Amended proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision establishing the Community action programme for youth
* * * ** COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES Brussels, 27. 11. 1998 COM(1998) 695 final 98/0197 (COD) Amended proposal for a EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND COUNCIL DECISION establishing the Community action programme for youth (presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 189 a (2) of the EC-Treaty) EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM In the light of the opinion of the European Parliament of 5 November 1998, the Commission, in accordance with Article 189 A §2 of the EC Treaty, is submitting an amended proposal for a decision to the Council and the European Parliament. The amended proposal largely retains the same structure and the same objectives as the initial proposal but goes into certain aspects in greater detail: in relation to the initial proposal, one set of amendments provides useful additional information and clarification on specific aspects of cooperation policy in the field of youth; a second set of amendments improves the proposal by incorporating features designed to make access to the programme easier for young people, particularly those who may have difficulties in taking part. 61 amendments were tabled by the European Parliament. 12 were rejected and 12 considered unnecessary. 36 amendments were accepted in full or in part, while 13 were partly modified. The Commission has not agreed to the modification of the eligibility age limits for the programme, for this would detract from concentration of resources on the target public. Similarly, amendments relating to the EU's external policy have not been accepted because this policy goes beyond the framework of Article 126 which is the legal basis for the programme proposal. The Commission is most appreciative of the increase in funding proposed by the European Parliament, but has opted to abide by its initial proposal on this. Lastly, with regard to committee procedures, the Commission has rejected the amendment on the procedures to be followed by the Committee as it does not conform to the 13 July 1987 decision on comitology. The Commission has accepted the amendments designed to stress the importance of the cooperation policy's contribution in the area of youth and the development of non-formal education, and the need to remove the legal or administrative obstacles to transnational mobility among young people and to guarantee the safeguarding of their rights, particularly when it comes to social protection. Amended proposal for a EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND COUNCIL DECISION establishing the Community action programme for youth £A Amended proposal following the EP's opinion '- 'v>'->: j - AVf ! ; jpf OS November 1998 Commission's initial proposal Proposal for a EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND COUNCIL DECISION establishing the Community action programme for youth THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community in particular Article 126 thereof, and Having regard Commission1, to the proposal from the Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee2, Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions3, Acting in accordance with referred to in Article 189b of the Treaty4, the procedure 1. Whereas this was the Treaty the establishing European Community stipulates that the latter's action shall inter alia contribute to the development of quality education and training; whereas resolutely reiterated by the Treaty of Amsterdam signed on 2 October 1997 which states that the Community's objective is also to promote the highest possible level of knowledge for its peoples through wide access to education and through a continuous updating of knowledge; '. f '1 ixmssta-n's initial proposal Amended proposal following the EP*s opinio,: •: of 05 November! 998 an action programme 1er -is. by their Decision No 818/95/EC5, , to European Parliament and the Council set up regarding cooperation in the field of youth; whereas it is appropriate, on the basis of the experience acquired from that programme, to pursue and strenghten and Community action in that field; cooperation 1997 adopted 21 November Whereas the extraordinary European Council on Employment held in Luxembourg on 20 and a coordinated employment strategy in which lifelong education and training have a role to play in implementing fundamental guidelines6 States' for employment policies in order to enhance employability, adaptability, and the culture of to promote equal entrepreneurship opportunities; the Member and in Commission "Towards a Europe set out guidelines on its the Whereas of communication knowledge"* the creation of a European education area capable of achieving the objective of lifelong education and training, defining six types of measures to be developed at Community level, focusing on transnational cooperation and designed to bring added value to the action taken by the Member States in full respect of the principle of subsidiarity, in a context of simplified procedures; in the Commission set out guidelines on Whereas its communication "Towards a Europe of knowledge"9 the creation of a European education area capable of achieving the objective of. lifelong education and training, defining six types of measures to be developed at Community level, focusing on transnational cooperation and designed to bring added value to the action taken by the Member States in full respect of the principle of subsidiarity; and whereas in order to make it easier for the the target publics programme, it has decided to simplify the application and selection procedures: to have access to O J L K 7, 20. 4. 1995, p. 1. O J C 3 0, 28. 1. 1998, p. 1. Communication from the Commission to Hie Council "Fostering entrepreneurship in Europe: priorities for the future" (COM(1998) 222 llnal/2, 21. 4. 1998). Communication from the Commission to the Council, European Parliament, Economic and Social Committee and Committee of the Regions - COM(97) 563 final of 12. 11. 1997. Communication from the Commission to the Council, European Parliament, Economic and Social Committee and Committee of the Regions - COM(97) 563 final of 12. 11. 