INVITATION
BOOKLET
WELCOME!
Dear participants, it is with great honour and even greater anticipation that I welcome you to Riga 2014, the 75th International Session of the European Youth Parliament. In a little over a month, more than 240 young delegates from 37 European countries will gather in Riga to once again prove that European youth do care about the way the EU influences their future; we do want to participate in the processes of decision-making; and, most importantly, we do have brilliant ideas to bring to the table of European politics. The past few years have not been easy for Europe. The economic slump took its toll on our social welfare; youth unemployment reached record heights; and the European project lost the faith of many of its citizens. We witnessed a rise in intolerance, rapidly growing support for radical nationalism and heard loud concerns towards the survival of the Eurozone and the European Union itself. In this context, the delegates of Riga 2014 will face no small task – to analyse these pressing issues the EU is facing, and propose solutions that promote and preserve Europe’s core values: a strong global economic presence; the freedoms of its citizens; and inclusion and tolerance towards the diversity of its cultures. This will require innovative thinking, daring ideas and novel solutions. While the task may sound daunting, it is the crux of what EYP is about. As a wise man once said, we take on these tough challenges “not because they are easy, but because they are hard... because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept”. At EYP, we bring together the best and the brightest of Europe because we know that together, we are capable of tackling these complex issues with creativity, innovation and knowledge. We strongly believe that Europe’s future should be built on the ideas of its youth. I invite you, delegates of Riga 2014, to take on that challenge presented before you, and prove that the voice of European youth is one worth listening to. I look forward to hearing what that voice has to say. Milda Šabūnaitė President of the 75th International Session of the European Youth Parliament in Riga, Latvia
Dear friends, we received the news that we will host the spring session of 2014 almost two years ago. Those were news that came with a lot of joy, excitment and we were definitely eager to show this with our work. We have vigurously worked on the event to make it as good as we can. From the best venues to cater to your needs, to anything and everything else you may need. It has been a road also filled with uncertainty, but all of that seems to fade away, the closer we come to the event itself. The reason for that is twofold. First of all, our organisers inspire us every day, and we’re sure that they will inspire you as well. Secondly, seeing a huge excel sheet with your names slowly being filled in gave us so much motivation, like nothing else. Riga’14 is a great moment for us. Us as Head-Organisers, us as EYPers and us as the Latvian Youth Organisation “Tellus” through which EYP exists in the country. An organisation without which we would never be in this situation and we could never be thankful enough for all the support it has shown. The organisation already has been considered as one of the important players among Latvian NGOs, but with this, we have outdone ourselves. We have outdone ourselves through determination and hard work. We are more than sure you will see that, when you get here. We feel that it going to your first International Session is a special occasion. Something that is very dear to each and every one of us. We still tell stories about those glory days and all the things we did. That is one of the things we would like to see happening after Riga as well. It is not going to be easy for you as well. No matter, will you come to the session as a chairperson, a teacher or a delegate, each and every one of you will be able to take in new impressions, have a special experience. We will be there to help you get the most out of Riga. Trust us. With no further ado, we invite you. Join us and we are sure that after these days in march, we will truly be friends, collegues, partners, above everything else. Welcome to Riga’14! Indra Mangule, Kārlis Caune Head-Organisers of the 75th International Session of the European Youth Parliament in Riga, Latvia
contents
WELCOME TO RIGA
2
SESSION THEME
5
SESSION PROGRAMME
6
VENUES
8
DRESSCODE EXPLAINED
10
PREPARATION
11
RESPONSIBILITY DIVISION
13
TRAVELLING TO RIGA
14
LEGAL NOTES
16
CHECK-LIST
18
CONTACTS
19
THEME Every session is unique in one way or another , however, we believe that we have been blessed with an excellent opportunity to make this session unforgettable not only for the EYPers who would be attending this event, but also the local youth, as well as general public of Latvia and Europe. The year 2014 is of a particular significance for Latvia, as Riga will be holding the honour of being European Capital of Culture 2014. As such, it will be hosting numerous cultural events and will welcome visitors from across the world to introduce them to the cultural heritage of Latvia and its capital city. With this status, Riga will be at the centre of attention when it comes to cultural happenings across the Europe, which is why we have also chosen a general theme that mirrors the significance of this special status, which we believe to be crucial for the link of those two events. The cultural theme of the session will ensure the programme of the conference is going to be not only filled with political and social aspects or habitual EYP session activities but also with abundant exchange of cultural dialogue through different tasks. Throughout the planning of the Session, we have been guided and inspired by the notion of cultural heritage. This has been reflected in our choice of venues, too – each and every one of those have been selected with attention and consideration, in order to create an appropriate atmosphere and to demonstrate the significance of the cultural heritage to the participants with real life examples. We invite you to Riga. The European Capital of Culture this year, yet a capital of cultures each day, no matter which year it is.
