Editorial Sarajevo 2015 – Leaving footprints When reading these lines, probably the session’s programme will have run out of days. Probably you will be heading back to getting more of school, more of sleep, more of activities that will fill your day as normally. By the same time though, there will be some things to help you throw your mind back. Be it a series of photos, a view on a video, a resolution booklet hidden under random paperwork in your desk. From now on, there will be some pieces of memory connected to each and every part of the past week, which was filled and lived up to its most by all of you. In fact, there has been a common experience formed during those days of Sarajevo 2015. We see it as a big pattern consisting of many tiles, each tile representing an individual out of such a variety of persons. You came, discussed and shared views, agreed or disagreed and reached conclusions. Most basically, you created impressions. Your personal output to the session was fundamental to the atmosphere around those days. This is something that does not necessarily end together with the end of the programme’s agenda. In other words, each one of you has left a footprint behind, which was an individual approach to the same reality we have happened to experience since the session kicked off almost a week ago. It is those footprints we would like to highlight and keep into life through the output the media team has created. In the most probable case that those days have left an impact on you too and you feel the need to revive some memories, you will know where to resort too from now on. Take care, enjoy and keep leaving those footprints. It is worth it. Yours, Dimos, Panagiotis and Chris.
Table of Contents
Section I The Argentinian Experiment
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The Refugee Crisis and the EU
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Together we stand , united we fall
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We asked you! 11 Section II Behind the Curtains 12 To Do List 14 Meet the people that saved themselves 15 Sarajevo 2015 17 EYP in the eyes of Sarajevo people
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Get Involved 21
The Argentinean Experiment By Panagiotis Themelis
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In one of the hadest times in the history of the country when half of the population living under the poverty threshold doomed in misery while the state being penniless and absent, the society showed its reflexes and released its inner powers. Argentinian people started to self-organize and exchange goods and services a proccess through which ‘el trueque’ emerged. ‘El trueque’ is a pre-capitalist trading system that guaranteed the survival of 10,000,000 people. Goods were offered on condition that they were demanded and someone could take a part in the exchange only when they brought goods to exchange with coupons that would be later on exchanged for other goods. This was the feature that secured the balance of the system. It was carried out in special places where for instance used clothes were exchanged for meat. As the local Graciela Grajisevic, founding member of el trueque, testifies: ‘Not only did el trueque provided us with food but also granted us doctors and teachers for our children to learn english and dance. We had notaries who confirmed transactions and got paid with coupons which was the exchange currency.
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We could use this currency for tourism, nail artists, hairdressers or even casino. It was like a festival, soirees happened, the people sung and nobody got sad because they could eat, drink and dress, it was amazing! It was amazing not to depend on the banks, the super markets, the finance minister or the I.M.F.. The truth is that we lived a period of unprecedented freedom. El trueque was gradully expanded throughout the country. This expansion was enough that the local economic circles and the I.M.F itself hummiliated it and asked for its dissolution while a US senator called it an act of economic terrorism. ‘This study of the market through a micro-market is a gigantic leap for the the mankind’s economic viewpoint’ exclaims Ruben Rivera, a co-founder. ‘And this we know is very dangerous. It is very dangerous that the people put into practice a method which allows them to be independent. To be self-determinant about their fate.’ he concludes. The beginning of the end was the moment when the police visited for the first time the largest ‘el trueque’
space. In the meantime mass media reported that the products were stolen and the food was taken from We could use this currency for tourism, nail artists, hairdressers or even casino. It was like a festival, soirees happened, the people sung and nobody got sad because they could eat, drink and dress, it was amazing! It was amazing not to depend on the banks, the super markets, the finance minister or the I.M.F.. The truth is that we lived a period of unprecedented freedom. El trueque was gradully expanded throughout the country. This expansion was enough that the local economic circles and the I.M.F itself hummiliated it and asked for its dissolution while a US senator called it an act of economic terrorism. ‘This study of the market through a micro-market is a gigantic leap for the the mankind’s economic viewpoint’ exclaims Ruben Rivera, a co-founder. ‘And this we know is very dangerous. It is very dangerous that the people put into practice a method which allows them to be independent. To be self-determinant about their fate.’ he concludes.