1997. Commission's initial proposal Amended proposal following the EP's opinion of 05 November 1998 Whereas the White Paper10 Teaching and learning - Towards the learning society states that the emergence of the learning society entails encouraging the acquisition of new knowledge and to this end providing motivation to learn at every opportunity; and whereas the Green Paper11 Education, to training, research: transnational mobility highlighted the advantages mobility brings to people and competitiveness in the Union; the obstacles Whereas there is a need to promote active citizenship, to strengthen the links between measures pursued under this programme, and to step up the fight against exclusion in racism and all xenophobia; whereas special attention should be focused on removing all forms of inequality equal promoting on opportunities for women and men; including forms, and its excessive nationalism special 6. Whereas there is a need to promote active citizenship, to strengthen the links between measures pursued under this programme, and to step up the fight for human rights and against exclusion in all its forms, including racism, and xenophobia; whereas attention should be focused on the respect of minorities, the removal of all forms of discrimination and inequality, and on promoting equal opportunities for women and men: whereas the Commission and the Member States should endeavour to get the message through to all young people, not just youth organisations; and whereas a special effort. including the allocation of extra funding, should be targeted at young people who have the greatest difficulty taking part in the programme because of their cultural, social. physical. geographical circumstances: those who financial belong or to Commission's White Paper: Education and training: Teaching and learning - Towards the learning society". Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg, 1996. Commission's Green Paper: Education, training, research: the obstacles to transnational mobility, COM(96) 462 final, 2. 10. 1996. Commission's initial proposal tmmmmmmmmam Amended proposal following the EP's opinion of 05 November 1998 6a, Whereas the integration of young people in the occupational world - a crucial part of their integration in society - depends inter alia on recognition and development of all the skills and qualifications they have acquired via non- formal education: whereas exchanges of young to establishing people contribute greatly strengthening to mutual democracy, to developing a spirit of tolerance, cooperation and solidarity between the new generations, and are therefore vital to the cohesion and further development of the Union : confidence. in 6b whereas in its report on information and communication policy the European Union12, the European Parliament "considers that, with regard to support and action programmes, the selection of projects should be more transparent and the reasons for the choice should be clearer to those who submit whereas youth-related the projects' programmes can be strengthened if training and mobility of trainers, along with language training, are included among the priorities: the European Parliament has whereas acknowledged the essential role played by non- profit-making organisations in implementing the EU's social policy and programmes and has asked for appropriate steps to be taken13 to enhance their capabilities: (Minutes of the meet in g on 14. 5. 98. A4-0115/98) Resolution on Commission's communication on promoting the role of associations and foundations in Europe (Doc. A4-0203/98 and OJ C. ) Commission's initia) proposa! 6ç Whereas there is a need to further develop European voluntary service, both as a valid experience in terms of informal education and as a factor of development of European citizenship and belonging to the European Union, its quality being largely dependent on appropriate preparation; whereas this service must relate only to activities not intended to replace potential or paid jobs and must not result in a reduction in the number of jobs: and whereas the projects concerned - particularly the host projects - must not be commercial or for profit, and must abide by the principles and rules of the European Community: 6jd whereas the Commission and the Member States must seek to ensure complementarity between EVS activities and similar ventures undertaken nationally: whereas the Member and take States legal and to coordinated administrative obstacles in order to further improve access to the programme for young people and the specificity of young people's voluntary activities: recognition of appropriate facilitate remove should steps 7. Whereas the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union in their /99/EC [education]14 and Decision No the Council in its Decision No /99/EC [training]15 have established Community action programmes for the education and training fields respectively, which contribute together with to implementing a knowledge policy; the youth programme 7. Whereas the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union in their /99/EC [education]16 and Decision No the Council in its Decision No /99/EC [training]17 have established Community action programmes for the education and training fields respectively, which contribute together with the youth programme to promotrng-a Europe of knowledge: Commission's initial proposal it in order Whereas to is necessary, reinforce the added value of Community action to ensure, at all levels, a coherence and a complementarity between the actions implemented in the framework of this Decision and the Community interventions, in particular in the domains of culture18, audio-visual media, the completion of the Single market, the environment, consumer protection, the information society, SMEs, social policies, employment and public health; Amended proposal following the EP's opinion of 05 November 1998 8. Whereas it is necessary, in order to reinforce the added value of Community action, for the Commission to ensure, in conjunction with the Member States, a coherence and a complementarity at all levels between the actions implemented in the framework of this Decision and the Community interventions, in the domains of culture19, particular research and development, audio-visual media, the completion of the Single market, the environment, consumer protection, the information society, SMEs, social policies, employment and public health; in the Structural 9. Whereas the Commission's proposals for Funds20, reforming particularly the European Social Fund, and the Community stemming therefrom, are based on objectives designed to and modernisation of policies and systems relating and education, to employment; adaptation initiatives training support the the initiatives Structural 9. Whereas the Commission's proposals for Funds21, reforming particularly the European Social Fund, and the Community stemming therefrom, are based on objectives designed to support the adaptation and modernisation to of policies and education, training and employment; and whereas the Commission and the Member States should ensure a coherence and a the measures complementarity between funded under this programme and those funded under the Structural Funds on the basis of clear guidelines drawn up by the Commission: systems relating Proposal for a Parliament and Council Decision establishing a single financing and programming instrument for cultural cooperation (2000). OJ C 211,7. 7. 1998, p. 18. Proposal for a Parliament and Council Decision establishing a single financing and programming instrument for cultural cooperation (2000). OJ C 211,7. 7. 1998, p. 18. Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) laying down general provisions on the Structural Funds, OJ C 176,9. 6. 1998, p. 1. Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) laying down general provisioas on the Structural Funds, OJ C 176, 9. 