The European Issue MAASTRICHT 2017 17th National Selection Conference of EYP the Netherlands
Great journeys lead to greater stories. Our journey of friendship started at the end of July, 2016, where we got to know each other and started writing our stories. Still, we are only at the beginning of our journey - and so are you. We are certain that Maastricht 2017 will be the ideal place to take off into the far unknown. And that is why we and our team are here: to make this event as special and memorable as possible. Are you ready? We are. With passion and love, Jasmin & Marsel
Editorial
Contents
06 // The U in Europe 12 // Great British Carnival 14 // The Secret Agent 16 // The Maastricht Survival Guide 18 // Densification + Greenification 20 // The European Idea 22 // Crossword 23 // Maastricht Cheatsheet
The U in Europe BY ROSE CANTILLON (IE) & FRANCISCA SOMANN (NL)
Over the years, we observed how the European Youth Parliament played a role in what being European means to us. EYP connects young Europeans with their European identity. In EYP, you build up a network of friends across the continent, which brings other European countries that might be far away geographically, closer by association and identifies a common European culture. Furthermore, it simply increases knowledge about the EU, about institutions and current issues. Even though it sounds straightforward, having more knowledge about something makes it easier to understand topics related to it, and makes it into less strange and abstract concept. Summing this up in a simplistic manner: in a way, EYP changed our identity. Identity is a concept hard to define: unique to every individual. It is a mixture of a person’s roots, culture, subcultures and environment. It shows who you are and sometimes more importantly, who you are not. As this is very personal and close to people, they tend to oppose anything that might threaten their identity. This is a part of the explanation of the recent Eurosceptic and monocultural movements in Europe and the EU. The results of the Brexit referendum in June, had over-reaching political consequences. More and more countries across the continent are bubbling with support to follow the lead of the UK and to leave the Union. Euroscepticism is now thousands if not millions of European peoples’ identities. Therefore, we decided to take a look at public opinions: what people, both in the Netherlands, and across the continent, think of their European Identity. What role this identity has in their life, how they view this identity both now and in the future and when this identity has impacted their life the most.
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The Dutch Perspective ‘Being Dutch’ is something most people from The Netherlands take great pride in. For a long period of time, the sense of “being European” arose the same acknowledgement in people and The Netherlands was one of the big players in European politics. This, however, changed when Euroscepticism grew within the EU and now it is unclear what being European means to people. For some it is just a passport, for others their identity. Driven by curiosity and the belief that being critical is essential in order to move forward, we asked Dutch people what the dynamics between their national and European identity are. Even though the people we asked are hardly an accurate representation of the Dutch population, we still managed to get widely varying answers. Only few acknowledge both identities to be equally significant. Some people do not feel connected with Europe to a substantial extent. They feel distant from it, as they believe we lack a united European culture. Others, however, consider being European the greatest privilege there is. What we found when asking this question is that the geographical location of people matters for which identity is dominant. When people are in another country and especially in another continent, they identify as European more easily and see Europe as a safe place. Identity essentially is an original structure of an individual’s different life components. Even if one identity is more dominant that does not necessarily mean that the other is threatened. National and European identity can for example be about being recognised and represented on different levels. Europeans of today seem to be stuck in an identity crisis where they feel as though they have to choose between their national and European identity, whereas some believe that they can perfectly co-exist and complement each other.
