Resolution Booklet - Jyväskylä Regional Session 2020

RESOLUTION BOOKLET Jyväskylä 2020 Regional Session of EYP Finland

13.–15.11.2020

Table of contents

Procedure of the General Assembly

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General Assembly Placards

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

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Motion for a Resolution by the Committee on Foreign Affairs

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Motion for a Resolution by the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

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Motion for a Resolution by the Committee on Climate Change

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Motion for a Resolution by the Committee on Culture and Education II

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Motion for a Resolution by the Committee on Culture and Education I

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

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Jyväskylä 2020 – Digital Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Finland General Assembly, 15 November 2020

P​ROCEDURE OF THE ​G​ENERAL ​A​SSEMBLY General rules The wish to speak is indicated by raising the Committee placard. Chairpersons should use “raising the hand function” and raise the placard.

The authority of the Board is absolute.

Procedure and time settings 1. Presenting of the Motion for a Resolution and reading of the operating clauses by the board.

2. Silent reading of the operative clauses (1 min) 3. Resolution debate a) Defense speech (3 min) b) Position Speech(es) (2x 2min) c) Response to the Position Speech(es) (90 sec) d) 3-4 rounds of Open Debates 4. Summation Speech (3 min) 7. Voting procedure 8. Announcing the votes Silent reading of the operative clauses All members of the General Assembly (GA) read the operative clauses for themselves. Everyone should have read the operative clauses beforehand.

Defense speech During this time one member of the proposing committee will deliver a speech on the resolution. The proposing committee presents the rationale and context of the resolution and their solutions rather than defending it to the GA.

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Position speech The Position Speech is a speech held by any other committee but the proposing. The speech can either agree or disagree with the proposed resolution. In either way the rationale behind the position should be elaborated on. The Position Speech should not pick at individual clauses or details but rather is used when a delegate fundamentally agrees or disagrees with the content of the resolution.

Response to position speech(es) A delegate from the proposing committee has the chance to respond to the Position Speech(es).

Open debates Any committee with a point or a question on the resolution can raise their committee placard and, when recognised by the Board, pose it to the proposing committee. The Board will take 4-5 points from the floor before allowing the proposing committee to respond to all of them. During each debate, committees must raise the placard with their committee name to show that they want to speak and wait for the Board to recognise them. There will be 3-4 rounds of open debates. The delegate from the proposing committee who will respond to the last round of debates will be recognised by the Board together with the delegate delivering the Summation Speech.

Summation Speech The Summation Speech is a speech held by the proposing committee, summarising the debate and proposing the final arguments for the resolution. The delegate delivering the Summation Speech will be recognised together with the delegate answering the last round of open debate.

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G​ENERAL ​A​SSEMBLY ​P​LACARDS Point of Personal Privilege This placard may be raised by a Chairperson alongside a sign of “PPP” in the zoom chat, if a member of the Assembly requests to repeat a point that was inaudible.

Direct Response (2 per debate) Each committee has two times during each debate, the chance to directly reply to the point that was last made. Therefore, if a Chairperson raises the committee placard, and the delegate writes “DR” in the Zoom chat, the committee will immediately be recognised by the Board. If two or more committees request a Direct Response, the Board will decide which committee to recognise.

Point of Order The committee placard may be raised by a Chairperson together with a sign of “PoF” in the zoom chat, if a committee feels that the Board is not following appropriate parliamentary procedure.

Defence Speech One member of the Proposing Committee delivers the Defence Speech from the podium. It is used to explain the rationale of the overall lines of the Resolution and convince the Plenary that the Resolution is worthy of being adopted. This speech can last a maximum of three minutes.

Position Speech Two delegates are given the chance to hold a position speech through which they can express support, opposition, or a combination of the two, for the Motion for a Resolution. The speech should be constructive in its approach and can last a maximum of one and a half minutes per person.

