Resolution

Booklet
2nd Baltic Forum
of the European Youth Parliament


TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS _______________________________________________________________ 1
ORDER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ___________________________________________________ 2
ORDER OF THE OPENING CEREMONY __________________________________________________ 3
GENERAL ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE _____________________________________________________ 4
BASIC TIPS FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY __________________________________________________ 4
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON CULTURE AND EDUCATION _____________ 5
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS _____________________ 7
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL LIBERTIES, JUSTICE AND HOME
AFFAIRS _________________________________________________________________________ 11
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY, RESEARCH AND ENERGY _____ 14
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON SECURITY AND DEFENCE ______________ 17
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS _____________________ 20
THE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY ___________________ 23
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON LEGAL AFFAIRS ______________________ 26
COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS ___________________________________ 31

ORDER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

18th of September - Day 1

12:30 – 13:30 Lunch
13:30 – 14:45 Opening Ceremony
14:45 – 16:15 Committees CULT, AFET
16:15 – 16:45 Coffee Break
16:45 – 18:15 Committees LIBE, ITRE
18:15 – 19:00 Dinner

19th of September - Day 2

10:00 – 11:30 Committees SEDE, DROI
11:30 – 12:15 Coffee Break
12:15 – 13:45 Committees ENVI, JURY
13:45 – 14:45 Lunch
14:45 – 15:30 Committee EMPL
15:30 – 16:00 Coffee Break
16:00 – 17:00 Closing Ceremony

ORDER OF THE OPENING CEREMONY
13:30 Welcome
13:35 Johann Sebastian Bach Sarabanda from the 3rd suite for cello solo in C
dur
13:40 Speech by Ambassador Rolf Schütte, Ambassador of Germany in Latvia
13:50 Speech by Lukas Fendel (DE), Executive Director of the European
Youth Parliament
14:00 Speech by Alise Golovacka (LV), President of EYP Latvia
14:05 Jacques Ibert ‘Pièce’ for flute solo
14:10 Speech by Dana Kristiāna Skrupska (LV) and Mazen Zibara (LV), Head-
Organisers of the 2nd Baltic Forum of the EYP
14:20 Speech by Koka Kapanadze (GE), President of the 2nd Baltic Forum of
the EYP
14:30 European Anthem
14:30 General Assembly Introduction
14:45 1st Debate: United in diversity: With Russian minorities living in the
Baltics for decades, what measures can the EU in collaboration with
Baltic governments take to further integrate Russian minorities in the
social sector?
15:30 2nd Debate: Winds of change in the East: Given the recent
developments of the relations between the EU and the Eastern
Partnership (EaP) countries, what role should the EU play in the
development of democratic systems in the region and promote further
integration?
16:15 Coffee Break

GENERAL ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE

1. Reading of resolutions in committees

2. Defence speech (3 minutes)
3. 2x Attack speech (2 minutes)
4. Response to the Attack speeches (1 minute)
5. Open debate
6. Summation speech (3 minutes, 1 or 2 people)
7. Voting

BASIC TIPS FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY

1. Speak clearly and slowly so that everybody can hear you.

2. Be respectful of the work that has been put into the resolution of other
committees. Give them the attention they deserve.
3. At the General Assembly you are simulating what it is like to be a real
parliamentarian. We therefore expect you to use formal language and show
exemplary behaviour inside the venue.
4. Try making points of discussion instead of asking questions. Often, questions
are hidden arguments. You come off much stronger if you explain the point that
you want to make, as it allows the rest of the delegates to follow your train of
thought.
5. Challenge yourself: make sure that you contribute at least once to the debates,
preferably more!

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON CULTURE AND

EDUCATION

United in diversity: With Russian minorities living in the Baltics for decades, what
measures can the EU in collaboration with Baltic governments take to further
integrate Russian speaking minority in the social sector?

Submitted by:
Alyona Didenko (LV), Elina Rozenfeld (EE), Elizabete Reinika (LV),
Sofia Pribludnaja (EE), Svenja Landwehr (DE), Uku Urb (EE), Vineta
Santa Margeviča (LV), Viktorija Jegorova (LV), Adrija Zaķe
(Chairperson, LV)

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Alarmed by the escalated tension between Latvian nationals and Russian

speaking minority following the rejected constitutional referendum of 20121 on
establishing Russian as the second official language,
B. Noting with concern that Russian speaking minorities experience difficulties
using the official language of the state on a day-to-day basis as a result of
setting aside official languages in certain Russian-speaking kindergartens and
schools,
C. Pointing out that underrepresentation of Russian minority representatives on
the decision-making levels might contribute to negligence of integration
process,
D. Deeply conscious that historically formed high regionalisation of Russian
speaking minorities in the Baltics has led to a significant cultural divide,
E. Alarmed by the rise of Russian propaganda and biased coverage by different
news agencies, which results in contradictory presentations of the same events,
F. Condemning the discriminatory statements towards the Russian minority made
by politicians, representatives of certain media or civil society organisations,

1
Latvian constitutional referendum in 2012 proposed establishing Russian as the second official language in
Latvia and resulted in 74,8% voting against the proposal.

