Voss 2017 | 15th National Session of EYP Norway
Order of General Assembly Opening of General Assembly AGRI ENVI II Coffee Break ECON ENVI I Lunch ITRE LIBE Coffee Break EMPL AFCO Closing Ceremony
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Voss 2017 | 15th National Session of EYP Norway
Notes
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS While Nordic local initiatives try to tackle local food waste issues, other European states still waste over 100 million tonnes of food yearly. How should these European countries inspire change in food consumption patterns in order to reduce food waste and strengthen the sustainability of the food chain? Submitted by: Bilge Arslan (TR), Madelen Grindstuen (NO), Signe Ramson Høie (NO), Mats Jensen (NO), Ida Johannessen (NO), Carl-Erik Johnsen (NO), Melker Mattsson (SE), Kevin Memarzadeh (NO), Irja Elizabeth Smith Sandvik (NO), Egil Stavseth Furnes, Carmen Bjørg Gómez Svanes (NO), Oda Vikan (NO); Liv Marie Rønhovde (Chairperson, NO), Levon Shoyan (Chairperson, AM)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Alarmed by the fact that 88 million tonnes of food are being wasted annually in the European Union (EU), with associated costs estimated at EUR 143 billion, B. Aware of the lack of knowledge among consumers regarding food waste, C. Concerned that out of the 42% of food wasted in private households, 33% is due to confusion in date labelling, D. Noting with regret that the current food consumption patterns lead to overproduction, without being able to sustainably feed the growing population of European States, E. Observing that due to logistical issues some retailers throw away food rather than redistribute it, F. Deeply concerned by the notable lack of food banks to redistribute surplus food, caused by legal areas of food safety, food hygiene, and tax legislation, G. Bearing in mind that food waste has a massive impact on the environment and causes: i) ii) iii)
greenhouse gas emissions as a result of production, manufacturing, and disposal of food waste, a waste of resources such as energy, agricultural land, and water, 30% of available agricultural land being used to grow food that is wasted,
H. Bearing in mind that various marketing and quality standards given by the EU, national governments and companies generate a large amount of waste since food that does not meet quality and aesthetic criteria is often taken out of the food supply chain; 1. Endorses Member States to reduce the waste taxes imposed on retailers according to the amount of leftover food donated to redistribution programs; 3
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2. Encourages Member States to provide funding to Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) 1 that collect leftover food and welcomes more cooperation between retailers, manufacturers and NGOs; 3. Invites Member States to further allocate funding to entrepreneurs that develop apps, e.g. SharingFood2, for easier shopping; 4. Urges Member States to provide financial incentives to farmers that produce bioproducts3 from excessive food; 5. Suggests Member States implement a standardised colour coded date labelling system developed by the EU; 6. Further suggests Member States create informative campaigns to raise awareness about the aforementioned system; 7. Requests the European Commission to lower the marketing requirements of food that can be sold according to Regulation (EC) No 543/20114; 8. Recommends retailers in European countries to sell misshaped products, such as fruits and vegetables, at a lower price; 9. Encourages Member States to support the establishment and operation of food banks meeting applicable food safety and food hygiene standards; 10. Invites Member States to combat the lack of knowledge regarding food waste by suggesting changes in school curriculums covering topics such as: a) b) c) d)
the usage of leftovers, meal planning and food storing, avoiding excessive shopping, composting.
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NGOs, such as Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), Matvett.no, Stop Wasting Food aim at raising awareness about food waste and creating sustainable solutions to cut down food waste 2 SharingFood is a mobile app that invites users, restaurants, and supermarkets to offer their unsold products and surplus food to those who are willing to pick it up 3 Bioproducts are materials, chemicals and energy derived from renewable biological resources 4 Marketing standards include rules establishing what products should look like in terms of size and shape; thus they potentially imply a waste of those products that, although edible, do not meet the aesthetic criteria.