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M​OTION​ ​FOR​ ​A​ R​ESOLUTION​ ​BY THE​ C​OMMITTEE​ ​ON​ E​MPLOYMENT​ ​AND​ S​OCIAL​ A​FFAIRS​ ​(EMPL)

Keeping up with technology: ​It is estimated that 45%-60% of European workers could be replaced by automation by 2030 and might find themselves unqualified to perform in the new employment market. How should the EU react to this unprecedented rate of change in employment demand to ensure that workers can transition to new jobs with different qualifications?

Submitted by:

Aleksandro Gojka (AL), Katarina Sterling (FI), Kirill Sorokni (FI), Mete ​İyikavak (TR), Rigel Hadushi (AL), Martin Vekov (Chairperson, FI)

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Noting with concern that many current workers will likely become unqualified by 2030 because the skill-sets currently needed in the labour market might soon become redundant, B. Deeply concerned by the lack of long term plans for tackling the negative consequences of automation within the Member States, C. Declaring that the future of the labour market is not foreseeable enough to provide secure employment opportunities, D. Emphasising the fact that smaller companies cannot afford re-education programmes for their employees, E. Alarmed by the fact that a shift in the employment market towards automation would erode governments’ tax revenues, F. Realising that the existing education funding programmes, such as Erasmus+, do not comply with people who want to shift to an entirely new working field, G. Alarmed by the socio-economic division and income inequality caused by skill gaps among workers, H. Aware of education programmes that are focused on a single lifelong career path, which makes it difficult for graduates to switch between job fields, I.

Further noting that the lack of safeguards for the implementation of automation into the workplace

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will create possibilities for job insecurity; 1. Calls upon the European Commission to fund further labour market research to provide more precise information to the Member States; 2. Urges Member States to subsidise companies on the condition that they provide specific additional trainings to their workers; 3. Suggests that Member States implement reformed corporate taxation, such as robot taxes, in order to adapt to the new and automated labour field; 4. Requests that the European Commission develop free training programmes for workers in need of retraining; 5. Asks the Member States to allocate funds for grants to displaced workers; 6. Proposes the Member States shape their education systems to support studying as a lifelong endeavour with measures such as, but not limited to career-training programmes, tuition assistance and open-enrollment programmes; 7. Recommends that Member States implement wage insurance policies or equivalent solutions to prevent employees from shifting to a lower paid position; 8. Invites the European Commission to allocate funds for research in the field of automation safeguard policies for Member States to implement.

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Jyväskylä 2020 – Digital Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Finland General Assembly, 15 November 2020

M​OTION​ ​FOR​ ​A​ R​ESOLUTION​ ​BY THE​ C​OMMITTEE​ O ​ N​ F​OREIGN​ A​FFAIRS​ (AFET)

The last dictatorship in Europe: ​Demonstrations and unlawful detentions of peaceful protesters have recently ensued in Belarus after the presidential election, which saw the reelection of authoritarian autocrat Aleksandr Lukashenko. Considering both the EU stance on human rights and the sovereignty of foreign nations, what should be the EU’s approach to deescalating the conflict in Belarus?

Submitted by:

Gea Palm (EE), Helena Cieślakowska (PL), Iva Lipovtseva (RO/BY), Laura Hurskainen (FI), Niki Kiiskinen (FI), Olga Musiał (PL), Saana Elo (FI), Emma Petersen (Chairperson, DE), Oscar Smith (Chairperson, FI)

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Worried about the possible increase in migration of Belarusian citizens as a result of the unjustifiable methods used by the Belarusian government to suppress protesters including: i.

termination of employment,

ii. expulsion of university students, iii. massive shutdown of businesses supporting the protests, B. Deploring the Belarusian government’s actions to limit freedom of the press including: i. depriving independent media outlets of accreditation, ii. detaining and assaulting journalists reporting on the protests, C. Alarmed by the violence displayed by the riot police as a response to peaceful protests, including: i.

the use of tear gas, water and chemical cannons,

ii. the torture of protestors in special detention facilities1, D. Shocked that over 20,000 people were arrested2 and others fined heavily for participating in 1 2

