Bridging the divide between Me & Europe, Europe & I
10th National Session of EYP Sweden
RESOLUTION BOOKLET 10th National Session of the European Youth Parliament Sweden January 31st to February 3rd 2014
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C ONTENTS P AGE 5
PROCEDURE
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION F O R E I G N A F F A I R S (AFET)
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION ON THE COMMITTEE ON W O M E N ’ S R I G H T S A N D G E N D E R E Q U A L I T Y (FEMM)
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION ON THE COMMITTEE R E G I O N A L D E V E L O P M E N T (REGI)
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FACT SHEET ON THE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, P U B L I C H E A L T H A N D F O O D S A F E T Y (ENVI)
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION ON ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC HEALTH (ENVI)
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION ON THE COMMITTEE S E C U R I T Y A N D D E F E N C E (SEDE)
ON
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION ON THE COMMITTEE E M P L O Y M E N T A N D S O C I A L A F F A I R S (EMPL)
ON
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION ON THE COMMITTEE CIVIL LIBERTIES, JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS (LIBE)
ON
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION ON THE COMMITTEE C O N S T I T U T I O N A L A F F A I R S (AFCO)
ON
FOR THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON THE
COMMITTEE
ON
ON
THE COMMITTEE ON AND FOOD SAFETY
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P ROGRAMME OF THE G ENERAL A SSEMBLY 900 - 920
OPENING OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY
9 2 0 - 10 5 0
D E B A T E 1: C O M M I T T E E (AFET)
ON
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
D E B A T E 2: C O M M I T T E E O N W O M E N ’ S R I G H T S G E N D E R E Q U A L I T Y (FEMM) 10 5 0 - 11 1 0
COFFEE BREAK
11 1 0 - 12 4 0
D E B A T E 3: C O M M I T T E E (REGI)
ON
AND
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
D E B A T E 4: C O M M I T T E E O N E N V I R O N M E N T , P U B L I C H E A L T H A N D F O O D S A F E T Y (ENVI) 12 4 0 - 13 2 0
LUNCH
13 2 0 - 14 5 0
D E B A T E 5: C O M M I T T E E (SEDE)
ON
SECURITY
AND
D E B A T E 6: C O M M I T T E E O N E M P L O Y M E N T S O C I A L A F F A I R S (EMPL)
DEFENCE
AND
14 5 0 - 15 1 0
COFFEE BREAK
15 1 0 - 16 4 0
D E B A T E 7: C O M M I T T E E O N C I V I L L I B E R T I E S , J U S T I C E A N D H O M E A F F A I R S (LIBE) D E B A T E 8: C O M M I T T E E A F F A I R S (AFCO)
16 4 0 - 17 2 0
ON
CONSTITUTIONAL
CLOSING CEREMONY
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Procedure for the General Assembly General rules The wish to speak is indicated by raising the Committee placard. The authority of the Board is absolute. Procedure and time settings 1. Presentation of the Motion for a Resolution (the Board read out the topic and introduce any Friendly Amendments, a member of the Proposing Committee reads out the Operative Clauses); 2. Defence Speech (maximum 3 minutes); 3. Attack Speech (2 times 2 minutes); 4. Response to the Attack Speech (2 minutes); 5. Open Debate on the Motion for a Resolution: 6. Summation Speech (maximum 3 minutes); 7. Voting procedure; 8. Announcement of the voting results by the Board. Friendly amendments Put forward by the Proposing Committee, these are last-minute modifications aiming at improving the Resolution. Amendments are to be handed to the Board two Resolutions in advance – or as early as possible for the first Debates of the day. Points of Personal Privilege These are requests for a Delegate to repeat a point that was inaudible. Failure to understand the language being spoken does not make for a Point of Personal Privilege. Direct Responses Once per Debate, each Committee may use the ‘Direct Response’ sign once. Should a Committee member raise the Committee Placard and the ‘Direct Response’ sign during the Open Debate, he/she will immediately be recognised by the Board and given the floor as soon as the point being made is concluded. A Direct Response can only be used to refer to and discuss the point made directly beforehand. If two or more Direct Responses are requested at once, the Board will decide which Committee to recognise. In this case, the second Direct Response shall only be held if it can be referred to the first Direct Response, so on and so forth. Points of Order These can be raised by the Chairperson if a Delegate feels the Board have not properly followed Parliamentary procedure. Ultimately, the authority of the Board is absolute. Defence Speech One member of the Proposing Committee delivers the Defence Speech from the podium. It is used to explain the rationale of the overall lines of the Resolution and to convince the Plenary that the Resolution is worthy of being adopted. This speech can last a maximum of three minutes.
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Attack Speeches Two individual Delegates from two Committees other than that proposing the Resolution at hand delivers an Attack Speech from the podium. It reflects an individual opinion and is used to point out the flaws of the approach taken by the Proposing Committee and should propose alternative solutions. Both Delegates will have the opportunity to speak for two minutes. Oftentimes, an Attack Speech is concluded with an appeal to the Plenary not to adopt the Resolution in their present form. Response to the Attack Speeches The Proposing Committee responds to the points raised by the Attack Speeches. They may do so for 2 minutes. Summation Speech One or two members of the Proposing Committee deliver the Summation Speech from the podium; the microphone can only be passed once. It is used to summarise the Debate, respond to main, selected criticism and to once more explain why the chosen approach is the most sensible. It typically concludes with an appeal to vote in favour of the Resolution. This speech can last a maximum of three minutes.
