Resolutions of EYP Finland's Regional Sessions 2020

RESOLUTIONS OF

1

This booklet contains all the Resolutions made

by Committees of EYP Finland’s 2020 Regional Sessions. Find out what kind of solutions the young delegates created for current European issues!

SUPPORTED BY

CONTENTS

Metamorphosis..............................................................4 Vital response......................................................................................................5 Feel so plastic......................................................................................................8 New-clear path forward?...................................................................................10 A coal-ossal task................................................................................................12 Taught for the very first time............................................................................15 Still buffering.....................................................................................................18 The country doth protest too much?...............................................................20

Hearing Europe...........................................................23 Increasing youth unemployment.....................................................................24 Eliminating brain drain......................................................................................27 The ethicality of AI usage..................................................................................31 Future of the EU-Turkey relations.....................................................................34 Stronger political engagement.........................................................................36 Tax evasion and avoidance...............................................................................39 Democracy in the EaP region............................................................................42

Creating links...............................................................44 Keeping up with technology.............................................................................45 The last dictatorship in Europe.........................................................................48 Democracy, a level playing field?......................................................................51 Carbon sinks......................................................................................................55 Death of a language...........................................................................................57 Let’s talk about sex, baby..................................................................................60 The Drugs Don’t Work.......................................................................................62

Sparking the Northern lights......................................65 Superpowers no more......................................................................................66 Mind the Gap.....................................................................................................68 Outside of the public eye..................................................................................71 Tradition vs. innovation....................................................................................73 Public Good or Private Commodity..................................................................76

METAMO MET AMORPH RPHOSIS OSIS Adapting to the rapidly changing society of today

“

Your voice counts already today, make sure that you use it.

I think it’s the youth that will make sure that the future will be better than the living conditions in Europe are today. So don’t forget to aspire to achieve your dreams, because that’s what the future is built on.

”

Member of the European Parliament Ville Niinistö Patron of Turku Regional Session 4

VITAL

RESPONSE COMMITTEE ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND GENDER EQUALITY (FEMM) With local and national lockdowns occurring across Europe, millions of citizens have been forced to remain home with their abusers for considerable periods of time, leading to further distress and instances of domestic violence.

What measures should the EU and its Member States take in order to protect and support these victims?

5

1.

Calls upon the European Commission’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations to raise awareness of the issue of domestic abuse and around reporting abuse through an awareness campaign over social media platforms. platforms.

2.

Instructs Member States to allocate more funds to the advertising of national domestic abuse helplines. helplines.

3.

Encourages the Ministries of Education in Member States introduce domestic abuse awareness education in their secondary school curricula.

4. Requests that Member States with more than 30% of its

citizens experiencing domestic abuse be given additional financial support for the provision of helplines, safe housing and public physical and mental healthcare. healthcare.

6

5.

Directs the European Commission to fund new European Research Council (ERC) researchers to analyse domestic violence in the EU, EU, alongside survivors, to aid in creating more informed solutions.

6. Instructs the JJustice ustice and Home Affairs Council to make

domestic violence a permanent issue for discussion at their monthly conferences.

7. Advises the ERC to support research regarding the processing times of domestic abuse cases in Member States.

8. Recommends that Member States

implement new legal measures to ensure the shortening of wait times for the resolution of domestic abuse cases in court.

9.

Asks Member States to provide sufficient legal aid for the victims of domestic violence.

7

O S L E E

F

PLASTIC COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY I (ENVI I)

With COVID’s impact on waste stemming from Single Use Plastics (SUP) still unknown and national governments delaying SUP legislation as a result of the pandemic, how should Member States act to curb SUP’s prominence in Europe?

8

1.

Urges the European Environmental Agency (EEA) to immediately establish a taskforce to investigate and provide guidance addressing SUP usage in the EU, EU, in the wake of COVID-19.

2.

Encourages all Member States to follow countries such as Finland with providing consumers effective incentives to recycle plastics.

3.

Invites the Directorate-General for Environment to collaborate and assist multinational corporations in setting up their own recycling schemes in the EU.

4. Urges Member States to agree to introduce a minimum EU-wide tax on multinational companies who refuse to comply with Single Use Plastic legislation. legislation.

5.

Recommends Member States’ Education Ministers to incorporate environmental studies into their national curricula.

9

PATH FORWARD? COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY, RESEARCH AND ENERGY (ITRE I)

10

In light of the EU’s 2030 Climate and Energy Framework, and wider commitment of a net-zero economy by 2050, how should the EU legislate for technological innovation concerning nuclear energy whilst respecting Member States’ right to develop their own national energy and climate plans?

1.

Encourages the continuation of international cooperation between Member States and other leaders in nuclear energy on projects such as ITER and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

2.

Requests that the European Innovation Council to provide research grants to the energy industry to innovate new nuclear technologies.

3. Seeking the European Commission’s affirmation on

the role of nuclear energy in the European 2030 Climate and Energy Framework.

4.

Highly recommends Member States reevaluate the place of nuclear energy in their NCEPs by the end of 2021.

