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Welcome

Hello one and all and welcome to the 12th National Selection Conference of EYP NL. It gave us great pleasure today to watch you team build. This wasn’t just because

of the radiator at our feet and the constant supply of coffee and snacks, but also because you were standing in a frozen field undertaking pointless tasks just a stone’s

throw away from us. Thank you for this. Comfort (or lack thereof) aside however, it was really great to see you all enjoying yourselves today and getting the session

underway with fantastic enthusiasm as we hope you will continue.

We are the press team of the session, more commonly known as the A Team, and we will be documenting your activities throughout the weekend. EYP is a chance for you

to speak your mind about pressing issues. Whether you know the facts and stats or not, speaking up and offering new solutions is absolutely vital in succeeding to

overcome todays problems.

Our challenge for you this weekend is to picture yourself in these problems. By thinking of these difficulties directly affecting you, we think you should find it

easier to come up with solutions and imagine their desired effects. Don’t be afraid to become passionate, because at the end of the day, why should we feel the need to

discuss these problems were they not a huge deal to ourselves and everyone around us. Their relevance is society cannot be disputed. So throw yourselves in, be open to

new ideas, and most importantly make sure you enjoy yourselves in the meantime.

Have a great session,

Lucy and Boaz

17Irish Dean is a prospective medic at Cambridge University, England. He has a keen passion for mental health (however secondary to EYP). In addition, he has a love for all things pop and is well acquainted with many of our A-List celebrities

17Spanish

To some, playing the violin and studying Civil Engineering are mutually exclusive events, however, apparently not in

Barcelona, because David Tereul (more accurately Mr T or the T man) does so with great proficiency. He also has an abnormally keen interest in ecology, which caused great

dismay when he wasn’t assigned climate, but the grueling ‘EMPLO’

David TeruelAge

NationalityInterests

Dean ConnollyAgeNationalityInterests

17Dutch Myrna, currently a student at the host school of the session, has an affinity for travel and is off to China in the coming year for study interests. In other news, Myrna is a rather attractive young lady, and is not afraid to tell all who will listen.

Myrna van DijkAgeNationalityInterests

19Dutch

Sadly Luca is not yet at the session; due to family circumstances she will be arriving later. She is however a

fantastic person and I’m sure that you will love her from the minute she arrives!

Luca Wartna Age

NationalityInterests

17Dutch

David, a dutch national, and the press-team’s personal Justin Beiber intends to study psychology and philosophy next

year. Furthermore, he plays the synthesiser (yes we have told him it’s not really a proper instrument – but he remains in

terrible denial).

David MeijersAge

NationalityInterests

16Dutch Although Alma enjoys long, luxurious bubble baths and walks on the beach, her main interest is dyng her hair repeatedly, with 5 colours in five months. She also lives in Amsterdam and attends the host school.

Alma Apt AgeNationalityInterests

18Dutch

Although a thoroughly enthusiastic EYPer, Khalid intends to leave us soon to pursue engineering studies in MIT in the

USA. He is notably assigned to two committees this session, i.e. he is superman!

Khalid El Ghoul Age

NationalityInterests

19Dutch Iwana a last minute arrival to the press-team, is a politics student in Amsterdam and the oldest of the press-team. She loves chocolate and cheesecake, and I don’t use the word ‘love’ lightly. She obtains chocolate at all costs with no discretion.

Iwana Mietus AgeNationalityInterests

?Introduction to Committee Work Khalid and David T Show you the importance of Committee Work

Why AreWe Here

? After watching yourselves in front of the camera, there’s no doubt there is an overall deficiency of knowledge on committee topics other than your own, or for people some at least. Although you had to choose from a wide range of issues before the session, not everybody has demonstrated their expertise in the session fields. Yet.EYP is not a place to develop the ideas you already have but a place where we should be able to fully enrich with the eight different topics proposed. Not wanting you to be just experts from your committee, EYP really looks for members of AFCO, for example, wishing to know and debate about LIBE’s topic, or CLIM committee asking ECON during breaks about economic advice for ecologic measures.

