Dear reader,
Guess what I am listening to while writing this editorial!
Yes, that is right, “Clocks” by Coldplay. I assumed you
guessed it because this is what we can definitely call “the
song of the session”. Therefore, instead of trying to get over
my severe PED, I am embracing it. I have to admit that I
enjoyed every second of the session and my biggest
surprise was to see that after everything was over, one of
the delegates has chosen a Facebook profile picture in
which he was reading the first issue of the newspaper. Top
that one, I dare you!
Moreover, to those of you who did not attend the Journalists’ Training (shame on you! ) I owe an
explanation regarding the Media Team name. We have chosen “The Anchor” because this is what keeps a
ship steady. Thus, we are the ones trying to preserve your memories, through this magazine and lots of
pictures.
I have just finished editing the last issue of The Anchor and now, as I am typing my last impressions
regarding this fantastic session, I am getting emotional. I am really proud of everything that we, the
participants, achieved in such a short amount of time and I am looking forward to meeting at least some of
you again!
Forever yours,
Mara Bălaşa
TTaabbllee ooff ccoonntteenntt
1
1
TThhee EEuurrooppeeaann
??It is now common knowledge that the European Union is a very complex economic and
political partnership between 28 European countries that functions through an intricate
network of institutions. But how exactly does the decision-making process take place and
what are the mechanisms through which the EU operates?
The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. Each state is
represented by one Commissioner, and each vote weighs the same. Jose Manuel Barosso is
the current president.
The European Commission is the only institution that can propose legislation,being responsible for implementing decisions, upholding the Union’s treaties and day –to-
day running of the EU. Regulations are passed either jointly by the EU Council and
European Parliament, or by the Commission alone. Apart from legally binding regulations,
the Commission can also propose directives, which are goals for all EU countries to
achieve in the manner they decide on, decisions, which are legally binding regulations
applied only to particular countries or companies, and opinions and recommendations,
which have no legal consequences.
The European Parliament is the only directly elected parliamentary institution inthe European Union. Symbolic for European Democracy, it is elected directly every five
years, although the turnout has been continually dropping ever since 1999. It currently has
Martin Schulz as president. The European Parliament possesses legislative power,
collaborating with member states and their national parliaments in the legislative process.
However, it does not hold legislative initiative, which only belongs to the European
Commission.
The Council of the European Union (also called the Council of Ministers) ispart of the bicameral EU legislature, along with the European Parliament. Depending on
the issue discussed, it is formed by the twenty-eight National Ministers whose portfolio
includes the concerned matter. Occasionally, the related European Commissioner will
contribute to the debates, without voting power.
After the European Commission proposes regulation, it is discussed in both the European
Parliament and the Council of the European Union, and it can only pass if both institutions
agree on it. Otherwise, it is sent back to the Commission for revising.
The European Council is the European institution formed by the heads of state orgovernment, usually the person representing the executive power in the state. Its meetings,
often called summits, include the President of the European Commission and the President
of the European Council and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs, currently
Catherine Ashton.
Presided by Herman Van Rompuy, the European Council holds no formal legislative
power, being charged under the Treaty of Lisbon with defining "the general political
directions and priorities" of the Union. The European Council is therefore the body that
dictates the strategy, the direction for the EU, acting as the collective presidency of the
EU, deciding its long-term policies.
The European Central Bank (ECB) is the body that administrates the monetarypolicy for the 17 Member States inside the Eurozone. Its main goal is to maintain price
stability and it is presided by Mario Draghi, former governor of the Bank of Italy. Its
attributes will expand with the implementation of the Single Supervisory System and the
Macroeconomic Imbalance Procedure. The European Banking Authority is a regulatory
agency whose goal is to identify the financial system’s weaknesses, under the supervision
of the ECB. How the roles of these two bodies will change through the euro crisis or in the
case of a Banking Union is still to be discussed.
The lengthy decision-making process of the European Union is therefore a product of
these very interdependent institutions. However complicated it might seem, their
functioning ensures the survival of such a complicated and unique union.
By Adela Alexandra Iacobov
UUnniioonn
I was born in Romania… But the question is: do I choose to work in Romania? And I know it will be a decision
which will change my future. I wish to be a doctor in… London! And another question crosses my mind. Will
London accept me? Franklin Roosevelt said that democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their
choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard ofdemocracy, therefore, is education. Considering that
the main objective of education is learning, I prepare myself in order to understand life, to act according to moral
values, choosing what I think fits me.
Analysing the situation I understand that such decision comes along with a set of responsibilities (legal,
financial, cultural and social), provided by the national written and unwritten laws. The authorities will also have
the right to control from time to time my position and to define access to benefits and public services.
I consider it a matter of national protection,
necessary to keep safe the welfare systems. I
understand that free movement rights are not
unlimited and this is a good thing. Moreover,
widening the spectrum, the level of economic
development between the EU Member States
is different and no country will allow
deterioration of financial power as benefits for
immigrants.
Fair enough! Some countries are proposing
entry taxes in order to prove a certain financial
stability, as a guarantee for the quality of the
employees. One important fact is that the removal of restrictions to free movement for Bulgarian and Romanian
citizens will reduce the black market economy. The direct advantage is that they will pay taxes and contributions
to the social security system, which is going to be a double benefit: both for the countries involved and for the
employees. It is also a matter of choice - to see the glass as half full and to turn weaknesses into opportunities.