5. Calls upon the European Nuclear Society and Euratom

to educate the general public and community leaders about nuclear energy through conferences and workshops to combat stigma against nuclear energy.

6.

Requests that the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) implement a retraining program to ease the workforce transition from carbon-based to nuclear energy.

7.

Encourages Member States to install nuclear waste management facilities that are of Euratom safety standards such as the planned Onkalo spent nuclear repository in Finland.

11

A

COMMITTEE ON REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT (REGI)

With ongoing negotiations over the EU’s Just Transition Fund to assist its eventual phase out of coal, how may European States ensure regional communities with historic and current ties to the coal industry are not left behind?

12

1.

Calls upon Member States receiving support from the fund to provide an annual report to the European Commission,, detailing progress and expenditure of the Commission money allocated by the Just Transition Fund (JTF).

2.

Encourages the Commission to secure the original €40 billion in JTF funding,, in order to eliminate the funding need for cohesion fund contributions to the sum total.

3.

Urges the European Parliament to establish a Green Reward Mechanism for those regions surpassing their emission reduction targets.

4.

Asks the European Commission to lessen the amount of a Member State’s Cohesion Fund to be allocated to JTF projects so as to increase the JTF’s efficiency.

13

5. Invites UNESCO and the European Cultural Foundation

(ECF) to recognise the importance of coal sites in European history and culture, culture, and to reinforce Article 3 of the Treaty of the European Union.

6. Recommends the Commission assign the NUTS-level 3

data rather than level 2 for use in the JTF, JTF, to allow for a more effective and precise distribution of the funding.

7. Strongly urges the Member States as

well as regional and local governments to determine and evaluate the labour market needs within the region, region, and to provide training accordingly.

8.

14

Requests the expansion of the powers of the Secretariat of Technical Assistance to regions in Transition (START) to evaluate regions in coordination with the selection algorithms to approach the issue in a holistic view without leaving regions behind.

TAUGHT

for the

VERY FIRST TIME COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY II (ENVI II)

Recent analysis has demonstrated that sexual education remains disparate throughout Europe, both in access and quality. With many experts arguing deficient sexual health resources lead to a higher transmission of STIs and unintended pregnancies, what actions can European states take to ensure all young people in Europe are provided equitable sexual education?

15

1.

Instructs the European Commission to provide funding to Ministries of Health and Education, through the EU Health Programme, in order to further ensure that sexuality education is both provided and monitored throughout the schools in the country.

2.

Recommends Ministries of Education of Member States to include consent and personal boundaries in their sexuality education programme in order to make young people safer and reduce the number of sexual harassment incidents.

3.

Urges the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) to establish a system spread by Family Planning Associations (FPAs) to monitor and evaluate sexuality education by ensuring curriculas’ accordance with Standards for Sexuality Education in Europe as well as collecting feedback from students.

4.

Invites Member States to include in their sexuality education programmes materials helping young people understand gender identity and sexual orientation with age-appropriate and medically accurate information.

16

5.

Requests the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) to provide Member States with an online database including scientifically accurate information regarding sexuality education.

6.

Suggests Family Planning Associations (FPAs) adequately train educators in all aspects of sex and sexuality so that they’re able to share accurate information with students providing them initial online training webinars.

7.

Asks the BZgA to create an academic booklet for sexuality education teachers and organise additional training days.

8.

Encourages the European Youth Forum to launch media campaigns regarding sexuality, sexual intercourse, gender identity, and gender roles in order to raise awareness, start public debate, and reduce stigma surrounding sexuality.

17

STILL

BUFFERING COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY, RESEARCH AND ENERGY II (ITRE II)

Whilst COVID-19 has demonstrated the necessity of high speed-internet access, a digital divide remains both between nations and regions. With over 80 million Europeans reporting in 2018 they had never used the internet, what can Member States do to address the issue of provision?

18

1. Supports citizens across Member States to hold

youth-led courses to assist older generations in the use of technology.

2.

Encourages device manufacturers to provide accessible guides to assist older users in getting online.

3. Calls upon the European Commission to hold an

annual conference to support collaboration amongst Member States in the provision of Information Technology (IT) programmes.

4. Recommends Internet Service Providers’ (ISPs) to work

with regional governments and local councils by forming rural internet access boards to further improve internet access in rural areas.

5.

Advises that the European Commission works in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) to extend the satellite constellations coverage in the EU in order to provide better access to the internet in rural areas.

6. Instructs Member States to ensure broadband fees are

subsidised for citizens in lower socioeconomic groups.

7.

Requests that Member States support the installation of internet infrastructure in rural areas by providing incentives such as subsidies, provided the incoming state aid rules permit it.

19

THE COUNTRY DOTH

PROTEST TOO MUCH?

COMMITTEE ON CIVIL LIBERTIES, JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS (LIBE)

With recent COVID-19 movement restrictions and clashes between local authorities and peaceful protesters breaking out in Europe and globally, how can the EU protect the right to peaceful protest especially in relation to the militarisation of police forces and set a global example?