6. 1998, p. 1. Commission's initial proposal Amended proposal following the EP's opinion of 05 November 1998 10. Whereas the European Councils of Essen (9 and 10 December 1994) and Cannes (26 and 27 June 1995) stressed the need for further action to enhance the social and vocational integration of young people in Europe; whereas the conclusions of the European Council of Florence (21 and 22 June 1996) emphasised the importance of making it easier for young people to enter the the force; European Council meeting in Amsterdam (16 and 17 June 1997) expressed its support for non-profit making activities; whereas the European Parliament and adopted Decision No Council have 1686/98/EC establishing a Community action programme "European Voluntary Service for Young People"22; whereas labour 11. Whereas provision should be made to open up this programme to participation by the associated Central and Eastern European countries, in accordance with the conditions the relevant agreements, established notably to Cyprus on the same terms as those applied to the EFTA/EEA countries as well as to the Turkey and Malta according procedures those countries; the association agreements, to be agreed with to in 12. Whereas this should programme be monitored and continually assessed in co operation between the Commission and the Member States for in order readjustments, particularly in the priorities for implementing the measures; whereas this assessment include an external evaluation and be carried out by indépendant organisations: to allow should 12. Whereas should be this programme monitored and continually assessed in co operation between the Commission and the Member States to allow for in order readjustments, particularly in the priorities for implementing the measures, OJL214, 31. 7. 1998, p. 1. , proposed the youth concerning of05NwèJEtp«fjHA(--«>^. Amended proposal foMowm^tllefe^mjiioa ' 13. Whereas, in accordance with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as defined in Article 3b of the Treaty, the objectives of the the action of strengthening development a and field, in cooperation policy including the European voluntary, service and youth exchanges both within the Community and with the third countries, the cannot be sufficiently achieved by Member States because the complexity and diversity of the youth field and can therefore be better achieved by the Community thanks of to Community actions and measures; whereas this Decision does not go beyond what is necessary these objectives; whereas it is up to the Member States to develop and strengthen provisions aimed at the programme's target publics in order to make the European Community action more effective: transnational to achieve dimension the 13. 14. of the the field, subsidiarity and proportionality proposed development Whereas, in accordance with the principles of as defined in Article 3b of the Treaty, the action objectives concerning and strengthening of a cooperation policy in the youth the European including voluntary service and youth exchanges both within the Community and with the third countries, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States because the complexity and diversity of the youth field and can therefore be better the transnational to Community dimension of Community actions and measures; whereas this Decision does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve these objectives; achieved by thanks the Whereas this Decision lays down, for the the programme, a entire duration of financial framework offering the budgetary authority the principal point of reference, within the meaning of point 1 of the Joint Declaration by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission of 6 March 199523, during budgetary procedure; annual the 15. the European Parliament, Whereas an agreement was reached on 20 December 1994 on a modus vivendi the between Council and the Commission concerning the implementing measures for acts adopted pursuant to the procedure referred to in Article 189b of the Treaty24, HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: OJ C 102. 4. 4 1996, p. 4. O JC 102 4. 4 1996, p. 1. 10 Amended proposal following the Ws opinion of 05 November 1998 Commission's initial proposal Article one Establishment of the programme This Decision establishes the Community action programme for youth, hereinafter referred to as "this programme", concerning the cooperation policy in the youth field, including the European Voluntary Service and youth exchanges both within the Community and with third countries. This programme shall be implemented in the period starting on 1 January 2000 and ending on 31 December 2004. to of through the This programme shall contribute Europe the knowledge implementation of a European education area fostering the development of lifelong education and training. It shall permit the development of the knowledge and skills conducive to the full exercise of citizenship. in order their participation 3. This programme shall contribute to active citizenship to enhance young people's chances and their employability. and further development of the European Community and in the promotion of a Europe of knowledge through the development of a European education area. the in shall programme This and supplement action taken by and in the Member States, while fully respecting their cultural and linguistic diversity. support Article 2 Aims of the programme In order to allow young people to acquire knowledge and skills, and to exercise responsible citizenship so as to become an active part of society, notably by promoting the role of young women, the objectives of this programme are as follows: In order to allow young people to acquire knowledge and skills, and to exercise responsible citizenship so as to become an active part of society, notably by promoting the role of young women, the objectives of this programme are as follows: 11 to strengthen ihek sefrëe of solidarity through fflw« C3ft«*iiv« partK&rçwrtkè* Ipy ympg fosfte living Iflffttty in * Mimfry State in tr^mftfitiefuU C w w r f ty a a r ^i activities within the Coawnunfty of in noa- mémfeer ce>un{rk«, i« pefftoular those with which the Community has concluded cooperation agreements; (b) to promote an active contribution by young people to the building of Europe through their participation in transnational exchanges within the Community or with non-member countries, by means of which they may discover the true nature of Europe in all its diversity and become more aware of other environments, thus helping to combat racism, anti-Semitism and xenophobia; involve exchanges within b) to promote an active contribution by young people to the building of Europe through their participation in transnational projects which the Community or with non-member countries, by means of which they may discover the true nature of Europe in all its social and cultural diversity and become more aware of other environments, thus standing up for human rights and helping to combat racism, exagerated nationalism. anti-Semitism and xenophobia; (c) to