​‘At Night The Screaming Began’​, Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, ​by Tony Wesolowsky and Aleksei Aleksandrov ​‘Belarus: Workers go on strike as Lukashenko ignores call to resign’​ Euronews, October 27 2020

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protests, E. Bearing in mind harsh economic sanctions may counterproductively result in harming the Belarusian people more than the Belarusian government, F. Noting with approval the actions taken by Member States to sanction Belarusian officials and give a platform to opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, G. Concerned by the widespread allegations of election fraud in the Belarusian presidential election of 20203, granting incumbent President Lukashenko illegitimate executive and legislative power, H. Deeply concerned by the measures Lukashenko has enforced to suppress Members of the opposition;

1. Recommends the neighbouring Member States to prepare for a potential influx of Belarusian immigrants with measures such as: a. easing the visa requirements and process, b. streamlining education and employment opportunities; 2. Asks the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom to support the independent media outlets still operating in Belarus; 3. Urges the European Commission to support Belarusian organisations offering psychological and legal support for the victims of violence, following the example of previous UN action; 4. Appeals to the European Commission to partially finance Belarusian community centers helping Belarusian citizens directly affected by the violent response to the protests; 5. Requests the European Commission to install a comprehensive plan for suspending sanctions on the condition of Belarus complying to: a.

release political prisoners,

b.

stop police brutality,

​Belarus poll workers describe fraud in Aug. 9 election​, Associated Press, by Kostya Manenkov & Daria Litvinova, September 1, 2020 3

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c.

respect the rule of law;

6. Calls upon Member States to extend the existing travel bans to include further Belarusian officials related to the election fraud; 7. Encourages non-governmental organisations (NGOs) active in the fields of political education and human rights to cooperate with leaders of the freedom movement, giving them a platform to share their voice; 8. Reaffirms that the European Parliament does not recognise Lukashenko as the legitimate president of Belarus; 9. Calls upon independent bodies such as the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to launch an investigation into the 2020 elections; 10. Strongly urges Member States to provide diplomatic protection to emigrated Belarusian politicians of the opposition.

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Jyväskylä 2020 – Digital Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Finland General Assembly, 15 November 2020

M​OTION​ ​FOR​ ​A​ R​ESOLUTION​ ​BY THE​ C​OMMITTEE​ ​ON​ W​OMEN​’S ​ ​ R​IGHTS​ ​AND​ G​ENDER​ E​QUALITY​ (FEMM)

Democracy, a level playing field?: Despite making up 51% of the population, in 2019, women held just 32% of seats in national parliaments in the EU, the lowest proportions being in Hungary (12%), Malta (15%) and Cyprus (18%). From electoral systems which disadvantage women, to an abusive workplace culture in parliaments across Europe, how can the EU ensure a proportionate representation of women in government?

Submitted by: Mila Fagerlund (FI), Konstantina Karagkitsi (GR), Sofija Kostić (RS), Anton Sihvonen (FI), Akanksha Sur (FI), Hind Serkouh (Chairperson, IT), Tomas Winegar (Chairperson, FI)

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Conscious that education systems focus on male-dominated depictions of politics, B. Recognising the difference between media coverage of male and female politicians in that: i.

female politicians are four times less likely to be represented in media than their male counterparts,

ii. female politicians are more likely to be judged based on appearance than views and policies, C. Noting with deep concern that women vote 11% less in the EU elections compared to men,4 D. Alarmed by the persistent harassment in the workplace that distracts, hinders, and negatively affects female politicians, E. Disturbed by the sexist stereotypes and societal expectations that burden female politicians, F. Emphasising that there are financial obstacles for women pursuing politics such as: i.

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difficulties in securing funding from private institutions due to stereotypes,

European Parliamentary Research Service, ​Women in Politics in the EU: State of Play​ (2019).

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ii. the inability to fund their own political careers due to a greater risk of poverty, G. Deploring the scarcity of women at the apex of political power due to discrimination in promotions within political organisations, H. Aware that, unlike their male counterparts, women must put their careers on hold when on maternity leave, which is often detrimental in the field of politics, I.