20

1.

Suggests Member States emphasise that protesters follow national COVID-19 safety measures in public places, creating a safer environment.

2.

Calling upon the European Commission to hold a conference for Member States to discuss and collaborate on ways to inform people of their right to assemble. assemble

3. Proposes Member States to establish clear restrictions to the militarisation of the police by: a. strengthening regulations of non-lethal weapons, weapons such as tear gas and tasers more strictly in order to minimise casualties, b. requiring the most experienced leading officer to give the order regarding the use of non-lethal weapons and provide adequate warnings before deploying them.

4. Suggests Member States ban mass arrests at protests to preserve the rule of law.

21

5. Recommends Member States to assure legislation and

regulations regarding police intervention at protests to be better shared with the public. public

6.

Implores Member States to implement mandatory identification numbers of riot police in order to keep them responsible for their actions.

7.

Calls upon the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) to: a. implement riot police-specific training to prevent the use of violence by either party, b. offer Member States’ police force courses to ensure they maintain their composure and protect citizens’ rights regardless of the demonstration circumstance , c. offer trainings for officers on using body cameras when on duty.

8.

22

Requests the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to mandate that information discussed in court cases pertaining to police brutality should be disclosed with the exemption of threatening someone else’s case.

HEARING EUROPE Building European unity through empowerment

“

As a patron it has been a pleasure to follow your work and familiarise myself with your future-oriented resolution. In addition to education, work life and social justice you have paid attention to the development of democracy and freedom of speech. I strongly agree with your views on the broadening of political engagement possibilities for the youth.

�

Mayor Jarmo Pirhonen Patron of Kuopio Regional Session

23

INCREASING YOUTH UNEMPLOYEMENT COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS (EMPL)

With the recent developments of the global Covid-19 pandemic, EU’s youth unemployment rate was measured at 16.8% in June 2020. Taking into consideration the ongoing Covid-19 measures, what can the EU do to effectively tackle the issue of youth unemployment?

24

1.

Encourages the youth to balance studying and work life by learning about freelancing opportunities from sources such as The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss.

2. Urges the EU committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) to: a. increase the amount of online and on-site part-time jobs, b. help young people with finding jobs based on interests.

3.

Reminds employers to avoid discrimination against potential employees based on work experience and provide them with training.

4.

Draws attention of the European Commision to follow the Youth Employment Initiative by: a. providing free courses to unemployed youth, b. helping them acquire new skills to get into the workforce.

5.

Calls upon Erasmus+ to help students get higher education by increasing the amount of scholarships and grants for academic achievements, as well as for students financially affected by the pandemic.

6.

Appeals universities to provide employment and internship opportunities relevant to the subjects taught, following the European Quality Charter on Internships and Apprenticeships.

7. Asks Member States to enact a law

enabling flexibility work timing for students.

8. Suggests the European Commission

to help youngsters develop soft skills by promoting youth participation on educational events.

9.

Invites the European Commission’s Directorate for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) to assist young people in overcoming psychological problems resulted from unemployment by providing free consultations from certified psychologists and support groups.

26

10.

Calls upon the European Commission to enable juvenile prisoners to re-enter the labour force after completion of sentence by providing rehabilitation and educational courses.

11. Requests the EU Committee on

Employment and Social Affairs to make the work environment safer by: a. offering remote work alternatives to employees b. ensuring Covid-19 regulations are followed at the workplace.

COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC AND MONETARY AFFAIRS (ECON I)

ELIMINATING

The free movement of workers is one of the fundamental rights enjoyed by European citizens, however, in 2017 there were almost 17 million EU movers in the 15-34 age bracket. This increases the “brain drain� phenomenon and creates unbalanced regions across the EU. What measures can the EU take to attract or retain talent in Sending regions and prevent negative effects of this monetary migration?

27

1.

Calls upon the European Commission to recognize the need to rebalance the economic performances of the Member States.

States.

2.

Encourages Member States’ governments to use available funding to financially support struggling local and regional authorities (LRAs) and subsidise enterprises for creating more professional opportunities in all fields of struggling areas.

3.

Calls upon the European Commission to conduct more in-depth research into the European regions’ economic situation, situation, specifically in relation to brain drain and brain gain.

4.

Encourages the European Investment Bank (EIB) to provide grants and loans for: a. potential entrepreneurs willing to establish companies in Sending regions after finishing their studies, b. small and medium sized-enterprises (SMEs) in Sending regions, c. scientific research projects in Sending regions.

28

5.

Calls upon the European Commission to support enterprises extending digital co-working. co-working.

6.

Strongly recommends the Member States to include the digital training in curriculum to ensure advanced technological environment.

7.

Encourages Erasmus+ to allocate scholarships for students of Sending regions on the condition that they remain in countries of origin.

8. Calls upon Member States to distribute a

percentage of the tax revenue generated from EU movers to their country of origin during three to four years after emigration.

29

9.

Encourages the EU to continue financial programs such as the European Regional Development Fund aimed at LRAs experiencing brain drain to improve infrastructure. infrastructure.