encourage young peoples' sense of initiative, enterprise and creativity so that they may play an active role in society while time the stimulating recognition of the value of informal education acquired within a European context. same at implementing these objectives, In the Commission and the Member States shall ensure that action under this programme is consistent with the Community's other actions and policies, particularly with regard the removal of to to employment, inequality, for to equal opportunities women and men, and to social policy. implementing these objectives, In the Commission and the Member States shall ensure that action under this programme is consistent with the Community's other actions and policies, particularly with regard to employment, to the removal of all and forms discrimination inequality, 'to equal opportunities for women and men, particularly by integrating this dimension in all initiatives through positive action, and to social policy. social of 12 Commission's initial proposal Amended proposal following the EP's opinion of051Novemberl998 Article 3 Community actions 1. The aims of this programme shall be pursued by means of the following actions, the operational content and the application procedures of which are described in the Annex to this Decision: (a) European voluntary service; (b) Youth for Europe; (c) Opportunity for Youth; (d) Joint actions; (e) Support measures 2. The actions shall be implemented through the following types of measures, in the form of operations which may use several of them in combination: (a) support for the mobility of young people; (b) promotion of virtual mobility; b) Promotion of the use of and access to communication and information technologies: (c) support the development for of level cooperation networks of European permitting experience and good practice; exchange mutual (d) promotion skills understanding of different cultures; language of and d) Fostering cultural CommunTtyf the respect for diversity in linguistic and European the (e) support for based designed to develop innovation; innovatory pilot projects partnerships transnational on 13 Commission's initial proposal (f) the constant the Community terms of references with regard to youth systems and policies. improvement of Amended proposal following the EE's opinion of 05November if93? f) the constant improvement of the Community terms of references through: - the observation and analysis of national policies on youth: - the observation and dissemination of good practice and innovation: - extensive exchanges of information. There shall be special focus on projects combining two or more different measures. Article 4 Access to the programme This programme is aimed at young people, in principle between the ages of 15 and 25, who are legal residents of a Member States, as well as those involved in youth work. The Commission and Member States shall ensure that all young people, without discrimination, have access to the activities of this programme. 3. The Commission and Member States shall ensure that special efforts are made to assist young people who, for cultural, social, economical or geographical physical, reasons, find it more difficult to participate in at Community, national, regional or local level and shall accordingly take account of the difficulties faced by this target group. programmes existing action The Commission and Member States shall ensure that special efforts are made to assist young people and small local groups who, for cultural, social, physical, economical or geographical reasons, find it more difficult to participate in existing action programmes at Community, national, regional or local level and shall accordingly take account of the difficulties faced by this target group. 14 Commission's initial proposal Amended proposal following the EP's opinion of 05 November 1998 Article 5 Implementation of the programme and cooperation with the Member States 1. The Commission shall the implementation of the Community actions covered by this programme in accordance with the Annex. ensure 2. In conjunction with the Member States, the Commission shall take the steps described in the Annex (Action 5. 3) in order to make the best use of what has been achieved through Community cooperative action in* the field of youth. to local action for under appropriate 3. The Commission and Member States shall take develop structures established at Community and national level to achieve the objectives of the programme, to facilitate access to the programme for young people and other level, to evaluate and partners at monitor actions called the programme and to apply consultation and selection arrangements. The Commission and the Member States shall ensure that they take measures designed adequately to inform and raise the awareness of young in people moving particular briefing volunteers on their rights and obligations at European, national and local level. The Member States shall ensure that appropriate information and publicity is provided on actions supported by the programme. to another country, to action appropriate The Commission and Member States shall take develop structures established at Community and national level to achieve the objectives of the programme, render implementation user- friendly and geared to young people, so that the programme becomes more accessible for young people and other partners at local level, to evaluate and monitor actions called to apply for under the programme and consultation and selection arrangements. The Commission and the Member States shall ensure take measures designed adequately to inform and raise the awareness of young people moving to another briefing volunteers on their rights and obligations at level. The European, national and Member States shall ensure that appropriate information and publicity is provided on actions supported by the programme. The Commission States undertake to provide an appropriate flow of information the actions of this programme so that it reaches the general public. and dissemination the Member in particular country, local they that and for 15 Commission's initial proposal 4. Each Member State shall endeavour to take the necessary steps to ensure the efficient take running of the programme and to any remove appropriate measures obstacles this to in gaining programme. to access 5. The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, shall ensure the transition between those actions developed in the framework of the previous community programmes in the field of youth (Youth for and European Voluntary Europe that will be the actions Service) and implemented the in present programme. the framework of III Article 6 Joint actions As part of the process of building up a Europe of knowledge, the measures of this programme may implemented as joint actions with other be the forming Community particularly Community knowledge programmes the area of education and training. actions policy, in part of the programme and Amended proposal following the EP's opinion of 05 November 199& 4. Each Member State shall endeavour to take the necessary steps to ensure the efficient take running of appropriate measures to remove any legal or administrative obstacles in gaining access to this programme, particularly bv guaranteeing that young people taking part in activities and transnational this exchanges rights. programme do not social particularly when protection, and have access to health care. under their to comes forfeit to it in and conformity with As part of the process of building up a Europe of knowledge, the procedures set out in Art. 7 of the Decision, the be measures implemented actions with other Community programmes actions, inter alia in the area of education and training, research and development, and new technologies. programme may joint this as of Article 7 Committee 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of the representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission. 