TabLE of Contents The General Assembly procedure explained Committee on Climate Change (CLIM) Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) I Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) II Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) II Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) II Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) I Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) I
The General Assembly procedure Explained Silent reading of the Motion for a Resolution (2 mins) Contrary to other GA procedures there will not be a formal reading of the Operative Clauses from a Delegate from the proposing committee, we rather want to give some time for everyone to silently read through the resolution. Defence Speech (3 mins) - 1 Delegate from the podium Position Speeches (2 speeches x 2 mins each) - from the podium A Position Speech is different from an Attack Speech in the sense that the Delegate can take any stance on the resolution, it does not necessarily have to be an opposing one. Response to Position Speeches (2 mins) from the floor Open Debate (3-4 rounds) 2 Direct Responses per Debate All rounds (including the last one) are answered from the floor Summation Speech (2 mins) - 1 Delegate We want to encourage Delegates to be as creative as possible with their Summation Speech! Voting Procedure Announcement of the Voting Results We will be using GA statistics!
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE
CLIM With the US’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement as well as COP24’s unsatisfying outcome, the world lacks efficient global climate governance. How can the EU organise and enforce effective international climate policy amid the harrowing reality of climate change? Submitted by: Hanne Bendiksen (NO), Sofia Diethelm (NL), Youp Goos (NL), Teun Heijne (NL), Julia Llewellyn Hjalmarsson (NL), Sam van Leuven (NL), Thomas de Monchy (NL), David Roorda (NL), Bibi Wielinga (NL), Amanda Häkkinen (Chairperson, FI), Tim van Woezik (Chairperson, NL)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Alarmed by the findings of the 2018 report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), according to which the effects of climate change will be irreversible without drastic measures by 2030, B. Aware that the EU cannot lead global climate governance if it does not continue to innovate its climate change policies, C. Recognising the insufficiency of Europe-wide measures to combat climate change due to the EU’s smaller share in worldwide greenhouse gas emissions, D. Noting with regret the lack of a global leader in international climate governance following the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, E. Fully aware that as few as 100 companies are responsible for 71% of CO2 emissions in the world, F. Noting that all international environmental treaties have been legally non-binding, G. Realising that the current climate measures, tactics and objectives remain inadequate, H. Deeply conscious that the goals set in the Paris Agreement are not enough to limit the increase in global temperature to 2 degrees Celsius, I. Observing that about half of the G20 countries will fall short of their Paris Agreement pledges, J. Disturbed by the country leaders’ and corporations’ profit-driven mindset that prevents progression, K. Taking into account the negative impact of the high-adaptation costs of changing industries as well as of environmental limitations on national and international economy, L. Aware of the inadequate cooperation on climate issues between the United Nations (UN), national governments and civil society, M. Emphasising that developing countries need urgent support to adapt to climate change, N. Bearing in mind that Article 192 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU) requires unanimity in the Council of the European Union, making the adoption of environmental legislation difficult, O. Approving the efforts made by companies and organisations within and outside of the EU;
1. Appeals to the European Commission to expand and increase subsidies for NGOs focused on sustainable goals and projects; 2. Asks Member States to renounce the ‘naming and shaming’ tactic used within the Paris Agreement in favour of a. high benefits for meeting the commitments of the Agreement, b. an international and independent measurement, monitoring and verification mechanism; 3. Encourages the European Research Council to fund the development new methods of transitioning to renewable energies based on successful examples such as Norway; 4. Directs the Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO) to highlight the larger economic consequences of ignoring climate change compared to the cost of transitioning towards CO2 neutral alternatives; 5. Suggests that Members States implement tax cuts for companies that prove their investment into sustainable development; 6. Requests that Member States’ Ministers of Economic Affairs establish clearer communication between national governments and corporations regarding environmental policy; 7. Further requests that the European Commission further funds the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) within the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to help developing countries meet the objectives of international environmental conventions and agreements; 8. Urges the European Commission to initiate the amendment of Article 192 of the TFEU to adopt qualified majority voting instead of unanimity in climate-related topics; 9. Strongly suggests that the European Commission decrease the cap on the EU Emissions Trading System by 2,5% yearly from 2020 onward until 2025, and by 4% annually later on until a net zero emission is reached; 10. Suggests that the European Commission create a database for local, regional and national environmental agencies in order to share knowledge and expertise about practices on tackling climate change with the United States Climate Alliance.
