This is a resolution booklet of the 4th Batumi Int. Forum

Resolution Booklet

Batumi 4th International Forum

18 -­‐23 July, 2012 Batumi, Georgia

Committee topics

1. AFET – Committee on Foreign Affairs The Black Sea countries: how should the young states cooperate and what role should the EU take in this region?

2. CULT – Committee on Culture and Education Whilst the interest in technological professions and subjects of study is steadily decreasing, it is evident that for a sustainable future development, Europe needs technically skilled personnel. How can the attractiveness of technological and scientific courses be increased without detracting valuable students from other disciplines or negatively influencing the freedom of choice?

3. DROI – Committee on Human Rights The Anti-­‐Counterfeiting Trade Agreement has been recently rejected by the European Parliament after lengthy consideration and vast protests across Europe. What alternatives to the current intellectual property rights model would boost growth and innovation?

4. ITRE – Committee on Industry, Research and Energy Whilst bio-­‐fuels made from crops are increasingly popular among environmental-­‐friendly stakeholders, their impact on food prices and the environment remains disputable. What measures can be taken to promote alternative sources of bio-­‐fuels in order to minimise the negative influence of their production on the food market and ensure small ecological footprint?

5. IMCO – Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection Corporate social responsibility has become an essential part of any business strategy in Europe. Which measures should the EU offer to make companies more socially oriented?

6. AFCO – Committee on Constitutional Affairs In the light of the recent European Council summit in Brussels, what structural reforms of EU should the leaders have agreed on to pave the way out of the economic downturn? How could the balance between the austerity and growth be ensured?

7. ENVI – Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Healthcare of the future: what innovative solutions can we offer to promote healthy lifestyle and consequently decrease health-­‐related public spending?

Batumi, July 2012

M OTION F OR T HE R ESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON F OREIGN A FFAIRS The Black Sea countries: how should the young states cooperate and what role should the EU take in this region?

Submitted by: Fakhrintaj Abdullazadeh (AZ), Rusudan Bragvadze (GE), Tamta Gelashvili (GE), Vahe Khumaryan (AM), Maia Kapanadze (GE), David Lomidze (GE), Tamar Matiashvili (GE), Lela Merabishvili (GE), Elene Mgeladze (GE), Ganna Tokarenko (UA), Kateryna Baskenova (Chairperson, UA), Giorgi Tabagari (Vice president, GE).

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Welcomes the Black Sea Synergy plans concerning environment, energy and transport, B.

Expresses its appreciation for the successful cooperation between the Baltic Sea countries,

C.

Affirming the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) renovation plan introduced by the Commission on the Black Sea,

D. Fully alarmed by the conflicts among the Black Sea countries, such as territorial disputes, lack of economic cooperation and ineffective or non-­‐existent diplomatic relations, E.

Taking into account the absence of free trade agreements among the Black Sea countries as well as between them and the European Union (EU),

F.

Aware of the limited involvement of the EU in Black Sea region,

G.

Bearing in mind that the Black Sea countries face common environmental challenges,

H. Noting with regret the inefficient usage of natural resources in the region, I.

Realising the limited engagement of civil society in discussing common challenges,

J.

Emphasising the lack of mobility in the region;

1.

Calls upon the Black Sea states to establish a Black Sea Assembly following the example of Baltic

countries; 2.

Recommends the EU to encourage the governments of Black Sea states to re-­‐establish diplomatic ties by opening embassies and consulates;

3.

Further invites the EU to act as a negotiator between the countries of the Black Sea region;

4.

Draws attention to the necessity to review the legality of embargoes;

5.

Invites the Black Sea countries to sign free trade agreements among them and the EU;

6.

Supports the promotion of intercultural dialogue by: a) initiating regional exchange programmes, b) holding regional workshops, conferences and seminars, c) organising cultural events, festivals, d) building networks linking similar local NGOs;

7.

Calls for negotiations led by Black Sea EU states to be aimed at the implemention of a common legislative framework concerning environmental issues;

8.

Endorses the creation of a scientific organisation in order to maximise the use of natural resources and the collaboration with already existing initiatives, such as the DANUBE project.

Batumi, July 2012

M OTION F OR T HE R ESOLUTION B Y T HE C OMMITTEE O N C ULTURE A ND E DUCATION Whilst the interest in technological professions and subjects of study is steadily decreasing, it is evident that for a sustainable future development Europe needs technically skilled personnel. How can the attractiveness of technological and scientific courses be increased without detracting students from other disciplines or negatively influencing the freedom of choice?

