Thessaloniki '21 // 42nd National Selection Conference of EYP Greece
Committee Topics Thessaloniki, 17-20 December '21
Committe on Constitutional Affairs I (AFCO I): BalkIn or BalkOut? With several Balkan countries being candidates and potential candidates for EU membership and benefiting from pre-accession funding, several accession criteria still need to be fulfilled, leaving negotiations stagnating. How, if at all, should the EU ensure a smooth accession process of Balkan countries, also in light of the potential setbacks that such enlargement could bring to the EU’s stability as a whole?
Committee on Constitutional Affairs II (AFCO II): Europe 2.0: In the post-pandemic era, the discourse on the state of the EU is heavily focused on forming a European identity based on unity, political will, and common ideals. With the European Commission underlining the importance of reinforcing the "soul of the EU", and the need for self-reliant European institutions being more pressing than ever, how can the EU actualise the vision of a more united Europe whilst specifically focusing on strengthening and autonomising its economy, health and defence sectors?
Committee on Human Rights I (DROI I): Refugee Crisis, Human Crisis: After the Taliban seized back control of Afghanistan, 3.5 million people were forced to flee their homes, with approximately 30,000 Afghans continuing to leave the country on a weekly basis. Considering the EU's position as the world's leading humanitarian aid donor, how should Member States work together to ensure a unified, integrated approach towards resolving this humanitarian crisis without disregarding the lessons learnt through the management of the 2015 migrant crisis?
Committee on Human Rights II (DROI II): Sex Education: Despite significant EU efforts to advance LGBTQIA+ rights in the past decade, the inclusion of queer topics in sexuality education remains inadequate, further contributing to LGBTQIA+ stigmatisation and health disparities. Factoring in the youth's lack of access to reliable sources of information on the matter, how can the EU support Member States towards implementing comprehensive LGBTQIA+ positive sexuality education programmes at schools?
Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL): No more 9 to 5: With gig economy and overall freelance work gaining popularity, platform workers are often called to face issues regarding the lack of rights and social protection. How can the EU and its Member States further promote innovation and growth while also protecting the rights of their citizens?
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Committe on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM ): No Woman Alone: According to a 2021 report by the European Institute of Gender Equality, cases of domestic violence against women and girls have increased significantly since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. With urgent action required to safeguard the rights of women and girls and protect them from domestic violence, what measures should the EU take to ensure the safety of its citizens?
Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): Living smart: With the consistent population growth resulting in the scarcity of space and resources, as well as the increase of emissions, cities like London and Helsinki serve as great examples of implementing smart solutions. Given that by 2050 around two-thirds of the world’s population are expected to live in towns and cities, how can the EU assist Member States in integrating the innovative technology in the cities for combating current pressures and working towards sustainability?
Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE): Roof over one's head: Despite the data showing that there are more than 11 million houses left empty throughout Europe, around 700,000 persons face homelessness each night in Europe, accounting 70% increase since 2010. How can the EU tackle the housing crisis and achieve its target of ending homelessness by 2030?
Committee on Security and Defense I (SEDE I): Exploration and militarisation of space 2021: A Space Odyssey? Space exploration has been receiving increasing attention during the past few years from both private investors and state actors, with international powers such as the US and China expressing interest in its militarisation and its resources. Having designated 2021-2027 as an important timeframe for Europe’s activities in outer space, what strategy should the EU adopt towards space security and defence?
Committee on Security and Defense II (SEDE II): Rough waters run deep as well: The EU’s recent strategy on the Indo-Pacific outlines the importance of the region for addressing global challenges and shaping the foreign policy agenda of the EU. With its significance and current geopolitical tensions in the region, how should the EU further shape its activities within and beyond the EU Strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific?
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Committee Topics // 42nd National Selection Conference of EYP Greece Thessaloniki, 17-20 December '21 | m: thessaloniki.nsc@eypgreece.org