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS
AFET I With Russia’s annexation of the Crimean Peninsula and the recent conflict in the Sea of Azov, how should the EU cooperate with its NATO allies to diffuse and normalise NATO-Russia relations? Submitted by: Merel Dubois (NL), Bastiaen Huijnen (NL), Wiley Joy (NL), Yaïr Karman (NL), Philip Stoot (NL), Ot van de Rijzen (NL), Bram Swaanen (NL), Samuel van der Torre (NL), Dante Verhoef (NL), Don Wagemans (NL), Vilde Westby (NO), Arnoud Wijdeveld (NL), Andrea Pozderac (Chairperson, BA), Suzanne van Spijker (Chairperson, NL)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Noting with regret the ongoing military conflict in Eastern Ukraine between pro-Russian separatists and the Ukrainian military resulting in over 10.000 deaths since 2014, B. Deeply concerned by the dissolvement of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF)1 treaty, leading to: i. Ukraine’s and NATO Member States’ vulnerability to Russian military action, ii. military tensions between the United States of America (USA) and Russia, C. Deploring the violation of international law by Russia and pro-Russian separatists, including: i. the seizing of Ukrainian state vessels undertaking innocent passage in the Kerch strait, ii. the attack on the civilian airplane MH17, resulting in almost 300 deaths, D. Observing Russia’s continual denial of military involvement or support with pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine, E. Alarmed by Russia’s rising interest in political influence in neighbouring countries, F. Noting with deep regret the ineffectiveness of NATO’s sanctions on Russia, G. Noting with regret the ambiguous language and intangible objectives of the Minsk II agreement2 contains, which make its full implementation difficult, H. Concerned by the effect of the Eastern Ukraine conflict on the strong economic and political relationship between the EU and Ukraine, most notably with the Deep Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA)3, I. Acknowledging the Ukrainian dependence on financial support from the EU, J. Recognising the European dependence on Russian fossil fuels, with 35% of the EU’s fossil fuel import coming from the Russian Federation, K. Concerned that Ukrainian land-based trade infrastructure will be insufficient to replace the sea routes from Mariupol and Berdyansk through the Sea of Azov4, L. Noting with regret the Ukrainian ban on male Russian citizens entering the country due to fears of them joining the pro-Russian separatist movement, M. Aware that the Ukrainian government holds ownership of over 80% of the water and electricity systems in the Crimea peninsula, N. Taking into consideration the 78% approval rate of Russian Federation’s annexation of Crimea within the peninsula, O. Bearing in mind the US reluctance to support the Ukrainian armed forces through NATO; 1. Reminds the USA and Russia of the stability and collective security that nuclear missile treaties such as the INF bring to the international community; 2. Requests that Russia and Ukraine engage in ceasefire negotiations regarding the East-Ukrainian conflict; 3. Calls upon the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)5 to act as a mediator for a treaty between Ukraine and Russia guaranteeing free travel of Russian and Ukrainian vessels through the Kerch Strait; 4. Asks NATO and the European Commission to: a. lessen the sanctions against the Russian Federation, b. initiate easing of diplomatic tensions; 1 The Treaty was signed by the United States of America and USSR, requiring both parties to destroy ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles which ranged between 500 and 5.500 kilometers. 2 Minsk II Agreement intended to revive the failed agreement on halting the war in the Donbas region and offering a guide to conflict resolvement. 3 The Deep Comprehensive Free Trade Area are three free trade areas established between the EU and Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine respectively, allowing these countries access to the European Single Market in selected sectors. 4 The sea route from Mariupol to Berdyansk through the Sea of Azov is the main sea route used for trade. 5 The United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, charged with the maintenance of international peace and security.
