12th National Selection Conference of EYP Poland - Resolution Booklet

Resolution Booklet 12th National Selection Conference of EYP Poland Wrocław 2015

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Table of Contents GA Schedule ............................................................................................................................................ 3 ENVI ......................................................................................................................................................... 4 AFET ......................................................................................................................................................... 6 FEMM ...................................................................................................................................................... 8

ITRE I ...................................................................................................................................................... 10 ITRE II ..................................................................................................................................................... 12 JURI ........................................................................................................................................................ 14 ITRE III .................................................................................................................................................... 16 ECON...................................................................................................................................................... 19

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GA Schedule 09:15-10:00 – ENVI 10:00-10:45 – AFET 10:45-11:30 – FEMM 11:30-11:50 – Coffee break 11:50-12:35 – ITRE I 12:35-13:20 – ITRE II 13:20-14:05 – Lunch 14:05-14:50 – JURI 14:50-15:35 – ITRE III 15:35-16:20 - ECON 16:20-16:50 – Coffee break 16:50-17:50 – Closing Ceremony 17-50 onwards – Departures

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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT , PUBLIC HEALTH AND F OOD SAFETY In light of the 2020 climate and energy passage, which ass umes 20% cuts in CO2 emissions by 2020, how should the EU effectively fight against pollution, taking into consideration the fact that some of the Member States' economies, including Poland, are still based on coal?

Submitted by:

Mikołaj Brać, Aleksandra Daniluk, Eliza Drogosz, Grzegorz Iwanów, Oskar Koziołek, Kasper Kuna, Natalia Kwiek, Mikołaj Lasota, Karolina Liszewska, Daria Łączna, Zuzanna Nowka, Magdalena Ochman, Katarina Stefanović (RS), Mikołaj Szpunar, Maciej Trzciński, Weronika Kuc (Chairperson, PL)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Observing that numerous EU Member States are heavily dependent on coal 1, hindering their transformation towards a more environmentally-sound energy mix2, B.

Fully aware of the necessity to establish a long-term Renewable Energy Strategy for all Member States unlikely to achieve the 2020 goals3,

C.

Taking into account the economic advantage of non-renewable fuels over green energy sources4,

D. Noting with regret insufficient education of EU citizens about energy production and resulting environmental pollution, E.

Realising that a deficit of environmental policies in non-EU countries is massively contributing to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,

F.

Deeply concerned by a possible rise of unemployment linked to coalmine closures,

G. Fully believing that new workplaces would be created thanks to further development and incorporation of renewable energy technologies into the EU energy mix;

1

Usage of coal in million tones in 2011: Germany 77.6, Poland 59.8, United Kingdom 31.0, Czech Republic 19.5, Italy 15.7 (as collected and compiled by Europe’s Energy Portal).

2 An environmentally sound energy mix should comprise of renewable energy sources in at least 20% as defined by the European Commission through the Europe 2020 targets.

3 The EU's Renewable Energy Directive sets a binding target of 20% final energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020.

4 According to a 2012 report published by Nuclear Energy Agency, the cost of a megawatt of energy (MWh) depending on source was: €0.96 for coal; €16.30 for onshore wind; €13.29 for photovoltaic panels (solar power).

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1.

Calls for a fair distribution of European Commission grants for companies investing in green energy sources5;

2.

Supports the establishment of a European students competition promoting environmental awareness and innovation schemes;

3.

Endorses non-transferability of carbon credits6 not utilised or traded by a company over the period of one fiscal year so as to encourage further investments in renewable energy sources and limit GHG emissions;

4.

Recommends the European Commission to divide the Member States into two groups according to their progress towards reaching the 2020 targets and considering their different levels of economic development7;

5.

Further invites the European Central Bank to consider providing loans for the development of renewable energy sources for Group 2 Member States on preferential terms and conditions;

6.

Encourages the European Commission’s Europe Direct Information Centres8 to closely cooperate with regional authorities in order to introduce: a)

educational and practical workshops covering environmentally sound solutions and ideas for everyday life,

b)

professional requalification courses for coal industry workers to enhance their employability and fulfil the demand for qualified workforce in the renewable energy sector.

