22nd resolution of eyp

22nd National Selection Conference

17-19 December 2010

Thessaloniki

Resolution Booklet

Programme

Opening of the General Assembly

Motion for a resolution by the Committee on Development

Motion for a resolution by the Committee on Culture and Education

Motion for a resolution by the Committee on Foreign Affairs

Coffee break

Motion for a resolution by the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

Motion for a resolution by the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Lunch break

Motion for a resolution by the Committee Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

Motion for a resolution by the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

Motion for a resolution by the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs II

Coffee break

Motion for a resolution by the Committee on Womens Rights and Gender Equality

Motion for a resolution by the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs I

Short break

Closing Ceremony

Thessaloniki, 17-19 December 2010

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON DEVELOPMENT

The year of the Haitian earthquake and floods in Pakistan: how should the EU organise itself to react most appropriately to future humanitarian crises?

Submitted by: Eleutheria Vasiliki Chini, Stamatia Kontopoulou, Nikos Koukovinas, Antonia Markoviti, Stavroula Papadopoulou, Katerina Al Saagiach, Dimitra Tsenesizi, Vasiliki Ziaka, Kbra Kundak (Chairperson, TR), Alexios Nompilakis (Chairperson, GR)

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Defining the humanitarian crisis as a negative situation which is provoked by human action or natural disasters, causing negative impact on health, safety, security and the well being of the community,

B. Recalling that the Haitian earthquake affected 3 million people, whilst the floods in Pakistan affected another 20 million individuals,

C. Fully aware of the fact that humanitarian crises cause not only casualties but also health problems such as infections, illnesses, injuries which tend to be obstacles in the development of the country in question,

D. Viewing with appreciation that the Humanitarian Aid Department of the European Commission (ECHO) provides official international humanitarian aid,

E. Alarmed by the fact that some areas are more prone to be affected by natural disasters due to their geographical location,

F. Bearing in mind that countries suffering from natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions usually have weak economies,

G. Deeply disturbed by the fact that humanitarian aid, which is a fundamental expression of the universal value of solidarity between people and a moral imperative, is not provided for as long as it is needed;

1. Calls upon all Member States to cooperate in the adoption of a common policy to

provide sufficient aid to the affected countries;

2. Confirms that a higher quality of education may provide the youth with awareness of voluntary work and hence promote relevant action;

3. Further invites European citizens to take part in aid services as individuals; 4. Emphasizes the need of advancing scientific research, enabling the countries to be

well prepared and have up-to-date prediction mechanisms;

5. Encourages the first aid teams to educate people in countries at risk of proper procedures in case of emergencies;

6. Recommends the establishment of a delegation consisting of experts who are to facilitate the communication between the EU and the affected countries;

7. Further recommends that the EU increases its efforts to understand local circumstances in order to fulfil the fundamental needs of those affected;

8. Supports the cooperation between NGOs and the ECHO in order to provide long-term support.


MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON CULTURE AND EDUCATION

Making EU a competitive and knowledge based economy: How should the EU shape its postLisbon Agenda educational policies to further foster innovation?

Submitted by: Eno Agolli, Athina Georgitsarou, Prokopis Gkotzamanis, Sotiris Gkoulimaris, Georgia Exarchou, Anthi Karakosta, Aikaterini Michale, Aikaterini Mpompota, Despoina Mposkou, Despoina Panagiotidou, Marianna Georgiadis (Chairperson, GR), Jorg Krner (Vice-President, DE)


H. Fully aware of the lack of collaboration and coordination between EU Member States in the field of educational policy, their conflicting priorities and the vague nature of the Lisbon Agenda,

I. Fully alarmed by the general developmental gap between Western and Eastern European countries deeply influencing their capabilities for an efficient educational system,

J. Realising the current insufficient mobility of European students caused by: i) financial obstacles, ii) a lack of recognition of diplomas and qualifications due to differences

between the educational systems of different Member States,

K. Observing the insufficient implementation of life-long learning, leading to a reduced competitiveness and employability of the European workforce,