5. Further asks NATO and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to: a. facilitate quarterly diplomatic talks between NATO and the Russian Federation, b. facilitate negotiations between the European Commission and Russia regarding the continuation of import of fossil fuels by the EU; 6. Invites Russia and Ukraine to initiate the demilitarization of Crimea by holding a fair referendum under the auspices of international observers concerning Crimea’s territorial disputes, with the options of full independence, reunification with Ukraine or annexation to Russia; 7. Requests the UN’s Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)1 to provide Eastern Ukraine with the necessary humanitarian aid; 8. Reminds NATO to offer military support for the territorial integrity of countries neighbouring Russia in the event of a dispute; 9. Urges Member States to lobby for a consensus within the North Atlantic Council (NAC) on an increase in diplomatic involvement and a decrease in military action; 10. Encourages the EEAS to ensure economic stability in Ukraine by: a. preserving the DCFTA, b. allocating loans to Ukraine on land-based infrastructure projects; 11. Seeks that Ukraine reduce its travel restrictions on male Russian citizens via a visa system; 12. Further invites the Russian Federation and Ukraine, in the event of Crimea’s legal incorporation into Russia, to reach a bilateral deal that ensures Crimean access to water and electricity infrastructures while still taking into account the Ukrainian ownership of said infrastructures.
1 The UN’s Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is a UN body responsible for coordinating responses to humanitarian emergencies.
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS
AFCO II The European Parliament and the Council recently agreed to revise the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI), introduced in the Treaty of Lisbon in 2007, in order to make it more accessible as a tool for democratic governance. With decreasing citizen engagement in the decision-making processes, causing alienation and a shrinking trust in the political institutions, what future role should elements of direct democracy play in decision-making at the national and EU level? Yassira Ben Kadour (NL), Ruben Breslau (NL), Bent Eelman (NL), Machteld Hammink (NL), Anna Hoogeveen (NL), Tristan ter Huurne (NL), Dagmar Mackenbach (NL), Cedric Pots (NL), Caroline Ranum Skaar (NO), Floor Soons (NL), Jakob Planinšek (Chairperson, SI), Christina Hönings (Chairperson, AT)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Observing the great differences in constitutional structure and national laws on direct democracy between EU Member States, causing different levels of citizens’ involvement in the legislative process, B. Alarmed by the democratic deficit in the institutional structure of the European Union, causing political alienation and citizens’ trust in their political representatives to shrink, C. Noting with concern the low level of awareness amongst European citizens concerning tools of direct democracy available on a national and European level, D. Disappointed by the lack of transparency caused by insufficient publication and complexity of EU documents, E. Concerned with the increasingly negative and eurosceptic attitude towards EU institutions and their decision-making procedure, F. Deeply concerned by the European Council’s lack of transparency in the decision-making process, G. Emphasising that the bureaucratic and financial burden of organising a European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) disincentives individuals from making use of the tool, H. Noting that existing tools of direct democracy have proven to be largely ineffective or inadequate in influencing the decisions made on EU level, I. Further noting that the complexity of topics discussed in national parliaments as well as in the European Parliament may require a certain level of expertise about the subject, J. Bearing in mind that the low levels of citizens’ trust in the European Parliament and Commission result in clashes between increasingly eurosceptic citizens and pro-EU governments, K. Stressing that various political parties use instruments of direct democracy to influence their populist agenda;
1. Recommends all Member States to implement referenda, petitions and citizens’ initiatives; 2. Urges the European Commission to lower the current minimum threshold of signatures needed to launch the ECI; 3. Calls upon the European Commission to allocate funds to ‘citizens’ committees’1 in order to support a more successful organisation of ECIs; 4. Encourages the Directorate-General for Communication to develop a mobile application, which includes explanatory reports and statements that address every direct democracy measure; 5. Endorses the European Commission to propose an amendment to the Transparency Regulation (EC) No 1049/20012 to also extend informal meetings and legislative deliberations of EU institutions; 6. Congratulates the European Commission on the successful establishment of the Future of Europe3 platform as well as its public consultation features; 7. Proposes the Venice Commission4 to issue a detailed summary of the referendum vote to provide an objective and unbiased platform for deliberation within civil society.
