Amended proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision establishing the Community action programme 'European voluntary service for young people'
COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES Brussels, 23. 07. 1997 COM(97) 347 final 96/0318 (COD) Amended proposal for a EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND COUNCIL DECISION establishing the Community action programme "European voluntary service for young people" (presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 189 a (2) of the EC-Treaty) EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM Following the opinion of the European Parliament dated 12 June 1997, the Commission is presenting to the Council, pursuant to Article 189 A (2) of the Treaty on European Union, an amended proposal for a Decision. In general, the Commission's amended proposal retains the same structure and aims as the initial proposal, but with more detail in some aspects. The text mainly comprises two types of amendments: - - one batch provides additional information and clarification in relation to the initial proposal; a second batch improves the proposal in so far as they specify activities involving third countries and introduce an element of flexibility with regard to age groups. Of the 40 amendments proposed by the European Parliament, 22 were partially or completely rej ected and 18 were approved ( 14 of which were; slightly amended). The Commission has not accepted the principle of defining a European status for young volunteers and of coordinating tax systems and social protection, nor of integrating national civilian services into European voluntary service, thereby respecting the principle of subsidiarity. Although very aware of the amount proposed by the European Parliament, the Commission has not accepted the increased budget for the first two years of the programme, in so far as the current financial perspectives must be respected. Finally, with regard to comitology, the Commission has not accepted the proposal for an advisory committee, as it considers that experience has demonstrated the usefulness of a mixed committee for this type of programme; neither has it accepted other amendments concerning procedures to be followed by the committee which are not contained in the Decision of 13 July 1987. While respecting commitments made in the context of the "modus vivendi", the Commission is keeping exactly to the text of the Decision. The Commission has accepted the principle of developing the policy of cooperation in the youth field, of the submission, before 31 December 1997, of a report discussing priorities up to the year 2000, the importance of coherence and coordination with the "Youth for Europe" programme, participation of young people from third countries in programme activities in their country of origin and within the European Union, the taking into account of specific aspects for voluntary service in the developing countries, the importance of linguistic and cultural preparation, sufficient information and awareness-raising for volunteers with regard to their rights and obligations, and a degree of flexibility with regard to the upper age limit. It has slightly altered the amendments relating to these various aspects. Amended proposal for a EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT «AND COUNCIL DECISION establishing the Community action programme "European voluntary service for young people" (presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 189 a (2) of the EC-Treaty) - JLC\-^ Initial proposal bv the Commission Amended proposal following the opinion oftheEPof12. Iune1997 PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL establishing the Community Action Programme "European voluntary service for young people" THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 1. Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 126 thereof, 2. Having regard to the proposal from the- Commission , 3. Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee , 4. Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions , Acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 189b of the Treaty , 1. Whereas the _ Essen European Council, meeting on 9-10 December 1994, and the Cannes European Council, meeting on 26- 27 June 1995, stressed the need to undertake 3- new actions to promote the social and occupational integration of young people in Europe; (21-22 2. Whereas the conclusions of the Florence European Council June 1996) stressed the importance of helping young people to become integrated into active life and, in this respect, noted with interest the idea of a European voluntary service; the Council 3. Whereas the Commission to propose practical measures to promote transnational cooperation in the field of voluntary service ; requested 4. Whereas the Council, in its Jlesolution of 5 October 1995 on cooperation with third countries in the youth field, stressed the need to step up cooperation, particularly with regard to voluntary service, with third countries with which the Community has. concluded association and cooperation agreements; 5. Whereas the European Council of 25-26 June 1984 asked Member States to take steps to encourage young people to take part in projects organised by the Community outside its frontiers, and whereas they recommended that Member States take on board as one of the objectives of their social policies social protection for development volunteers or the correction of shortcomings; incorporation the of 6. Whereas the Parliament has also expressed its support, on many occasions, for the development of a voluntary service at its Community in particular level, in Conclusions of the Council and the Ministers of Youth of 30 November on the promotion of voluntary service periods for young people, OJ C348 of 9. 12. 1994. Council Resolution of 5 October 1995 on cooperation with third countries in the youth field (OJ No C296 of 10. 11. 