L. Deeply concerned by the failure of the Lisbon Agenda to decrease the current number of early school leavers, which amounts to 15%,

M. Bearing in mind the inadequate and insufficient technological knowledge and qualification of citizens in many Member States,

N. Taking into account the current European educational system which promotes extreme specialization instead of general knowledge;

9. Urges for more money to be allocated by the EU to Member States with

developing educational systems;

10. Further recommends more need-based scholarships to be offered especially to students coming from ales privileged background, concerning all the educational levels;

11. Encourages an increase of mobility of European students by: a) The construction of a higher education framework with common benchmarks

for all European nations, through the enforcement of the Bologna process by making its character binding to guarantee a compulsory implementation and unified interpretation,

b) Financial and media support for the already existing European exchange programmes, such as Erasmus;

12. Emphasizes the need for promoting life-long learning opportunities, which will be achieved by:

a) Allocation of money to companies to provide training to their employees, b) Encouragement of seminars and training courses, c) Increasing publicity through advertising in the media;

13. Recommends the foundation of specialized public schools for early school leavers, which will guarantee:

a) well-trained teachers, b) the availability of psychologists, c) flexible school curricula;

14. Calls for the availability of access to Information and Computation Technology (ICT) in all European schools;

15. Endorses the introduction of mandatory lessons on the use of ICT on both primary and secondary education level;

16. Suggests the creation of a secondary educational programme comprised of fewer but fundamental subjects, which will allow students to choose subjects from different fields;

17. Supports the establishment of a testing committee that will evaluate the educational systems in the EU Member States on a regular basis;

18. Encourages the founding of interdisciplinary environmental institutes at European universities.


MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

In response to recent talks in the USA, how should Europe work with the international community to prevent further acceleration of instability and create

a lasting peaceful settlement in the New Middle East?

Submitted by: Aikaterini Alexaki, Valia Dormousoglou, Sofia Kalpazidou, Eustratios Karakasidis, Katerina Koukou, Stauroula Kunigopoulou, Vasilis Livieratos, Efstathios Matsaridis, Maria Alexandra Papastamopoulou, Panagiotis Siozos Drosos, Niki Tsakiridou, Aspa Georgakopoulou (Chairperson, GR), Ingrid Pechinger (Chairperson, AT)


O. Taking into consideration the desire of Palestinian refugees to be repatriated, P. Fully alarmed by the fact that terrorist activity represents a major threat to the

negotiations between Palestine and Israel and further prevents the establishment of a democratic Palestinian state,

Q. Alarmed by the fact that Palestine insists on the establishment of a standing army, R. Noting with deep concern that Jerusalem is one of the main causes of the conflict

due to its religious importance for both sides,

S. Deeply conscious of the human rights violations which are hindering the founding of sustainable and peaceful settlements in the Middle East,

T. Disturbed by the fact that education spurs further division and hostility between the youth of the concerned parties,

U. Having examined the inappropriate and ineffective use of subsidies granted by the international community to the Palestinians,

V. Acknowledging the lack of reliability of the Palestinian judicial system;

19. Supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, as part of a two-

state solution;

20. Encourages the repatriation of Palestinian refugees as well as the funding of the Palestinian State in order to ensure a sufficient standard of living;

21. Further resolves that Jerusalem remains Israeli, whilst guaranteeing both Palestinians and Israelis uninhibited access to the city in order to practice their religions;

22. Urges the funding and promotion of a proper educational system oriented towards humanitarian values and vocational training;

23. Calls upon the demilitarization of Palestine for an adequate period of time, while emphasizing support of the UN peacekeeping forces in case of hostilities;

24. Demands the demolition of the West Bank Barrier, which isolates Palestine from the rest of the world as a mean of improving the quality of life of local populations;

25. Insists on the extension of the Moratorium on Settlement Building in order to facilitate the peace process;

26. Looks to guarantee Palestines economic development and viability by conducting market research into the possible areas of investment, thus enhancing Palestines trade potential in the international market;