10. Calls upon the European Commission to offer funding to LRAs in order to evolve and increase the living standards in Sending regions.

11. Strongly suggests Member States and their regions share their knowledge and expertise on combating brain drain. drain.

30

The ethicality of

AI USAGE

COMMITTEE ON LEGAL AFFAIRS (JURI)

After the publication of the EU White Paper on Artificial Intelligence, there was uncertainty over the ethicality and legality of the development of AI in numerous industries. Even though the civil liability regime for artificial intelligence includes most legal matters of AI, the EU has yet to cover the possible unsolved issues. What can the EU do to ensure the coverage of legal matters and ensure industries ethically use AI?

31

1.

Endorses the European Commission’s current human centric approach on AI technology.

2.

Strongly affirms the need for further collaboration between the European Commission, Member States, and NGOs in order to create consistent and comprehensive guidelines and standards for AI usage. usage.

3.

Emphasises the need for educational programs on AI technology for integrating groups from various socio-economic backgrounds.

4.

Supports Member States implementing restrictions regarding AI usage in the fields that require specific human attributes.

5.

Encourages Member States to promote accessible educational training to improve knowledge of AI technology.

32

6.

Invites NGOs and businesses to implement retraining programs for employees whose jobs face automation.. automation

7. Requests that companies provide intelligible user information guides to ensure that there is an educated consent of their policies. policies.

8.

Asks the European Commission to create a transparency charter for businesses implementing AI.

9.

Urges Member States to enforce stricter sanctions on organisations failing to take adequate steps to ensure privacy or for those violating data protection. protection.

10. Directs AI developers to clarify whether the device or service that is being provided to the consumers uses AI technology. technology.

FUTURE of the

EU - TURKEY RELATIONS COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS (AFET)

Noting the recent EU-Turkey tension caused by the Turkish President creating a pathway into the EU for immigrants and asylum seekers by opening the borders, hence, violating the EU-Turkey refugee agreement, how can the EU maintain its long-term relationship with Turkey, while considering the continuous negotiations for Turkey’s accession to the EU?

34

1. Urges the European Commission to impose severe sanctions on

Turkey, especially involving Member States that are also members Turkey, of NATO.

2. Requests the European Commision and the Council of Europe

to establish a new agreement concerning political dialog between EU and Turkey.

3.

Strongly affirms the European Commision and the Council of European Union to put utmost effort to resolve pre-existing conflict peacefully, peacefully, while actively involving Turkey into the negotiation process. process.

4. Suggests Council of Europe to promote democratic values with

hopes to assist Turkey’s admission to the EU.

5. Urges the European Commission: Commission:

a) to reaffirm the borders of territorial waters of Greece and Turkey in the presence of both parties, b) to establish mechanisms that protect the inviolability of borders of each state. state.

6. Invites:

a) the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) to analyze the living standards in refugee camps in Member States and Turkey to ensure fundamental rights of asylum seekers are respected, b) Member States to collaborate with relevant NGOs towards creating a European-wide strategy for refugee integration, integration, on the educational, economical and cultural levels.

35

STRONGER POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS (AFCO)

For a couple of years, the political participation of youngsters across Europe has been transforming and has taken a new path due to the spread of social media.

Although election turnout is still in decline, voting now is not the only way in which young people can become more active citizens. What actions can the EU and its Member States take to benefit from this transformation and ensure the political inclusion of young people?

36

1.

Encourages Member States to hold annual conferences encouraging youth political participation with the support of the European Partnership for Democracy.

2. Invites Member States to:

a. create social media campaigns on the importance of voting, voting b. implement education programmes such as the Comenius programme to help millennials understand the basics and importance of democracy and voting.

3. Calls upon the European Commission to:

a. investigate and promote alternative voting mechanisms such as mail-in ballots and i-voting, b. extend the voting period. period

4.

Urges all Member States to implement the usage of Voting Advice Application (VAA).

(VAA)

5.

Requests the European Commission to create a framework for transparency to be implemented by political parties in Member States.

States

37

6.

Recommends that the European Commission regulates social media networks operating in EU territory and implements a flagging system to stop the spreading of fake news. news

7. Encourages Member States to learn from the experience of Estonia in their use of i-voting i-voting.

8.

Encourages national governments to implement electronic identification facilitated by the Electronic Identification and Trust Services Regulation (eIDAS).

9.

Requests the European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA) to create modules covering internet security, voting procedure, and protection of digital identity. identity

38

TAX EVASION and

COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC AND MONETARY AFFAIRS (ECON II)

The Panama papers scandal revealed that a number of businesses take advantage of loopholes in the financial market and avoid paying taxes. Taking into account that tax evasion and tax avoidance annually cost billions to Member States, what steps should the EU take to ensure more effective taxation and prevent money laundering?

39

1.

Calls upon the European Commission to initiate negotiations concerning corporate tax information exchanges of FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) type between Member States and third countries. countries

2.

Recommends that Member States work on the harmonisation of corporate taxation legislation by implementing the related recommendations of the OECD and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

3.

