Turku 2015 resolution booklet

Resolution Booklet 21st National Session of EYP Finland Turku, Finland 16th - 19th January 2015

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European!Youth!Parliament!(EYP)!–!The!EYP,!founded!in!1987,!is!one!of!the!largest!

European!platforms!for!intercultural!encounters,!political!educational!work!and!the! exchange!of!ideas!among!young!people.!Its!mission!is!to!support!the!development!of! young!people!into!politically!aware!and!responsible!citizens!by!involving!them!in!

European!political!thinking!and!promoting!intercultural!understanding.!Each!year,!the!

EYP!involves!thousands!of!young!people!in!voluntary!roles!in!41!European!countries.!

The!EYP!is!a!programme!of!the!Schwarzkopf!Foundation.! !

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European!Youth!Parliament!Finland!(EYP!Finland)!–!EYP!Finland,!founded!in!2001,!is! the!National!Committee!of!the!EYP!in!Finland.!The!Regional!Sessions!are!part!of!EYP! Finland’s!annual!Your!European!Citizenship!campaign.!

Turku!2015!–!21st!National!Session!of!European!Youth!Parliament!Finland!

General!Assembly,!19!January!2015! ! !

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Programme!of!the!General!Assembly! !

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Safety!

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Opening!of!the!General!Assembly!!

Motion!for!a!Resolution!by!the!Committee!on!Industry,!Research!and!Energy!!

Motion!for!a!Resolution!by!the!Committee!on!Regional!Development!

Motion!for!a!Resolution!by!the!Committee!on!Employment!and!Social!Affairs!II! Coffee!break!

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

Motion!for!a!Resolution!by!the!Committee!on!Employment!and!Social!Affairs!I! Lunch!break!

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

Motion!for!a!Resolution!by!the!Committee!on!Economic!and!Monetary!Affairs!

Motion!for!a!Resolution!by!the!Committee!on!Constitutional!Affairs!

Break!

Motion!for!a!Resolution!by!the!Committee!on!Foreign!Affairs!

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

Closing!Ceremony!

Turku%2015%–%21st%National%Session%of%European%Youth%Parliament%Finland% General%Assembly,%19%January%2015% %

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Procedure(of(the(General(Assembly(

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General(rules( The%wish%to%speak%is%indicated%by%raising%the%Committee%placard.%Each%committee%may%use%only%one% Committee%placard.%% The%authority%of%the%Board%is%absolute.% Procedure(and(time(settings% 1.%Presenting%of%the%Motion%for%a%Resolution% 2.%Presenting%of%the%Friendly%Amendments% 3.%Three%minutes%to%defend%the%Motion%for%a%Resolution% 4.%Three%minutes%to%attack%the%Motion%for%a%Resolution% 5.%One%minute%to%respond%to%the%Attack%Speech% 6.%General%debate% 7.%Three%minutes%to%sum%up%the%debate% 8.%Voting%procedure% 9.%Announcing%the%votes% Friendly(Amendment( A%lastUminute%modification%to%the%Motion%for%a%Resolution%by%the%Proposing%Committee.%Amendments% are%to%be%handed%in%to%the%Board%at%least%two%Resolutions%before%the%Resolution%in%question,%or%as%soon% as%possible%for%the%first%Resolutions%of%the%General%Assembly.( Point(of(Personal(Privilege( Request%for%a%Delegate%to%repeat%a%point%that%was%inaudible.%Failure%to%understand%the%language%being% spoken%does%not%make%for%a%Point%of%Personal%Privilege.% Direct(Response( Once%per%debate,%each%Committee%may%use%the%Direct%Response%sign.%Should%a%Delegate%raise%the%sign% during%the%open%debate,%he/she%will%immediately%be%recognised%by%the%Board%and%given%the%floor%as% soon%as%the%point%being%made%is%concluded.%A%Direct%Response%can%only%be%used%to%refer%to%and%discuss% the%point%made%directly%beforehand.%If%two%or%more%Direct%Responses%are%requested%at%once,%the%Board% will%decide%which%Committee%to%recognise.%In%this%case,%the%second%Direct%Response%shall%only%be%held% if%it%can%be%referred%to%the%first%Direct%Response,%so%on%and%so%forth.% (

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Turku%2015%–%National%Session%of%European%Youth%Parliament%Finland% General%Assembly,%19%January%2015% % %

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Point(of(Order( These%can%be%raised%by%the%Chairperson%if%a%Delegate%feels%the%Board%have%not%properly%followed% parliamentary%procedure.%Ultimately,%the%authority%of%the%Board%is%absolute.% 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.% Attack(Speech( An%individual%Delegate%from%a%Committee%other%than%that%proposing%the%Resolution%at%hand%delivers% an%Attack%Speech%from%the%podium.%It%reflects%an%individual%opinion%and%is%used%to%point%out%the%flaws% of%the%approach%taken%by%the%Proposing%Committee%and%should%propose%alternative%solutions.%This% speech%can%last%a%maximum%of%three%minutes.% Summation(Speech( One%or%two%members%of%the%Proposing%Committee%deliver%the%Summation%Speech%from%the%podium;% the%microphone%can%only%be%passed%once.%It%is%used%to%summarise%the%debate,%respond%to%main,%selected% criticism%and%to%once%more%explain%why%the%chosen%approach%is%the%most%sensible.%This%speech%can%last% a%maximum%of%three%minutes.!!

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Turku%2015%–%21st%National%Session%of%European%Youth%Parliament%Finland% General%Assembly,%19th%January%2015% % %

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M OTION&FOR&A& R ESOLUTION&BY & THE& C OMMITTEE&ON& I NDUSTRY , & R ESEARCH&AND& E NERGY & &

The&gas&crisis&of&2009&and&Russia’s&energy&dominance:&with&the&recent&events&in& Ukraine&highlighting&the&dangers&of&overNdependence&on&imported&energy,&what&steps& can&the&EU&take&to&limit&its&reliance&on&external&energy&sources&and&to&protect& consumers&from&price&shocks?& Submitted%by:%

Alexander% Apostolov% (CH),% Sara% Hoxhaj% (Turun% normaalikoulun% lukio),% Hugo% Leppäsyrjä% (Luostarivuoren% lukio),% Reetta% Meriläinen% (Kuopion% lyseon% lukio),% Barry% Owiti% (Helsingin% suomalaisen% yhteiskoulun% lukio),% Olli% Puumalainen% (Järvenpään% lukio),% Susanne% Sivonen% (Joensuun% lyseon% lukio),% Lisa% Tervo% (Lahden% yhteiskoulun% lukio),%Emilia%Winqvist%(Gymnasiet%Lärkan),%Anna%Pusa%(Chairperson,% FI)%

The&European&Youth&Parliament,& A. Deeply%concerned%that%the%EU%imports%54%1%of%the%energy%it%consumes,%and%that%one%third%of%these% imports%come%from%Russia,% B. Aware%of%the%small%number%and%limited%reliability%of%both%supplier%and%transit%countries% threatening%European%energy%security,% C. Observing%that%the%economies%of%some%Member%States,%such%as%those%of%Bulgaria,%Romania,%and% Hungary,%%heavily%rely%on%imported%natural%gas%from%Russia,% D. Noting%with%regret%the%monopoly%position%held%by%large%gas%companies,%allowing%them%to%dictate% prices,% E. Alarmed%by%the%disunity%between%Member%States%and%the%lack%of%effective%implementation%of% initiatives,%for%example%the%EU%2020%climate%and%energy%package%and%EU%2030%framework%for% climate%and%energy%policies,%aiming%towards%a%low%carbon%and%self`sufficient%economy,% F. Acknowledging%the%lack%of%an%EU`wide%network%for%the%effective%distribution%of%electricity,%% G. Bearing%in%mind%the%limited%utilisation%of%renewable%energy%sources%within%the%EU;% 1. Calls%for%increased%diversification%of%energy%import%routes%by%supporting%pipeline%projects%such%as% the%Nabucco`West%pipeline%and%improving%the%existing%Maghreb`Europe%pipeline;%

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%Energy%production%and%imports,%Eurostat%

Turku%2015%–%21st%National%Session%of%European%Youth%Parliament%Finland% General%Assembly,%19th%January%2015% % %

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2. Encourages%further%imports%of%liquefied%natural%gas%(LNG)%and%the%increase%of%the%number%of%LNG% terminals%in%the%EU;% 3. Recommends%the%European%Commission%to%launch%negotiations%on%the%accession%of%transit%and% supplier%countries%in%North%Africa%and%Central%Asia,%to%the%European%Energy%Community%to% facilitate%common%trans`continental%policies%on%energy%trade;% 4. Urges%the%EU%to%fund%energy%infrastructure%projects,%such%as%smart%grids%and%two`way%pipelines;% 5. Strongly%advises%the%building%of%pipelines%transporting%gas%between%Member%States%in%order%to% ensure%the%supply%of%gas%to%vulnerable%countries%as%a%back%up%plan%in%crisis%situations;% 6. Requests%Member%States%to%raise%public%awareness%on%the%EU%2020%package%and%2030%framework%at% national%level%by%providing%practical%information%on%household%and%small%business%energy% efficiency;% 7. Further%requests%Member%States%to%establish%regular%binding%milestones%concerning%the%increase%of% energy%efficiency%and%the%usage%of%renewable%energy,%in%order%to%reach%the%targets%defined%in%the% EU%2020%package%and%2030%framework;% 8. Draws%attention%to%the%need%to%increase%funding%for%research%on%the%usage%of%renewable%energy% sources;% 9. Supports%subsidies%for%innovative%entrepreneurship%in%the%area%of%renewable%energy.%