This National Selection offers you innumerable things to discuss so, to deepen your knowledge in the topics, a little spark of emotion and willingness to learn should be present. We would encourage you to push forward, to get to know people from other committees and acquaint yourself with their

topics, form an opinion of them, which will help you to have a say in each debate. Enjoy tomorrow’s Committee Work, be as engaged as possible. Only through this can you be confident enough to face others opinions and critics about your topic.

So now that you know what we’re about what is it that you’re here for at EYP? You are offered the chance to speak your minds and tell everyone out there whatever bothers you, what you think, and what you want to see done! We are very familiar with the politically correct and often boring statements from the governing politicians; there is no need for more of that. What we seek for is an expression of new perspectives and innovation, something strongly present in today’s society. Everywhere around the world we see people urging reform from their governments, often in conjunction with violence and ultimately the violation of fundamental human rights. Is this what Europe needs to go through in order for the population to be heard? Definitely not.

During Committee Work you dive into the world of policy making, which is not a simple task to reenact of European Parliament meetings. You are to come up with creative solutions to complicated problems and incorporate the thoughts and aspirations of society in the new policies. Discussions will surely rise amongst you and your fellow delegates. In addition, this work is unique in that it will occur with relative strangers, and no, this is not cause for distress but is a phenomenal chance to work alongside individuals who will challenge you not only to expand on current beliefs but to consider different views and their implications in today’s European Union as well. It is therefore, not only an opportunity to dictate your own concerns within the EU but to understand and develop opinions that you would not normally be exposed to, from across Amsterdam and indeed Europe.

Democracy: a word with so much meaning behind it, that we sometimes even forget how special it actually is. We live the way we do today, only because of the existence of democracy. The European Youth Parliament, we, would never have existed without it. This word gave us the opportunity to say what we think, to let our voices be heard. This word gave us the opportunity to be ourselves.

But unfortunately this isn’t the case for many countries. Numerous countries outside the EU still suffer from corrupt governments, autocracy, or even tyranny. These are countries where people cannot just be themselves. People living in these countries suffer silently every day.

Syria has long been and is one of these countries. But at the 15th of March 2011 everything changed. The people of Syria had enough. Being inspired by the movements of countries around them and the beginning of the Arabic Spring, they opened their mouths and spoke their minds. They started protesting and asked for political reformations, for the end of the rule of the Baath-Party, for the end of the emergency law and for more civil rights. They used marches, rioting, hunger strikes and even vandalism to be heard. But their questions were answered only with violence. The government fought against them with tanks and snipers and killed their own citizens. Over 7000 lives have been lost so far, and the counting does not stop.

Although the government of Syria made some efforts to compromise, like the lifting of the emergency law and thereby taking away the right of the government to suspend constitutional right, and like the draft law that allowed the creation of more political parties, these efforts are not nearly enough for the people of Syria. We will have to see the effect that these negotiations will have and then we can decide if they are just superficial or actually the first steps to a progressing future. The UN commented on the actions of Syria against their own people by stating that Syria’s military and security forces have committed crimes against humanity. However, military interference by the UN Security Council is unthinkable for now, because Russia and China currently support the government of Syria. Not being able to use military intervention Europe introduced economic sanctions and called for Assad to step down. But is this all Europe should do? That is the question that the committee on Foreign Affairs have to answer. How should Europe react on these crimes against humanity? Should we remain uninvolved and thereby protect our relationships with Russia and China respectively? Or should we take a stance and defend where Europe stands for; democracy and human rights?

The voice of Syria

Democracy still under threat even as the Arab Spring has begun. Syria is the next of the coun-tries to attempt to gain freedom from the gov-ernment they are under. Myrna discusses the developments in the area, and the possible role that Europe can play in this power struggle.

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European Identity

Like an eagle watching prey, two armed men approached a lone man. The two American soldiers stop a middle-aged man. “Passport please”. The man, somewhat confused, took his documents from his back pocket, and asked what the matter was. His hair was half-long and grey, his skin a reddish brown. Just a routine check for anti-Americanism. Out of a hundred or more people, the men with guns picked him.