the rubbish. However their effort failed to put it to an end. What did so was the dozens of counterfeit coupons, which was the currency of the system, the identity of the ones that issued and threw them in the market is to remain unknown. The founders of el trueque never paused to claim that this was an organized action. A newspaper report of those days says that the police arrested criminals who trasported a million of counterfeit coupons. When the journalists asked if these pieces were makeshift, the answer received was that large scale equipment was needed for such a production. El trueque is still underway in Buenos Aires, in places which keep a low profile not to attract the authorities. The argentinian experiment took place during a historical economic collapse. At a first glance it is a situation the EU needs to avoid at all costs but should we examine it profoundly we find the recipe to exit a crisis. This is called solidarity.
The beginning of the end was the moment when the police visited for the first time the largest ‘el trueque’ space. In the meantime mass media reported that the products were stolen and the food was taken from 5
The refugee crisis and the EU By Tunç Öztemir
This summer, Europe has experienced the highest influx of refugees since the Second World War and the main reason is the conflict in Syria. How and why did this happen? Well almost every country, rebel group or terrorist organisation somehow involved in the conflict blames another one. But the picture is very clear: Syria has become a stage for a global show of strengths.
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olutionary, it was non-violent and it was felt that, finally, democracy and human rights would arrive in the region. In Syria, however the president Assad refused to step down and he tried to suppress the protesters with brutality and violence. Dozens of rebel groups popped up all seeking different results started fighting with each other and the government, that created various and extremely complex coalitions. In such an environment, Many of you know the reason of ISIS, a militaristic jihadist group the conflict in some degree. Syrthat was active generally in Iraq, ia has been ruled by the al-Assad used the opportunity and entered family since 1960s, who were actthe chaos with the goal to build a ing as dictators and were a member totalitarian Islamic caliphate. Very of a different sect than the majorquickly, it became one of the most ity of the people. Then the Arab violent and rich extremist organiSpring happened. People started sations on Earth. toppling the dictator-like regimes all around Middle East. It was Ordinary people were stuck in the called a Spring, because it was rev- country, in the between different
groups. Their homes were taken, their cities got destroyed and they have lost many of their loved ones. 7 million people were internally displaced and 4 million fled the country and became a refugee. This is half the population of Syria and these numbers are the highest we have ever seen in a conflict. No one was prepared for a crisis on this scale. We forgot how globalised our world was and thought a conflict so far away from us would not, in any ways, affect us.
the situation even more difficult for them. In the EU refugees have to stay in the country they arrived first which puts enormous pressure on States. Southern countries, especially Greece could not prevent the influx while already dealing with an economic crisis on the scale of the Great Depression.
The world needed to act together, not as separate countries all Eventually the neighbouring coun- seeking their own benefits. Many tries; Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon states refused to accept anyone accepted more than %90 percent leaving the border states to deal of the refugees. These countries with the problem on their own. got very little or any international United Kingdom, in 2014, lobsupport and the situation got even bied to stop a huge rescue opworse for the Syrians. Without any eration called Mare Nostrum hope and having nothing to loose, which had previously saved hunthey decided to enter the EU, aldreds of thousands of lives from though this meant risking their drowning in the Mediterranean. lives, to seek asylum. Europe on The idea was that a higher death the other hand, had great problems toll would scare off people from into accepting the refugees making trying to reach via boats. In reali7
ty this did not happen except the them. It was both ironic and sad to see that people changed their perception only after they saw a dead boy from Syria found lying face down on a beach in Turkey. Ignoring a certain problem because it is geographically far away from us and does not have a direct effect on us can be treaky at some points. Slowly the countries in Europe are announcing that they would accept some refugees but the number is still quite low. Overall, things are slowly getting better, but not fast enough. There is not a real loss for Europe even if it accepts all of the refugees. Research and real-life data shows that if distributed proportionally refugees only make up a very small percentage of the population
and they tend to integrate themselves faster than any other group. They try to get a job quicker and are more eager to work than others, plus it has been shown that the crime rate among refugees is less than the crime rate among the native population, probably due to the appreciation they feel. The European Union consists of the wealthiest states in the world, producing good and services worth 18 trillion US dollars every year. Member states are among the most stable democracies with good infrastructure and a working institutions. It can, even if it were to act alone, handle the refugee crisis and gain much from it. However the rise of nationalistic sentiments and political parties trying to get more votes via using populist strategies do and will blame these people for their own sake. We have a chance to make things better for millions of people and organisations all around Europe are trying to do something about it. I, myself hope that we finally pull ourselves together and understand the seriousness of the problem instead of acting without humanity and reason.