1 In order to launch a European Citizens’ Initiative, citizens must form a ‘citizens’ committee’ composed of at least 7 EU citizens being resident in at least 7 different Member States. 2 Council Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents. 3 Future of Europe is an online platform engaging citizens in an open dialogue and consultation about various EU topics. 4 The Venice Commission is an advisory body of the Council of Europe, consisting of experts on constitutional law.
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY
ENVI II Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat that could potentially make current medical practices impossible. How can the EU form a collective strategy to tackle this problem across the EU and protect public health? Submitted by: Hala Albayati (NL), Thiska Blijker (NL), Marijn Boomars (NL) Tinka Bruneau (NL), Gabriel Bruun (NO), Gijs van den Heerik (NL), Fleur Kiliaan (NL), Micheline Leufkens (NL), Ruben Mooij (NL), Hannah Rakers (NL), Anne Swaanen, Tjalling Fokkema (Chairperson, NL), Margit Kienzl (Chairperson, AT)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Alarmed by the fact that antimicrobial resistance (AMR), caused by over prescription and misuse of antibiotics is annually responsible for 33.000 deaths in Europe, B. Fully alarmed that AMR will lead to the inability to perform certain current medical procedures due to a greater risk of lethal infection, C. Concerned by the faulty prescriptions of antibiotics given by healthcare professionals due to misdiagnosis, such as prescribing antibiotics to an infection caused by a virus, and prescribing broad spectrum antibiotics1 when narrow-spectrum antibiotics would have been preferred, D. Disturbed by the easy accessibility of antibiotics without doctors’ prescription E. Applauding the establishment of the One Health Action Plan2, F. Deeply disturbed by the lack of an action plan in the possible event of an AMR bacteria outbreak in the future, G. Observing the difference in the use of antibiotics in the Member States due to the lack of cooperation and sharing of AMR related information, and attitude towards prescribing antibiotics which varies nationally, H. Acknowledging that the AMR process is also accelerated by the current sewage filter systems in Member States, which are not built to filter antibiotics, leading to antibiotics mixing into the drinking water, I. Noting with concern the existence of an absence limit in some Member States’ schools, increasing the use of antibiotics among students, J. Recognising the contribution to the increase of AMR by the agricultural sector, as the use of pesticides decreases the effectiveness of antibiotics by interfering with the working mechanism of the antibiotics in the body, K. Further recognising the increasing amount of antibiotics that are used as a prophylaxis in livestock, resulting in citizens having a higher risk of coming in contact with AMR bacteria, L. Deeply regretting that decreased use of antibiotics would result in less profit, which has caused a conflict of interest between the pharmaceutical industry and medical professionals, resulting in a lack of research being done on antibiotics, their alternatives and AMR, M. Noting that alternatives to antibiotics have a narrow spectrum working mechanism3, meaning that they require a more specific diagnosis to have a significant effect, N. Alarmed by the lack of knowledge regarding the misuse of antibiotics, leading to individuals not finishing their antibiotic prescriptions, as well as citizens using antibiotics in an attempt to cure viral diseases; 1. Calls upon the European Union Joint Antimicrobial Resistance Institution Mission (EUJAMRAI) to fund more technical advances within the medicinal world to keep patients from getting bacterial infections; 2. Urges the European Commission to implement stricter regulations regarding the use of antibiotics on both animals and humans; 3. Requests Member States’ health ministries to restrict access to certain wide-spectrum antibiotics; 4. Requests that Member States keep their healthcare professionals aware of all recent developments regarding AMR; 5. Directs the European Commission to add improvements to the One Health Action Plan by: a) setting a clear time frame for its implementation, b) adding an action plan in case of an AMR bacteria outbreak; 6. Appeals to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to create a publicly available database on AMR;
1 2 3
Broad spectrum antibiotics are antibiotics that act against a wide-range of disease-causing bacteria. One Health Action Plan is the current EU plan to tackle the acceleration of AMR. Narrow spectrum working mechanism is a mechanism that is only effective against a specific group of bacteria.