The shorter of the two proceeded to question him: “What brings you to New York, chief?” The other looked at his passport, long and hard. Dutch. He noticed the “chief” was with a young, blond girl. He told the other man the papers were all-right, and they him go. In modern-day Europe, one of our biggest fears is growing political extremism. Extreme rightwing, extreme Nationalism. The Japanese have a saying for the distinction between the inside and the outside: Uchi-Soto. ‘Us’ and ‘Them’. ‘We’ only exists if there is a ‘them’: compare it to good and bad, without one of them, you don’t have a clue what the other is. By focussing on what were Japanese common values, the differences with foreigners became evident, and the sense of unity stronger. Before that, the Japanese spent most of their time killing each other. Then, others were seen as the threat. Japan was united, the rest had to die. They might have had their differences, but there stood common values at the core. Sounds familiar? Nationalism. Core values? Diverse but united? The importance of a sense of unity? Creating a European identity is nationalism on a larger scale. So if we try to turn all Europeans

in nationalistic EU-citizens, we have to actively distant ourselves even further from the rest of the world. We are not like the rest of the world – we are no Asians, no Americans, no Africans… By encouraging a European identity, we encourage discrimination and racism too! So what’s the difference anyway? It’s not good for our culture either. Just look at the USA, notorious for its lack of cultural variety compared to its square mileage and population density. A perfect example of how we not want the European Union to be. Luckily, nobody ever wanted it to begin with. In 2010, a research paper of the European Commission showed that almost 50% of the European citizens are not happy with the prospect of a joint European future. Take that, EU identity! And I thought we lived in a democracy? No. Much better to leave it all as it is. Unity? The less, the better. It’s just the same evil in a different outfit anyway. While we’re at it let’s get rid of the entire Union altogether. Not like it got us anything like free trade, a voice in the global market and political field, or more income from tourism. It doesn’t do anything for us. It’s not like it ended wars or anything, or it…

Oh wait..

Luca Wartna takes a bold stance against the con-cept of a European Identity. Using a plethora of metaphors she succesfully changes a paradigm long standing in EYP.

When I read in the paper about the Euro crisis, I never quite understand what I’m reading. Although there has been a crisis for over four years now, I still don’t notice any omens of the announced apocalypse. Everything seems normal: my Euros still work; I still go to school every day. And I often wonder, when I read about the latest definitive summit or a new crisis, what is happening? And, more important, how will it affect me? The committee on ECON are talking about whether more centralised fiscal policies are needed to solve the Euro crisis. I am convinced that, in GA, they will defend a good solution, the best solution they can think of. But first, so that all of you can join in the debate on Sunday, we need to know what the problem is, and why we really need to solve it.

The Euro crisis is a result of the general global financial crisis as well as a case of bad timing. Since the global economy is having a hard time, all the weak spots in the EU Member States’ economic health, like outrageous state debts and budget deficits that had been growing for years have been exposed, as well as the lack of capability of the EU as a whole to make important decisions together about economic policies. Such weak spots are the unsound finances of many Member States and the incapability of the world’s banks, without which our big economies wouldn’t be able to function, to suffer the blow when Greece goes bankrupt.

The EU wants to repair these weak spots, or at least find a way to cover them with a Band-Aid of money until the recession is over. However, the different interests of Member States make finding a solution that everybody is happy with nearly impossible.

A good example of this conflict is the British veto, caused by the British government’s fears that more strenuous fiscal policies would harm London’s vital financial market. The longer this conflict lasts, the bigger the weak spots become and the harder it becomes to cover them until a solution is agreed upon. Time is not on our side.

There is of course a natural solution. If we let things go, Greece and other countries will go bankrupt, as well as some major banks. They screwed thing up themselves, so why not let them feel the pain? Mao once said: “in order to build something new, you first need to destruct what is already there”. It seems reasonable to just accept the consequences of our system, instead of holding on to something that doesn’t work well. This natural solution however would cause the breakdown of the system that keeps the global economy running. This means losing a lot of wealth, trade, and eventually our high standard of living. Consequently, nobody really wants to take this chance.

The ECON committee is in a tough spot: they need to find a way to use fiscal policies to solve the weak spots in Member States’ finances, while keeping the economy running. Like that isn’t enough, a common solution needs to be agreeable for all the Member States. This is quite a split, and I am curious how they will get out of it. I hope that you are too, and that, after reading this article, you know what they are talking about. And that now you know what is happening; you will listen to their solution in GA and say to yourself: how will this affect me?