Realising that women have less time to pursue politics due to unbalanced family responsibilities;

1. Invites Member States to change legislation to allow parental absences from work for child care reasons; 2. Requests that Member States legislate for fully compensated maternity leave; 3. Calls upon Member States to offer shared parental leave; 4. Encourages the European Commission to create an informational campaign consisting of lectures on the role of women in political positions, similar to ‘Women Can Do It’5; 5. Suggests that Member States offer tax breaks to private organisations who support disadvantaged female political candidates; 6. Reiterates the importance of the EU in taking disciplinary action against government workers who engage in workplace harassment; 7. Seeks for improved regulations on harassment and discrimination in the workplace; 8. Urges the European Commission to create an awareness programme directed towards media outlets which would: a.

support an objective coverage of political candidates,

b.

discourage the judging of female candidates based on their appearance,

c.

aim to achieve a balanced coverage of both male and female candidates;

9. Endorses Member States to revoke the cuts on childcare imposed in 2008; 10. Encourages the ministries of education of each Member State to revisit and implement changes in school curricula in order to teach about influential female figures in history, with the aims of: a.

overall improving syllabuses of subjects such as history and civics,

​Women Can Do It ​(WCDI) is a training programme for women originating in the Norwegian labour party which aims to encourage women to participate in politics.

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b.

providing examples of female leadership,

c.

refuting sexist stereotypes;

11. Urges Member States to grant child-support and other financial benefits to low-income women who wish to engage in politics; 12. Recommends political parties dedicate a subsection to representing the interests of the female population, following the examples of the European People’s Party and Socialists & Democrats; 13. Encourages governmental organisations to implement gender quotas for executive positions; 14. Further urges Member States to implement legislative quotas requiring descriptive representation within electoral pools.

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M​OTION​ ​FOR​ ​A​ R​ESOLUTION​ ​BY THE​ C​OMMITTEE​ O ​ N​ C​LIMATE​ C​HANGE​ (CLIM)

Carbon sinks: Reaching the EU goal of carbon-neutrality by 2050 entails finding a means of removing large quantities of CO​2 from the atmosphere to counterbalance the amount produced by economic activity. What steps should the EU take to support the development and usage of CO​2​ removal and negative emission technologies?

Submitted by:

Esmer Ferhadova (AZ), Oliver Leivo (FI), ​Ronan Meleady (IE), Amanda Parkkinen (FI), Verona Bähr (Chairperson, DE), Topias Laitinen (Chairperson, FI)

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Concerned that the reduction of greenhouse gases needed to limit the increase in global temperature to 1,5°C can only be achieved by switching to renewable energy sources and removing excess amounts of CO​2​ from the atmosphere, B. Realising that non-renewable energy is currently more cost-effective compared to renewable energy, C. Noting with concern that many Member States are not meeting their emission targets, D. Alarmed by the potential risk of accidental CO​2​ leaks while transporting captured CO​2​, E. Emphasising that small European businesses may not have the resources to transition into the use of Carbon Capture Technologies (CCTs), F. Bearing in mind that providing all businesses with equal funding for CCTs may lead to unfair advantages in the marketplace, G. Recognising that carbon leakage6 is a negative side effect of the Emissions Trading System (ETS), H. Concerned that the ETS can undermine other climate and emission control policies, 6

​Carbon leakage​ is the process of companies moving abroad in order to reduce their carbon tax.

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I.

