Politisk Program

+ Healthy and strong trade agreements

European Youth reiterates the importance of the European Union opening up to other markets and increasing trade. However, we are also viewing with deep concern the increased protectionist trade policies in the world. It is important for the health of the European economy that the trade flows remain open. Such trade deals must further acknowledge the need to uphold EU standards and values in trade agreements.

+ Trade agreement with Canada (CETA)

European Youth supports the free trade agreement between the EU and Canada, CETA, and reiterates the importance of the European Union opening up to other markets and increasing trade. We commend the elimination of VISA’s towards Canada for all the European Union member states.

+ Trade agreement with the US (TTIP)

European Youth support the free trade agreement between EU and USA, TTIP, and reiterates the importance of free flows on the global market. We are concerned with the new leadership of USA, and their opinion of free trade, and therefore have little hope for the agreement to actually become a reality. However, in case the negotiations go further, European Union shall ensure that the free trade agreement follows European standards and constrain USA to comply.

European Youth further acknowledges the need to uphold EU standards while engaging in trade as well as complying with EU values in the negotiation to ensure treaties of outmost quality.

+ In opposition to the EU-China Investment Deal

In recent years, the relationship between the European Union and the People’s Republic of China have deteriorated significantly. This is because the Chinese Government has in recent years done extremely damaging things to democracy and human rights within its sphere of influence. The country’s Uyghur Muslim minority has faced internalisation under concentration camp-like conditions and are subject to forced labour and forced sterilisation. In the autonomous region of Hong Kong, protesters have been subject to harsh crackdowns by Chinese police and the region’s democratic rights are currently being taken away from them. Furthermore, China continues to exert its influence within the EU by the purchasing of critical infrastructure. It is no wonder that the European Commission has declared China a systemic rival. Therefore, EYD sees the EU-China Investment Deal as enabling the Chinese Government’s political and economic influence in the world as well as selling out on our European values about democracy, human rights etc. We must not compromise on our values for economic gains.

+ Against externalizing EU borders

The EU's outer borders are currently becoming increasingly externalised. Examples of this are the Turkey Refugee agreement, the training of the Libyan coast guard by the EU or the deal between the EU and Tunisia. European Youth strongly criticises such agreements, which put the human rights of refugees at risk and make the EU dependent on states which are increasingly unreliable and undemocratic. Instead, the EU should work for a sustainable solution to the present and future challenges of refugees and migration.

+ A true European foreign policy

European Youth believes the European Union should abolish the “unanimity”-principle in the Council. Instead we advocate for a true European foreign- and security policy, based on a super-majority vote in both the Parliament and the council. The new world order calls upon a European leadership prioritising human rights and democracy, and the unanimity principle makes this impossible.

+ Border between Northern-Ireland and Ireland

The European Youth supports the agreement made between the United Kingdom and European Union, replacing the backstop with a responsibility for the United Kingdom to check goods with the possibility of entering the EU across the Irish Sea. European Youth supports this as a permanent solution to the Irish issue for the continued preservance(sic) of the Good Friday Agreement, and the desire to keep Northern Ireland as closely aligned to the European Union as possible, as well as securing the goods entering the Union being subject to Union tolls and regulations.

+ British exit of the European Union

European Youth stresses the importance of the trade between United Kingdom and European Union, and calls upon the British government to accept freedom of movement in order to have access to the single market. We consider the four freedoms to be quintessential to the existence of the European Union and therefore compromise shall not be made upon them.

+ EU membership to Albania and North Macedonia

European Youth Denmark is in favour of further expanding the European Union to include the Western Balkan countries, including Albania and North Macedonia.

The integration process of these countries would help ensure and incentivize economic stability. Furthermore, utilising the Copenhagen Criteria and deepening the EU’s political engagement would increase the development of democracy and human rights in these countries, and help root out political corruption.

Denying these countries a prospective membership opportunity could potentially be a source of instability in European politics.

Overall, further integration of these countries in the European Union would help improve the quality of life and economic well-being in these states, and in turn prove beneficial both for the countries themselves and for the European Union.

+ Increase support for Armenia and condemn Azerbaijans aggression in Nagorno-Karabakh

Increasing tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia calls for attention from The European Union. Numerous bombings and shootings have caused destruction throughout the region and devastated the nearby population.

The attacks on Armenia have resulted in many casualties on the civilian population. It is time for negotiations and peace between the two countries, and The European Union can play a vital role in sanctioning and protecting the victims of this horrible conflict.