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Together we stand, united we fall. The European continent from the beginnings of their civilisation is characterised by open ideas, which stigmatised many sectors of the human life in our era. Democracy embraced the idea of equality amongst the members of the society, while respecting the diversity of minds; Plurimum unum, the Romans used to say. The EU respecting the uniqueness of its civilization, created its motto which signifies how Europeans came together in order to work for peace and prosperity. United in Diversity is the sign of the Union for 15 years, yet still there are steps to take towards an actual unity.
By Sofia Magopoulou
different traditions, ideas and even religions have been developed. Those differences have actually affected the way the society has evolved in the EU countries. For example, the interpersonal relationships and the way they are perceived, differ from the Northern countries to the Southern ones.
Certainly, people in the Mediterranean countries are more open and outgoing than those from Northern countries, influencing the state of each country and the way that they are formed. The legislation of each country, for instance, consists of different laws and guidelines, which The European Union consists of are harmonised with the needs of a variety of social, economic, geo- each society; those bits and pieces graphical conditions due to which
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are the ones that characterize a Union, and thus, instead of acting as a barrier they should promote and inspire unity amongst it, for these are the things that can make our society change and evolve.
Apart from the Roma, the LGBT community, whose rights have begun being recognised the past few years, is another example of a community whose voice was not heard within our society. The equality of chances in the Union is one of the One of the most fundamental con- most significant elements that could flicts that the Union should face to- lead to a better communication and day is the integration of minorities evolution. or not commonly accepted communities within the society. While pre- If we could only imagine the EU as serving the uniqueness of a culture a huge mosaic, it would consist of is one of the most essential goals of different tiles,with all kind of shapes the union, it is not always imple- and colours. But if you combine mented. A common example would every single tile, you would then be be the one of minority, secluded by able to see harmony and wholeness. the European society is community Only by understanding, accepting of Roma. and embracing our diversity, we will be able to promote and inspire uniTheir distinct lifestyle and percep- ty. After all, quoting the great words tions are not considered appropri- of Euripides, an ancient Greek poet ate for a vast amount of citizens of tragedy, “there is the sky, which is amongst the union and therefore all men’s together�. leading to a seclusion from the Union.
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By Johanna Sundheimer and Sofia Magopoulou.
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TO-DO LIST
By Johanna Sundheimer and Tunç Öztemir
15 things you have to do during your time in EYP. 1. Hug at least 20 people you have never met before 2. Spend at least one night without any sleep 3. Do not hesitate to drink cold coffee without milk and sugar 4. Spontaneously perform at Euroconcert 5. Travel through at least three countries to get to a session 6. Learn swearwords in several different languages 7. Have German sausages, Italian pasta, Spanish ham, French brioche, Swiss chocolate, Belgian waffles, Greek tzatziki and Turkish baklava all for dinner 8. Feel very fancy being in the city dressed up for GA 9. Deliver an improvised speech at GA 10. Sleep in someone else’s bed 11. Celebrate your birthday during a session 12. Play Alele in the middle of a crowded place 13. Feel like a stranger and suffer from PED (= post EYP depression) when you return to the real world after a session 14. Try to explain the spirit of EYP to a Non-EYPer 15. Be able to travel 20 european countries without having to worry about where you are going to stay
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Meet the people that saved themselves.
By Corinna Alberti.
