Helvetia Farewell Issue

HELVETIA FAREWELL ISSUE The Official Newspaper Of Bern2015

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EDITORIAL Dear reader, We have been having a great time for the last five days and unfortunately like all the good things, this session also has come to an end. We may haven’t had any chance to meet you personally, as we were isolated either in the press rooms or the bunker for nearly the whole of the session. But, we worked relentlessly and restlessly to produce the best output we can, just for you. Our main aim was to be able to give you a chance to contribute to this newspaper as well. That is the reason we came up with a unique idea like making a website for just uploading pictures. We would like to thank all of you who sent their incredibly creative challenge videos and pictures.

Also, we couldn’t have been more grateful to the media team we have at this session. Our journalists have

been so eager to work, enthusiastic to take videos and hardworking towards even the hardest tasks we gave them. So hereby, we, as the editorial team, would like to thank our jouralists so much for making everything work flawlessly for us.

As Oscar Wilde once said: ‘Don’t cry because it is over, smile because it has happened.’. This session is just a beginning to your -hopefully- long journey in EYP and we are sure that the Helvetia Media Team has provided you with the best output.

We hope to see you at a session in the future somewhere around the Europe.

Yours truly, Onur Can Uçarer & R. Tamer Özgen & Oliver Kötter

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This Issue is brought to you by R. Tamer Özgen (TR) Onur Can Uçarer (TR) Oliver Kötter (DE) Bilge Özensoy (TR) Caoimhe Healy (IE) Cécile Schluep (CH) Dimitris Krokos (GR) Doris Fonseca Lima (CH) Josephine Heinzelmann (CH) Mari Vetti Frostad (NO) Maria Fedoruk (UA) Marta Rosique Saltor (ES) Samuel Hönle (AT) Tom Wölfskämpf (DE) 3

WHAT’S INSIDE? SWITZERLAND Power to the People?

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Reading Writing Coding

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H U M A N I T Y WASHED ASHORE 9 AMBITION, VISION, MISSION 10

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THE NEXT STEP AFTER BERN

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OUR DIGNITY

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Should one life be sacrificed to save a few others?

WITH AIRINESS INTO THE FUTURE

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OUR ELECTIONS ARE OVERRATED

THE HISTORY21 O F THE FLAG

EYP COMPETENCIES UNDERSTANDING OFFICIALS Social Media IS IT PAIN OR GAIN?

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SWITZE LAND Power to the people?

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Citizens gather for a “Landsgemeinde” in the Canton Glarus.

It is one of the two cantons where voting is still done by show of hands.

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witzerland’s democratic system is quite unique in Europe. Coming from Austria, I was very interested in Switzerland’s political system when paying a visit to the Bundeshaus on a previous trip to Bern. From how I perceive it, the Swiss are very proud of their country, their originality, and their direct democracy. However, let me give you another perspective – the perspective of an outsider.

In Switzerland, political power is distributed over many different levels. Although federalism is present in other states in Europe as well, it is practiced in a stronger way in Switzerland. This goes in line with the Swiss principle of giving power to the people, which is especially visible in something that is unique in Europe: Their implementation of direct democracy. With their right to start initiatives on new and existing legislation, which are then put to a public vote, the people can directly influence the legislation of their country. This means that the “will of the people” is directly represented. Many politicians in other countries in Europe and the rest of the world, often from right wing parties, take Switzerland as the leading example for living democracy to its fullest.

Samuel Hönle (AT) However, implementing direct democracy doesn’t automatically solve a country’s political problems, neither does it make everybody’s lives perfect, as it is sometimes communicated by politicians outside of Switzerland.

The process of starting an initiative, creating a poll and carrying it out takes up a lot of time and slows down the legislative process. Many of the referenda are about a very specific part of legislation, which is where the biggest problem emerges: not everybody can be an expert on everything. This means that the results are highly influenced by the campaigns and the media coverage before the referendum. These campaigns can sometimes be populist and spread misinformation about the topic, as happened in 2009 with the minaret initiative and 2014 with the “against mass immigration” initiative.

Both of these initiatives passed – but with turnouts at around 55%, this represents the opinion of only about one quarter of the Swiss population.