Instructs the economic crime department of the EU Agency for Law Enforcement and Cooperation (Europol) to collaborate with the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) in regard to fighting cross-border tax evasion and money laundering. laundering

4. Appeals to the European Commission to impose sanctions against the

countries on the EU blacklist of tax havens. havens

5.

Suggests that the European Commission update the EU blacklist on tax havens according to the legal definitions interpreted by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).

(CJEU)

40

6.

Congratulates the European Parliament on creating a permanent subcommittee of ECON tasked with tax-related matters and with the fight against tax evasion.

7.

Encourages the permanent subcommittee on tax affairs to pursue international cooperation against tax evasion by collaborating with relevant Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), including but not limited to the Tax Justice Network (TJN) and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).

8.

Encourages the aforementioned NGOs to promote monthly awareness about tax legislation and the repercussions of tax avoidance, avoidance through funding from the Directorate-General Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD).

9. Recommends that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the FATF

help Member States enact the OECD/G20 BEPS framework by facilitating the exchange of best practices between tax officials and policy-makers. policy-makers

DEMOCRACY in the EAP REGION COMMITTEE ON CIVIL LIBERTIES, JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS (LIBE) Keeping in mind the recent protests in Belarus caused by the outcome of 2020 Presidential elections and developments of the relations between the EU and the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries, what role should the EU play in the development of democratic system in the region and promote further integration?

1.

Strongly condemns the use of censorship and violence against independent reporters. reporters.

2.

Encourages the European Commission to create a media campaign with the aim of spreading objective information to the Belarusian and International public.

3. Requests social media firms label state-owned media outlets as controlled

Government.

42by the Belarusian Government.

4. Proposes a campaign led by the European Investment Bank to fund NGOs providing humanitarian aid to Belarus.

Belarus.

5. Calls upon European Commission to redirect European funds allocated for the Belarusian Government to helping those who have been persecuted. persecuted.

6.

Recommends the European Commission to place sanctions on the Belarusian government and army for their inhumane tactics used to suppress protests.

7. Asks the Belarusian Government to release the political protestors and allow for the safe return of exiles. exiles.

8. Calls upon the Belarusian Government to hold a referendum to reinstate the 1994 Constitution.

Constitution.

9. Urges the Belarusian Government to put sufficient Covid-19 prevention measures into place in order to reopen the borders.

10. Recognises Svetlana Tikhanovskaya as the interim President of Belarus.

43

CREATING LINKS The European Union furthering international cooperation

“

It is inspiring how up to the point, concrete proposals the Digital Regional Session of EYP Finland has proposed in Jyväskylä. The proposals are a collection of forward thinking, combining both existing and important initiatives, such as company taxation reform, and fresh new ideas like the proposals regarding gender equality and Sámi people empowerment.

”

Member of the European Parliament Sirpa Pietikäinen Patron of Jyväskylä Regional Session 44

KEEPING UP WITH TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS (EMPL)

I​t 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?

45

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, 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. retraining.

46

5. Asks the Member States displaced workers. workers.

to allocate funds for grants to

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.. programmes

7.

Recommends that Member States implement wage insurance policies or equivalent solutions to prevent employees from shifting to a lower paid position.. position

8.

Invites the European Commission to allocate funds for research in the field of automation safeguard policies for Member States to implement.

47

THE LAST

DICTATORSHIP IN EUROPE

COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS (AFET) 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?

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, process b. streamlining education and employment opportunities. opportunities

48

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: to a. release political prisoners, b. stop police brutality, 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. fraud

49

7.

Encourages non-governmental organisations (NGOs) active in the fields of political education and human rights to cooperate with leaders of the freedom movement, 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.

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. elections

10.

Strongly urges Member States to provide diplomatic protection to emigrated Belarusian politicians of the opposition. opposition

50

DEMOCRACY

a level playing field?

COMMITTEE ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND GENDER EQUALITY (FEMM)

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?

51

1.

Invites Member States to change legislation to allow parental absences from work for child care reasons.. reasons

2.

Requests that Member States legislate for fully compensated maternity leave. leave.

3. Calls upon Member States to offer shared parental leave.. leave

4.

Encourages the European Commission to create an informational campaign consisting of lectures on the role of women in political positions, positions, similar to ‘Women Can Do It’.

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.. harassment

7.

52

Seeks for improved regulations on harassment and discrimination in the workplace.. 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, candidates, b. discourage the judging of female candidates based on their appearance,, appearance c. aim to achieve a balanced coverage of both male and female candidates. 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, history, with the aims of: a. overall improving syllabuses of subjects such as history and civics, b. providing examples of female leadership, leadership, c. refuting sexist stereotypes. stereotypes.

53

11.

Urges Member States to grant child-support and other financial benefits to low-income women who wish to engage in politics. politics.

12.

Recommends political parties dedicate a subsection to representing the interests of the female population, 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.

54

CARBON SINKS COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE (CLIM)

Reaching the EU goal of carbon-neutrality by 2050 entails finding a means of removing large quantities of CO2 from the atmosphere to counterbalance the amount produced by economic activity. What steps should the EU take to support the development and usage of CO2 removal and negative emission technologies?