“I lived in Suriname for a year and became homesick, not to Amsterdam but to Europe. I missed, and forgive me if this sounds elitist, the luxuries of European society, ranging from comfort and possibilities to the climate and safety. This made me feel really European for the first time in my life.” -Fabian Wijdeveld (33)
“When Europe’s influence was growing and our currency became the euro, a European identity was an exciting prospect. Unfortunately, it seems as though from that point onwards, Europeans started to value their national identity a lot more. “The European feeling” is not a thing.” -Willemijn Brouwer (52)
“I actually never really feel aware of my European identity. When I think about it, I am certainly happy to be European, but I feel a lot more Dutch than European. This is because I do not consider ‘European culture’ as something that is united.” -Lena Drukker (18)
“Being born in Europe is like winning the golden ticket - the great privilege to be given a lifetime of freedom, peace and wealth.” -Marc Josten (55)
“My national identity is a lot stronger than my European identity. This is because “Europe” is very distant for me. I do not have a voice in it.” -Justus van Nispen (20)
“I perceive my national identity as more important right now, because I feel somewhat connected to the Middle-East. However, I believe that social media makes identity less separated nowadays, people recognise more and more in one another.” -Esraa Khodair (18)
The D
utch
“For me, being European means freedom: having the option to design my own future, to explore, travel and make mistakes. This is all due to the open attitude, curiosity and wealth present here.” -Mette Palm (18)
“For me, my Dutch and my European identity are more or less equal, but that depends on the situation. In Europe, I feel Dutch, as I am reminded of the cultural differences, but when outside of Europe, I feel my European identity more.” -Caroline Strumphler (55)
Persp e
ctive
“My European identity is more dominant than my Dutch one, because European art and culture, whether it is food, music, nature or literature, determine my general well-being.” -Els van de Oever (73)
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“Coming from Northern Ireland, I feel a mixture of Irish, Northern Irish, and a bit of UK. European is the one I’ve always felt most confident with, it’s the easiest to understand and I’ve felt safe expressing it.” -Peter McManus, Chairperson
“I felt most European when I was sitting in a cab in Poland with a Romanian, Lithuanian, Spaniard and the driver couldn’t speak English, but perfect spanish.” -Hidde Fokkema, HO
“I think that your identity is tested and strengthened most when it’s out of the ordinary. As such, as a Swedish immigrant to Canada my Swedish identity was ever more apparent because of the cultural differences between my upbringing and those of my peers. At some point I even had a group of friends we nicknamed Eurocrew since we all had a European background.” -Jesper Thunström
“The first time I truly felt I belonged somewhere was when I discovered the idea of being European - of looking at people broadly enough that you focus on the incredible amount we have in common, not the small cracks separating people that you see when you look too close. The European flag is the only one I’m proud to stand in front of, because it’s the only flag I have that stands for values, not geography.” -Alastair Payne
“Brexit felt like an attack on my identity. My identity as a European citizen and the identity of my friends and family still living in Britain who regard themselves as European. It felt so personal, because it was. Yet, despite the upset and hurt, I took something away from that day. It had strengthened my European identity, confirming and deepening the knowledge that I already had I am a proud European.” -Ciara McConnell, Head of Jury
The International
“Living in a midst of constant confusion over Brexit and what this will mean to Europe as well as the UK, I feel like I have developed a better understanding of how valuing liberty, social responsibility, diversity and tolerance truly are values that surpass nationalities and are qualities everyone can strive for.” -Jasmin Mylläri, Editor
“Being a European means fully enjoying all the benefits the EU has to offer, the most important ones are having the ability to freely work, study and travel abroad. By us, young Europeans, these are often taken for granted, but we should consider ourselves very privileged to such wonderful possibilities and make full use of them.” -Kati Pärn, President
In order to see how the European identity is viewed and valued across the continent, we asked a sample of young people both inside and outside of EYP how they felt about their European Identity.
11 “Being European for me is the feeling of being one big family among all the other Europeans, no matter of nationality, race, color and religion beliefs.” -Haris Hibic, Journalist
“To me, European means to be free to move and live freely all around Europe, and also having the feeling of belonging to something bigger, like a united nationality.” -Elio Tusha
“Coming from a country deliberately excluded from EU, which functions as a buffer zone between Syria and the EU, I am expected to say my Turkish patriotism defines my international identity. However, I see myself as being a World citizen more than a European, but my roots always have been tied to Europe and its cosmopolitan culture.” -Utkan Dora, Video Editor
Perspective
Great British Carnival BY JAGO LYNCH (UK)
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There’s a parade today: Up the main street where cardboard Curtains and corrugation poison the windows. Drowned men celebrate their defects, Their raspberry bulldog noses ensure The white balance. Children ramrod the current, bouncing Between their mothers like grenades. Sons hammerhead their cocoons. Betting shops line a side of the street, Loan agents line the other, and They constrict in collusion. Boots like brutish hooves in dozens Drumroll up the pavement. Iron horses bear black maws. Bullwhipped they thrash into the Pub on the square; The television’s on And the government are back. Funereally, they sliver their faces.