Sometimes, the right decision is not the popular one – one the people would not have taken by themselves.

Even though many people complain, I trust elected representatives more with making decisions that are beneficial for my country than my country’s population.

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C READING WRITING & CODING

Tom Wolfskämpf (DE)

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omputer Programming, also known as coding has become an essential skill in today’s society and will only get more important in the future. It has even become similarly important to reading and writing.

are using this opportunity to make coding accessible for everyone, by creating easy to follow through courses which teach you the basics and sometimes even the advanced topics of programming while managing to make all of this a surprisingly fun experience.

There are some essential skills which mostly everyone agrees on. You should be able to speak, to read, to write, and to do some basic maths maybe. If you think about what these skills are good for and why they are deemed essential, you’ll find that they are all means to manipulate minds around us and can also be used to find solutions through communication or calculation.

Now that we know how easy it is to get into programming, it might still not be clear to you why you should do it. Even free things like learning coding cost time, but does learning how to code pay you back?

Nowadays however, this list of requirements is outdated. Back then, if you had the before mentioned skills, you had it all, but even nowadays, your computer still doesn’t just listen to your plain English and do what you instruct it. Sure, there is software like Google Now and Siri which aims to do exactly what I just told you computers can’t do.

There is the problem though, it aims to do these things, but it really can’t.

You can’t just tell Siri to make you a website however and Google Now still can’t do your job (yet). This is where it becomes necessary to learn a new, beautifully structured language: The language of computers.

If you think you’ll have to type ones and zeroes into your computer keyboard to make it do things you want it to do, I’m happy to inform you that it’s much easier. For many years now, programming languages like Python, Ruby and C have evolved to become more and more powerful, while getting as close to spoken English as possible. Sites like Codecademy (free) and Code School (paid)

To be straight forward: Oh boy, yes it does. You don’t even have to make programming your job, but the amount of time it can save you nowadays is just stunning. Everything you can or sometimes have to do by hand can be automated with often even just basic knowledge of coding. Yes, this includes the little annoying task you do every day because you could not automate it so far. You can program a power controller which makes you coffee every morning before you wake up, or, if you want to work in accounting or any very number heavy areas, you could most likely automate your whole job. There are already plenty of examples for this, which you can find on the internet if you like.

Why am I telling you all this, though? First of all, our society’s progress used to be limited to the speed humans could work at and still is in many areas. To be able to sustain ourselves, we need to accept that we need to learn how to tell computers to do our work. Second of all, learning how to code is also about improving the quality of your life, you won’t be helpless anymore but instead you’ll be empowered and independent from those who already do know how to code.

HUMANITY WA S H E D

ASHORE

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iny hands covered in mud and dust, an expression of confusion and fear etched on a face where innocence is still found. Some are barely conscious of their name; some are only at the age to understand why they left their home. One common thing is that they all have dreams to realize, a clean slate to fill up, a future full of potentials, and a heart that is not yet completely contaminated by the harsh realities of the world – up until the war emerged. Some are made to watch as their loved ones are killed, some are made to pull the trigger themselves; some leave their home never to return. These are the children at war scene. Their lives are irreversibly impacted and will never attain the potential they had before the war.

While we were busy discussing European politics here in picturesque Bern, twelve Syrian refugees drowned on their way to Greek island Kos. One of them was 3-year-old Aylan Kurdi, alongside

Bilge Özensoy (TR) his brother Galip who was only two years older than him. The photo of Aylan’s dead body washed up against the shore has sparked a lot of thoughts and emotions. It strikingly portrays the adverse and unfair impact of war, a reality that is now overlooked since everyone is used to seeing photos of Syrian refugees on commute. Children make up half of the 12 million Syrians that have been replaced, and the number is increasing every other day that the violence does not cease.

The troubles do not end for those that survive the journey of fleeing from home to hope, unlike Aylan and his brother. In the overcrowded and poor living conditions, many hardships await the children. Due to a combination of factors such as malnutrition, poor sanitation and difficulty in accessing clean water, their immunity to diseases decrease. In such an environment, the infection of one person with a disease can easily spread. In fact, according to a study by United Nations, only 2% of deaths in war

zones are related to direct violence and the rest is majorly caused by malnutrition and diseases. But that is not the end to threats children are facing.