What would you be doing if you were same hobby. What does it mean? Benot here? Studying? Working? Party- fore that: are you happy? ing? Sleeping? Sarajevo has 370,000 inhabitants. Since 1914 Sarajevo has had the reInstead you are here: Hotel Saraj, Sa- sponsability to prove how much the rajevo. You just talked about a mov- all Balkans count. What happens in ie you like with another participant Sarajevo is crucial for the entire Euand you found out that it is the fa- rope. In the 1990s Sarajevo was bevourite one for both of you. Or you sieged and on the edge of annihilahave just laughed at a stupid sentence tion. However, it is now hosting you, because someone misunderstood it. together with other 109 people, it is They understood something else be- giving you the chance to discuss what cause it is not their first language. Nor the EU has and hasn’t done about ceryours. You are speaking English with tain issues. However, Bosnia and Herpeople from different backgrounds, zegovna is not in the EU, is it? How from different stories. Would you can you passionatly debate about the debate about refugees with someone policy of this complicated body in a three years older than you? That guy place that isn’t part of it? When you’re comes from a country that is always not part of it? on the newspapers but you share the
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just made sure to open our eyes and Imagine Sarajevo, the same post-war change our point of view. Thank you city you knew, now imagine a session for giving us the chance to improve of EYP: delegates, officials, venues. ourselves. Close your eyes: can you picture it? No National Committee, no strong The session is ending, and it is time bonds with organisations to raise to say goodbye.Say goodbye to your money. Would you go for it? Fortu- five-day younger yourself because it nately, someone did it. Someone pic- is gone. It is gone along with the prejtured in their mind the idea of Bosnia udices you had, the hours of sleep you and Herzegovina and EYP joint in did not get and the fears that belonged one sentence, in one place. The same to you before the session started. person happened to re-create a strong group of people ready to face the Say goodbye to the Sarajevo you picmost difficult challeges, a group that tured a minute and a half ago. Now goes forward because it is able to for- your Sarajevo is the person that give its own mistakes, a group that re- grabbed water for you at lunch. Your flects the mindset of the beautiful city session’s best friend. You will not reof Sarajevo, able to approach diversity member the hotel or the buildings in a non-traditional way. “Goodbye but the people. Because for some inBosnia, I am coming to Sarajevo�. sane reason we remember first times more than anything else. And no If the most important thing Bosnia matter how many times you have exneeds is a hopeful state of mind this perienced it you cannot get used to session suits the task. If young people the feeling in your belly when you in Bosnia have to save themselves, this share an emotion. It means that there is the example to follow. If we think is someone that feels the same as you these are things any country could do. Deep down it means that you are benefit of, we just met who to look up not alone. to when realising them ourselves. That is astonishment and it is always We can thank him all together right the first time. now: thank you Haris for providing Sarajevo used to be small, it was a us a safe place where to meet, learn place on Google maps but it hosted and challenge ourselves. Thank you us: now we are part of Sarajevo. Debecause if it was not for you we would lete the image you had of it because be doing boring stuff, we would that one was not as brave, surprising not have met special people and we or beautiful as we are right now. would not know how special we are ourselves. Thank you because you Thank you Haris, 109 times. 16
TEAMBUILDING
By Joanna Hadjicosta
Genuinely the only significant key to fulfilling a mesmerizing EYP session, or in literal form, anything. It has the ability to build a lurking bridge between people that aims to abolish boundaries. Bringing people together is their every duty, accomplished by an intense, yet entirely joyful physical activity. Evidently, you cannot have people from different groups and education functioning perfectly on the very first day, after all a building cannot build itself. It is a firm, unbroken and none fragile bonding faculty.
EUROCONCERT
This significant event, does not aim to impress the audience with an immense talent, but rather bring people with the same interests together! Undoubtedly, EYP does not set a limit on what the population defines as “talent”, but intents to break this definition into something divergent. Delightfully, the atmosphere on the 1st of October was filled up with art dancing tentatively through everyone’s ears, granting a majestic session. This event took place in the beautiful Army Hall in Sarajevo, making it all an itsy bit more brilliant.