2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken as regards: 16 Commission's initial proposal Amended proposal following the EP^s opinion of05November 1998 jff,i,: (a) the arrangements for implementing this programme, where appropriate the annual plan of work for the implementation of the programme's actions; including (b) the criteria applicable for establishing the indicative breakdown of funds among the Member States for the purpose of the actions to be managed on a decentralised basis; (c) the arrangements for assessing the programme. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft 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 within the committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The Chairman shall not vote. The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event: - the Commission may defer application of the measures which it has decided for a period of up to one month from the date of the communication; a(2) the overall balance between the different actions of the programme: 17 Amended proposal following the EP's opinio» 71 its ^^If^^oyemberlS»^' - the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit referred to in the first indent. 5. The Commission may the committee on any other matter concerning implementation of the programme. consult to shall event, submit the Commission that In representative the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote. 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. The Commission shall take the 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. Article 8 Funding 1. The financial resources the implementation of this programme for the period specified in Article 1 shall be set at ECU 600 million. for 2. The annual appropriations shall be authorised by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspectives. 18 Commission's initial proposal Article 9 Consistency and complementarity 1. The Commission shall, in cooperation with the Member States, ensure the overall consistency with other Community activities. Coordination shall be ensured in particular between the activities of this programme and the other Community actions in particular those covered by the knowledge policy. Amended proposal following the EP's opinion of 05 November 1998 1. The Commission shall, in cooperation with the Member States, and in full respect of the intrinsic and specific nature of each programme, ensure the overall consistency and coordination between the programme activities and the other Community policies and actions, particularly those contributing to a Europe of knowledge in the area of education, training, youth, research and development, and innovation. in The Commission shall ensure in cooperation with the Member States consistency between the implementation of this programme and the other Community actions relating to youth the audiovisual sector, the completion of the information society, internal market, environment, consumer protection, SMEs, social policies, employment, and public health. the area of culture and the The Commission shall ensure an efficient link-up between this programme and the programmes and actions in the area of youth undertaken as part of the Community's external relations. 2. The Commission and the Member States shall ensure that the measures of this programme will, as part of the implementation of the be coordinated consistent with the orientations established annually for the employment guidelines and in conjunction with the other actions contributing to the implementation of the action plans to be drawn up in this context. employment strategy, The Commission shall ensure in cooperation with the Member States consistency and synergy between the implementation of this programme and the other Community actions relating to youth in the area of culture, research and development, and the audiovisual sector, the completion of the information society, environment, consumer protection, SMEs, social policies, employment, and public health. interna! market, the 2. The Commission and the Member States shall ensure that the measures of this programme will, as part of the implementation of the coordinated employment strategy, contribute to the attainment of the objectives set in the European employment guidelines and to the drafting of national action plans: 19 Commission's initial proposal Amended proposal following the E P 'S opinion of 05 November 1998 Hie Commission and the Member States shall complementarity ensure this under between programme and Community action under the Structural Funds consistency action and undertaken and undertaken consistency action The Commission and the Member States shall complementarity ensure this under between programme and Community action under the Structural Funds. They shall in particular transfer and dissemination on a facilitate greater the Community scale Structural Funds, approaches and innovatory methods developed under this programme. through Article 10 Participation of the associated Central and Eastern European countries,Cyprus, Turkey and Malta Article 10 Participation of the associated Central and Eastern European countries, EFTA countries which belong to the EEA, Cyprus, Turkey and Malta to these countries This programme shall be open the participation of the associated Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) in accordance with the conditions fixed in the in existing or Europe agreements or anticipated additional protocols governing the participation of in Community programmes. This programme shall also be open to the participation, funded by additional appropriations, of Cyprus under those applied to the countries of the European (EFTA) which Free Trade Association belong to the European Economic Area (EEA) according to the procedures to be agreed with this country. This programme is to participation by Turkey also open according to be to established with that country. the same rules as the procedures 1. This programme shall be open to (CEEC) these countries the participation of the associated Central and Eastern European countries in accordance with the conditions fixed in the in existing or Europe agreements or anticipated additional protocols governing the participation of in Community programmes. This programme shall also be open to the participation of the countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA^ which belong to the European Economic Area fEEAY This the programme shall also be open participation, additional appropriations, of Cyprus according to the procedures to be agreed with this country. to is This participation by Turkey according to the procedures that country. to be established with programme funded open also by to This programme shall also be open to participation by Malta according to the procedures to be agreed with that country. 