We, European Youth Denmark, call upon The European Union to foster a stable and long lasting peace as well as holding the different parts accountable for potential war crimes.

+ EU soft power “Article 5” against foreign interference

The EU should adopt a common framework for the collective protection against foreign powers interfering in the internal affairs of EU member states. If a foreign power attempts to interfere with the free speech and free press of any one member nation, the EU should be able to swiftly condemn the interference on the behalf of all EU member states, by a simple majority.

+ Protection of critical infrastructure

When a foreign nation attempts to establish wide-scale essential infrastructure investments in EU member states, they should have the ability to call upon the EU to provide alternatives. If the responsible body deems the investment to be an irresponsible amount they shall refuse the investment. If the offer on the other hand is not out scope, a counteroffer by the EU should be made.The EU should not accept interference, or delegate sensitive infrastructure, to potentially belligerent states. The EU is open to trade and partnerships with all nations - but must stay vigilant.

+ The Mercosur Agreement

European Youth is deeply concerned with the prospects of the ongoing negotiations regarding the free trade agreement between the Mercosur countries in South America and the EU. It is estimated that The Mercosur Agreement - by eliminating trade barriers on climate damaging products such as beef, where the import quota is estimated to rise with 50 per cent - will result in a massive increase in carbon emission and prompt a 25 per cent rise in deforestation in South America over the next six years, which will not only be a climate catastrophe but at the same time drive away thousands of indeginous people. The draft for the agreement states that all countries involved have to live up to the Paris Agreement, however this is the only paragraph where the EU has no ability to sanction, which in effect makes it symbolic and irrelevant.

We aren’t per se opposing the idea of a free trade agreement with the Mercosur countries but believe that it has to be made with extended consideration to the climate impact and with proper tools to hold the countries responsible for the agreement including the possibility for sanctioning.

+ The European Union must phase out Russian gas

Since the unprecedented and unjustified aggression by The Russian Federation against Ukraine, it has become more relevant than ever to talk about phasing out Russian gas.

Right now The European Union is financing Putin’s war machine, and every EURO in his hands is used to kill innocent Ukrainian citizens. Working towards phasing out fossil fuels will also help our transformation towards more renewable sources of energy. We understand that some EU member states are more dependent on Russian gas than others, and therefore we should aid those countries in their transition away from fossil fuels to lighten the burden upon their people.

We, European Youth Denmark, call upon The European Union to cut import of Russian gas and underline our support for the Ukrainian people.

+ Promoting a Sustainable European Labour Market

European Youth supports the European Union in continuing to secure the freedom of movement for workers. In practice, we argue for common minimal standards across EU-member states must be set to avoid social dumping and convergence of social rights at the lowest common denominator. European member states must come together and establish an ambitious mobility plan that endorses social rights across countries, as well as securing the implementation of already existing initiatives. No worker must ever experience fewer rights than a citizen of another European Union member state.

+ More collective bargaining in all member states

On a broader European level, we encourage national rules in which both labour unions and employer’s associations collectively make reasonable agreements over pay. We also encourage that the most representative collective agreements on national level be a standard, of which businesses shouldn’t deviate too far away from. We support the Commission’s effort to broaden this kind of wage setting system out to every member state over time as we believe this is the best way to set wages.

+ Strengthen the European Labour Authority

We wish to strengthen the European Labour Authority (ELA) to protect and ensure; high work standards, enforcement of EU rules on labour mobility, increased social security coordination, the sharing of information about job status, and job matching across member states. However, we do believe that the current structure of ELA is not sufficient in combating the immense amount of fraud surrounding social benefits to cross-border workers as well as the worsening of work conditions. Not only should the ELA be enabled to conduct inspections on work sites of its own but also be given the power to punish companies and member states alike when breaking these rules.

+ More money for the ESF+

The ESF+ is an effective measure to help marginalised groups, the youth and women to enter the job market. The upskilling and social integration of these groups are a key priority for a more socially robust Union. We demand higher contributions to the EU’s employment, social, education and skills policies, including structural reforms in these areas especially for young people with the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).