The last, but not least feature is the social and cultural system. The level of adaptability and flexibility to the
work environment is very important on the labour market, because you have to embrace language, customs, and
style in order to succeed.
All in all, I believe that beyond legal and financial protection measures, EU Member States have to build
systems of selection for the immigrants, to choose wisely and to focus on people. More specific, it is the duty of
every company to protect itself, to safeguard its welfare. Because only together we will be able to create a better
world!
LLIIBBEE
By Andrei Avadanei
The facts? 23.2% of the Europeans aged between 15-29 are unemployed. That is almost a quarter of
Europe’s Youth, and rising. With countries such as Greece and Spain, where youth unemployment
exceeds 50%, and only 3 countries in the entire European Union with youth unemployment beneath
10% ( Germany, Austria and the Netherlands with), Europe clearly fails to provide its young population
with opportunities to sustain themselves.
The problems? For one, there is insufficient counseling in high schools and universities to guide
students regarding the domain they choose and the job opportunities that come with it. While some of
the Member States have incorporated this aspect in their educational systems, other countries do not
have any guidance facilities. Furthermore, the heterogeneous educational systems and lack of pan-
European recognition of specific certificates and courses, as well as the diverse employment and social
security laws hinder labour mobility within the EU, being an obstacle for youngsters who would be
willing to relocate in order to get a job.
The insufficient and difficult to access funding for trainings, youth exchanges, scholarships and
bursaries, along with the poor opportunities for vocational training add to the gap between the needs of
the labour market and the skills of the young population. Moreover, the small number of projects
between universities and the private sector and possible employers (compared to the US) make it even
more difficult for the youth to enter or even understand the labour market. The internship opportunities
are not only too few, but also impose unfair conditions and there is not enough legislation in place to
protect the rights of the intern. Therefore, the youth often feel obligated to take an unpaid internship,
being exploited because they have no other means to acquire the experience without which they stand
no chance of being hired.
Even for the existing jobs, the unfairness in conditions and the poor remuneration, which is only
enough to subsist for most, the prospects are dim. Most of the young Europeans between 15 and 29 are
offered temporary contracts, with no social guarantee, that facilitate dismissal. There are scarcely any
efforts to reintroduce NEETs on the labour market, and to encourage career switches. The patent costs
and high start-up discourage, as well as the flawed bankruptcy procedure discourage entrepreneurs, the
Total “Early-stage” Entrepreneurial Activity in Europe being 5.3% in Germany, compared to Brazil’s
1 5.3%.
The conclusion? Short-term projects did not help in alleviating such an important matter as education
and employment. If we want to mend this link, we need structural reforms, we need projects that will
guarantee the flexibility of both the youth and the labour market. We have lost 1 53 billion in 2012 due
to our inability to provide young people with jobs- how much more will it take for us to realize that the
future of the European Union consists in its ability to ensure that its population can sustain itself?
EMPL
By Adela Alexandra Iacobov
By Adela Alexandra Iacobov
MMIINNOO
Everysingle
country part
of theEU ha
s minorities.
The
mainissue
arisenis tha
t many of
themare n
ot
recognized
by the Me
mberStates
. This lea
ds to
communicat
ion problem
s, sometimes
loss of cult
ure
heritage and
eventhe ex
tinction of
languages, w
hich
alonemay h
ave a great im
pact on the w
orld.
Thesepeople
, whocan b
e found ev
en inour o
wn
country, are
struggling to
take astand,
to be noticed
and
listened. Ma
ny feel the n
eed tospeak
only their n
ative
language. Th
at seems no
rmal,doesn’
t it? So why
do
countries ob
lige minoriti
es tothrow
awaytheir m
other
tongueif they
pay them lit
tle tono att
ention? Afte
r all,
this is one
of the cau
ses of mis
communicat
ion.
Following th
e motto United in Diversity,
the EU is
preparing to
increase its
number of of
ficiallangua
ges to
twenty-three.
However, th
e individual
countries are
the
ones to deci
de which on
es areackno
wledged and
this is
why there a
re language
minorities t
hat have no
t been
recognised, e
ven though t
hey constitut
e a high perc
entile
of thepopula
tion.
Moreover, th
e aforement
ionedpeople
oftenhave s
trong
cultureheritag
e. This may
include tang
ible culture (
such
as buildings
, monument
s, landscapes
, books, wor
ks of
art, and ar
tifacts), int
angible cul
ture (like f
olklore,
traditions,
language, a
nd knowledge),
and natural
heritage (incl
udingcultura
lly significan
t landscapes,
and
biodiversity)
. Allof the
m are vital to
theirunique
identity. All
thesecontrib
ute tothe cu
lturaldivers
ity of
the EU, wh
ich isone o
f themain
principles of
the
Union.
CU
7
Several minorities stand alone as unique societies or, in
other words, are endangered. Once an element of their
heritage dissapears it can never be recovered. This also
may result in extinct languages. With many regional
and minority languages in Europe found on UNESCO's
list of endangered languages it is clear that, unless
action is taken to preserve these languages, they may as
well go extinct.The Council of Europe issued the European Charter for
Regional or Minority Languages, in order to combat
this process. Nevertheless, this document has not yet
been ratified, or even signed by all Member States,
because they still have doubts. Some countries want to
preserve their own cultural heritage or they fear that this
might only lead to further isolation of the minorities
instead of integration.However, members of some minorities have shown
resilience and pride in their linguistic heritage whereas
others are prone to self criticism and often choose to use
another language in their everyday life. They also share
their knowledge with their children, since teaching the
language to the next generation is the basis of a
language's survival.To sum up, I strongly believe that all Member States
should try and conserve their own minorities’ cultural
heritage in order to sustain the diversity of which they
are so proud of. To achieve this they ought to pay more
attention to the entire population, not just to the
majority, and come up with suitable reforms.