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY II The “other” health: with the share of Europeans who suffer from mental health issues on the rise, how can European countries ensure a comprehensive approach to mental health and guarantee adequate treatment for their citizens? Submitted by: Helene Døviken (NO), Sarah Glittenberg (NO), Emily Hordnes (NO) Alva Ims (NO), Kimia Mehdian (NO), Rita Murteira (PT) Håvard Ottemo (NO), Hedda Sandberg (NO), Tora Skog (NO), Sturla Storemyr (NO), Nora Vollen (NO), Pernille Østby (NO), Simon Lenze (Chairperson, DE), Camilla Hatling (Vice-President, NO)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Bearing in mind that only around 50% of European citizens who suffer from mental health issues receive professional help, B. Deeply conscious that the social stigma around mental health issues can cause further development of mental disorders, C. Aware that educational and work-related stress can affect one’s mental health, D. Realising that people suffering from mental health disorders have a 40% lower chance of being employed compared to other disability groups, E. Noting with regret that there are insufficient resources to teach, prevent and help students with mental health disorders, F. Concerned that there is a wide span on spending on mental health in European countries, with some countries spending seven times more than other countries, G. Observing that low income households with a high exposure to stress and economic problems are more likely to develop mental health disorders; 1. Urges the European Union (EU) to support health departments in Europe to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health by: a) introducing informative campaigns, b) maintaining help and support lines; 2. Expresses its appreciation for the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work5 to both inspect workplaces and participate in developing a better work environment across Europe;
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The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work aims to make European workplaces safer, healthier and more productive by promoting a culture of risk prevention to improve working conditions in Europe.
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3. Calls upon European countries’ appropriate labour ministries to ensure good mental health in the workforce by: a) re-evaluating the national minimum amount of vacation days, b) taking measures to reduce stigma on taking sick leaves for mental health issues; 4. Invites European countries to increase resources in schools to promote knowledge surrounding mental health issues amongst students; 5. Further invites schools to provide teaching and supportive resources to reduce and treat mental health issues affecting students; 6. Calls for European countries to ensure more affordable treatment for their citizens by funding mental and physical health care proportionally equal; 7. Encourages health departments in European countries to prioritise economic support for low-income households to address their mental health issues.
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC AND MONETARY AFFAIRS Following the ‘LuxLeaks’ revelations of international companies receiving preferential tax treatment from Luxembourg, what approach should European countries take to tackle monetary corruption and improper taxation practices in businesses operating across Europe? Submitted by: Frøydis Grung (NO), Eva Thorshaug (NO), Olav Olsborg (NO), Jens Petter Hvidsand (NO), Ask Øren (NO), Malin Flor (NO), Emil Sønsteby (NO), Emil Ous (NO), Ceyhun Elmacioglu (TR), Catarina Costa (PT), Mina Thor (NO), Linnea Natascha Frisk (NO), Sara Huseby (Chairperson, NO), Cian Horgan (Chairperson, IE)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Alarmed that the annual loss of tax revenue throughout Europe is EUR 160-190 billion, B. Emphasising that tax avoidance6 is not illegal, C. Conscious that economies in the single market suffer from businesses using legal loopholes to avoid taxation, D. Acknowledging that cultural and economic differences among Member States cause difficulties in implementing common tax legislation, E. Aware that certain economies such as Luxembourg are dependent on their tax revenue and may suffer from changed tax policies, F. Considering the unwillingness among large businesses to increase their tax payments as it is not economically beneficial for them, G. Noting with regret that preferential tax treatment towards corporations in one country can drive down the tax rates in other countries, H. Concerned by the lack of transparency7 within large corporations on matters such as: i) ii)
their full income, the business structure,
I. Noting with regret that large corporations are reducing their tax burden by placing their assets in tax havens8, J. Pointing out the risks that whistleblowers9 face when acting in the public interest to inform the public of illegal or immoral corporate activity, 6
Tax avoidance is the use of legal methods to modify and individual’s or corporation’s financial situation to lower the amount of income tax owed. 7 Having open and unrestricted information, that is easily understandable and accessible 8 A country that offers that offers foreign individuals and businesses a minimal tax liability in a politically and economically stable environment, with little or no financial information shared with foreign tax authorities