+ A framework for wage settings in the European Union

European Youth supports a fair minimum wage for all workers across all member states. Ensuring all workers a fair minimum wage is fundamental to the EU’s Social Pillar as well as a basic human principal. However, as the Commission states, we do not support a uniform European minimum wage, nor to harmonise minimum wage setting systems. Any possible measure would be applied differently depending on the minimum wage setting systems and traditions of the Member State, in full respect of national competencies and social partners' contractual freedom. In countries like Denmark, Sweden, Italy and Cyprus were wages are set by the labour unions and the employers together, European Youth oppose implementing a minimum wage. The collective wage bargaining of these member states should in no way be violated by the Commission, the European Court of Justice nor any other EU institution or member state.

+ A flexible European labour market

A problem many European Union member states face are cumbersome labour market regulations, which discourages companies from hiring. Consequently, certain member states suffer from unsustainably high youth unemployment. This also disproportionately affects lower skilled workers, and the long-term unemployed, because of the perceived risk correlated with hiring. The proposal's aim is to encourage a regulatory framework on labour markets, with outset in the flexicurity model.

• The proposal's purpose is to limit cumbersome regulations on member states labour markets.

• Scaling down, reducing cost, or structural changes are justified reasons for layoffs.

• Simplifying the hiring process by reducing bureaucratic and financial burdens.

• Limited government intervention when it comes to collective bargaining, and a legal framework favouring the right to strike, though certain services and industries that are deemed essential, can be subject to restrictions.

+ EU standards for work hours

European Youth Denmark calls for and supports the Union’s efforts to direct minimum standards for work weeks, including the enforcement of the directive on the Organisation of Working. Both in regards to the maximum hourly work week, the right to have breaks in between shifts and resting periods. We support a dynamic work environment that is sensitive to productivity and freedom for the individual worker. We encourage collective bargaining across sectors when setting the work week.

+ Gender equality on the labour market

European Youth supports the elimination of structural differences between genders in Europe. We encourage the European Union to take on a new European approach to increase women’s participation in the labour market while eliminating the gender pay gap. The European Union shall secure equal opportunities and equal pay for the same work in all occupations.

+ Free movement for rainbow families and parental status due to surrogacy

To secure the free movement of workers, workers are allowed to bring their family with them to the EU country in which they want to work. But this right is threatened by the fact that not all EU member states recognize different family constellations.

Workers in rainbow families are in some instances hindered from exercising free movement, because parental status in LGBTI couples or parental status due to the use of surrogacy is not recognized by law in some member states.

In European Youth we want to promote the free movement of workers for all, therefore we support the EU-Comissions’ LGBTI-strategy in its effort to push for mutual recognition of family relations in the EU. If you are a parent in one EU-country, you should be recognized as a parent in all EU-countries.

+ Equal parental leave

European Youth believes that the European Union shall secure a work/life balance at all workplaces and across sectors. We argue this will only occur if European Union works towards ensuring that all member states implement equal parental leave rights with no discrimination. Therefore, we support the Commission’s directive to ensure at least two weeks of equal parental leave, although we ideally support a completely equal amount of leave for both parents.

+ Support for an European social dimension/social pillar

European Youth supports the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan put forward by the European Commission. The plan consists of 20 principles guiding us towards a strong social Europe that is fair, inclusive and full of opportunity. The 20 principles include: equal opportunities and access to the labour market; fair working conditions; and social protection and inclusion.

+ Condemnation of the “LGBT-free zones”

European Youth Denmark strongly condemns the “LGBT-free zones” in Poland, and believes the EU should impose harsh sanctions on the Polish Government such as economic sanctions.

+ More education about the EU

European Youth stresses the importance of quality education in the EU. We encourage member states to make the history and composition of the European Union a compulsory part of the national curriculum in middle school. Moreover, we see the acquisition of knowledge as a means towards human development and we affirm that a greater understanding of the institutions will further the EU's legitimacy. Furthermore, we suggest a greater number of school-related competitions within the EU and a heightened focus on cross-border exchange. All in all, European Youth sees education as a means towards greater ''honesty, unity and solidarity'' in the European Union.

+ Make Schengen Visas work efficiently

The waiting times for EU Schengen Visa applications are getting unbearable. This is, for example, becoming a burden for the European tourist industry. Therefore, we call upon the EU and the Schengen member states to make the visa process less bureaucratic and digitalised. Furthermore, we request the EU to reduce visa requirements for more states, especially for tourist purposes.

+ Strengthen the Erasmus program

Cross-border exchange enriches us all. No program in the EU serves this function better than the Erasmus program and few programs have been as successful and popular. European Youth thus calls for a strengthening financially of the program and point to the importance that the program is not cut, as it exemplifies the very best our union has to offer.