By Răzvan Certezeanu
RRIITTIIEESS
LT
EYP means SHARING – Itis said that friendship marks a
life even more deeply than
love. That can be perfectly
applied to EYP. Undoubtedly,
each of you has seen so far
that sharing is an important
part, even crucial part during
the sessions. Haven’t you?
The first time I noticed this
was during Teambuilding. I
started by telling random
facts about me to a bunch of
strangers, who did not seem
so excited to receive them.
Also, sharing my opinions
and using my brain for the
sake of solving Europe’s most
important problems really
made me think of how I was
participating in the session. I
tell you, this is more than the
usual meaning of sharing. It
is helping people; it is doing
well for humanity, for our
common future in the EU, by
using your personal
knowledge and imagination. I
couldn’t have been more
wrong at first, because, as the
session went on, those
strangers became my friends.
So, for those of you who have
a tendency of being self
centered, you will soon
discover that there is no way
of doing that in EYP. You will
definitely feel the need to
share.
EYP means FUTURE - I
don’t know about you, but
after my first session I started
considering an actual career
in politics. The need to speak
up, to make myself heard, to
be e part of Europe’s future
overcame me. The violence
that Mahatma Gandhi was
talking about when he said
that it is better to be violent, if
there is violence in our
hearts, than to put on the
cloak of nonviolence to cover
impotence made room in my
heart. We should reflect
whether we are too shy or too
shortsighted to get involved. I
began to believe that our
future is strongly connected
with our legislators.
Therefore an urge to take
control got over me. The end
of the session left me with a
feeling that I can do more
than them, that I can be
better, that I can actually
shape my future.
EYP means FUN - Working
whilst having a good time might
seem like a paradox. However, if
you spend a while just thinking
of the connection between these
two, you might come to the
conclusion that it is the only way
to succeed in life. EYP taught
me that and I really understand
that these things should both be
present. EYP includes fun and
work in every aspect of the
session. No matter if you’re
sending a Sonic Boom during
Teambuilding or raising a point
during the GA; the focus should
not be only on the academic
aspect of the session, but also on
the little things that keep you
wanting more and more EYP.
To conclude, EYP represented
the trigger, the turning point in
my life. It made me feel
confident and acknowledge that
I need to focus on my future and
that I need to wake up from the
daily routine and to follow my
dream: becoming a bright,
innovative politician. Now, tell
me: How did EYP change your
life?
By Andrei Avadanei
WWiinndd ooff cchhaannggee
ITRE
Nowadays, the European Union is facing many challenges, but this is no surprise,
since 28 countries collaborating perfectly and agreeing upon important matters is an
impossible thing to achieve. Therefore, fields such as renewable energy,
communication and infrastructure are still lacking perfect solutions that could solve at
least some of the Union’s issues.
The energy is a highly debated topic, since society wouldn’t be able to progress or
even survive without it. However, natural resources are not infinite and our
dependence on fossil fuels needs to be replaced using green energy. Unfortunately,
this is not so popular among people, since it implies extra costs and it goes against
their conservatory spirit.
The communications are tackled by the Digital Agenda of Europe and its purpose is
providing high-speed internet access to the members of the EU. Furthermore, creating
a Single Telecoms Market is a great goal, which can only be achieved slowly and
with a lot ofwork.
Transport represents another challenging problem, since there are lots of issues, such
as congestions and pollution that need to be tackled. Using hybrid cars is one of the
proposed solutions, but this would not solve all them.
Last but not least, information is one of the most powerful things in this world. For
instance, a well-informed society is harder to manipulate. A well-informed person
knows where to find the needed things, who to ask and where to go. Information
cannot usually be bought and this is one of the reasons why it is so valuable.
Therefore, one of the main priority measures should be setting aims and trying to
achieve the goals. For example, one does not simply start walking, without knowing
the final destination, or at least the direction that he is headed in. This is the same
situation as with the goals, because if they exist, people will feel more motivated and
willing to think ofways that will make their dreams come true.
All in all, a focused approach is more than necessary. After finding the
aforementioned goal, everyone has to collaborate, so that the problems can be
tackled. The local and national authorities play a big role in everything, because they
are able to determine people make a change. These are issues that affect us, so we are
the ones that need to react and find solutions.
By Mara Bălaşa
AAGGRRII
Food is the moral right of all who are born into this world (Norman Borlaug) .
But do we have equal access? The European Union created an agricultural
policy in order to provide farmers with a reasonable standard of living, quality
and fair prices for consumers and preservation of rural heritage. Still, the
criticism of the Common Agricultural Policy is related to anti-development,
oversupply and its redistribution, high prices, equity and economic sustainability.
The reform is seen as a real necessity, due to the followings:
Europe 2020 strategy for growth -
Nowadays, the economic, environmental
and territorial challenges faced by
agricultural and rural areas ask for new
Efficiency and effectiveness of the policy -
it is important to maintain sound financial
management and good control.