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Most funding will be provided for those companies who make the biggest progress in their energy usage, expressed as the percentage share of renewable energy in their energy mix, over a defined period of time.

6 Private companies are required to measure and report their carbon emissions and to hand in one allowance (“carbon credit”) for each tonne they release. Companies can trade their allowances, which provides an incentive for them to reduce their emissions.

7 Group 1 Countries being those who already achieved or are considered very likely to reach their targets and Group 2 Countries those that are behind their individual goals.

8 Europe Direct Information Centres act as a link between citizens and the European Union at a local level. They provide local citizens with information, advice, and assistance about the EU’s legislation, programmes, and procedures.

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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS While the European Union is struggling to find its equilibrium in the global energy policy, the Arctic is becoming a key region for the future of energy supply. How should the EU interact with the other stakeholders, such as the non -EU Member States in the Arctic Council, to achieve a balance between short and middle term interests and long term consequences?

Submitted by:

Tomasz Biernacki Brian Camacho, Renáta Chalupská (CZ), Aleksandra Dziadoń, Norbert Gacek, Sebastian Kula, Bartosz Maćkowiak, Jakub Pelc, Michał Skwarek, Hanna Sokolska, Filip Sypnicki, Bartosz Tomaszuk, Małgorzata Wróbewska, Anna Zychowicz, Giedrė Birmontaitė (Chairperson, LT), Maciej Kryński (Chairperson, PL)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Noting with regret the insignificant representation of the European Union in the Arctic, B.

Bearing in mind the interest in offshore oil exploration in the Arctic and other frontier regions has recently been increasing,

C.

Aware of the environmental dangers including the devastation of seabed and maritime environment, possible oil-related accidents and the risk of pollution causing ice sheets to shrink,

D. Deeply disturbed by the negative effects natural resource exploitation could have on wildlife, which provides both food and economic value, E.

Noting with concern climate change and its global consequences,

F.

Recognising the vast amount of fossil fuels9 located in the Arctic and the immense demand for these goods on the global market,

G. Realising the benefits of the extraction of energy resources to regional, national and global economies, H. Observing Canada’s, Denmark’s, Norway’s, and the Russian Federation’s submissions of bids to claim vast territories in the Arctic and therefore noting with concern possible further escalation of political and territorial conflicts, I.

Alarmed by the increasing militarisation of certain regions in the Arctic,

J.

Bearing in mind the possibility of conflicts arising between local inhabitants of the Arctic and drilling companies on the basis of side effects of the exploitation of natural resources,

K.

Expresses its appreciation for The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples’10 efficiency in protecting the rights of native people;

L. 9

Regretting the EU’s unsuccessful attempts to become an observer state in the Arctic Council:

30% of global natural gas resources and 13% of oil resources according to U.S. Geological Survey.

10

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People sets out the individual and collective rights of indigenous peoples, as well as their rights to culture, identity, language, employment, health, education and other issues.

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1.

Renews the EU’s appeal to be granted the permanent observer status in the Arctic Council by: a)

obligating Iceland to support the above-mentioned claim in order to become an EU member,

b) supporting Norway in the North-East Passage Affair11 hoping to achieve their support, c)

expecting agreement of EU Member States of the Arctic Council in matters concerning abovementioned claims;

d) affirming that claims made by the Denmark concerning the Lomonosov’s Ridge 12 as rightful; 2.

Calls upon the European Commission to encourage the EU Arctic states to recall the EU’s interests in setting gas prices to make it more affordable for EU Members;

3.

4.

Recommends the Arctic Council members to establish preventive and emergency groups consisting of: a)

an emergency service dealing with unexpected accidents such as oil spills;

b)

experts in the fields of climate change and environmental issues;

Appreciates the continuous work done by non-governmental organisations such as World Wide Fund for Nature13 and Greenpeace towards raising awareness about environmental issues in the Arctic;

5.

Encourages the Arctic Council Members and the oil industry to support research into risk-lowering technologies and adopt higher standards for spill prevention and cleaning;

6.

Further invites the Arctic Council to raise the question of maritime borders during its conferences and endorses a peaceful settlement of the issue;

7.