& & Fact&Sheet:& EU&2020&climate&and&energy&package:%Requires%a%20%%reduction%in%EU%greenhouse%gas%emissions%from% 1990%levels,%an%increase%in%renewable%energy%to%20%%market%share%within%the%EU%and%sets%an%energy% efficiency%improvement%target%of%20%%to%be%achieved%by%2020.% EU&2030&framework&for&climate&and&energy&policies:%Requires%the%reduction%in%EU%domestic% greenhouse%gas%emissions%by%at%least%40%%below%the%1990%level,%an%increase%in%renewable%energy%to% 27%%market%share%within%the%EU%and%sets%an%energy%efficiency%target%improvement%of%30%%to%be% achieved%by%2030.% NabuccoNWest&pipeline:%A%pipeline%currently%in%planning%transporting%gas%to%Europe%from% Azerbaijan,%Egypt%and%Turkmenistan%through%Turkey%and%Bulgaria.% MaghrebNEurope&pipeline:%A%pipeline%transporting%gas%from%Algeria%to%Spain%and%Portugal.%% Liquefied&natural&gas&(LNG):%Natural%gas%converted%into%liquid%form,%thus%being%easy%to%store%and% transport.% European&Energy&Community:%Comprises%of%the%EU%and%countries%from%South%East%Europe%and%the% Black%Sea%region,%with%the%aim%of%extending%the%EU%internal%energy%market%to%South%East%Europe%and% beyond.%

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Turku%2015%–%21st%National%Session%of%European%Youth%Parliament%Finland% General%Assembly,%19th%January%2015% % %

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Smart&grids:%An%electricity%network%integrating%all%users%connected%to%it,%securing%electricity%supplies% and%managing%cross`border%electricity%demand.% TwoNway&pipelines:%Pipelines%able%to%transport%gas%in%both%directions.%This%would%ensure%that%supply% could%be%redirected%in%crisis%situations.% %

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Turku%2015%–%21st%National%Session%of%European%Youth%Parliament%Finland% General%Assembly,%19th%January%2015% % %

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M OTION&FOR&A& R ESOLUTION&BY & THE& C OMMITTEE&ON& R EGIONAL& D EVELOPMENT & &

Building&the&periphery:&mechanisms&such&as&the&Structural&Funds&and&the&Cohesion& Fund&have&played&an&important&role&in&developing&the&peripheral&areas&of&Europe,&but& they&are&also&costly.&Keeping&in&mind&that&metropolitan&areas&are&the&primary&motors&of& growth,&how&should&the&EU&best&support&its&peripheral&areas&to&suit&the&needs&of&their& population?& Submitted%by:%

Franziska% Bright% (AT),% Frans% Cederlöf% (Gymnasiet% Lärkan),% Catriona% Engstfeld% (DE),% Otto% Koponen% (Karkun% evankelisen% opiston% lukio),% Magdaleena% Lehtinen% (Savonlinnan% taidelukio),% Niko% Peltola% (Lahden% yhteiskoulun%lukio),%Miikka%Raatikainen%(Tapiolan%lukio),%Milka%Rämö% (Tornion% yhteislyseon% lukio),% Emil% Sievinen% (Mattlidens% gymnasium),% Marinia%SorjonenVWard%(Kuopion%lyseon%lukio),%Iida%Teriö%(Tampereen% yhteiskoulun%lukio),%Adela%Iacobov%(Chairperson,%RO)%

The&European&Youth&Parliament,& A. Keeping%in%mind%the%importance%of%financially%supporting%the%development%of%peripheral%areas% whilst%considering%the%international%competitiveness%of%the%European%Union%(EU),%as%well%as%the% costs%of%implementing%regional%development,% B. Alarmed%by%the%fact%that%despite%the%investments%and%measures%implemented%by%the%2007–2013% Cohesion%Policy,%regional%imbalances%have%increased%further%in%the%aftermath%of%the%economic% crisis,% C. Noting%with%concern%that%the%policies%implemented%and%the%funds%invested%in%%the%development%of% peripheral%areas%within%the%EU%have%not%always%generated%the%expected%growth%due%to:% i)

misallocation%of%resources,%

ii) incompatibility%between%the%projects%proposed%and%the%needs%of%the%region,% iii) current%economic%situation,% D. Deeply%concerned%by%the%high%unemployment%rates%and%low%economic%growth%in%the%peripheral% areas%caused%by:% i)

reduced%public%and%private%investment%in%the%regions,%

ii)

limited%employment%opportunities,%

E. Alarmed%by%the%fact%that%the%current%stage%of%infrastructure%in%peripheries%and%its%slow% development%further%fails%to%narrow%disparities%between%the%peripheral%and%urban%areas,%

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Turku%2015%–%21st%National%Session%of%European%Youth%Parliament%Finland% General%Assembly,%19th%January%2015% % %

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F. Bearing%in%mind%that%the%access%to%public%services%is%more%difficult%in%peripheral%areas%due%to%the% low%population%density,% G. Noting%with%regret%the%insufficient%progress%in%the%field%of%sustainable%energy%despite%the%negative% impact%of%climate%change%on%peripheral%areas%and%agriculture%in%particular,% H. Alarmed%by%the%reduced%number%of%qualified%individuals%employed%in%peripheral%areas%due%to:% i)

insufficient%number%of%educational%institutions%in%the%peripheries%causing%people%to%move%to% the%metropolitan%areas%in%search%of%educational%opportunities,%

ii) the%brain%drain%phenomenon,%% I.

Recognising%the%fact%that%small%and%medium%sized%enterprises%(SMEs)%often%lack%the%resources%and% expertise%needed%to%meet%the%requirements%of%the%application%process%for%Structural%Funds,%

J.

Approving%of%the%progress%made%by%implementing%the%2007–2013%Cohesion%Policy,%funded% through%the%Structural%Funds,%to%address%the%imbalances%between%the%peripheries%and%urban% regions%of%the%EU;%

1. Encourages%the%development%of%business%startVups%in%peripheral%areas%through%the%implementation% of%the%Entrepreneurship%2020%Action%Plan,%which%includes%projects%such%as%the%StartVup%Europe,% further%providing%the%entrepreneurs%with:% a)

funding,%

b)

tax%relief%for%a%oneVyear%period,%

c)

legal%assistance;%

2. Requests%the%Department%of%Agriculture%and%Rural%Development%of%the%European%Commission%to% review%and%reduce%the%regulation%of%agricultural%processes%in%order%to%increase%the%competitiveness% of%businesses%in%peripheral%areas;% 3. Reaffirms%the%necessity%for%further%high%speed%internet%connections%development%in%peripheral% areas%in%order%to%improve%their%economic%competitiveness,%using%the%European%Investment%Bank% and%the%European%Union%funding;% 4. Supports%the%aims%of%the%European%Regional%Development%Fund%(ERDF)%to%allocate%resources% towards%lowVcarbon%economy%projects;% 5. Encourages%the%Member%States%to%provide%subsidies%for%universities%to%develop%courses,% workshops%and%projects,%as%well%as%new%branches%in%peripheral%areas;% 6. Calls%for%EUVwide%recognition%of%the%qualifications%obtained%through%courses,%such%as%the% European%Virtual%Academy%and%the%European%Union%Online%Academy,%and%the%promotion%of%these% in%schools%and%educational%institutions%in%order%to%facilitate%access%to%education%and%trainings%in% peripheral%areas;% 7. Emphasises%the%need%for%funding%projects%such%as%the%European%Virtual%Academy%and%the% European%Union%Online%Academy,%through%mechanisms%such%as%Erasmus+;%

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Turku%2015%–%21st%National%Session%of%European%Youth%Parliament%Finland% General%Assembly,%19th%January%2015% % %

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8. Recommends%national%agencies%to%distribute%Structural%Funds%based%on%the%quality%of%projects% submitted%rather%than%the%economic%situation%of%the%region;%%% 9. Further%invites%Member%States%to%improve%communication%and%collaboration%between%national% agencies%in%charge%of%the%development%of%regions%and%crossVborder%territories;% 10. Urges%Member%States%to%reform%their%legislation%according%to%the%Cohesion%Policy%2015V2020%in% order%to%support%the%progress%of%education,%employment,%climate%and%energy,%innovation%and% social%inclusion%in%peripheral%areas.% % &