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K. Stressing the lack of knowledge regarding how local taxation systems work and the consequences of this among both adults and young adults, 1. Calls upon national governments to increase the punishment for tax evasion through larger fines and longer prison sentences; 2. Suggests the European Commission initiates a public awareness campaign on the consequences of improper taxation practices; 3. Asks the European Commission Taxation and Customs Union Directorate-General to assemble an expert group with the purpose of creating a suggested minimum limit for corporation tax; 4. Requests that Member States implement the aforementioned minimum limit; 5. Invites the European Commission to increase funding to the European System of Financial Supervision (ESFS)10; 6. Encourages the European Parliament to create a permanent committee to advise on national taxation policies within the single market in order to prevent differences in legislation that lead to legal loopholes; 7. Requests the European Commission to make the public registers of Beneficial Ownership under the 4th Money Laundering Directive11 available to parties with special interests free of charge; 8. Recommends the European Commission to harmonise value added tax (VAT)12 policies and oblige companies to pay taxes in the country where the revenue is generated; 9. Urges the European Commission to propose directive providing security for whistleblowers when acting in the public interest and exempt them from confidentiality clauses in their contracts; 10. Recommends Member States to include knowledge about taxation in high school curricula such as but not limited to: a. how taxes are spent, b. how taxes are crucial to society;
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A person who informs the public of a person or organisation engaging in illegal or immoral activities A system of European and national supervisors, aiming to ensure consistent financial supervision in the EU 11 Database are held by Member States and include the name and details of Beneficial Owners (defined as over 10% ownership) and are available to any party with a “legitimate interest“ for a registration fee, enforced since 2015. 12 VAT is a broadly based consumption on the value added to goods and services. It applies, in principle, to all commercial activities involving the production and distribution of goods and the provision of services. 10
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY I Every year, millions and millions of tonnes of litter end up in the ocean worldwide, posing environmental, economic, health and aesthetic problems. Marine litter is a global concern, affecting all the oceans of the world. How can the European countries play its part in addressing the growing problem of marine litter? Submitted by: Mette Edvine Blix Bakkelund (NO), Helene Kalnes Bjerkeli (NO), Helena Hjertberg (NO), Sunniva Hoftun Hedemark (NO, Victoria Hjertberg (SE), Auron Krasniqi (NO), Eivor Hellesnes Molden (NO), Hedda MĂŚstad (NO), Siri Beatrice Pedersen (NO), Obaid Raza (NO), Normann Torrissen (NO), Lars Eirik Hovland (Chairperson, NO), Katharina Franke (Vice President, DE)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Acknowledging that aquatic animals get entangled in macroplastics 13 and consume microplastics14, B. Deeply alarmed by the fact that according to a 2017 study, 72% of drinking water in Europe contains microplastic particles, C. Concerned that there is insufficient research on the human health impact of microplastics, D. Realising that marine litter on sea shores has negative economic effects on coastal communities such as i) ii)
the costs of cleaning the beaches, declining tourism,
E. Noting further that around 80% of marine litter stems from land-based activity, F. Stressing that the existence of open air landfills and other insufficient waste management systems makes it more likely for disposed plastic to end up in the oceans, G. Fully alarmed by a low level of recycling due to a lack of: i) ii)
consumers’ awareness, insufficient provisions of recycling amenities,
H. Observing that very few companies use recycled materials for new products;
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Larger pieces of plastic such as fishing nets or plastic bottles. Pieces of plastic that are smaller than 5 millimetres in diameter.
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1. Calls upon the European Commission to oversee the establishment a platform which allows entrepreneurs to exchange knowledge in the development of technologies such as; a) boats to remove macroplastics from the oceans, b) tools to filter microplastics out of drinking water; 2. Requests the expansion of bottle deposition programmes15 across Europe; 3. Encourages national governments to include practical lessons and work about environmental issues, such as beach clean-ups, into their school curricula; 4. Calls for the introduction of a media campaign informing the public of: a) recycling and its benefits, b) various certification labels such as Beat the Microbead16 or the CE-marking17; 5. Calls upon the Horizon 2020 programme18 to allocate funding for all Member States to improve their recycling systems; 6. Encourages European countries to provide tax breaks for companies using recycled materials; 7. Appreciates the Circular Economy 19 Action Package 20 as adopted by the European Commission; 8. Asks the European Commission to financially support non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in: a) Organising coastal clean-ups, b) Raising awareness in with a yearly Coastal Clean-up Day.