G. Regretting the prevailing social exclusion of Russian speaking minority in the

Baltic region due to significant differences in language proficiency which could
contribute to their unemployability.

Improving the current state of social inclusion

1. Urges the governments of Baltic states as well as local NGOs to further

increase the level of official language proficiency of Russian speaking
minorities by:
a. providing them with additional language courses of the official language,
b. supporting inter-school informal events for both Lithuanians, Latvians,
Estonians and their minorities;

2. Directs the European Commission through the Cohesion Fund2 to increase

funding in poorer areas predominantly inhabited by Russian minorities in the
Baltic region;

Ensuring fair representation and presentation

3. Strongly urges local NGOs to create media campaigns aimed at emphasising

the importance of civic participation and informing them about their voting
rights;
4. Encourages media outlets to ensure thorough fact checks on issues regarding
Russian speaking minorities;

Eliminating discrimination of Russian minorities

5. Encourages Baltic state governments to decrease the level of social division

between the native and Russian speaking kindergartens and schools;
Calls upon employers in the region to forgo enquiring the ethnicity of potential
employees during the application process.

2
Cohesion Fund provides EU funding for the strengthening of economical, social and territorial continuity of
sustainable development within the areas of interest.

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Winds of change in the East: Given the recent developments of the relations
between the EU and the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries, what role should
the EU play in the development of democratic system in the region and promote
further integration?

Submitted by:
Alina Faskhutdinova (EE), Amina Furculița (MD), Charles Mabbutt
(UK), Dārta Cīrule (LV), Jakub Pypkowski (PL), Joseph Breen (UK),
Kristina Funk (EE), Michaela Eșanu (MD), Elina Mäkelä, Chairperson
(FI)

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Gravely concerned that the Eastern Partnership countries (EaP) fail to meet the
standards of the European Union (EU) on different levels, as a result of:
1. harbouring broad and systematic corruption,
2. poor quality and inefficiency of justice systems,
3. actions that directly violate the United Nations (UN) Charter on
Fundamental Human Rights,
4. lack of political pluralism,
B. Regretting the prevalence of Euroscepticism in the EaP countries as a result of
anti-EU propaganda and the shortcomings or inefficiencies of pro-EU and EU-
funded political parties,
C. Disturbed by the lack of political will for democratic changes in Moldova and
Azerbaijan, leading to slow progress towards EU standards of freedom, legal
integrity, and social welfare,
D. Deeply concerned by the misuse of the EU funding intended for development
of infrastructure and education by Moldova, Ukraine, Armenia, and Georgia3,
E. Acknowledging with gratitude EU support for energy integration between
Azerbaijan, Georgia, and the EU through the South Caucasus Pipeline,
F. Concerned about the lack of visa-free travel arrangements between the EU and
Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus,

3
e.g.Despite a €550 million package from 2010 to 2013 dispersed through several EU instruments and
mechanisms, substantial impacts or reforms were not seen in Moldova.

G. Appreciating the already existing EU-EaP integration efforts, including:

1. the signing of the Association Agreements between the EU and
Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine,
2. visa-free travel agreements between the EU and Georgia, Ukraine and
Moldova.
H. Concerned that talks on Association Agreements with Azerbaijan and Belarus
have as of yet failed to be initiated;
I. Fully aware of Russian influence in the EaP countries through military
presence, economic dependence, and political leverage,
J. Taking note of startling military developments along Europe’s Eastern border,
such as Zapad exercises and UN-Russian peacekeeping mission in Ukraine,
K. Alarmed that the Armenia-Azerbaijan zone of contention fosters an atmosphere
of non-cooperation and instability throughout the region, resulting in a poor
foundation for positive EU relations,
L. Conscious that military presence or prevalence of conflict in a country is a
hindrance to economic integration and political development;

Democratic System Development in the EaP countries

1. Invites the EU to organise progress reporting and thematic peer review

meetings between members of the European Court of Justice (ECJ), European
Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) representatives and
members of national Courts of Justice in EaP countries;
2. Instructs the European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI) to financially subsidise
EaP countries proportionally to their efforts in reforming justice systems, fighting
corruption, and fostering;
3. Encourages the European External Action Service (EEAS) to work together
with relevant Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), such as Amnesty
International, to create campaigns promoting human rights protection and
freedom of speech in EaP countries;
4. Urges the EaP countries to permit freedom of movement and expression to EU
journalists visiting and reporting in the EaP countries;

Integration with the EU and Managing the Russian Presence

5. Further invites the EU to cooperate with the EaP countries to increase financial
incentives for the formation of democratic and pro-EU pressure groups,
following the example of the Organisation of Ukrainian Expellees;
6. Requests the EEAS to promote the positive effects of the EU’s actions in the
EaP countries, through media campaigns and other social initiatives;
7. Suggests that the European Commission withdraw support from parties that
operate under a pro-EU name, yet fail to effectively convey the message of EU
values and to implement sufficient reforms in areas of concern;
8. Urges the Member States and the EaP countries to further develop their
cooperation in the areas of energy, transport, and trade;
9. Calls for all Member States to condemn Russian military presence in Ukraine,
Georgia, Moldova, and Belarus, and to extend the existing economic sanctions
on Russia;
10. Strongly affirms that the EU supports the UN initiative for a heavy UN
peacekeeper presence in Ukraine throughout the course of the ceasefire with
Russia;
11. Appeals for the EEAS to lend its support to the negotiations mediated by the
Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on the
Azerbaijan-Armenia zone of contention;