Fact&sheet& Cohesion&Policy&2007–2013:%EU%strategy%that%addresses%imbalances%between%the%different%EU%regions% by%increasing%convergence,%competitiveness%and%employment.% Brain&drain&phenomenon:%the%migration%of%qualified%individuals%from%the%periphery%to%metropolitan% areas%for%better%career%prospects.% Structural&funds:%The%Cohesion%Policy%funding%mechanism%which%is%divided%into%the%European% Regional%Development%Fund,%the%European%Social%Fund%and%the%Cohesion%Fund,%together%making%up% one%third%of%the%EU%budget.% The&Entrepreneurship&2020&Action&Plan:%A%blueprint%for%decisive%action%to%unleash%Europe’s% entrepreneurial%potential,%remove%the%existing%obstacles%and%review%the%culture%of%entrepreneurship%in% Europe.% StartVup&Europe:%A%project%under%the%Entrepreneurship%Action%Plan%which%aims%to%strengthen%the% business%environment%for%web%and%ICT%entrepreneurs,%so%that%their%ideas%and%business%can%start%and% grow%in%the%EU.%% European&Regional&Development&Fund:%A%structural%fund%with%the%objective%of%correcting%social%and% economic%imbalances%between%the%EU%regions.%The%key%priority%areas%are%innovation%and%research,% digital%agenda,%support%for%SMEs%and%lowVcarbon%economy.% European&Virtual&Academy:%A%programme%led%by%universities%in%four%EU%countries%consisting%of%a% series%of%tutorials%and%online%courses.%The%participating%departments%are%selected%from%the%fields%of% arts,%media%and%philosophy.% European&Union&Online&Academy:%A%practical%training%on%lobbying%in%the%EU%institutions%and%public% affairs%courses.% Erasmus+:%An%EU%programme%aimed%at%modernising,%improving%higher%education%and%providing% funding%for%educational%innovations.& Cohesion&Policy&2015–2020:%EU%strategy%which%aims%to%build%on%the%progress%achieved%by%the% Cohesion%Policy%2007–2013.%It%focuses%on%individual%developments%in%employment,%education,%

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Turku%2015%–%21st%National%Session%of%European%Youth%Parliament%Finland% General%Assembly,%19th%January%2015% % %

! innovation,%social%inclusion%and%climate/energy.%Its%overall%goal%is%to%improve%EU%competitiveness%and% foster%social%cohesion.%%

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Turku%2015%–%21st%National%Session%of%European%Youth%Parliament%Finland% General%Assembly,%19th%January%2015% % %

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M OTION&FOR&A& R ESOLUTION&BY & THE& C OMMITTEE&ON& E MPLOYMENT&AND& S OCIAL& A FFAIRS& II& &

Internships&–&opportunity&or&exploitation:&how&can&the&EU&effectively&support&its&youth& in&making&a&smooth&transition&from&education&to&employment?& Submitted%by:%

Anna% Anttila% (Helsingin% suomalaisen% yhteiskoulun% lukio),% Valtteri% Hämäläinen% (Kannaksen% lukio),% Veera% Kainulainen% (Sammon% keskuslukio),% Amanda% Lindahl% (Vörå% idrottsgymnasium),% Aino% Myllymäki% (Tampereen% yhteiskoulun% lukio),% Hermela% Nadew% (Helsingin% suomalaisen% yhteiskoulun% lukio),% Joonas% Paukkunen% (Järvenpään% lukio),% Henna% Rajala% (Gymnasiet% Lärkan),% Jali% Rissanen% (Joensuun% lyseon% lukio),% Jina% Zavareh% (Turun% normaalikoulun% lukio),% David%Soler%Crespo%(Chairperson,%ES)%

The&European&Youth&Parliament,& A. Bearing%in%mind%that%Article%6%of%the%Treaty%on%the%Functioning%of%the%European%Union%(TFEU)% states%that%the%European%Union%can%only%support,%coordinate%or%supplement%Member%States%in% education,%vocational%training%and%youth%areas1,% B. Noting%with%regret%that%youth%unemployment%causes%an%annual%loss%of%153%billion%EUR%for%the%EU,% as%stated%by%the%European%Foundation%for%the%Improvement%of%Working%and%Living%Conditions% (Eurofound)2,% C. Deeply%concerned%that%nearly%10%%of%interns%take%five%or%more%internships3%due%to%the%inability%to% find%a%job,% D. Taking%into%account%that%due%to%the%high%demand%for%internship%positions%businesses%expect%interns% to%have%previous%experience,% E. Fully%aware%that%youngsters%with%low%income%cannot%afford%taking%unpaid%internships%and% therefore%have%limited%opportunities,% F. Taking%into%consideration%that%businesses%often%misuse%internships%solely%for%their%own%benefit% ignoring%the%educational%purposes,%hence%damaging%the%potential%experience%of%interns,% G. Convinced%that%the%development%of%career%management%skills%(CMS)%in%high%schools%and% universities%is%not%sufficient%for%entering%the%labour%market,%

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%Consolidated%version%of%the%Treaty%on%the%Functioning%of%the%European%Union,%26/10/2012% %Youth%Unemployment,%European%Commission%

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Eurostat,%European%Commission,%European%Youth%Forum

Turku%2015%–%21st%National%Session%of%European%Youth%Parliament%Finland% General%Assembly,%19th%January%2015% % %

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H. Recognising%the%importance%of%the%Youth%Guarantee%scheme%in%helping%youngsters%recenter%the% labour%market,%as%shown%in%Finland%where%83.5%4%of%young%job%seekers%received%a%successful%offer% within%three%months%of%registering%as%unemployed,% I.

Alarmed%by%the%fact%that%subsidies%for%unemployed%youngsters%are%higher%than%student%funds,% discouraging%them%from%taking%further%educational%programmes%and%thus%reducing%their% employability;%

1. Supports%the%establishment%of%a%pancEuropean%programme%such%as%the%Erasmus+,%which%creates%a% transparent%network%between%interns%and%employers%thus%ensuring%that%the%rights%of%both% stakeholders%are%respected;% 2. Calls%upon%the%Directorate%General%for%Employment,%Social%Affairs%and%Inclusion%to%support% Member%States%which%financially%incentivise%companies%that%offer%internships;% 3. Requests%Member%States%to%endorse%CMS%development%into%their%school%curriculum,%in%order%to% enhance%youth%employability;% 4. Recommends%Member%States%to%establish%a%fixed%quota%of%firstctime%interns%for%companies%in%order% to%provide%opportunities%for%the%youth%to%obtain%experience;% 5. Urges%Member%States%to%subsidise%youngsters%with%lowcincome%to%reduce%the%number%of%NEETs,% ensuring%every%youngster%has%an%equal%opportunity;% 6. Endorses%the%establishment%of%an%online%qualityccheck%system%formed%by%interns,%reviewing%their% experiences%in%order%to%improve%internships;% 7. Calls%for%improving%cooperation%between%highcschools%and%businesses%in%order%to%provide%the% youth%with%early%work%experience;% 8. Congratulates%the%implementation%of%the%Youth%Guarantee%scheme%and%further%suggests%a% collaboration%between%the%educational,%youth,%social%and%employment%departments%of%each% Member%State%in%order%to%ensure%the%effective%implementation%of%the%scheme%across%the%EU;% 9. Encourages%the%European%Investment%Bank%(EIB)%to%finance%Member%States%that%subsidise% youngsters%who%decide%to%further%their%education%in%order%to%improve%their%employability.%

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Fact&Sheet:& European&Foundation&for&the&Improvement&of&Living&and&Working&Conditions:%The%European% Foundation%for%the%Improvement%of%Living%and%Working%Conditions%(Eurofound)%is%a%tripartite% European%Union%Agency,%whose%role%is%to%provide%knowledge%in%the%area%of%social%and%work%related% policies.%Eurofound%was%established%in%1975%by%Council%Regulation%(EEC)%No.%1365/75%to%contribute%to% the%planning%and%design%of%better%living%and%working%conditions%in%Europe.%

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4

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%Youth%Guarantee,%European%Commission%

Turku%2015%–%21st%National%Session%of%European%Youth%Parliament%Finland% General%Assembly,%19th%January%2015% % %

!

Career&management&skills&(CMS):%A%range%of%competences,%which%provide%structured%ways%for% individuals%(and%groups)%to%gather,%analyse,%synthesise%and%organise%self,%educational%and% occupational%information,%as%well%as%the%skills%to%make%and%implement%decisions%and%transitions.

Career%management%skills%are%the%life,%learning,%training%and%employment%skills%which%people%need%to% develop%and%manage%their%careers%effectively.%Some%examples%include%the%ability%to%present%oneself% effectively%in%order%to%gain%access%to%courses%or%jobs,%problemcsolving%skills,%the%ability%to%build% relationships%and%the%understanding%of%one’s%own%strengths%and%weaknesses.% Youth&Guarantee&Scheme:%The%Youth%Guarantee%is%a%new%approach%to%tackling%youth%unemployment% which%ensures%that%all%young%people%under%25%–%whether%registered%with%employment%services%or%not%–% get%a%goodcquality,%concrete%offer%within%4%months%of%them%leaving%formal%education%or%becoming% unemployed.%The%goodcquality%offer%should%be%for%a&job,&apprenticeship,&traineeship,%or%continued% education&and%be%adapted%to%each%individual’s%need%and%situation.% European&Investment&Bank:%The%EIB%is%the%European%Unionks%bank.%It%is%the%only%bank%owned%by%and% representing%the%interests%of%the%European%Union%Member%States.%The%EIB%works%closely%with%other%EU% institutions%to%implement%EU%policy.%As%the%largest%multilateral%borrower%and%lender%by%volume,%the% EIB%provides%finance%and%expertise%for%sound%and%sustainable%investment%projects,%which%contributes% to%furthering%EU%policy%objectives.%% NEETs:%People%who%are%Not%in%Education,%Employment%or%Training.% % % %

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Turku%2015%–%21st%National%Session%of%European%Youth%Parliament%Finland% General%Assembly,%19th%January%2015% % %

!

M OTION&FOR&A& R ESOLUTION&BY & THE& C OMMITTEE&ON& C ULTURE&AND& E DUCATION & &

Education&comes&first:&with&the&Pisa&Report&2012&revealing&a&worrying&disparity& between&educational&performance&across&Europe:&How&can&the&EU&support&its&Member& States&in&providing&the&highest&possible&standard&of&school&education?& Submitted%by:%

Kairan% Fernandes% (Turun% normaalikoulun% lukio),% Selma% Gabbouj% (Tampereen% klassillinen% lukio),% Otto% Hanski% (Luostarivuoren% lukio),% Marvin% Hiltrop% (DE),% Laura% Huhta% (Jyväskylän% lyseon% lukio),% Saga% Kivekäs% (Mattlidens% gymnasium),% Elviira% Luoma% (Sammon% keskuslukio),% Andra% Laugmaa% (EE),% Jooa% Mustonen% (Gymnasiet% Lärkan),% Joel% Oksanen% (Helsingin% suomalaisen% yhteiskoulun% lukio),% Jenny% Sandberg% (Ekenäs% gymnasium),% Jannica% Savander% (Gymnasiet% Lärkan),% Kaisa% Virolainen% (Tampereen% yhteiskoulun% lukio),% Manfredi% Danielis%(Chairperson,%IT)%

The&European&Youth&Parliament,& A. Noting%with%regret%the%difficulties%with%social%inclusion%in%heterogeneous%school%classes%containing% first%or%second%generation%immigrants,% B. Fully% aware% that% students% from% different% socioYeconomical% backgrounds% have% different% average% performance%levels%in%terms%of%education,% C. Deeply% concerned% by% the% difference% in% standards% of% training% of% teachers% across% different% Member% States,% particularly% in% the% field% of% information% and% communication% technologies% (ICT)% and% other% modern%interactive%methods,% D. Alarmed%by%the%high%average%classroom%size%in%many%Member%States%and%the%threat%this%poses%to% studentYteacher%relationships,% E. Noting% with% concern% the% disparities% across% Member% States% in% funding% directed% to% education,% resulting%in%different%standards%in%the%quality%of%education%infrastructure,%equipment%and%student% services,% F. Deeply% disturbed% by% the% lack% of% educational% material% for% students% belonging% to% small% linguistic% minorities%and%the%impact%this%can%have%on%the%standards%of%education%of%entire%regions,% G. Realising%the%disparity%in%the%percentage%of%early%school%leavers%across%Member%States%is%caused%by% the%low%attractiveness%of%vocational%education%and%training%(VET),% H. Keeping%in%mind%both%the%potential%weaknesses%and%limitations%of%the%disputed%PISA%reports%and% the%need%for%more%statistical%knowledge%on%education%standards%for%further%policy%discussion;%

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Turku%2015%–%21st%National%Session%of%European%Youth%Parliament%Finland% General%Assembly,%19th%January%2015% % %

!

1. Encourages% Member% States% to% include% the% extensive% use% of% preparatory% language% courses% for% immigrant%children%when%drafting%national%education%policy;% 2. Recommends% Member% States% to% devise% financial% incentives% for% school% staff% development% and% training%in%the%lower%performing%schools;% 3. Further% invites% the% European% Commission% to% propose% an% EUYwide% educational% standard% for% teachers% with% a% strong% emphasis% on% modern% teaching% methods% and% ICT% in% the% new% annual% Education%and%Training%Monitor%2015;% 4. Expresses% its% appreciation% for% NGOs% such% as% the% European% Association% of% Teachers% (AEDE)% and% the% Association% for% Teacher% Education% in% Europe% (ATEE),% which% promote% collaboration% between% teachers%across%Member%States;% 5. Suggests% national% education% policy% makers% to% consider% reducing% the% number% of% school% hours% in% order%to%make%better%use%of%teachers,%thus%enabling%smaller%class%sizes;% 6. Urges%Member%States%to%allocate%a%minimum%of%5%%of%their%GDP%to%education%in%order%to%reach%the% EU%2020%Education%and%Training%goals;% 7. Requests% the% European% Commission,% under% its% mandate% to% protect% regional% and% minority% languages,% to% direct% further% funds% for% the% development% of% educational% material% in% minority% languages;%%% 8. Suggests% the% implementation% and% improvement% of% the% student% counselling% system% in% schools% to% decrease%the%dropYout%rate%by%giving%students%a%better%view%of%the%available%opportunities%offered% by%VET;% 9. Invites%the%Directorate%General%for%Education%and%Culture%to%issue%a%supplementary%international% standardised%test%to%assess%student%skills%in%creativity%and%the%social%sphere.%

& & Fact&Sheet:& Programme& for& International& Student& Assessment& (PISA):% A% worldwide% study% by% the% Organisation% for% Economic% Cooperation% and% Development% of% the% school% performance% of% 15% year% olds% on% mathematics,%science%and%reading.%The%PISA%report%is%published%every%three%years.% Vocational& Education& and& Training& (VET):% An% educational% path% within% vocational% upper% secondary% education% schools% that% prepare% pupils% for% a% specific% career,% usually% taken% as% an% alternative% to% high% school%education.% Directorate& General& for& Education& and& Culture& (DG& EAC):% An% executive% branch% of% the% European% Union,% part% of% the% European% Commission,% responsible% for% policy% on% education,% culture,% youth,% languages%and%sport.% Education&and&Training&Monitor:%An%annual%series%of%reports%published%by%the%DG%EAC.%The%report%is% drafted% with% the% help% of% various% thematic% working% groups% composed% of% experts% and% academics% and%

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Turku%2015%–%21st%National%Session%of%European%Youth%Parliament%Finland% General%Assembly,%19th%January%2015% % %

! contains%the%latest%quantitative%and%qualitative%data,%as%well%as%clear%and%personalised%policy%advice%for% Member%States.% EU&2020&Education&and&Training&goals:%A%subset%of%the%common%agreed%objectives%for%Member%States% in%the%field%of%education.%By%2020%fewer%than%15%%of%15%year%olds%should%be%underYskilled%in%reading,% mathematics% and% science,% and% fewer% than% 10%% of% young% people% should% drop% out% of% education% and% training.%

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Turku%2015%–%21st%National%Session%of%European%Youth%Parliament%Finland% General%Assembly,%19th%January%2015% % %

!

M OTION&FOR&A& R ESOLUTION&BY & THE& C OMMITTEE&ON& E MPLOYMENT&AND& S OCIAL& A FFAIRS& I& &

The&start:up&economy:&with&high&youth&unemployment&and&stagnant&economies,&how& should&European&governments&promote&entrepreneurship&in&order&to&create&a& generation&of&young&entrepreneurs?& Submitted%by:%

Andreas% Aalto% (Gymnasiet% Lärkan),% Mariann% Jüriorg% (EE),% Venla% Kamppari% (Lahden% yhteiskoulun% lukio),% Janita% Karra% (Sammon% keskuslukio),% Veera% Korpi% (Jyväskylän% Lyseon% lukio),% Tarik% Lazouni% (CH),%Patrik%Merla%(Naantalin%lukio),%Veera%Nykänen%(Iisalmen%lyseon% lukio)% Eveliina% Oinonen% (Kuopion% lyseon% lukio),% Veikka% Partanen% (Turun% normaalikoulun% lukio),% Kaisla% Richardson% (Helsingin% suomalaisen% yhteiskoulun% lukio),% Aino% Röyskö% (Tampereen% yhteiskoulun% lukio),% Déjà% Williams]Lappi% (Ressun% lukio),% Noura% Berrouba%(Vice]President,%SE),%Yannick%Weber%(Chairperson,%CH)%

The&European&Youth&Parliament,& A. Recalling%that%the%2008%financial%crisis%led%to%a%significant%rise%in%youth%unemployment,% B. Concerned%that%potential%young%entrepreneurs%may%find%better%conditions%for%entrepreneurship%in% competing%markets%such%as%the%United%States%or%emerging%economies,% C. Noting%with%concern%the%inherent%personal%risks,%such%as%bankruptcy,%faced%by%new%entrepreneurs% in%starting%up%a%company,%% D. Noting%with%regret%the%excessive%requirements%for%working%visas%and%the%resulting%difficulties%of% immigrating%to%Europe%to%be%entrepreneurially%active,% E. Recognising%that%support%offered%to%entrepreneurs%in%the%following%fields%is%limited:% i)

legal%assistance,%

ii)

financial%assistance,%

iii) entrepreneurial%mentorship,% F. Observing%the%lack%of%cooperation%between%young%entrepreneurs%from%different%Member%States,% G. Deeply%concerned%by%the%dismissive%attitude%towards%entrepreneurship%in%Europe,% H. Regretting%the%absence%of%entrepreneurship%courses,%business%simulations%and%projects%in%the% European%school%curricula,% I.

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Fully%aware%of%the%unequal%opportunities%for%self]employment%amongst%Member%States%as%a%result% of%diverse%legal%frameworks,%%

Turku%2015%–%21st%National%Session%of%European%Youth%Parliament%Finland% General%Assembly,%19th%January%2015% % %

!

J.

Bearing%in%mind%that%creativity%and%inspiration%are%neglected%in%the%European%education%systems,%

K. Recognising%the%demanding%bureaucratic%and%capital%requirements%for%starting%a%business%in% Europe,% L. Fully%noting%the%mismatch%between%skills%taught%in%schools%and%the%skills%required%in%working%life,% M. Emphasising%the%lack%of%awareness%about%existing%financial,%legal%and%networking%support% programmes%for%entrepreneurs,%such%as%the%Start]up%Europe%programme,%which%encourages%links% between%entrepreneurs%and%the%sharing%of%best%practices;% 1. Calls%for%the%introduction%of%start]up%visas%in%all%Member%States,%to%be%issued%to%highly%skilled% migrants%who%bring%new%knowledge%and%create%jobs%within%the%European%economy%and%who%have% already%secured%funding%for%their%project;%% 2. Further%calls%for%the%aforementioned%start]up%visas%to%be%revoked%in%the%case%that%the%business%fails;% 3. Requests%that%the%EU%provide%increased%funding%to%the%Erasmus%for%Young%Entrepreneurs% programme%so%that%50%%of%applicants%can%be%accepted,%as%opposed%to%the%current%admission%at%21%;% 4. Calls%for%the%expansion%of%the%existing%programmes%within%Start]up%Europe%to%include%the% participation%of%non]IT%businesses;%% 5. Recommends%that%Member%States%provide%tax%benefits%for%new%enterprises%during%the%first%two% years%%of%their%existence%and%gradually%remove%them%thereafter;%% 6. Further%recommends%that%Member%States%provide%income%tax%reliefs,%as%does%the%Enterprise% Investment%Scheme%in%the%United%Kingdom,%for%investors%supporting%start]ups%created%by% entrepreneurs%aged%15%to%26;% 7. Calls%upon%Member%States%to%train%teachers%to%include%the%use%of%technology,%teamwork,%and% practical%learning%in%their%teaching;% 8. Encourages%the%formation%of%a%union%for%entrepreneurs%which:% a)

is%coordinated%by%a%pan]European%board,%

b)

upholds%entrepreneurial%rights%in%Member%States,%

c)

provides%networking%opportunities,%inspiration,%and%insurance%for%unemployment.%

% %

Fact&Sheet:& Start:up&Europe:%An%800%million%EUR%programme,%%under%the%the%Entrepreneurship%2020%Action%Plan,% that%provides%IT%start]ups%with%access%to%finance%and%publicly%funded%support%services%such%as%advice,% networking%and%legal%assistance.% Start:up&visa:%Provisional%working%permit%to%an%immigrant%entrepreneur%who%has%the%potential%to% build%innovative%companies%that%can%compete%on%a%global%scale%and%create%jobs.%

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Turku%2015%–%21st%National%Session%of%European%Youth%Parliament%Finland% General%Assembly,%19th%January%2015% % %

!

Erasmus&for&young&entrepreneurs:%A%cross%border%exchange%programme%for%new%or%aspiring%young% entrepreneurs,%offering%them%the%possibility%to%learn%from%experienced%entrepreneurs%running%an%SME% in%another%country.%There%are%about%1,000%exchanges%taking%place%annually.%% Enterprise&Investment&Scheme:%A%series%of%income%and%capital%gains%and%income%tax%reliefs%to% investors%in%the%United%Kingdom%launched%in%1994,%designed%to%encourage%investments%in%small% private%companies%that%operate%in%the%UK.% %

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Turku%2015%–%21st%National%Session%of%European%Youth%Parliament%Finland% General%Assembly,%19th%January%2015% % %

!

M OTION&FOR&A& R ESOLUTION&BY & THE& C OMMITTEE&ON& E NVIRONMENT , & P UBLIC& H EALTH&AND& &

F OOD& S AFETY & &

Competitive&sustainable&growth:&increasing&consumer&consumption&and&an&ever& developing&economy&is&currently&a&threat&to&the&environment,&what&measures&should& the&EU&take&in&order&to&ensure&sustainable&development&without&endangering&its& economic&growth&and&competitiveness?& Submitted%by:%

Cédric% Follonier% (CH),% Rebecca% Hannén% (Vörå% idrottsgymnasium),% Elias% Id% (Kempeleen% lukio),% Paavo% KeskiTOrvola% (Tampereen% yhteiskoulun% lukio),% Asta% Lappeteläinen% (Tapiolan% lukio),% Milla% Lehtimäki% (Tammerkosken% lukio),% Charlotte% List% (DE),% Senni% Martikainen% (Iisalmen% lyseon% lukio),% Jasmin% Mylläri% (Ressun% lukio),% Linda%Turpeinen%(Helsingin%suomalaisen%yhteiskoulun%lukio),%Kateřina% Žejdlová%(Chairperson,%CZ)%

The&European&Youth&Parliament,& A. Alarmed%by%the%increasing%consumption%of%short%lifeTspan%products,% B. Disturbed%by%the%fact%that%the%manufacturing%process%of%goods%includes%environmentally%costly% transportation%between%the%stages%of%production,%as%well%as%between%the%producers%and%the% consumers,% C. Realising%that%due%to%economic,%geographical%and%historical%disparities,%and%therefore%the%varying% costs%of%development,%production%and%consumption%of%renewable%energy,%Member%States%are% facing%different%obstacles%in%achieving%their%respective%national%targets%set%by%the%20T20T20%targets,% D. Concerned%by%the%vast%part%of%civil%society%either%lacking%information%on%or%neglecting% environmental%issues,% E. Regretting%the%absence%of%an%EUTwide%common%recycling%system,% F. Noting%with%concern%the%fact%that%economic%profit%is%valued%over%environmental%sustainability%by% many%large%enterprises,% G. Keeping%in%mind%the%dependence%of%the%EU%on%imported%energy,%especially%on%fossil%fuels,% H. Recognising%the%need%for%the%development%of%renewable%energy%in%order%to%further%strengthen%the% internal%energy%market,%%

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Turku%2015%–%21st%National%Session%of%European%Youth%Parliament%Finland% General%Assembly,%19th%January%2015% % %

!

I.

Expressing%its%appreciation%of%the%EU%assuming%a%leading%role%in%the%global%endeavour%for% greenhouse%gas%emissions%reduction%through%the%20T20T20%targets,%which%include%measures%such%as% the%Emissions%Trading%Scheme%(ETS),%

J.

Aware%of%the%implications%of%the%insufficient%participation%of%countries%with%higher%pollution%levels% than%the%EU,%such%as%the%US%or%China,%in%tackling%climate%change,%which:% i)

force%the%EU%to%bear%the%greatest%part%of%environmental%responsibility,%

ii)

harm%the%EU%economically%and%further%hinder%the%competitiveness%of%firms%residing%within% the%EU;%

1. Approves%of%the%20T20T20%targets%as%a%concept,%offering%additional%support%to%the%Member%States% which%are%not%likely%to%meet%their%national%goals,%in%the%form%of:% a)

thinkTtanks%with%experts%from%succeeding%countries,%

b)

further%financial%help,%

c)

incentives%for%investors%in%green%energy,%

d)

technology%provision;%

2. Appreciates%the%ETS%in%its%current%form%and%encourages%more%corporations%to%join%the%scheme%in% order%to%support%energy%efficiency%and%promote%sustainable%development;% 3. Encourages%the%Member%States%to%implement%sustainable%development%and%climate%change%into% their%educational%programmes,%rewarding%complying%schools%with%certificates%of%environmental% awareness;% 4. Requests%the%EU%to%provide%consumers%with%further%information%on%products,%through%the% introduction%of%a%new%system%of%colourTcoded%labelling,%indicating%the%carbon%footprint%produced% during%the%manufacturing%and%transport%of%the%good;% 5. Supports%the%introduction%of%a%unified%European%recycling%system,%aiming%to%limit%the%exploitation% of%resources,%%through%measures%such%as:% a)

an%EUTwide%bottle%and%can%deposit%system,%

b)

the%introduction%of%additional%recycling%centres%and%points%throughout%Member%States% analogous%to%population%density;%

6. Recommends%to%increase%the%visibility%of%locally%produced%food%in%stores;% 7. Endorses%investment%projects,%such%as%the%NER%300%Programme%and%the%Green%Climate%Fund,% aiming%to%increase%energy%independence%and%thus%stimulate%competitiveness%and%economic% growth;% 8. Proposes%that%the%EU%subsidises%governmental%projects%that%work%to%expand%railway%networks% within%Member%States%with%poor%infrastructure,%as%environmentally%friendly%means%of% transportation;%% 9. Further%encourages%nonTEU%highly%polluting%countries%to%take%an%active%part%in%the%tackling%of% climate%change.%

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Turku%2015%–%21st%National%Session%of%European%Youth%Parliament%Finland% General%Assembly,%19th%January%2015% % %

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Fact&Sheet% Europe&20O20O20&targets:%Part%of%the%Europe&2020%tenTyear%growth%and%job%strategy.%They%set%three% overall%goals%to%be%achieved%by%2020%in%the%EU%overall,%with%a%goal%being%set%for%each%Member%State% separately:% i)%reduction%of%greenhouse%gas%emissions%by%20%,% ii)%20%%ofenergy%from%renewables,% iii)%20%%increase%in%energy%efficiency.% Greenhouse&gases:%Include%carbon%dioxide,%methane,%nitrous%oxide,%ozone,%etc..%Their%excessive% accumulation%in%the%atmosphere%prevents%the%heat%from%escaping%into%space,%causing%the%greenhouse% effect%and%thus%significantly%contributing%to%global%warming.% Emissions&Trading&Scheme&(ETS):%One%of%the%measures%used%to%achieve%the%20T20T20%targets.%It%is%a% system%for%trading%greenhouse%gas%emission%allowances.%A%‘cap’%on%total%amount%of%greenhouse%gases% that%can%be%emitted%by%the%factories%is%imposed,%gradually%decreasing%over%the%years.%Each%firm%is% allocated%allowances%and%at%the%end%of%the%year%it%needs%to%surrender%enough%of%them%to%cover%all%of%its% emissions,%otherwise%heavy%fines%are%imposed.%If%a%company%reduces%its%emissions,%it%can%trade%the% allowances%with%other%companies.%It%operates%within%the%European%Economic%Area%(EEA)%and%covers% more%than%11,000%power%stations%and%industrial%plants.% NER&300&Programme:%A%project%of%the%European%Commission%aiming%to%fund%innovative%lowTcarbon% energy%projects,%carbon%capture%storage%(CCS)%and%innovative%renewable%energy%technologies.% Green&Climate&Fund%is%a%mechanism%of%the%United%Nations%Framework%Convention%on%Climate% Change%(UNFCCC)%focusing%on%the%redistribution%of%money%from%the%developed%to%the%developing% countries%in%order%to%assist%them%in%adaptation%and%mitigation%practices%to%counter%climate%change.%% % %

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Turku%2015%–%21st%National%Session%of%European%Youth%Parliament%Finland% General%Assembly,%19th%January%2015% % %

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M OTION&FOR&A& R ESOLUTION&BY & THE& C OMMITTEE&ON& E CONOMIC&AND& M ONETARY& A FFAIRS & &

The&end&of&austerity:&in&the&light&of&growing&concerns&about&the&effects&of&austerity& policies&on&economic&growth,&how&should&European&governments&balance&their&growth& with&social&stability?& Submitted%by:%

Frida% Ahonen% (Tampereen% yhteiskoulun% lukio),% Simon% Bösken% (DE),% Emmi% Ilmanen% (Turun% klassillinen% lukio),% Matias% Jämsén% (Tapiolan% lukio),% Anniina% Könönen% (Kuopion% Lyseon% lukio),% Kati% Mansikkala% (Sammon% keskuslukio),% Olivia% Melaranta% (Ressun% lukio),% Jeanne% Morand% (CH),% Joonas% Mustonen% (Järvenpään% lukio),% CarlVVictor% Schauman% (Gymnasiet% Lärkan),% Topias% Vainio% (Mattlidens% gymnasium),%Yiannos%Vakis%(Chairperson,%CY)%

The&European&Youth&Parliament,& A. Alarmed%by%the%fact%that%current%austerity%policies%have%had%harmful%effects%on%the%economies%of% some%Member%States%and%caused%social%instability,% B. Taking%into%consideration%that%the%mainstream%economic%theories%on%growth%and%recovery%are% conflicting,% C. Noting%with%concern%that%high%taxes%harm%businesses%and%investments,% D. Conscious%that%several%measures%and%mechanisms%have%already%been%introduced%by%the%European% Commission,%European%Central%Bank%(ECB)%and%European%Investment%Bank%(EIB),%to%prevent% Member%States%from%defaulting,% E. Recognising%that%Member%States%have%not%adhered%to%the%terms%of%the%Stability%and%Growth%Pact% (SGP),% F. Taking%into%account%the%lack%of%confidence%among%European%consumers%and%investors,% G. Realising%that%certain%Member%States%are%losing%their%market%credibility%due%to%the%accumulation%of% high%levels%of%national%debt,% H. Bearing%in%mind%the%different%economic%circumstances%across%Member%States,% I.

Fully%aware%that%the%current%inflation%rate%is%0.4%1,%whilst%the%target%inflation%rate%of%the%ECB%is% 2.0%2,%%

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%HICP%V%Inflation%Rate%Report,%Eurostat% %ECB,%Official%Website%

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J.

Firmly%believing%that%the%restrictions%placed%on%Quantitative%Easing%within%the%EU%prevent% economic%growth%and%recovery,%

K. Regretting%that%the%current%economic%climate%discourages%entrepreneurship%and%investment%in% Small%and%MediumVsized%Enterprises%(SMEs),%which%have%great%potential%in%boosting%aggregate% growth%and%employment,% L. Welcoming%the%proposal%of%the%EuropeVwide%Investment%Plan%by%the%European%Commission;% 1. Proclaims%that%economic%progress%in%the%EU%be%achieved%by%prioritising:% a)

economic%growth%as%a%shortVterm%objective,%%

b)

social%stability%as%a%result%of%the%economic%growth,%

c)

the%fulfilment%of%the%Stability%and%Growth%Pact%(SGP)%as%the%overall%longVterm%objective;%

2. Encourages%Member%States%to%finance%economic%growth%by%increasing%national%debt%at%sustainable% levels,%in%order%to%avoid%further%negative%social%impacts%that%result%from%austerity%measures;% 3. Calls%upon%independent%experts,%representatives%from%the%affected%Member%State,%the%European% Commission,%the%ECB%and%the%International%Monetary%Fund,%to%form%a%new%body%in%charge%of% selecting%policies%for%each%Member%State%in%the%Eurozone,%tailored%to%their%specific%circumstances;% 4. Further%calls%upon%the%European%Commission%to%initiate%the%reform%of%the%European%Stability% Mechanism%by%replacing:% a)

“oneVsizeVfits%all�%measures%by%specific%solutions%for%each%Member%State,%

b)

the%inspectors%of%the%European%Commission,%ECB%and%IMF%by%the%aforementioned%new%body,% to%ensure%the%representation%of%the%affected%Member%State;%

5. Urges%Member%States%to%implement%structural%reforms%to%create%growth%through:% a)

the%liberalisation%of%labour%laws%by%enabling%more%flexible%working%contracts,%

b)

further%structural%reforms%adapted%to%the%specific%circumstances%of%a%Member%State,%as%not%to% harm%the%most%profitable%industries%within%country;%

6. Recommends%that%the%ECB%applies%Quantitative%Easing%by%buying%sovereign%bonds%of%the%Member% States%with%the%lowest%inflation%rate,%in%order%to%reach%the%euro%inflation%target;% 7. Advises%that%Member%States%provide%more%information%on%entrepreneurship%in%schools;% 8. Calls%for%the%European%Commission%and%Member%States%to%reduce%bureaucracy%which%affect%SMEs;% 9. Proposes%that%the%EIB%and%national%investment%banks%provide%lowVinterest%loans%to%support%startV ups;% 10. Suggests%that%the%EIB%and%Member%States%provide%further%funds%to%enhance%cooperation%between% universities%and%industrial%research%centres%to%support%innovation%and%in%turn%boost%growth;% 11. Supports%the%rapid%implementation%of%the%Investment%Plan%recently%proposed%by%the%European% Commission.% %

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Fact&Sheet:& European&Central&Bank&(ECB):%Controls%the%monetary%policy%of%Euro%zone%countries.% European&Investment&Bank&(EIB):%Promotes%the%EU%objectives%by%providing%longVterm%financing%on% favourable%terms%for%private%and%public%projects.% Stability&and&Growth&Pact&(SGP):%a%treaty%signed%by%Member%States%to%coordinate%their%fiscal%policies% by%maintaining%the%national%debt%below%60%%of%their%GDP%and%the%budget%deficit%below%3%%of%GDP.%% Quantitative&Easing:%A%monetary%policy%in%which%a%central%bank%purchases%government%securities%or% other%securities%from%the%market%in%order%to%lower%interest%rates%and%increase%the%money%supply.% European&Stability&Mechanism&(ESM):%aims%to%prevent%the%countries%in%the%Euro%zone%from% defaulting%in%times%of%crisis%and%has%a%lending%capacity%of%500%billion%EUR.% Investment&Plan:%aims%to%finance%investment%projects%worth%some%315%billion%EUR.%It%involves%21% billion%EUR%of%direct%public%sector%contribution%through%the%EU%Budget%and%the%European%Investment% Bank%(EIB),%and%hopes%to%raise%the%remaining%sum%through%the%issuing%of%bonds%by%the%EIB.%% % IMF&(The&International&Monetary&Fund)%is%an%organization%of%188%countries,%working%to%foster%global% monetary%coVoperation,%secure%financial%stability,%facilitate%international%trade,%promote%high% employment%and%sustainable%economic%growth,%and%reduce%poverty%around%the%world.% % %

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M OTION&FOR&A& R ESOLUTION&BY & THE& C OMMITTEE&ON& C ONSTITUTIONAL& A FFAIRS & &

The&‘right’&opinion:&the&result&of&the&elections&of&the&European&Parliament&in&May&2014& reflected&yet&again&the&growing&popularity&of&the&extreme&right&and&euroscepticism& with&the&EU,&how&should&the&EU&react&to&the&loss&of&citizens&trust&in&its&legitimacy&and& future?& Submitted%by:%

Demitra% Ahlskog% (Ekenäs% gymnasium),% Christoffer% Aminoff% (Turun% normaalikoulun% lukio),% Robin% Bucher% (Mattlidens% gymnasium),% Loris% Fivaz% (CH),% Simo% Lehtovirta% (Helsingin% suomalaisen% yhteiskoulun% lukio),% Tia% Luostarinen% (Helsingin% uuden% yhteiskoulun% lukio),% Juho% Mölsä%(Järvenpään%lukio),%Ellen%Pellosniemi%(Gymnasiet%Lärkan),%Miro% Penttinen% (Olarin% lukio),% Teresa% Sihler% (AT),% Salla% Törölä% (Keravan% lukio),%Linda%Vaher%(EE),%Iina%Vahteri%(Tampereen%yhteiskoulun%lukio),% Rebecca% Kiiski% (Chairperson,% FI),% Alexander% Proctor% (ViceZPresident,% FI)%%

The&European&Youth&Parliament,& A. Alarmed%by%the%constant%decrease%in%the%voting%turnout%of%the%European%Parliament%elections,%% B. Aware%of%the%dissatisfaction%of%citizens%towards%the%EU,%with%twoZthirds%of%Europeans%saying% “their%voice%does%not%count”1,%% C. Realising%that%the%current%framework%for%appointing%European%Commissioners%does%not%directly% include%the%citizens’%opinion,% D. Deeply%disturbed%that%the%European%values%mentioned%in%the%Lisbon%Treaty%are%not%fully%respected% by%rightZwing%politicians,% E. Recognising%that%protest%votes%may%be%the%result%of%dissatisfaction%towards%the%EU,%its%institutions% and%mainstream%parties,%% F. Observing%the%lack%of%public%knowledge%on%EU%competences,%institutions%and%the%decisionZmaking% process,% G. Bearing%in%mind%that%eurosceptic%parties%are%democratically%elected%by%European%citizens,% H. Noting%with%concern%the%lack%of%open%political%discourses%between%all%political%parties%in%Europe,% I.

Taking%into%consideration%that%the%current%European%Citizens’%Initiative%(ECI)%may%appear% demotivating%and%complex%to%EU%citizens;%%

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1. Recommends%that%Member%States%hold%reZelections%if%voting%turnout%in%European%Parliament% elections%falls%below%25%;% 2. Urges%Member%States%and%the%President%of%the%European%Commission%to%consider%the%public% opinion%when%appointing%Commissioners%by%choosing%from%the%Member%States’%most%popular% political%parties%during%the%previous%European%Parliament%elections;% 3. Encourages%mainstream%and%populist%parties%to%have%open%discourse%in%order%to%let%Members%of% the%European%Parliament%(MEPs)%better%represent%the%interests%of%their%voters;% 4. Calls%for%the%EU%to%require%a%minimum%of%70%%participation%from%MEPs%in%the%European% Parliament%sessions%in%order%to%promote%the%EU’s%legitimacy%and%decrease%democratic%deficit;% 5. Further%recommends%that%Member%States%provide%citizens%with%information%on%the%EU,%its%aims% and%competences%through%education%in%order%to%strengthen%the%European%identity%and%values;% 6. Reminds%Member%States%to%promote%the%EU’s%existing%citizen%involvement%mechanisms;%% 7. Requests%Member%States%to%initiate%a%change%in%the%ECI%to%allow%initiatives%to%be%proposed%to:% a)

the%European%Commission%after%having%halfZaZmillion%signatures%within%18%months,%%

b)

the%European%Parliament,%after%having%1%million%signatures%within%18%month;%

8. Expresses%its%hope%for%the%European%Commission%to%strengthen%the%Citizens%Dialogue%platform%to% allow%for%the%EU%citizens’%opinions%to%be%heard.% %

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Fact&Sheet&& European&Citizens’&Initiative&(ECI):%the%ability%of%EU%citizens%to%directly%propose%legislation%to%the% European%Commission.%To%do%so%1%million%supporters%from%at%least%7%different%Member%States%are% required.% Citizens&Dialogue:%a%discussion%platform%developed%by%the%European%Commission%aiming%at% involving%people%directly%through%“Citizens%Dialogue”%events%and%enabling%communication%between% citizens%and%decisionZmakers%from%EU%institutions%and%national%governments.%%

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M OTION&FOR&A& R ESOLUTION&BY & THE& C OMMITTEE&ON& F OREIGN& A FFAIRS & &

The&hottest&region&in&the&world:&with&the&melting&of&Arctic&ice&exposing&unprecedented& economic&opportunites,&how&should&the&EU&position&itself&in&the&global&race&to&control& the&Arctic&region?& Submitted%by:%

Salla% Ahokas% (Tapiolan% lukio),% Borbála% SzücsMBártfai% (Ressun% lukio),% Uliana%Belonogova%(Kuopion%lyseon%lukio),%Tamina%Huber%(AU),%Henri% Kaarakainen% (EteläMTapiolan% lukio),% Kaisa% Kotkajärvi% (Helsingin% Suomalaisen% Yhteiskoulun% lukio),% Roosa% Käsmä% (Jyväskylän% lyseon% lukio),% Matilda% Kurkela% (Naantalin% lukio),% Linnea% Määttänen% (Tampereen%yhteiskoulun%lukio),%Saga%Peltoniemi%(Gymnasiet%Lärkan),% Lars% Schöfer% (DE),% Veeti% Vallin% (Luostarivuoren% lukio),% Eveliina% Weidenbacher% (Lahden% yhteiskoulun% lukio),% Maximilian% Richter% (Chairperson,%SE)%

The&European&Youth&Parliament,& A. Deeply%concerned%by%the%rapidly%rising%temperatures%affecting%the%Arctic%region%due%to%global% warming,% B. Recognising%the%possible%accessibility%of%Arctic%shipping%routes%as%global%warming%progresses,% provided%the%relevant%safety%infrastructure%is%in%place,% C. Noting%with%concern%the%costs%and%dangers%of%Arctic%climate%change%research,% D. Bearing%in%mind%that%the%energy%resources%in%the%Arctic%might%reduce%the%dependency%of%Member% States%on%fossil%fuels%imported%from%outside%the%European%Free%Trade%Area,% E. Keeping%in%mind%that%the%Arctic%ecosystem%is%extremely%vulnerable%to%human%economic%activity,% F. Fully%alarmed%that%border%disputes%are%still%onMgoing%in%the%Arctic%region,% G. Deeply%regretting%the%rising%military%activity%in%the%Arctic%region;% % 1. Encourages%Member%States%to%invest%in%a%European%Union%research%project,%to%run%indefinitely,% investigating%the%environmental%wellMbeing%of%the%Arctic;% 2. Endorses%universal%measures,%such%as%carbon%emission%taxation%and%capMandMtrade,%in%order%to% counteract%global%warming%and%its%effects%on%the%Arctic;% 3. Requests%the%International%Maritime%Organisation%to%implement%a%protocol%regarding%sustainable% harvesting%of%Arctic%resources,%to%encourage%sustainable%extraction%practices;%

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4. Expresses%its%hope%that%Arctic%resources%will%be%sustainably%extracted%as%soon%as%possible%in%order% to%reduce%European%dependence%on%imported%fossil%fuels;% 5. Supports%implementing%taxation%by%Arctic%stakeholders%to%fund%the%development%of%the%Arctic% maritime%search%and%rescue%infrastructure,%such%as%rescue%stations,%weather%stations,% hydrographical%mapping,%and%a%joint%administration;% 6. Urges%the%Arctic%states%to%negotiate%a%binding%agreement%in%which%all%Arctic%borders%are%clearly% determined,%with%the%EU%assuming%a%coordinators%role;% 7. Recommends%a%formal%agreement%between%the%Arctic%states%limiting%future%military%presence%in%the% Arctic.% &

Fact&Sheet:& Arctic&states:%States%with%territory%in%the%Arctic%Circle.%These%states%are%USA,%Canada,%Finland,% Denmark%(Greenland),%Iceland,%Norway,%Russia,%and%Sweden.%% European&Free&Trade&Area:%Free%trade%area%comprised%of%all%EU%Member%States,%as%well%as%Iceland,% Liechtenstein,%Norway,%and%Switzerland.% CapKandKtrade:&System%where%a%central%authority%sets%a%maximum%limit%for%annual%carbon%emissions.% Permits%are%required%to%emit%carbon%and%can%be%traded.% The&International&Maritime&Organisation:%Specialised%agency%of%the%United%Nations%whose%primary% purpose%is%to%develop%and%maintain%a%comprehensive%regulatory%framework%for%shipping.%

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

‘Glass&ceiling’&effect&vs.&low&public&panIEuropean&support&for&gender&quotas:&learning& from&the&early&lessons&of&the&Commission’s&strategy&for&equality&between&men&and& women&2010I2015&and&the&Council&of&Europe’s&(CoE)&Gender&Equality&Programme&of& 2012,&how&should&European&stakeholders&seek&to&achieve&gender&parity&across&the& continent?& Submitted%by:%