The Secret Agent:
Since the British vote to leave the European Union I have begun a gap year, travelling Europe and volunteering for European Youth Parliament. I find a certain comfort in this ability to move freely between countries, and yet I feel a slight unease doing it, knowing that I may not be able to for a great deal longer.
Yet while I’m solemn my mainland-European friends seem to only be able to muster utter disbelief at the decision. Regardless of any of the arguments made for and against the EU as a political body, the mere ability to cross borders as an EU citizen is often enough, for them, to remain in the union.
When I visit European Union countries I feel almost like a secret agent masquerading as a European, and having already been left behind by my country, I hope that the European Union will not, in turn, leave my country behind. Admittedly there has already been talk of extending EU citizenship to British Nationals, but having already been let down by expectations of legislation I am unwilling to rely on any of these promises.
The main problem with this is that I, too, am unable to justify the decision, and when trying to my only explanation is that it was our own fault. This, however, is not merely the fault of the 52% of my population who voted to leave, but also the result of a compendium of mistakes made by our government and past governments. One can even trace this issue back to the 1970s and 80s where it was the policies of Margaret Thatcher that alienated the very same working classes that voted overwhelmingly to leave. The faceless EU has become a substitute for our government as a way to vent hatred and dissatisfaction and this has been the result.
Instead – in lieu of any genuine hope that the UK will be given anything more than a poor deal – I must solemnly accept that my country has consciously parted ways with the European project and, by extension, I must accept the loss of certain European rights I currently hold.
As a Brit that considers themselves first and foremost a European this is the aspect of our
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A Brit in post-Brexit Europe ‘I join the ‘EU Citizens’ queue and sheepishly display my burgundy passport, a faint sense of guilt pervading the arrivals bay’.
political climate that I find it hardest to come to terms with; the fact that it is the fault of the government we supposedly elected sums up the mess that is the British political landscape. When trying to explain this climate to my mainland-European friends I often get halfway through saying that ‘the government has left the people behind’ before they stop me and compare it to their own country. Across Europe now the political common denominator seems to be a dissatisfaction with a system that was built to represent the people. This has manifested itself in many different ways across and beyond the union, and is arguably the biggest factor in the anti-multilateral sentiment that we are left with today. This is not to excuse some of the behaviour of our politicians and people – racism and xenophobia clearly played a major role in the vote to leave – yet while some of this was a caused by ignorance and inherent suspicion of outsiders, one cannot help but think the actions of our government fed into it.
For example, the idea that an immigrant ‘might steal your job’ (something that was played upon by left and right-wing campaigners during the vote) could be argued to be a desperate response to the lack of a guarantee by our economy or government that one might be able to work. The mistrust that was displayed during the Brexit campaigning period was textbook scapegoating, and while inexcusable, wrong, and offensive, one must also consider its impetus. There has perhaps been too much brushing-off of those who hold these views as ignorant or intolerant, and while both may be true one must also equally consider the fact that they have been pushed to it by a continual lack of attention by the governance of the country. I would thus say to my European friends not to pass us off as the anti-international ‘old man of Europe’, but as a nation made up of subsets of people that are being perpetually ignored or let down. Our government built our coffin, regardless of whether we nailed it shut.