27. Urges the State of Israel to lift the embargo it has imposed on the Gaza Strip as soon as the Gaza Strip becomes a part of the Palestinian State;

28. Further encourages increases in the comprehension of democratic principles by the local populace, mainly through the involvement of competent and experienced experts from relevant NGOs and the international community;

29. Further recommends the strengthening of existing institutions enforcement capabilities in order to deter the misuse of assistance provided;

30. Advises the international community to impose financial sanctions on both parties in case of International Law violations;

31. Further invites specialists from the EU to contribute to the improvement of the judicial system, by aiding in the eradication of instances of misuse of power and corruption.


MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL

AFFAIRS

With over 20% of young Europeans aged 16-24 unemployed, what more can be done to ensure that this generation of potential workers does not become

irreversibly excluded from the labour market?

Submitted by: Eva Alexiadou, Damiani Ampatsidou, Chrysoula Maria Bampolidou, Anatoli Kaloutsikou, Ellie Karagiannaki, Athanasios Korakas, Maria Eleonora Margaritoupoulou, Eleftheria Palaska, Stergios Papoutsoglou, Evangelia Sakorafa, Evdoxia Tsoukala, Larissa Aketin (Chairperson, TR), Sofia Zafeiriou (Vice-President, GR)


W. Deeply concerned by the instability of labour markets caused by the current economic crisis, which results in limited job opportunities for young people,

X. Alarmed by the fact that an overly protective personal background or lack of job orientation can lead to insecurity, hence an inability to take crucial decisions at an early age,

Y. Aware of the fact that young people take decisions as individuals, regardless of societal pressures,

Z. Keeping in mind the necessity of work experience in order to be considered by potential employers,

AA. Noting with regret the misinterpretation and consequent misapplication of the strategy of flexicurity in employment, which was supposed to be a step towards permanent employment and a means of ensuring Life Long Learning and social security,

BB. Fully aware of the lack of incentives for further development and entrepreneurship among the youth despite the labour markets desperate need for mobility,

CC. Realising the differences in regional labour markets needs, DD. Further noting the difficulty with which welfare systems respond to the

continuously increasing youth unemployment rate;

32. Supports the establishment of quality job opportunities for young people, with a

special emphasis on green jobs and Information Technologies (IT);

33. Emphasizes the need for young people to acquire practical and communications skills in secondary and tertiary education along with the skills already acquired;

34. Recommends the establishment of initiatives aimed at providing creative and active job orientation and psychological support for both the new entrants to the labour markets as well as people in their close social environment in order to:

a) prevent the social exclusion of and discrimination against unemployed young people,

b) assist students who are on the brink of crucial career choices; 35. Calls for the establishment of partnerships between schools, universities, experts,

the Member States and enterprises in order to promote:

a) vocational training, b) entrepreneurship, c) lifelong learning;

36. Calls upon the European Union to promote mobility programmes, while providing:

a) an information database on job offers and needs among its different regions, b) the framework for potential workers to be included in different labour

markets despite the differences in regulations;

37. Requests monitoring mechanisms to guarantee labour rights for precarious forms of employment, such as standardised minimum salaries and specific timeframes concerning the acquisition of a more permanent status within the labour market;

38. Approves of support measures for young potential workers established by the Member States, which guarantee living standards;

39. Urges that the Member States support entrepreneurship initiatives for young people and especially for university graduates.


MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC AND MONETARY

AFFAIRS

With the European Commission proposing an enactment of new tax policies and bank resolution funds to tackle future economic crises, how should the EU seek

to achieve long term economic sustainability?