Developing Infrastructure and Agreements

12. Encourages the European Commission to support the development of e-

governance in the economic and government services of EaP countries, in
order to contribute to the transparency of the money spending process and
corruption in the public;
13. Calls upon the EEAS to begin visa-free travel negotiations with Armenia,
Azerbaijan, and Belarus in order to bring them in line with Moldova, Ukraine,
and Georgia by the year 2023;
14. Asks the European Commission to immediately initiate talks for Association
Agreements with Azerbaijan and Belarus, to be signed once levels of
corruption, human rights abuses, and political pluralism have reached levels
deemed acceptable by the EU.

FACT SHEET

- Zapad 2017 is an ongoing joint strategic military exercise of the armed forces
of the Russian Federation and Belarus that began on 14 September 2017,
conducted in Belarus as well as in Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast and Russia′s
other north-western areas
- The European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) is a
thematic funding instrument for the EU external action aiming to support
projects in the area of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy in
non-EU countries. The EIDHR offers independence of action, as it cooperates
directly with human rights defenders and local civil society organisations without
the need for approval from national authorities.
- The European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI) is the primary EU financial
instrument for cooperation with the Eastern Partnership countries, and is
funded by the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument
(ENPI).
- The European External Action Service (EEAS) is the EU’s diplomatic service
and its role is to ensure the voice of the EU and its people are heard in the
world. It is responsible for the European Neighbourhood Policy, of which the
Eastern Partnership is a subdivision.
- The Organisation of Ukrainian Expellees is an umbrella group which
coordinates the actions of various local expellees in the cities and towns around
Lviv. The community is assumed to be an integral part of informed public
opinion.
- The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
comprises 57 states, and aims to address a wide range of security-related
concerns, including arms control, confidence and security-building measures,
human rights, national minorities, democratisation, policing strategies, counter-
terrorism and economic, and environmental activities.

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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON

CIVIL LIBERTIES, JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS

Fake News Exposed: Bearing in mind the relevance of disinformation and

propaganda, how can Member States ensure access to accurate information in
the social media age while safeguarding freedom of press?

Submitted by:
Aleksandra Furmanek (PL), Augustė Marcinkutė (LT), Mārica Zake
(LV), Megan Holtmeyer-Cole (UK), Nick Stender (DE), Paula Ozoliņa
(LV), Rūta Ruseckaitė (LT), Weronika Szpak (PL), Kevin Boland
(IE), Chairperson

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Deeply conscious that the freedom and pluralism of the media4 should be
respected in all European states,
B. Keeping in mind that digital services are provided by multiple actors, such as
state agencies, private companies or diverse media outlets,
C. Being profoundly concerned by the difficulty of maintaining a balance between
the freedom of speech and preventing disinformation as well as hate speech,
D. Taking into consideration that the growth of social media is making the spread
of unverified and misleading information more commonplace,
E. Aware of the technological limitations in determining fake news5 sources,
F. Noting with deep concern the lack of motivation expressed by modern mediums
of communication platforms, such as Twitter, to deal with the problem of fake
news and hate speech,
G. Fully aware that there is no common legislation concerning the regulation of
fake news, allowing misinformation to be easily published and profited from,
H. Concerned by the problem in distinguishing fake news from factually correct
news sources, which exists due to the rising trend in mainstream media outlets
of using illegitimate sources,

4
Pluralism of the media is the representation of different cultural groups in the media as well as divergent
political or ideological opinions and viewpoints.
5
“Fake news” commonly used term to describe news content in which objective facts are deemed less important
than manipulation on emotions or personal beliefs.

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I. Emphasizing the fact that some national news stations are spreading
propaganda which can significantly influence the viewpoint of citizens;

Fostering EU-wide media cooperation

1. Calls upon the European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services6
(ERGA) to train volunteers to identify websites for fake news content;
2. Recommends cooperation between social media platforms and the European
Federation of Journalists7 to establish a European Fact Checking network to
filter fake news and flag harmful content;

Harmonising Member States societal approach

3. Invites the ERGA to support Member States in creating unbiased media

campaigns to inform their citizens of the severe implications of fake news;
4. Encourages the introduction of pan-European educational programmes to
increase information literacy in the form of:
a. creating primary and secondary school programmes on critical thinking,
research skills and usage of digital information platforms,
b. advertising campaigns across a variety of mediums such as television
and social media;
5. Asks Member States to encourage the expansion of organisations such as East
StratCom Task Force8 through funding and expert advice;

Encouraging private sector innovation and standardisation

6. Suggests companies across Member States to follow examples such as

Vodafone's global rules9 programme,

6
The European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services (ERGA) brings together heads or high level
representatives of national independent regulatory bodies in the field of audiovisual services, to advise the
Commission on Audiovisual Media Services Directive.
7
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) is the largest organisation of journalists in Europe fighting for
social and professional rights of journalists working in all sectors of the media across Europe.
8
East StratCom Task Force is an action plan on strategic communication in order to address Russia's ongoing
disinformation campaigns.
9
Vodafone, third parties acting on its behalf and its advertising platform suppliers (including, but not limited to,
Google and Facebook) must take all measures necessary to ensure that Vodafone advertising does not appear
within hate speech and fake news outlets.

