The Euro.Pa.S.

Daily
EVERYDAY INFORMATION INSIDE THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT SIMULATION 2012 Issue: 1 Date: Saturday 7th April 2012 Circulation: 300 copies

The Organizing Committee did it again ! Everybody was impressed with the impeccable planning of the Opening Ceremony, held at the Kakogiannis Foundation. For more, see page 2

Honored guests of last nights opening event, Mrs Giannakou and Mrs Koppa, distinguished Representatives of the Greek Delegation at the European Parliament, were moved by the Institutes gesture to award them. For full story, check page 3

Supportive as always to this initiative, the Professors of the University of Piraeus addressed the Delegates heartedly, congratulating them for participating and encouraging them to pursue their dreams and aspirations. For full story, turn to page 4

This Simulation would not be possible without the generous support of Academic and European Institutions, along with the private initiative. The representatives of the above mentioned addressed to the participants inspiring and motivating speeches, unveiling their potential as future European citizens. For more, see page 9
MEET THE PRESS & THE TRANSLATORS PAGE 8

PHOTOGRAPHS BEHIND THE SCENES AND ALL THE BACKSTAGE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE Euro.Pa.S. 2012!

Go to page 5-7
DesDESIGNED BY

Katerina Giosma

issues and the amplification of the Personally, having attended one of knowledge of the young people its conferences during the Festival were the most important points. of the European citizen, I cannot help but admire this initiative. By Afrodite Anastasaki However, Mr. Antonakakis gave more emphasis on the services that Giving his warmest thanks to his The Opening Ceremony at the IRTEA provides as a new collaborators, Mr. Kontizas, Mr. Institution of Michael organization. Despite the few Moysiadis and Mr. Papp, the Kakogiannis has just begun and years of its operation, it has President closes his speech. Mr. Antonakakis takes the floor. offered a lot to the Hellenic and The speech by the President of the the European area. IRTEA wishes to do the best for Institute of Research and Training all the European citizens and Seminars, website creation, especially for the youth. Mr. on European Affairs could not be publication of the journal, Antonakakis was happy and ready more informative. exchange visits with partner to award Mrs. Giannakou and The creation and development of agencies operating in the member Mrs. Koppa, the honored women IRTEA played a leading role at his states of the European Union and of Euro.Pa.S. speech, followed by the targets of surveys of public opinion are some of its remarkable activities. the Institute. The citizens familiarization with the European

IRTEA: The mother of Euro.Pa.S.

The Organizing Committee importance of the current

By Plexida Kalliopi and Eleni Sakellaridi During the opening ceremony, Mrs. Papadaki, Mr. Aggos and Mr. Aggelou, the Organizing Committee, were the centre of attention. Their nervousness was a sign of their will to host a perfect opening ceremony. After introducing and giving awards to the honored guests, each of them gave a speech. Mrs. Papadaki, the President of the European Parliament, underlined the Simulation, that gives the opportunity to understand in practice the institutions of the E.U. and expressed her belief that the future leaders are among the participants of the Simulation. According to Mrs. Papadaki, only strong debates can have the anticipated results. Mr. Aggelou, as President of the European Commission spoke about the common European interests, as well as the economic crisis and the vision of a strong and stable Europe of 2020. During his interview, he described the preparation of the Simulation as a
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demanding and time-consuming procedure, that takes up a lot of his time, but as he pointed out If you like something, you just do it. Last but not least, Mr. Aggos, the President of the European Council, gave a very intense speech, mentioning the importance of trust to the Union by the citizens and the member states. He gave priority to the encounter of the economic crisis, but he also expressed his hope that the states, if honestly united, can take important decisions about European and global issues.

development and innovation and to give to By Karmen Koulas and Sofia each young European citizen new dimensions Spanidou and opportunities.

The honored Politicians

Like every well organized and serious conference, Euro.Pa.S. honors two remarkable and successful women, who, having been elected as members of the European Parliament, are representing with their actions and activities the voice of every Greek and European- citizen. During the opening ceremony, the floor was first given to Mrs Marietta Giannakou, former minister and member of the Greek Parliament and currently an active and vital member of the European Parliament. In her speech, Mrs Giannakou stressed the need for each and every citizen to be informed about the identity of Europe and the possibilities that it can offer.

Europe should not be taken for granted. It needs a lot of work and effort, solidarity and caution as far as the negotiations and cooperation are concerned. Modesty should be our guide, she noted.