+ An Erasmus program for non-academics

Furthermore, European Youth Denmark acknowledges the discrepancy in exchange opportunities between academics and non-academics. In order to make the Erasmus program an opportunity for everyone and not just academics, we encourage efforts to broaden the use of exchange by non-academics through the support and development of more transnational vocational exchange places and better access to information about these.

+ A stronger European Health Union

The European Youth supports the European commission's new contingency force (HERA). The project secures expansion and strengthening of health institutions in Europe, in an effort to better equip the union during a health crisis. These measures include development and storage of vital health equipment, stronger coordination between memberstats, and strengthening supply chains. With the experience of the prior pandemic the European Union can secure a much faster response during future situations.

+ A stronger vaccine strategy

The European Youth supports strengthening the Europeans Unions capabilities to develop a secure vaccine strategy in times of crises. The current HERA program, although focused in some areas, does not specifically focus on the development and strengthening of the vaccine-programs, and could potentially leave the European Union's current vaccine strategy with little to no change during other health crises. Therefore the European Youth supports efforts to strengthen the health program HERAs vaccine capabilities. These measures include strengthening vaccine reserves and strengthening opportunities to raise capital during times of crises, to secure vaccine research and development.

+ European Human Rights Convention

European Youth Denmark strongly supports the European Human Rights Convention in its entirety. We believe that human rights such as anti-discrimination, freedom of speech, and fair trial are a fundamental part of the values of the European Union.

+ Tax Evasion

European Youth is deeply worried about the issue of tax evasion and its negative effects on society, in addition to its effects on fair market competition. We call upon the European Union to develop a plan to internationally combat the extensive issue of tax evasion. Member state countries should not be allowed to make deals with other countries or multinational companies that effectively evade taxation from other EU member states. Since multinational companies evading taxes clearly is a cross border issue, this issue should be handled at the European level and not at a national level. Multinational issues, by nature, require multinational solutions, which only the European Union is equipped to handle in Europe.We wish for the European Union to push forward that the EU takes a strong stand against tax evasion in third countries. The European Union must act as a global actor in securing a fair taxation system and elimination of tax evasion.

+ A Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base

European Youth believes that the European Union must consider sustainable economic development that secures a fair share of wealth. We argue the solution can be found in creating a common basis for taxation for multinational companies, which will put an end to the fiscal competition among states within the Union. The European Union needs to guarantee an elevated level of transparency across Europe and create a global standard for the automatic exchange of information.

+ Digital Single Market

European Youth supports the implementation of Digital Single Market, and the creation of the fifth freedom in the single market in regards to digital and online properties. We believe that this will create more competition and more cross-border trade of services and goods, with positive effects over the European economy.

+ More transparency in the Supply Chain

European Youth calls for extended transparency in the supply chain for products sold in the EU’s single market. As it is now companies selling in the EU only have to declare the last country the product was before being sold. In effect this means that in frighteningly many cases they have no way of controlling neither the working conditions in the production nor the quality of the product. If we wish to uphold the product standards and values in the production we need to be able to control both where and under which circumstances the commodity was produced in all links of the supply chain.

+ Release ticketing data for European railway passenger

The European Youth supports the prior efforts of the European Parliament for open ticketing data related to European rail. This effort will ensure an establishment of a user friendly interface to track and sell tickets to European consumers travelling by international rail. Furthermore, it will favouritise international rail instead of air travel, while ending the national government's monopoly on ticketing data. And, as such, promoting rail transportation as a cost and time efficient method of transportation.

+ A social just green transition

If Europe succeeds in reaching climate neutrality while being mindful of just transition, ecosystem rebuilding and citizen involvement for ensuring broad public support, we can show the example for the rest of the world that a green transition is not only possible, but it also is the best way to ensure a financially sustainable and socially just future.

Being the “first mover” in terms of innovation and circular economy in order to reach climate neutrality will ultimately allow the EU to be a front runner in the technologies and markets of the future, creating new jobs and opportunities for European citizens in the present while ensuring a habitable climate for the citizens of the future. We strongly support the Commission's proposals for a Social Climate Fund to help vulnerable households and smaller companies that experience severe constraints with the transition to a greener economy.