Aware of the fact that due to forests being the biggest natural carbon sinks, absorbing 10% of Europe's greenhouse gasses, rapid deforestation leads to an increased amount of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere;

1. Urges Member States to: a.

pass legally binding carbon neutrality acts,

b.

support the use of CCTs in reaching these goals;

2. Calls upon the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) to increase investment in the research and development of renewable energy sources to improve the cost effectiveness of renewable energies; 3. Asks the European Commission to increase the proposed share of renewable energies set out in the 2030 Energy Strategy from 27% to 50%; 4. Requests the European Research Council to fund research into the prevention of CO​2 leaks during the transportation of captured CO​2​; 5. Calls upon the European Commission to provide financial aid to small european businesses for the transition into CCT usage in production; 6. Encourages government agencies to inform companies about the profit following the implementation of CCTs, in terms of the ETS allowances; 7. Calls upon the European Commission to create a task force consisting of economic and climate change experts; 8. Directs the task force to: a.

conduct a study on reforming the ETS,

b.

examine the equity of the funding for CCTs towards businesses;

9. Requests that Member States: a.

limit extreme deforestation by legal acts,

b.

create supportive funding for landowners for reforestation purposes,

c.

invest in and implement Direct Air Capture (DAC).

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M​OTION​ ​FOR​ ​A​ R​ESOLUTION​ ​BY THE​ C​OMMITTEE​ O ​ N​ C​ULTURE​ ​AND​ E​DUCATION​ II (CULT II)

Death of a language: UNESCO defines cultural diversity as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature, however, Sámi languages - perhaps the most important expression of cultural identity for the EU’s only indigenous people, the Sámi - have recently been classified by UNESCO as vulnerable for extinction. What steps can the EU take to protect Sámi languages and cultural identity?

Submitted by:

Leyli Aliyeva (AZ), Danai-Christina Avdela (GR), Mihaela Chiujdea (RO), Nea Hollström (FI), Christiana Pikoula (GR) Mikael Saarisalo (FI), Arnav Sathe (FI), Daria Voicu (RO), Ronja Gorenc Didanovič (Chairperson, SI)

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Recognising that only a fourth of the Sámi population speak Sámi, B. Bearing in mind that 70% of Sámi children under the age of 10 in Finland are living outside the Sápmi Region7, C. Aware of the fact that the rights of Sámi living in Sámi Homeland are not being thoroughly extended to the Sámi living outside of these core areas,8 D. Concerned by the lack of inclusivity of programmes for indigenous peoples in public services, E. Noting with deep regret that past assimilation policies imposed on the Sámi have not let them develop and speak their mother tongue, F. Gravely concerned by the growing generational gaps due to the lack of common Sámi

Report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, General Assembly of the United Nations, 6.6.2011, ​https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/IPeoples/SR/A-HRC-18-35-Add2_en.pdf 8 The Sámi Homeland​ (also known as Sápmi) ​is the ​cultural region​ traditionally inhabited by the ​Sámi people​.

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terminology, G. Alarmed by the absence of Sámi education programmes outside of the Sámi Homeland, H. Taking into account that the European Commission has included language learning and linguistic diversity among its priorities, I.

Concerned by the lack of cross-border cooperation resulting in: i.

poor EU common legislation concerning indigenous peoples and their rights,

ii. only partial recognition of Sami languages by Finland and Sweden while Russia has failed to recognise them;

1. Requests that Member States provide a safer working and living environment for the Sámi people; 2. Urges Member States to establish aid programmes for the promotion of regional minority languages (RMLs); 3. Recommends the Member States in question to provide the same amount of language rights to the Sámi people from both distant and core areas; 4. Calls upon the Member States in the Sápmi peninsula and Russia to: a.

encourage political devolution such as regional self-rule for indigenous and minority peoples,

b.

require Sámi languages to be taught as primary or equal languages in schools of the relevant Member States;

5. Urges the European Commission to call upon the countries in question to recognise the Sámi languages and make them official; 6. Encourages the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) to provide more news and media content in Sámi; 7. Invites the European Language Equality Network (ELEN) to start media campaigns to inform people about the existence of the Sámi people and their languages; 8. Encourages Member States to offer the Sámi people: a.

books that are translated into Sámi languages,

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b.

animations that are either translated into Sámi or made by Sámi creators;

9. Encourages Member States to implement programmes that educate local authorities and officials about the basics of RMLs and the obstacles which indigenous people face; 10. Asks the Member States in question to implement an act similar to the Education Act9 to make sure that all Sámi pupils have the possibility to be taught their native language as part of their compulsory schooling; 11. Urges the European Commission to call upon professional linguists to create: a.

common Sámi terminology,

b.

extracurricular Sámi language courses;

12. Recommends that the Sámi Parliament create digital dictionaries with common Sámi terminology; 13. Proposes that Sami areas be included in the Erasmus+ programme to promote visitation and the sharing of Sámi culture.

