NSC EYP National Selection Conferences: Thessaloniki & Athens

Dear Participants,

Welcome to the website of the 22nd National Selection Conference of EYP Greece!

In December 2010, in the stunning city of Thessaloniki, you will be coming together with over 100 fellow Greeks from all across the region, to discuss and devise innovative solutions to some of the most challenging problems our continent is facing. At the same time, you will get a chance to meet with participants from different European countries, share traditions, explore different cultures, and of course, make new friends.

Ever since its foundation, the European Youth Parliament has given youth all across Europe a chance to have a say in the forming of their future society. The best way to that, is to understand differences, and be able to act as one, by communicating and collaborating. And Thessaloniki, a city that has been the center of numerous civilisations for centuries, will surely continue to provide the participants a perfect environment for the EYP spirit to come alive. The three day packed programme including the basic EYP elements, as well as social events will allow for a great learning experience and a lot of fun.

With those prospects ahead of us, I look forward to this truly unique experience and am eagerly awaiting the opportunity to welcome all of you in person in Thessaloniki.

Sincerely,

Oğulcan Torun
President of Thessaloniki 2010 – 22nd National Selection Conference of EYP Greece

Dear all,

It is my great pleasure to welcome everyone to the 21^st National Selection Conference of the European Youth Parliament Greece, in Athens. This coming March, you will come together with youngsters from all over Europe to prove that despite the huge crisis that Greece and Europe are facing, young people are willing and  able to work together for a better future.

During these four days, you will take part in teambuilding, where you will get to know your fellow committee members through a range of challenging activities. You will have the opportunity to discuss important European issues during committee work and come up with a resolution which you will present and debate at the General Assembly.

With the organizing team working really hard to ensure that this will be an unforgettable experience for all of us, I hope that you will see this as a great opportunity to gain some unique experiences, to learn more about Europe, meet new people and most importantly enjoy yourselves and bring out the best in you.

For me it is a great honour to be presiding this session and I anticipate that you, like me, are excited and cannot wait for the session to begin. I am looking forward to welcoming you all to Athens and to EYP.

Eleni Aristodemou
President of the session

21st National Selection Conference
European Youth Parliament Greece
26- 29 March 2010, Athens
Committee Topics

1. Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Ι (ENVI I)

“Smoke Free Environments; the implementation of an unrestricted smoking ban on all public places. Would a pan- European initiative become a worldwide one?”

2. Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety ΙΙ (ENVI II)

“EU Involvement in Amazon Rain Forests. How should the EU protect the planet’s natural resources, preventing deforestation, whilst balancing global demands?”

3. Committee on Culture and Education (CULT)

“Too many graduates for too few jobs? Is Europe’s current focus on a ‘knowledge based society’ restricting the development of an innovative society? Is it now the time for European countries to reassess whether increased participation in tertiary education is beneficial for Europe’s future?”

4. Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI)

“With copyright infringement becoming a growing risk to innovation and investment: how could European countries regulate open source media without stifling competition?”

5. Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET)

“How should the EU deal with current candidate countries in the light of the membership application of Iceland? Should the current membership criteria be re-assessed to ensure a balance between equality and conditionality?”

6. Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE)

“Emergency code to reduce CO2 emissions: What role should the nuclear energy have in fighting climate change?”

7. Committee on Development (DEVE)

“The EU-Africa Partnership in light of China’s growing influence in Africa. How should the EU position itself to support Africa’s efforts to achieve sustainable and equitable development?”

8. Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN)

“Under the light of delivering the Greek ransom: How should the EU handle similar situations, ensuring its role as a security factor instead of a ransom protector, whilst promoting international trade stability?”

9. Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE)

“Living in an information age: What actions need to be taken to guarantee an adequate law system to today’s understanding of personal privacy and privacy protection?”

10. Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO)

“Voting age at 16: in light of pressing demands for increased active citizenship from the youth of Europe, how should EU member states react to the growing calls for wider participation?”