PROGRAMME TEAMBUILDING
SATURDAY, MARCH 15.
The session begins with teambuilding. After getting acquainted with each other, the delegates engage in different tasks and interactive exercises so as to establish closer relations and make sure they are able to communicate, solve problems and work together as a team. Teambuilding is one of the characteristic elements of an EYP session, which differentiates it from other youth debate fora. Dresscode: casual/comfortable
COMMITTEE WORK During the Committee Work the delegates are expected to discuss a certain topic in question constructively and propose solutions or state their opinion on the topic, resulting in a resolution. Committee Work is the element where teamwork will be combined with forming an understanding of different backgrounds and cultures within the committee. In order to perform well in Committee Work it is of importance to come to the session well prepared with printed research. Dresscode: smart
MAIN ACTIVITIES: ▶ Until 20.00- Delegation check-in at the hotels ▶ Welcome party
SUNDAY, MARCH 16. MAIN ACTIVITIES: ▶ Teambuilding kick-off ▶ Teambuilding at the Riga Business School ▶ Eurovillage at club “Ala”
MONDAY, MARCH 17. MAIN ACTIVITIES: ▶ Opening Ceremony at the Great Guild ▶ Teambuilding at the Riga Business School ▶ Evening event at club “Omas Briljants”
TUESDAY, 18.MARCH
GENERAL ASSEMBLY The two-day General Assembly constitutes the highlight and conclusion of the Session. The delegates will discuss their resolution in an open debate held in English and French, following standard parliamentary procedure. Each Committee will defend its own positions with the aim of having its resolution carried by the General Assembly. At the end of each debate, there is a vote based solely on every delegate’s personal opinion on the quality of the resolution. The resolutions passed are submitted to the European Parliament and European Commission after the Session. This is an excellent opportunity for all delegates to practice public speaking skills and debate personal opinions and views on important European issues. Dresscode: formal
MAIN ACTIVITIES: ▶ Committee Work at the Riga Business School ▶ Committee dinners
EXTRAORDINARY DINNERS Committee Dinner is a great opportunity for the delegates of each committee to spend valuable time with their committee members and chairpersons in one of the restaurants of Riga city centre. During Delegation Dinners, similarly, the delegates spend the evening with members of their own delegation and reflect on the session together. The cost of these two extraordinary dinners will not be covered by the session. We estimate that each dinner will cost approximately 15 eur.
overview WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19. MAIN ACTIVITIES: ▶ Committee Work at the Riga Business School ▶ Evening event at club “Piens”
THURSDAY, MARCH 20. MAIN ACTIVITIES: ▶ Committee Work at the Riga Business School ▶ Euroconcert at the Great Guild
FRIDAY, MARCH 21. MAIN ACTIVITIES: ▶ Opening of the General Assembly ▶ General Assembly at the Latvian Academy of Science ▶ Delegation dinners
SATURDAY, MARCH 22.