Calls upon the Arctic Council Members to demilitarise this region by limiting the amount of soldiers stationed;

8.

Approves the partnership between the EU and the Inuit Circumpolar Council 14 regarding humanitarian actions;

9.

Calls for the EU Member States in the Arctic Council to obligate oil and gas companies to provide their employees with: a)

suitable wages,

b)

safe working conditions,

c)

healthcare.

11

The Northeast Passage is an Arctic Ocean shipping route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, traversing the Arctic following Russia's and Norway's coasts.

12 The Lomonosov Ridge is a 1,800 km long ridge, which divides the Arctic Ocean into two major basins: the Eurasia Basin and the Amerasia Basin.

13 The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is an international non-governmental organisation, working on issues regarding the conservation, research and restoration of the environment.

14 The Inuit Circumpolar Council is a transnational non-governmental organisation representing 150 000 Inuit across the Circumpolar North. The organisation represents four different Inuit regional organisations in Canada, Alaska, Greenland and Russia

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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON

WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND GENDER EQUALITY

Taking into account the under-representation of women in scientific disciplines and careers still persists, with women only representing 33% of European researchers, what can the EU do to take further steps towards gender equality in this field?

Submitted by:

Piotr Bajgus, Wojcieh Bronsztejn, Yoo-Jin Byeon Borkowski, Antoni Janas, Przemysław Kameczura, Magdalena Kruk, Anna Lubaszewska, Małgorzata Majczak, Patryk Maliszewski, Gabriela Motyka, Anna Ścigalska, Michal Sklenář (CZ), Karol Szybist, Milena Wilbrandt, Szymon Ziemba, Zuzanna Laudańska (Chairperson, PL), Thomas Willems (Chairperson, BE)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Alarmed by the fact that gender stereotypes are still common in society, B.

Emphasizing the fact that despite the same cognitive and learning abilities, women are under-represented in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields,

C.

Deeply concerned that the Glass Ceiling Index 15 is still too high,

D. Fully aware that 53% of tertiary educated people who were employed as professionals and technicians, however only 32% of scientists and engineers were women, E.

Aware of the fact that many women are forced to choose between their career and maternity under high social pressure,

F.

Noting with regret that the number of women decreases along the career and educational ladder in STEM fields,

G. Recalling that in 2010 only 15,5% of the European institutions of higher education sectors were headed by women and just 10 % of universities had a female rector, H. Taking into account the results of the American Association of University Women 16 (AAUW) research, which showed that women earn only about 78% salary of their male co-workers with the same qualifications, I.

Noting with deep concern that in the EU one out of three women have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace;

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A Glass Ceiling Index (GCI) indicates the opportunity or the lack of it for women to move up the hierarchical ladder in their professions. The index stood at 1.8 in 2010.If the GCI is equal to 1 this means that there is no Glass Ceiling factor. A score more than 1 means that women are under-represented while a score less than 1 measures an over-representation.

16 The American Association of University Women is a non-profit organisation that advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research.

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1.

Calls upon all EU Member States to provide women with flexible working hours for two years after giving birth;

2.

Encourages Member States’ governments to implement paid paternal leave for fathers in order to increase women’s flexibility at work and share family responsibilities between parents;

3.

Aims at preventing the Glass Ceiling Effect by establishing EU-wide campaigns and educational workshops for girls to increase their self-confidence;

4.

Emphasises the need for an educational programme concerning the importance of gender equality in order to reduce gender stereotypes among younger generations;

5.

Recommends the cooperation between Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and technical universities aiming at promoting STEM fields studies and careers among girls by: a)

creating advertisements,

b)

organising open days, lectures and science fairs at the universities,

c)

distributing leaflets;

6.

Strongly supports organising projects such as “Science: It’s a girl thing!” which aim at bringing female role models in the STEM fields closer to girls and encourage them to go into scientific careers;

7.

Recommends establishing a European label for companies in which payment is equal for both male and female employees;

8.

Urges the European Commission to help the victims of sexual harassment at workplaces by providing funds for: a)

creating a common help line,

b)

providing psychological help,

c)

promoting above mentioned methods by a series of advertisements.