7. Appeals to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to create a publicly available database on AMR; 8. Encourages industry professionals to fund the development of a new type of water filter that prevents antibiotics from entering the water system; 9. Asks Member States that have implemented the absence limit in school systems to be more lenient in health-related absences; 10. Urges Member States to enforce harder sanctions on selling antibiotics without a prescription; 11. Instructs the Member States to ensure the stricter enforcement of penalties on the usage of antibiotics as prophylaxis in the agricultural sector; 12. Appeals to industry professionals to conduct research on chemicals within pesticides that decrease the effectiveness of antibiotics; 13. Authorises the European Commission to subsidise research on treatment alternatives for humans and animals, such as peptides and phage therapy4; 1 14. Calls upon the European Commission to create a packaging system that allows consumers to recognise whether a product has come into contact with antibiotics; 15. Further asks Member States to implement a course in school curricula informing about AMR, its dangers and its effects.
4
Phage therapy is the therapeutic use of bacteriophages to treat pathogenic bacterial infections as an alternative to antibiotics.
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS
AFET II The discussion about the ongoing refugee crisis often mixes the cases of regular immigrants and expatriates with that of asylum seekers. Can the EU develop bilateral deals with the countries of origin of so-called “economic migrants” in order to reduce the influx of non-asylum seeking immigration? Submitted by: Beverly Boahene (NL), Stefan de Boer (NL), Seraphine Borrie (NL), Annelies van Brakel (NL), Radoua Chaara (NL), Yasmina Derraze (NL), Yvonne Dijksterhuis (NL), Jasmine Khelil (NL), Emily Sandved (NL), Sanne Scheltinga (NL), Cariad Verrest (NL), Saviël ter Hart (Chairperson, NL), Sanja Pandža (Chairperson, BA)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Aware of the difficulties the EU has in establishing an effective migration policy due to disagreements among Member States, B. Deeply concerned about the difficulties distinguishing non-asylum seeking migrants from refugees, C. Noting with regret the stigma that surrounds ‘economic migrants’, D. Emphasising that the EU has failed to establish successful bilateral agreements with countries of origin due to the fear that their sovereignty will be infringed upon by the EU, corrupt or fragile leadership in the countries of origin, lack of financial resources, and social and cultural differences, E. Bearing in mind that by patrolling certain relatively safe migration routes the utilisation of more dangerous routes increases, F. Realising that governments lack resources to uncover human trafficking routes of irregular migrants travelling to Europe, G. Recognising that poor living conditions in countries of origin, low employment rates and low income causes the influx of migration, H. Acknowledging that certain Member States feel responsible for the migration crisis due to historical facts such as colonialism; 1. Urges the European Commission to initiate meetings with all Member States’ governments in order to create a unified migration policy; 2. Suggests the United Nations to update the definition of refugees and irregular migrants set by the 1951 Refugee Convention1; 3. Encourages Member States to create educational programmes concerning the concept of ‘economic migration’ by involving first-hand economic migrant testimonies; 4. Calls upon the European Commission to raise awareness among citizens about the concept of ‘economic migration’ by using explanatory videos; 5. Supports the European External Action Service (EEAS)2 in emphasising that the EU should not infringe on the sovereignty of third party countries; 6. Requests the EEAS to create bilateral deals with countries of origin to ensure the return of irregular migrants entering illegally into the EU; 7. Recommends the European Commission to work with trustworthy third parties to inspect if bilateral deals between the EU and countries of origin are honoured; 8. Trusts the European Commission to work with transcultural communication professionals3 during negotiations with countries of origin to support the creation of bilateral deals; 9. Appreciates Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) rescuing migrants on the Mediterranean Sea; 10. Encourages the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX4) to cooperate with NGOs and stable African governments to control the influx of migrants crossing the Mediterranean; 11. Urges the European Commission to encourage Interpol5 to further investigate human trafficking routes by communicating with local authorities; 12. Proposes corporations to base themselves in less developed countries of origin when those countries comply with the EU’s labour standards; 13. Invites existing NGOs in less developed countries of origin to create extended educational programmes for children, and a programme that teaches entrepreneurial skills to its citizens.
