply disturbed by the continuous disagreement stemming from the national status of particular regional languages, such as the Catalan language in Spain,

J.

Further recognising that the prevalence of particular minority languages has become an issue for citizens on a national level in numerous Member States, especially in the area of employment,

K. Deeply conscious of the lack of motivation amongst many minority language speakers to learn the official language of the Member State due to the wide prevalence of their minority language, L. Noting with regret the existence of mutual prejudice and tension between speakers of different languages in some Member States, M. Bearing in mind that the teaching of the official national language at ethnic minority schools is not effective in some Member States,

N. Taking into account the limited accessibility of media to minority language speakers in some Member States, such as Latvia and Estonia;

1. Expresses its hope that Member States raise awareness on the importance of small and endangered languages in the context of cultural diversity by organising intercultural events on regional and national levels; 2. Requests that Member States establish a closer cooperative cultural partnership with their respective diasporas worldwide in order to preserve their national languages and cultures; 3. Calls upon Member States to create new national language tests, which would serve as one of the basic selection criteria for employers in case significant linguistic minority groups exist; 4. Urges the Member States to offer both free national language courses and also all relevant minority language courses through sponsorships from potential employers in the private sector; 5. Supports the establishment of study programmes of national culture as a part of the curricula at pre-school and primary school levels; 6. Recommends to increase the availability of state media outlets in relevant minority languages amongst the Member States.

M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY THE D ELEGATES OF KZRS ‘14 Europe in 2030 Moderated by:

Dana Skrupska, Diāna Orlovska, Didzis Dubovskis, Gatis Bērziņš, Gundega Ēlerte, Kārlis Caune, Klāvs Galenieks, Niks Bērziņš

Agriculture and Rural Development 1. With regards to the European Union’s Common Agriculture Policy, advise to: i)

distribute funds according to the success and productivity of farms,

ii)

improve the quality control system for distributed funds in relation to initially set targets,

iii) increase support for small farms and start-ups of farming businesses in order to encourage young people to get involved in the agriculture sector; 2. Support innovation in agriculture in order to boost its productivity and profitability, as well as improve the image of agriculture as a modern industry with potential for growth, 3. Recommend to increase cooperation between universities and research centres to develop new technologies for the agriculture industry, 4. Suggest to establish a grading system to distinguish high quality produce of successful farms and thus improve their sales and increase profit, 5. Request including information about agriculture in school curricula to inform young people about opportunities in the field, 6. Urge to maintain investment in infrastructure, social benefits, education and culture in rural areas in order to retain people in the countryside.

Culture, the Role of Young People 1. Recognise that youth unemployment is a crucial problem regarding their future and should be a top concern for the EU, 2. Consider that more youngsters across Europe could be attracted to participate in the Erasmus+ programme through approaching them through social media and schools, 3. Recommend that future projects of the Directorate General for Education and Culture of the European Commission should focus on diversity in certain areas, such as sports, arts and education, in order to increase the inclusion and participation of youth, 4. Reaffirm that youth organisations should focus more on relevant everyday problems and organise themed events in order to successfully motivate young people to be more active in society, 5. Believe that the EU could encourage more young people to get involved in cultural activities by offering free tickets to establishments such as museums and theatres.

Economic Situation

1. Support risk sharing among Member States and granting financial help to Member States upon the condition of implementing reforms of sustainable economic policy, 2. Encourage a more equal distribution of income within Member States, 3. Endorse cross-national funding and support initiatives for economic convergence among Member States that benefit the EU as a whole, 4. Believe the EU should increase internal trade in order to improve economic growth and enhance the EU's global competitiveness.

Education, Research and Development 1. Recommend establishing a Single Market of Information that would consist of research carried out within the EU, 2. Declare that Erasmus+ funded projects that lead to new patents should invest a portion of their profits back in the Erasmus+ programme, 3. Encourage cooperation between universities, vocational schools and businesses, creating a scheme through which businesses would cover the tuition fees of students in return for hiring them after they graduate, 4. Urge to improve the recognition of different high school diplomas across Europe in order to significantly simplify the process of going abroad to study, 5. Request improving the quality of teaching English in all Member States in order to improve the mobility of students and create more opportunities for further development during both studies and after graduation, 6. Support informing students about the Erasmus+ programme via education websites, such as e-klase and MyKoob.

Environment, Energy Mix, Infrastructure 1. Urge the EU to fund research into the potential dangers of shale gas extraction through fracking, 2. Recommend shale gas as an alternative to: i)

more environmentally harmful energy resources,

ii)

imported gas from outside the EU,

3. Support restricting shale gas extraction in places close to water supplies, agricultural lands and densely populated areas.

Foreign Policy 1. Believe that the EU should actively inform its citizens about the effects of immigration on their daily lives, 2. Affirm that all goods imported as a result of the potential free trade agreement with the United States of America should be beneficial for EU citizens and in accordance with EU's health and safety regulations, 3. Recommend that new and improved labels be made for all products to indicate not only their country of origin but also their nutritional value, farming conditions and whether the item in question has been genetically modified,

4. Declare that the European Union Force (EUFOR) should not be expanded and remain a voluntary and relatively small force for peace-keeping missions, 5. Further believe increasing cooperation with NATO is integral to guaranteeing security and defence of the EU.

Social situation 1. Believe economic benefits should be provided for larger families, 2. Encourage more discussion and research into the effects of migration in the EU, 3. Believe tackling differences in wages, job opportunities and education quality within the EU is integral to resolving tensions caused by migration, 4. Endorse reformulating the EU immigration policy to reduce the amount of crime and ethnic conflicts caused by or related to migrants in Member States, 5. Believe protection from hate crime and discrimination should be a fundamental right for all LGBT people, 6. Declare that same-sex partnerships, same-sex marriage and adoption by same-sex couples should be legal in all Member States, 7. Further believe changes to LGBT legislation should be gradual and accompanied by efforts to reduce prejudice against LGBT people.

State of Democracy 1. Call for greater EU oversight in the legal affairs of Member States to ensure all EU citizens are granted due process and fundamental democratic rights, 2. Believe opportunities to personally discuss topics and ideas with high-ranking EU officials would encourage EU citizens to participate more in political affairs, 3. Support the creation of an EU-wide fund for promoting media independence across Europe,Endorse initiatives that evaluate the past work of political parties and members of EU institutions, making it easier to hold EU politicians accountable for their actions.

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