BY RENS JANSEN (NL)
The Maastricht Survival Guide for the Underprepared
17 “You must truly be desperate, to come to me for help.” -Loki I know what it’s like to stand here, amidst all the hyper-intelligent, suit-wearing teens not knowing what right and left is. It can be intimidating, and it can make you feel that maybe, if you just don’t say anything, they won’t notice how horribly underprepared you are! Well my dear deadline-disregarding dubious derelict, allow me to fill you in. With this little guide (and a cheat sheet on page 23) you can too prepare yourself for the road ahead, and exchange your feelings of fear and stress for, well, those same feelings, but, like, not as much. Hopefully this guide will aid you in your participation, because not fully participating with a project as amazing as the European Youth Parliament is truly a missed opportunity. So read the guide, keep the cheat sheet and enjoy the ride that is the EYP National Selection Conference! What is the Treaty of Maastricht? Seriously brah? Nah I’m just messing with you. I didn’t know either, for way too long. In short, the Treaty of Maastricht is the birth certificate of the European Union. It was created by the European Council in 1991, signed by the European Community in 1992 and brought into force in 1993, when the European Council was under the Delors Commission. The Treaty created the European Union, and lead to the creation of a uniform currency, known as the Euro, as well as a central banking system. As a product of unification it called for common foreign and defense policies, as well as common rulings on environmental, social and policing issues. The Treaty also implemented the three pillars of the European Union, a system of governance for the Union, however, this has since been abolished. Amendments: In the past few decades there have been three key treaties which have amended the Treaty of Maastricht. The Treaty of Amsterdam, Nice and Lisbon. (those are three separate treaties, I just didn’t feel like fully writing them all down.) The first one, the Treaty of Amsterdam, made substantial amendments to the Treaty of Maastricht. Most notably it dictated that states dissolve certain governmental powers in the sectors of criminal and civil law, legislation on immigration and common foreign and security policies. The second amendment, the Treaty of Nice, reformed the institutional system of the Union so that any legislation to be passed requires both a majority in countries and total votes casted to be in favour, this is known as a double majority. This was in order to prevent larger countries from taking control, as well as major eastward expansion of the Union. The last amendment, the Treaty of Lisbon, is regarded as the final chapter of the three amending treaties, all of which were geared towards furthering the efficiency and democratic legitimacy of the Union. Key to the treaty was the removal of unanimity in the voting progress of several policies in the chamber of ministers, making it so that it requires the same double majority. Next to this it also created a bicameral legislative system for the Union, in which legislation is drawn by two separate institutions, (like the first and second chamber in the Netherlands), consisting of the chamber of ministers, and the European Parliament.
Densification + Greenification =
Sustainable City
How Rotterdam deals with densification while improving the living conditions of its citizens, highlighting plans made in Binnenstadsplan 2008. Rotterdam is the only city in the Netherlands whose citizens are truly excited about development and change. As this influential port has undergone many metamorphoses in its past, it is no surprise that urban regeneration has recently turned into a priority for Rotterdam. Many wonder why urban regeneration has only now began to gain so much attention as there is no visible motivation within recent events that would call for such a change. However, it is not an event that has triggered the need for change in Rotterdam, but the continuous development of the world around it. To stay in the race as a metropolis is this innovative world, Rotterdam has to become more sustainable. In addition to that, as globalisation shows us that urban areas are the birthplace of innovation and thus the driving force behind economical growth, it is important to invest in densification as well. Lively and attractive are keywords when talking about creating a pleasant atmosphere for living, working and recreation within the city centre. Rotterdam would like to attract more inhabitants to the city centre. This can only work if the city offers an enjoyable atmosphere which develops together with the city itself. Research (Groenonderzoek 2008) has shown that an attractive public space where green areas are key is an important condition for functioning in a city, both in one’s everyday life and one’s work life. The more attractive a public space, the more people will like to spend time there. Rotterdam is ready for the challenge.
On the basis of these theories, while reflecting critically on changes made in the past, the city of rotterdam has put down a plan for future developments, called ‘Binnnstadsplan 2008’. This plan elaborates on methods to create a sustainable city with the use of densification and greenification. It states Rotterdam would like to add 20,000 extra living spaces to the centre of the city before 2040. Hereby the number of inhabitants in Rotterdam would double, from 30,000 to a total of 60.000. To maintain the same amount of greenery per person, expanding the public green is a must. However, it’s not only about the number of square meters of greenery per person, but more importantly about the enjoyable experience of the public greenery, for which smart distribution of the greenery with more differentiation in use and a better design are very necessary. In the coming years, 5,000 new trees will be planted in the city centre of
19 Rotterdam, next to the additional greenery with a total surface of 150 football fields. All the sort of greenery that will be added in the city of Rotterdam in the coming years fall under one of the following 7 strategies: quays, playgrounds, parks, green roofs and facades, glamorous green, boulevards and squares. Most of these are quite straight forward, but some like green roofs and facades and glamorous green present a new way of thinking about green urban space that leaves a lot of room for creativeness. This creativeness in term, opens the door to innovation and economic growth. An example is the ‘Floating Forest’ in Rijnhaven, that shows a creative way to make use of the water Rotterdam has so much of and turn one of the oldest harbours of Rotterdam into a green urban area. The nationals research institute TNO has concluded a full review of the plan and its durability and has come up with a few conclusions and expectations (A framework for sustainable urbanisation. Delft, TNO, 2012).