1995) 4- Resolution of 22 September 1995 on the establishment of European civilian service7; 7. Whereas voluntary service activities also exist in a range of forms in several Member States and a number of non-governmental organisations are wording in this field; 6a. Whereas the policy of cooperation in thp. youth field as a field of informal educating has now become ' supplementary to the, education policy laid down in the Treaty and requires development; 8. Whereas, despite transnational voluntary remain limited; these experiences, actions service <! 9. Whereas- it is necessary to create new opportunities for the transfer and application of experience and good practice and to promote new partnerships; in progress 10. Whereas the pilot action launched in is January 1996 and still designed inter alia to test the arrangements for decentralised implementation of long term voluntary service activities looking the multi-annual programme ahead envisaged, and whereas the initial results of this pilot action are described in an interim progress report; to in progress 10. Whereas the pilot action launched in is January 1996 and still designed inter alia to test the arrangements for decentralised implementation of long term voluntary service activities looking the multi-annual programme ahead envisaged, and whereas the initial results of this pilot action are described in an interim progress report carried out on the basis of the specific budget heading created for this purpose in the 1996 budget: to an independent 11. Whereas ex ante evaluation for a "multi-annual programme of voluntary service has been carried out in accordance with the principles put in place by the Commission for the second phase of efficient its SEM 2000 ('sound and g management') programme ; B4-1127/95 (PE 193. 734). SEC(95)1814/5. -5 this 12. Whereas report, already interim provides a basis for the programme's legal and financial structure, and a framework for its administrative management; and whereas the Commission will scrutinise the results of the pilot action at the half-way stage (second progress report) before taking full stock of the final results upon completion of the pilot action for the purpose of the discussions to be held as part of the co-decision procedure on the proposal for a decision and will, if need be, submit amendments to its proposal, particularly in relation to activities in non- EU countries; 13. Whereas there are a series of legal obstacles to the development of voluntary service: this Decision therefore 14. Whereas establishes a Community framework which is intended to overcome these obstacles and to promote the development of transnational voluntary service activities; 15. Whereas participation in voluntary service activities, by young people is an educational experience that may promote their integration into active life; level with 13. Whereas there are significant legal obstacles to transnational mobility for young people, and these obstacles can be removed, particularly through measures to be taken at social national protection and tax schemes applicable to the allowances and expenses which young people receive during their voluntary service for travel, accommodation or subsistence, and through increased cooperation between the Member States: regard to in participation activities by voluntary 15. Whereas young people is an service educational experience that may promote their integration into active life and promote awareness of a true European citizenship: 15a. Whereas the establishment of European voluntary service should be carried out in coherence with other Community actions for young people, particularly in the context of the "Youth for Europe" programme, and it is their therefore complementarity: important ensure to. 6- 16. Whereas it is necessary to reinforce the links between the actions undertaken by this programme and those pursued within the framework of social policy, particularly action on training and access to employment for young people supported under the European Social Fund (both mainstream and the 'Employment-Youthstart' Community Initiative), the fight against racism and xenophobia, and cooperation with third countries; in order to facilitate 17. Whereas, this transition into active life, complementary to be established between links need European voluntary local employment initiatives; service and 18. Whereas voluntary service may help to meet new social needs and may also reveal new kinds of professions and activities; 19. Whereas participation in the voluntary service actions covered by this Decision takes place on a purely voluntary basis, since these activities are non-profit-making and the volunteer/host project relationship can in no case be assimilated with the employee/employer relationship; 20. Whereas young volunteers taking part in this programme will have adequate means of subsistence and will not, therefore, represent a burden to the host country; 21. Whereas European voluntary - service activities are not a substitute for military service, for the alternative service formulae provided in particular for conscientious objectors or for the compulsory civilian service that exist in Member States and are not a substitute for potential or existing paid employment; whereas they are also no substitute for potential or existing paid jobs: 21. Whereas European voluntary service activities are not a substitute for military service, for the alternative service formulae provided in particular for conscientious objectors or for the compulsory civilian service that exist in Member States, and must not haVe me effect of restricting or substituting for potential or existing paid jobs; 22. Whereas all young people resident in a Member State may apply to take part in European service, without discrimination; voluntary 23. Whereas the participation of young nationals of third countries legally resident in a Member State also needs to be promoted; of implementation cooperation with 24. Whereas this programme must be based on decentralised structures designated by Member States in close national authorities responsible for youth questions, with a view to ensuring that Community action supports and complements national activities whilst respecting