EUROVILLAGE Eurovillage is an event, where each of the delegations present their national cuisine and culture. Each delegation has their own stand where they can present national dishes as well as share information, sing national songs and wear national costumes. Please remember to bring food, drinks, costumes and other items that represent your country! NB! Participants of the session are allowed to bring alcoholic drinks with lower than 15% alcoholic content (such as beer or wine) to serve at their Eurovillage table. Any stronger beverages will not be allowed and be confiscated by the organisers – please see the EYP Alcohol and Drugs Policy.
OPENING CEREMONY
MAIN ACTIVITIES: ▶ General Assembly at the Latvian Academy of Science ▶ Closing Ceremony at the Latvian Academy of Science ▶ Farewell party at club “Sapņu fabrika”
The Opening Ceremony marks the official opening of the session, and gives the opportunity for several prominent speakers to address the session. Speeches will be delivered by guests, the Session President, the Head Organisers and the Executive Director of the European Youth parliament, as well as a member of the Georgian and Latvian delegation; the host countries of the previous and current International Sessions of the European Youth Parliament.
SUNDAY, MARCH 23.
EUROCONCERT
MAIN ACTIVITIES: ▶ 10.00-onwards - participant check-out and departures
Euroconcert is an excellent opportunity to show your talent to session participants and supporters. All participants of the session are encouraged to participate as long as high standard is provided and performances respect the importance of the event. In order to ensure this, all performers will be asked to audition before the event. Musicians should bring their own instruments as only a piano will be available. Delegates will be informed separately about the application process to participate in the Euroconcert.
CLOSING CEREMONY The Closing Ceremony follows immediately after the General Assembly and marks the official closure of the session. During the Ceremony, the participants are addressed by representatives of the Governing Body of the EYP, the teachers and the delegates, as well as the Head Organisers and the Session President.
map
Great Guild Opening Ceremony / Euroconcert Amatu iela 6
Konventa Sēta Accommodation Kalēju iela 9/11
Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs Eurovillage Audēju iela 11
Omas Briljants Monday evening event Audēju iela 7
VENUES
Klubs Piens Wednesday evening event Aristida Briāna iela 9
Riga Business School Teambuilding / Committee Work Skolas iela 11
Sapņu Fabrika Farewell party Latvian Academy of Science General Assembly Akadēmijas laukums 1
Lāčplēša iela 101
Teambuilding/Comittee Work RTU Riga Business School General Assembly Latvian Academy of Science
Opening Ceremony/Euroconcert Great Guild Hall Accommodations “Konventa Sēta”
Evening Event Club “Piens” Evening Event Club “Omas Briljanta Istaba”
preparation REGISTRATION ON THE ALUMNI PLATFORM Prior to the session all delegates and teachers are required to create a personal account on the EYP alumni platform and register as a participant of the 75th International Session of EYP in Riga, Latvia, as a delegate or a teacher. This platform will also come in handy after the session when documenting your session history and contacting other participants of EYP events you have attended. If you do not have an account yet, please take the following steps. If you have an account already, you can skip the first two steps. 1. Create an account on the alumni platform: http://alumni.eyp.org/register 2. Activate your account after receiving an e-mail 3. Complete all your details on your profile 4. Register for the session as a delegate or teacher by clicking on the link below and sign up via the top right button: http://alumni.eypej.org/events/riga-2014-75th-international-session
PARTICIPATION FEES In order to realise the ambitious programme that the EYP has for its sessions, we need to ask you to contribute with a participation fee. This is much lower than the actual costs of your participation. The payment of the fee will entitle you to food, accommodation, working materials and all transport during the event.
