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