Submitted by: Stamatis Daboudis, Apostolos Dikos, Maria Karyda, Nina Lydia Kazakou, Rafaella Peidou, Athanasios Rogotis, Nikoleta Savidou, Anastasia Varakli, Konstantinos Zafiropoulos, Niklas Herpertz (Chairperson, DE), Thanasis Saitis (Chairperson, GR)


EE. Bearing in mind that banks supply economies with credit, acknowledges the banking systems crucial role for economic growth and stability,

FF. Emphasizing that failing banks can be the cause for an economy to plummet into recession,

GG. Keeping in mind that the state intervention in the banking system can be a substantial burden for public finances,

HH. Observing that the main causes for bank system failure are: i) high leverage ratios leading to high risk investments, ii) loose government control over the banking system, iii) asymmetric distribution of profit and risk between the banks and the state,

II. Realising that the real estate bubble is an example of a failing banking system, JJ. Aware of the discrepancy between bank managers' and corresponding government

agencies' employees income,

KK. Recognising the need for the prevention of similar financial crises, LL. Reaffirming the need to maintain the competitiveness of European banks;

40. Calls upon the establishment of an EU supervisory agency in order to:

a) implement an early warning mechanism to inform EU Member States of systemic risks,

b) stimulate the necessary mutual flow of information between national supervisory agencies and the newly founded EU agency;

41. Encourages the expansion of the aforementioned agency to include at least the G20 countries;

42. Confirms the implementation of a EU-wide bank resolution fund, whose money shall be used to enable banks facing bankruptcy to be dissolved in an orderly manner;

43. Urges the introduction of compulsory fees for all banks depending on the risk level of their operations to fund the aforementioned mechanism;

44. Supports the introduction of a maximum leverage ratio as proposed by the Basel III regulations;

45. Notes that the introduced measures are sufficient to discourage banks from conducting high risk investments and therefore rejects the idea of further bank taxes, such as financial transaction taxes and bank levies;

46. Further requests a limitation of bank managers' incomes.


MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC

HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY

Smoking bans and alcohol restrictions: To what extent does the State have a role to educate and protect its citizens health and what strategy should it adopt?

Submitted by: Nikos Androulidakis, Mursini Aretaki, Elpida Barmparesou, Charalambia Charalambidou, Rea Eirini Dika, Ourania Kerasidou, Iliana Malouta, Eirini Papanikolaou, Sofia Paraskevoudi, Natalia Vagena, Johan Wallin (Chairperson, SE), Maral Simonian (Chairperson, GR)


MM. Deeply concerned about the ineffective implementation of smoking bans and alcohol restrictions which vary among the Member States,

NN. Realising that citizens generally do not follow laws regarding smoking bans, OO. Bearing in mind the lack of formal health education in schools, PP. Deeply conscious that pop culture does not present the negative effects of

smoking and alcohol consumption,

QQ. Recognising that both smoking and alcohol consumption have detrimental long and short-term health effects on the individual, namely:

i) Cancer, ii) Cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, iii) Liver disease,

RR. Observing that altered behaviour caused by alcohol increases violence, antisocial behaviour and social marginalisation,

SS. Noting that the incidence of road traffic accidents increases under the influence of alcohol,

TT. Emphasizing that access to clean air is a basic human right which is not respected by smokers,

UU. Bearing in mind that the economic climate is making it more difficult for people to buy alcohol and cigarettes,

VV. Noting with approval that taxes on tobacco and alcohol constitute revenue for individual states;

47. Endorses further measures to be taken to prevent the vending of alcohol and

tobacco products to minors;

48. Draws attention to the importance of ventilated areas as a measure of respect to the rights of both smokers and non-smokers;

49. Calls for more random breathalyser tests in order to reduce auto-related accidents; 50. Urges stricter implementation of smoking bans and alcohol restrictions, utilising

fines and penalties;

51. Recommends that the youth is educated through school speakers, who may be expert scientists or experienced individuals with real life stories;

52. Supports the promotion of anti-smoking and anti-alcohol advertisements through the use of influential public figures and graphic images;

53. Encourages screening programs for everyone who visits a primary healthcare provider;

54. Emphasizes the importance of support services for addicted individuals and their families through, but not limited to anonymous help lines and group therapy programmes;

55. Further recommends an increase in taxes on tobacco and alcohol so as to limit their consumption.


MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL

DEVELOPMENT

With the world demand for food expected to double by 2050, what role should the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) play in providing Europes population

in an affordable and sustainable way after 2013?