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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY , RESEARCH AND ENERGY I The limits of renewable energy sources: Keeping in mind problems such as grid overloads and unreliability of energy sources, what can be done on an EU level to support Member States who greatly rely on renewable energy?

Submitted by:

Jan Adamski, Jerzy Calik, Jakub Filipek, Michał Hilse, Mikołaj Jodłowski, Magdalena Kozak, Hugon Oziewicz, Dominika Piosik, Nikola Ristić (RS), Justyna Rojek, Piotr Sajdak, Marcin Skiba, Aleksy Stankiewicz, Aleksandra Wiśniowska, Klaudia Żupnik, Michaela Novotna (Chairperson, CZ), Jakub Taratuta (Chairperson, PL)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Noting the 2020 strategy on renewable energy 17, B.

Taking into account the potential of the smart grid, which is an energy distribution system, able to monitor and automatically adjust power output in response to demand and production potential,

C.

Alarmed by the lack of possibilities of energy storage in case of overproduction for further usage,

D. Bearing in mind that every Member State uses different renewable resources on various levels, E.

Noting with regret that the EU does not possess the technological ability to produce and store renewable energy efficiently,

F.

Aware of the fact that possessing energy from renewable sources requires additional funding,

G. Noting with deep concern that the development of renewable energy cannot accelerate without public awareness and support, H. Taking into account that current grids are inefficient and unreliable: therefore their usage can easily lead to blackouts and power production fluctuations;

1.

Supports introducing power storage and production solutions, such as Tesla Powerwall 18 or Off-Grid and On-Grid19;

2.

Recommends to establish an EU dependent power bank, which would serve as a power storage and energy supply centre for emergency situations;

3.

Further recommends to introduce new a goal for the Europe 2030 strategy, obliging Member States dependent on renewable resources to diversify their sources of energy;

17 The 2020 strategy on renewable energy is a set of EU goals to be met by 2020, including 20 % decrease in CO2

emission, 20 % increase in efficiency and the share of renewable energy in energy production.

18 Household rechargable battery which allows to use solar energy even during unfavourable conditions and to provide a backup electricity supply.

19 Off-grid is an installation independent from the grid, meaning energy can be provided even during grid failure.

On-grid is cooperating and supporting the normal power grid.

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4.

Emphasises the need for support to existing funds, such as The Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund, which will: a)

support university projects, such as The European Masters in Renewable Energy 20,

b)

support private companies and investors, such as Saule Technologies 21,

c)

support implementing technologies from abroad, such as Gridco 22 system;

5.

Calls for social campaigns about renewable energy targeted on both the general public and companies, which will prioritise the implementations of smart grids, microgeneration 23 and power storage;

6.

Encourages implementing smart grids in order to sufficiently meet the demand for energy, while in the case of energy need, the Member States are queued based on their demand and presence of the campaigns.

20

An initiative proposed and developed by the association of European Renewable Energy Research Centres (EUREC) and a consortium of Universities.

21 Number one company working on the commercial application of perovskites, a mineral used in a new generation of photovoltaic cells.

22 Gridco is a company that has developed a product which uses power electronics to smooth out spikes in voltage caused by solar generators.

23 The small-scale generation of heat and electric power by individuals, small businesses and communities to meet their own needs, as alternatives or supplements to traditional centralized grid-connected power.

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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY , RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY II In 2014 the Nobel Prize for Physics was awarded to the inventors of the blue light -emitting diode (LED), while its use remains mostly unregulated within the EU. How can the EU find a balance between the technical development and the environmental and health issues LEDs can cause?

Submitted by:

Michał Barski, Katarzyna Biziuk, Karolina Jankowska, Michał Karbownik, Sandra Koziołkiewicz, Adam Kozłowski, Julia Krzyżanowska, Michal Kytnar (RS), Karol Pawłowski, Kamil Rycharski, Adrianna Siwak, Natalia Sudoł, Bartosz Szczepanik, Marta Tymańska, Wojciech Zajączkowski, Zuzanna Janiszewska (Chairperson, PL), Natallia Khenkina (Chairperson, BY)

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Guided by the EU’s focus on energy efficiency and objectives to reduce the energy consumption, B.