20 Commission's initial proposal Article 11 International cooperation Amended proposal following the EPfs opwiciu | of 05 November 1998 The Commission its cooperation with non-Community countries and the organisations, international particularly the Council of Europe. strengthen relevant shall this programme, the framework of the In Commission shall strengthen its cooperation with non-Community countries and the relevant the international Council of Europe. organisations, particularly Article 12 Monitoring and assessment The Commission shall continually monitor this programme in cooperation with the Member States. This monitoring shall be effected through the reports referred to in paragraph 3 and through specific activities. shall evaluate The Commission this programme periodically in cooperation with the Member States. The evaluation shall seek to appraise the effectiveness of the actions implemented, by reference to the objectives set out in Article 2. The evaluation shall also examine the complementarity between action under this programme and that pursued under other Community programmes, particularly action supported by the European Social Fund. There shall be regular external evaluations of the results of the Community actions in accordance with criteria established using the procedure under Article 7(2). 3. Member States submit the shall Commission by 31 December 2002 and 30 June 2005 respectively reports on the implementation of this programme. impact and the to 2. The Commission shall evaluate this programme periodically in cooperation with the Member States. The evaluation shall seek to appraise the relevance, effectiveness and impact of implemented, by reference to the objectives set out in Article 2. the actions 21 Commission's initial proposal Amended proposal following the EP's opinion -, V. '. • of 05 November I5>98 ; - ,V shall the The Commission European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions submit to the Council, - an interim report on the implementation of this programme no later than 30 June 2003. an interim report, no later than 30 June 2003. on the qualitative and quantitative aspects of programme implementation in relation to the funds allocated. - no later than 31 December 2005, a final implementation of the report on this programme. Article 13 Entry into force This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, on For the European Parliament: The President For the Council The President 22 SM^SS®J^SBHlffS!i ANNEX ANNEX I Funding approved under this programme shall ji the principles of co-financing and |j respect additionality. In accordance with Article 4(3) of sj the Decision, steps must be taken to facilitate jj access to the programme for young people and jj small local groups who face difficulties of a j! cultural, social, economic, physical, mental or jj geographical nature. The committee referred to |1 in Article 7 of this Decision shall lay down the ;; specific take. || these efforts Community funding is to be distributed in such a way as to take account of the need to ensure that there is a balance in the mobility actions undertaken and that the^young people of every Member State have an equal opportunity of participation. should form Funding approved under this programme shall the principles of co-financing and respect additionally. In accordance with Article 4(3) of the Decision, efforts must be made to facilitate access to the programmé for young people who face difficulties of a cultural, social, economic, physical, mental or geographical nature. The committee referred in Article 7 of this to Decision shall lay down the specific form these efforts should take. Community funding is to be distributed in such a way as to take account of the need to ensure that there is a balance in the mobility actions undertaken and that the young people of every Member State have an equal opportunity of participation. In order to achieve the objectives of this programme, five categories of action are to be implemented on the basis of the measures described in Article 3 of the Decision: • Action 1 : European voluntary service; • Action 2: Youth for Europe; • Action 3: Opportunity for youth; • Action 4: Joint actions; • Action 5: Support measures ACTION 1 - EUROPEAN VOLUNTARY SERVICE For the purposes of this programme, "young volunteer" is taken to be a person between the ages of 18 and 25 who is a legal resident of a Member State of the European Community. For the purposes of this programme, "young volunteer" is taken to be a person between the ages of 18 and 25 (but allowing for the possibility of duly justified exceptions whereby consideration may be given to applications from young people outside that age bracket) who is a legal resident of a Member State of the European Community. 23 Coosmission's initial proposal skills social this end, and personal the young volunteer The young volunteer shall undertake, as an active citizen, to carry out an activity which gives tangible form to solidarity, with the aim of and acquiring establishing the basis for a future career while at the same time contributing to society as a whole. To shall participate, in a Member State other than the one in which he is living, or in a non-member country, in a non-profit-making and unpaid activity which is of value to the community and lasts for a limited period (maximum of 12 months) as part of a project recognised by the Member State and by the Community. Full board and the supervision of a tutor shall be provided. The voluntary service project shall ensure that is covered by sickness the young volunteer insurance appropriate any other and by insurance. The young volunteer shall receive a small remuneration/sum as pocket money. >< <s Amended proposal following thÉEP's opinion of 05 November 199$ The young volunteer shall undertake, as an active citizen, to carry out an activity which gives tangible form to solidarity, which will help him to acquire social and personal skills. To this end, the young volunteer shall participate, in a Member State other than the one in which he is living, or in a non-member country, in a non- profit-making and unpaid activity which is of value to the community and lasts for a limited period (maximum of 12 months). This activity must be part of a project recognised by the Member State and by the Community, and must comply with the objectives of this programme as set out in Art. 2 and with the other Community policies. In particular, it should not result in job substitution. Full board and the supervision of a tutor shall be provided. The voluntary service project shall ensure that the young volunteer is covered by sickness insurance and by any other appropriate insurance. The young volunteer shall receive a small remuneration/sum as pocket money. issued by In accordance with the provisions relating to the programme committee referred to in Article 7, a the Commission, shall certificate, confirm the young volunteers' participation in the European voluntary service and set out the experience and skills they have acquired during this period. Action 1. 