1. Urges Member States to:

a. pass legally binding carbon neutrality acts, b. support the use of Carbon Capture Technologies (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%.

55

4. Requests the European Research Council to fund research

into the prevention of CO2 leaks during the transportation of captured CO2.

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:

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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).

DEATH

of a

LANGUAGE COMMITTEE ON CULTURE AND EDUCATION II (CULT II) 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?

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).

(RMLs).

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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. 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, 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. official.

6. Encourages the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) to provide more news and media content in Sámi.

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. languages.

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8. Encourages Member States to offer the Sámi people: people:

a. books that are translated into Sámi languages, b. animations that are either translated into Sámi or made by Sámi creators. 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 Act 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: create: a. common Sámi terminology, terminology, b. extracurricular Sámi language courses. 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.

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LET’S TALK Y B A B , X ABOUT SE COMMITTEE ON CULTURE AND EDUCATION I (CULT I)

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?

1. Calls upon Member States’ ministries of education to help students

and school administrations hold seminars on: identity, a. understanding sexual orientation and gender identity, b. dispelling common stereotypes about LGBTQIA+ members. 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, education, as well as a system to register such resources.

4.

Invites Member States’ ministries of education to introduce additional lessons on 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.. classes

THE DRUGS DON’T WORK COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY (ENVI) In 2013, the World Health Organisation 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?

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

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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 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. medicine.

10.

Urges the Member States to enforce the concealment of information in applicants’ resumes, resumes, such as their name and gender. gender.

SPARKING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

“

Integrating rural areas better into European decision making Today’s political engagement is not just reacting to the current, but reflecting the hopes and values for the kind of future in which the youth want themselves to live in.

Societywillbeheldtogetherbythemeaningfulthemestheyouth experiences, such as environmental protection, equal consideration of others as well as individual responsibility and activism.

”

Photojournalist Meeri Koutaniemi Patron of Oulu Regional Session

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SUPERPOWERS

NO MORE

COMMITTEE ON SECURITY AND DEFENCE (SEDE)

With the EUs closest military allies becoming unreliable and the European External Action Service being criticised for lacking ambition, how can the EU use its diplomatic power to contribute to peace in the world without damaging its internal relations?

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1.

Encourages the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) to assist countries with lofty domestic controversies in achieving military independence while endorsing compliance with international human rights agreements.

2.

Instructs the European External Action Service to establish a more comprehensive and effective alliance between the EU and members of the European Neighbourhood Policy.

3. Instructs the European Commission to monitor the

United States’ diplomatic strategy regarding its relations with Russia after its Presidential election is resolved and: a. resume a close alliance if ties are lessened with Russia, b. establish further agreements with Russia, otherwise.

4.

Calls upon the European Commission to foster relationships in the Middle East by lifting restrictions relating to arms commerce while promoting nuclear disarmament in countries such as Iran.

5.

Encourages Member States to establish further diplomatic ties with countries belonging to Africa and Asia.

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MIND THE GAP COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL A FFAIRS (EMPL) With the socioeconomic gap deepening across the European Union leading to lower trust in institutions and fueling political and social instability how can the European Union assist countries in curbing this trend and ensuring greater wealth distribution across the union?

1. Recommends the European Commission to provide incentives for the Member States to increase housing support for people who are at risk of losing their home.

2. Encourages Member States to amend their tax regulations through:

a. eradicating loopholes that allow for companies of a larger scale to evade taxation,, taxation b. enacting a robust inheritance tax. tax.

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3. Invites Member States to ensure that the tax code performs better for the

low-wage households by: a. increasing the minimum wage while maintaining the stability of domestic economy, b. endorsing basic labour standards, standards, c. adequate unemployment benefits. benefits.

4. Urges Member States to aid in the creation of additional jobs by:

a. placing emphasis on industrial modernisation and broadening of industries,, industries b. applying smart specialisation as an instrument to improve cohesion and spread benefits of growth across regions.

5. Calls for Member States to urge companies and businesses to create a

diversified work environment and shape the organisation’s values, training, and action by: a. providing training and guidance for all staff on topics revolving around respect and equality such as anti-racism and gender, gender, b. dealing with harassment and bullying, bullying, and providing strict penalties.

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6. Asks for Member States to reconsider the taxation the private healthcare sector is expected to follow. follow.

7. Requests Member States to ensure that public healthcare is of utmost quality by: a. upgrading the existing medical equipment, equipment, b. improving healthcare establishments, establishments, c. employing more certified and experienced personnel. personnel.

8.

Suggests that the Member States are updating healthcare projects regarding the provision of pharmaceutical aid.

9.

Designates Member States to provide NGOs with funding for create support campaigns for vulnerable people.

10. Instructs local authorities to create a free program that helps both NEETs (a young person who is neither in employment nor in education and training) and unemployed people to join the job market by: a. providing classes so that people have the skills to apply to the “new-era� jobs,, jobs b. providing projects that help people find their professional vocation and a workplace to practise it at.