The amount of green will with no doubt increase, however it’s expected that the amount of greenery per inhabitant will decrease from 37 square meters to 34.9 spare meters. On the other hand, the distance for many to green areas will decrease immensely, especially for buildings already in use. Less greenery per person will lead to a more intensive use of it, which can result in ‘cosy crowdness’ and ‘more eyes on the street’. Two things highlighted by Jane Jacobs in ‘the Death and Life of Great American Cities’. The presence of people can attract others and thereby the quality of green can compensate for the lack of desired quantity. The institute has highlighted that the diversity within green
areas is definitely something that is a recurring positive aspect of every urban area that cares about the well-being and health of citizens. Moreover, problems with health, air pollution and noise will not disappear into thin air, but it is expected that the air quality will improve due to more greenery, while noise pollution will increase due to more traffic. Simultaneously, there will be more space and opportunity for physical activity, which, combined with less car use per inhabitant will result in a one year higher life expectancy, despite the increased air pollution and noise disturbance. Moreover, heat stress created by adding new building volumes, seems to be compensated by the shade that is created by these new building volumes together with urban greenery. An overall conclusion that can be drawn from this sustainability profile, is that densification can contribute to a higher level of sustainability. But ‘without greenification strategies, this outcome would not have been positive at all’ Judith Borsboom, senior scientist at TNO in charge of the analysis. Rotterdam has dealt with change for quite some time, whether induced by circumstances such as war, natural disasters, or economical growth. The Netherlands are proud to have a city that has such a positive view on change and innovation, and that sets an example for all other cities within the European Union when talking about urban development.
BY BASIA VAN VLIET (NL)
The European Idea: An Outsider’s View The year is 2017 AC. Europe is entirely part of the European Union. Well, not entirely... One small country of indomitable Europeans still holds out against the bureaucrats. BY LUCIUS MILLER (CH) This modified passage from Astérix represents the view that pervades most Swiss people’s approach to Europe and the EU. Although this doesn’t mean that every Swiss person is eurosceptic, a certain distance or even indifference to the occurrences on the rest of the continent is common. With the rise of eurosceptic parties in many Member States of the EU, one Member State on the leave and similar movements cropping up in many others, a look at the state of the European idea is appropriate. Why not look at it then from this weird perspective, half inside, half outside of Europe, that being Swiss lends to me? 24 years have passed since the adoption of the Treaty of Maastricht. One of the main changes of the Treaty: the concept of a European Citizenship. It postulates that being a citizen of a Member State automatically also makes you a citizen of Europe, bringing a host of rights and benefits with it, which many others do not have. The Four Freedoms, supranational entities with actual powers to keep governments in check and massive advances in consumer protection; there has never been a better time to be living in the EU. Certainly, progress on the unification of Europe has slowed and Member States are less and less willing to hand over responsibility to the Union. But what is the European Union doing wrong for there to be so many clamouring to get out of it? Where has the enthusiasm for the unification of the continent gone? According to the latest Flash Eurobarometer, a regularly conducted EU-wide survey into public opinion, only 42% of respondents answered that they ‘trust the EU’. ‘Brussels’ has become a convenient scapegoat for politicians to blame problems on, while claiming ‘victories’ against it in securing this or that concession, as if the institutions were a dragon that had to be fought in shiny armour and with a sword to claim a prize. Of course, not everything has gone right in Europe. Yes, the economic crisis was not handled as well as it could have been. Yes, the response to the migrant crisis is still not on a level that can be called meaningful and thousands are still suffering. Yes, participation in the European elections is extremely low.
