thessaurus issue #1

thessaurus Publication of the 26th National Session of EYP Greece

ISSUE #1

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EDITORIAL NOTE.

Welcome to the 26th National Session of EYP Greece!

Undeniably, the next three days are going to be some of the most fascinating in your life so far. And

we are here exactly to capture your best moments during the

session.

Fourteen people from all over Europe have gathered here with only one aim: to bravely serve the aforementioned tasks as

thoroughly as possible. Yes, we are the Journos!

On the other hand, it is only up to you to stand out make this event unique. Moreover, by making the difference at this session, we will

secure you a place in the EYP Hall of Fame.

For now, that’s all, folks!

Thessaurus

Biodiversity Surviving Kit

Thessaurus

Francesca Puricelli casts doubt on the effectivity of actions taken to reduce the damage made to the ecosystem by the humankind.

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In the last decades, there has admittedly been a mere awareness about humankind’s exploitation and damage made to our planet. Local governments, researchers and many other actors have also been opinionated about the prominent consequences and that something has to change, as soon as possible. One of the first problems compromising our future is the loss of biodiversity. Biodiversity is the sheer variety of life on earth. It includes all living organisms which, together, interact in complex ways with the inanimate environment to create living ecosystems. Biodiversity is everything that surrounds us! We

are an integral part of it and exert a major influence over it. It is fundamental to us for three main reasons: economically, it sustains our economy and our quality of life, providing us with a whole range of direct economic benefits; environmentally, it provides a stream of useful ecosystem services ranging from the provision of food, fuel, clean air and water to raw materials for clothes and medicines; emotionally, it has an intrinsic value, supporting our cultural identity, offering spiritual inspiration and solace, and playing an important role in our mental and physical well-being.Man, who plays a main role in biodiversity,

compromised it to such an extent that in Europe is now under immense pressure. According to the Millennium Ecosystems Assessment, ecosystems

have suffered more human induced fragmentation in Europe than in any other continent. Much of our land is being used intensively and urban areas are rapidly expanding into the countryside. As a result, almost half of our wildlife is in serious decline and valuable ecosystems have become degraded and fragmented, undermining their capacity to deliver valuable ecosystems services.This is the reason why a first Action Plan was taken in 2006, providing a strategic European response to tackling biodiversity loss and establishing a detailed set of target and actions, with 2010 as a deadline. Since it didn’t work, EU leaders in 2010 adopted

the new strategy to halt the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services in the EU by 2020, and restore them in so far as feasible.This very last program mostly focuses on the concept of ecosystems services. Stating that healthy ecosystems regulate floods, absorb greenhouse gases and protect us from increasingly extreme weather patterns and they are, therefore, vital to help us reducing and adapting to the impact of climate change, we can now recognize that eco system services – the direct benefits that humans receive from ecosystems – present an opportunity to achieve conservation in places where traditional conservation approaches may not work.

ENVI 1

Don’t let it slip through your

fingers. An utter necessity for all, water is yet a scarcity

for many of us. Almost one in five people live in areas of physical water scarcity, whilst one in four face economic water shortage. In the last century, water use has been growing at more than twice the rate of population increase and, although there is no global water scarcity, an increasing number of regions are chronically short of water. Africa and the Middle East are included in these regions, reaching closer and closer to a water emergency. In Africa, the struggle for access to clean, potable water remains an obvious example of water’s scarcity direct accountability to the stalling and reversal of human progress. While each individual living in the United States for example uses on average 100 to 175 gallons of water per day in their homes, the average African family uses only 5 gallons of water per day. This vast disparity of clean water availability and consumption is reflected in a number of different developmental aspects. These consequences include the effects on health, opportunities for women, education, agricultural practices, regional conflict, productivity and development.