C.

Keeping in mind disadvantages of traditional light bulbs and luminaries such as: i)

use of hazardous substances (e.g. mercury) in production;

ii)

low energy efficiency due to the high heat production;

iii)

short lifespan,

Noting with regret general unawareness about LEDs’: i)

environmental and economic advantages;

ii)

negative health effects and other throwbacks,

D. Emphasising that blue LEDs are among the causes of numerous health conditions, including: i)

irreparable damage of the light-sensitive cells in the retina;

ii)

age-related macular degeneration24;

iii)

disturbances in circadian and sleep-wake cycles;

iv)

endocrine and immune systems disorders;

v)

osteoporosis,

E.

Emphasising the need for research and further studies regarding the environmental and health impact that LEDs may have,

F.

Realising the necessity of further investments into LEDs’ industry and research,

G. Considering the environmental and health benefits brought by the developing organic light-emitting diodes (OLED)25 technology; H. Deeply concerned by the poor quality of the components that are used by several LED manufacturers,

24

Age-related macular degeneration is a disease affecting the light-sensitive cells in the eyes.

OLED- An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) is a LED in which the emissive electroluminescent layer is a film of organic, environmental-friendly compounds.

25

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I.

Fully alarmed by the lack of regulations concerning LED production and safety among the Member States of the EU,

J.

Deeply concerned about the impact that the introduction of regulations may impose on the market,

K.

Taking note of: i)

the generation of waste LEDs contribute to;

ii)

the lack of the recycling stations for LED light bulbs,

L.

Deeply disturbed by the damage LED light may cause to museum exhibits;

1.

Encourages Member States to include LED- related information into educational curricula of: a)

scholars,

b)

medical personnel;

2.

Supports the on-going research funded through the Horizon 2020 26 programme;

3.

Further recommends Member States to introduce tax reductions for OLEDs’ producers to promote their accessibility for customers;

4.

Calls for: a)

defining materials proved to be harmful by the aforementioned research,

b)

banning such materials from LEDs production if a less harmful alternative is present,

c)

sanctioning the producers not respecting the aforementioned banning;

5.

Requests labelling of LED bulbs’ packages to contain information on colour temperature, luminous flux 27, energy consumption, L7028, colour-rendering index (CRI)29, lumen equivalence30, and possible health and environmental impact;

6.

Reaffirms the freedom of choice of lighting sources for the Member States’ citizens for the personal use;

7.

Emphasising the importance of the subsidiarity principle in delegating the choice of lighting in public places to local authorities, whilst taking into consideration the citizens’ opinion through direct communication;

8.

Encourages the Member States to employ LED devices in extreme weather conditions due to their resistance to high and low temperatures;

9.

Endorses the creation of additional LED recycling spots and adapting existing ones;

10. Urges the Member States’ governments to spread information about the possible risks connected to the use of LED light bulbs in exhibitions.

26

Horizon 2020 – the main financial instrument for research and innovation of the European Commission that runs from 2014 to 2020 with a €70.2 billion budget.

27 Luminous flux – energy radiated over wavelengths sensitive to the human eye, from about 330 nm to 780 nm.

28 L70 – the point at which the fixture has dimmed to 90%, 80% or 70% of its original output. The IESNA has developed two standards used to rate the lifespan of LED light sources.

29 CRI – a quantitative measure of lights’ ability to reproduce the colours of various objects faithfully in comparison with an ideal or natural light source.

30 Lumen equivalence – equivalence to an incandescent bulb with a specific wattage.

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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON LEGAL AFFAIRS Being aware of the increasing problems caused by climate change, how should the EU position itself considering climate refugees and how can the union legally adapt to this issue?

Submitted by:

Wiktor Danel, Patrycja Gliwka, Karolina Jerzyk, Krzysztof Koryciński, Jakub Matyjaszczyk, Jovan Mitić (RS), Maciej Mucha, Zuzanna Murzyńska, Dominika Nowak, Natalia Szewczyk, Marcin Tutajewski, Agata Wojtera, Oskar Wrona, Mikołaj Wyrzykowski, Aleksander Żołądkiewicz, Iina Lappalainen (Chairperson, FI)

The European Youth Parliament, A. Fully alarmed by the fact that environmentally displaced people31 are not considered refugees , since climate change is not defined as a reason of forced migration in the Geneva Convention 32, B.