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M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON F OREIGN A FFAIRS (AFET) The Euromaidan movement: After six years of negotiations on an association agreement between the EU and Ukraine, the cooperation was suspended. Consequently this lead to massive protests in the capital, but positive reactions from Russia. How should the EU maintain its role as an advocate for democracy and justice, while ensuring stability and progress in all of Europe? Submitted by: JOHANNA BACKMAN (MALMÖ BORGARSKOLA), GEORGIA GREAVES (UNITED KINGDOM), PASCAL HALLER (LUXEMBOURG), ALICE HULTQVIST (GYMNASIESKOLAN SPYKEN), AMANDA KARLSSON (SIGRID RUDEBECKS GYMNASIUM), ANDREAS MAGNUSSON (SUNDSVALLS GYMNASIUM HEDBERGSKA), MALLORY PIÑA (IHGR), PAULINA SUONVIERI (GÖTEBORGS HÖGRE SAMSKOLA), GUSTAV SÖDERBERG (DONNERGYMNASIET), ERIK SVENSSON (LINDÄLVS GYMNASIUM), MAXIMILIAN KIEHN (CHAIRPERSON, DE), EMILIE TILSTAM (CHAIRPERSON, SE)
The European Youth Parliament, 1
A. Welcoming the work of the European External Action Service (EEAS) in promoting democracy, stability and the rule of law through diplomatic negotiations in signature 2 countries of the Eastern Partnership , B. Deeply convinced that the promotion of democracy and implementation of human rights is a positive side effect of conducting trade negotiations between the EU and parties of the Eastern Partnership; C. Recognising the need for a legitimate and united representation of the opposition to the current government in Ukraine, 3
D. Noting with regret the recent abuses of market power by Russia towards the Eastern Partnership countries,
1
The Eastern Partnership is the EU’s diplomatic corps that supports the EU foreign affairs chief (High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Baroness Catherine Ashton) and the diplomatic corps of Member States in conducting the common foreign and security policy. Since the implementation of the Lisbon treaty in 2007 the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the High Representative of the EU respectively have been negotiating with the Ukrainian Government. 2 The Eastern Partnership is a joint declaration between the EU and Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine in order to foster closer cooperation. 3 At the beginning of 2006 Russia greatly increased the price of gas for Ukraine to bring it in line with market values. The dispute between Russian state-owned gas supplier Gazprom and Ukraine over natural gas prices started in March 2005 (over the price of natural gas and prices for the transition of Gazprom's gas to Europe). The two parties were unable to reach an agreement to resolve the dispute, and Russia cut gas exports to Ukraine on 1 January 2006 at 10:00 MSK. The supply was restored on 4 January, when a preliminary agreement between two gas companies was settled. Other disputes arose
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E. Noting with deep concern the dependency of the Eastern Partnership signature states, in particular Ukraine, on natural gas imports, F. Taking into consideration the critical economic situation in Ukraine and the immediate need for external financial aid, G. Deeply concerned by the reoccurring violations of human rights taking place in Ukraine such as the imprisonment of Yulia Tymosjenko and other members of the opposition, H. Alarmed by the excessive use of violence by all parties involved in the Euromaidan 4 movement protests;
1. Declares that the European Commission (EC) and EEAS reaffirm the legitimacy of the EU 5 as an advocate for democracy in reference to the UN declaration of Human Rights and 6 the European Convention of Human Rights ; 2. Encourages the EEAS to continue strengthening diplomatic dialogues with all members of the Eastern Partnership; 3. Calls for the EC to continue trade negotiations by: a) urging the Ukrainian government to meet the specific electoral and judicial conditions 7 of the suspended Association Agreement in order to continue integrating Ukraine into the European market, b) recommending all members of the Eastern Partnership continue promoting democratic principles in order to proceed in the long term integration with the European internal market, 4. Calls upon the Ukrainian opposition to unite their efforts by; a) appointing representatives to conduct diplomatic negotiations with the EU and the Ukrainian government,
in October 2007 and in January 2009, this dispute again resulted in 18 European countries reporting major falls or cut-offs of their gas supplies from Russia transported through Ukraine. Gas supplies restarted on 20 January 2009 and were fully restored on 21 January 2009. 4 The Euromaidan Movement is a term used as a self-reference of the pro-European protestors that fear that Ukraine will not actively follow the integration process with the EU. The protests began in November 2013 after the suspension of EU-negotiations. 5 The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is the first global expression of rights to which all human beings are inherently entitled. The declaration has been adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December the 10th 1948. 6 The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) (formally the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms) is an international treaty to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in Europe. 7 EU Ukraine Association Agreement followed the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (1998) between the EU and Ukraine. The new Association Agreement negotiated in the years 2007 – 2011, includes various cooperations beyond the existing mere bilateral cooperation. The Association Agreement has been adopted by the EU Foreign Affairs Council in 2012 but was suspended by the respective Ukrainian authority in November of 2013.