Submitted by: Christiana Avarli, Sofie Hianides, Evaggelia Massouti, Anna Mauromanoli, Sofia Mpoumpari, Elpiniki Stergidou, Elpida Tsarouxa, Stefanos Vlandos, Gio Panagotaropoulou (Chairperson, GR), Sini Ventel (Chairperson, FI)


WW. Alarmed by the decreasing number of individuals interested in taking up agriculture as a profession,

XX. Noting with concern the gap between the price paid to the producer and the price paid by the consumer,

YY. Recognising that the information available to the public is not presented in a clear and comprehensible way,

ZZ. Observing that farmers continue to use conventional but unsustainable methods due to their lack of knowledge,

AAA. Taking into consideration that climate change directly affects food production by changing agro-ecological conditions,

BBB. Emphasizing having a solely profit-oriented approach results in the increased risk of ignoring environmental consequences;

56. Suggests investing in the rural development via gradually increasing the share of

the CAP budget that is being allocated to the Second Pillar of the CAP, therefore decreasing the monetary resources diverted to the First Pillar;

57. Calls for imposing financial sanctions on farmers who fail to meet environmental requirements;

58. Further requests the establishment of a pan-European monitoring system consisting of experts that will investigate:

a) to which extent the methods employed by farms are environmentally friendly, b) whether animal welfare conditions are met;

59. Urges the governments of Member States to provide young people with sufficient incentives and support to take up farming as a profession by means of:

a) extending the availability of the micro-loan system, b) supporting initiatives that are intended at improving living conditions in rural

communities,

c) introducing seminars aimed at providing consultation and information on innovative agricultural techniques;

60. Further invites the bodies of the EU to take action in order to encourage the public to be involved in the discussion of the CAP by simplifying the procedures concerned as well as the legal texts and notifications;

61. Reaffirms the regulation of the prices of products in both the middle and final stages of production by placing price caps;

62. Recommends further investments in research on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).


MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL LIBERTIES, JUSTICE AND

HOME AFFAIRS II

With rising concerns over increasing government control of Internet, how should Europe find the balance between freedom of expression on-line and the

strengthening of Internet security?

Submitted by: Vassilina Avramidi, Vasileios Choutas, Christos Derventlis, Zoe Didili, Dimitrios Disios, Ali Honaramiz, Sylvia Karasmanoglou, Aliki Litsa, Georgios Schinas, Evi Christodoulou (Chairperson, GR), Ogulcan Torun (President, TR)


CCC. Deeply concerned by various measures taken in the context of increasing Internet security, when the measures in question lead to violations of the freedom of expression as stipulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 19),

DDD. Taking into account that the lack of education about potential on-line threats allows for incidents such as cyber-crime, spamming and racism,

EEE. Alarmed by the fact that any individual could be targeted by cyber-crime on both personal and economic levels,

FFF. Viewing with disapproval the censorship on the Internet implemented by governments through content filtering,

GGG. Bearing in mind that several Internet companies commercially exploit certain personal costumer data;

63. Emphasizes the need for further education on issues concerning Internet safety by:

a) introducing special courses, b) adding a guideline on how to safely use the Internet on to the European

Student Diary,

c) organising campaigns in order to raise public awareness about potential on-line threats and to introduce a code of conduct;

64. Calls upon the replacement of content filtering with warning messages on websites regarding potentially offensive content;

65. Encourages the foundation of a EU Expert Committee in order to design new security software;

66. Further recommends to reward experienced individuals who share their know-how on cyber-crime prevention;

67. Requests for additional funding for already existing Non Governmental Organisation actions such as Global Network Initiative, European Network and Information Security Agency, and Open Rights Group, concerning Internet security;

68. Suggests the introduction of a legislation that will prohibit on-line companies from commercially exploiting their costumers personal data.


MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON WOMENS RIGHTS AND GENDER

EQUALITY

Living in an age on feminism: How can the EU strike a balance between protecting omens rights and avoiding discrimination towards men?

Submitted by: Anastasia Delinasiou, Sotiria Dionas, Anna Maria Eleutheriadou, Despoina Emmanouilidou, Dimitra Papavasiliou, Stylianos Rammos, Markos Stefanidis, Stella Merti (Chairperson, GR), Draen Puklavec (Vice President, HR)


HHH. Contemplating the delicate balance between religion and womens fundamental rights,

III. Taking into consideration the underrepresentation of women in political parties, JJJ. Emphasizing the fundamental role of education in informing women about their

rights and in helping men realise the value of gender equality,

KKK. Bearing in mind that screening programmes are provided for gender-specific diseases affecting women (e.g. breast cancer) whereas such programmes do not exist for equivalent illnesses affecting men, such as prostate cancer, regardless of their similar mortality rates;

69. Recommends funding voluntary educational programmes that highlight the

importance of gender equality;

70. Strongly endorses the introduction of a separate subject that will educate students on the basic principles of human rights in schools in EU Member States;

71. Encourages raising public awareness about gender equality by: a) organising campaigns and meetings on local as well as European level, b) promoting the publication of related documentaries by the media, c) creating sites and blogs about gender equality;

72. Supports the election of female parliamentarians among the EU voting body in order to encourage women to take more prominent roles in politics;

73. Recommends equal support, financial and otherwise, of screening programmes provided for both breast and prostate cancer;

74. Endorses gender balance in science through the establishment of a Europe-wide network of female scientists;

75. Urges health care institutions to require the consent of both husband and wife to perform an abortion;

76. Further recommends that women and men must be paid equally when holding the same position and that the retirement age should be matched.


MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL LIBERTIES, JUSTICE AND

HOME AFFAIRS I

In light of recent French moves to repatriate Roma what should be done to ensure that minority communities of Europe have equal rights all over Europe?

Submitted by: Georgios Grigoriadis, Panagiotis Klaidopoulos, Meropi Karakioulaki, Evaggelos Karapoulios, Katerina Miggou, Eleni Mpellogianni, Vasiliki Panagiotidou, Meropi Sestika, Olga Tsaireli, Nikolaos Vasileiadis, Mariela Apostolaki (Chairperson, GR)


LLL. Alarmed by the current unacceptable living conditions of the Roma in France, MMM. Bearing in mind the importance of global respect for human rights and the

need for preventing marginalisation of minorities within the European Union,

NNN. Reaffirming the vitality of education for both social and economic welfare in all Member States;

European Youth Parliament Greece

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77. Authorises the foundation of an EU institution which will: a) introduce new learning methods to all European educational systems which will

aim for the improvement of communication and tolerance among members of both the majority and the minority communities,

b) administrate the funds allocated by the EU for educational purposes, c) organise special projects and vocational training that will facilitate the

professional and social inclusion of the minorities;

78. Requests the cooperation of national authorities with representatives elected within the minorities concerning the distribution of the already existing European Union funds for the improvement of the living conditions of minorities especially in sectors like housing, education, health care and culture;

79. Further recommends the drafting of a treaty to be signed by all Member States compelling them to implement legislation, imposing penalties on crimes of discrimination;

80. Calls for advertisement campaigns and cultural events promoting diversity and funded by each Member State;

81. Encourages all local initiatives and non-governmental organisations to continue expanding their efforts at marginalised areas aiming to improve on:

a) health care, by providing free vaccinations and examinations, b) education, with language and art courses taught by volunteers, c) standard of living by recycling, free cultural events;

82. Hopes for members of minorities to achieve civil equality through equal representation on national and international level, by acquiring citizenship and voting rights.

European Youth Parliament Greece

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22nd resolution of eyp

Documents

education motion

committee environment

social affairs motion

rural development motion

food safety motion

gender equality motion

general assembly motion

humanitarian aid department