11.

Directs Member States to create free educational centres for low-income students at upper secondary schools to decrease their inequality of opportunities in the future.

COMMITTEE ON CULTURE AND EDUCATION (CULT)

With more and more patients purchasing medication online, self-diagnosis and self-medication are rising as a new trend. Bearing in mind that shortages of general practitioners are common, particularly in remote and rural areas, how can the Member States balance the potential benefits and dangers of people’s self-care for their health while integrating them into the healthcare system more effectively?

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1.

Urges Member States to bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare by reevaluating the spread of healthcare practitioners in domestic labour.

2.

Requests the European Commission provide funding to rural healthcare systems to improve the quality of treatment and integrate the remote areas into an enhanced healthcare system.

3.

Calls upon the EU, European Trade Union Institution (ETUI), and World Health Organisation (WHO) to create and implement an inclusive healthcare education program in schools.

4. Urges increased regulation of the on-

line pharmacy market to minimise the unfavourable effects.

5. Calls upon the National health departments to estab-

lish local campaigns to endorse mobility for a more accessible healthcare system.

6. Further invites the International Federation Of Phar-

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maceutical Manufacturers and associations to proceed evaluating medicines, vaccines, and online diagnosis to prevent the spread of misinformation.

TRADITION

VS.

INNOVATION COMMITTEE ON CIVIL LIBERTIES, JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS (LIBE)

In the Nordic countries the indigenous Sรกmi people have lost land important for their traditional industry of reindeer herding to the rise of windmill parks and mining. What stand should the EU take on the conflict of preserving land for indigenous people versus innovation of new technology and energy?

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1.

Calls upon the European Investment Bank to increase funding in projects that try to reach the goals of the European Green Deal.

Deal.

2. Encourages Nordic countries to:

a. provide funding for renewable energy sources in alternative peripheral areas, land. b. redirect private companies from Sámi land.

3. Invites the European Commission to fund research by the means

established with the framework of Horizon 2020 into alternative forms of renewable energy less harmful to biodiversity on Sámi land. land.

4. Strongly urges Member States’ compliance with Protocol No.319 that elaborates on the rights of the Sámi people regarding reindeer husbandry within traditional areas. areas.

5.

Recommends the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency of the European Commission to spread Sámi awareness through media campaigns promoting Sámi culture.

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6. Calls upon the Member States to:

a. Include Sámi history in the school curriculums in order to promote Sámi culture, b. Introduce Erasmus+ programs that includes all Member States and Sámi regions, February, the Sámi National Day, European Sámi c. Make the 6th of February, Celebration and Appreciation day. day.

7. Invites Nordic countries to provide incentives for services in Sámi languages.. languages

8. Strongly advises Member States take Norway’s example and consult Sámis when decisions are being made. made.

9.

Obligates Member States’ environmental ministries to form a codecision for licenses aquired for construction on Sámi land by requiring a special license for companies to construct on Sápmi restricting the non-consensual use of their land. land.

10. Strongly advises the European Commision in light of the Natura

2000 network created for environmental protection and United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation to recognise Sápmi as a protected area. area.

PUBLIC GOOD

OR

PRIVATE COMMODITY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS (DROI)

Privatisation of drinking water supply is causing an increase in the number of people who lack access due to economic and infrastructural barriers, despite clean drinking water being declared as a human right by the United Nations in 2010. What stance should the EU have in applying market economic principles to the aforementioned sector whilst maintaining the individuals’ right to access drinking water?

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1. Calls upon the European Commission to implore the Member States to mandate the upkeep of all-natural water sources, promoting guidelines against pollution and proper water sanitation. sanitation.

2.

Urges the European Commission to impose a maximum charge on water per annum to all Member States.

3.

Recommends the Education & Training board of the European Union (EU) to create and promote educational programs on the importance of water and its public ownership.

4.

Implores the European Research Council to invest in research teams to explore other sustainable water management methods, methods, such as Drip irrigation and Earth Dams.

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5. Seeks that the European Commission widen the scope of

the drinking water directive, directive, to include essential standards of water sanitation and quality, quality, imposing yearly reviews on its implementation in Member States.

6. Encourages the Member States to adopt the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals, Goals, helping to promote water sanitation throughout the EU.

7.

Stimulates Member States to ensure all educational institutes are provided with proper hygiene equipment, facilities and clean water. water.

8.

Invites the European Commission to recommend Member States regulate the water market, market, ensuring universal accessibility to all under the Charter of Fundamental Human Rights.