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b) accepting the help of expert advisors to assist in the process of appointing representatives, 5. Expresses its hope to establish a deepened association agreement between the EU and Russia also including criteria to prevent further abuses of Russia’s market position; 6. Requests the EC to adjust the Eastern Partnership agreements to support the development of alternative and sustainable energy resources in signature countries of the Eastern Partnership; 7. Further requests financial aid from the European Instrument for Democracy and Human 8 Rights (EIDHR) and other EU agencies for Ukrainian non-governmental organisations, promoting democratic development and democratic stability on long term prospects; 8. Recommends the government of Ukraine to deepen the implementation of the European Convention of Human Rights in the Ukrainian judicial system; 9. Urges the Ukrainian government to review the approach of the police force in response to the Euromaidan protests.
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The European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights is part of a programme set up in the framework of EuropeAid, a Directorate–General (DG) responsible for designing EU development policies and delivering aid through programmes and projects across the world.
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M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON W OMEN ’ S R IGHTS AND G ENDER E QUALITY (FEMM) Penalising prostitution? In light of the varied legal practices across the EU, how best should Member States review their legislation in order to minimise the negative consequences of prostitution on gender equality? Submitted by: LINNEA ANDERSSON (SUNDSVALLS GYMNASIUM HEDBERGSKA), NORA FATIH (KLIPPANS GYMNASIESKOLOR), SOFIE LUNDGREN (BLADINS GYMNASIUM), LOVISA LÖFVENBERG (JGY WARGENTIN), OTTO NILSSON WIMAR (S:T PETRI GYMNASIESKOLA), TYRA OLIN WITTING (DONNERGYMNASIET), LOGAN ROBIN (UNITED KINGDOM), CLAIRE TAKAMI SILJEDAHL (KUNGSHOLMENS GYMNASIUM), EBBA BERTILSSON (INGRID SEGERSTEDTS GYMNASIUM), HANNA THUNEGARD (VIKTOR RYGBERGS GYMNASIUM, DJURSHOLM), GABRIEL WIDELL ZETTERSTRÖM (HERSBY GYMNASIUM), YASMIN DINAR (CHAIRPERSON, SE), ANAR KUCERA (VICE PRESIDENT, CZ)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Fully aware that due to different cultural and religious backgrounds, Member States apply differing legislation on prostitution, ranging from full illegality for both client and prostitute to full legality, B. Further noting that the 3 most commonly used models on regulating prostitution are: i.
fully legalised prostitution where the Member State allows both buying and selling of sex as well as certain organised forms of prostitution,
ii.
legalised individual prostitution where the Member State allows both buying and selling of sex but forbids any forms of organised prostitution such as brothels or pimping,
iii.
decriminalised prostitution where the Member State allows selling but punishes the ones buying sex,
C. Noting with satisfaction that all abovementioned models have the primary goal of providing prostitutes with state protection from criminality, despite using different approaches to achieve this, D. Deeply concerned that full criminalisation of prostitution places prostitutes in a position where they face possible criminal charges and thus support from the state is significantly more difficult,
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E. Alarmed that many are forced to be prostitutes against their own will , thus undermining their human rights, F. Noting with deep concern that forced prostitution has a variety of negative effects for the prostitute both physically and mentally, causing severe psychological problems in many cases, G. Bearing in mind that poverty and a lack of employment may force people into prostitution as a way to earn money and often also ends up involving them in organised crime, H. Recognising that while prostitution involves females and males as both customers and prostitutes, prostitution often objectifies women and creates the gender role stereotype of women as sexual objects, I.
Noting with regret that a majority of the sex-industry, including prostitution is run by men and often places women in inferior positions to men;
1. Calls upon the Member States together with the European Commission (EC), to establish a continuous dialogue on cooperation regarding the issue of the handling of prostitution with regards to gender equality, human trafficking, and the involvement of organised crime; 2. Expresses its hope that Member States can agree on common minimum standards that would decriminalise prostitutes in order to offer them protection from both individuals and organised crime; 3. Affirms that the decriminalisation of prostitutes will change how they are viewed in society and allow for state help by law enforcement bodies for victims of criminality; 4. Notes that a common approach to prostitution with unified legislation in all Member States is unlikely due to vast cultural and religious differences among Member States; 5. Requests the EC to propose further cooperation among the Member Sates against cross10 border criminality including human trafficking in addition to existing strategies ; 6. Urges the EC to allocate more funding towards projects and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that provide support to those involved in all stages of prostitution, especially those regarding victims of human trafficking.
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The United Nations stated in 2009 that sex trafficking is the most commonly identified form of human trafficking and estimates that about 79% of human trafficking reported is for prostitution. 10 EU Strategy towards the Eradication of Trafficking in Human Beings 2012-2016.