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Bottle deposition programmes exist in countries like Denmark and Norway, an extra fee you pay for the bottle is returned upon recycling 16 Beat the Microbead is an NGO working to reduce the production of microbeads in cosmetic products 17 CE-marking is a certification mark indicating conformity with health, safety and environmental protection 18 Horizon 2020 is the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme ever with nearly ₏80 billion of funding available over 7 years (2014 to 2020) 19 An economy that prioritises the longevity of goods e.g. by sharing or recycling them 20 A programme stimulating Europe’s transition towards a circular economy, adopted by the European Commission in 2017
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY, TRADE AND ENERGY Smart cities for smart growth: With two-third of the world population projected to live in urban settlements by 2050, how can European countries ensure innovative urban development while meeting the challenges of increasing urbanisation and sustainability? Submitted by: Julie Agerup (NO), Bahadir Batur (NO), Anna Harborg (NO), Anna Johansson (SE), Amalie Kronheim (NO), Simen Murud (NO), Dellina Negga (NO), Kim Nielsen (NO), Pernille Pedersen (NO), Mona Rachou (NO), Kauser Vakili (NO), Thomas Vaz (PT), Dilara Öztürk (Chairperson, CH) and Daniel Røvik (Chairperson, NO)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Fully deploring that today’s society is unsuitable for a sustainable future, B. Recognising that 72% of the population in the European Union (EU) lives in cities, towns and suburbs, C. Aware that this increase in urban population contributes to higher levels of air and sound pollution in cities, D. Noting the lack of national funding in the field of renewable energies and sustainable technologies, E. Concerned by the insufficiency of urban and suburban infrastructures such as public transportation and waste systems, F. Emphasising the scarcity in governmental financial support for social housing, G. Realising that new Information and Communications technology (ICT) is not fully accessible to all groups of society including elderly; 1. Asks European countries to relocate some public workplaces and services out of the most central cities into smaller cities across the country; 2. Requests the European Commission allocates funding from its LIFE programme21 towards non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that work to protect parks and natural wildlife; 3. Encourages European countries to invest in renewable energy sources; 4. Invites European countries to financially support start-ups focusing on recycling and renewable energy as parts of their core interests;
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LIFE is the EU’s financial instrument supporting environmental, nature conservation and climate action projects throughout the EU. For the 2014-2020 funding period, LIFE will contribute approximately €3.4 billion to the protection of the environment and climate.
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5. Instructs European countries to encourage the change to less energy consuming LED light sources in both public and private infrastructures; 6. Calls for the Horizon 2020 programme22 to increase the allocation of funding for research and development regarding technology that allows sustainability; 7. Proposes cities expand their bicycle infrastructure, following the successful examples of cities like Copenhagen or Amsterdam; 8. Asks the Member States to better implement the Waste Framework Directive23; 9. Further recommends European countries to raise awareness on the importance of a sustainable future by introducing respective educational programmes in school curricula; 10. Calls upon European countries to subsidise electric cars following the successful example of Norway, in order to make them more accessible for the public; 11. Recommends European countries provide funding for the improvement of urban infrastructure such as social housing as well as public transport that is accessible to all groups of society.
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Horizon 2020 programme is the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme ever with nearly â‚Ź80 billion of funding available over 7 years (2014 to 2020) 23 The Waste Framework Directive lays down basic waste management principles.
