Issues Model European Parliament Madrid 2012

Committee on Foreign Affairs

The question of the role of the EU with regard to the new Arab "democracies": to what extent should/could the EU intervene with a view to influencing the social, economic and political processes in countries such as Egypt, Tunisia and Libya after the succession of new leaders?

Committee on Constitutional Affairs

The question of the cohesion of the European Union: the European leaders have, since the beginning of the financial crisis, not proved able to provide the decisive leadership required to face the present problems. This jeopardises the overall cohesion of the Union. What instruments does the EU have at its disposal to face the problems and retain cohesion, and how should these be deployed?

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

The question of the euro-crisis: how should we evaluate both the history and the future of the Euro? Is the exit of individual countries from the monetary union a possibility that should be seriously considered, or should the Euro-countries stick together at all costs and continue to accept the risk of a weaker common currency resulting from the poorer financial performance of some of the group?

Committee on International Trade

The question of the competitive position of the EU in the field of patents and production technology: through mergers and acquisitions, know-how of European companies is getting into the hands of non-EU foreign companies. Protectionist measures could safeguard the European competitive position vis a vis, for instance, the US and China, but such measures would contravene WTO-rules. What should the EU position be in this respect?

Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

The question of growing unemployment among young people in the European Union: increasingly unemployment, specifically amongst the younger generation, is becoming a serious problem within the European Union. What measures can the EU take to stimulate the participation of young people in the labour market – or should fighting unemployment be considered a national responsibility?

Committee on Environment, Health and Food Safety

The question of the protection of biodiversity: the EU strives to protect, and where necessary restore, flora and fauna by creating a network of nature reserves, Natura 2000. This will inevitably entail limitations on sectors such as recreation, agriculture, fishing and housing, with consequences for employment. How can these competing interests be balanced?

Committee on Culture and Education

The question of international standardisation of secondary education in the EU: how can international standardisation of the secondary educational system in Europe be achieved in order to allow nationals of the member states to function more effectively in the public domain and to participate fully as European citizens?

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

The question of human trafficking: every year great numbers of people are smuggled into the European Union by traffickers. A large percentage of these end up in prostitution, others fall victim to forced labour, human organ trade and illegal adoption. What can be done to fight this modern-day slave trade?

Committee on Legal Affairs

The question of the protection of intellectual property: many Europeans illegally download films, music and games. Because of these practices, artists and producers miss out on rightful income. Is illegal downloading an innocent activity, or should the EU act against it forcefully? In the latter case, what measures could be taken?

Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality

The question of gender balance in the work place: in several EU member states women earn less than men in the same positions. Furthermore, there are many fewer women than men in senior positions. How can true gender equality in the work place be achieved and what measures should be taken to have more women in executive and leading positions?