the principle of subsidiarity, as defined in Article 3b of the Treaty; the local development 25. Whereas in its Communication of 13 June 1995 on "A European strategy for encouraging and employment initiatives" , the Commission and that notes employment spreading throughout the European Union as they are found to provide a genuine response to current aspirations; development are local initiatives 26. Whereas European voluntary service activities directly involve local and regional authorities, bearing in mind the role they will play in direct support for projects as local well" as information and in following up young people at the end of their service; the development of in 27. Whereas the social partners should play an important role in the development of a European voluntary service not only to avoid any activity that is a substitute for potential or existing employment but also to C0M(95)273. build on the experience acquired in order to help young people to become integrated into active life; 27a. Whereas the voluntary sector should also play an important role in enabling the participation in these programmes of those voung people in the greatest difficulties: 27b. Whereas there should be ongoing monitoring to take full account of the opinions of the social partners and the voluntary sector: the 27c. Whereas the Commission and to encourage Member States are keen cooperation non-governmental organisations in the youth and social fields, fight the environment, culture and against various forms of exclusion: with the in the out 28. Whereas the Agreement on the European sets Economic Area enlarged- cooperation field of education, training and youth between the European Community and its Member States, on the one hand, ,and the countries of the European Free Trade Association and the European Economic Area, on the other hand, and that Article 4 of Protocol 31 states that the countries of the European Free Trade Association and the European Economic Area shall take part, from 1 January 1995, in all Community programmes in the field of education, that are training and youth already in force or have been adopted; the participation of 29. Whereas "European the programme voluntary service for young people" is open to the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe, in accordance with the conditions set out in the Additional Protocols to the Association Agreements on participation in Community 10 OJLlof3. 1. 1994,p3. programmes to be concluded with those countries; whereas this programme is open to the participation of Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations under the same rules as apply to the EFTA countries, in accordance with procedures to be agreed with those countries; 29a. Whereas the acquisition of active citizenship and of formative experience on the one hand, and the contribution of young people -the Community and third countries on the other, are important objectives of the "Voluntary service for young people" programme: cooperation between to 29b. Whereas the quality of voluntary service will depend to a large extent on linguistic and cultural preparation activities: and for 30. Whereas the agreements Cooperation exchanges of young people; Association provide 31. Whereas this Decision establishes for the full duration of the programme a financial framework which constitutes the preferential point of reference for the budget authority during the annual budgetary procedure within the meaning of Point 1 of the Joint Declaration of 6 March 1995 by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission; the Community's financial 3 2. Whereas perspective is valid up until 1999 and will have to be revised for the period beyond that date; 32a. Whereas, in the light of the conclusion of the third phase of the "Youth for Europe" programme on 31 December 1999 and of the first phase of the pilot action "European voluntary service for young people", the Commission is to present to the European bv Parliament Council. , and the 10 31 December 1997. a report diseasing the priorities of the policy of cooperation in the youth field between now and the year 2000: 33. Whereas an agreement on a modus vivendi between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission concerning the implementing measures of the acts adopted pursuant to the procedure referred to in Article 189b of the Treaty took place on 20 December 1994; HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 Establishment of the programme "European voluntary service for young people" 1. 2. action establishes the. This Decision programme Community "European voluntary service for young people", as described in the Annex and hereinafter referred to as the concerning European voluntary service activities for the young people within Community and in third countries. "programme", The programme is adopted for the period from 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2002. This programme comes within the context of the general objectives of a cooperation policy in the youth field as set out in the programme Youth for Europe (Article 1, paragraph 2). It is intended, while respecting equal opportunities for men and women, to encourage mobility among young Europeans as part of an active citizenship, to give them the chance of an educational experience in a 11 This programme comes within the context of the general objectives of a cooperation policy in the youth field as set out in the programme Youth for Europe (Article 1, paragraph 2). It is intended, while respecting equal opportunities for men and women, to encourage mobility among young Europeans as part of an active citizenship, to give them the chance of an educational experience in a cohesion and to variety of sectors of activity, promote their active contribution, to the ideals of democracy, tolerance European and integration cooperation between the European Union and their third transnational participation activities the to community. in benefit countries through of to of variety of sectors of activity, to promote their active contribution ÎQ the construction of Europe