12


7. Calls upon European private companies to establish a ranking system of

compliance of good practice of aforementioned company by filtering “fake
news” stories through:
a. setting up an option to report news stories as false or inaccurate,
b. allocating of resources to analyse the legitimacy of news stories;
Endorses cooperation between ERGA and private companies to develop an algorithm
that prioritizes verified news stories on social media platforms and search engines.

13


MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY, RESEARCH

AND ENERGY

“Energy islands” Baltic States: In regards of the importance of adopting the EU
energy agenda such as the Third Energy Package, how can the EU strengthen the
role of Baltic states in terms of energy policy while facilitating energy-
cooperation with Russia?

Submitted by:
Albert Viilik (EE), Alina Moskalenko (UA), Andrejs Švecovs (LV), Anna
Knipše (LV), Jekaterina Ksenija Baranovska (LV), Kim Nike
Wiederhold (DE), Tanel Talumaa (EE), Terēze Peipiņa (LV),
Chairperson Amela Tufo (BA)

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Appreciating the development of renewable energy production and

consumption in Member States,
B. Pointing out that the EU is relatively poor in natural resources thus leading to
high dependency on Russia as the main external gas supplier,
C. Fully aware that the energy resources are a subject of leverage in geopolitics
thus putting the EU in a disadvantageous position during the negotiations with
Russia,
D. Noting with regret the lack of storage facilities in the Baltic states suited to
handle a larger amount of gas imports,
E. Conscious of price discrimination from the side of Russia while negotiating
energy supply agreements with the Member States,
F. Noting that Baltic States' pipeline system lacks connection to Central Europe,
G. Profoundly concerned about the low self-sustainability of the Baltic energy grid,
H. Alarmed by the political decision taken by the Baltic States to disconnect from
BRELL10 energy supply network until 2025,
I. Congratulating the European Commission on reaching the agreement on the
new security of gas supply regulation that will ensure the energy security for the
Member States in case of supply crisis;

10
BRELL - Belarus, Russia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

14


Alternative and Renewable Energy Investment in the Baltics

1. Calls upon the European Commission to further invest in development and

usage of alternative energy sources in the Baltic states;
2. Strongly affirms further implementation of the European Union Energy
Strategy11 with the focus on the inclusion of renewable energy source
development;
3. Appreciates the EU Renewable Energy Directive12 and emphasises the
importance of further research and investment into alternative and local forms
of energy;

Construction of Interconnectors between the Baltics

4. Further encouraging the financial support from the European Commission

towards the GIPL13 and BEMIP14 in order to build pipelines connecting states
through a single pipeline from Lithuania to Poland, and a pipeline connecting
Estonia to Finland;
5. Strongly affirms subsidizing the construction of interconnectors15 between the
Baltic States,

Further Regional Cooperation

6. Urges the Baltic states to refrain from withdrawing from BRELL energy supply
network and to continue the trade with Russia;
7. Calls upon the European Parliament and the Council to formally approve the
revised Security of Gas Supply Regulation;

11
Strategy released by the European Commission in response to concerns of EU’s overdependence on a single
supplier.
12
EU's Renewable Energy Directive has set targets for achieving the higher renewable energy consumption.
13
Gas Interconnector Poland - Lithuania
14
The Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan focuses on the integration of the Baltic States into the EU's
internal energy market.
15
Structure that enables energy to flow between networks.

15


Creating sufficient resource storing facilities

8. Calls upon the Member States to implement efficient energy storing measures
in order to decrease immediate demand of gas and thereby obviate the high
import rates;
9. Invites the Member States to build new backup facilities for the natural gas
storage in order to be used in case of emergencies.

16


MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON SECURITY AND DEFENCE

No more malware: With the European Commission reviewing the Cybersecurity
Strategy and the mandate of the EU Agency for Network and Information
Security Strategy by September 2017, as well as with the cyber-attacks as
WannaCry or Petya affecting EU Member States, and Eastern European countries
as Ukraine and Russia, what should the European institutions target for the EU-
wide framework on cyber-security?