+ 2025 goals

European Youth considers the future of our planet to be of utmost importance, and therefore strongly demands from the European Union more ambitious goals in this matter. We consider that the greenhouse gas emissions shall be cut by 50% until 2025, instead of 20% until 2020. We also consider that the share of renewable energy shall be over 50% until 2025, instead of 27% until 2030.

+ Climate neutrality in 2040

It is crucial that binding higher goals for emissions reductions are set. Europe is a rich region with a high capacity for innovation and a large historic responsibility for the climate crisis. Therefore, we must become the first region to reach climate neutrality, and the European deadline for this should be much sooner than the deadline the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change identifies for the world as a whole. If the world is going to stand any chance of reaching climate neutrality in 2050, Europe has a responsibility to aim for 2040, set sufficiently high reduction targets on the way to make this deadline realistic, and follow up on the goals across all member states with real commitment and solidarity. Denmark in particular is well positioned to take the lead in transforming Europe. We should both lead by example and by showing solidarity with other countries, for instance in energy partnerships and in using our well-suited geology for developing safe carbon capture technologies.

+ Emission Trading Scheme (ETS)

In the European Union companies can buy and sell emission allowances based on their production and consumption. This scheme works on the ‘cap and trade’ system which means that over time the companies are allowed less and less emissions. European Youth Denmark supports the scheme but would like to see the cap lowered at a faster rate than it is currently - up from 61% less emission to 70% less emissions by 2030 in sectors covered by the ETS.

The current system accounts for approximately 40% of EUs emissions - covering heavy industry such as aluminium, steel, oil refineries and electricity and heating production. The ETS also covers aviation but only within the EEA-area. In our opinion, the system needs to expand the variety of sectors it registers as soon as possible and include for instance the textile industry, maritime transport (shipping), and all aviation.

+ Phase out free allowances on ETS faster

The EU needs to phase out the free allowances before 2030, which right now make it possible to emit greenhouse gases without paying for it. For instance, the Danish mega emitter Aalborg Portland is in theory covered by the ETS scheme - but in practice, they get 80% of their allowances for free. Right now, the Commission proposes the free allowances to be phased out in 2032-2033 - depending on the negotiations about the CBAM (the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism). With the enormous impact to the climate from European producers followed by the distribution of free allowances, we believe that it is essential.

+ Support for a carbon border tax

The European Green Deal’s proposed carbon border tax (CBAM) on an EU level is crucial for pushing EU industries towards the necessary transition without risking leaking emissions to third countries. The European Youth, therefore, supports the implementation of the CBAM.

European Youth acknowledges that the CBAM with certainty will have a social negative impact on the countries of the global south, which are already heavily impacted by climate change, given that it will be more expensive for them to sell their products on the European market. Therefore, we suggest that a part of the proceeds from the tax must be redistributed to the vulnerable countries in the global south in order to compensate for the unfair trading conditions the CBAM will impose on them.

+ Support for Nuclear Energy on an European level

At European level, we support the use of nuclear energy and a renewed debate of how the risks of these forms of energy compare to the use of more emission heavy ways of producing energy

+ A new CAP reform

In short, the EU needs a much more ambitious reform of the CAP (agricultural financial support) system if we want to reach our 2030- and 2050 emission reduction targets. The 2014-2020 CAP reform has been assessed by the European Court of Auditors to have either limited or no impact on reducing the farmers' greenhouse gas emissions. The climate- and environment aspects of the following CAP reform have so far been neglected due to covid- and the present food crisis.

+ Change the EU’s farming subsidies

European Youth acknowledges that it is becoming ever more evident that the meat, dairy and fishing industries cause several negative externalities. Therefore, European Youth calls for the European Union to implement a gradual phasing out of agricultural subsidies to products related to animal farming. Instead, we believe that these subsidies should:

1) Be directed toward the production of more environmental and climate friendly alternatives such as the farming of crops for human consumption, regenerative and permaculture agriculture, holistic farming, and climate neutral food made in labs.

2) Be used to buying land in order to make room for wild forest and other natural habitats.

+ A common European bottle deposit system

European Youth Denmark calls for a transnational pant system. Meaning a SMART pant system where you can buy a can or bottle in Bulgaria and return it in Sweden. To ensure the reliability in the system the prices for each item, can, bottle etc. should be fixed as euro and be the same across the euro. We should create a transeuropean corporation, collectively owned by the member states to handle the transactions back and forth.