Only in the Syrian war, more than 10.000 children have been subject to rape, torture and recruitment for combat. The exposition to these experiences of violence and terror leaves permanent scars. Posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression are only some of the very common psychological problems seen in children living in war.

In the long run, some even suffer from losing the meaning of constructing themselves in the world.

Children belong in classrooms and playgrounds. They should be given encouragement and compassion, not lifelong haunting trauma nor guns. Here’s hoping for the guns to be silenced, for no more Aylans to be lost.

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Mari Vetti Frostad (NO)

Now; pause the debates and chats with your new buddies for a second, and think: Why are you here? How come you are clutching this issue in your hand, having decided to participate at a session packed with teenagers trying to find solutions on Europe’s problems in a matter of days? Knowing your mission is key to develop yourself - be that to become a diplomatic politician, making moving speeches or simply enjoying the search for a solution on a tricky problem.

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he trademark of a successful company is just that: A mission statement. Nevertheless, a clear statement requires you to identify an ambition, use your imagination to create a clear vision and then state your mission. Coca-Cola’s, for example, is: "To refresh the world. To inspire moments of optimism and happiness. To create value and make a difference" – ambitiously enough, for a bottle of sugar and caffeine.

For Google, it’s "to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful."

EYP is a brilliant place to develop and improve your skills, as well as identifying what matters to you. Mission statements have been helpful for many individuals – ranging from corporate entrepreneurs to Oprah Winfrey. So not only could a mission statement make you as an EYPer seem like a Bill Gates-type of professional, but has also proven to be useful to stay focused on the task at hand – even after yesterday’s lack of sleep and long discussions.

William Arruda, author of leadership and motivation books, says that the most important part of creating a mission statement is identifying three points: “Why you value what you’re doing + who you’re doing it for + the expected outcome”. Arruda says the first is the most important – the value of what you’re doing. Also, as you’re now entering a voluntary organization that’s packed with people who find it hard to say ‘no’, this design of a mission statement could remind you to say “no” to the things that are distractions.

Arruda has also stated a whole list of useful questions to ask ourselves: What makes you different, what you contribute with in a group, and what your weaknesses are, and why you schedule your days the way you do. We decided to do just that and request you to consider: Why are you here?

We asked why you were willing to stay up late to make speeches and join intensive

and tough debates. Thus, on the next page we have collected a handful of mission statements, ranging from “I want to tackle my social anxiety” to “get tagged in pretty photos on Facebook”.

Lastly, to quote a modern entrepreneur who started out just like us: “Always ask for help”, Steve Jobs said when answering what he thought the key to development was. Many of you stated that your motivation to be here in Bern was “to meet people in a voluntary organization with the enthusiasm to commit to solving tough questions”. This very statement shows how this organization holds plenty of people with the surplus to talk to and support each other, also on creating a mission statement. Before acting, make sure to have your motivation statement at hand, like Oprah and Steve Jobs. When you get home, what’s going to be your next step?

And why?

Why are you here?

-I’m scared of speaking publically, and I want to confront that -Build confidence -Because EYP is so groovy -It feels meaningful -Understand how politics work -Have fun with people who are different than me -To travel -To meet friendly people, random people and opinionated people -To get better at cooperating with people I don’t know

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ack of sleep plus full time activity lead to exhaustion. Exhaustion plus fulfilled expectations lead to self pride. Self pride means confidence and satisfaction. Therefore, satisfaction overcomes lack of sleep.

After Bern 2015, we all will know what this feeling is about. Five days have flown by, leaving a trace in our brain and our heart. We have reached our aims and even gone further. We have explored our abilities and developed them. We have shared knowledge and made memories. And we can now affirm that our intense activity was worth it. Instead of only fulfilling our expectations, we went a step farther and exceeded them.

All together, we became members of EYP. Thus, we now have the power to keep improving, to set new aims and achieve them, to meet new people and to enrich ourselves by exploring Europe. It is in our hands to decide how and when we are going to use this experience. You, dear delegates, have the chance to continue growing with EYP.