FreakonomicsFor those of you who find economics overwhelming, DAVID M condenses these intricate concepts into simple English to help you understand exactly what's going on in the world of economics, and how it affects you directly. €€€€€€

With a global commitment to sign a legally binding agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions achieved in Durban, how can the EU maintain its leading role in future negotiations on the specifics of the agreement in order to ensure an effective fight against climate change?

Although the exact nature of causal factors is debatable the fact that global temperatures are on the increase is indisputable, and the current and projected consequences are dire. Normally these consequences are considered to include reduced crop yield, reduced species biodiversity, damaged fishery interests, reduced landmass, and a whole host of other serious, pressing problems, and as young European citizens, we often fall into the trap of thinking that it doesn’t affect us, and we are greatly mistaken in doing so. First of all, reduced species biodiversity may seem to only interest the most particular ecologist; however it is a real problem for all of us because as the tide rises, the landmass available for the penguin falls, and the penguin population will plummet. Therefore, due to our negligence, Europe’s favourite bird is at risk of extinction and surely this evokes fear in us all! In addition, as Europeans we are drawn to explore the beautiful climates of our fellow states, and this makes changing weather patterns incredibly relevant to all Europeans because as we begin to experience extremes in weather and irregular patterns of rain and storms, our holiday plans are thwarted. It is for these reasons and many more that I believe each delegate, and indeed each European should be aware of and contributing to solutions of our current climatic problems.

Hence, I put forward to all delegates, how can we save our penguins and holidays? Is it simply a matter of walking instead of driving, and supporting

minor reforestation campaigns? No, we must unite as best we can to combat this problem because the consequences of climate change are not hampered by national borders. So we must all ask ourselves, how can we further reduce our carbon footprint to meet our goals for 2020?

The widest possible cooperation by all countries and their participation in an effective and appropriate international response - is an ambition of the Dunbar Climate Change Conference and initiatives have been carried out to achieve this but we need to do our best to increase the effects so that we can make a colossal impact on the concentrations of greenhouse gases worldwide. Increased funding into alternate energy sources - not carbon based - and widespread afforestation may seem like good ideas, however given the current economic climate in many member states this is not feasible, so perhaps we could explore other options, such as things as simple as carbon emission quotas or things much more radical such as CO2 scrubbers that work in the atmosphere.

However, it may be that our Dutch delegates are incredibly sceptical of human involvement in climate change? Do you believe that this is a natural process and that our penguins will one day be returned to us? Although this is entirely possible, it must be noted that our industrial and scientific growth only serves to exasperate any effect of natural changes.

In summary, take a stance, acknowledge the detrimental effects of climate change on us all personally, and finally realise that Europe must make reforms and plans to withstand issues of climate change and minimise further problems that may well arise!

EnvironmentalistDean scrutinises the future of sun holidays and the continuation of the penguin species. Looking closely at how climate change will effect each and every one of us, he explains why he believes international cooperation and strict legal regulations are the only way forward.

Expanding our Borders

What do Croatia, Iceland, Macedonia, Montenegro, Turkey, Albania and Serbia have in common? They all want to join the European Union. Altogether, these countries have a population of over 88 million people. That is about one fifth of the current population of all EU member states combined. It is not hard to understand why this is causing the EU so much confusion and trouble, 88 million people is a considerable number to say the least. But why do so many countries and people want to join the EU at all?

In the beginning, countries used to join the EU for economic reasons. But the EU has developed since then, and has evolved into a political union as well as economic. Being part of a union can grant both political and economic stability to its Member States. With the example of the EU, stability can clearly be seen since its foundation, with only one minor military conflict having occurred between countries since its foundation.But although some countries’ accessions are debatable for various political reasons, most of the current debates focus on the economic situation we find ourselves in. But these reasons are exactly the ones that drive them to applying for EU membership. Being within the EU is assurance that if something does go wrong with your own country, you will be supported by those around you. Therefore, it is understandable that countries want to join the Union. But at the moment, Europe is in the midst of an economic crisis. The strain on the Union continues to grow, with more and more countries tottering on the edge of a ridge, with the danger of a steep fall

to bankruptcy. Our economy is what builds houses, produces the cars that we drive and the computers we sit behind. If we can’t rely on it anymore, we don’t have much else to rely on. Pension funds? Non-existent government grants for the cultural sector? Gone. Funds for universities and students? Down the drain.