1 The Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, also known as the 1951 Refugee Convention, is a United Nations multilateral treaty that defines who is a refugee, and sets out the rights of individuals who are granted asylum and the responsibilities of nations that grant asylum. 2 The European External Action Service is the diplomatic service and foreign and defence ministry of the European Union. 3 Professionals that seek to identify, understand and adapt to communication disparities across different cultures. 4 FRONTEX is an agency of the European Union tasked with border control of the European Schengen Area, in coordination with the border and coast guards of Schengen Area member states. 5 Interpol is an international organization that facilitates international police cooperation.
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS
AFCO I In light of the ongoing Brexit negotiations and fears of citizens' disillusionment at the upcoming 2019 elections, what new roles can the EU take in facing the rising tide of populist and eurosceptic movements across Europe? Submitted by: Iris Boerma (NL), Ezra Cerpac (NL), Veronica Farshchian (NO), Mariska Frelier (NL), Zenzi Hogenboom (NL), Stella Naudts (NL), Twan van Neijenhof (NL), Louisa Theunissen (NL), Kim Veenbrink (NL), Steven van den Wildenberg (NL), Eva Wildรถer (NL), Lis Zandbergen (NL), Dorith Blijleven (Chairperson NL), Holly Lamb (Chairperson UK)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Noting with regret that the phenomenon of ‘echo chambers’1 has caused polarisation with regard to the diversity of political views amongst citizens, B. Acknowledging the existence of factually incorrect or misleading information on social media platforms regarding the European Parliament elections and the actions performed by EU institutions, C. Regretting that some Member States and their citizens feel that the EU’s political views are not compatible with their own, causing a rise in eurosceptic sentiment, D. Concerned by the rise of populism in Member States, partly caused by citizens feeling unheard because of the lack of transparency and action with regards to EU procedure, E. Anxious that eurosceptic reporting by the media deters voters from participating in the European Parliament elections as exemplified by the alarmingly low 42.6% turnout in the 2014 European Parliament elections, F. Aware that citizens involvement and participation has decreased due to a lack of information on the European Parliament elections, G. Understands that the complicated bureaucratic procedures of the EU can lead to the perception of a democratic deficit within the EU, H. Commends the European Parliament’s “This time I’m voting”2 campaign for encouraging citizens to make a commitment towards participating in the 2019 European Parliament elections, I. Congratulates the European Commision for adopting a grassroots approach3 through reflecting EU citizens’ ideas for innovative legislation;
1. Calls upon the Commission’s Directorate-General for Communication (DG COMM)4 to create a new webpage where citizens can explore the political position of different media outlets; 2. Suggests that the European Commission updates and modernises their website by implementing an accessible and rewatchable format; 3. Encourages the Media Pluralism Monitor (MPM) 5to introduce a transparency certification stamp, which verifies whether a source of media is factually accurate; 4. Requests that the Council of the European Union establishes a Working Party6 on anti-EU sentiment, welcoming dialogue in a more neutral political environment; 5. Proposes the expansion of initiatives such as EurVoice and Understanding Europe in high schools; 6. Strongly endorses the expansion of the European Parliament’s non-partisan “This time I’m voting” campaign; 7. Hopes that VoteWatch Europe can update their advisory political compatibility test for every future European Parliament election; 8. Advises that the European Commission expands efforts to implement citizens’ ideas in their legislative agenda by encouraging the use of opinion polls in Member States; 9. Directs DG COMM to introduce a concise and accessible subscription-based email update about the general progress the European Union has made each month. 1 An echo chamber is an environment in which people only hear opinions of one type, or opinions that are similar to their own. 2 This time I’m voting is The European Parliament’s non-partisan campaign to promote democratic engagement in the 2019 European elections, independent from any party or organisation. 3 A grassroots approach invites collective action from the people on a local level, meaning it is often associated with participatory democracy. 4 The Commission’s Directorate-General for Communication is a department within the European Commision, which is responsible for explaining EU policies to outside audiences, ensuring that it is aware of political developments and trends in public opinion. 5 Media Pluralism Monitor is designed to identify potential risks to media pluralism in EU Member States. 6 The Working Parties are highly specialised committees within the Council of the European Union, which act as expert preparatory bodies on specific issues.