Equity between EU Member States,
farmers and potential beneficiaries.
I am asking myself if the food primary
resources are efficiently processed and
offered. The agricultural environment has a
great potential in developing countries and
needs to be explored. The products have
good quality and are able to compete with
the ones from the EU countries.
However, a lot of things can be done. First
of all, criteria for the new entrants should be
created, in accordance with the
particularities of the markets from these
countries.
The framework is very important
because it offers rules, measures and
hierarchy. It is good to have limits and
specifications. The goal of the reform is
to cut barriers, to assure growth and to
allow different agricultural markets to
act together. Also, redistribution of the
products will avoid food crises, will
lower the prices and will include
different types of farmers (divided by
products and financial power).
The benefits will expand over a large number of people, countries, regions, with
positive effects on the economic sustainability. Furthermore, two common issues
of the EU community and developing countries can be improved throughout the
reform of the agricultural policy: public health and environmental problems.
The first one can be influenced by the primary food production and processing
stages (nutritional quality as well as structural determinants - availability,
accessibility and price). For the second one, the reform should include
recommendations regarding natural ways of increasing production, without
negative consequences for the environment. There are some examples of
agricultural programmes which are designed to protect birds (in England), rare
species (orchids and butterflies, in Germany) or plants (trees and bushes, in
Cyprus).
It is my belief that the Common Agricultural Policy reform has to create
opportunities for farmers in different countries, to assure specific rights, to have
common goals and to protect the cycle of life. That is because, in the end, the
ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and
perfection of human beings. (Masanobu Fukuoka)
By Andrei Avadanei
By Andrei Avadanei
The euro was a project meant to strengthen Europe, an ambitious goal that would bring the
Member States together, united in diversity. Therefore, the risks of implementing a single
currency in countries with very different economic environments were taken, for the
common aspiration of an even more powerful European Union. This glorious dream was,
however, weakened by the recession that has forced us to face the inevitable economic
consequences of our political decisions, which have now developed into the deep Eurozone
crisis, making us question whether the euro was a wise decision in the first place.
While an European currency was a bold idea, we can now see the side-effects of ignoring the
red-flags raised by the economists that Europe did not fulfill the criteria to be an Optimal
Currency Area and it was not ready for such a step. Europe was the first and only monetary
union implemented without full fiscal integration, and the fact that the decision was based on
political factors rather than economic analysis is, in hindsight, a mistake. Even though
European countries trade intensively with each other, the different languages, cultures and
employment laws and social security systems are obstacles that reduce labor mobility, the
political and social context hinders fiscal transfers, and the heterogeneous economic, social
and political environments render the EU vulnerable to asymmetric shocks. The original
hopes that these problems will solve themselves with time and the economies will naturally
harmonize have been proved wrong. But since there is no turning back to the pre-euro era,
what is there to be done to secure the future of the EMU and the EU itself?
ECON
The two radical solutions debated – full fiscal integration or break-up of the Eurozone – are,
in the current political and economic climate, very difficult and very risky. The EU lacks the
public and political support for the first one, with voters increasingly turning towards anti-
European parties, and the costs of the latter seem to exceed the benefits. If only one country
were to exit the Eurozone, the fact that it would regain control over its monetary policy
might be insufficient for it to bounce back from the instability the exit would cause. The
bank-runs, the shortage of liquidity, the effects on imports and exports, the toll it would take
on trade, the scarcity of investors will all lead to even slower economic growth and
monetary tools are not enough to alleviate the problems. For the countries remaining in the
European Union, the loss of confidence in the power of this alliance will cause instability
and will affect the competitiveness and the efficiency of it to such an extent that it might
destroy it. Therefore, although the bailouts were considered a short-term measure that can
only postpone the inevitable, it is known that none of the Member States can afford the
break-up.
What other paths are there for the euro? Structural reforms to facilitate labor and capital
mobility, fiscal transfers and to gradually harmonize the economies of the Member States?
Will the newly implemented Macroeconomic Imbalance Procedure and Single Supervisory
Mechanism (and future banking union), along with the Sixpack and Stability and Growth
Pact pave the way out of the Eurozone crisis? Or is the euro inevitably going to fail, as it
was doomed from the start and all we can do is minimize the losses? The future of the entire
European Union is at stake, as the German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated: If the Euro
fails, Europe fails.
By Adela Alexandra Iacobov
BBUU
DDGG
BBUU
DDGG
The aims of the Europe 2020 strategy are multiple, because nothing can be achieved without specific
targets. There are a number of problems to be tackled, so this strategy is divided by five vast fields.
Each of them is equally important and neglecting them would only cause serious consequences. But,
before talking about solutions, we should get accustomed with the situation and know why these
problems arise.
The unemployment is a highly debated issue among the European citizens, since it can bring the
national economy down. Despite the signs of stabilization that were shown in June, this year, the
European Union unemployment rate is down to 11%. One of the problems may be represented by the
huge differences between the countries that cause an economic imbalance.
Moreover, the Research and Development field
often lacks funds among the Member States.
The goal of each country is to invest at least 3%
in this, but unfortunately some of them failed to
achieve it. The basis of the society is the
research and, without it, we cannot evolve. It is
a shame that some do not see it this way.
Another problem consists in the natural
resources of this planet. Unfortunately, they are
not infinite, and therefore the dependency on
fossil fuels occurs. However, this energy
consumption causes greenhouse gases, which
are harmful to the Earth. The renewable
resources are the ones that can save this crisis,
but they are not used to their full potential. . .yet.