Five minutes before the lights of the opening ceremony were switched on, we had the honor to meet Mrs Giannakou in person and ask a few questions. Asked about her feelings for being honored today by young people, Mrs Giannakou answered that It is really important for a politician, who has curved his own political path, to be in contact with young people; this is feasible and possible, when we think that todays actions may reflect the She underlined with future. In many cases, actions disappointment that although temporarily and currently seem to Greece has raised new generations be efficient and beneficial at first of competent people with glance, but in the future they are credentials and qualifications, the not fulfilled. Im pleased to see lack of career opportunities and young and competent people, who the increase of unemployment is know that their country and the leading them to the decision of European heart is here, in Greece, leaving the country. However, she and not in Brussels. reminded that Europe is here to support the weak, boost research, Responding to our second question regarding the ways, through which the young generation can be actively involved into the European reality and procedures, Mrs Giannakou said that the political participation in such procedures has nowadays been altered. In the past this could only be possible through
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the participation in political parties but nowadays more and more young people are actively involved in such procedures in other ways, such as NGOs. Last but not least, her advice to all of us was to try as much as we can and never back down. After Mrs Giannakous speech and honor, the floor was given to Mrs Koppa, who is also an active member of the European Parliament. Mrs Koppa pointed out that the European knowledge is being put into practice through negotiating and dealing with various European issues. The European Parliament is one of the most significant European institutions because it is formed after elections, which take place in every European member- state. Furthermore, she said that since financial crisis occurred, pessimism prevails and, unfortunately, the fear of bankruptcy is present. According to Mrs Koppa, the vast majority of the European countries were afraid of a possible damage of the European Economic Union and as a result remained inactive, without the right to veto in crucial issues.

The Professors contribution

By Thetis Mytilini, Carla Beraha and Fenia Megremi

Mrs. Simiti emphasised on the importance of the familiarization with that kind of simulations, while Mr. Gousios underlined the strength, the courage and the self-confidence that participants must have or must develop in order to have these characteristics for the rest of their lives.

First day in Euro.Pa.S. and of course the president In her turn, Mrs. Asderaki mentioned that it would and some academic officers of the department of International and European Studies of University of have been better to make her statement while the two MEPs, Mrs. Giannakou and Mrs. Koppa, were Piraeus could not be absent. present, so as to suggest the possibility for students to work for European affairs. All of them seemed happy to be part of this event and congratulated all the organizers of Euro.Pa.S. 2012. The president of International & European Studies of University of Piraeus Mr. Platias stated that although he was quite hesitant at first, as three years ago a team of young students of this department suggested the creation of Euro.Pa.S., he was eventually convinced of the possible marriage of theory and practice that the university can offer. Later, in a more detailed interview to our newspaper, she expressed her optimism, in spite of the recession and continued by saying that Europe is a great opportunity for young people in Europe.

An important condition is however, the redesigning of Europe. That is also what Mr. Galanos wished for. Europe is changing in an era of political and economic crisis with the help of the new generation. You ought to fight for a better Mr. Liakouras seemed to be stunned not only by the Europe while expressing your opinions. high level of the students arguments and their knowledge of foreign languages, but also from the way that the event was organized. With his familiar smile, he commented on the bright lights and incited the participants to enjoy the Euro.Pa.S. 2012. Moreover Mr.Toskas, spoke of the professionalism, courage and initiatives that make Euro.Pa.S. successful.

Warming up!
By Theodora Ilia and Katerina Proaki It was the first day of the conference, but as soon as we entered the Kakogiannis Institution, we felt great enthusiasm.

Moreover, the staff have been very helpful during the conference since they were ready to give any kind of information to the participants and to make sure that everything rolls smoothly.

The photographers were capturing every moment and the flashes were shining everywhere since a lot of the participants did not miss the chance to take a The atmosphere was quite friendly since most of the picture in every corner of the building. MEPs had previously participated in Euro.Pa.S. or similar conferences such as MUN, where they had In other words, we were taken aback by the energy the opportunity to develop friendly relationships and and great impatience of those participants to get to successfully cooperate with each other. work and contribute to the improvement of vital issues, such as the ones that the Euro.Pa.S. agenda This factor contributed a lot to the creation of a more includes. relaxing mood. People were laughing, exchanging opinions and waiting impatiently for the opening By the end of the opening ceremony, the participants ceremony to begin. had high expectations for a fruitful debate during the upcoming sessions.

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Our hosting team is always so beautiful and helpful! Somebody is always socializing Greece is the basis of every European institution even in Euro.Pa.S. Coffee break!!! So much to do

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5. 6. Keep on running Mr. President! There are some spies among the MEPs!!! Euro.Pa.S. at the tips of your fingers!!! It is so painful to be a MEP

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MEET THE PRESS & THE TRANSLATORS!!!