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL LIBERTIES, JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS Recent calls have been made towards a more regulated press, following allegations of fake news, misinformation and even accusations of cooperate interest and lobbyist manipulating headlines. However, the international community admonished Poland for its move to bring media under state control. How should European countries ensure the media is able to fulfil its regulatory purpose on both private and public enterprises, informing people in an accurate and professional manner? Submitted by: Lara Berntzen (NO), Solveig Brunvoll (NO), Anders Eidesvik (NO), Glenn Enochsen (NO), Kari Hammershaug (NO), Jørgen Johannesen (NO), Edvin Kerikorian (NO), Hedda Mathisen (NO), Mariana Fernandes Rosa (PT), Lisa Shoshi (NO), Anna Ingeborg Tidemann (NO), Henning Undheim (NO), Marthe Macody Tufte Lund (Chairperson, NO), Waltter Roslin (Vice President, FI),
The European Youth Parliament, A. Alarmed by the fact that 38% of the population in Europe distrusts the media, B. Concerned by the shift in the main source of income for Private Media Companies from providing information to selling space for advertisement, C. Disturbed by how fake news can mislead the public, D. Realising that fact checking can prevent the spread of fake news in social media, E. Aware of the lack of an efficient independent European organisation to regulate media, F. Supporting the condemning of the Polish government’s law placing media under state control, G. Noting with regret the European population’s lack of media literacy, that contributes to the spread of fake news, H. Concerned by the limited credible media pluralism in Europe, which results in a lack of diverse sources for all European citizens; 1. Requests the European countries to follow the lead of Germany’s Network Enforcement Act24;
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Network Enforcement Act ensures that social media platforms has to have a 24 hour time limit to delete hate speech
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2. Endorses European countries to develop critical thinking and media literacy modules in upper secondary school curricula; 3. Encourages the European Broadcast Union25 to organise a media campaign through national media channels against fake news; 4. Requests National governments to increase financial support for publicly state-funded media; 5. Invites the Alliance of Independent Press Councils of Europe (AIPCE)26 to implement a European seal of approval for media companies that follow their national journalist code of conduct; 6. Calls upon European countries to enable local press councils to provide independent fact checking, aided by the newly founded European Investment Financial Centre; 7. Suggest the EU’s continued support of the Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (CMPF)27; 8. Proclaims that the competition laws on European level be maintained.
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The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is the world’s leading alliance of public service media. They have 73 Members in 56 countries in Europe. 26 AIPCE is a loose network of independent content regulators for both press and broadcast media. Its annual conferences provide a forum for Media and Press Council representatives to discuss topical issues, to exchange ideas and to offer and receive advice. 27 The Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (CMPF) is a research and training centre that aims to develop innovative and relevant lines of research on media freedom and pluralism in Europe and beyond, and to provide knowledge support to the international, European and national policy and rulemaking processes. It is co-financed by the European Union.
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS With staggering youth unemployment across Europe, many young people have chosen to start their own enterprises despite financial and bureaucratic challenges. How can European countries support entrepreneurship amongst young people in the current economic and political climate? Submitted by: Ivar Arnesen (NO), Frida Asplem (NO) Andrea Bergsland (NO), Andrine Ellingsen (NO), Ege Erkol (TR), Sander Fosshaug (NO), Rakel Grønberg (NO), Emil Helland (NO), Randi Jensen (NO), Eline Lorentzen (NO), Ingrid Morken (NO), Ina Skommesvik (NO), Gustav Vestgürd (NO), Sebastian Hagel (Chairperson, NO), Vishavtej Sidhu (Chairperson, NO)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Conscious that young entrepreneurs find it difficult to make marginal revenue due to high start-up expenses and a lack of capital, B. Affirming that the start-up competition creates great difficulty for young entrepreneurs establishing themselves within the competitive market, C. Anxious that government policies may prevent youths to start new enterprises due to administrative and regulatory burdens, D. Deeply concerned that there are few measures available protecting the small businesses lead by young entrepreneurs, E. Disappointed by the lack of fiscal support from national governments to green entrepreneurs, F. Acknowledges the need for reform in: i) ii) iii)
educational programs regarding entrepreneurship, practical education in the entrepreneurial field, perception of new entrepreneurial businesses such as, but not limited to, green enterprises;
1. Encourages Member States to provide low interest loans with a longer payment deadline for start-up businesses; 2. Strongly recommends entrepreneurs to invest in new technology, rather than investing in saturated markets; 3. Strongly suggests collaboration between companies across national borders within Europe;
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4. Encourages the Member States to work towards accomplishing milestones regarding green energy development, following the examples of Denmark and the Netherlands; 5. Urges the European Commission to review the regulations and laws on establishing businesses in order to reduce the bureaucratic work; 6. Strongly encourages the Member States, in cooperation with the Know About Business (KAB)28, to establish a platform containing: a) b) c) d)
forums for discussion and knowledge sharing, admission fees used for insurance for single entrepreneurs to reduce personal risks, assistance to apply for funding opportunities in Europe, guidance for entrepreneurial businesses;
7. Encourages the EU to establish media campaigns on: a) green entrepreneurial businesses, b) the advantages on creating and supporting green entrepreneurial businesses; 8. Encourages the education departments of Member States to develop and support career guidance and counselling services for young people wishing to pursue entrepreneurship; 9. Invites Member States to establish educational models and modern internship programmes for all relevant levels of education.