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT (REGI) Reviewing the Catalan, Scottish and Flemish experience: With breakaway regions sending the EU into legally and politically unmapped territory, what should the EU's stance be towards secession movements within its borders and potentially newly emerging sovereign states within the EU territory? Submitted GUSTAV AXELSSON (SIGRID RUDEBECKS GYMNASIUM), ARVID BERTILSSON (INGRID by: SEGERSTEDTS GYMNASIUM), LEPOT DARIUS (LUXEMBOURG), FITIM DUSHKU (KLIPPANS GYMNASIESKOLOR), KAJSA ENGELBREKTSSON (GÖTEBORGS HÖGRE SAMSKOLA), NICOLE ESPELUND (FRANSKA SKOLAN), JOEL HALLIN (GYMNASIESKOLAN SPYKEN), ERIK LEWENHAUPT (VIKTOR RYDBERGS GYMNASIUM, DJURSHOLM), ZAIN MUMTAZ (INTERNATIONELLA ENGELSKA GYMNASIET), ALEXANDER STIMOSE (S:T PETRI GYMNASIESKOLA MALMÖ), ELIN SVEDLUND (SUNDSVALLS GYMNASIUM), DANIEL WÄRESTIG (DRAGONSKOLAN), TERESA STADLER (CHAIRPERSON, AT), ASTRID VIKSTRÖM (CHAIRPERSON, SE)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Regretting the lack of legislation and expertise within the EU on the matter of regional breakaways, B. Noting with deep concern that Member States’ governments hold no obligation to support nor acknowledge a referendum on independence that is held by a region, C. Having considered that citizens of breakaway regions are likely to lose their EU citizenship in the case of their region gaining sovereignty, D. Alarmed by newly independent states potentially being denied EU membership by the European Council as to hinder future European separatist movements, E. Fully aware of both the region as well as the mother nation’s11 potential to jeopardise their economic sustainability, F. Bearing in mind the significant differences between separatist movements across the EU, G. Realising that historical and cultural differences between regions play a key role in initiating and fuelling of separatist movements, H. Aware that the achievements and throwbacks of different secession movements might 11
Due to the lack of a more precise expression, ‘mother nation’ is used to refer to the country of which the respective region forms part of and under whose jurisdiction it falls.
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create a precedent for regions in a similar situation; 1. Discourages regions to fully separate from their mother nations; 2. Calls for a set of procedures ensuring the fundamental rights of regions aiming to gain independence; 3. Urges affected Members States’ governments to recognise referendums held on the subject of regional breakaways as well as to support their outcome; 4. Encourages Member States to hold two referendums as well as regional elections within three years after initial secession efforts to ensure their sincerity; 5. Calls upon the European Council to act as a diplomatic intermediary to facilitate negotiations between the region in question and its mother nation; 6. Requests the Committee of the Regions12 to provide both parties with experts advising on the legal and political consequences of: a) a complete separation from the mother nation, b) a reallocation of competences13; 7. Recommends a gradual transition to independence for regions in order to guarantee stable and well-functioning institutions and political bodies; 8. Urges the EU to simplify the accession process for newly established states within the EU territory wishing to regain EU membership by changing the requirement from a unanimous vote to a double majority14.
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The Committee of the Regions (CoR) is the EU’s assembly of local and regional representatives that provides sub-national authorities (i.e. regions, counties, provinces, municipalities and cities) with a direct voice within the EU’s institutional framework. 13 In the process of regional breakaway certain regions are willing to compromise with the mother nation should they be granted the right to manage their own fiscal policy or other areas of governance that are currently under the control of the centralised government. 14 A double majority voting system requires a majority of votes according to two separate criteria. The mechanism is usually used to require strong support for any measure considered to be of great importance. Any decision taken under this scheme will require the support of at least 55% of the Council of the European Union members who must also represent at least 65% of the EU's citizens.
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Factsheet Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety EU Emission Trading System The cornerstone of the European Union's policy to combat climate change and to reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions cost-effectively. The EU ETS works on the 'cap and trade' principle. A 'cap', or limit, is set on the total amount of certain greenhouse gases that can be emitted by the installations comprised in the system. This cap is complemented by the possibility for companies to receive or buy emission allowances which they can trade with one another as needed. EU Carbon Allowance EU Carbon Allowance (EUA) is the official title of the carbon credits or pollution permits traded in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Each EUA represents one tonne of CO2equivalent that the holder is allowed to emit. Allowance units are freely allocated or auctioned to members of the EU ETS and can then be sold or purchased through the carbon market. Roadmap for moving to a low carbon economy in 2050 This policy document by the European Commission describes the intended cost-effective pathway to reach the EU's objective of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95% of 1990 levels by 2050. Based on the cost-effectiveness analysis undertaken, the Roadmap gives direction to sectoral policies, national and regional low-carbon strategies and long-term investments. Carbon leakage The term often used to describe the situation that may occur if, for reasons of costs related to climate policies, businesses were to transfer production to other countries which have laxer constraints on greenhouse gas emissions. This could lead to an increase in their total emissions. The risk of carbon leakage may be higher in certain energy-intensive industries. Carbon Leakage List To address the competitiveness of industries covered by the EU ETS, production from sectors and sub-sectors deemed to be exposed to a significant risk of carbon leakage will receive a higher share of free allowances in the third trading period between 2013 and 2019. This is because they face competition from industries in third countries that are not subject to comparable greenhouse gas emissions restrictions. Kyoto Protocol & Doha Amendment An international treaty that sets binding obligations on industrialised countries to reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses. At the Doha climate conference, the parties of the Kyoto Protocol adopted amendments relating to the second commitment period of the protocol. Currently the objective of the Kyoto Protocol is to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 5% compared to 1990 levels by 2020.