The situation in the Middle East is not different. Moreover, the political and social unrest of the Arab Spring has diverted the global attention from the seriousness of the problem this region faces due to lack of water. Its rapid population growth, poverty, hunger and unemployment are only worsened by water scarcity, when, at the same time, experts fear the deterioration of the problem at a rapid pace. Scathing factors are considered to be multiple, from poor water management,lack of infrastructure to water pollution and inefficient irrigation techniques. Woven closely together by the lack of cooperation

between nations, a critical chain of problems is created. However, this chain grows heavier by the moment, pressing the population of Africa and Middle East into endless suffering.According to UN estimation,by 2025, 30 countries will be water scarce,out of which 18 will be part of Middle East and North Africa.If the current situa-tion continues, lives will perish, development will be ceased and every day, drops of conflict will be falling on these grounds. Time to ask ourselves has come: will we let our chances of avoiding blood-shed, agony and death slip through our fingers?

Water scarcity, its shortages and a vast array of prob-lems being caused. Despina Dimitrakopoulou brings her thorough examination in the following article.

Biodiversity Surviving Kit

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DEVE

At first thought, it is easy to get the idea that the European economy is dominated by large, multinational enterprises. This is what crosses everyone’s mind when they are asked what is the main drive of the economic growth. But SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) play an important role in the development of a country. They contribute to the economic growth by creating employment and by providing desirable sustainability and innovation in the economy. In addition to that, a large number of people rely on the SMEs directly or indirectly. SMEs have a propensity to employ more labor-intensive production processes than large enterprises. Consequently, they contribute significantly to the

provision of productive employment opportunities, the generation of new income and, eventually, the reduction of poverty. In conclusion SMEs have the potential to lead us to a dynamic and prosperous Europe and to be primarily responsible

for the economic and employment growth.But what is an SME? An SME according to EU’s

definition is “an enterprise that employs fewer than 250 persons and has an annual turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million and/or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 43 million”. So can SMEs create more and better jobs after all? Definitely yes, because this kind of enterprise is the key source for generating jobs. Studies show that employment by SMEs is annually increasing by 1%, while by the large “powerful” enterprises only by 0.5% per year, adding that, within the SMEs sectors, the highest growth rate is found in micro and small enterprises. The importance of entrepreneurs and small businesses has been a central theme of many discussions. But so far, there’s only one question waiting for a proper response: how can local governments support SMEs?

One last mission: Saving SMEs!

Anja Kadiu introduces us with the critical role that SMEs play out in the process of carrying Europe out from the current turbulent crisis.

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ITRE

Thessaurus

F a m i l y a n d B u s i n e s sBalancing desires and needs in today’s Europe. The crucial role of a solid family in a more prosperous Europe spotlighted by Dennis Patrearcheas.

At a first glance, having a job is something more than just necessary. Not only does it secure livelihood, but also gives a feeling of productivity and creativity. On the other hand, individuals -as social beings- feel the natural need to form a family. Therefore, it is sensible to wonder: Is it possible to balance both our desires and needs? Undubitably, a family is the first stage of socialisation

for man, not only for its crucial role on preserving and conducting values to its members. Through a balanced family, tomorrow’s generations are raised; consequently, values of society are obviously dependent from them. Furthermore, communication among family members -in the form of a dialogue- promotes acceptance and understanding. From another point of view, a family has to offer food and security. Money and time from the parents’ schedule is required to provide those according to the expectations. Considering that in most 21st century families at least two members are employed, money is usually enough for survival. However, what happens with time and devotion? It is true that most people work more than 8 hours and day, minimising the time they spend with their family. In order to cover that gap, parents commercialise family relationships, emphasizing on materialistic

needs of their children. Clearly, gifts might help family members to get along well in most of the cases. Even when there is enough time to be spent with family or friends, working fathers and mothers keep their brains occupied. This happens because of extremely high levels of fierce competition at working environments. The risk of being fired, the chance of getting promoted or getting a bonus, are major priorities and are often set higher than family’s harmony and organic health itself. In addition, being competitive increases psychological tension and leads to arguments between family members. In the other side, the European Union is busy tackling the crisis and dealing with financial problems. Even though employment issues are closely related to those problems, being able to have a family is a matter of human rights. As history has shown us, when economy tends to be volatile, human rights, civil liberties and justice issues grow under its shadow with accelerated rates. However, it is essential to have a job and not so sensible to abandon a family for it. A golden path has to be found and changes must be made, no matter how hard it may be. Finally, we shouldn’t take having a job for granted, especially in times of financial crisis and worklessness. After all, every problem has a solution.

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LIBE

26th NSC of EYP Greece

ENVI II falsified medicines

Bas van Leeuwen is basically wondering if these pills we are taking are really curing us...

Or is it just fake? For some years now, it has been hard to tell the difference between real medicines and fake ones. In this light, in June 2011 the European Parliament in cooperation with the European Commission introduced new EU-wide legislation with the regard to falsified medicines. This legislation will be applicable from the 2nd of January 2013 onwards. This in order to further ensure safety and public health, as the amount of falsified medicine circulating in the EU has been rising for some time now.

These measures include a common logo to identify legal online pharmacies since until now it was hard to distinguish between legal and illegal online pharmacies within the EU, thus not granting the citizens the required amount of safety. In addition to this, all pharmacies or online shops will be frequently inspected and sanctions will be imposed upon those violating EU standards or requirements. But also on micro-level, individual products, authenticity signs will be placed so that the consumer can have a safe feeling when taking medicines.

However, fears arose that even this is not enough to effectively counter falsified medicines which

could be a great risk for our society. Therefore one question remains; will the measures being implemented suffice and lead to a steady decline of falsified medicine in circulation? As a member of the European commission said, the main goal of the directive is to “prevent that medicinal products suspected of being falsified enter into circulation.” However, is this enough? Simply preventing them from entering circulation does not mean the problem is solved, they might enter into circulation elsewhere. And does that not make the EU responsible?

A lot of those medicines are produced in the EU and secluding them from our market means they will end up in third-world countries. Countries we

send emergency-aid to, countries which will then need more money because they receive bad medicines. In the end, we should strive to stop the production of these medicines in order to fully clear the market of these counterfeit products. But how do we do that? Do we impose higher sanctions and drive out these producers or do we offer them a chance to legally produce medicine and control them, since they will not be able to find any jobs on the regular labour market? The answer lies in ENVI II’s hands…

UNITED WE STAND! Or Not?

8Thessaurus

Financial reforms. Search for stability of the markets. Credibility. Efforts to put economy back on track. Do these words remind you of something? Of course they are! They are a real sense of today’s reality, seen through the lenses of a tempestuous, multidimensional crisis. We are now dealing with a global financial crisis, which in fact is considered by many economists to be the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Total collapse of large financial institutions, bailouts of banks by national governments and downturns in stock markets around the world have become part of our everyday life. We have now arrived at a point that change is necessary and urgent. In September, the EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has called for the EU to evolve into a “federation of nation-states”. He claimed that shifting the supervision of banks into European level is the only way to restore confidence in the Euro, enhance economic and fiscal integration and generally address significant threats to financial stability across the Eurozone, as there is a need for common decision making and the European Central Bank would gain supervisory powers for all banks

to prevent bank failures and protect depositors. It is an important part of the process of dealing with Eurozone’s economic imbalances. On the other hand, as expected, this proposition also raised a lot of doubts. The need for local solutions from local governments, the incredible raise in taxation or the democratic deficit are only some of them. It is also true that national governments have already implemented policies that looked very effective beforehand. Today their institutions are no longer controlling their policies, including budgetary policies, which are moving via The Fiscal Treaty and other measures to the EU level. As a matter of fact, the European Union does have its own package of laws, principles and rules. In the other hand, since decisions are increasingly being made by technocratic managers rather than directly elected representatives of the European public, a huge gap is created between the real setting and their policies real purpose. So, at the end of the end day, do we need more decisions taken in European levels or more independent nations? Is heading towards a federation of nation states a new thinking for Europe that can actually help Europeans reach their goals?

UNITED WE STAND! Or Not?Giorgina Giani brings into question the effiency of the cooperation between EU Members and if they are following the right path towards a European federation of nation-states.

ECON

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We are living at a time, where most people are preoccupied with following the crowd and attempt to be, think and act similarly. The media has surprisingly convinced the majority, if not all the individuals around the globe, that it is impossible to shine and be significant in our greedy, 21st century societies. Their argument is largely truthful; in ambitious and competitive capitalistic societies, one cannot shine and change the system. Of course, that is the case if you are trying to change the world alone. However, it is only when we stop willingly choosing to be insignificant, that we have a choice and a chance to be important, and maybe with the help of others who think alike, we make this world a better place to live in.Soaring inflation, youth unemployment, loss of any ethics and morality, loss of individuality. This is somehow a perfect description of the current happenings in 2012. Those are in fact, the causes behind everyday people’s excuse: “I can’t do anything

to change this reality.” It might be perfectly reasonable to feel this way, since the financial crisis has led to an identity crisis and has turned even the most actively engaged citizens, feeling disappointed and, most importantly, insignificant. Despite that, the hard times that we go through should stop being a tool for us to create excuses, but an inspiration to rise up from the ashes and make what is everyone looking for: a change. Sounds too unattainable? Too utopian perhaps?Probably. The dominant reason why such statement seems too idealistic and unachievable is the fact that most of us strongly believe that just because they are ‘’average’’, there is nothing they can do. This is not far from the truth. The world will always need people who are willingly to stand up for themselves and others. The world will always be in huge need of people who, despite all odds, will dare to make a change. The examples of the people who have done so are numerous. Nothing more than a brief look at their stories may convince you that everyone has

the power to be significant, thus make things better for everyone.Martin Luther King, in his speech in 1963, said the following: “I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land.” His activism played a pivotal role in ending the legal segregation of African-American citizens in the USA and many argue that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 would be enforced decades later if it hadn’t been for him. Can you imagine what would happen if a person, like Martin Luther King, had stared himself at the mirror and said “I am an average person; there is nothing I can do about the discrimination”? The world would not be the same. So, do not get discouraged in this gloomy world of false stereotypes and no ethical restraints. Dare to be different and dare to make a change. Most importantly, do not remain insignificant.

“Do not remain insignificant.”An opinion article from our very own Rafaella Koumpari.

10Thessaurus

{cartoons}

P.Sherman, 42 Wallaby Street, SydneyDespina Dimitrakopoulou & Giorgina Giani are wandering through the glittering Disney world...

When we think about the time we were kids, we can all picture ourselves spending infinite hours staring, with our mouths open, at our TV set playing one or another...cartoon movie! Either while watching Aladdin flying away with his jinni on a magic carpet or Mulan fighting the Huns in order to protect her family’s honour, Hercules turning himself into a hero or the Hunchback of Notre Dame striving to live in a harsh world, little did we realise that these stories would stay forever in our hearts and minds, characterising the times we were kids - or a bit older. It cannot be denied that although definitely fascinated by the moving images, we barely even knew during those times of innocence what the real impact was.

Cartoon movies have been translated in hundreds of different languages, making their way through the world and inspiring millions of people. What is amazing to think is that the same

hakuna matata we sang along in our youth has been sang by millions of different mouths in every corner of the world with the same passion and exhilaration as we did. The words “P.Sherman, 42 Wallaby Street, Sydney” will always stay indelible in our memory and they were only uttered by a blue fish in an ocean far away whereas school books and information we agonised to learn will always slip through. And while a red semi-dragon named Mushu, a monkey named Abbu wearing a jacket and a hat, a talking teapot and a dictating crab had ruled over our childhood,

quoting every sentence of ours, we scarcely imagined that they would be a landmark for every child’s life all around the world.

These same movies have been our vehicle for thousands of travels

throughout the world. From the steaming jungles of Africa to the frozen North and from China to Europe and America, cartoons were our own flying carpets that took us there. They

became part of our homes, part of our families, part of ourselves. And who would have thought that inside a small living room in Greece, there would be the heart of India, China, Africa, Australia, Europe...and vice-versa!

