OSCE-Australia

Elene Nakas Australia OSCE Arundel High School 1/27/2014

Topic 1: Formulating a United States of Europe

The possibility of a United States of Europe complements the success of European integration currently present through the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe; however, it proves to be challenging due to the recent Eurozone crisis and past tensions in European history. The United States of Europe would most likely build off the foundation of the European Union, and simply implement more inclusive measures to unite Europe politically, economically and socially. The current success of the OSCE is the most promising factor in the development of a United States of Europe, however, it will be nothing short of difficult to unite starkly different European nations' unique views and needs in an all-inclusive organizational body. Australia is skeptic of a United States of Europe, due to the similar opinions of our allies of the United Kingdom and the United States. However, if the implementation of a United States of Europe would lead to increased world peace, promotion of the representative democracy and equality, as the mission of the Commonwealth states, then we would definitely support the United States of Europe. Solutions to this proposal ensure that all European nations are given equal opportunities to join the United States of Europe, and that the United States of Europe will mostly dictate political and economic policies, while allowing domestic social issues and trading alliances to each country's discretion.

The tensions currently present between the Southern and Central European Blocs due to the Eurozone crisis, in addition to Europe's history of tense relations present in World War I and World War II, provide distinct challenges to unifying Europe through the United States of Europe. Recently, countries in the Southern Bloc such as the PIGS-Portugal, Italy, Greece, Spain-have suffered enormous debt and unstable economies due to inflation, which has resulted from restrictive policies in adopting the euro that limited countries' ability to depreciate their currency. Since then, there has been a great air of imbalance throughout the EU, as these Southern Bloc countries depend on Central Bloc countries, such as Germany, for bailouts. This not only makes the Southern Bloc countries feel powerless and subordinate to the Central Bloc, but it also causes Southern Bloc countries to perceive that the Central Bloc countries hold greater autonomy in regional politics and the EU. Meanwhile, previous tensions present in the World Wars are less of a contributing factor to the possibility of a United States of Europe. However, the OSCE provides hope for a United States of Europe. The OSCE was founded in 1975 in order to provide greater communication and cooperation between Europe's Eastern and Western blocs. Since then, it has expanded to discuss and enact policies on issues such as security, military, economy, science, technology and human rights. On the contrary, the EU hasn't been as successful as the OSCE in a push for unity throughout Europe. The European Union is made of 2 main parts: the Council and the Commission; the Council defines general political priorities while the Commission acts as an executive. The greatest contribution the EU has made to creating unity throughout Europe was the implementation of the euro, a common currency to bolster financial and monetary policy. However, the euro has since been a contributing factor to the tension between the Southern and Central European Blocs. Thus, the OSCE provides the greatest hope for a United States of Europe.

Due to Australia's alliances with the United States and the United Kingdom, there is a tendency to concur in the general skepticism of the possibility of a United States of Europe. The United States is skeptic due to the possibility of an astounding economic power and leverage which might challenge the United States, however, the United States also recognizes that the EU has also been one of its' strongest allies. The United Kingdom, on the other hand, has been nothing short of distant from the EU and the possibility of EU unification, as it moves towards the alliances of the British Commonwealth. Additionally, since Australia is a member of the British Commonwealth, it would most likely side with the United Kingdom on this issue. Since the unification of Europe, which would result from a United States of Europe, does not directly involve Australia, we are more indifferent to this issue than others, but find it important to support our faithful partners in trade. Though we side with our Commonwealth ally, if the implementation of a United States of Europe would lead to increased world peace, promotion of the representative democracy and equality, as the mission of the Commonwealth states, then we would definitely support the United States of Europe. We wouldn't mind expanding our alliances to more European countries as a result of the United States of Europe.

In order to solve this problem, Australia believes it would be best to build off the foundation of the European Union and from there, strive to implement an even more united European governing body. Though there should be increased efforts to unify European countries' economies and politics, each nation should simultaneously have a greater degree of autonomy in their own social issues and trading alliances. Each nation in the continent of Europe should be given the opportunity to accept or decline the invitation to join the United States of Europe, and there should be an understanding amongst each country as to their duties as a part of the United States of Europe. Certain countries, such as the PIGS, will be given opportunities to be mentored by economists from other successful European countries, in order to create a more stable future through their economic planning. This action should hopefully decrease tensions between Southern Bloc and Central Bloc European countries. Additionally, each country should be represented equally by either 1 or 2 representatives. The United States of Europe would split into separate divisions, such as an economic council and a political council, however they will meet together in a general council, as well, in order to present finalized proposals of actions. However, the United States of Europe will not serve as a single foreign body for economic treaties, while it will serve as a single foreign body for military alliances. Though the United States of Europe would seek to unite all European economies'' it would be more logical to give each country the responsibility of developing its' own trading alliances. Lastly, the political center of the United States of Europe will cycle through each member country for a year.