CONTACT PERSON, INVOICE AND PAYMENT PROCEDURES: We would like your teacher or one representative of your delegation to send an email to the international office at info@eyp.org as soon as possible but no later than Monday 17th of February 2014 , which should confirm: • the number of delegates from your country, • the number of teachers / accompanying adults and in which kind of room they wish to stay (single/ double). Based on this, the international office will send you a proper invoice (over email in PDF format) for the entire participation fees of your delegation. Fees for delegates are 150 EUR/person Fees for teachers are: - Single room 650 EUR/person - Double room 300 EUR/person If we have not heard back from you by February 17th, all accompanying adults will automatically be allocated into double rooms. You will also have to transfer your participation fees to the International Office of the European Youth Parliament. The office will contact each participant about the fees, and explain how to proceed with each step and provide support in case you encounter any problems or have questions. In case of questions about the participation fees, the office may be contacted at info@eyp.org. For administrative purposes, the collection of your information will be handled by the office.
DRESSCODE With such a wide variety of different elements and activities during the session, we understand at times it may be unclear what you are exactly expected to wear! As participants, you are expected to dress appropriately and choose your outfits with consideration. We want you to feel comfortable in your clothes, therefore we provide you with explanations for the main dresscodes:
SMART During Committee Work you will be required to follow the smart dresscode. You will not be expected to wear your suit, but worn-out jeans with sneakers or flip-flops don’t quite fit the smart clothing requirements either - preferably you wear something in between. For example, trousers with a shirt or a blouse will suit perfectly for Committee Work.
CASUAL This dress code applies to Teambuilding, where you will be doing various activities, both indoors and outdoors, depending on the weather conditions. You are free to wear any type of clothing you feel comfortable in, as long as you are able to move around actively.
FORMAL During the Opening Ceremony, the Euroconcert and the General Assembly you will be expected to dress formally. This means suits with ties for the gentlemen, and suits, dresses or skirts of an appropriate length for the ladies!
RESPONSIBILITY DIVISION Organising an International Session is a complex task and many people have taken part in making this possible. Apart from the National Committees of the EYP, two organisations mainly contribute to the International Sessions: The hosting National Organising Committee (NOC), and the Schwarzkopf-Stiftung Junges Europa in Berlin, which hosts the international office of the EYP (EYP/SF). We would like to give you a brief overview of our division of tasks: The National Organising Committee (NOC) - European Youth Parliament Latvia/ Latvian Youth Organisation “Tellus” (EYP Latvia/ Tellus): ▶ selects the organising team which takes care of and is responsible for: ▶ logistics, ▶ providing food, ▶ the safe transport, ▶ the careful selection of session venues; ▶ setting up the different sites and venues; ▶ promotes the session on a national level and in the EYP community ▶ runs the website that provides you with information of the programme and venues; ▶ defines the theme of the session; ▶ responsible for proposing and updating the session programme and budget; ▶ raises funds to pay for the session expenses on a national level. The International Office of the European Youth Parliament at the Schwarzkopf-Foundation Young Europe (EYP/SF) takes care of: ▶ promoting the session on the European level; ▶ provides an international website for the EYP www.eyp.org and an Alumni Platform http://alumni.eyp.org; ▶ facilitates the work of the decision-making bodies (Governing Body and Board of National Committees) of the EYP; ▶ supports and mentors the NOC’s work; ▶ gathers the information on delegations from the National Committees and runs the participants management of the international sessions; ▶ collects the participation fees which cover the costs of the above mentioned activities; ▶ raises funds to pay for the session expenses on the European level. The National Committees of the EYP: ▶ organise the national selection procedures for delegates; ▶ assist delegations with the preparation for the session; ▶ help delegations to fundraise their costs for travel and participation; ▶ promote EYP in their country.
preparation TRAVEL FORM To ensure we have all required information during the event, you will be asked to fill out the Travel Form for Riga 2014. This will also provide the organisers with information regarding your dietary requirements, travel details, contact details, etc. It is absolutely essential you fill out this form completely! The travel-form can be found at http://ej.uz/travelform. It should be completed and submitted by February 10. Since this form asks for your travel details, make sure you have booked your trip before filling it out.