Primary and Secondary Education and Training (the Education Act), the Norwegian Government, 17.7.1998, https://www.regjeringen.no/globalassets/upload/kd/vedlegg/grunnskole/dokumenter/educationact_with_amen dments_entered2013.pdf 9

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M​OTION​ ​FOR​ ​A​ R​ESOLUTION​ ​BY THE​ C​OMMITTEE​ O ​ N​ C​ULTURE​ A​ ND​ E​DUCATION​ I (CULT I)

Let’s talk about sex, baby: ​While sexuality education is mandatory by law in nearly all the countries of the European Union, its content and quality varies. Considering a flawed or insufficient sexuality education can lead to an increase of teenage pregnancy rates and a higher amount of people suffering from AIDS and STIs, what steps should the EU take to foster a common sexuality education policy among its Member States in accordance with the Standards in Sexuality Education in Europe?

Submitted by:

Rafik Azimov (AZ), Ilayda Dangca (TR), Buse Muratoglu (TR), Doloores Orav (EE), Minni Paju (FI), Darius Scutariu (RO), Polina Slizevich (BY), Joanna Belle Kola (Chairperson, AL)

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Noting with concern that sexuality education is considered a taboo subject in many European countries, B. Taking into consideration that few countries have fully adopted sexuality education because of political, cultural or religious resistance, C. Deeply concerned by the fact that many parents believe sexuality education in schools promotes early sexual activity, D. Alarmed that only 33% of young men and women have correct information on the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs),10 E. Recognising that 15-24 year olds have the highest rates of STIs, F. Fully aware of the fact that parents and schools do not react well to unwanted 10

​International technical guidance on sexuality education​, UNESCO (2018)

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pregnancies and teenagers who suffer from sexually transmitted diseases, G. Considering that education systems vary between Member States, making it hard to include sexuality education programmes in school curricula, H. Fully alarmed by the fact that LGBTQIA+ members cannot get the proper sexuality education based on their needs, I.

Convinced that where there is a lack of sexuality education, males do not realise their responsibility for unwanted pregnancies,

J. Recognising that incorrect sexuality education results in a higher number of teenage pregnancies, K. Noting the complexity of providing quality sexuality education where there is a religious conflict of interests, L. Alarmed by the fact that: i.

almost 33% of women in Europe have experienced either physical or sexual violence in their life,

ii. 1 in 10 girls has experienced cyber harassment, iii. victims of assault are more likely to fall into depression;11

1. Calls upon Member States’ ministries of education to help students and school administrations hold seminars on: a.

understanding sexual orientation and gender identity,

b.

dispelling common stereotypes about LGBTQIA+ members;

2. Encourages Member States to inform parents about the sexuality education curriculum through seminars in schools; 3. Recommends that the European Commission creates special marks for identifying unreliable sources of sexuality education, as well as a system to register such resources; 4. Invites Member States’ ministries of education to introduce additional lessons on ​Physical and/or sexual violence FRA gender-based violence against women survey​, EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (2016) 11

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how to prevent STIs and HIV into their curricula; 5. Further invites the European Commission to offer and create reliable sources of sexuality education which teenagers can get correct information from; 6. Asks Member States’ ministries of education to involve experts in school seminars about sexually transmitted diseases; 7. Requests Member States to encourage their Ministries of Health and Education to offer free testings for both STIs and pregnancies; 8. Supports non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in making media campaigns on the topic of sexuality education and its significance, including the problems that arise when it is not implemented; 9. Further recommends Member States to encourage their ministries of education to implement the subject of sexuality education from a young age as part of subjects like biology, psychology, and social sciences; 10. Encourages European schools which have a conservative and religious majority to: a.

offer separate classes for girls and boys for sexuality education,

b.

give students the opportunity to abstain from sexuality education classes.