Australia is extremely intrigued to discuss this issue of a United States of Europe with all other delegates, and to learn their own opinions on the matter. The United States of Europe can either create a great and successful alliance or breed additional regional tensions. Since this issue would impact multiple countries' foreign relations, it is of the utmost importance to the increasingly competitive economic sphere of the 21st century.

Topic 2: Immigration, Racism and Security in Times of Crisis

As increasing numbers of immigrants (both legal and illegal) continue to filter in from the Middle East and Africa to the Southern Bloc countries such as Greece, Italy, France and Spain, these countries experience an increasing economic and social burden, in addition to the burden of the recent Eurozone crisis. This additional burden on the presently unstable economy-characterized by increasing debt and high unemployment-causes many citizens of these countries to react with animosity towards these immigrants and harbor a sense of xenophobia, blaming them for the country's exacerbated economic state. Since most immigrants enter the EU through countries along the Mediterranean coastline, the current Dublin II Treaty especially impacts Southern Bloc countries, such as Greece and Italy, since immigrants entering the EU can only apply for asylum in the first European country he or she enters. Additionally these immigrants face great dangers as they trek across the Mediterranean, which creates a human rights aspect to this immigration issue. Also, if immigrants are denied asylum, they are left in a sort of 'limbo' where they can't return to their native country, and simultaneously can't stay in the country they've immigrated to which further exacerbates human rights issues. It is also important to take note that currently migration between member states of the EU is free, with no strings attached.

Since Australia feels very strongly about curbing racism, which is clearly displayed through our "Racism. It stops with me" social awareness and improvement campaign fostered by the Australian Human Rights Commission, we seek to decrease racist tendencies in the Southern Bloc of Europe. In 2011, the Australian Government committed to develop and implement the National Anti-Racism Strategy for Australia. The Strategy was implemented in July 2012 and will continue to be implemented until June 2015. It will focus on public awareness, education resources and youth engagement and will be underpinned by research, consultation and evaluation. Additionally, since very recently the Human Rights Commission has started an inquiry to assess the welfare of children in immigration detention, Australia feels that it is essential to protect the rights of immigrants who enter countries in the Southern Bloc. Though this immigration causes the Southern Bloc countries continued economic distress, these countries should be sure to respect and maintain the immigrants' human rights. Additionally, Australia sides with the United Kingdom in that migration should be managed through a points-based system, which gives preference to high skilled workers, temporary workers filling job shortages and students. Australia also hopes to help these Southern Bloc countries improve their naval security as well.

Firstly, the Dublin II Treaty should be amended to not limit immigrants (legal and illegal) to seek asylum in the first EU country they enter. This component of the treaty specifically hurts Southern Bloc countries and limits their powers in moderating their gradual economic recovery. Thus, asylum would be granted to immigrants based on mandated quotas for each country in the EU-they would most likely be granted asylum in any country which hasn't met their immigration quota. This quota system would make sure that each country in the EU is equally impacted by immigration. For example, if an immigrant wanted to stay in Greece, but the country's immigration quota was already met, then they'd have to immigrate to another EU country which hasn't met their immigration quota. In order to insure the success of the quota system, there should be an agreement between countries such as those in Africa and the Middle East which acknowledges the new quota system of the EU. EU border control should be strict in the sense of maintaining and monitoring immigration quotas, while being more lax in terms of allowing legal immigrants to move freely within the continent. Possibly the European Union Navy or EU Naval Force could dedicate a portion of its' efforts to monitor illegal immigration across the Mediterranean. Like Australia, it might be useful if the EU launched an anti-racism campaign, not only to decrease the animosity present towards illegal immigrants but also to increase harmony amongst Europeans of different ethnicities who migrate to fellow EU countries. The EU should enforce anti-racism acts and mandate that each country's individual government introduce these acts as well to punish social inequality occurring at the workplace or at a restaurant.

Australia is looking forward to discussing this integral issue concerning immigration and racism in the Southern Bloc and to reach an appropriate compromise with fellow delegates. A movement towards a harmonious, interconnected EU will only further benefit all of its member nations and also mitigate economic distress which has remained from the Eurozone crisis.