and cooperation between the European third countries Community and through in transnational activities of benefit to the community. participation their Article 2 Framework, objectives and resources This programme, based on increased cooperation between the Member States, offers young Europeans a recognised educational experience, at transnational level, involving both the acquisition of skills and abilities and the demonstration of responsible citizenship in order to help them to become integrated into active life. In accordance with the general objective set out in Article 1, the this specific programme shall be as follows: objectives of a) b) c) to step up participation by young people resident in a Member State in long-term or short-term transnational activities of benefit to the community, within the Union and in third countries; to promote an educational experience accredited at the European level; to encourage a spirit of initiative enterprise and among young people in order to* promote their integration 12 their into active the contribution. development the objectives of the programme; life and to of ci) to promote access to the programme for all young people; For this purpose, and in accordance with the general objective set out in Article 1, and the specific objectives described in the previous paragraph, this the~ main programme shall be as follows: elements of a) b) c) d) support long-term or to short-term transnational activities of benefit to the the community, within third and with Union countries; support networks of to initiatives, innovative particularly the social, in environmental and cultural fields and with regard to the fight against different forms of exclusion; to support projects that help to build on the experience acquired and are intended to further the follow-up of these young people; to develop, and support the particularly preparation, linguistic and intercultural, and the supervision of young volunteers, particular in volunteers, long-term "mentors" and European project leaders so that the young volunteers can benefit 13- d) to develop and support the particularly preparation, linguistic and intercultural, and the supervision of young volunteers, "mentors" and European project leaders so that the young volunteers can high-quality benefit actions connected with the from e) from high-quality actions connected the objectives of the programme; with to support the quality of all the programme's activities, the development of their European dimension and to contribute to cooperation in the youth field by supporting Mernber States' endeavours to improve services and measures linked to European service, voluntary particularly through measures to provide young ; people with information on the of the through programme studies continuing evaluation through which the operation and guidelines of the programme can be brought into line with the needs of target groups. objectives and and Article 3 Financial provisions 1. The financial framework for the implementation of the programme during the period 1998-1999 shall be ECU 60 million, in keeping with perspectives. current. financial Proposals shall be put forward in accordance with the procedure set to out determine the financial framework for the final three years of the programme (2000-2002). in Article 10 in order 2. The budget authority shall determine the appropriations available for each financial year within the limits of the financial perspective. 14 Article 4 Positive action to facilitate access to the programme 1. 2. Special attention shall be paid to ensuring that all young people can have access, without discrimination, to the programme's activities. The Commission and the Member States shall ensure that special efforts are made for young people who experience the most difficulties in being included in existing action programmes at both Community and national, regional and local levels, to cultural, social, physical, due economic or geographical reasons. These efforts shall be proportional to the problems encountered by this target group. Article 5 Participation by associated countries to the This programme shall be open participation of the associated countries of central and eastern Europe (CCEE) in accordance with the conditions set out in the Europe agreements and the Additional Protocols to the Association Agreements on participation in_ Community programmes that have been or are to be concluded with those countries. This programme shall be open to the participation of Cyprus and additional Malta appropriations under the same idles as apply to the EFT A countries, in accordance with the procedures to be agreed with those countries. basis the on of -Article 6 15 Links with other Community actions and cooperation with the relevant international organisations 1. that shall ensure The Commission and the Member States the programme is compatible with and to other actions complementary undertaken for young people by the Member States and the Community. that shall ensure The Commission and the Member States the programme is compatible with and complementary - including from a budgetary point of view - to other actions undertaken for young people the the Member States and by Community. In this context, the Member States involved may examine procedures enabling young people from third countries to take part in activities arising from this programme both within their country of origin and within the European Community. They shall promote cooperation relating to this programme to allow. complementarity of the programme international relevant the in particular the organisations, Council of Europe. • with Article 7 Cooperation with Member States " The Commission and the Member States shall the necessary take measures to develop the structures set up_ at European, national, regional and local level for achieving the objectives of the programme, for facilitating the access of young people and other partners at local for level to evaluating the actions set out in the programme and for and applying selection mechanisms. the programme, and monitoring consultation - 16 The Commission and the Member States shall the necessary take measures to develop the structures set up at European, national, regional and local level for achieving the objectives of the programme, for facilitating the access of young people and other partners at local for level to evaluating the actions set out in the programme and for and selection mechanisms. They shall ensure that volunteers are given information and made sufficient the programme, and monitoring consultation applying aware at 'European, sufficiently national and local level of their rights and obligations and shall to make an active contribution ensuring complementarity between transnational activities and local voluntary actions. 