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M​OTION​ ​FOR​ ​A​ R​ESOLUTION​ ​BY THE​ C​OMMITTEE​ ​ON​ E​NVIRONMENT​, P​UBLIC​ ​HEALTH​ ​AND​ ​FOOD​ ​SAFETY (ENVI)

The Drugs Don’t Work: ​In 2013, the World HealthOrganisation found that women in the EU will spend almost 12 years of their life in ill health. From clinical trials to medical textbooks, women are chronically underrepresented and under-researched, leading to misdiagnosis and dismissal when they seek treatment for illness and pain.

Given this gender data gap, how can the EU ensure its female population (51%) receives effective medical treatment?

Submitted by:

Ante ​Čolak (HR), Ermioni Kimpouropoulou (GR), Enni Oja (FI), Miika Saarinen (FI), Mansi Vyas (FI), Lauri Valola (FI), Mira Engström (Chairperson, FI)

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Anxious that women in Europe spend an average of 12 years in ill health compared to men’s 6 years,12 B. Deeply alarmed by the fact that female-specific illnesses such as endometriosis can take up to 10 years to be properly analysed and acknowledged, C. Emphasising that women tend to be overdiagnosed due to the lack of thorough studies into women’s mental health, D. Concerned by the fact that the American Autoimmune Related Disease Association (AARDA) found that almost 50% of women diagnosed with autoimmune diseases were labelled as ‘chronic complainers’ at the developing stages of their illnesses, and that narrative is still

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Women’s health and wellbeing in Europe: Beyond the Mortality advantage (2016)

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present today, E. Alarmed by the fact that women are sometimes still considered ‘mutilated men’ within the medical field, F. Acknowledging the fact that some medical treatments, such as aspirin prescribed to treat heart attacks, are not as effective and advantageous on women as on men, G. Regretting that women are not as likely as men to be prescribed accurate drugs, H. Seriously concerned that women are at greater risk of developing a blood clot that could cause a heart attack, I.

Bearing in mind that women are often excluded from clinical trials due to the belief that their hormone cycles could alter the results,

J. Recalling that the National Institutes of Health Revitalisation Act of 1993 tried to include women in government-funded research, yet failed to make effective, real-life changes in clinical trials, K. Noting the fact that male doctors sometimes dismiss women’s health issues and pain, forcing women to consult female doctors to be met with understanding and gravity, L. Recognising the lack of funding for women’s health, M. Gravely concerned by the fact that only 34.5% of medical students report that they would feel prepared to manage sex and gender difference in health care, N. Regretting the fact that women make up only 25% of the key positions in the health workforce;

1. Proposes that the European Commission increase funding for female healthcare and women’s medical treatments; 2. Requests that Member States direct each individual hospital to form a committee that would provide help and consolation for all female patients that were misdiagnosed or ignored by doctors; 3. Invites the Member States’ ministries of education to modify their national curricula to include the topic of biological equality of the sexes from a young age; 4. Suggests that Member States’ ministries of education add lectures to medical schools’ curricula

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about sex and gender difference in healthcare systems; 5. Asks the European Commission to create a media campaign promoting biological equality between men and women; 6. Calls upon the Member States to create national committees supporting the European Medicines Agency (EMA) overlooking medications and their possible negative side effects; 7. Recommends that the European Commission require at least 40% of research subjects to be female in any non-male-specific clinical trials; 8. Seeks that the European Commission promote research regarding women’s health among pharmaceutical companies; 9. Designates the European Commission to launch a women empowerment programme to financially support women studying medicine; 10. Urges the Member States to enforce the concealment of information in applicants’ resumes, such as their name and gender.

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