Submitted by:
Amelia Dhuga (GB), Einars Bruveris (LV), Maksim Ļiskins (LV),
Maksim Skryabin (LV), Pavels Smirnovs (LV), Semjons Voronovs
(LV), Matthias Kaufmann, Chairperson (CH)

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Deeply disturbed by recent relentless cyber-attacks such as WannaCry or

Petya16,
B. Alarmed by the fact that Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks17 pose a threat to all
kinds of digital services,
C. Regretting the slow technological development in the field of encryption
system18,
D. Disturbed by the lack of communication between service providers and users
when detecting problems, which leads to flaws in the software,
E. Observing that less economically developed countries around the world have
gaps in their cyber-security systems due to financial drawbacks and lack of
research,
F. Noting with regret the absence of a common system for digital transactions,
G. Expressing its appreciation towards the anonymity provided by
cryptocurrencies19 which ensure more security to the users,
H. Concerned by a lack of education on internet security leading to unintentional
risky behaviour on the internet concerning security,

16
WannaCry and Petya were major ransomware attacks which occurred in the year 2017. They not only
affected millions of computers, but also those of essential service providers such as hospitals.
17
DoS attacks most commonly try to overwhelm servers in order to create security gaps.
18
Encrypting File System is a system that enables files to be encrypted in order to protect data from potential
attackers.
19
Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security.

17


I. Aware of a lack of media coverage on cyber-crimes occurring across the

continent;

Reducing cyber attacks

1. Recommends citizens to update their operating systems regularly, following the

advice of the hardware or software developers;
2. Asks internet service providers to:
a. monitor internet traffic for illegitimate requests,
b. block internet traffic in case of DoS or similar attacks,
c. give out weekly reports;

Securing the transfer of information

3. Requests the European Commission to invest in further research of Quantum

computing20 and its application of encryption;
4. Encourages Member States to emphasize the importance of information
sharing regarding flaws in the system by:
a. improving communication between firms and governments/users,
b. incentivising individuals who detect problems to come forward by
introducing larger rewards;

Creating a common system

5. Suggests the Member States to lay the groundwork for a possible

establishment of a Pan-European cryptocurrency, labelled as 'EuroCoin' that
will:
a. involve creators of other crypto currencies and the European Central
Bank (ECB) to develop a unified system,
b. direct the ECB to instruct the Member States' governments to give
contracts to miners,

20
Quantum computer has an exponential computing capacity and data storage than a regular computer. It
takes advantage of quantum mechanics to process data, and therefore it is able to have two simultaneous results
for different data values

18


c. be directly purchased from the ECB and directly tied to the Euro through
the ECB,
d. have to be employed when partaking in transactions within the Digital
Single Market,

Increasing Awareness

6. Invites Members States to implicate educational initiatives through the use of

media and schools that teach about the means of handling of digital data;
7. Expresses its hope that Member States emphasise the impacts of cyber attacks
to their citizens to ensure a wider publication and recognition of them as a
prominent threat.

19


MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Emancipation of sexual minorities: Members of LGBTI+ community face

discrimination in European countries on a daily basis. What measures should be
taken on legislative and societal levels to ensure equal rights and further
integration of sexual minorities?

Submitted by:
Molly Bland (UK), Isobel Chappell (UK), Grēta Grebže (LV), Sonia
Jakubiak (PL), Taavi Karvanen (EE), Kira Koethke (DE), Wiktoria
Mika (PL), Sofiya Sinechenkova (EE), Nikita Sokolov, Chairperson
(RU/UA)

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Acknowledging disparities between the European Union (EU) Member States

concerning LGBTI+ rights, particularly, adoption rights, right to marry and live
together21,
B. Reaffirming the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) that the
unwillingness of any state to recognise the gender-transition constitutes a
violation of the art. 8 ECHR22,
C. Commending the decision of the ECHR to prohibit the infertility requirement,
which used to be a prerequisite to legal recognition of gender-transition,
D. Regretting the emotional distress the LGBTI+ community members have to
face in some EU Member States because of discrimination and harassment,
E. Stressing the prevalence of workplace discrimination towards members of the
LGBTI+ community, such as:
1. verbal abuse and harassment,
2. forcefully putting one in the position of redundancy,
3. negligence when promotion is being considered,
F. Deeply alarmed by the increasing frequency of hate crimes and violence
towards LGBTI+ groups or their representatives, as well as the lack of
recognition and prosecution of such crimes in certain European countries,

21
Homosexual couples are not able to adopt children in 37 European countries. Same-sex marriage is legal in 15
European countries, and civil unions are recognised in 12 European states.
22
Art. 8 ECHR states one’s right to private life, family life and correspondence. There shall be no interference of
this right unless allowed by the law and national security interests.

20


G. Pointing out the high likelihood of bullying towards LGBTI+ youth,

H. Noting with concern the lack of formal education, knowledge, and insight
surrounding LGBTI+ lifestyles in such topics as sexual education and
relationships,
I. Keeping in mind the impact that negative perceptions coming from religious
beliefs might have on the LGBTI+ community, whilst appreciating opposite
approaches of few religious denominations and their positive effects;

Enhancing LGBTI+ rights on legislative levels

1. Calls upon the United Nations (UN) to amend art. 2123 of the Convention on the
Rights of the Child (OHCHR) to ensure the equal treatment of the LGBTI+
community in the process of child adoption;
2. Directs the Member States to adjust their national policies in accordance with
the decisions made by the ECHR in favour of the LGBTI+ community;
3. Asks the Member States to amend Article 14 ECHR24 to include “gender and
sexual orientation”;