2. that Each Member State shall endeavour to adopt the measures necessary to ensure the young people participating in the programme do not encounter obstacles, especially as regards the right of residence in the host Member State for the period of the voluntary service and the maintenance of their entitlements, in particular those lhiked to their social protection. Article 8 Validation Young volunteers shall receive a European certificate, drawn up by the Commission in cooperation with the Member States, attesting to their participation in European voluntary service and the experience and skills that they have acquired during this period. Article 9 Committee 1. 2. The Commission shall implement this programme in accordance with this Decision. In the performance of this task, the Commission shall be assisted by a two composed committee representatives appointed by each Member State and chaired by the representative of the Commission. of - 1 7- 3, of representative the The to the Commission shall submit committee, in accordance with the procedure set out in paragraph 4, a draft of the measures to be taken in respect of: the committee's internal rules of procedure; the annual plan of work for the implementation of the actions of the programme; the general balance between the the all programme; sections of the criteria for determining indicative allocation of funds among the Member States; for procedures the monitoring and evaluating the programme. 4. • its The Committee shall deliver opinion on the draft measures referred to in point 3 within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote. adopt The Commission apply measures which immediately. However, these measures are not in accordance with shall shall if - l: the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission the Council forthwith. In that event: to a) b) the Commission may defer application of the measures which it has decided for a period of two months from the that communication; date of the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit referred to in pointa). The Commission may consult the committee on any other matters relating to the implementation of this programme. of representative The the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to taken. The committee shall be its opinion on the draft deliver within a the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote. limit which time The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes^ in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. take the The Commission shall utmost account of the opinion delivered by the committee. It shall inform the committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account. 19 1. 2. 3. Article 10 Monitoring and evaluation take On implementation of this Decision, the Commission shall the necessary measures to ensure the monitoring continuous and evaluation of the programme, taking account of the general objective referred to in Article 1, the specific objectives defined in the Annex, the provisions laid down in Article 4 the and any committee set up under Article 9. input provided by During the course of the second year of this programme, the Commission shall present the European to Parliament and to the Council an evaluation report which will serve to define implementing guidelines and methods, and a new budget framework for the final three years of the programme. any. new In the light of the evaluation report referred to in paragraph 2 and the proposals made by the Commission, the European Parliament and the the Council possibility the programme, extending some actions or making provision for new actions. envisage adjusting shall of Article 11 This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal. Done at , For the European Parliament For the Council The President 20- The President ANNEX In order to promote mobility among young the framework of active people within citizenship, their practical participation in the creation of European solidarity and their integration into active life, the Community shall support European voluntary service activities within the Union and in third countries, projects these cooperation activities measures to develop their quality and their European dimension. to, follow up European and The basic principles on which Community action is based are as follows: the the local partnerships between various partners public/private involved in the integration of young people into active life; transnational partnerships between host projects - validated by the Member States and the Commission - and sending projects; guarantees from the point of view of the preparation and supervision of young volunteers and their physical insurance and social conditions, protection; the inclusion, within host projects, of "mentors" having an important role to play in the supervision of young volunteers and in the validation of the acquired the preparation of measures following up the experience; skills and validation experience; of the educational 21 follow-up for young volunteers and the enhancement of the skills that they have acquired. In order to meet these basic objectives, the Community the current is organising programme which is made up of five main sections. These five sections are interlinked and are flexible enough to meet the needs of the young people concerned in the most appropriate way. SECTION 1 - INTRA-COMMUNITY 1. and short-term The Community shall support long- term (in principle for six months to (in one year) principle from three weeks to three months) • projects transnational allowing young people - aged between 18 and 25 - resident in a Member State to play an active part in activities which help to meet the needs of society in a wide range of fields environmental, cultural, etc. ) and which are likely to have a direct impact on the well- being of the populations of the host communities. The aim of these projects shall be to provide young the Union with an people from educational experience and to bring them into contact with other cultures ideas and (social, " and experience new projects in an intercultural context. The assistance awarded under this section should not exceed 50% of incurred, expenditure the total 22- and taking short-term cases, of applications The Community shall support long- term (in principle for six months to (in one year) principle from three weeks to three projects months) transnational - with allowing young people priority given to those aged between 18 and 25. but without excluding the possibility, in some exceptional and into justified consideration from young people above this age limit - resident in a Member State to play an active part in activities which help to meet the needs of society in a wide (social, environmental, cultural, etc. ) and which are likely to have a direct impact on the well-being of the populations of the host communities. The aim of these projects shall be to the provide young people Union with educational experience and to bring them into contact with other cultures and experience new ideas and projects in an intercultural context. range of fields from an 3. subject to point 3. In accordance with Article 4, paragraph 2, of the Decision, efforts shall be made to help young people facing cultural, social, economic, physical or geographical difficulties. These efforts must be proportional to the difficulties that participation in existing action programmes raises for this target group. In this context, financial assistance greater than the 50% set out in point 3 may be support, where awarded, appropriate, for other activities likely to facilitate participation by this target group, including preparation and follow-up actions. or 4. Assistance shall be awarded to: LONG-TERM ACTIVITIES 5. 6. Long-term activities shall place the the acquisition of emphasis on appropriate from experience European voluntary service projects and on the follow-up of young volunteers' activities. The Commission shall certify, at European level, the skills acquired from this formative experience and follow-up of young from these the end of the - volunteers at activities. PREPARATION AND SUPERVISION 7. intended language, (particularly as Actions regards intercultural development, etc. ) to build on the European dimension of activities, to prepare young long-term volunteers prior to departure and to promote these their integration during - 2 3- activities and at the end of European voluntary service. 8. training (particularly development Actions in setting up projects etc. ) to promote the follow-up projects for young volunteers at the end of their European voluntary service. of SHORT-TERM ACTIVITIES * 9. 10. The Community shall support short- term transnational projects intended to make young people genuinely, aware of the potential of actions linked to the principle of active citizenship, the impact that these activities may have on their lives and to familiarise all the partners with the concept of active citizenship. These projects will initially involve groups of young people. Support for individual participation in a host project may be envisaged depending on the length of the project, its nature or the profile of the young volunteer. SECTION 2 - THIRD COUNTRIES 1. - The Community shall support long- term (in principle 6-12 months) and short-term (in principle from three weeks to three months) transnational projects allowing young people - aged between 18 and 25 - resident in a Member State to play an active part in third countries in activities which meet the needs of society in a (social, wide environmental, cultural, etc. ) and which are likely to have a direct impact on the well-being of the populations of the host communities. range of fields -24 The Community shall support long- term (in principle 6-12 months) and short-term (in principle from three weeks to three months) transnational projects allowing young people - with priority given to those aged between 18 and 25. but without excluding the possibility, in some exceptional and justified cases, of consideration taking applications from young people above this age limit - resident in a Member State to play an active part in third countries in activities which into Thé aim of these projects shall be to provide young people with an educational experience and to bring them into contact with other cultures ideas and and experience new projects in an intercultural context. » of fields meet the needs of society "in a wide range (social, environmental, cultural, etc. ) and which are likely to have a direct impact on the well-being of the populations of the host communities. The aim of these projects shall be to provide young people with an educational experience and to bring them into contact with other cultures ideas and and experience' new projects in an intercultural context. la. With regard more specifically defined countries. to voluntary service activities in the developing the •Community shall support activities respecting the aims and scope for cooperation between the European Union and the developing countries as cooperation in agreements, other agreements and the regulations. These activities may be open to young volunteers aged over 25 in the case of projects justified by a specific transfer of know-how the countries concerned or by particular, duly justified conditions. Long-term projects may exceptional circumstances be extended to two years. relevant to in 2. The appropriations awarded under - this Section shall in principle cover the costs of the activities of young people the Member States. residing in 3. Assistance shall be awarded for': LONG-TERM ACTIVITIES 4. Long-term activities shall place the the acquisition of emphasis on from experience appropriate -25 European voluntary service projects and from the follow-up of young volunteers' activities. 