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Know About Business is an educational programme by the International Labour Organisation, working to end youth unemployement.
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS Recent political movements across Europe and the world suggest that a significant number of people no longer feel represented by mainstream politics and are turning more and more towards populist or radical views. How can European countries deal with this rising sense of anger and fear amongst voters and ensure governments’ accountability? Submitted by: Frida Asplem (NO), Batuhan Bilir (TR), Andrine Hammer (NO), Ida Ingstad (NO), Christian Olesen (NO), Magne Petersen (NO), Karl Petersson (SE), Hannan Saud (NO), Anna Vehusheia (NO), Hadika Wahla (NO), Milla Lehtimäki (Chariperson, FI), Marthe Wedøe (Chairperson, NO)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Keeping in mind that the 2014 European Parliamentary elections had the lowest participation rate in history, at 42,6%, B. Recognising that all Member States are currently not contributing equally to the workshare of European Union (EU), thus creating doubt and mistrust amongst the voters, C. Considering that only 36% of Europeans trust the EU and only 31% trust their national government, D. Emphasising the lack of transparency in national governments and within the political elite, E. Regretting that xenophobia, a lack of cultural awareness, and prejudices against various minorities contribute to growing populism and radical views within the EU, F. Observing that the ‘us against them’ mentality of populist parties is strengthened by said parties being excluded from mainstream politics, G. Concerned by the recent rise of populist movements across Europe that violate some of the core values of the EU, including but not limited to: i) ii) iii)
civil liberties free movement of people appreciation of different cultures;
1. Endorses the EU’s continued support of pro-European NGOs and programmes that inform the public about the EU and the role it plays;
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2. Requests the European Commission’s Erasmus+ Funding programme29 to allocate funding towards educational programmes for schools to cover the topic of the EU; 3. Supports the European Commission’s current infringement procedure30 in cases where a Member State is in breach of EU law; 4. Encourages the European Union Transparency Register31 to improve the existing web platform by introducing crash courses, informative videos and summaries about the EU decision-making procedure; 5. Proposes the further development of the European Parliament TV program to increase transparency in EU decision-making; 6. Further proposes that the national broadcasters of Member States broadcast parliament meetings in a similar manner to the European Parliament TV; 7. Appeals Member States to further look into their “check and balances” systems in order to ensure good governance principles and governments’ accountability for its voters; 8. Further requests the Erasmus+ Funding programme allocates funding towards language classes for migrants in order to ease their integration and minimise xenophobia; 9. Invites the European Commission to support small businesses and entrepreneurs that provide accessible employment for both migrants and lower educated “natives” in order to ease integration; 10. Recommends Member States to encourage and arrange more debates between the mainstream political parties and populist parties.
29
Funding opportunities exist in education and training in the form of the Erasmus+ programme, which is a funding scheme to support activities in education, training, youth and sport. The European Commission is responsible for Erasmus+ policies and oversees the overall programme implementation. 30 In case of EU law not being obeyed, the European Commission may take legal action, an infringement procedure, against an EU country that fails to implement EU law. The Commission may refer the issue to the Court of Justice, which in certain cases can impose financial penalties. 31 The transparency register is a database that lists organisations that try to influence the law-making and policy implementation process of the EU institutions. The register makes visible what interests are being pursued, by whom and with what budgets.
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