Taking into consideration that due to financial limitations and lack of a concrete plan, the Member States are not able to provide the refugees the aid needed ,

C.

Noting with regret that the cultural differences between environmental refugees and the native citizens of a Member State can lead to intolerant attitudes,

D. Alarmed by the developments in the world climate that increase the migration of climate refugees, E.

Deeply concerned by the inefficient way of assessing information about climate refugees,

F.

Realising the lack of cooperation between Member States due to the not fully developed Common European Asylum System33;

1.

Calls for the European Commission to create a regulation for environmentally displaced people granting them the status of a refugee within the European Union borders and applying the Common European Asylum System procedures for them;

2.

Urges to clarify the responsibilities of taking care and granting aid for climate refugees;

3.

Requests the Member States to register all incoming refugees in the EURODAC system; 34

31

Environmentally displaced people are people who are forced to leave their home due to environmental changes.

32 Geneva convention consists of four treaties and three additional protocols that are the pillars for the international law.

33 The European Union has established a Common European Asylum System to harmonise the way Member States deal with asylum seekers.

34 EURODAC is an EU asylum seeker fingerprint database, which registers asylum seekers in the Member State they arrive in. This Member State is then responsible for approving the asylum seeker application. Due to the large amount of refugees, some Member States cannot manage to register all incoming asylum seekers.

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4.

Recommends strengthened cooperation among charities, foundations and the European Union to resettle areas temporarily destroyed by natural disasters;

5.

Expresses its hope creating an adaption programme to ensure that environmentally displaced people, who cannot return to their home areas, are able to adapt to the society;

6.

Supports enhancing the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund to prepare emergency financial bases for climate refugees;35

7.

Recommends creating a map, which will inform EU citizens about environmentally hazardous places and possible risks on the specific area;

8.

Calls upon forming a social campaign to raise awareness about the difficulties climate refugees face.

35

Asylum ,Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) is fund that promotes the efficient management of migration flows.

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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY , RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY III Almost 17.000 monitored space debris objects are currently orbiting around Earth.

Considering the large impact on space missions and consequently further space research, how should the EU in collaboration with the European Space Agency react?

Submitted by:

Marcel Bielówka, Magdalena Cichy, Marcin Czeczelewski, Maciej Draguła, Julia Filbier, Alicja Gaszewska, Vít Hránek (CZ), Jagoda Kochan, Maciej Kowalski, Natalia Malig, Olga Maliszewska, Weronika Mikulska, Magdalena Śliwińska, Jan Szeląg, Michal Koláček (Chairperson, CZ)

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Fully alarmed by the Kessler syndrome36 eventually resulting in: i)

impossibility of future space missions and research,

ii)

destroying satellites with technology which is crucial for everyday live on Earth, such as Global Positioning System (GPS), mobile-phone networks or weather forecast,

iii)

catastrophic consequences on space rockets and space stations, especially the International Space Station,

B.

Bearing in mind the obstacles when planning and executing space missions, especially the expensiveness of developing and testing new technologies,

C.

Observing the lack of practical outcomes of scientific research worldwide causing the inability to either repair or mitigate non-functioning satellites, monitor objects of a smaller size and destroy larger amount of space debris,

D. Noting with regret the lack of cooperation amongst European, as well as non-European, governments, space agencies and private companies in regards to solving the problem due to historical, political and ambition issues, E.

Expressing its appreciation to the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) 37 on tackling the problem through proposing guidelines and holding annual meetings,

F.

Taking into account that existing guidelines, such as the IADC Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines 38 or the International Code of Conduct for Outer Space 39, regarding space laws are not united and binding for both national space agencies and private companies, especially in the field of:

36

Kessler Syndrome is a scenario in which the density of objects in low Earth orbit is high enough that collisions between objects could cause a cascade – each collision generating space debris that increases the likelihood of further collisions.

37 The Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) is an international governmental forum for the worldwide coordination of activities related to the issues of space debris. The primary purposes of the IADC are to exchange information on regarding research activities between member space agencies (including ESA).