1 : Intra-Community European voluntary service The Community shall support transnational projects (for a limited period ranging in principle from three weeks to one year) which involve in young people, actively and personally, activities designed to help meet the needs of society in a wide range of fields (social, socio- cultural, environmental, cultural, etc. ). These projects are designed to bring young people into contact with other cultures and other languages, exposing them to new ideas and projects within a multicultural civilian context. 24 r- Commission's initial proposal Amended proposal following the EP's opiaioi of 05 November 1998 support a schemes, The Community may particularly linguistic or those with intercultural element, which aim at preparing young volunteers for their departure and easing their integration during these activities as well as when they have completed their period of European voluntary service. These schemes may take the form of mentor arrangements for the young person. Action 1. 2 : European voluntary service with non-member countries The Community shall support transnational projects with non-member countries (for a limited period ranging in principle from three weeks to one year) which involve young people, actively and personally, in activities designed to help meet the needs of society in a wide range of fields (social, socio-cultural, environmental, cultural, etc. ). These projects are designed to bring young people into contact with other cultures and other languages, exposing them to new ideas and projects within a multicultural civilian context. Support may be given to action laying or the necessary foundations for consolidating developing transnational European voluntary service projects with non-member countries. support a schemes, The Community may particularly linguistic or those with intercultural element, which aim at preparing young volunteers for their departure and easing their integration during these activities as well as when they have completed their period of European voluntary service. These schemes may take the form of mentor arrangements for the young person. 25 Amended proposiïïoli^iné ib^ lK*s opinion of05N6vémVërI993 ACTION 2 -YOUTH FOR EUROPE Action 2. 1 Intra-community exchanges for young people The Community shall support mobility activities for young people provided these last at least one week, are carried out on the basis of joint projects within the Community and involve groups of young people aged in principle between 15 and 25 years and legally resident in a Member State. on activities, based These transnational partnerships between groups of young people shall involve their active participation and be designed to make it possible for them to discover and become aware of different social and cultural realities and to encourage them to participate in, or initiate, other activities at European level. Particular attention is to be paid to participation by young people for whom it is their first European activity and to small-scale or local groups without experience at European level. After a launch period expected to last some two years, Community support shall be focused group-mobility primarily activities. Bilateral group mobility will receive funding only if this is justified in terms of the target group or a specific educational approach. on multilateral After a launch period expected to last some two years, Community support shall be focused primarily on multilateral group- mobility activities. Bilateral group mobility will receive further funding if this is justified in terms of the target group or a specific educational approach. Activities designed to strengthen the active involvement of young people in group mobility projects may receive funding under this action, particularly in the form of activities to give these young people intercultural and preparation before their departure. linguistic 26 Commission's initial proposal ! ;-K Amended proposal following t h e E F* opin i'jii of 05 November 1998 H; Action 2. 2 Exchanges of young people with non-member countries The Community shall support mobility activities for young people provided these last at least one week, are carried out on the basis of joint projects and involve groups of young people aged in principle between 15 and 25 years and legally resident in a Member State or in a non- member country. These mobility activities shall involve at least two Member States. on activities, These transnational based partnerships between groups of young people shall involve their active participation and be designed to make it possible for them to discover and become aware of different social and cultural realities and to encourage them to participate in, or initiate, other activities at European level. Moreover, these projects shall make it possible for partners in the non-member countries to gain experience of this kind of activity in the field of informal education and to contribute to the development of youth clubs and associations and of youth work in these countries. Activities designed to strengthen the active involvement of young people in group mobility projects may receive funding, particularly in the form of activities to give these young people linguistic and intercultural preparation before their departure. 27 Commission's initial proposal Amended proposal following the EP's opinion of 05 November 1998 ACTION 3 - OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTH In order to encourage initiative and creativity among young people, the Community shall support projects in which young people actively and directly participate in innovative and creative schemes and in those which focus on the social commitment of young people at local, regional, national or European level. These projects allow young people to develop their initiative and to put into practice activities they have themselves devised and in which they play the key roles. support initiatives shall The Community designed to help young volunteers to make the best possible use of the experience they have gained during their period of voluntary service and to encourage their active integration into society. These initiatives taken by young people on completing their European voluntary service will allow them to launch and promote activities of a social, cultural, socio-cultural and economic nature and/or to participate in supplementary educational activities. Priority