MEP Vienna 2014

COMMITTEES & ISSUES

1 Committee on Industry Research and Energy – Group A

The question of energy efficiency and dependence:

As part of the European Commission´s 2030 roadmap towards a low-carbon economy, how realistic are low CO2 emission targets in the near future?

Are green energy alternatives to gas and oil imports a successful way towards this goal? Or can nuclear power or/and shale-fuels increase energy efficiency and independence?

2 Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (I) - Group B

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?

3 Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (II) - Group A

The question of an ageing society:

How should Europe cope with a greying population and the consequent effects on the labour market, the pension and social welfare system. Which measures should the EU take to rejuvenate society and to keep the European workforce young on average and globally competitive?

4 Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety - Group B

The question of juvenile health:

Should the EU play a role in protecting juveniles from alcohol and drugs abuse, smoking and unhealthy eating habits? If so, how should EU regulation relate to national regulation in this field? How can the member states of the EU cooperate to safeguard the health of young people against mental stress, alcohol abuse, smoking and poor levels of nutrition? What role can schools and educational programmes play?

5 Committee on Culture and Education - Group A

The question relating to the modernisation of higher education:

The EU maintains a commitment to improving the education of young people and encouraging social mobility. What can the EU do to ensure that education and mobility of young people is indeed improved? Should there be an EU-wide education policy to ensure the same standards in education and skills for those wishing to work within the EU?

6 Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (I) - Group B

The question of human trafficking:

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

7 Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (II) - Group A

The question relating to immigration and achieving multi-ethnic societies:

What is the EU doing at a multinational level to take responsibility for integration within member states? How does the EU protect the rights of minority groups and how far should EU member states accept cultural diversity when it conflicts with national cultural practices?

8 Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (III) - Group B

The question of safe internet use:

How can the EU ensure a safer Internet for its youth? What measures can be taken to reduce the impact of cyber-bullying, internet grooming and unregulated social networking sites on the life of young people without violating the right to free speech and freedom of information?

9 Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality - Group A

The question relating to gender equality in the EU:

Despite progress, women across Europe still hold very few senior management positions and earn significantly less on average than men. What can the EU do to ensure equality for women in terms of pay and opportunities? To what extent does this relate to the differing status of women within the cultures of member states?

10 Committee on Foreign Affairs - Group B

The question of the involvement of the EU in international conflicts:

Should the EU play an important role in international conflicts only after the cessation of hostilities, or should the EU assume a prominent role in situations whilst violence continues, not leaving that task to individual member states or other international players.