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However, the EU has been seen as a handy provider of money and a political curiosity for too long. It also provides you with tangible benefits and quality of life improvements. Free roaming while abroad in Europe, large-scale investments into SMEs (small- & medium-sized enterprises) and continent-wide university exchanges (random examples) are not necessarily something Swiss people get to enjoy. Switzerland was thrown out of the EU’s Horizon 2020 research programme, any Swiss groups lost the ability to apply for Erasmus+ funding and Swiss students were excluded from Erasmus+ university exchanges due to political tensions. The ease with which we lost these benefits showed us what a privilege they were. Europe is not an abstract construct that has no real implications for you, it has the potential to change your life radically. Maybe you will start travelling around Europe as part of the European Youth Parliament, making use of your freedom of movement to visit sessions in other countries. Later, after you have started your studies, an Erasmus+ exchange to another country, enabled by the EU, could boost your resumée by studying abroad. After university, you will start working. Maybe you will become a researcher at a research institution, which will likely be receiving grants by the EU to be able to conduct its research. If that is not your thing, maybe you will launch a start-up with your own business idea. Again, the EU is there to invest into your enterprise and help it get established. Going back to the beginning, does the view of a Europe oppressed by bureaucrats really ring true? The EU may have its reputation as slow and democratically doubtful, but a radical change of system is not the way to go. As a Swiss citizen, I live in what is considered a direct democracy. Does that mean we are faster at deciding about things? Absolutely not! Our relationship with the EU has been in public discussion for years and years and might take another five until a workable solution is enacted. Talking about bureaucracy... Let’s face it, for all our differences and the shortcomings the current system has, it isn’t all bad. Throwing one’s hands up and declaring everything a failure without having tried to improve it, is just avoiding responsibility. Instead of pointing fingers at scapegoats, we need to work together for change. Only if citizens realise that they need to get active and voice what they want by participating in elections, can Europe truly change for the better. Because in all seriousness, the problems facing Europe are far larger than what a single state can solve on its own.
Crossword: Maastricht Edition
Do you have a spare moment? Then test your knowledge and see if you have read the issue carefully! BY HARIS HIBIC (BA)
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Which amendment reformed the institutional system of the European Union? Which is the longest running administration of the European Commission? What created the Maastricht treaty? When was the Maastricht treaty created? What year is Maastricht treaty celebrating its 25th anniversary?
23 Maastricht Treaty: The key terminology European Council: Sets the political agenda of the EU, does not draw or adapt legislation. European Community: Former association focussed on integrating European economies. Delors Commission: Longest running administration of the European Commission, under Jacques Delors. His commision was in its third term when the EU was established. Treaty of Amsterdam: 1st treaty which amended the Maastricht Treaty by dissolving various national political powers, like immigration legislation and civil and criminal laws. Treaty of Nice: 2nd treaty which amended the Maastricht Treaty, by reforming the voting system by introducing a double majority. Treaty of Lisbon: Further implemented the double majority in other functions and created a bicameral legislative power, consisting of the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers. Double Majority: A voting system in which both a majority of countries in favour as well as total votes is presented. The Council of Ministers: Council which consists of all prime ministers of EU countries, who draw legislation in coÜperation with the European Parliament. European Parliament: Draws legislation in cooperation with the Council of Ministers. Common foreign and security policy (CFSP): Common rulings which dictate actions and diplomatic security and defense policy for the european union. Established at the creation of the EU. I hope that with this quick introduction of the Maastricht Treaty, as well as this handy little cheat sheet you are more prepared to actively participate in this year’s session, and more importantly, understand the gravity of this topic. This treaty lies at the very foundation of the European Union. Our world is ever changing, and it might seem that now, more than ever, the world is losing faith in the EU. In this sessions we go back to the roots of our union, so we can understand what is once was and what it is becoming.
BY RENS JANSEN (NL)
Maastricht Cheatsheet
Maastricht 2017 is made possible by: