| Consultation: | Federal Committee Athens - Fall 2026 |
|---|---|
| Agenda item: | 4. JEF Europe Internal Resolution |
| Proposer: | JEF Greece |
| Status: | Modified |
| Submitted: | 10/31/2026, 15:11 |
| Replaces: | A6: FC/EC Zero Declaration - Internal Resolution. |
ACKNOWLEDGING the increasing urgency to address climate change and the
environmental impact of large-scale statutory meetings of JEF Europe;
ACKNOWLEDGING the pioneering work of JEF Greece in pushing forward this proposal
through FC Athens 2026 for the collective benefit of all National Sections and
JEF Europe to set a new standard for European youth civil society on climate
action;
ACKNOWLEDGING the need to actively facilitate the transfer of sustainability
practices across the network by providing National Sections with toolkits,
training, and digital resources to replicate sustainable practices at national
and local levels;
AFFIRMING JEF Europe’s leading role in European youth politics/advocacy, aiming
to inspire other European youth organisations and political stakeholders to
adopt similar binding environmental standards;
CALLING for the transition toward fully paperless Federal Committees by 2027,
whereby all statutory documents and proceedings are managed exclusively through
secure digital platforms tested by JEF Europe;
DESIRING to establish a general framework for National Sections to reduce
emissions of international statutory meetings and promote environmentally
responsible practices during the organisation and implementation of FC/ECs;
ESTABLISHING the total carbon footprint and environmental impact of FC Athens
2026 as the "official emissions ceiling" and performance baseline for all
subsequent statutory meetings to gradually reduce overall FC emissions;
RECOGNISING that the organisation of a Federal Committee (FC) or European
Congress (EC) constitutes a vital function of JEF, with a measurable
environmental
impact/footprint for the local community with regards to the participants'
mobility emissions and logistical arrangements of the FC/EC.
Article 1 - Definitions
For the purposes of this resolution:
Article 2: Objective and Scope
This Internal Resolution establishes the FC/EC Zero Framework, a comprehensive
strategy to minimise the environmental impact of JEF Europe’s statutory meetings
and promote sustainable organisational practices.
Scope:
The FC/EC Zero framework is based on the principle of Good Faith Compliance.
While acknowledging the diverse financial and geographical realities of National
Sections, the host sections are expected to make every reasonable effort to meet
these standards. Deviations from these standards herein must be justified during
the host-selection process, including in the post FC/EC reports.
Article 3: Overview and Structure of FC/EC Zero
The FC/EC Zero declaration represents a fundamental shift in JEF Europe’s
culture of organising FC/ECs, integrating our values on climate action into a
standardised, data-driven environmental strategy. This declaration is built upon
the dual conviction that our democratic bodies must be both inclusive and
ecologically responsible as our duty and tribute to the next generation of young
European federalists.
The plan is structured into two operational pillars: Cluster I (Mobility of the
Participants), which addresses the carbon-intensive nature of international
travel required by our participants to attend the FC/ECs, and Cluster II
(Logistics of the FC), which addresses the local environmental impact of the
logistics of organising and implementing an FC/EC.
Together, these standards set a comprehensive blueprint for a "Green FC/EC,"
ensuring that JEF Europe’s statutory proceedings serve as a model of climate
action within European youth civil society.
Article 4: Cluster I - Mobility of the Participants
The movement of our participants across Europe represents the largest
contributor to an FC's or EC's emissions footprint. To lead by example, we must
transition from merely acknowledging this impact to actively managing it. By
prioritising data-driven, no-cost
applications, we ensure our commitment to a sustainable Europe is reflected not
only in our political advocacy but in the very way we gather to deliberate.
The Mobility Emission Tracking Protocol (METP) is hereby established as the
mandatory standard for assessing transport-related emissions for all Host
Sections. This Protocol shall apply exclusively to the primary statutory
meetings of JEF Europe, namely the Federal Committee (FC) and the European
Congress.
To ensure the accuracy of the resulting data, the Host Sections are required to
use verified emission calculators to estimate the projected CO2 or CO2-
equivalent emissions based on the distance travelled from and back, and the
specific mode of transport indicated by the participants in their application.
The primary data-gathering phase of the METP shall be integrated into the Open
Call for Participants. The official application form for every FC and Congress
shall require applicants to declare their intended departure hub and primary
mode of transportation, including for their return.
The METP mandates the use of internationally recognised emission calculators:
JEF Europe must ensure that this data promptly becomes accessible to the Hosting
Section when it becomes available, in accordance with all related data
protection laws and regulations.
Within fifteen (15) days of the event's conclusion, a voluntary validation
survey shall be circulated to participants to account for any changes in travel
plans (actual vs. projected).
The final data shall be included in the FC Environmental Impact Report.
The Green Mobility Notification (GMN) is the actionable part of the Mobility
Emission Tracking Protocol (METP). While the METP serves as the emissions data
collection framework, the GMN translates this data into direct communication
with participants to encourage sustainable travel.
Using the data gathered via the METP, the Host Section shall identify
participants whose travel originates within a geographical radius typically
serviced by a short-haul flight of two (2) hours or less. Once a participant is
flagged by the METP as travelling within this range, a GMN shall be triggered as
part of the participant's official selection and onboarding process.