Hannah% Eirich% (DE),% Henri% Haapanala% (Turun% normaalikoulun% lukio),% Karri% Heikkinen% (Lahden% yhteiskoulun% lukio),% Hanne% Juntunen% (Iisalmen% lyseo),% Nadja% Kankare% (Luostarivuoren% lukio),% Jalmari% Männistö% (Tampereen% yhteiskoulun% lukio),% Melina% Rehn% (Ekenäs% gymnasium),% Antoine% Schalk% (CH),% Saga% Smith% (Ressun% lukio),% Ia% Tserodze%(Chairperson,%GE)%

The&European&Youth&Parliament,& A. Fully%alarmed%by%the%persistency%of%gender%roles%and%stereotypes%as%portrayed%in%media,%culture,% language%and%religion,% B. Noting%with%deep%concern%that%women%occupy%only%2.8%%of%top%positions%within%European% companies,%despite%representing%60%%of%university%graduates1,% C. Recognising%that,%if%women%are%continuously%paid%16%%less%than%men%per%hour%of%work,%it%will%take% more%than%70%years%to%close%the%gender%pay%gap2,% D. Deeply%concerned%by%the%failure%of%Member%States%to%efficiently%implement%the%Directive%on% Parental%Leave,%resulting%in%just20%%of%the%male%population%taking%parental%leave,% E. Noting%with%regret%the%challenge%of%maintaining%a%balance%between%work%and%family%life%due%to% insufficient%or%unaffordable%childcare%facilities%across%Member%States,%% F. Alarmed%by%the%fact%that%employers%discriminate%against%young%women%in%order%to%avoid% hypothetical%economic%risks%of%pregnancy%and%child%care,%% G. Believing%in%the%effect%of%intersectionality&on%discrimination%in%the%labour%force,% H. Further%noting%that%the%psychological%problems%of%female%victims%of%sexual%harassment%in%the% workplace%reinforce%the%“glass%ceiling”%effect,% %

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Turku%2015%–%21st%National%Session%of%European%Youth%Parliament%Finland% General%Assembly,%19th%January%2015% % %

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Aware%of%the%differences%in%public%support%for%gender%equality%amongstMember%States%due%to%the% lack%of%awareness,%uneven%political%and%economic%conditions%and%cultural%beliefs,%

J.

Bearing%in%mind%the%efficiency%of%gender%quotas%as%proven%by%research,%as%well%as%the%negative% public%opinion%and%EU%wide%controversy%regarding%its%practices;%

% 1. Encourages%breaking%stereotypes%of%both%men%and%women%by%using%gender%mainstreaming%and% gendereneutral%language%in%media%campaigns,%such%as%the%“Women%Make%the%News”%campaign;%% 2. Calls%for%the%creation%of%an%EU%“equality%certificate”%to%be%granted%to%companies%that%support% gender%equality%by%providing,%but%not%limited%to:% a)

childecare%facilities,%

b)

flexible%working%hours,%

c)

voluntary%gender%quotas,%

d)

company%mentoring%programmes;%

3. Invites%all%Member%States%to%implement%mechanisms%in%order%to%achieve%the%Barcelona%Targets;% 4. Supports%the%implementation%of%the%Parental%Leave%Directive%in%every%Member%State,%which%would% provide%parents%with%5%months%of%parental%leave%between%them,%and%oblige%each%parent%to%takeeup% a%minimum%of%2%and%a%maximum%of%3%months%after%the%birth%or%adoption%of%a%child;% 5. Urges%Member%States%implementing%the%Parental%Leave%Directive%to%increase%the%allowance%of% parental%leave%to%5%months%per%parent,%with%a%minimum%leave%of%2%months;% 6. Approves%of%transferable%allowances%between%partners%while%respecting%the%mandatory%minimum% leave%requirement;% 7. Draws%attention%to%the%need%to%provide%women%in%the%EU%with%advanced%vocational%training%for% their%reeentry%into%the%work%force%directly%after%their%maternity%leave,%as%a%temporary%solution% before%the%Parental%Leave%Directive%is%put%into%practice;%% 8. Calls%upon%the%introduction%of%a%course%on%gender%disparagement%and%other%forms%of% discrimination%to%be%uploaded%onto%a%platform,%such%as%eTwinning,%that%teachers%in%all%Member% States%can%easily%access%and%use%to%adequately%raise%awareness%within%the%school%community;%% 9. Requests%the%European%Institute%on%Gender%Equality%(EIGE)%to%cooperate%with%nonegovernmental% organisations%in%order%to%coordinate%informative%gendereneutral%and%genderespecific%seminars% about%violence%for%both%genders;%% 10. Recommends%national%governments%to%establish%and%promote%psychological,%physical%and%legal% assistance%hotlines%for%the%victims%of%gender%violence;% 11. Further%recommends%Member%States%to%sign%and%ratify%the%Council%of%Europe’s%Convention%on% Preventing%and%Combating%Violence%against%Women%and%Domestic%Violence%(the%Istanbul% Convention);%

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12. Further%requests%that%Member%States%assemble%annual%reports%concerning%the%gender%pay%gap%from% public%and%private%companies%in%order%to%achieve%transparency;% 13. Authorises%these%reports%to%be%used%as%the%basis%upon%which%companies%that%continue%to%practice% gender%discrimination%are%fined;% 14. Endorses%the%application%of%state%specific%goals%by%the%means%of%the%Gender%Equality%Index%(GEI),% to%ensure%that%the%progress%of%Member%States%towards%gender%parity%at%all%stages%of%development%is% transparent.% % %

Fact&Sheet:& Gender&pay&gap:%The%difference%between%the%amount%of%money%paid%to%women%and%menfor%doing%the% same%work.% Directive&on&Parental&Leave:%A%new%Framework%Agreement%on%parental%leave.%It%applies%to%all% workers%and%to%all%types%of%employment%contracts.%It%represents%a%means%of%better%reconciling%workers’% professional%and%parental%responsibilities%and%of%promoting%equal%treatment%between%men%and% women.%% Intersectionality:%A%concept%often%used%in%critical%theories%that%describes%the%ways%in%which%oppressive% institutions%(racism,%sexism,%homophobia,%transphobia,%xenophobia,%etc.)%are%interconnected%and% cannot%be%examined%separately%from%one%another.% “Glass&ceiling”:%The%unseen,%yet%unbreakable%barrier%that%keeps%minorities%and%women%from%rising%to% the%upper%ranks%of%the%corporate%ladder,%regardless%of%their%qualifications%or%achievements.% Gender&quotas:%A%system%entailing%that%women%must%constitute%a%certain%percentage%of%the%executive% members%of%a%body.% Women&Make&the&News:%Launched%annually,%a%global%initiative%aimed%at%fixing%attention%on%an%issue% relating%to%gender%equality%in%and%through%the%media,%driving%debate%and%encouraging%actioneoriented% solutions%until%global%objectives%are%met.% Barcelona&Targets:%Targets%set%by%the%European%Commission%to%have%childcare%available%for%90%%of% children%between%three%years%old%and%the%mandatory%school%age,%and%for%33%%of%children%under%three.% eTwinning:%an%online%cooperation%programme%between%schools,%providing%the%opportunity%for% exchanges%between%teaching%staff%and%cooperation%opportunities%on%projects,%as%well%as%an%online% forum,%free%tools,%and%support%for%networking%with%European%colleagues.% Gender&mainstreaming:%The%integration%of%the%gender%dimension%in%all%policy%areas.% GenderIneutral&language:%A%form%of%linguistic%prescriptivism%that%aims%to%eliminate%reference%to% gender%in%terms%that%describe%people.%

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Turku%2015%–%21st%National%Session%of%European%Youth%Parliament%Finland% General%Assembly,%19th%January%2015% % %

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European&Institute&on&Gender&Equality&(EIGE):%An%autonomous%body%of%the%European%Union,% established%to%contribute%to%and%strengthen%the%promotion%of%gender%equality,%including%gender% mainstreaming%in%all%EU%policies%and%the%resulting%national%policies,%and%the%fight%against% discrimination%based%on%sex,%as%well%as%to%raise%EU%citizens’%awareness%of%gender%equality.% The&Council&of&Europe’s&Convention&on&Preventing&and&Combating&Violence&against&Women&and& Domestic&Violence&(the&Istanbul&Convention):%New%landmark%treaty%of%the%Council%of%Europe%opens% the%path%for%creating%a%legal%framework%at%paneEuropean%level,%to%protect%women%against%all%forms%of% violence,%and%prevent,%prosecute%and%eliminate%violence%against%women.%The%Convention%also% establishes%a%specific%monitoring%mechanism%(jGREVIOj)%in%order%to%ensure%effective%implementation% of%its%provisions.% Gender&Equality&Index&(GEI):%A%unique%measurement%tool%that%synthesises%the%complexity%of%gender% equality%as%a%multiedimensional%concept%into%a%userefriendly%and%easily%interpretable%measure.%It%is% formed%by%combining%gender%indicators,%according%to%a%conceptual%framework,%into%a%single%summary% measure.%

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Partners of Turku 2015 21st National Session of EYP Finland

Ibernavel

European Youth Parliament Finland - EYP - Finland ry Uudenmaankatu 15 A 5, 00120 Helsinki www.eypfinland.org eyp@eypfinland.org