Truth is, that if we think about it, we share these memories, we share these heroes, we share these dreams. And though ignorant then, now we can all see that what was created in these early years was truly a common ground, a common culture. We might not know someone from another country, from a land we cannot even pronounce, however we share the same childhood memories! Growing up with these films, watching those cartoon figures, we learned about friendship, love, courage, honesty and honour and it was the same lesson for all of us.

So, bottom line, what was manufactured then is a common culture, not only a nation-wide one but a global one. Why, when sharing the same memories and same principals, aren’t we the same?


AGRI

eu animal welfare policy:is it enough?

Rafaella Koumpari explains what EUPAW is all about.

The Lisbon Treaty of 2009 was definitely a turning point for EU legislation, affecting all European citizens, including animals. The Treaty recognizes animals as “sentient beings whom feeling matter”. As a result of this, the European Commission, EU’s executive branch, launched a new strategy so as to accomplish the goals which were set by the Treaty. However, unlike the Lisbon Treaty and the other economic policies of the European Union, many of us are not even aware of the existence of the Animal Welfare Strategy. Does this indicate our ignorance and passiveness when it comes to animals’ rights? Probably so. It may also show our willingness to remain blind to such a crucial topic, simply because of our national interests.

What is the Animal Welfare Policy (EUPAW)?EUPAW is designed to boost compliance

with EU legislations while simplifying rules and promoting animal welfare standards in the market. It came into force early in 2012 and it will last for three years. While there is already sufficient legislation on the matter, the European

Commission created EUPAW in an attempt to implement and enforce all which is already existent.So what does the Policy consist of? Training animals’ keepers, promoting inspections, the further economic contribution to farm animals while ensuring that technical innovation and advances in science will neither violate the Policy nor animals’ rights. Undoubtedly, all of this would be a utopian dream without the support of the international community and the compliance of Member States.

Success or Failure?Truth be told, EUPAW was the first policy

which comprehended the obvious; a legislation must be written in a simple language so as to be understood by everyone. The New Policy “includes many steps to improve standards and ensure that they serve their target; the animals.” A plethora of Reference Centers were created in the mid half of 2012, which coordinate research, media campaigns and ensure the proper training of the farm animal keepers. In this year alone, the EU dedicated €15 million to scientific research on animal welfare and this is to be continued until 2015.However, EUPAW has one massive flaw; it makes no reference on scientific research which uses animals. EU is fragile and vulnerable when it comes to animal testing and has no power to enforce any legislation that will ban testing because of the division among Member States. In the UK alone, more than 3.79 million procedures were performed on animals this year. EU does support alternative method but those are ignored by its Member States. The future on animal welfare is rather blurry in the European continent. Only time will show whether EUPAW will be successful, despite the odds.

12Thessaurus

{GENETICS} left-handedness: defect or genetic differentiation?

Eleni Giannouli & Anja Kadiu are presenting some facts you might not know about left-handers.

Specialist researchers, who studied the side preference in writing, agreed that the selection is due to biological and genetic causes. The two most widely-used genetic theories regarding the option of hand agree that the evolutionary natural selection locates a majority control of speech and language in the left hemisphere of the brain. At least 85% of the population is right-handed. These theories also explain the persistent and continuous presence of left-minority. The genetic proposal that explains the preference side indicates that there are two alleles (genes that act for the same attribute but also for a different one) associated with the selection.

Being left-handed means that the right lobe of the brain “prevails” against the left. And that’s because our body receives commands from the brain crosswise which means that the right side of the body receives commands from the left hemisphere while the left side of the body from the right hemisphere of the brain. Studies have shown that the preference for the left hand has indirect effects on one’s life.

In earlier societies, left-handers were being pushed from a young age to stop using their left hand in ways that today are considered uncivilised. This of course meant very hard work on the part of children and their parents and in most cases it had negative results. The child felt unaccepted by the family and the school. Fortunately today things have changed.