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M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON E NVIRONMENT , P UBLIC H EALTH AND F OOD S AFETY (ENVI) Setting a cap on climate change: as energy prices reach their most volatile in decades and criticism of the Emission Trading Scheme grows in light of the still unreached goal of reducing environmental damage, what actions should the EU take regarding the future of this project? Submitted by: JONATHAN BRATTHALL-TIDEMAN (BLADINS GYMNASIUM), FELICIA BRYNFORS (ELOF LINDÄLVS GYMNASIUM), JENNY BACKLUND (SUNDSVALLS GYMNASIUM HEDBERGSKA), MARCUS ENGVALL (MALMÖ BORGARSKOLA), CHRISTOPHER GODINA (S:T PETRI SKOLA), MIRIAM HAMBERG (JGY WARGENTIN), SANNA PERSSON (DRAGONSKOLAN), MAX ROBERTSSON (KLIPPANS GYMNASIESKOLA), PHILIPPE ROUKOZ (LU), FÉLICE RUBIN (UMEÅ INTERNATIONELLA GYMNASIUM), OSCAR STEIN (HERSBY GYMNASIUM), ANGELICA YNGVESSON (BÄCKÄNGSGYMNASIET), JONATHAN PIEPERS (CHAIRPERSON, BE), OLIVER STENBOM (CHAIRPERSON, SE)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Recognising that the set-up and structure of the European Emission Trading System (ETS) has grave flaws and allows for loopholes, thus reducing the efficiency of the system, B. Deeply regretting that Member States are still highly dependent on the use of fossil fuels, thus impeding the achievement of the 80-95% decrease of greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels enshrined in the European Union (EU) Roadmap for moving to a low carbon economy in 2050, C. Noting with deep concern that the lack of incentives and funding for research and development towards alternative energy sources through programmes such as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), is hindering progress towards a low-carbon society, D. Realising that the ETS covers only 45% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the EU, as well as only 12% of worldwide emissions, E. Bearing in mind the serious risk of carbon leakage whereby companies within the ambit of the ETS can easily escape the conditions set forth in the scheme, F. Observing the surplus of 2 billion carbon allowances as a result of decreased industrial production due to the global economic financial crisis, compromising the intended incentive for development of low-carbon technologies, G. Taking into account that the price of ETS carbon allowances has decreased from approx. €30 to approx. €5 per allowance and that this reduction was partly due to a lack of credible ETS data,
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H. Noting with regret that the Kyoto Protocol and its Doha Amendment, that requires a 5% decrease in greenhouse gasses compared to 1990 levels by 2020, has not been universally ratified, I.
Aware of the fact that there are no options for the enforcement of the Kyoto Protocol and its goals towards its signatories,
J.
Keeping in mind that road and maritime transport as well as parts of the aviation sector are not covered in the ETS;
1. Encourages the European Commission (EC) to propose a coordinated implementation of an energy transfer system in the form of a smart grid which allows for the trade of energy when shortages or surpluses appear, supervised by the EC’s Smart Grids Task Force (SGTF); 2. Calls upon the EC and Member States to increase funding for research and development in alternative energy resources such as ITER, carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) and other low-carbon technologies; 3. Urges the EC to expand the ETS Carbon Leakage List to include more industrial sectors for the time period 2015-2019 especially taking into account the eco-friendliness of these entreprises; 4. Invites the EC to lower the threshold for the inclusion of installations into the ETS by reducing the 20 megawatt hour limit accordingly; 5. Requests the EC to alter the ETS in order to include all sectors of corporate transportation and logistics including aviation, sea and land based transport; 6. Invites the EC to: a)
implement a price floor for ETS allowances,
b)
annually invalidate surplus ETS allowances;
7. Calls for the EC to suggest the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change that the Kyoto Protocol should be binding to signatories and to allow for reinforcement measures in cases of infringement; 8. Further encourages the European External Action Service to negotiate with non-ETS countries concerning the introduction of a similar cap and trade system in countries that lack appropriate legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON S ECURITY AND D EFENCE (SEDE) The aftermath of the NSA spying scandal: Large-scale electronic surveillance is a global phenomenon. How should the EU respond to the possible threats that foreign surveillance poses to information security of European organisations and citizens, taking into account already existing measures in Member States? Submitted by: ALEXUS AKELLO (INTERNATIONELLA ENGELSKA GYMNASIET), CECILIA AXELSSON (BÄCKÄNGSGYMNASIET), SEBASTIAN BLENDOW (HERSBY GYMNASIUM), DANNY BUI (KLIPPANS GYMNASIESKOLOR), PHILIPPA KARLSSON (IHGR), YAHYE KHALIF (KATEDRALSKOLAN), NICKLAS KÖVAMEES (KUNGSHOLMENS GYMNASIUM), OLOF LAGERBERG (FRANSKA SKOLAN), HANNA MOSSÉEN (DONNERGYMNASIET), JONATHAN NILSSON HALLÉN (ELOF LINDÄLVS GYMNASIUM), PHILIP NYMAN (INGRID SEGERSTEDTS GYMNASIUM), THEO PENNEFATHER (UNITED KINGDOM), HANNES AHLVIN (CHAIRPERSON, SE), DAN BROWN (CHAIRPERSON, UK)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Fully aware that intelligence operations are vital for national defence when combating global terrorism, B. Realising the difficulty in having a more transparent intelligence service whilst running effective intelligence operations, C. Noting with deep concern that internet based companies and service providers are being forced to share information with intelligence agencies without public knowledge, 15
D. Alarmed by the fact that current data protection rules , which were created to protect citizens against online abuses of privacy, have not changed since 1995 and are unable to guard against current day technological capabilities and online surveillance, E. Deeply disturbed by the unmonitored way in which data is collected and stored by intelligence agencies for unknown purposes and the subsequent infringement on civil liberties, F. Fully aware of the growing lack of trust and cooperation between the US and EU intelligence agencies in light of the recent NSA revelations,
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Data Protection laws at European level seek to strike a balance between a high level of protection for the privacy of individuals and the free movement of personal data. Each Member State set up an independent national body responsible for the protection of these data.