Taking into account that an educated population
is a powerful population, reducing the rates of
early school leaving beyond 10% is another
purpose of the strategy. There are numerous
factors that determine the pupils to drop out of
school and abandon their studies and a change is
desperately needed.
Poverty and social exclusion have an equally
damaging impact on the society. The Europe
2020’s aim is to have at least 20 million fewer
people in or at risk of the aforementioned
things. There are certain existing measures, but
unfortunately this strategy is considered to be
too ambitions.
To sum up, prioritizing is the key concept when
it comes to having great accomplishments.
There is a strategy, there are plans already made,
but the question is which problems are the most
urgent and which ones can wait. Luckily, the
Europe 2020 is in the right place, at the right
time and everyone is striving towards a better
future.
By Mara Bălaşa
Which EYP-er are YOU?
1. Once you arrived at the session, you...
A.Look forward towards the Opening Ceremony
B.Go to explore the surroundings
C.Complain about the bad organization of
everything
2. You are playing a game which requires
you to state your opinion, so you...
A.Make sure to also take others’ opinions in
consideration
B.Know you are not going to enjoy yourself
C.Not going to participate in the game
3. You are playing a problem solving game.
In order to help you team, you...
A.Take into consideration everyone’s points of
view
B.Try to lighten the mood
C.Speed up the work process
4. To solve the Human Knot, you...
A.Give your teammates helpful instructions
B.Encourage your teammates not to take it too
seriously
C.Act as you are instructed
5. When taking a committee picture, you...
A.Join the others when doing funny faces
B.Are the only one not making a silly face
C.Hold your pose
6. During delegation presentation you...
A.Are not the one with the microphone
B.Start clapping encouraging the delegates
performing the traditional dance
C.Coordinate the traditional dance
7. While establishing the Golden Rules of
the committee, you...
A.Insist that five rules are enough
B.Embrace other suggestions
C.Think that you should be allowed to use your
phone during committee work
8. You have been given five minutes to agree
on a way of voting, you...
A.Stay silent, thinking your ideas are not good
enough
B.Go through all ideas to find the best one
C.Come up with many funny ideas
9. During committee work, you...
A.Find it hard to reach a consensus with the other
delegates
B.Ask your Journo to have more energizers
C.Try to express your approval regarding the
suggested points
10. At Committee Dinner you...
A.Entertain the committee with your jokes
B.Pay attention to what is going on
C.Collect the money needed for the bill
11. On the fieldtrip, you...
A.Do not approve the schedule
B.Want to get back as soon as possible
C.Enjoy the program
12. After the closing ceremony, you...
A.Offer to make a committee Facebook group
B.Quickly say goodbye to everyone before leaving
C.Leave without saying goodbye
By Răzvan Certezeanu
Did you know that there are different types of delegates at EYP? If you are now wondering
what kind of delegate you are then you have opened the right page. Choose the answer you
think it suits you the best, but remember, there is only one rule: be honest. The results will be
revealed in the following issue. Enjoy!
After what delegates referred to as a short day of Teambuilding, the evening rapidly came with the
Tomis Village, one of the intercultural events in every EYP session. This is all about traditions and
customs and each region wants to prove the others that it is the best, by bringing delights and preparing
a presentation.
I entered the big hall that hosted the Village still trying to decide what unusual specialty I ought to taste.
Moreover, I was also excited about the interesting dishes brought by the delegates from all over
Romania, in order to delight our senses. To be honest, I was expecting to taste again the traditional salo
from the northwestern part of Romania. The rush of joy felt in the moment that the delegation from
Crișana and Maramureș smiling confirmed my expectations, can not possibly be put into words.
As I passed among the overly filled tables, I had to make a stop in Bucharest, because they were
bragging about their different juices. Actually, their table was, if I am not mistaken, the most visited
one, since the delegates were thirsty. Other two specialities, the baclava and the sarailie, similar in taste,
but different in shape, praised by all the delegates have sweeten everyone’s evening with their
incredible, juicy flavour.
TToommii∑∑ VViillllaaggee
When the eating and tasting process came to an end, we were unexpectedly taken in a journey by the
story of two young EYPers. Through a fortunate coincidence they met at a session and they fell in
love. The regions presentation started with the delegation from Bucovina, which sang us about a field
with flowers, the same flowers that the boy used to bring to the girl. As these two lovers travelled,
Moldova brought us another flower, called Rose from Moldova (Trandafir de la Moldova), happily
sang by all the delegates. Their adventure continued throughout the other regions of Romania as they
felt the need to express their feelings in dance. I can tell you they tried almost every traditional dance
from Transilvania, Dobrogea, Crișana and Maramureș, or Ardeal.
Who were they kidding? Their game had to come to an end.. . There were only memories left,
expressed through an emotional song by the delegation of Muntenia. Although, it might sound like a
sad story, I am the living witness that the night was fantastic. The dances, the sound of those songs, the
traditional costumes and the delegates’ energy made it a perfect one!
By Andrei Avadanei
W
hen
the
long
and
exhausting
day of fighting
over ideas,
debating, solving
arguments for finding
solutions to Europe’s
different problems was
over, there couldn’t be a
greater relief for the delegates than knowing that the Tomis Concert is about to start.