Providing moral or professional support to the LGBTI+ people

4. Urges the Member States to alter or introduce new mental health departments
that specifically cater for the needs of the LGBTI+ community;
5. Has resolved to create an online forum enabling a medium through which
personal experiences and professional advice can be expressed and
exchanged in order to provide a supportive environment;
6. Strongly urges the Member States to look into the condition of their equality
legislation to protect LGBTI+ communities through
a. introducing equality law if not already present,
b. effectively enforcing equality law;
7. Appeals to the Member States to create state-funded hotlines to give practical
and legal advice and support to LGBTI+ people facing discrimination on a daily
basis;

23
Art. 21 OHCHR concerns the right of adoption among citizens in general and the child’s best interest.
24
Art. 14 ECHR assures that the right and freedoms of the ECHR are secured against sex, race, colour,
language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, association with a national
minority, property, birth or other status.

21


Combatting different Societal perceptions

8. Recommends the European Commission to provide framework for the creation

of corporate social responsibility of companies, ensuring the integration of
LGBTI+ by obligatory seminars and statistics on their representation in the
company;
9. Calls upon the Member States to legally recognise hate crimes against the
LGBTI+ people;
10. Further invites the Member States to introduce independent third independent
legal bodies, which would be entitled to check hate crime law is being enforced;
11. Encourages the Member States to expand sex education in schools to the
extent of including non-heterosexual relationships, as well as introducing
classes on gender transition and anti-bullying in national curricula;
12. Requests the complete removal or cutting of budget for the government-funded
religious schools that promote intolerance towards the LGBTI+ community or
spread false information, surrounding this community

22


THE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY

The threat of tomorrow: An alarming trend of modern medicine becoming
ineffective in tackling an ever-increasing range of infections as a result of
antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as outlined in the 2017 AMR Action plan. How
should the EU act to best implement the goals set out by the plan?

Submitted by:
Anastasia Cheberya (EE), Anna Bashkirova (EE), Daryna Bavda
(UA), Diana Kostjukevica (LV), Elis Sõõrd (EE), Sofia Bortnyk (UA),
Tim Weber Chairperson (SI)

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Acknowledging the fact that more antibiotics in the environment leads to more
antimicrobial resistance (AMR)25,
B. Deeply disturbed by the rising antibiotic resistance as a cause of up to 25000
deaths annually in the European Union (EU) with a rapidly increasing rate26,
C. Considers the implementation of EU’s 2011 and 2017 action plans on tackling
AMR to be insufficient and ill-defined,
D. Alarmed by the current level of knowledge regarding AMR amongst lay
citizens27,
E. Noting with concern that up to 75% of EU citizens report misusing
antibiotics28,
F. Seriously concerned by the outrageous living conditions farm animals have to
endure, causing sickness, therefore an increased usage of antibiotics leading
to:
1. increasing amount of antibiotics in the environment,
2. more antibiotics in the food chain resulting in bioaccumulation of drugs
in secondary consumers,
3. potential disturbance to the microbiome ecosystem29,

25
AMR is the phenomenon of harmful bacteria, gathering immunity against antibiotics.
26
Statistic by the European Commission department of health and food safety 2016.
27
Lay citizens are people who do not work with antibiotics professionally.
28
Statistic by Eurostat 2016.
29
microbiome ecosystem is a collection of bacteria and microbes living alongside humans.

23


G. Bearing in mind that new research of antibiotics is burdened by rigorous

regulations regarding the selling of drugs and bureaucracy imposed by the
Member States on one hand and lack of research funds on the other.
H. Draws attention to the limited research in the field of antibiotics both in public
and private sector,
I. Gravely concerned about the medical malpractice of overprescribing
antibiotics in some EU Member States30 such as Greece, Romania and
France;

General

1. Instructs the European Commission to further clarify the actions that need to
be taken in the 2011 and 2017 AMR action plans;
2. Invites Member States to actively participate in the European Antibiotic
Awareness Day (EAAD)31;
3. Calls upon Eurostat to monitor the effectiveness of the EAAD and AMR
awareness amongst EU citizens;
4. Recommends to share the content of the World Antimicrobial Resistance
Conference32 (WAMRC) to public;

Ensuring Sustainable farming

5. Draws Member States’ attention to the deplorable living conditions that

animals have to face during the process of food production incentivising:
a. sustainable farming practices with the aim of improving living
conditions of animals,
b. adequate funding for veterinary inspectors and increase in non-
compliance fees,
c. usage of food supplements in animals’ diets in order to prevent
potential diseases;

30
Statistic by the European Center for disease control and prevention.
31
The European Antibiotic Awareness Day is an annual European public health initiative that takes place on
18 November to raise awareness about the threat to public health of antibiotic resistance and the importance of
prudent antibiotic use.
32
WAMRC is a meeting of leading scientists doing research in the field of AMR.