38 The document describes the guidelines adopted by the 11 members of IADC which emphasises costeffectiveness that can be considered during planning a space mission in order to minimise generation of debris during operations.

39 The International Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities was proposed by the EU as a transparency and confidence-building measure. It is designed to enhance the safety, security and sustainability of activities in outer space.

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i)

limits regulating sending objects into space,

ii)

concrete consequences in case of breaking defined rules,

iii)

end-of-mission debris disposal procedure,

G. Having examined a severe disproportion of funding granted for projects within the space industry, neglecting space debris research, in the EU Multiannual Financial Framework for the years 2014-2020, H. Realising the low engagement of European, as well as non-European, politicians in the space debris issue, I.

Noting with deep concern the lack of awareness amongst citizens of the Members States mainly caused by the topic rarely being apparent in media and not being a part of secondary-school curricula within the Member States;

1.

Recommends the European Space Agency (ESA) in collaboration with other space agencies to: a)

further develop debris-removal technologies (e.g. ADR1EN net system40, DeorbitSail electromagnetic field system41),

b)

further work on technologies for deorbiting or reorbiting non-functioning satellites,

c)

conduct research on satellites’ protection from space-debris collisions, as well as possible reparation of non-functioning satellites,

d)

initiate studies on more effective propellant for space missions;

2.

Supports projects, such as the Grasshopper42, which allow space rockets to reuse their launching system;

3.

Calls upon creating a common international programme for monitoring space debris based on current systems, such as the U. S. Space Surveillance Network43;

4.

Expresses its hope that all interested stakeholders will overcome their potential obstacles by being aware of the internationality and importance of the issue and focus on further cooperation in this field;

5.

Urges the European Commission in cooperation with ESA to propose a binding document for the world’s space agencies and private companies conducting space missions whilst setting rules regarding space debris, such as: a)

creating exact regulations hindering space agencies and private companies from producing larger number of space debris,

b)

equipping every object launching into space with a self-deorbiting programme using a manoeuvring system,

c)

setting exact penalties for breaking agreed rules;

6.

Trusts IADC to support the above-mentioned and present the idea to the United Nations in order to establish international law;

7.

Recommends to private companies to become members of IADC in order to further participate in dialogue about the space debris issue;

40

The EU-funded ADR1EN project’s objective is to validate by testing and qualify for space a scaled-up demonstrator of the First European System for Active Debris Removal with Nets (ADR1EN) and develop the necessary business and commercialisation plans to reach the market and boost the growth of European companies.

41 The DeorbitSail project is a collaboration to build a satellite with a deployable sail that will demonstrate rapid deorbiting from Low Earth Orbit.

42 Grasshopper is an experimental project of a space rocket that makes vertical take-offs and landings possible.

43 The U. S. Space Surveillance Network regularly examines the trajectories of orbital debris to identify possible close encounters.

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8.

Calls upon the European Commission to expand the Horizon 2020 programme44 in terms of tackling this issue and redistribute funds designed for space industry towards the space debris research industry;

9.

Further supports spreading the information regarding the issue by: a)

involving media and newspapers,

b)

organising international meetings,

c)

making space debris the cover topic for the World Earth Day,

d)

promoting informational programmes for the general public;

10. Endorses Member States to include information about space debris in secondary school curricula whilst involving experts and creating educational materials.

44

Funding opportunities under the Horizon 2020 programme are set out in multiannual work programmes, which cover the large majority of support available whilst being prepared by the European Commission.

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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON

ECONOMIC AND MONETARY AFFAIRS

The EU is falling behind in terms of innovation on the global market, especially considering the investment into research and development. How can the EU foster innovation and how can the access to funding for innovative projects be facilitated?

Submitted by:

Nestor Avramov (RS), Mateusz Bartoszek, Stanisław Garstecki, Kamila Giec, Piotr Gierda, Grzegorz Jama, Karina Jankowska, Marcin Kleibert, Ferdynand Makłowicz, Maciej Mańka, Nina Piotrowska, Anna Sołowiej, Maciej Telega, Jakub Zalesiński, Klaudia Żurowska, Elif Aydinlandi (Chairperson, DE), George Hadjipavlis (Chairperson, CY)

The European Youth Parliament, A.