Submitted by: Vazha Chanchibadze (GE), Anna Daghlaryan (AM), Irakli Grdzelishvili (GE), Tamta Jugashvili (GE), Sabina Kalashova (AZ), Anastasia Kazakova (RU), Lukasz Jacek Matuszewski (PL), Akaki Shekeladze (GE), Maksym Sijer (PL), Nino Ushikishvili (GE), Oleksandra Gipsh (Chairperson, UA)

The European Youth Parliament,

K. Alarmed by the lack of motivation among students to study technological subjects caused by:

L.

i)

insufficient awareness about study opportunities,

ii)

low job market perspectives,

Noting with regret the replacement of human resources by automated ones (computers, robots, etc.),

M. Deeply concerned by the difficulties to get a proper education in technological fields caused by:

i)

ineffective teaching methods,

ii)

lack of student-­‐centered approach,

iii)

lack of motivated and qualified teachers,

N. Taking into account negative perceptions in society towards opportunities in technological fields, O. Deeply disturbed by the inefficiency of labour unions in improving the position of scientific and technology students in society, P.

Observing ineffective European inter-­‐state educational cooperation caused by improper implementation of the Bologna and Lisbon Strategies by European countries;

1.

Encourages society to draw more attention to scientific subjects by means of: a) the government building up scientific centers, b) organising public demonstrations;

2.

Further recommends providing schools in Europe with specific laboratories and necessary equipments for teaching technological subjects;

3.

Calls for creating experimental areas surrounding of technological universities in order to provide students with working places and opportunities to gain experience;

4.

Calls for organising meetings and conferences between students and successful scientists in order to raise the students’ awareness in technical fields;

5.

Further requests labour unions to fulfill their role more actively by means of: a)

increasing public awareness on opportunities within technological fields,

b)

offering alternative and well-­‐paid vacancies for students of technical background;

6.

Recommends increasing the number of student competitions in technological subjects;

7.

Draws attention to providing more internships for technological students in order to gain work experience;

8.

Encourages organising special seminars and conferences for teachers in order to share their teaching methods of technological subjects;

9.

Further invites European countries to follow the Bologna agenda in order to cooperate more efficiently.

Batumi, July 2012

M OTION F OR T HE R ESOLUTION B Y THE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS The Anti-­‐Counterfeiting Trade Agreement has been recently rejected by the European Parliament after lengthy consideration and vast protests across Europe. What alternatives to the current intellectual property rights model would boost growth and innovation?

Submitted by:

Tinatin Baratashvili (GE), Ani Gelashvili (GE), Zura Giorgobiani (GE), Ketevan Gvazava (GE), Nana Kharabadze (GE), Veriko Mkheidze (GE), Iuliia Obikhod (UA), Ninia Pataraia (GE), Hovsep Patvakanyan (AM), Hrystina Pasechko (UA), Ádám Tóth-­‐Kása (HU), Piecewicz Witold (PL), Mariam Tchubabria (Chairperson, GE).

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Deeply concerned by the negative effects of counterfeit products on consumers and economic performance, B.

Fully alarmed by the fact that enforcing a ban on counterfeit goods could increase the price levels in the affected industries,

C.

Further noting that piracy and counterfeiting results in tax losses thereby causing market underutilisation for tax revenues,

D. Realising that prevention of counterfeit products from appearing on markets does not necessarily boost innovation, E.

Deeply disturbed that public is not involved in the negotiation process,

F.

Emphasising that certain aspects of the recently proposed Intellectual Property Rights models contradict the EU Convention on Human Rights,

G.

Noting with regret that customers face difficulties in differentiating original and falsified products;

1.

Calls for the creation of monitoring institutions in the EU for overseeing the web-­‐pages that sell

counterfeit products;

2.

Proposes progressive subsidy schemes to producers for stabilising the average price in the pharmaceutical industry in the short run and gradually adjusting it to the lowest price in the long run;

3.

Recommends monitoring only the online services of counterfeit sellers, rather than overseeing individual users and possibly breaching their human rights;

4.

Further requests involvement of general public in the decision-­‐making process through: a) permanent television broadcasting of the negotiation process, b) internet discussions, c) their presence in the European Parliament;

5.

Further recommends the following progressive sanctions to be applied in cases of counterfeiting: every violation to result in the full seizure of generated income from the deed, and for, a) first-­‐time violation, a fine of an additional 25% of the accumulated income, b) second-­‐time violation, a fine of an additional 50% of the accumulated income, c) third-­‐time violation a fine of an additional 100% of the accumulated income, with a further violation to result in a 10 year long imprisonment;

6.

Approves conducting a public awareness campaign on how to differentiate the original from falsified products.