24


Promoting further research

6. Asks the Consumers, Health and Food Executive Agency, the European
Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, European Environment Agency,
the European Medicines Agency and the European Chemicals Agency to
further coordinate efforts in fighting AMR;
7. Directs the European Commission to create a European Pharmaceutical
Helpdesk, inspired by the European IPR Helpdesk33, which would help small
and medium-sized enterprises to overcome the bureaucracy of developing
new antibiotics;
8. Calls upon the European Commission to increase funding for research
institutions that focus on developing suitable alternatives to antibiotics through
its Horizon 202034 programme;

Improving medical practice

9. Requests the European Medical Association to promote the usage of

alternative remedies to treat infections;
10. Appeals Member States to introduce legislation obliging doctors to detect a
full diagnosis before prescribing antibiotics.

33
The European IPR Helpdesk offers free of charge, first-line support on Intellectual Property matters to
beneficiaries of EU funded research projects and EU SMEs.
34
Horizon 2020 is the EU framework programme for research and innovation.

25


MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMITTEE ON LEGAL AFFAIRS

The fifth freedom of Europe - free movement of data: What measures should the
EU take to successfully develop and implement the Digital Single Market to
ensure that the cross-border e-commerce and e-services bene t consumers as
well as producers in all Member States?

Submitted by:
Anna Ageiva (EE), Arturs Kuškis (LV), Ernests Graholskis (LV), Ieva
Taraškeviča (LV), Jannik Liebl (DE), Viktrorijia Kuranova (LV), Michalis
Dalmira, Chairperson (CY)

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Believing that the lack of necessary Information and Communications

Technologies (ICT) infrastructure and broadband development especially in
rural areas, can hinder the base of online commerce and competitiveness
within Member States,
B. Believing that online commerce competitiveness is disproportionate between
urban and rural areas due to the underdevelopment of the broadband
infrastructure,
C. Welcoming the implementation of the Connecting Europe Development Fund,
under the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) framework initiated
by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Commission,
D. Fully aware that 72% of the European citizens are concerned about the
exploitation and misuse of their personal data while trading online by
35
unauthorised persons ,
E. Deeply concerned that different Valued Added Tax (VAT) charges between the
Member States withhold companies and consumers from trading outside their
national borders,
F. Fully alarmed by the practices, such as geo-blocking, restricting access to
digital-based content due to the users’ geographical location,
G. Observing that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face difficulties to find
adequate information regarding the national laws and payment methods related
to the countries where these conduct e-commerce,

35
European Commission. (2015, May 6). Why we need a Digital Single Market. European Commission.

26


H. Noting with regret that only 38% of citizens are feeling confident trading
online36,
I. Bearing in mind that only 7% of SMEs sell cross border37 due to:
1. Complex and costly procedure for returns and guarantees,
2.High delivery costs,

J. Realising that resolving complaints and disputes related to cross-border

transactions is an expensive and complex procedure;

Advancements in Infrastructure and Funding

1. Encourages private investors and National Promotional Banks (NPB) to further

fund and support the Connecting Europe Development Fund scheme in less
developed areas;

Data Protection Reform

2. Welcoming the European Commission’s proposal for a comprehensive reform

of stronger data protection rules by May 2018;38
3. Calls upon the European Commission to propose a Regulation or a Directive to
simplify the terms and conditions on agreements;
4. Requests the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) to regularly interact
with the EU and international Data Protection Authorities (DPAs), to develop
more transparent and effective data protection for cross-border transactions
and agreements;

36
European Commission Press Release Database. (2015, May 6). Question and answers - Digital Single Market
Strategy. European Commission.
37
European Commission Press Release Database. (2015, May 6). Question and answers - Digital Single Market
Strategy. European Commission.
38
The set of stronger data protection rules for Europe include: the right of individuals to erase their personal
data when there are no legitimate grounds for retaining it, easier access to your own data and the right to know
when your data has been hacked.

27


E-Commerce Framework and Legislation

5. Suggests the European Commission to apply the Mini One Stop Shop (MOSS)
programme for all cross-border transactions;
6. Asks the Member States to implement a VAT simplification measure framework
for SMEs conducting e-commerce;
7. Appeals Member States to run frequent financial inspections for businesses
trading in the digital market;
8. Calls upon the European Consumer Centres to inspect businesses conducting
e-commerce and certify those businesses that fulfil the necessary criteria for
cross-border trade;
9. Expresses its appreciation on the proposal of a regulation by the European
Commission addressing geo-blocking and other discriminatory business
practices;

Boosting the Digital Single Market Strategy

10. Invites Member States to implement programmes similar to e-Residency,

implemented by the Estonian Government aiming to reduce bureaucratic
procedures and simplify the functioning of a business;
11. Congratulates initiatives such as Watify seeking to resolve the entrepreneurs’
doubts on digitising and setting up their business;
12. Suggests the implementation of a common integrated European delivery
system proposed by the Ecommerce Europe;
13. Urges the European Commission to provide funding specifically for the
accomplishment of goals set by e-Government action plan.

28


FACT SHEET

European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) is the EU’s independent data

protection authority. Established in 2004, its role is to supervise and ensure that
EU institutions and bodies respect people's right to privacy when processing their
personal data.

Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) are authorities and institutions that have the
power to investigate and punish violations. They are also responsible to raise
awareness of data protection rights and obligations in general.

Mini One Stop Shop (MOSS) is a scheme that regulates VAT burdens as it allows
telecommunication services, television, radio broadcasting services, and other
electronically supplied services within the EU to only register in a single Member
State.

Valued Added Tax (VAT) is a charge imposed on the sale of goods and services
for consumption and use within the EU.

e-Residency is a programme initiated by the Estonian government offering the

freedom to easily start and run a global business in a trusted EU environment. The
opportunities offered, include but are not limited to: signing contracts and other
digital documents, as well as access to a trusted network of financial services
provided by accountants and marketing specialists.

Watify is a non-profit initiative supported by the European Commission seeking to

resolve the entrepreneurs’ doubts on digitising and setting up their own
businesses.

eGovernment Action Plan 2016-2020 is a joint effort between Member States

and the Commission aiming to modernise public administration, achieve the digital
internal market, and to engage more with citizens and businesses to deliver high
quality services.

European Consumer Centres are a network co-financed by the European

Commission and national governments, aimed to assist every citizen in Europe to
take advantage of the single market.

29


Geo-Blocking is a discriminatory practice of restricting access to internet content,

based upon the user's geographical location.

Ecommerce Europe is an association representing 35 000+ companies selling

goods and services online to consumers in Europe.

Integrated European Delivery System is a proposal made by Ecommerce

Europe due to the need for a reliable and affordable European delivery system
which will benefit both merchants and consumers.

30


COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS

Youth Entrepreneurs on the Rise: The number of start-up business has
significantly increased in the last years despite the youth unemployment rate in
the EU. How can the Member States further combat unemployment by increasing
young adults to invest in start-up ensuring their engagement in the labour
market?

Submitted by:
Justina Januškytė (LT), Hanna Khmelovska (UA), Agne Laugalyte (LT), Pijus
Petrauskas (LT), Kasparas Rutkauskas (LT), Adomas Vėlyvis (LT), Miķelis
Vālbergs (LV), Vlada Zahoruiko (UA), Luka Kvacthrelishvili, Chairperson (GE)

The European Youth Parliament,

A. Deeply alarmed by the fact that youth unemployment is currently at 16.9% on
European level39 being twice as high on average in Greece and Spain,
B. Acknowledging with concern the lack of career advice programs provided to young
Europeans, particularly in regard to meeting labour market needs,
C. Recognising the difficulties faced by new generations in starting up new enterprises
due to bureaucratic procedures, such as excessive amount of paperwork and rigid
application criteria,
D. Taking note of overall low interest of adolescents towards engaging in the labour
market,
E. Regretting that young people across Europe do not receive sufficient skills for their
future career during internships and vocational trainings,
F. Bearing in mind the insufficient financial support from Member States for young
entrepreneurs leading to a higher possibility of incurring debts,
G. Realizing that aspiring an entrepreneurial career encloses a higher risk of failure
compared to other professions,
H. Believing that the promotion of developing start-up culture is crucial for reducing
negative social perceptions of the profession of an entrepreneur,

39
Source: Eurostat, July 2017 statistics

31


I. Bearing in mind that the skill mismatch and the lack of business knowledge are the
main challenges on the path of engaging in the labour market through starting a new
enterprise;

Investing in entrepreneurship

1. Invites Member States to increase the amount of scholarships in kind of educational

fields, which many tend to find especially unappealing for the labour market;
2. Further encourages Member States to endorse projects such as “Junior
Achievements”40;
3. Calls upon European Social Fund41 to reallocate funds so that they prioritize
entrepreneurship;

Promoting entrepreneurial education

4. Suggests enhanced cooperation between companies and institutions focusing on

education to provide practical business workshops and seminars;
5. Requests Member States to update the university curricular by providing academic
and practical education to adolescents willing to engage in labour market;
6. Calls upon the European Commission to establish a series of entrepreneurial events
to further share experience and network among entrepreneurs;
7. Encourages Member States to promote internships and job shadowing42 opportunities
at schools;

Bringing changes on legislative levels

8. Requests Member States to adopt laws in accordance to the economic circumstances

needed for establishing a new enterprise;

40
Junior Achievements: organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to
own their economic success, plan for their futures, and make smart academic and economic choices.
41
European Social fund: Europe’s main tool for promoting employment and social inclusion – helping people
get a job (or a better job),
42
Job Shadowing: is type of on-the-job employee job training in which a new employee or an employee desiring
to become familiar with a different job, follows and observes a trained and experienced employee.

32


9. Recommends Member States to implement adequate labour laws which effectively

ensure that companies provide beneficial internships and vocational trainings;
10. Urges European Commission to simplify the bureaucratic procedures process for new
businesses through:
a. introducing simpler application criteria for registration
b. establishing an online registration platform

33
 OUR SUPPORTERS:
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In cooperation with:

Initiated By:

The Schwarzkopf Foundation is the umbrella organisation of the European Youth Parliament (EYP). EYP Latvia is a
National Committee in the EYP network.