But why would a larger union actually cause governing problems? Let’s look at it with a simple example: Imagine you want to go out to a club with a friend, but you aren’t sure which club to go to. You want to go to an expensive place, but your friend does not have enough money. Eventually you will settle on a place you can both agree on and go to and party. Now imagine you’re with twenty seven people and you have to reach an agreement. The decision won’t come too easily.

The European Union is made up of 27 countries. Millions of people are represented by a small number. You can probably imagine how difficult decision making becomes. Countries are afraid that governing all of these countries will become close to impossible, and rightly so if you look at the EU’s handling of the economic crisis. So during the economic crisis, instead of settling on a club, they decide to stay in.It seems like an issue that very distant from us and our everyday lives. We live in the Netherlands, and the countries that are being discussed lie at the other side of Europe, thousands of kilometres away. But these decisions lie as close as they can. By changing something so far away, we also change the world we live in and see right now.

88 million new EU citizens? Alma explores the reasons behind new countries seeking accession to the EU, like Croatia, Serbia, Turkey and more. She takes a closer look at their reasons for wanting to join and examines the problems that may arise from such a large group decision process and pinpoints exactly where stability within the EU comes from.

“Hey Herman, so I was thinking huh…what do you say we get rid of Berlusconi and replace him with Monti? ” said Barosso. “Well, the guy sure is a good fellow and he might even hand over some power to us. You are indeed a shrewd man, José.” answered Van Rompuy with a grin on his face. Well okay, so it might not have gone exactly like that and both Barosso and Van Rompuy aren‘t truly that bad. However, both Greece and Italy experienced an infringement on their democracy, particularly Greece, when both of their former Prime Ministers were forced to resign in order for a non-elected replacement to become Prime Minister.

Looking at both situations, and hearing plans of enforceable austerity policies might make one think that Europe is slightly less democratic than it seems. Furthermore, with the Occupy movement protests going on and slogans such as “We are the 99%!” may even incite a real revolution. While it may not be as extreme a scenario as scenes from the Arab Spring, it surely could still be violent enough to consider a threat, especially considering the recent Greek and British demonstrations.

It is quite plain to see where the dissatisfaction among the people of Europe comes from. The banks that spent capital irresponsibly and national governments that reacted and increased their own national debt in doing so, has not only lead to the financial debt crisis across the EU, but has also developed into an international political crisis as well. The national governments and the European Commission failing to come up with a solution have created a profound

lack of trust in governing bodies. Even more so, in the case of the United Kingdom failure to cooperate with suggested measures has increased the lack of trust. To everyone, it has become apparent that we’re being led by a team of elderly people that are incapable of resolving the many problems we as a society are facing.

The Occupy Movement has been propagating reforms on both financial policies and social policies. The fact that 1% of the population runs 44% of its wealth is just crazy, to say the least. However, as the governments have shown incapable of coming up with the right reforms, is it now up to the people to decide what to happen? One would most certainly disagree. We have seen where this has lead to in Egypt, different parties trying to gain control over the battered country for months on end resulted in fierce violence against humanity.

It is an issue which is in high need of a solution. The stubborn population must realize that there are many complicated matters that need to be taken into consideration when forming policies, whereas the governments must realize that they have a responsibility towards the entire population of making ends meet. Be sure that you do realize this and that we, the population of Europe, need you.

The One PercentThe divide between the extremely rich and the devastatingly poor grows by the day. Khalid tries to explain just how an ever smaller group of people control an ever bigger proportion of wealth. He questions how humanity can be restored, and can equality between classes be reinstated across Europe.

That Europe is not facing its best time is not a secret for anybody. Unemployment, financial instability, inequality, poverty… as the EU continues striving for effortlessly strategies to tackle those problems, and while trying to set goals for the upcoming years, recession yet is still pushing European citizens into more struggling situations.

Immersed in this uncertain context, we, as Europeans, are all claiming for a fast solution but the EU can only reward us with one of our demands: A clear idea of an effective solution.

A protected economic system, which promotes cases of good practice, EU–wide targets, a dynamic economy […] all “solutions” are expected to be effective but they need (a lot of) time. The EU market is complex and a long term path needs to be implemented if willing to ensure a healthy economic system. But time isn’t supported by European citizens (and totally understandable). They are on a tightrope unable to cope with everyday’s routine.