EUROVILLAGE On Saturday evening all the participants will gather to celebrate Eurovillage. Each delegation will have its own table and is expected to present their country in the Eurovillage event. Bring lots of food and drinks typical for your country, since there will not be a separate dinner that evening. You are also highly encouraged to wear national costumes and to bring flags, pictures, postcards etc. – anything that is representative of your country.
EUROCONCERT Application forms for performance at the Euroconcert will be available shortly and all delegates will be informed about the deadlines. Those applying to perform should bring their instruments, music files (in a CD or a USB stick) or any other equipment that is needed. A piano will be available at the venue.
HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING? You need to bring enough money to pay for your committee dinner on Tuesday the 18th of March (15-20 Euros) and for your delegation dinner on Friday the 21st of March (15-20 Euros). You will also need to bring money for any snacks and refreshments during the evening programme. We highly recommend that you bring cash rather than having to rely on ATMs. NB! As of January 1st 2014, Latvia will be a part of the Eurozone, thus please take this into consideration when thinking about finances at the session. We kindly ask you to restrain yourself from exchanging your local currency to Latvian Lats (LVL) as they will not be usable in the country any more.
arrivals
early
EARLY ARRIVALS / LATE DEPARTURES For all participants who are planning to arrive earlier or depart later than the official session arrival and departure dates, it is their own responsibility to provide accommodation for the extra nights. To help you, we have prepared a list of hotels and hostels we recommend. If you wish to stay at the accommodation hotel before or after the session, please send an e-mail to konference@konventa.lv and note that you will be a part of the Session for a discount.
POPULAR OPTIONS IN RIGA Barons Hostel Krisjana Barona iela 25,Top Floor, phone: +371 2910 5939 email: guest@baronshostel.com, website: www.baronshostel.com. Calm and quite small hostel that does not accept parties. Single room: 26 euro, double room: 28 euro, Funky Hostel Krišjāņa Barona iela 25, phone: +371 2910 5939 email: funky@hostel.lv, website: www.funkyhostel.com. Classic backpacker character as it is tolerant to parties. Reception is open 24 hours and there is free WiFi in all rooms. Dorm bed: 10 Euros, shared room: 19 Euros, single room: 20 Euros Doma Hostel Mazā Jaunavu Iela 8, phone: +371 67 2131 01 email: info@domahostel.lv, website: www.domahostel.lv. Situated in the Old Town, Dorm beds starting from 10 Euros and rooms from 39 Euros. Old Riga Hotel - Vecrīga Gleznotāju iela 12/14 , phone: +371 67 216 524, www.vecriga.lv. Seemingly picturesque three star hotel in the Old Town. Single room: 45-47 Euros, double room: 50-55 Euros.
TRAVELS ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES All arrivals should take place before 20.00 Eastern European Time on March 15th All departures should take place starting from the morning of March 23rd
HOW TO GET HERE? Bus International bus connections are available to destinations as far as Berlin with the LuxExpress carrier, and London with the Eurolines or Ecolines carriers, the majority of them being cheaper than options provided by airlines. All bus connections arrive in Riga International Bus Station. Ferry Ferry connections to and from Riga are available with Stockholm and L端beck with by-daily ferries leaving in both ways. Ferries from Stockholm to Riga are operated by Tallink. Ferries from L端beck to Riga are operated by Ave Line. Plane Riga International Airport (RIX) has direct links to numerous destinations across Europe receiving flights from 19 different airlines, including two low-cost carriers (Ryanair, Wizz Air). Visa Information Visas are required for participants from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Armenia and Turkey. Citizens of Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, FYROM Macedonia do not require a visa provided they carry a biometrical passport. More detailed information can be found on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If you have any questions about visas, please get in touch with delegates@tellus.lv
TRAVEL AND HEALTH INSURANCE It is crucial that all participants have valid and 24-hour comprehensive travel and health care insurance. Insurance should cover loss off luggage, accidents, diseases, thirdparty liability and repatriation.etc. We remind all participants who own a European Health Insurance card to bring the card with them to the session in case of an emergency which requires hospital treatment. Participants who do not have a valid European Health Insurance Card can receive the necessary information via http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=559. We urge you to check those details with your insurance company well in ad-vance. Please also make sure to have an internationally valid health insurance and full prove of it, in case you need medical assistance during your stay.