All the participants gathered to listen to the talented singers that were about to perform. After
a minute of silence, the first singer took the stage and brought us “Mama do”, a song about
coping with personal problems in a mother’s way. Suddenly, an indescribable feeling in my
stomach when a boy with a guitar taught us what true love is and how it can that affect you, through
a song called “Hero”. I started checking the space around me to find people with a similar form of
empathy as myself. Surprisingly, I was not the only one as I noticed a few delegates with tears rolling
down their faces, just trying to imagine what were on their minds.
While waiting for the next performers, I thought that the night couldn’t get any better. Well it did, when our
lovely President gave us another lesson on how you should focus on what’s really important in life or how
money can’t buy us happiness. Therefore, we heard her angelic voice singing “Price tag” in her particular way.
Then, we had to go “Under the bridge” to be the witnesses of a not so fortunate story about solitude and grief.
But our attention was quickly taken to a much happier, worry-free life as another singer performed “All
summer long”. One artist tried to fool us. A performance which began as a hiccup song, rapidly turned
into an impressive demonstration of beat box. I am still wondering how complex some people are,
since they manage to produce several different sounds at the same time.
For the final performance, all the artists went on stage and performed a well-known Romanian
song about finishing school, being free and creating your own future. “Am doar 18 ani” was
enthusiastically sung by the audience, delegates and officials, waving with their hands at the
people in front.
It was a night full of new
experiences, strange
feelings, bliss that
pleased all my
senses. It was
perfect and I’m
so happy I
was able to
be a part
of it!
TToommii∑∑ CCoonncceerrtt
By Andrei Avadanei
Do you remember what concluded your teambuilding ? Yes, that is right : the Committee Presentations.
Each committee received some random and unrelated words in order to set up a sketch, a play, a group
song and so on. I bet all of you were shocked when you first saw the given words. “What am I supposed to
do with these? They make no sense…!” was one of the reactions I personally heard. However, you had no
choice, but to embrace them and come up with great and unique ideas. Moreover, before the presentation
you had to create a representative flag for your committee. I saw many weird, or funny flags, that were
drawn and full of mottoes. After you had accomplished this task the show began. As expected, everyone
decided to come up with a creative song based on the committee topic. This was seen starting from the
fisrt presentation: “Uuu, delegates, look at this AGRI” went on to be a catchy chorus. Furthermore
BUDG’s interpretation of Macklemore’s Thrift Shop song became in the following days their new call,
while ECON showed us their need for euro. Altogether it was great to have you all out there to present us
your committee together with the topic in a unique manner.
By Răzvan Certezeanu
They were the happiest, most
excited delegates, who always found
something to laugh about. Ever since they
disguised their fears in balloons and then
smashed them, BUDG became a well-
balanced team that succeeded to get enough
votes, so that their resolution could pass.
This was the most
active committee during
the General Assembly. They
amazed everyone with all their well-
thought Direct Responses and their way
of playing Street Fighter was unique,
since they changed the rules and used
other terms such as Emplyment, or
European Commission, or
Flexicurity.
Firstly, I have to admit that
their Let it be, let it be, LIBE
chant made everyone become emotional! Moreover, they
get the prize for the friendliest committee, since they
wore always a smile on their face and were always eager
to help, no matter what.
The ITREdibles (as they liked
to call themselves) were super
excited about their team. They
had an inside joke for anything and they
were the most determined committee,
which managed to find fast and
useful solutions for their topic.
All I have to say is Viva
La Noce! I can still remember their
endless conversations regarding the power of salo and I
can still hear their contagious laugh. Some
of them even say that the salo was their key
of success, but that is quite
unbelievable, is it not?
However, while talking (or asking
for) Euro, they have built strong
friendships and learned how to trust
each other.
This was the most cheerful committee. I still miss
their claps and their energetic AGRI AGRI AGRI
AGRI chant and I have to admit that it was a
pleasure to visit them and find out more about the
issues they were discussing.
Although some of the
delegates were not so
enthusiastic, I admired
CULT because they were
able to say everything, without
interrupting each other. During
Teambuilding they stayed far from
the water and some of the
delegates admitted that they
loved Finland, by specifying
it on a placard, during GA.
By Mara Bălaşa
GG
All the hard work of the delegates during teambuilding and committee work has paid off in the session’s
final phase- the General Assembly. From becoming a real team, able to communicate and cooperate, to
creating a resolution that provides feasible solutions to current European issues, the GA was the moment
that challenged it all. And the brilliant way our committees worked under pressure was the proof that
Tomis Forum/NSS 2013 was nothing short of amazing.
As this was the first time I am reporting the GA after holding the placards and not debating, I can say that
it is even more impressive to see the efforts of the delegates, their concerns, their anxieties, as well as their
joy and their pride after successfully and persuasively expressing their opinions, providing
counterarguments and improving or proposing solutions.
The fact that the points of debate were structured not only to question the resolutions, but also to clearly
explain the reasons behind the disagreement and to offer alternatives led to a constructive debate of a high
academic level. The excellent use of Direct Responses (EMPL, which was declared the most active
committee, used six of them) made the discussion more dynamic. The board’s decision to set rules for the
points rose to be structured as constructive, complex statements rather than simple questions about
logistics increased the academic level of the debate, ensuring the high standards of the GA were respected.
AAApart from the heated debates and controversial points, we also enjoyed a range of very creative,
innovative and bold speeches. The GA of the Tomis Forum/NSS 2013 abounded in surprising moments.