Deeply concerned about the distribution of the Horizon 2020 45 budget as it fails to foster innovation due to bureaucratic measures hindering young start-ups to enter the market,

B.

Recognises discouraging taxation systems in most EU Member States preventing entrepreneurs from setting up companies within the EU, as they are not competitive in comparison to other global leading economies,

C.

Further noting overly complicated bureaucratic measures discouraging young entrepreneurs to set up new business,

D.

Realising the existence of a development gap between EU Member States leading the EU to fall back as a whole on the international market,

E.

Having in mind that the current financial crisis hinders innovation in the EU due to the reduction in the availability of funds,

F.

Noting barriers for funding Research & Development caused by: i)

differences in Member States’ legislation,

ii)

a lack of communication between governments,

G.

Noting with deep concern the differences in Member States interests causing problems with further integration and discouraging cooperation in the fields of Research & Development,

H.

Acknowledging a delay of distribution of Horizon 2020 funds to businesses due to an overcomplicated distribution process and involvement of governments,

I.

Having examined labour laws affecting the efficiency of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs),

J.

Realising the social aims of the European Union do not allow for maximum economic efficiency as in other more capitalistic markets like the U.S.,

K.

Alarmed by inefficient school curricula not teaching marketable-practical subjects causing the youth to be discouraged and unmotivated to start their own innovative projects,

45

Horizon 2020 is an EU fund for research and development.

19

L.

Deeply disturbed by the fact that, according to the World Economic Forum, 45% of Europeans say it never crossed their mind to start a business,

M. Recognising the unequal post-graduate opportunities amongst EU Member States, as certain Member

States do not offer adequate post graduate opportunities, N.

Noting with regret that only 12% of SME Instruments46 applicants pass the quality threshold, which is mainly attributed to the high amount of bureaucracy in the application and selection procedure;

1.

Encourages EU Member States to abstain from taxing start-ups for the first two years since their formation, as to support them in their most vulnerable period of activity;

2.

Recommends that the European Commission creates a new programme by using Horizon 2020 funds with the sole purpose of funding start-ups as they are allocated inadequately in the existing scheme;

3.

Strongly advises to alter the selection of criteria for SME Instrument applicants by emphasising the potential success rate of the enterprise and simplifying the paperwork required;

4.

Further recommends EU Member States to encourage their local Chambers of Commerce to create a programme promoting start-ups in order to help them become more visible on the market;

5.

Calls for the European Commission to support and motivate young entrepreneurs by: a)

funding free business coaching seminars on a local level,

b)

proposing pan-European business competitions;

6.

Calls for the national governments to reassess their secondary curricula as to encourage more practical skills and more market orientation;

7.

Endorses the unification of tertiary education professor exchange programmes in order to facilitate an easier exchange of information in regards to Research & Development studies;

8.

Urges the European Commission to consider allocating proper funds towards the improvement in less economically developed EU Member States as to support the rise of academic level;

9.

Strongly recommends the European Commission to enhance Erasmus+ by creating an intra-European programme for post graduates to help them find employment in R&D sectors all across Europe;

10. Encourages that EU Member States simplify their company registration process by following the example

of the simplified process in the Czech Republic as to make the start up of companies more viable; 11. Demands that the European Research Council 47 establishes a network of scientific complexes throughout

the European Union in cooperation with private companies to promote joint Research & Development between Member States; 12. Encourages simplifying the current EU patent procedures in order to increase the number of patents and

attract foreign investors and make them more internationally competitive; 13. Urges the EU negotiators of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership 48 treaty to include a

provision which shall harmonise patent laws on the EU and US market to foster economic development through bilateral cooperation and mutual development; 14. Strongly suggests shortening the period of inaccessibility to financial support after bankruptcy.

46

SME Instruments is an executive agency that supports SMEs under the Horizon 2020 programme.

47 The European Research Council is a public EU body which coordinates Research and Development.

48 TTIP is a transatlantic trade agreement the EU is currently negotiating with the United States of America.

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