Although left-handers often complain that they are suffering to live in a right-handed world, they sometimes tend to ignore the good news according to the survey. So, here are some positive facts about left-handers you might were unaware of:

1. The percentage of left-handed is disproportionately big among children with high IQs (over 131).

2. They develop a better understanding of the three dimensions and tend to be more multitasking.

3. They recover quicker from strokes.4. They excel in creative professions - which

they are more likely to choose.5. They adapt their vision quicker and see better

underwater.6. Aristotle, Nietzsche, Jeanne d’Arc, Einstein,

Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Marie Curie, Lewis Carroll, Charlemagne, Bill Gates, Franz Kafka and Mark Twain were all left-handed.Here go some negative ones:

1. They startle more easily and suffer from post-traumatic stress.

2. They are three times more likely to become alcoholics compared to right-handers.

3. They live an average 9 years less.And here’s an interesting one:

They are 39% more likely to be homosexual!


Super-sized Ego:

The new tendency

{youth.narcissism.communication}

Words by Dennis Patrearcheas

“Young people are coddled long after they should start learning that they aren’t perfect” said a blogger commenting on a New York Times article, about today’s youth. Almost everyone can confirm that teenagers and young adults are becoming extremely narcissistic. A simple question raises: Who is to blame and what are the results of such personality disorders? One of the main reasons causing such behaviors is believed to be the contemporary form of communication. Texting and chatting have extensively taken over our coffee meetings, phone calls and face-to-face activities. Therefore, human interaction is almost lost and individuals are having trouble to accept their partners’ opinion. Consequently, dogmatism becomes a common characteristic, creating know-all personalities and attitudes.A study carried out by Clark

University, showed that 52% of American students consider themselves much more confident in comparison to the rest of their peers. They also tend to set very high goals. Usually, their inability to achieve them causes depression, and eventually explains why 300% more young people, than in the middle of the 20th century, use antidepressants. Music seems to reflect narcissism as well. Nathan DeWall and other researchers noticed that words like “me, myself, I” have significantly increased in lyrics of 2007 pop hits, compared to 1980. At the same time, words that refer to other people have decreased. Likewise, worshipping celebrities leads to inner conflicts, which create a hollow feeling of perfection. High self-esteem is definitely a factor that affects human relationships. However, what happens with low self-esteem?

At the beginning of puberty people’s egotism is likely to crack, especially by today’s motivational phrases like: “I can’t means I don’t want to”, “You can do everything”, which contradict human nature, and apply pressure on our self-esteem. Nonetheless, lying to ourselves is not making anything better.The message young people must get is that, neither can you always be first, nor is it a main task. All in all, what is missing from today’s society is disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others. It is also essential to realize, that human was not made for perfection. As Mary Schmich said: “Sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind. The race is long and, at the very end, it’s only with yourself.”

14Thessaurus

Strike Dance Rise

{genderbalance.humanrights}

Sometimes facts and figures are enough to shock you. One in three women on the planet will be raped or beaten in her lifetime. This statistic, provided by the National Institute of Justice and Centers for Disease Control, is broadly considered as unrealistic. It means that, one billion of women out of a total of population of seven billion, will be facing this awful destiny. Fortunately, they’re many, determined to fight in order to show to the whole world that women are strong, clever and, above all, human beings. They do not deserve violence, and they are conscious of it.This reason led to the birth of “One Billion Rising”, a campaign that considers one billion women violated as an atrocity

and that wants demonstrate its stance through a “revolution” of one billion women dancing. This event that intends to spread this energy all over the world consists in a special day.The appointment is on 2/14/2013, the 15th Anniversary of V-Day (World Violence Day). One billion women and those who love them are invited to walk out, dance, rise up in rallies against discrimination and violence. This day is designed to become a global strike, an invitation to dance and a call to men and women to refuse to participate the status quo until rape and rape culture ends. Through this action, people try to move earth, activating women and men across very country, showing the common strength, the numbers

and the solidarity across borders. Regarding its global impact, this campaign has already acquired a vast popularity! From South-Asia, the members have expanded to Australia, South Africa, Western Europe and through the whole American Continent. So far, the fast spreading rates have surprised even the pioneers of the movement whom never expected that their initiative would gain a global dimension in a relatively short length of time.One does not simply stays home and enjoys the show! More importantly, dance might be good for your health. After all, this is not feminism, it’s humanity. Join the campaign! Then Strike, Dance and Rise!