The speaker that held EMPL’s sum-up speech left the audience in awe after delivering the summation by
speaking freely, without any clipboards or notes, but simply by reciting and acting impromptu. He
managed to get his message across by emphasising that the youth employment contract will, in fact, be
“YOUR employment contract”. LIBE’s speaker impressed us by delivering his entire speech blindfolded
to facilitate the visualisation of the committee’s message, providing a very powerful image. Moreover,
ECON’s speaker decided to use glasses to convince us that their resolution is the only way to solve the
Eurozone crisis, the macroeconomic imbalances between the Member States and the discrepancies caused
by a common monetary policy and a different fiscal policy. It comes as no surprise that the Committee on
Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) used a lightbulb, a cable and keys as props to highlight Europe’s
need to prioritise and develop sustainable, feasible policies to protect the resources and the environment.
These are just a few examples of the creativity and innovation our delegates have demonstrated in order to
support their arguments, and the list may continue. What we can say for sure is that each committee has
managed to create its own trademark to be remembered by.
After seven debates, countless excellent points and well-used Direct Responses, six resolutions passed and
EMPL, ITRE and ECON were declared the most active committees in TOMIS 2013’s GA. The session’s
success, however, can only be measured by looking at everybody’s broad smiles and beaming faces, a
mixture of relief and sorrow, pride and pure joy after the closing ceremony. The pictures do not do us
justice – one could literally feel the tension in the air. And the committee shouts surrounding us still make
us feel nostalgic – the teams we formed, the friends we made, the fears we overcame and the lessons we
learned are all milestones in our development. These experiences are not only priceless memories, but also
moments that will shape our character and changes our perspectives. Because above all else, EYP
broadens our horizons and helps us become the people we truly want to be!
Let us party!
By Adela Alexandra Iacobov
AALet us party!
We all know that the academic aspect of the EYP is
complemented by the fun activities and events that make this
project unique. Moreover, it is also common knowledge that
EYPers really know how to party!
The amazing parties organized during Tomis Forum/ NSS
2013 are the proof that delegates are just as brilliant at
committee work and teambuilding as they are at dancing (or
almost, but that is the fun part, is it not?). Our white party
was the ice-breaker : the first half and hour, the atmosphere
was very much alike the first teambuilding games,
everybody was trying to figure out their place in the team,
sitting around on the sides, chatting, looking skeptically at
the handful of officials that were dancing and taking photos.
However, it did not take too long until the delegates moved
to the next phase- and the white Harlem Shake video was
just a natural step in the process. Suddenly, everyone was on
the dance floor like they had known each other forever. By the time we had to return
to the hotel, nobody wanted to leave the club and reached one consensus- they urged
the organizers to extend the curfew.
The “Hats and
Wigs” party was the farewell party- the
last night of Tomis Forum/NSS 2013. After a week of
amazing activities and heart-warming moments, it was time to
say goodbye to all the new friends, to the teams formed, to the touching
memories. It was emotional, it was heart-breaking, and it was fun and bitter-
sweet. The typical awkward introductory phase of parties was skipped as everybody
wanted to enjoy the last hours of the session to the fullest extent. Saying goodbye is always
the most difficult part of the session, but that is also one of the reasons the Farewell party is
one of our most cherished memories. We can therefore conclude: this was the perfect ending for
the perfect session.
To sum-up, EYP parties are always a moment to breathe, relax and have fun in
the middle of the hectic schedule of a session. Our White party and the Farewell
“Hats and Wigs” party were no exceptions- and we know that those
memories are priceless for each of us (and the incredibly hilarious
photos are the bonus that will help us in dealing
with our PED). But, in all honesty, the only cure for
PED is applying for the next session. Good luck!
By Adela Alexandra Iacobov
Towards the end, delegates have been decided to
rent hydro-bicycles and go on the lake, while others
rushed at various restaurants and food quarters. I bet
many of them hurried up back to the busses in order
to arrive on time! Photos were taken while sleeping
and some of them even ended up in the Awards
Video.
All in all, although it was a tiring and busy day for
many of you, I have no doubt it was a fantastic EYP
trip, which had a relaxing effect before the General
Assembly.
Do you
remember the
awesome trip to
Constanța? If not, I am here to
remind you and, unfortunately, make
your PED even harder for you to bear with.
It was Wednesday morning and all of us woke
up (too) early and got on the road.
Once we have reached our destination, different groups of people, with
several intentions and destinations have been formed. Some went to
the beach, others have chosen to have a cup of coffee, in order to
wake up, while many decided just to walk around the city and
enjoy landmarks, such as the Casino. The interesting thing is
that the EYP spirit was present all the time. Many
delegates stopped in the park to play numerous team-
building games and the Officials did a very good job
entertaining everyone.
The weather was sunny and warm, perfect for
sightseeing and the people that live in Constanța
were proper tour guides for some delegates. However,
there were also some EYP-ers who went to the mall to do
some shopping or play bowling and EYP has lighted up the
mood in the city.
By Răzvan Certezeanu
Various stereotypes have been formed during EYP sessions, but only a few came to be well-known
among officials. These are the JOKER, the SHY one, the LEADER, the PUSHER, theAGREER and the DISAGREER.
In the first issue you can find a test that will help you find out what type of EYP-er you are. Now it is
time to find out the answers that you have been (hopefully) waiting for. Below you can also read a
description for each type.