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If you are selected by the jury, you will participate at a session abroad and will be able to share your experiences with delegates from 39 countries. You will be selected as a delegation or as an individual and according to your availability, you will be sent to the International Session (IS) in Leipzig or Dublin Belfast, Tbilisi International Forum, Lyon Academic Forum, the National Selection Conferences (NSC) of EYP Germany, EYP Sweden, EYP Portugal, EYP Estonia or EYP France.

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But do not panic: not being selected doesn’t mean your EYP life is over. If you want to become an EYP member, you always have that chance. Therefore, you will be able to participate at all national events, such as the Academic Training on October 17th or the Alumni Weekend in Sursee LU between the 28th and 29th of November. You can also become an organiser of a Regional Session in Spring 2016 by writing an application or you even have the chance to go abroad. Many international conferences launch calls for international officials and you can always apply for them. Or if you want to be a delegate abroad, you are invited to do so by contacting the Swiss Board.

You are all EYPers now and, if you want to stay involved, you will just need to pay a CHF 30 membership fee from 2016 onwards. To keep updated with Swiss and international events, EYP Switzerland will contact you through the Facebook page, the website and a monthly newsletter.

after-session check list look at your pıctures on our fb page change your profıle pıcture wıth a cool pıcture from the sessıon read through all the newspapers try to get rıd of your ped (post eyp depressıon) do not hesitate to contact our alumni ofFICER (ANDONG.HU@EYP.CH) go to the academıc traınıng on october 17th ın sursee be at the alumnı weekend on 28th and 29th november

Now comes the time to go through all your memories, focus on the details and see your personal achievements. Whether you continue or not in EYP will never change what Bern 2015 has offered you.

015 Marta Rosique i Saltor (ES)

“If you want to be involved in EYP, you always have that chance here.”

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OUR DIGNITY Should one life be sacrificed to save a few others?

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Cécile Schluep (CH)

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thical, legal, and political discussions use the concept of dignity to express the idea that a being has an innate right to be valued, respected, and to receive ethical treatment. However, various incidents have shown that this principle is harder to adhere to than we think.

Our liberty is often sacrificed in the name of security. During the night on May 2nd, 2011, American soldiers killed the terrorist Osama Bin Laden under the command of the President of the United States, Barack Obama.

When Osama’s death was finally declared, all US citizens were celebrating, some even dancing on the streets.

Barack Obama happily declared: “Osama Bin Laden was brought to justice.”

Shortly after that, Angela Merkel said that she was happy that Bin Laden was finally dead. Not to be puzzled about Merkel’s joy, the German politician Volker Kauder explained: “As a Christian, she believes that there are evil things in the world. Osama was evil and his death means that the world just turned a little less evil.”

Is it really that easy? Should an individual or a regime that is simultaneously a prosecutor, defender or judge have the right to decide who lives and who dies?

An order from Obama is never doubted or rejected, but always realized.

Unfortunately, the killing of Bin Laden was in fact a mere act of revenge and has no legal basis. Justifications of his killing are all insufficient.

Is it ever justified to kill somebody to spare the lives of others or to prevent more evil things from happening? In 1884, a cargo ship drifted into the deep ocean due to a heavy storm. The four people aboard were the captain, two sailors and a 17-year old cabin boy.

The cargo ship turned turtle and they fled onto a small boat with all their supplies. For the next three weeks these four men were starving and, if they were lucky, they were able to catch a few raindrops with their jackets. On the eighteenth day after the storm, the captain suggested that one of the four men should be killed to safe the lives of the others. After intense discussions they decided to kill the boy if there was no rescue on the next day. After another day of hunger had passed, the

captain killed the boy. In the upcoming days, the three remaining sailors were eating the different body parts and drinking the boy’s blood. On the second day, after they had turned to cannibalism, a ship sighted the boat and they were finally brought back home to England.

The question that now arises is: Were the seamen justified in their actions to kill the boy to save their own lives?

Three lives against one?

Imagine if it was justified. Three patients are mortally ill. One misses a kidney, the other a heart and the third has lost an extreme amount of blood.

A healthy man walks into the waiting room and reads the newspaper. If it were to be justified to kill one person to save three other lives, this healthy man would possibly have had to say goodbye to life in that very waiting room. In such a world, it would be even more dangerous to go to a doctor’s appointment than it already is anyway!