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G. Viewing with concern the lack of trust citizens have in their government’s intelligence agencies, H. Deeply concerned by the higher standards of data protection afforded to US citizens, with US intelligence operations specifically targeting European citizens despite international alliances, I.
Alarmed by the ease in which intelligence agency employees can access vast amounts of private information without prevention;
1. Calls for the European Parliament to establish a special Committee to determine the extent to which internet based companies and service providers actively share private information with governments and their intelligence agencies; 2. Encourages the European Commission (EC) to highlight the risks of uploading personal information by: a) suggesting a European-wide schools programme that informs and educates students about the dangers of submitting information online, b) encouraging a media campaign to raise public awareness of internet companies selling private information for profit and the harms of posting personal information online; 3. Calls the EC to modernise data protection guidelines to counteract technological advancements by: a) supporting the redraft of the 1995 data protection directive guidelines and to modernise laws,
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to include well defined
b) suggesting the setting up of a committee to review the data protection guidelines at regular intervals of 5-10 years; 4. Encourages officials of the EU institutions as well as Member States to lobby with the US authorities for equal data protection rights for citizens of Member States, wherever possible; 5. Calls upon Member States to create a committee that monitors the data sharing between companies and government institutions and acts as an intermediary that scrutinises this process; 6. Recommends that Member States in cooperation with the EC initiate dialogue with the US authorities regarding a common policy on data sharing so that trust can be restored and that both sides uphold any new guidelines.
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The redraft of regulation sets out a general EU framework for data protection and a Directive on protecting personal data processed for the purposes of prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of criminal offences and related judicial activities.
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M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON E MPLOYMENT AND S OCIAL A FFAIRS (EMPL) Opportunity or obligation: With regards to freedom of mobility, how should the EU reconsider the set up of its labour market for young professionals in the fight against youth unemployment? Submitted by: UPASANA CHATTERJEE (KUNGSHOLMENS GYMNASIUM), ERIK DANIELSSON (MALMÖ BORGARSKOLA), CAMILLE DELLERMAN (FRANSKA SKOLAN), SARA HANNERZ (JGY WARGENTIN), KAROLINA KRAFT (BÄCKÄNGSGYMNASIET), LOVISA LYNGFELT (SIGRID RUDEBECKS GYMNASIUM), SARA SANS URDAIN (ELOF LINDÄLVS GYMNASIUM), DANIEL SERIN (GYMNASIESKOLAN SPYKEN), KAJSA SIKSTRÖM (GÖTEBORGS HÖGRE SAMSKOLA), JOHANNA SPERENS (UMEÅ INTERNATIONELLA GYMNASIUM), ALBIN TOUMA (IHGR), SARAH EK (CHAIRPERSON, SE), FRANZISKA MAIER (VICE PRESIDENT, DE)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Affirming the freedom of mobility as a Fundamental Right of the European Union (EU), B. Observing open employment opportunities both for skilled workers and in the low-pay sector in some EU countries, C. Realising a mismatch of skills supplied and skills demanded on the European labour market, D. Alarmed by the brain drain for some Member States,
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within the EU leading to a loss of human and financial capital
E. Fully aware that an increase in discrimination due to migration flows within the EU causes a loss of human capital in the country of origin, F. Concerned by the limits to freedom of mobility within the EU caused by the economic situation, language barriers and the differing educational backgrounds of individuals, G. Noting with deep concern the disparity between unemployment rates of Member States, especially between Southern and Central and Northern European States, 18
H. Keeping in mind that the European Social Fund (ESF) its full potential,
is currently not being exploited to
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Brain drain is the phenomenon of highly trained or skilled people emigrating from a particular country, usually due to a lack of prospects in said country. 18 The European Social Fund is an EU fund focusing on giving young people access to the skills and training to find work. It does this by funding national or regional projects on education, developing quality training options and increasing young people’s access to jobs.
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I.
Fully aware that young people entering the labour market have trouble finding employment due to their lack of working experience;
1. Invites the European Commission (EC) fund presentations in upper secondary schools across Europe concerning opportunites with regard to vocational training within the 19 Leonardo da Vinci Programme; 2. Calls for the EC to establish an online platform aimed at allowing private sector companies to contact schools and offer workshops, internship programmes, and lectures; 3. Strongly requests the EC to increase the funds for EU programmes fostering 20 entrepreneurship such as Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs and the European network 21 to promote women's entrepreneurship (WES) , which allows the targeting of young people and students specifically; 4. Encourages the EC to establish an EU integration programme within the Erasmus+ Programme which will: a) fund institutions that teach European languages, b) offer a formally accepted language diploma for graduates across Europe; 5. Recommends that the EC expands the criteria for the allocation of ESF funds to include the unemployment rates in the target countries of applicants; 6. Further affirms the regular evaluation by the European Court of Auditors of the allocation and effectivenesss of ESF funds; 7. Calls for Member States to grant tax benefits to companies that hire young employees between the ages 16 and 25; 22
8. Supports the EC’s endorsement of Flexicurity and its inclusion in the country specific 23 recommendations of Member States with high youth unemployment.