Batumi, July 2012

M OTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON I NDUSTRY , R ESEARCH AND E NERGY Whilst bio-­‐fuels made from crops are increasingly popular among environmental-­‐ friendly stakeholders, their impact on food prices and the environment remains disputable. What measures can be taken to promote alternative sources of bio-­‐fuels in order to minimise the negative influence of their production on the food market and ensure small ecological footprint?

Submitted by: Mariam Chelidze (GE), Huseyn Damirzade (AZ), Nino Gigani (GE), Anna Kondratiuk (UA), Eugene Kostev (BY), Nino Lekishvili (GE), Lili Macharashvili (GE), Elene Mchedlishvili (GE), Ketevan Mkervalishvili (GE), Nino Pridonishvili (GE), Tudor Profir (RO), Orkhan Salimov (AZ), Giorgi Tsotsoria (GE), Dominic Degen (Vice President, CH), Tinatin Janjghava (Chairperson, GE).

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Realising the negative influence on the environment of the use of fossil fuels, B.

Deeply concerned by the scarcity of lands used to produce raw materials for bio-­‐fuel,

C.

Alarmed by rising food prices caused by the use of crops for the production of bio-­‐fuel,

D. Deeply disturbed by the incompatibility of resource costs of bio-­‐fuel with its benefits, E.

Taking into account insufficient investments in technology for the completion of the transition between the first and second generation bio-­‐fuels,

F.

Bearing in mind the bio-­‐fuel dependency on weather and natural disasters,

G.

Further noting the lack of awareness concerning bioenergy,

H. Deeply regretting the lack of supervision and control of stake-­‐holders and their financial health within the bio-­‐fuel market;

1.

Calls for increasing the number of areas for bioenergy production by means of: a) fertilising semi-­‐deserts, b) creating artificial islands, c) finding uninhabited land;

2.

Calls for the imposition of sanctions for felonies in bio-­‐fuel production;

3.

Draws attention to the need to increase the share of waste by-­‐products of food-­‐based agriculture in bio-­‐ fuel production;

4.

Further recommends conducting scientific research on ways of increasing plant productivity;

5.

Endorses promotion of the use of alternative energies such as solar or wind energy in the production of bio-­‐fuels;

6.

Recommends private entities, governmental and non-­‐governmental organisations to invest in bio-­‐fuel technology and setting low-­‐tax policies;

7.

Encourages increasing the number of greenhouses in seismologically inactive zones;

8.

Supports raising awareness of bio-­‐fuels by means of: a) media campaigns, b) public lectures, c) workshops, d) information booklets, e) eco-­‐games;

9.

Further requests creating monitoring groups, concentrating solely on controlling stakeholders involved in the production of bio-­‐fuel.

Batumi, July 2012

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON INTERNAL MARKET AND CONSUMER PROTECTION Corporate social responsibility has become an essential part of any business strategy in Europe. Which measures should the EU offer to make companies more socially oriented?

Submitted by: Anastasia Dgebuadze (GE), Nino Gabunia (GE), Nana Gurgenidze (GE), Tamar Mujirishvili (GE), Tinatin Murgulia (GE), Orkhan Naghiyev (AZ), Polina Nekhviadovich (PL), Majd Nofal (PS), Inessa Steklova (RU), Revaz Tchanishvili (GE), Vasyl Tsyktor (UA), Tamar Sutidze (GE), Vladimer Utmelidze (GE), Davit Makashvili (Chairperson, GE)

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Bearing in mind that public trust towards the business sector dropped in Europe due to the financial crisis, B.

Noting with regret that Small and Medium-­‐sized Enterprises (SMEs) lack financial and administrative resources to conduct Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities,

C.

Noting with approval that CSR campaigns are usually used as a tool within companies’ PR and marketing strategy,

D. Observing a lack of reliable information regarding CSR activities, E.

Drawing attention to the fact that the concept of CSR is hardly known among companies in Central and Eastern Europe,

F.

Realising that the financial crisis led to a reduction in CSR activities,

G.

Realising that the majority of CSR campaigns are conducted by large corporations, while 99% of European businesses are SMEs;

1.

Recommends conducting trainings and conferences regarding the concept of CSR aimed at managers;

2.

Encourages EUROSTAT to monitor the CSR activities more intensively;

3.

Reaffirms the necessity of the European Corporate Social Responsibility Award;

4.

Further requests helping SMEs to be more involved in CSR activities by: a) having meetings between SMEs representatives and CSR organisations , b) suggesting to them to cooperate with each other to strengthen their CSR campaigns ;

5.

Further recommends reducing taxes for those companies producing environmentally friendly products.

Batumi, July 2012

M OTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE ON C ONSTITUTIONAL A FFAIRS In the light of the recent European Council summit in Brussels, what structural reforms of EU should the leaders have agreed on to pave the way out of the economic downturn? How could the balance between the austerity and growth be ensured?