With all this dark blinding our future, there are still some signs of recovery that try to reduce the thick murky mood of uncertainty. All member states are part of a major family, EUROPE, and this conveys into positive and negative sides. While any local problem can affect Europe as a whole, Europe States can also provide help within the weak ones, on those whose

financial situation is not working out. And why? To imply invest in a better Europe, in a dynamic economy capable to face even the fiercest crisis.I bet you have heard about: think globally, act locally. Europe has the chance to solve this crisis and the continuously rising unemployment numbers but it will cost us not only months but years (if we want a safe and protected system unable to fall again).

So, one of the most important step that needs to be done is the reduction of the widening gap between the EU and member states, shaping a confident and fair European Union. Because who doesn’t want to be part of a political family willing to act wisely and according to its beliefs?

I ask you to think about what Europe means to you, to think of what we’ve been able to build and think if it’s worth to fight for a better future. I strongly believe it is all about psychology. Once confidence is reached, juveniles like us all over Europe will feel they are active members of the society and they will have a main goal to fight for. I look into Europe and wonder myself If I will ever be a real part of it.

Meanwhile waiting for the one with power to politically change this situation, I will prepare myself (and strongly recommend all you the same) for a recent future yet indecipherable and (hopefully) far different from today.

Jobless Juveniles

David T offers us a unique Spanish insight into the unemployment crisis in Europe. Combin-ing a Spanish perspective with a highly eco-nomic perspectives yields interesting results.

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While the term “cultural diplomacy” only recently came into the English language, evidence of its practice can be seen in practice throughout history. Explorers, travellers, teachers and artists can be all considered ambassadors or early diplomats. The establishment of regular trade routes enables a frequent exchange of information and cultural gifts between traders and government representatives. Such deliberate efforts of cultural exchange can be identified as early examples of cultural diplomacy. Indeed, any person interacting with different cultures, in the past as today, facilitates an important form of cultural exchange. This cultural exchange can take place the fields of art, sport, literature, music, science, business, and more. Through the interaction of people, the exchange of language, religion, ideas, arts and societal structures have facilitated international exchange throughout the ages. These interactions may not have always been blatant and have often been the result of hardship; displacement, migration, slavery, conflict and state expansion have all resulted in cultural assimilation. Whilst recognising the tragedy of these events, the theory of cultural diplomacy articulates the importance of these interactions, acknowledging their influence in shaping the societies in which we now live.

“United in Diversity” became the official motto of the EU in 2000, at the same time that the Union devised the innovative Culture 2000 Programme meant to supervise, and strengthen its Cultural sector. Culture 2000 provided grants to cultural cooperation projects in all artistic and cultural fields, its objective being to promote a common cultural area characterised by cultural diversity and shared heritage. Its stated aims were to encourage creativity and public access to culture, inter-cultural dialogue and knowledge of the history and cultural heritage of Europe.

Therefore, acknowledging the vast importance such a Programme can have, time has come to analyze the direct implications it applies upon the EU’s citizens and not only.

Considering the opportunities it provides for promoting awareness, along with making it easier for cultural and artistic products to circulate freely around the EU and stimulating dialogue between different cultures, we are entitled to conclude that its core solutions are mainly targeted at a youth population in order for it to take care of an already impressive heritage and at the same time enrich its perspectives through an even more in-depth cultural introspective.

Thus, this cultural policy brings along numerous advantages that can be considered. As vivid examples stand the cultural exchanges between schools pertaining to different countries, or furthermore occasions for people working in the cultural industries to live and work in other European countries. Career opportunities? Fame? In a better connected society offers and good news will always reach through faster and more efficiently.

Giving this complex topic a thorough approach, we should admit the fact that we all are stakeholders in the field of culture, for curiosity, socialising and knowledge are the basic elements of the human nature. Thus it somehow relates to our moral duties to protect what it has been achieved up until now in this domain, but at the same time to make sure we leave our own careful, prolific contribution to this heritage towards expanding the opportunities for the new generations!

Ileana Lazea; the journalist that could not make it to the session because of airline bankruptcy shares her vision on the committee of Culture with you.

Culture Explained