5. The Commission shall certify, at European level, the skills acquired from this formative experience and follow-up of young from volunteers at these activities. the end of the PREPARA TIONAND SUPER VISION 6. 7. 8. Actions making it possible to lay or consolidate the foundations needed for the development of transnational European voluntary service projects with third countries, in particular long-term activities. intended language; (particularly as Actions regards intercultural development, etc. ) tô build on the European dimension of activities, to prepare young long-term volunteers prior to departure and to promote their these activities and at the end of European voluntary service. integration during training (particularly in Actions setting up projects etc. ) to promote the development follow-up projects for young volunteers at the "' end of their European voluntary of service. SHORT-TERM ACTIVITIES 9. The Community shall support short- term transnational projects intended to make young people genuinely aware of these activities may have on their lives and to familiarise all the partners with the concept of active citizenship. impact that the 26 10. These projects will initially involve groups of young people. Support for individual participation in a host project may be envisaged depending on the length of the project, its nature or the profile of the young volunteer. SECTION NETWORKS 3 INNOVATIVE 1. ! 2. 3. Assistance shall be awarded for actions coordinated by innovative networks, particularly in the social, environmental and cultural fields and with regard to the fight against different forms of exclusion. shall assistance This cover innovative networks of initiatives both within the Union and with third countries. for these Support innovative networks shall be intended to help, on the one hand, these networks to European practical develop voluntary service activities and, on the other hand, these networks to take on a European voluntary service dimension. to help SECTION 4 - DEVELOPING A SENSE OF INITIATiyE AND ENTERPRISE 1. intended to build, for Assistance may be awarded in a projects concrete way, on the experience that young people have acquired from European voluntary service and thus to promote their into active life. integration 2. This assistance will allow young volunteers to develop their sense of 27 initiative and enterprise by helping them to: launch training projects; complementary service develop voluntary initiatives follow on that from the activities that they have undertaken; launch economic activities, including business creation. 3. Special attention should be paid to the commitment of (public and/or private) partners to these projects in order to support, help and sponsor young of people's integration into active life. strategies SECTION 5 MEASURES - COMPLEMENTARY. 5. 1 Preparation and supervision 1. shall concern In addition to actual voluntary service activities, assistance will also be awarded for actions intended to underpin the work of "mentors" and leaders. These European project actions activities supported at intra-Community level as well as in third countries. They - are intended, on the one hand, to the ensure that formative experience is of high quality and, on the other hand, to help certification develop to methods. the content of 2. The term "mentors" means people supporting and supervising young volunteers European during voluntary service activities within hosting projects and those who act as 28- contact points for young volunteers and projects within relay structures at national, regional or local level. Special attention shall be paid to projects having of or no little transnational activities. experience Mentors Activities intended to prepare and support mentors from the point of view of their tasks of supporting and supervising young volunteers during transnational service activities. voluntary European project leaders i 4. to carry out Activities intended to develop the ability of European project leaders effectively their administrative tasks in a European context (financial and administrative follow-up of management and European projects, legal aspects, etc. ). 5. 2 Partnerships 1. 2. shall support The Community activities to promote partnerships at local/national/regional between public and private partners - geared towards European voluntary service and leading potentially to transnational partnerships. level creation Assistance shall be awarded for activities to facilitate and promote the transnational of between partnerships local/regional/national partnerships wishing to work together within the framework of this programme either third the Union or with within 29 countries. 3. Special attention shall be paid to local projects/initiatives which have little or no experience of or opportunity for contacts at European level. Research, 5. 3 evaluation information and 1. 2. Support for activities to launch awareness, information and advisory systems at local, regional, national and transnational level to promote and support the objectives of the programme. of on analysis In the particular area of studies and evaluation connected with the objectives of the programme, the its Community will concentrate and efforts the the dissemination of data and promotion Community cooperation this field. The Commission will, in cooperation with the Member States, monitor and evaluate this programme in an ongoing way in order, when necessary, to bring it into line with needs during arising implementation. in 30 ISSN 0254-1475 COM(97) 347 final DOCUMENTS EN 16 06 05 04 Catalogue number : CB-CO-97-338-EN-C ISBN 92-78-21971-1 Office for Official Publications of the European Communities L-2985 Luxembourg 'SI