My name is Afrodite Anastasaki and I am a first-year student at the University of Piraeus in the Department of International and European Studies. Euro.Pa.S. is a totally new experience for me and I really hope it will be successful. Good luck to everyone. Enjoy the simulation! My name is Thetis Mytilini and I am a student in the 2nd semester of International and European Studies at the University of Piraeus. Euro.Pa.S. gives me the opportunity to follow the procedure of the European Parliament and to understand it in practice. My name is Christina Bogdanou! I am 23 years old. I am in the 5th year of my studies in the Department of International and European Studies at the University of Piraeus! I chose to participate in Euro.Pa.S. because I have learned from previous participants that it is a great and interesting experience! Moreover, I believe that my participation as a journalist will be valuable for my CV and very helpful for my career too! My name is Konstantina Ampatzoglou and I am 22 years old. I am a student of International and European Studies at the Panteion University and I participate in Euro.Pa.S. as a translator because of my interest in European affairs, in order to practice my language skills and to observe how the European Parliament works. My name is Nikoletta Chalari and I am 19 years old. I am in the 2nd year of my studies in the Department of International and European Studies at the University of Piraeus. I decided to be a journalist in Euro.Pa.S. 2012 in order to gain different experience and see my future job in action. My name is Fenia Megremi and I am 21 years old. I am a senior student in the Department of International Relations and European Studies. My main motivation for participating for the second time in this event is my constant curiosity and excitement for new challenges and experiences such as working in different positions and rotating tasks. I am Chrysoula Kavalierou, 23, student of City Unity College, in the Department of Conference Interpreting. It is a great honor to have the opportunity to assist to this extraordinary initiative and practice at a simulation of a European institution. Let's present myself! My name is Vasiliki Sgourdou and I am one of the translators during the works of the Euro.Pa.S., here at Piraeus. I am in the last year of my studies in translation, at the Ionian University, Department of Foreign Languages, Translation and Interpreting. I am very glad to share this experience and make a contribution to this wonderful attempt. Hello everyone! I am Kalliopi Zoula, yet my friends call me just Peppy, and I am 21 years old. I study Translation at the Ionian University in Corfu. It is my third time here in Euro.Pa.S. and I am soOoOoO excited about that! I hope that this year is going to be even more productive and that we are all going to have fun...much fun...eee Vassia Mpei? <3

A dynamic beginning from policy and then summarized in the following line a dynamic, dynamic supporters.
By Thomas Tsoulias and July Chatzizisi Yesterday was the first day of Euro.Pa.S 2012 and the expectations were quickly raised after the first speeches in the Opening Ceremony. However, the jewel in the crown of the whole procedure has been - no doubt - the opening speeches of the supporters of the organization. To begin with, the Danish Ambassador in Greece Mr. Tom Norning addressed the house with his letter (since his full schedule did not allow him to attend the event) and his remarks were quite clear on the issue. He presented the Danish approach to European green, responsible and safe Europe is what the Danish Presidency of the European Union is trying to achieve.

the European Continent and Greece.

On the other hand, the speech that was delivered by Mr. Kailis, Head of the European Parliament Office in Greece, could not go Next in order, Mrs. Perraki, Head unnoticed, given his admiration for the Euro.Pa.S initiative. He of the illustrious ThessisMUN organization, also addressed the also stressed the importance of the results of the EU executive quorum with a letter and and legislative organs. welcomed the excellent Euro.Pa.S. initiative and she Last but not least, Mr. Platias, declared that she is looking President of the Department of forward to the affiliation of the International & European Studies two organizations in the near at the University of Piraeus, and future. Mr. Lambropoulos, Director of EURACTIV.gr, expressed their The floor was then given greetings during the opening immediately to Mr. Peroulakis, ceremony, covering at the same Head of Communication of the time issues ranging from the Commission Office in Greece, who in his own turn talked about interaction between theory and the merits of the Commission and practice to the entire Think the importance of the EU for both Different-Act Different conceptideas.

ABOUT US
By Kalliopi Zoula and Vasiliki Sgourdou

The European Parliament Simulation is a newly established model taking place at the University of Piraeus every spring for the past two years. Euro.Pa.S. simulates the heart of the European Union, the European Parliament. It is being held in two languages English, mainly, and French, in the Committee on Culture and Education. The first organized attempt was held on 21st-25th of May 2010. The conference was open to Greek Universities and the grand majority of them responded to that call.

particular conference was going to be established as an academic institution in Greece. That years participants came from many Greek and European universities including L.S.E. and University of Paris. Euro.Pa.S. 2011 was organized by the newly founded, at the time, Institute of Research and Training on European Affairs. The Institute of Research and Training on European Affairs (I.R.T.E.A.) was founded by 4 students of International and European Studies, University of Piraeus, most notably Antonakakis George, Kontizas Stavros, Moysiadis Athanasios and Andreas Papp.

European Education Area. To promote the cooperation with other associations as well as with education and training providers - member states of the European Union - aiming to familiarize citizens with the European Institutions. To produce and disseminate scientific knowledge and policy for Environment and Sustainability, with a view to achieving a sustainable society.

To inform young people about self-employment opportunities.

The areas to be covered by I.R.T.E.A. represent all aspects and functions of the European The I.R.T.E.A was created in Union that have a positive or order to fill the gap between negative impact on the Greek and Society and Institutions of the European society, whether it be European Union. Some of its main university or state. purposes are:

To ensure the active and European Parliament Simulation leading participation of Greek 2011 was the confirmation that the Universities in the creation of a

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