+ European Parliament Elections

European Youth highlighting the issue related to the low participation of Danish citizens in the European Parliament elections and stressing the importance of democratic participation in decision-making, aims to increase voter participation through awareness raising campaigns. We call upon the political institutions and other actors in the society to elevate the importance of European Parliament elections, in order to secure an increase in voter participation and democratic legitimacy.

European Youth is concerned with the insufficient European Parliament elections coverage in the national media and therefore believes it is one of the main reasons for low voter participation. We call upon the national media to give more exposure to the European level of our democracy, in order for the Danish citizens to be able to make an informed choice.

European Youth is aware that a sizable part of the population feels detached from the European institutions and are unable to understand the technical language used in communication. We therefore call upon the European institutions to use everyday language in their communication, so that every citizen, regardless of background, can understand and follow their activity.

+ A Federal Europe

European Youth reiterates its conviction to extend the federal principles in order to secure deeper integration between the member states. Therefore, European Youth calls upon Danish and European politicians to reorganise the EU into a federal democracy in which citizens can trust due to the policy being a direct result of democratic formed majorities in the European Parliament.

+ Let the Parliament choose the Commissioners

The EU commission should be directly elected members of the European Parliament, ensuring that each law is rooted to an elected representative and that dissatisfaction with the application of laws in the EU can be expressed at the ballot box. Such a reorganisation of the EU parliament will recreate trust in the union.

This will be the case because on one hand the citizens deeply unhappy with the way politics is decided in the union gain a chain of command like the national one, and on the other hand the citizens dissatisfied with EU policy will gain influence in it. Also, EU policy being rooted in democratic majorities from proposal to application is an intrinsically admirable good. The council of ministers – the member states legislative chamber – keeps its current role, and can, beside the Parliament, submit laws and EU law proposals will continue to require the council's consent.

+ Transparency in the Council of Ministers

The use of “classified” documents on voting results and the process leading up to it should be limited, where it is today the default option, resulting in a closed and non-transparent institution. We also condemn the closed meetings of the permanent representatives (COREPER) and require full openness of the meetings, opinions and decisions.

+ Against secret ballot voting in the European Parliament

We believe in the ability for citizens to track the voting history of their representatives as a fundamental part of a representative democratic system. Secret ballot voting increases the influence of special interest lobby organizations, as MEP’s might vote without considering the views of their electorate.

Secret ballot voting is only an acceptable procedure when votes are cast on the appointment of persons for specific functions and thus a European Parliament without secret ballot voting on all other proposals will improve transparency and democracy. We thus call upon the European Parliament in general to specifically pledge for a removal of secret ballot voting from the Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament.

+ We want real changes from the Conference on the Future of Europe

European Youth Denmark always appreciates dialogue between elected EU-politicians and citizens, we want to stress that the main focus of the conference should be on the urgent need for institutional reforms.

European Youth Denmark is concerned that such a Conference will only serve as “listening exercise” to win back trust from its citizens after the surprise nomination of Von der Leyen as Commission President.

European Youth Denmark therefore hopes that the European Commission presents ambitious institutional reforms to the European citizens at the Conference. The reforms should include giving the right of initiative to Members of European Parliament and implementing a democratic process for electing the President and college of the European Commission directly.

+ No refugees – no funds

European Youth calls upon member states, including Denmark, to take common responsibility for the common challenge of refugees and migration. This should be done by distributing refugees in a fair manner according to population size and income between member states so that no member state is left with a task they cannot handle. Member states who refuse to be a part of the distribution of refugees should be sanctioned by not receiving EU funds. We realise that the temporary ban of EU-funds to a country can have a very severe impact on its economy. However, we deem it necessary because complying with these moral obligations is in the core of the values by the EU.

+ The Copenhagen Criteria must be met – also after joining the union

The Copenhagen Criteria serve a powerful and important function. They surround the foundation of our values and should always be the least acceptable standard for membership of the European Union, not a checklist you can cross off to become a member. Sadly, in recent years, we have seen a slow decline in several countries in relation to their fulfilment of the criteria. European Youth thus calls upon the European institutions to help ensure that every single member state upholds the criteria continuously and that they are not ignored after membership of our political union is obtained.

+ A tougher rule of law mechanism

The European budget is an important tool to punish member states when they break with the values of our Union and to get them back on track. The rule of law mechanism is as such essential to hold back EU funds from member states. We condemn the Commission’s and the heads of state’s hesitation to enforce this on Poland and Hungary. We cannot fund governments that use our funds to finance their corrupt governments.