A milestone to be set in the history of human rights movement next February. Francesca Puricelli presents to us a broad panorama of what is expected to happen until and during the day.


JURI an invaluable life

Eleni Giannouli sees stem cells as an upcoming source of

During the last decade the use of stem cells has become a controversial reference point not only for the public but also for the development of scientific research. There are two major questions that are inevitably being posed. The first one concerns the embryonic stem cell donation and its use afterwards. The second and more controversial question is whether the use of embryos should be considered as morally accepted or as a violation of human rights.

Concerning the possibility of storing or donating embryonic stem cells, some claim without doubt that it is an invaluable life offer to all. Stem cells differ from mature cells: they have an amazing ability not only to proliferate but also to create new tissues and organs when dividing and growing. Their ability to produce different types of specialised cells makes them unique and important for treatments in medicine. The stem cells of the umbilical cord blood are collected when the umbilical cord between the mother and the embryo is cut. Their collection is really easy and it is accomplished within a few minutes. It is completely harmless for both the mother and the embryo.

In basic research, the use of the pluripotent stem cells could help in understanding the complex processes that occur during embryonic development. The identification of the factors that determine the process of cell diversification may help understanding certain serious diseases due to abnormal cell specialisation and cell proliferation (such as cancer). Today organ and tissue donations are used to replace damaged tissues. The activation of the pluripotent stem cells so as to give specialised cell types offers the possibility of a renewable source of cells and tissues that are to be used as implants, which will alleviate many diseases and disabilities (for instance injuries of the spinal column, strokes, heart diseases, P a r k i n s o n , Alzheimer, etc).

Regarding the use of embryos in research, not just stem cells whose use raises no moral inhibitions, one would say that it would radically contribute to the progress of science and

humanity but, on the other hand, there are certain moral arguments confronted to such practices. The dominating argument is that from the moment of conception, the embryo is morally equivalent to a “whole” human. This point of view leads to the ban of any kind of research with the use of embryos, regardless their stage of development. On the other hand, not a few assess the embryo as a “thing”, ownership of the gamete donor. The embryos that are exclusively used in research are fertilised ova 2-3 days old. However, as long as the nervous system has not been formed yet, we cannot consider a mass of approximately 100 cells as a human being.

16Thessaurus

offer to all!salvation, just still being faced with unawareness and fear...

As far as the heterogeneous legal framework is concerned, most members of the National Bioethics Committee of Greece agree with the general principle of Article 18 of the Convention of the Council of Europe on Human Rights and Biomedicine, which generally allows the conditional research on embryos in vitro. The laws of the countries in this social application of assisted reproduction vary. For

example, in Britain it is not forbidden, while in France the 1994 respective law allows the method only when medical reasons require it. In Greece, the lack of relevant law apparently did not preclude, however, Greeks, at least most of them, do not seem to express any similar desire.

To sum up, what we can say is that donating or storing stem cells is a procedure that seems totally positive for both science

and humanity. Concerning the use of embryos in research, what we see is that we still do not know when human life begins and I do not think we will manage to do so soon. I am not opposed to the use of embryos, taking into consideration that the embryo is just a mass of cells and storing stem cells helps in preventing serious diseases, such as cancer. For all the above, we should at least give it a chance!


SEDE one step beyond

Chris Papadogeorgopoulos examines the current situation of EU’s neighbouring countries...

In an era where the European Union celebrates 60 years of peace, the picture in the Middle East and North Africa, regions that in essence neighbour the EU, is completely different. There are political conflicts between countries, as well as internal ones between the state authority and civilians. Let us set the scene so as to get a better view of the torrid political issues which exist in these regions, around the EU.