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WITH AIRINESS INTO THE FUTURE Doris Fonseca Lima (CH)

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3D

printing nano-structures might just be the next invention that brings us the leap forward we need in energy management. It may make our airplanes much lighter and therefore, better for the environment. Materials printed with nano-printers are an innovation in material engineering and open up whole new possibilities.

In mainstream materials like metals or polymers, there is a direct correlation of strength and weight. As you can see in the graph below, if a material is heavy, it is strong. If it’s light, it is fragile. With the development of 3D printing, researchers have found that

Researchers from the California Institute of Technology (CALTECH) propose many ways in which these new materials could be used. One application is in the field of bioprinting. In the last years, there has been a rapid development in cultured organ transplantation. Living organ cells are sprayed onto polymer structures. The cells then grow on the scaffold, and the artificial heart, bone or else can be transplanted. Nano-structure material would be ideal for this matter. As they are hollow, the living cells have much more surface to grow on.

The applications of nano-structures don’t stop there. The usage of nano-structures in lithium batteries is also promising. Due to the hollow structure of the nano-material, there is much more surface where chemical reactions can take place. This means that batteries can be charged faster and hold longer.

Considering that our society increasingly consumes energy, this sounds auspicious.

Furthermore, another application is in the field of aeronautics. As nano structures weigh very little, airplanes would become much lighter. This would mean a decreased consumption of fuel.

those classical properties don’t apply anymore. In the process of 3D printing, ceramics, metals or other materials are sprayed onto nano-scale scaffolds made of polymers.

When the desired material is applied, the scaffold gets removed, and a hollow structure remains. These nano-structures are extremely light and they do not conform to the characteristics of their macro counterparts.

For example, metallic glasses (brittle on macro-level) become ductile and ceramics (fragile on macro-level) become virtually undamageable.

However, there are still some challenges to be tackled before 3D printed nano-structures can be used in everyday life. The primary problem is the speed of today’s 3D printers is unable to meet with the daily needs. It can take up to two days to print a relatively small nano structure. Also, it is not yet possible to print large parts of nano-structured materials. If those problems are resolved, 3D-printed nano-structured will bring us further, while being beneficial for the environment.

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Are Elections Overra

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ated?

“Democracy is facilitated by the people, for the people. At least in theory, it is.”

Dimitris Krokos (GR)

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hy do we like democracy?

Why is it proclaimed as the “best” form of governance?

Why do we have elections?

What is democracy?

The concept and etymology of democracy has its roots in ancient Greece. Democracy comes from “demos”, which is a community of people and “kratos”, which means rule or power. It is a system of governance that guarantees the equal expression and participation of all the people being governed to their chosen government. It is a form of government, where people willingly give up some of their power and liberty to the state, which acts as a medium in order to facilitate governance therefore returning the power to the people.

It is by the people, for the people. At least in theory, that is.

Democracy has always had a weak spot, which lies in the transferring of the power from the people to the medium, the government. This weak spot only gets weaker when there are no direct forms of control of the people for the government. Modern democratic systems, due to the growing complexity of governance, assign ever bigger powers to the medium and distance themselves from the people they serve. The same need for more efficient governance is what calls for the appointment of technocrats at public posts, under the reason-

ing that they are more capable of dealing with more complex issues.

Some might argue that, since prosperity and good governance is ensured, administrations comprised of technocrats, who have no clear mandate by the people, constitute no problem. This might very well be the case in some situations, where the swift and efficient action of technocrats guarantees the quickest and sometimes effective response to a current issue. There are also instances, when democracy “fails”, in the sense that it is incapable of providing solutions on current issues and is consumed in discussions upon discussions.

So why should a strong government that might not entirely represent the will of the people but is capable in addressing current issues bother us?

This question touches upon the very definition of democracy. Democracy is not just a way of running public affairs. It represents an entire mindset, a way of living, a culture.

So the answer is no, elections are not overrated. Not even in the complex world we live in.

Elections should be held as often as needed and definitely at the time when, the government has exceeded the mandate trusted to it by the people. After all, government and other officials are elected by the people, for the people, to act as representatives of the people.