+ We call for transnational election lists

European Youth Denmark recognizes the need to further develop the European democracy. We call for transnational election lists. We as European should have the right to vote for any candidate no matter the candidates nationality. This will strengthen the European democratic platform, and force decision makers to present real European political solutions to solve the problems Europe is facing. This will enable EU citizens and media to be more involved in our European democracy. As EU citizens we feel represented just as well by a Swede as a German. we do not think political representation is limited to geographic borders, but to political and ideological beliefs. We are furthermore convinced that national elected members of parliament is still important in order to secure that all corners of Europe is represented in our European democracy.

+ Discontinue the EU-Parliament in Strasbourg

Each month the entirety of the members of the EU parliament and their advisors travel to Strasbourg to attend parliamentary duties. This leads to a significant increase in bureaucracy and transport. A study by the EU parliament shows that €103 million could be saved annually by discontinuing migration between Brussels and Strasbourg. European Youth acknowledges the fact that discontinuing the EU parliament in Strasbourg requires an amendment to the Treaty of the European Union, which then requires unanimity among all EU member states. In sum, European Youth supports the notion of discontinuing the EU parliament in Strasbourg.

+ Abolish the opt-out on Justice and Home Affairs

European Youth is deeply concerned with the current situation concerning the role of the Danish police in EUROPOL and does not find the current arrangement satisfactory. European Youth therefore calls for a complete abolishment of the Danish opt-out on justice and home affairs, so that Denmark can become a fully functioning member of EUROPOL and contribute on all accounts, in the fight against international crime and terrorism.

+ Danish participation in the Banking Union

Considering the multiple benefits for the Danish financial sector and the Danish people to participate in the Banking Union, European Youth Denmark believes that Denmark should join the Banking Union as soon as possible. The Danish government has, however, announced that it has not made any final decision yet, and if they deem it beneficial for Denmark to join, a referendum will be held - despite the fact that a referendum has been found superfluous according to the Danish constitution. We regret the hesitation of the Danish government as well as its decision to hold a referendum when the technical character of the subject in question makes it unfit for such a procedure.

+ Danish participation in the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO)

European Youth supports Danish participation in the EPPO. The EPPO helps fight crimes like fraud, corruption, money laundering and cross-border VAT fraud. Millions of Euros get lost each year by trans-national criminal networks. Right now, fighting fraud, corruption and money laundering stops at national borders. Sadly we are unable to join due to our opt-out on Justice and Home Affairs. When Denmark is considered a net contributor to the EU’s funds, we must also make sure these billions of Euros actually end in the right hands of the right people. It can only be in our national interest to join if there currently isn’t political will to get rid of the opt-out in its entirety.

+ Abolish the Euro opt-out

Denmark is in an odd position in terms of our monetary policy. Having a fixed exchange rate to the Euro, the Danish currency basically follows the flow of the Euro 1:1 and the interest rate set by the European Central Bank (ECB). This means that Denmark’s monetary policy is non-existing and we have no influence over it. We do not have a seat at the ECB where the board of the CEO’s of the Eurozone’s central banks are seated, we are not a member of the Eurogroup. This is for example essential for the rent setting - essential in times of high inflation - in the Danish economy over which we have no influence. It can only make sense for us to implement the Euro as the national currency of Denmark.

+ EU flags all year round

Travelling to almost every other European country, it seems hard not to be struck by the immense presence of EU flags on public buildings. The lack of the selfsame presence in Denmark is surprising. To show that we are European and the influence of our cooperation in the EU, we wish to see EU flags present outside or within all public buildings and transport (like city councils, ministries and buses), within the Parliamentary Assembly and at press conferences on all occasions all year round.

+ Lower the voting age to 16 for the EP elections in Denmark

The European Parliament elections are the democratic heart of the European Union. The candidates we elect take the most monumental decisions for the future of our Union and the people they represent. It is no wonder that these decisions will impact future generations for years to come. In relation to policies on for example climate change, refugees, and security, our MEP’s will affect generations for the future to come. That is why we need to give the future generations a voice. Lowering the voting age for the EP elections to 16 will ensure that their voices are heard and represented on policies that will affect them in the future. Ensuring young people to vote from an early age will foster the possibility of habitual voting, which will increase the turnout in their entire youthhood. However, the lowering of the voting age should be followed up by more awareness about the EU among young people, which is the core of our organisation.