MEDICAL EMERGENCY SHEET AND CONSENT FORM All participants are required to fill out the: - Medical Emergency Sheet: For all participants - http://bit.ly/Medical_Emergency - Consent form: Those under the age of 18 - http://bit.ly/Consent_Minors Those over the age of 18 - http://bit.ly/Consent_Over18 All participants should complete the Medical Emergency Sheet and the (Parental) Consent Form, sign it (if over 18) or have it signed by their parent or guardian (if under 18) and bring the original signed versions to the session. Additionally, upon registration at the EYP Alumni Platform, all delegates are required to agree with the Code of Conduct.
legal
notes
ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY In order to maintain order and make sure the session will run smoothly, during the ten days in Riga all delegates as representatives of the European Youth Parliament are expected to respect a number of rules. You should keep in mind that everyone should perform their best during the session activities, especially the key elements of the session, therefore enjoying evening programmes should not come as a reason for incapability to fully engage in activities the next day. Alcohol policy Participants of the session are allowed to bring alcoholic drinks with lower than 15% alcoholic content (such as beer or wine) to serve at their Eurovillage table. Lower alcohol content drinks will also be served at some of the session events. The EYP frowns upon overindulgence; any overindulgence in alcohol will result in session participants being sent home at their own expense. Zero Tolerance Policy on Drugs The EYP operates a zero tolerance policy on drugs. The European Youth Parliament will not tolerate any drug usage or carrying. Anyone using drugs or holding possession of them will be removed from the session and sent home at their own expense. The organisers will also inform the teacher immediately. Any possession of drugs will be reported to the police.
LEAVING THE OFFICIAL PROGRAMME Managing a conference with over 300 participants requires the organisers to know where you are at all times. This means that you cannot leave without the permission of an organiser. Even when permission has been given, you must take care to stay with an organiser and/or your teacher at all times. Under no circumstances can you leave by yourself.
contacts
ORGANISERS The head organisers of the International Session in Riga are Karlis Caune and Indra Mangule and can be reached at is75@tellus.lv Delegate Support – Gundega Ēlerte delegates@tellus.lv Teachers and Chaperones Support – Katrīna Šuvajeva katrina@tellus.lv is75.eu twitter.com/IsRiga2014 facebook.com/RigaIS
INTERNATIONAL OFFICE OF EYP info@eyp.org +49 (0)30 97 00 50 95 Stefan Vandenhende (Project Manager) s.vandenhende@eyp.org eyp.org
CHECK-LIST What to do before the session? ☐ Book tickets for travelling to and from Riga ☐ Apply for a visa, if necessary ☐ Check the expiration dates for your travel documents ☐ Get a travel and health insurance ☐ Create a profile on EYP Alumni Portal ☐ Register as a participant of the 75th IS in Riga ☐ Complete and submit the Travel form ☐ Transfer the participation fee ☐ Complete the medical emergency sheet and consent forms ☐ Complete, print and sign (or have it signed by your guardian) your medical emergency sheet and consent form. ☐ Do at least 15 hours of academic preparation for your topic ☐ Bring all of your material for academic preparation (note that printers will not be available during the session) ☐ Prepare your national food, drinks, costumes and other representative items for the Eurovillage ☐ Consider applying for the Euroconcert. For those applying – bring your instrument, music in an USB stick or a CD, or any other equipment your performance requires. (A piano will be available in the venue.) ☐ Pack warm and comfortable clothes, appropriate for rainy and cold weather, smart and formal clothes, outfits for the theme parties .
WELCOME!