The Joker is obviously the one who fools around and tries to stand out by being funny, or even flippant
at some times. His role is to ease the tension in the committee.
Every group has its own shy person. You most certainly noticed their lack of words during
teambuilding and committee work. However, it often happens that that same person is the one with
very good ideas, so you have to find a way to make them share!
I do not think I have to explain the Leader. One problem might arise in the presence of more than one
leader in a committee. This usually brings nothing but conflicts within groups.
If you like to rush into things, then you could consider yourself a Pusher. A positive aspect of this
might be the contribution you can bring to the committee, but try not to over-react, because the others
will not appreciate it.
Furthermore, there are two opposite typologies.There is the one who agrees with everything said
during the committee work, and the other one, who denies everybody’s opinion, without bringing
contra arguments. Sometimes it is hard to deal with them, since the first one can become undecided
during phrasing and the latter may stop the committee’s progress.
Each type is noted with its capital letter. You just have to see which answer you gave at each question
(a, b, or c) and add up the letters, in order to see which one is predominant. Enjoy!
1. a – Lb – Sc – D
2. a – Ab – Jc – P
3. a – Lb – Jc – P
4. a – Ab – Dc – P
5. a – Pb – Ac – D
6. a – Sb – Lc – J
7. a –Lb – Pc – S
8. a – Db – Jc – A
9. a – Pb – Jc – D
10. a – Sb –Ac – D
11. a – Jb – Sc – L
12 .a – Db – Pc – A
By Răzvan Certezeanu
I honestly believe there were a strong bond and honest communication among officials. It is true that
this was our [Luisa` s and mine] plan from the very beginning, but things kicked off unexpectedly easy.
Of course we all knew each other from previous sessions, however the key factor was the fruitful
interaction between team leaders, who further on coordinated their teams accordingly. We listened and
supported each other and I believe that everyone could see that in the final outcome.
Well, first of all, it might be a bit too much to call it my idea. I became familiar to it while chairing
abroad, so I cannot take credit for it, but I wanted to test its effectiveness at our nationals. It usually
works with a larger number of chairs, however I felt that this method would better structure the
information transfer within the chairs team. Each board member had her designated buddy group,
consisting of two other chairs, for whom she became responsible during the session. So, besides the
buddy group meetings, which we had at the end of each Teambuilding/Committee Work day, we, the
board members, also paid multiple visits to our assigned chairs, just so we made sure everything was
going according to plan and provide some help or advice. After the meetings, we shared and compared
our answers and tried to see to what extent we could help our chairs. I personally believe it went great,
as the chairs actually had the chance to speak out and share all their concerns, while avoiding the
excruciatingly long so-called “chairs’ meetings”. Moreover, there was no hassle, since everyone knew
whom they should approach provided there was an issue.
I must say it was definitely a challenge. As you probably know, the President usually does not have a
committee, since his task is to offer support to the Chairs’ Team and to make sure everything runs
smoothly. Well, I had to do all that, while chairing a committee. It was a bit difficult structuring my
time and making sure I provided all my chairs with the needed assistance and also helping my
committee grow and guiding them throughout the session. At one point, I was nervous my committee
would feel rather neglected, and after all, this had to be a learning experience for them as well. But
judging by their overall impression, I would say everything found its way and I managed to juggle
with being both a chairperson and the President.
WWiitthh tthheePPrreessiiddeenntt
To be honest, there were some aspects that did not quite fall into place. For example, I would have added
some more time for Teambuilding and Committee Work. The schedule was too condensed and I personally
feel that at one point we might have rushed through it. It takes more than seven hours to create a team from
scratch and maybe we should have had the chance to focus more on co-operation and trust from the
beginning, rather than encountering different feuds during Committee Work. Also, I would change the
resolution typing process entirely. The resolutions might have been really good, but they were not clearly
written. That is probably why there were so many friendly amendments during GA. We did check the drafts
before sending them for printing, however, a well written resolution requires more than just one proof-
reading. Therefore, I would introduce two more checks: the buddy-check and the VP-check, just to make
sure that these sort of typos and spelling mistakes do not get in the final resolution.
Definitely! Some people say it gets better with each session. Well, let me tell you that it does not. After all
these years, I still feel I have no purpose what so ever after a session, I start Facebook-stalking everyone
and I share all the hilarious inside jokes with my non-EYP friends, who, naturally, do not find them as
amusing as I did. So yes, BASICALLY, it never gets better. I can not-so-proudly say I am currently
suffering from PED, but luckily I have some other matters on my plate right now, so focusing on them
makes it a bit easier.
My very next session will be in November, in the Netherlands, so right now I have one more EYP event to
look forward to (YEEY! ). However, after that I might have to take a short break, as I must focus on
college, studying and all that jazz. But you never know where life might take you, so I do not strike out the
possibility of starting the forthcoming year at a session.
Take advantage of it as much as you can and stay involved, because it will pass incredibly fast! EYP is a
great learning opportunity, which does not come by often and, also, does not stay for too long. I know it
sounds a bit clichéd, but it is true, and you cannot feel what it really entitles after one or maybe two
sessions. When you attended your first session, you were given an empty book. Now it is time to turn the
page and fill in your EYP chapter. Be creative! You have now the intel, the knowledge, the pen. What are
you going to do?
By Mara Bălaşa