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The Leonardo da Vinci programme supports projects in the field of vocational education and training (VET). Funding is granted to projects that range from those giving individuals the chance to improve their competences, knowledge and skills through a period abroad, to Europe-wide co-operation between training organisations. Since January 2014, it is part of the Erasmus+ programme aiming to support actions in the fields of Education, Training, Youth and Sport. 20 Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is a cross-border exchange programme which gives new or aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to learn from experienced entrepreneurs running small businesses in other Participating Countries. 21 WES is the European network launched by the European Commission promoting women’s entrepreneurship. 22 The European Commission considers flexicurity as an integrated strategy to simultaneously enhance flexibility and security in the labour market. Flexicurity is designed and implemented across four policy components: 1) flexible and reliable contractual arrangements; 2) comprehensive lifelong learning strategies; 3) effective active labour market policies; and 4) modern social security systems providing adequate income support during employment transitions. 23 Reccomendations for Member States aimed at growth specified according to each nations individual needs and issued by the European Commision.
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M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON C IVIL L IBERTIES , J USTICE AND H OME A FFAIRS (LIBE) The Common European Asylum System: While the EU’s treatment of refugees has been heavily criticised by several human rights organisations, it continues to be overwhelmed by the increasing stream of refugees entering its borders. How can Member States work together to ensure not only fair asylum application processes but also humane treatment of all refugees entering Europe? Submitted by: GABRIEL ALM (KATEDRALSKOLAN), ANNA-STINA ERICSON (JGY WARGENTIN), ELSA KARLSSON GUSTAFSSON (UMEÅ INTERNATIONELLA GYMNASIUM), JASMIN KHALAJ SAMADI (SIGRID RUDEBECKS GYMNASIUM), GABRIELA KNEZEVIC (GÖTEBORGS HÖGRE SAMSKOLA), SIGNE LUNDQVIST (DRAGONSKOLAN), MOA LÖFMAN (GYMNASIESKOLAN SPYKEN), AMANDA ORPANA (INTERNATIONELLA ENGELSKA GYMNASIET), MADELEINE ROTH (MALMÖ BORGARSKOLA), FRIDA RÅHLANDER (VIKTOR RYDBERGS GYMNASIUM, DJURSHOLM), WILLIAM SIHVER (HERSBY GYMNASIESKOLA), ASTRID SÖDERBERG (DONNERGYMNASIET), EMIL JUSLIN (CHAIRPERSON, SE), VICTORIA BENDIKSBY WILKINSON (VICE PRESIDENT, NO)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Noting with concern the low standard of living for asylum seekers in multiple Member States whilst they are waiting for the result of an asylum application, B. Seeking a proportionate distribution of refugees in the EU amongst Member States, C. Taking into account how the current European recession negatively affects the living conditions of asylum seekers in Southern Europe, D. Welcoming the work of the European Commission (EC) and the European Parliament in introducing a common standard for asylum assessment, E. Further welcomes progress in the implementation of common rules on the asylum process by Member States, F. Recognises the increasing number of refugees world wide due to escalating conflicts, for example in Syria, G. Alarmed by the negative treatment of refugees due to xenophobia, H. Concerned by the standard of living in the detention centres, how frequently they are used and the absence of a time limit on how long an asylum seeker can be held within them, I.
Viewing with appreciation that the revised Asylum Procedure Directive addresses the problem of excessively long asylum seeking processes,
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J.
Emphasising that Member States should be thorough in the assessment of an asylum application to ensure conformity with non-refoulement,
K. Regretting that asylum seekers are often not informed about their rights whilst in the process of seeking asylum;
1. Trusts that the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) will follow the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR); 2. Requests that refugees arriving in the EU should be proportionally distributed amongst all Member States; 3. Calls for the EC and the Member States to engage in a dialogue to determine a nonbiased third party that, once a year, evaluates whether Member States reached the goals set in the EU asylum acquis; 4. Further calls for the EC to propose a new directive that enables the abovementioned nonbiased third party to ensure that Member States fulfill the goals; 5. Recommends that in a case in which EU asylum acquis is breached by a Member State they are subject to the scrutiny of the Court of Justice; 6. Encourages the EC to recommend all Member States to accept resettlement refugees; 7. Reaffirms the implementation of a training programme by the EC in which all those who work within the asylum system are educated about the danger of xenophobia and prejudices; 8. Declares accordingly that the EC should set out a list of criterias which are to be fulfilled before an asylum seeker can be put into detention, in order to narrow down the state's margin of appreciation in these cases; 9. Calls for the EC to propose an additional clause in the Reception Conditions Directive 24 (RCD) ensuring that the detention of asylum seekers takes specific circumstances of the individual into account, and should in no case exceed 18 months; 10. Further calls for the EC to propose a compulsory information procedure concerning the estimated duration of asylum-seekers detention time; 11. Calls upon the EC to propose increased funding to Member States in order to establish common standards in detention centres;. 12. Designates non-governmental organisations (NGO’s), as they are non-biased third parties, to inform all asylum seekers about, and help them to make use of, their rights whilst in an asylum seeking process.
