Issues WE-MEP The Hague 2016 - Hoofdinhoud

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

The question of manageable immigration in Western European member states.

Due to the ongoing civil war in Syria and the instability of the Middle East and Northern Africa, many people try to flee to the European Union. In an attempt to create manageable numbers of incoming refugees, the European Union already came to an agreement with the Turkish government on the resettlement of refugees across the member states. However, most refugees prefer to apply for asylum in Western European member states. How could the European Union keep the numbers of asylum applications in these countries manageable, without violating human rights of incoming refugees?

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

The question of the threat of terrorism and the role of intelligence services.

Europe and Turkey have been shocked and frightened by a new wave of terrorist attacks. Fear for new attacks, especially in Western European countries, has put the debate on how the European Union and its member states can prevent terrorism from happening, under pressure. Several member states have already adopted national measures to tackle terrorism, but terrorists operate more and more across borders whilst cooperation between intelligence services has proven to be difficult. What measures could or should Western European countries take to enable cross border cooperation of intelligence services without jeopardising privacy of citizens? And should European institutions (for instance Europol) play a role?

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE)

The question of outdated nuclear power plants (NPPs) in Western Europe.

Many experts and citizens expressed their concern about the safety of outdated second generation NPPs. From small cracks in the concrete surroundings of reactors to the leakage of radioactively contaminated water: the risks are high and the safety and health of a lot of citizens is at stake. How can Western Europe make sure that outdated second generation NPPs stay safe, now and in the future? And what should Western Europe do with plants which are considered not safe enough?

Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO)

The question of rising criticism and Euroscepticism regarding the European Union.

In many member states the trust in the functioning and role of the European Union is heavily criticised. Even the existence of the Union itself is questioned. In the United Kingdom this scepticism and distrust even led to a vote for a Brexit; The United Kingdom will leave the European Union. In many other member states, the call for more national autonomy and reforms of the European Union grows every day. In which way should the European Union adapt or re-design itself to overcome the gap between European decision-making and its citizens? In other words, how can the European Union regain its legitimacy?

Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL)

The question of youth unemployment.

In 2015, unemployment among the European youth was more than two times higher than unemployment among the entire European working population. Youth unemployment in some member states of the European Union is even higher than the overall number in Europe, which can lead to brain-drain from certain countries to economically more promising areas. The 2020-strategy of the European Union expressed that 75% of the European working population should be working. What could Western European member states do take measures to drop the numbers of youth unemployment in the member states?