Israel and Palestine; an on-going controversy with no end. The Palestinian group Hamas (Islamic Resistance Movement) which took control of Gaza in 2007, insist that they are trying to liberate Palestinian territories from Israel which they call ‘occupying power’. On the other side, Israel (much like the EU and the US) consider Hamas to be nothing more than a terrorist organisation. The former further believes that Hamas want to destroy the State of Israel. The conflict rekindled after the death of Hamas’ military leader Ahmed al-Ja’abari by Israeli forces. However, recalling the tragic events of 2009, with hundreds of people dead, there are still hopes that Hamas and Israel will stop fighting at last.

Azerbaijan and Armenia; a ‘frozen conflict’ comes to the forefront. In other words, it is all about territorial claims over

Nagorno-Karabakh, an Armenian enclave, which is however within Azerbaijan’s borders. The conflict is described as frozen due to the cease-fire which was reached after Russian negotiation back in 1994. Azerbaijani citizens were forced out of their homes in the 1990s. There are frequent violations of the cease-fire (every year 30 people are killed) coming in the spotlight; officials insist that the people of Azerbaijan are willing to give their lives for territorial integrity.

And finally the Arab Revolution, the so called ‘Arab Spring’. This wave that began in December 2010 had a great influence on the political scene not only in the Arab world but also globally. The civilians, politically dissatisfied, wanted - in fact still want- to put an

end to dictatorships and set ground for democracy. Already, after numerous demonstrations and wars, dictators in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia and Yemen have been forced away from power, jailed or even killed. And still, a number of major or minor protests are going on in countries in the greater Middle East with people protesting against the government, a thing which more and more often results in violence, harm and casualties.

Taking these facts into account, a question remains unanswered. How can the European Union, jointly with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (as a complementary force), go one step beyond and contribute to political and social stability of their neighbours by helping to resolve such conflicts?

18Thessaurus

Financial crisis has shaken Europe to the core and has also brought into question the existence of the Union itself. For this reason, the theme of the 71st International Session of the European Youth Parliament, held in Amsterdam this November was “Ending the Crisis”. At a first glance, it seems to be quite an ambitious task! Being asked to come up with innovative solutions amidst the current struggles to recover from an unparalleled situation, is like looking for a needle in haystack. Mark Brakel, Head Organiser of the Session, explained the rea-sons behind this choice. He said: “If you think about it, the topic is not that hard. It is complicat-ed of course, but some solutions that can be proposed are not so difficult to understand. It seems to me that politicians try to make it sound more difficult than it

really is, and this clearly works to their advantage. Let’s face it, the crisis is a political problem.” The Committee on Constitu-tional Affairs (AFCO), had may-be the trickiest job of all, since the Committee was faced with one of the most challenging and controversial topics of the session. They were asked to deal with an important question nowadays: “Is the solution to the Eurocrisis ‘more Europe’ or less? They came up with an ambitious resolution supporting the continued use of the Euro as the legal tender for the Member States of the Euro-pean Monetary Union. They also requested the creation of an in-dependent regulatory body. This body must have the rights to ex-amine Member States’ budgets and veto those budgets which are non-compliant with the Treaty on Stability, Co-operation and

Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union (TSCGEMU). The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON), dazzled everyone with a fantastic Summation Speech to conclude the great work on their resolution, in which they had to deal with the regulation and the governance of the European banking sector. Seemingly, Amsterdam became the capital of the European youth for ten days. The atmosphere was exhilarating, thereby en-abling a highly productive set-ting. We certainly do own the future, but we shall bear in mind that future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Thus, a more prosper-ous, financially tenable Europe is probably what we should aim for in mid- and long-term.

{eyp.amsterdam.crisis}

The 71st International Session of EYP in Amsterdam through the eyes of Ijon Muca.

Amsterdam 2012


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ΑΝΤΙΔΗΜΑΡΧΙΑ ΝΕΟΤΗΤΑΣ, ΑΘΛΗΤΙΣΜΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΕΘΕΛΟΝΤΩΝ Αντιδημαρχία Πολιτισμού

20

thessaurus issue #1

Documents

loss of biodiversity

biodiversity loss

living ecosystems

valuable ecosystems

main role

quality of life

eyp hall of fame

sheer variety of life