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HISTORY OF

THE FLAG

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he European flag symbolises both the European Union and, in a broader sense, the identity and unity of Europe. The quintessential twelve five-point gold stars lay sharp against the azure blue background, designed by Arsène Heitz and Paul M. G. Lévy. These stars stand for the ideals of unity, solidarity and harmony among the people of Europe.

The search for an iconic symbol began back in 1950 when a committee was set up with the intention of uncovering a design for a European flag. Countless entries were submitted, but a common theme of circles and stars was emerging. For example, Count Richard Nikolaus von Coudenhove-Kalergi proposed that they adopt the flag of his International Pan-European Union. It was a blue field, with a red cross inside an orange circle. It was rejected by Turkey due to the cross symbolism. Kalergi came back with a proposal to add in a crescent to the design, to overcome the Muslim objectives. The European Movement also proposed

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Caoimhe Healy (IE) a design, which had a white background with a large green “E” on it.

After much searching, the Consultative Assembly narrowed their choice to two designs. One was by founder of the College of Europe, Salvador de Madariaga. He suggested a constellation of stars on a blue background. The stars were to be positioned according to the positions of European capital cities, with a larger star in Strasbourg’s place, to represent the seat of the Council. De Madariaga had had his design circulated around several capital cities where it was widely greeted with open minds and acceptance.

Heitz had the second design, which was a variation on the aforementioned idea. Heinz worked at the Council’s postal service and had submitted several dozen designs. The main difference between his design and its competition was that rather than being arranged in a constellation format, the stars were to be arranged in a circle. The Consultative Assembly favoured Heitz’s design, however they originally chose it when it had

One of the proposed flags. “Former Flag of the International Paneuropean Union� by Ssolbergj

Another flag which competed in the contest for a European Flag.

fifteen stars, as opposed to the current twelve. The fifteen stars were to represent the number of states of the Council of Europe. The Committee of Ministers agreed with the Assembly that the flag should have a circle of stars rather than a constellation. But, the number of stars remained a bone of contention. Eventually, the number twelve was chosen, and Paul M. G. LĂŠvy drew up the final exact design, which we still use today.

There are three important components to be considered- the circle, the stars and the colours. Firstly, the circle. It has no beginning or end, no direction or orientation. It is homogenous, perfect and indivisible. A circle leads back to itself and is

therefore a symbol of unity. Secondly, the stars, which light the night sky and orbit around the polar star. They are therefore perceived as symbols of cosmic order. It is also worth noting that the stars each have five points, none of which touch. The Pythagoreans gave them a mystical meaning of perfection as a five-pointed star can be drawn with a single unbroken line. Since the points do not touch, it means the circle is open. This reflects that the European Union is not a closed society. And lastly, the colours. The blue of the flag reflects the colour of the sky and the universe.

It has therefore been observed that the European flag satisfies all the requirements of an ideal emblem. It is easy to recognize, and understand, it is harmonious, original and also simple to produce. Hence it is a perfect flag from a geometric, symbolic and political point of view.

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Maria Fedoruk (UA)

EYP COMPETENCIES: UNDERSTANDING THE OFFICIALS

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magine holding a camera in your hands. Everything you see and a lens captures, creates to your new discoveries — the most important thing is to observe from different poınts of vıew. And when it comes to EYP, it goes without saying that broadening horizons has always been one of the most crucial points. The everlasting growth and personal development get motivated more when you are eager to take responsibility over the project and its management as well as step out of your comfort zone.

Now change your settings and start zooming out — you will see a bigger picture or find new perspectives. At the first glance, you seem to be out of focus as the dive into the world of opportunities becomes irresistible. New roles, new trips, new faces and so on... The puzzle consists of various pieces, therefore co-operation and clearly defined aims are fundamental when you are a part of the team. Here this quite special bunch of youngsters, whose expertise proves to be such an asset to the values of the project, are called the officials. In a nutshell, all their smooth work and intense preparation result in recalling memories of yours.