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DIRECTIVE 2013/32/EU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 26 June 2013 on common procedures for granting and withdrawing international protection (recast)
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M OTION FOR A R ESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON C ONSTITUTIONAL A FFAIRS (AFCO) Following the ‘Resolution on improving the practical arrangements for the holding of the European elections in 2014’: What measures should be taken by all EU institutions and Member States to increase voter turnout and thereby improve democratic legitimacy? Submitted by: BETTY BAKHSHI (FRANSKA SKOLAN), JACQUELINE BJÖRKLUND (VIKTOR RYDBERG GYMNASIUM, DJURSHOLM), LEON FURUSKOG (IHGR), RASMUS KIVINEN (BÄCKÄNGSGYMNASIET), INGMAR KVIELE (KUNGSHOLMENS GYMNASIUM), TOVE LINDBERG (UMEÅ INTERNATIONELLA GYMNASIUM), FREDRIK OLSSON (S:T PETRI GYMNASIESKOLA), ERIK SANDED (KATEDRALSKOLAN), IMAN SLAKA (INTERNATIONELLA ENGELSKA GYMNASIET), JESPER THUNSTRÖM (BLADINS GYMNASIUM), AGNES WENTZEL BLANK (INGRID SEGERSTEDTS GYMNASIUM), LOVE LYSSARIDES (CHAIRPERSON, SE), HANS MAES (CHAIRPERSON, BE)
The European Youth Parliament, A. Deeply concerned that the European Commission (EC) is biased, due to it being appointed by the European Council, consequently maintaining the Member States’ national interests, B. Noting with regret that the Treaties of the European Union (EU) confer the right of 25 initiative exclusively to the EC , thus withholding the right to initiate legislation from the European Parliament (EP), 26
C. Concerned that proposals suggested by the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) are less likely to receive recognition from an institution not representing the citizens themselves, i.e. the EC, D. Keeping in mind the ‘Resolution on improving the practical arrangements for the holding 27 of the European elections in 2014’ (2013/2102(INI)) of the EP, E. Recognising the lack of conformity when organising the European elections, especially 28 regarding the elections’ schedule , 25
Art. 17(1) TEU unequivocally declares that the Commission is the EU institution which promotes the general interest of the EU and takes appropriate initiatives to that end. In this connection, the Treaties explicitly state that the Union’s legislative acts can be adopted only on the basis of a Commission proposal, except where the Treaties provide otherwise (Art. 17(2) TEU). 26 Art 11(4) TEU stipulates that ‘Not less than one million citizens who are nationals of a significant number of Member States may take the initiative of inviting the European Commission, within the framework of its powers, to submit any appropriate proposal on matters where citizens consider that a legal act of the EU is required for the purpose of implementing the Treaties. 27 For the adopted text of the resolution, see http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P7-TA-2013-323.
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F. Acknowledges that funds provided to political party campaigns help spread information regarding EU politics, leading to a raise in interest and participation, G. Deeply disturbed by a rise in Euroscepticism and abstentions from voting caused by citizens believing that cooperation between the EU´s institutions and the Member States is unsuccessful, H. Recognising the lack of adequate information concerning both the upcoming election as well as general information about the EU’s institutions, I.
Bearing in mind the widespread lack of interest in EU policies among citizens of many Member States,
J.
Alarmed by youths being insufficiently targeted by information campaigns aiming to facilitate the understanding of the EP election process,
K. Regrets that people are not knowledgeable regarding their individual impact on the EU;
1. Requests that the EP be granted the right of initiative in the ordinary legislative 29 procedure , without infringing on the EC’s right of initiative; 2. Urges the responsibility for the ECI to be shifted from the EC to the EP; 3. Calls for the implementation of a single election day in all Member States; 30
4. Endorses clause 7 of the aforementioned EP resolution , stating that national parties and politicians should clarify their affiliation with European political parties; 5. Approves the continuation of subsidies for European political parties as a way to reach out to the public; 6. Supports the compilation of free educational materials concerning EU institutions and the ordinary legislative procedure to citizens via traditional and online media; 7. Encourages the harmonisation of the Member States’ school curricula to include basic education on the EU and its institutions; 8. Invites the EP and European parties to re-evaluate and strengthen their presence in social media as a way to target youth;
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th
The 2014 elections are spread over a four-day period. Whilst most Member States vote on May 25 , nd the Netherlands and the United Kingdom vote on May 22 . 29 The ordinary legislative procedure is the main legislative procedure by which EU directives and regulations are adopted. It involves a policy proposal by the European Commission, which is subsequently co-decided upon by the Council and the European Parliament. 30 European Parliament ‘Resolution on improving the practical arrangements for the holding of the European elections in 2014’ (2013/2102(INI)), clause 7: ‘Calls on the national political parties to inform citizens, before and during the electoral campaign, about their affiliation with a European political party and their support for its candidate for the Commission presidency and for his or her political programme.’
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9. Calls upon the Eurobarometer to conduct evaluations of Member States’ electoral systems paying special attention to cases of high or increasing voter turnout.
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Eurobarometer is a series of public opinion surveys conducted regularly on behalf of the European Commission. These surveys address a wide variety of topical issues relating to the EU throughout Member States.
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