A formal notification shall be sent to the participant via email by JEF Europe
in conjunction with the Host Section following their confirmation of selection.
The email will include the Mobility emissions estimate and encourage
participants to choose different transportation means to the hosting city.
The GMN email shall explicitly state that the recommendation is not mandatory
and that it is up to the participant’s availability of options and capacities.
Article 5: Cluster II - Logistics of the Federal Committee and Congress
While mobility is the largest source of emissions for an FC or European
Congress, event logistics are the most visible manifestation of our capacity to
act. Every venue selected and every resource consumed is a choice that either
contributes to or combats the climate crisis. By establishing these new
standards, we ensure that JEF’s democratic functions leave a positive legacy in
the host city, proving that large-scale youth gatherings can be models of
environmental excellence.
The Host Section shall prioritise venues and accommodations that have actively
demonstrated a commitment to energy efficiency, responsible water management,
and the reduction of their total environmental footprint.
Priority shall be given to venues and accommodations that hold green labels and
certificates, demonstrating strong energy efficiency, responsible water usage,
and compliance with recognised sustainability standards. Specifically, for the
venues, where feasible, the aim is to utilise natural lighting and minimise
unnecessary energy consumption.
To ensure objective standards, the Host Section shall favour venues and
accommodations that hold verified third-party certifications. While specific
labels may vary across Europe, the following are established as primary
benchmarks:
Examples of certifications include:
In cases where fully certified venues or accommodations are unavailable, the
Host Section must evaluate potential sites based on the following criteria:
The use of local public transportation networks shall be set as the primary and
default mode of transit for all participants within the Host City. The Host
Section is encouraged to facilitate this by:
The use of private hired coaches or shuttle services shall be strictly limited
to cases where viable public transport alternatives do not exist. Private
transport may only be used if the Host Section demonstrates that public transit
is logistically unfeasible due to scheduling constraints, safety concerns, or a
total lack of accessible public transport infrastructure.
Where private transport is necessary, the Host Section shall prioritise
providers that have low-emission vehicle fleets.
Where distances allow, walking shall be encouraged as the most sustainable form
of urban movement. Environmental considerations shall not supersede the need for
accessible transport for participants with reduced mobility. In such instances,
the most efficient transportation option shall be provided to them.
The Host Section shall prioritise local suppliers who use ingredients that are
available within the current seasonal market cycle. To minimise transport
emissions, preference shall be given to providers located in close proximity to
the venues.
Recognising the significantly lower environmental footprint of plant-based
diets, vegetarian and vegan options shall be treated as the primary and standard
for catering offerings.
It is recommended that food be distributed via individual meal containers to
minimise food waste. In this case, the Host Section shall mandate that all
individual containers are made from certified compostable, biodegradable, or
reusable materials.
In case food is provided in a buffet style, the Host Section shall ensure that
there is no overproduction, while any excess food must be stored in individual
containers for the participants or to be given to people in need through
partnerships with local NGOs.
For reasons of food safety, surplus food from a specific meal service shall not
be reused for subsequent days of the FC or European Congress. Surplus food that
remains safe for consumption shall be given to local social organisations or
food banks. The Host Section is required to establish prior communication with
these partners.
To minimise the use of paper, JEF Europe statutory meetings shall operate as
Digital-First events. The Host Section shall aim to eliminate the distribution
of printed materials, including agendas, resolutions, and logistical guides, and
use digital platforms instead.
Participants are strongly encouraged to use a personal electronic device
(laptop, tablet, or smartphone) to access conference materials and procedural
documentation. To ensure seamless participation in digital votes and document
editing, the following technical standards are recommended:
The Host Section shall implement a strict waste-mitigation strategy within the
event venues to reduce the ecological footprint of the FC or European Congress:
The Host Section shall prioritise reusable solutions for participants:
The inclusion of these items is subject to the financial capacities of the Host
Section. Where budget allows, the Host Section is encouraged to seek "Green
Sponsorships" to fund high-quality, reusable materials.
Article 6: FC/EC Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
To ensure accountability and transparency, the Host Section is required to
produce a comprehensive FC/EC Environmental Impact Report (EIR). This document
shall be finalised and submitted to JEF Europe and the National Sections within
thirty (30) days of the event’s conclusion.
The EIR must provide a transparent, data-driven overview of the event’s
ecological footprint, including:
Article 7: Carbon Offsetting
After the conclusion of the Federal Committee or Congress, the information from
the FC/EC Environmental Impact Report will be utilised by the Host Section to
begin planning for carbon offsetting activities and actions.
JEF Europe recognises that the capacity for environmental action varies across
National Sections. Consequently, the Host Section is granted the autonomy to
select the most viable carbon offsetting method, whether through immediate
financial contributions to local NGOs or through long-term projects, based on
its capacities.
The Host Section may fulfil its carbon offsetting obligations by providing a
financial contribution to local NGOs or foundations dedicated to Climate
Resilience. Where possible, these partnerships should be collaborative. The Host
Section is encouraged to involve its volunteers in these activities.