Find out a bit about all these quaint processes and strange working methods. The division of control comes into reality not only between the EU and its Member States but even within an officials’ team and its sub-teams. In order to create more efficiency in distribution of tasks and responsibilities, we simplify the system by having subteams who are qualified enough to solve arising questions. Basic principles such as subsidiarity, proportionality and conferred powers are also in effect. When the certain objectives can be reached only by a specific team, responsibility for the actions lies only on the executors. The President is always in charge of the academic part of the session, while the Media Team led by Editors guarantees the coverage of the session for both internal and external audiences. Also, the actions of the officials’ team have to be proportional, which means not to go outside of what is required to meet the basic expectations.

Chairpersons in cooperation with Journalists take care of the well-being of their committees and provide them with better and easy-to-grab tools for the comprehensıon of theır topıc. In some cases the responsibility belongs to the whole team — in order not to let down the organisers with their initial programme, sub-teams with superior officials do their best to meet the deadlines. Surely, it also applies in situations when everyone needs some support and a hug — isn’t that the best form of cooperation?

Do not forget to take your camera cover off! It must be on the list of the most unpleasant things which might absolutely ruin a possibility to catch a nice shot. If we continue wıth the camera metaphor, it can also cause miscommunication among team members to have a lack of clarity between teams. Hierarchy exists in the way that everything is discussed on the leadership level (like the central control system of the camera), and here it is relevant to inform all relevant parties punctually and to have a smooth working process.

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Take a good shot. Combined, cooperation creates an optimal mood for the session participants, and specifically offers opportunities geared to the hopes of delegates.

ocial Media: Is I Pain or Gain?

Countless studies, articles and statistics show us what kind of negative effects the extensive use of social media can have on its users. These include, among others, a false sense of relationships, cyber-bullying, decreased productivity, and the endangerment of the right to privacy. But how do we, as the digital generation, perceive social media? Read the interview below to find out what role social media plays in the lives of two delegates.

Josephine Heinzelmann (CH)

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Are you an active social media user?

Luise: I’d say yes and no. Yes, because the social networks I am on, I do check them often. No in sense that I’m on very few of the available social websites.

Lynn: I email a lot, I use skype from time to time, I’m on Facebook and have WhatsApp. I particularly don’t have Instagram, Snapchat or Twitter, because I think I want a minimum number of social media accounts.

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How much of your personal life do you publish?

Luise: I only show special events in my life, which is quite seldom, and I‘m very cautious with what I publicise.

Lynn: There was a phase when I didn‘t publish anything because I‘m a very private person. And now I‘m posting more pictures because there are people who I don‘t see every day and when I want to show them something that I do, I simply post it instead of sending emails.

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How easily would - or could - you give up your phone?

Luise: It very much depends on the situation. When I‘m going about my normal business I would have quite a problem, because it is quite a huge part of my daily life. But if I go on holiday I have no problem just shutting it off and not looking at it for a week.

Lynn: I already did. I gave it up half a year ago for a couple of months. The irritating thing was that once you are out of the various Whatsapp group chats nobody would take the time and message you about schedule changes. So you would be kind of messed up.

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Do you feel you are being judged when you post something?

Luise: I think it‘s inevitable that you will be judged whether it be positive or negative and that‘s something you expect when you post a picture. I would be lying if I said it didn‘t boost my self-esteem. I don’t like when people say “I‘m dependant on it”], which is also one of the reason that I don‘t post that often.

Lynn: I only feel judged if there are negative comments or if nobody puts a “like” on it. What I am trying to say is that you don‘t really consider in the first place that people don‘t see it or don‘t have time to comment. But I don‘t care that much anymore than I used to.

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Do you feel social media enhances your frienships and if yes, in what way?

Luise: Yes, possibly since you can share photographs and fragments of experiences with your friends; you could do this by other means, but social media makes it easier.

Lynn: I‘d say no; the opposite. The only thing it enhances is that you can talk to one another very quickly. But I think I could do that with a phone which supports only messages, which I had until some weeks ago. It‘s just time-consuming to have both Facebook and Whatsapp.

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Do you think this is dangerous?

Luise: Yes, I do think it‘s dangerous.

Lynn: My mom always told me not to use my real name. It‘s not like I have anything to worry about, but still, nothing will ever disappear from the internet. Why use your real name?

Why use your real birthday? People you know personally, you can tell them in private.

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