Submitted by: Tinatin Bliadze (GE), Tamar Chkhaidze (GE), Mate Dvalishvili (GE), Jakob Etzel (AT), Anita Garnuszek (PL), Victoria Klimova (UA), Gergő Kocsis (HU), Narmin Mamedova (AZ), Nino Melikidze (GE), Irakli Meskhi (GE), Mariam Mtsituridze (GE), Koba Narimanishvili (GE), Ani Nozadze (Chairperson, GE), Oleg Shimanskyy (President, UA).

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Alarmed by the imbalance between austerity and growth measures across the European Union (EU), B.

Deeply concerned by the excessive sovereign debt in certain Member States, including Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain,

C.

Realising the negative consequences that the EU might face, in case of a Member State’s default, due to strong economic and political interdependency within the Union,

D. Noting with regret the lack of trust among creditor and debtor Member States, E.

Alarmed by inadequate or non-­‐existent implementation of the austerity measures to ensure compliance with the Convergence Criteria laid down in the Maastricht Treaty by Eurozone Member States,

F.

Bearing in mind that the length of the decision-­‐making process within the EU limits its ability to allocate immediate financial assistance;

1.

Authorises the European Central Bank (ECB) to counsel Member States on their national fiscal policies and give formal advice before adopting national financial legislation;

2.

Requests the ECB to define a set of benchmarks indicating whether the state should be provided with bailout funding;

3.

Recommends the ECB to provide public reports, quarterly, on the financial conditions of the Member States;

4.

Authorises the Court of Justice of the European Union to decide upon the extent of automatic sanctions imposed on the Member States who are not fulfilling austerity requirements,

5.

Calls for the scale of the sanctions to depend on the severity of violation and include financial penalties and/or a suspension of the right to vote in the Council of the European Union for up to six months;

6.

Urges the European Union to collect 20% of national fuel tax revenues and make them available through the European Investment Bank as additional funding for growth.

Batumi, July 2012

M OTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY T HE C OMMITTEE O N E NVIRONMENT , P UBLIC H EALTH A ND F OOD S AFETY Healthcare of the future: what innovative solutions can we offer to promote healthy lifestyle and consequently decrease health-­‐related public spending?

Submitted by: Mariam Chachua (GE), Marcin Chrosciel (PL), Elene Eristavi (GE), Nino Kalmakhelidze (GE), Tamari Khokhobashvili (GE), Giorgi Kolbaia (GE), Gergo Lakatos (HU), Mariam Lataria (GE), Giorgi Metskhvarishvili (GE), Anzhela Movsisyan (AM), Denys Nedin (UA), Iryna Selska (UA), Lasha Vashakidze (GE), Tornike Zurabashvili (Chairperson, GE)

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Bearing in mind the gradually increasing public spending on the healthcare sector, B.

Taking into account the low level of transparency of health-­‐related public spending,

C.

Recognising the lack of efficient disease prevention programmes,

D. Noting with regret the absence of a systematic approach towards healthcare, E.

Deeply disturbed by the lack of sports infrastructure,

F.

Alarmed by the insufficient food control mechanisms in Europe,

G.

Having considered the regular consumption of unhealthy food as a cause of obesity and related diseases,

H. Keeping in mind the low level of public interest in, and awareness of, possible side-­‐effects of food products, I.

Emphasising the lack of information about genetically modified products,

J.

Deeply concerned by the number of people addicted to alcohol, tobacco and drugs due to: i)

high level of stress,

ii)

the presence of legal drugs in Europe,

K. Noting with regret the existing level of air pollution caused by factories and means of transportation;

1.

Calls for support of organisations responsible for monitoring transparency of health-­‐related public expenditure;

2.

Recommends that European governments provide society with existing sport facilities for free;

3.

Recommends that food stores create separate sections for genetically modified food and organic products;

4.

Calls upon the European Union Member States to impose additional taxes for products of low nutritional value, and to provide subsidies for healthy food;

5.

Affirms the creation of a pan-­‐European web-­‐site providing information about potential side effects of food products;

6.

Supports strengthening the role of environmental managers, employed by external food control agencies and exercise their supervisory duty in businesses;

7.

Further encourages celebrities to promote a healthy lifestyle;

8.

Encourages the inclusion of educational materials on healthy lifestyle in school curriculums;

9.

Suggests introducing an obligation for employers to allow days-­‐off for medical screening;

10. Calls for the promotion of cycling through; a) establishing free cycle rental spots, b) creating special cycling trails; 11. Further recommends European governments to make the use of industial filters mandatory.