Contributions should support projects with measurable local impact, such as
restoring flood-prone areas, protecting local biodiversity, or assisting
community-led sustainability initiatives.
For sections with limited financial capacities, carbon offsetting may take the
form of direct, action-based projects. This may include organised "Cleanup
Missions" for local parks, riverbanks, or beaches, or the establishment of an
"FC/EC Forest" through seasonal tree-planting actions. These projects should
focus on tangible ecological restoration that provides a visible and lasting
benefit to the local community that hosted the Federal Committee or European
Congress.
To ensure that the Carbon Offsetting of an FC or European Congress does not
become an indefinite promise, a strict Completion Deadline is hereby
established. All offsetting activities triggered by an FC or European Congress
must be fully completed by:
The Host Section shall remain responsible for providing proof of completion of
all the Carbon Offsetting activities to JEF Europe.
Article 8: FC/EC Zero Emissions Limits
JEF Europe recognises the need for standardised metrics to measure the progress
of sustainable FCs or European Congresses. As the first full-scale
implementation of the FC/EC Zero occurs during FC Athens 2026, this event is
hereby established as the official Emissions Baseline for all future FC
statutory meetings. The total CO2 or CO2-equivalent emissions documented in the
FC Athens Environmental Impact Report (EIR) shall serve as the new benchmark for
the next FCs.
It is understood that, in the case of a European Congress, the emissions limits
of FCs cannot be applied due to the different scale of each statutory meeting.
In this case, the Emissions Baseline for ECs will be set by the planned EC set
for autumn 2027 following the same rules and standards as the baseline for FCs.
All subsequent Federal Committees and European Congresses shall be mandated to
utilise the FC Athens/EC 2027 Emissions Limit as their primary reference point,
with the explicit goal of achieving a total footprint lower than the FC
Athens/EC 2027 Benchmark.
Each future Host Section must include a Benchmark Comparison in their own EIR,
explicitly stating whether their event successfully reduced emissions relative
to the FC Athens/EC 2027 baseline.
JEF Europe acknowledges that a host city's geographical location heavily
influences total emissions. In this case, future Host Sections may provide a
"Geographical Justification" if travel emissions exceed the FC Athens/EC 2027
baselines due to the extreme distance or lack of available travel options,
provided that their Cluster II (Logistics of the FC or European Congress)
emissions demonstrate a clear reduction of overall emissions.
The FC Athens/EC 2027 Benchmarks are intended to act as a starting point,
setting the maximum emissions allowable. JEF Europe shall review the benchmark
every two and a half years and adjust it based on the performance of the most
efficient FC/EC held in that review period. The name of the FC benchmark shall
remain the same as a tribute to
the first FC that implemented the FC/EC Zero standards. This provision does not
apply to the name of the EC 2027 benchmark.
Article 9: The FC/EC Zero Implementation Framework
The FC/EC Zero standards, as outlined in this internal resolution, shall enter a
transition phase immediately following the conclusion of FC Athens 2026. Full
and mandatory enforcement of all of its provisions shall commence at the Spring
Federal Committee 2027.
These environmental standards are established as a statutory obligation for JEF
Europe. They shall apply to all current and future National Sections of JEF
Europe hosting a Federal Committee or European Congress. Any section bidding to
host a JEF Europe statutory meeting must demonstrate its capacity to fulfill
these standards as part of its official bid (at least one slide).
JEF Europe, in collaboration with the authors of the FC/EC Zero initiative,
shall ensure that an FC/EC Zero toolkit (including the METP and GMN templates)
is transferred to every new Host Section during the initial planning phase.
The JEF Europe shall provide an FC/EC Zero training to the incoming Host Section
no later than four months before their FC or European Congress. Furthermore, the
Secretariat shall act as the monitoring body to ensure that the thirty-day
deadline for the Environmental Impact Report (Article 6) is strictly observed.
Article 10: Amendment Process of FC/EC Zero
JEF Europe recognises that environmental standards, technological capabilities,
and carbon emissions accounting platforms are subject to rapid evolution. The
FC/EC Zero framework shall be treated as a dynamic guideline, subject to
periodic review to ensure it remains at the forefront as a sustainable event
platform for European youth civil society.
Every three (2.6) years, JEF Europe, in consultation with past Host Sections,
shall conduct a review of the FC/EC Zero Standards.
This review shall analyse the data from all Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs)
collected during the period to determine if the Benchmarks need to be adjusted.
Updates to technical specifications may be made via a simplified procedure by
the Secretariat, provided they do not alter the core mandate of the internal
resolution. Significant changes to the Clusters, the carbon offsetting
deadlines, or the enforcement framework must be debated and ratified at a
Federal Committee or European Congress to ensure a broad democratic consensus.
This internal resolution establishes a common sustainability framework for JEF Europe’s Federal Committees and European Congresses. It introduces standards for measuring travel emissions, encouraging sustainable mobility, selecting responsible venues and catering, reducing waste, operating digitally and reporting the environmental impact of statutory meetings. FC Athens 2026 would serve as the initial emissions baseline, with full implementation beginning at the Spring Federal Committee 2027.