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS
EMPL Migratory Pressures and Societal Integration Challenges: Despite the number of migrants and refugees arriving in the EU significantly being reduced since the EUTurkey Refugee Agreement, challenges concerning their integration into the labour market as well as the political stigma that revolves around them exemplify the continued economical and social disparities between natives and third country nationals. What measures should the EU take to further bridge discrepancies between these population groups concerning their socio-economic status? Submitted by: Junior Aderetti (NL), Amber Aerts (NL), Marieke Bron (NL), Dion Cobelens (NL), Lars van der Ent (NL), Abdel Mutraji (NL), Latifa Okoko (NO), Rijk Robijns (NL) Sahar Shaikh (NL), Mees van der Velden (NL), Roemer Valk (NL), Fadi Fahad (Chairperson, NL), Anna von GroĂ&#x; (Chairperson, SE)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Noting with regret that the unemployment rate for Third Country Nationals (TCN)1 is 6.4% points higher in comparison with the native population within the EU, B. Aware that across the EU over one-third of immigrants holding a tertiary degree are overqualified for their current job compared to one in four native-born citizens, C. Aware of the inadequacy of the “one size fits all” approach to educating immigrants used across Member States with regards to cultural diversity and diverging educational backgrounds amongst TCN, D. Regretting the uncertainty of asylum claim procedures due to frequent disapprovals, long wait times and high administrative costs, E. Taking into account the fact that one additional year of waiting for asylum claims reduces the chance of getting employed by 4.5% points for TCN, F. Aware that the majority of European citizens agree with the negative portrayal of refugees in the media being an existing phenomenon, G. Further aware of the fact that these negative portrayals lead to misconceptions about and misinformation on: i. the proportion of illegal immigrants in the EU, ii. refugees being vulnerable to radicalization and recruitment, iii. the refugee flow as a back door for terrorists, H. Alarmed by the fact that TCN speaking the host country’s language at beginner level are 40% less likely to be employed than native speakers, I. Heavily alarmed by psychiatric surveys concluding that asylum seekers are five times more likely to have mental health needs than the general population and that more than 61% will experience serious mental distress, J. Deeply regretting that psychological impairment in traumatised refugees is associated with poor integration, K. Aware that the popular opinion in Member States regarding migration might vary due to their labour market situation as well as other social and economic differences between countries, causing an unequal distribution of migrants between Member States, L. Aware of the need of EU funding agencies for more up-to-date statistics on the influx of TCN, M. Taking into consideration the fact that the majority of EU citizens feel uninformed about integration and migration, N. Deeply concerned by the lower probability of ethnic minorities being employed under equal conditions compared to locals; 1. Appeals the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL) to provide national curricula in the EU with teaching methods adjustable to the level and type of education immigrants have hitherto received; 2. Strongly suggests that the European Parliament and the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) progressively fund Member States’ efforts on integration based on demographics, economic consequences and GDP prognoses; 3. Requests the European Commission to initiate a directive outlining the urgency of linguistic classes and the minimum speaking level of the host country’s primary language to be reached within a specific time frame; 4. Recommends local governmental institutions to provide asylum-seekers with charitable work opportunities and further opportunities to connect with the local community and environment;
1
A Third Country National is any person who is not a citizen of the EU and who is not enjoying the EU right to free movement.
5. Directs the European Parliament to further extend the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)1 by formulating exams demonstrating the expertise and skill set of a TCN, enabling EU wide recognition; 6. Instructs the Member States to adequately respect Article 6 of the Treaty on the European Union (TEU) by investing in and ensuring inclusive and equitable vocational training in accordance with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; 7. Strongly advises the European Commission to launch a mentoring project, whereby successfully integrated immigrants help those who are starting the integration process in return for a financial compensation; 8. Further requests the European Commission to launch a campaign on social media where personal stories and experiences of refugees are featured; 9. Designates the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers to amend the Dublin III Regulation by taking the integration costs, demographic burden and economic benefits shown in the GDP forecasts into consideration when distributing refugees within the Union; 10. Instructs the AMIF to support national governments with resources to fill the shortages of administrators in National Migration Agencies; 11. Encourages Member States to initiate peer to peer projects between immigrants that are successfully integrated into the host country and immigrants suffering from mental illnesses, focusing on discussions concerning shared experiences; 12. Calls upon Member States to subsidise local initiatives such as housing and sports programmes aiming at the integration of immigrants in local neighbourhoods following the example of Startblok Riekerhaven2; 13. Proposes that the Member States group TCNs when entering the host countries’ education system, based on cultural similarities and academic history; 14. Directs the European Research Centre on Migration and Ethnic Relations (ERCOMER) to research and publish current and up-to-date information on migration flows and integration progresses across Europe.