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CONTRIBUTORS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Akanksha Sur (FI) • Aleksandro Gojka (AL) • Alex O’Donovan (IE) • Alexander Kardoulias (GR) • Alexandros Petrache (GR) • Alina Akural (FI) • Alisa Hasa (AL) Amanda Laulainen (FI) • Amanda Parkkinen (FI) • Ander Urteaga (Chairperson, • ES) • Ante Čolak (HR) • Anton Sihvonen (FI) • Anton von Nandelstadh (FI) • Arnav Sathe (FI) • Ava Murphy (IE) • Avani Yadav (Chairperson, FI) • Ayhan Muradov (AZ) • Ben Graham (Chairperson, IE) • Bogdan Roznovan (RO) • Buse Muratoglu (TR) • Chara Zeniou (Chairperson, CY/ • RS) • Charalampos Mitritsakis (GR) • Christiana Pikoula (GR) Ciara Mcardle (IE) • Danai-Christina Avdela (GR) • Daniel Kelly (Chairperson, IE) • Daria Voicu (RO) • Daria Vorobyeva (Chairperson, • FI) • Darius Scutariu (RO) • Despoina Mangel (GR) • Dimitris Sideris (GR) • Doloores Orav (EE) • Edor Shehu (AL) • Eleftheria Giannogkona (GR) • Eleni-Paraskevi Tsaousoglou • (GR) • Elnaz Ayazli (AZ) • Elvin Ahmadzada (AZ) • Emiliya Gaybaliyeva (AR) • Emily Hatzenberger (FR) • Emily-Faye Xantho (IE) • Emma Petersen (Chairperson, • DE) • Enni Oja (FI) • Ermioni Kimpouropoulou (GR) • Esmer Ferhadova (AZ) • Eva Mentzelioui (GR) • Evangelia Moschou (GR) •

Gabriella Senyoni (BE) Gea Palm (EE) Gent Gjylbegu (AL) Georgia Papadopoulou (GR) Guillemette Jégou (FR) Guillermo Tenney Díaz (Chairperson, ES) Hans Weurlander (FI) Helena Cieślakowska (PL) Hilla Kauppinen (FI) Hind Serkouh (Chairperson, IT) Hüveyda Zelal İlbak (TR) Ida Laukkanen (Chairperson, FI) Ilayda Dangca (TR) Ioanna Alexandra Pappa (GR) Isabel Fonseca (Chairperson, PT) Iva Lipotseva (RO/BY) Iva Lipovtseva (RO/BY) Jagienka Mądrzak (Chairperson, PL) Joanna Belle Kola (Chairperson, AL) Johann Davies (Chairperson, DE) John McCrohan (Chairperson, IE) Jonas Uotila (FI) Juan Alejandro Monge-Navarro (AR/ FI) Katarina Sterling (FI) Kia Leinonen (FI) Kirill Sorokni (FI) Konstantina Karagkitsi (GR) Kyrenia De Loenen (Chairperson, BE) Laura Barry (Chairperson, FI) Laura Hurskainen (FI) Lauri Valola (FI) Leyli Aliyeva (AZ) Linda Kinnunen (FI) Lorea Del Rio (ES) Lukas Sajantila (FI) Luke Bishop (Chairperson, IE) Mansi Vyas (FI) Margarit Martitosyan (AM) Maria Anna Vakalopoulou (GR) Martin Vekov (Chairperson, FI) Mary Kekhyan (Chairperson, AM) Matei Plescan (RO) Melissa Smovnik (SI) Melissa Smovnik (SL) Meri Huttunen (FI) Mete İyikavak (TR) Mihaela Chiujdea (RO) Miika Saarinen (FI) Mikael Saarisalo (FI)

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Mila Fagerlund (FI) Milla Linnervuo (FI) Mindy Parkkinen (FI) Minni Paju (FI) Mira Engström (Chairperson, FI) Monica Ratinen (Chairperson, FI) Nadia Ter-Martirosyan (Chairperson, AM) Nea Hollström (FI) Nella-Kaneli Hautala (FI) Nette Rimpioja (FI) Niclas Jokinen (FI) Nicolas Koivisto (FI) Niki Kiiskinen (FI) Oana Geambec (RO) Olga Musiał (PL) Oliver Leivo (FI) Olivia Jokinen (FI) Onni Lecklin (FI) Oscar Smith (Chairperson, FI) Paraskevi Evita Pagona (GR) Pilvi Kilpeläinen (Chairperson, FI) Pinja Puustinen (FI) Polina Slizevich (BY) Rafik Azimov (AZ) Raphael Tsiamis (GR, Chairperson) Rea Cenko (AL) Rigel Hadushi (AL) Roby Campana (Chairperson, FI) Ronan Meleaday (IE) Ronja Gorenc Didanovič (Chairperson, SI) Saana Elo (FI) Sailee Joshi (IE) Sara Akural (Chairperson, FI) Sarah Challoner (Chairperson, IE) Saskia Eiffe (IE) Sean Hennessy (Chairperson, IE) Senni Mäki (FI) Senni Muurvirta (Chairperson, FI) Sofija Kostić (RS) Taimi Xu (FI) Thomas Mellos (GR) Tomas Winegar (Chairperson, FI) Topias Laitinen (Chairperson, FI) Vasiliki Dimitrakopoulou (GR) Verona Bähr (Chairperson, DE) Ville Valli (Chairperson, FI) Vincent Vainio-Fredriksson (FI) Ylva Wallén (Chairperson, FI) Zak Aboukrhes (Chairperson, IE)

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