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EUROVILLAGE
Subsequently follows the eurovillage, which has as a great target the cultural exchange via delicacies and other goods. Groups of people get the chance to represent a country by bringing local food and sometimes dressing up traditionally. Unfortunately, not managing to have enough food was troublesome but not the kind that could stop us from celebrating our night with eventful music and merry people. Overall, the delegates got the chance to end this night with music and a crazy photo-booth with Lulu, a cheery NSC Sarajevo 2015 character.
COMMITTEE WORK & GENERAL ASSEMBLY After one day of extensive team-building activities, the delegates are promptly full equipped to fill up a committee with thoughts and ideas; an elegant brainstorm. The first work materialized from the participants’ dictionary on the whole was the tasteful “teamwork”. The awe-inspiring beginning of the final countdown! This is the rigorous place where all the work throughout the session can leave a mark, a place where opinions are expressed, acknowledged and debated. Taking part in this paramount event, automatically marks the inhalation of a whole new chapter of notions and proposals for the “excelling”.
FAREWELL
One feet in distance from the finish-line; the ending, yet only just the beginning. A magnificent dive on the wondrous train of EYP is only just marking its beginning, intending to be clutched by the new members of this warm-hearted family. 18
EYP IN THE EYES OF SARAJEVO PEOPLE By Emina Krnjić and Corinna Alberti
Nail Hadzibulic, 23 Sarajevo I think NS brings something different and highly postitive to Sarajevo because our country is small but at the same time full of events that are main theme for discussion at EYP like political issues, so it is definitely a good thing to include young „I think it brings something differpeople full of ideas in our everydays ent and highly postitive to Sarajevo“ life, as well as to show that our youth as well has some great thinkerers and visionaries amongst them. I would definitely consider joining EYP BiH because everything that will raise awareness to these days problems and help young people to take some kind of initiative is a good thing in my opinion. I would expect meeting great people, learning about different cultures, discussions about general current events and state in which Europe and the whole world is, mutual education amongst a great variety of young people and of course promotion of my own culture. I was glad that something like the NS is organised and happening in Sarajevo because of all the reasons said in previous questions, and I just want to add to keep up the good work. Nikola Xaviereff, 20, Sarajevo Sarajevo 2015 means a lot to the city and people who are still on their way of perceiving and learning what true democracy means. The positive thing about EYP is of „It means a lot course that young people get to be to the city and directly involved in the simulated people“ process of how the already developed countries work. It would be a great thing to join such an event, since every individual who wants develop his/her knowledge, public speaking public speaking abilities, insight into politics can gain experience and hopefully greatly benefit. 19
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When I first learned about this, I was actually happy that something like this will take place in a city where everybody thinks that they know more than they actually do. So, it thus means that whoever may want to do something productive can try and see what it takes to make a change in the world. Iman Krnjić, 18, Sarajevo Our country is small but it hosts many cultural events: it is the perfect place for this National Session. I see in this event a chance for the city of Sarajevo to shine. I am very happy that Young Bosnian People are involved: it makes me proud that many youngsters from all over Europe are com“A great opportunity for ing here and will visit our city and meet young people” our youngters as well. Also, I believe this is a great opportunity for the young people in Sarajevo to make new friends, meet different cultures, to advance their speaking skills and above all to learn more about political, economical and other issues. Moreover, Sarajevo is now being heared among the young people from Europe. I think I would have many advanteges if I join such organization and it would be of huge significance for me in the near future. I expect new experiences, also to share one with other eyps. I would like to come in this colorful world of contacts and opportunities for a better tomorrow. Zerina Ramović, 19, Sarajevo Thanks to the EYP National Session, the youth finally got the chance to be heard; youth discussions, youth ideas.. One is open to learn new things from his companion, to see and to accept, whatever the topic might be. For Sarajevo, it is an encouragement for the youth to stand „It is an encouragement against the conservatism. for the youth“ I’d love to be a part of something so big and bright as EYP, and join the never-ending cycle of informal knowledge. The tought of meeting new people, gaining both micro and macro knowlegde, and exploring the world, makes me very excited! I was happy to hear that Sarajevo youngsters made it so far, and that the Sarajevo youth is open and ready for changes, beside the rough history they have gone through.
By Sofia Magopoulou
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PRISM MEDIA