1 The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) is a common European reference framework whose purpose is to make qualifications more readable and understandable across different countries and systems. 2 Startblok is a housing project for young refugees who have recently received their residence permit and for young persons from the Netherlands, enabling intercultural exchange and the prevention of segregation.
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY
ENVI I With nearly 160.000 people having been diagnosed with HIV in Europe in 2017, great regional disparities become apparent in fighting against the virus. How can the EU protect public health against HIV, while dealing with the wildly different approaches to the disease in different Member States? Submitted by: Maya Barenholz (NL), Arno de Bree (NL), Christopher Duyverman (NL), Seyla Guller (NL), Nemo van Hout (NL), Damla Kanalan (NL), Lina van Lieshout (NL), Tasha van Rossum (NL), Sarah Schnabel (NL), Lara Verbree (NL), Liselot Werre (NL), Marts Ivaskis (Chairperson, LV), Mats Meeus (Chairperson, NL)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Observing that the main means of HIV transmission are needle sharing and unprotected sexual intercourse, B. Keeping in mind the fact that many medical professionals from rural and remote locations in Member States are not sufficiently informed about new HIV testing services and treatment methods, C. Deeply disturbed by the high rates of late HIV diagnoses across the EU, D. Aware of the fact that late diagnosis of HIV prompts negative effects such as: a. a higher rate of HIV transmission, b. further complications with antiretroviral therapy, E. Deeply regretting that religious and cultural differences across Member States such as hegemonic masculinity and societal perspectives towards homosexuality leads to the stigmatisation of HIV, F. Taking into consideration that antiretroviral therapy is often inaccessible due to: a. high treatment costs, b. a required threshold of infected T-helper cells to be eligible for treatment1, G. Alarmed by the lack of information amongst the general population regarding the symptoms, spreading and treatment of HIV, H. Deeply convinced that medical confidentiality complicates the processes of accessing and sharing information regarding HIV between specialists and practitioners, I. Noting with deep regret that the withdrawal of the ‘Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria’ from multiple Member States has led to a funding gap in HIV treatment and care programs, J. Noting with regret that certain population groups are at a significantly higher risk of contracting HIV, such as sex workers, intravenous drug users, and men that have sex with men; 1. Calls upon the European Commission to allocate funds from the Third Health Programme to subsidise contraceptives and create needle sharing programs in the Member States; 2. Further calls upon the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control to organise conferences on modern HIV testing methods and treatment services for medical professionals, while also livestreaming the event to rural and remote areas in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR); 3. Urges Member States to distribute existing and invest in the further development of HIV self-test kits; 4. Asks the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) to draft a framework against the stigmatisation of homosexuality; 5. Recommends the Member States to adjust the prices of HIV medication according to the average annual income of its citizens; 6. Calls upon the European Commission to set up an online platform where medical professionals are able to anonymously share and discuss patient data in accordance with the GDPR; 7. Requests the European Commission’s department for Research and Innovation to incentivise investments in HIV research and treatment by increasing funds from the Horizon 2020 programme to national health facilities, research centres and NGO’s; 8. Recommends Member States develop mandatory courses in secondary schools and high-risk locations that improve the population’s understanding of HIV through seminars with HIV patients, general education about symptoms, and prevention mechanisms.
1 T-helper cells are one of the types of immune system cells that HIV infects. A higher concentration of infected cells implies that the disease is at a later stage.