access will be given to those young people most in need. Initiatives designed to encourage tolerance and the acceptance of differences, as well measures combating all forms of exclusion, should be given specific encouragement and stimulation. The Community shall be receptive to initiatives involving cultural and sporting activities as a vital form of communication between young people at Community level. support initiatives shall The Community designed to help young volunteers to make the best possible use of the experience they have gained during their period of voluntary service and to encourage their active integration into society. These initiatives taken by young people on completing their European voluntary service will allow them to launch and promote activities of a social, cultural, socio-cultural and economic nature and/or to participate in supplementary educational activities which can enhance their employment prospects. Priority access will be given to those young people most in need. 28 Support for "Youth Initiatives" shall encourage extension of these projects to include similar initiatives conducted in other Member States in order to strengthen their transnational nature and greatly expand exchanges of experience and cooperation between young people. This aid may include organising meetings of young promoters of Europe-wide initiatives. Financial aid may be granted the effective establishment of stable partnerships designed to of and enhance transnational youth initiatives. permanence towards impact the ACTION 4 - J O I NT ACTIONS Amended proposal following the EP's opinion ofOji November 1998 for support Community 'Youth Initiatives' shall be organised in partnership with other local players, such as political leaders in towns, associations, social services. these The actions referred to in Article 6 of the present Decision, Community aid may qualify for support for activities to be undertaken jointly with other Community schemes in the field of in particular Community knowledge policy, programmes field of education and vocational training. the in of system common information Coordination between programmes may be implemented by means of calls for joint projects. The Commission intends in particular to develop a and observation concerning good practice in the field of knowledge, alongside joint actions with regard to multimedia for educational and training purposes. These projects may cover a range of schemes from a number of different sectors including youth. They may be funded in a complementary manner by a number of different Community programmes. 29 Amended proposal following the EP's opinion ,'of 05November 1998 Appropriate measures, including in particular the creation of "European knowledge points", may be adopted to provide, at regional and local level, contact and interaction between those participating in the present programme and in programmes dealing with vocational training and education. ACTION 5: SUPPORT MEASURES Action 5. 1 Training and cooperation for those involved in youth policy Funding shall be granted to: 1. Activities designed to give further training to persons who are involved in youth work - particularly European Voluntary Service instructors, youth workers, those running initiative European projects and youth counsellors - in schemes, directly involving young people, of the kind described in Sections I, II and III of the present programme; the aim being to ensure such schemes are of an appropriately high quality. Particular attention shall be paid to activities the participation of those young people who find it most difficult to participate in Community actions; encourage seeking to 2. Activities designed to develop European the requirements for modules fulfilling transnational cooperation; on particularly 3. Activities - such as study visits, feasibility studies, seminars, work-experience - which focus exchanges of experience and good practice with relation to joint actions or issues of common interest, or which are designed to facilitate and to promote the establishment of lasting and/or transnational multilateral networks between those active in the field of youth work; partnerships 30 Commission's initial proposal Amended proposal following the EP's opinion of 05November 1998 4. Experimental activities which comprise a source of innovation and enrichment of youth policy through the implementation of forms of new approaches and new cooperation, as well as through the shared efforts from differing backgrounds; participants of 5. Community support may also be awarded to conferences and seminars which seek to promote cooperation and the exchange of good practice in the field of youth, as well as other promotion and dissemination measures regarding the results of the projects and activities supported in the framework of the Community actions related to youth. Activities associated with these measures may be solely intra-Community in nature or involve non- member countries. Particular attention shall be paid to those who work with youth at a regional level and who have no or little or local experience of, or scope for, contacts at European level, as well as to activities in which young people play the key roles. 31 Commission's initial proposal Amended proposal following the EP's opinion i l , ?, > >: *ot 05 November 4S>98 Action 5. 2 Information for young people and youth studies 1. line with the objectives of In the programme, and in particular to improve access for all young people and to enhance their initiative and active participation in society, the Commission shall encourage those active in the field of youth work to become involved in informing young people at European level, as well as boosting cooperation between the information and communication systems for young people established in the Member States and at Community level. In this context, particular laid on broadening stress cooperation fields of include education and training as well as on the dialogue between and with young people. to be to the is 2. Accordingly, funding shall be provided for initiatives involving: - the acquisition the necessary of experience and skills to carry out youth information on projects transnational cooperation and projects which provide in particular, advisory services for young people; information and, based - cooperative projects focusing on information dissemination, enhancing the awareness among young people of the field covered by the programme and to all giving young people access necessary information to achieve the objectives of the programme; initiatives could if necessary be These organised in conjunction with similar actions envisaged, for instance, under the Socrates and Leonardo programmes: 32 ;-Con|MI|s|o||||niiiilp| j | i i ê i d |i - as part implementation, the of transnational cooperation projects, of mechanisms permitting dialogue between and with young people, particularly through the use of youth-oriented media and new technologies. 3. With regard to the youth studies associated with the the programme objectives, Community shall support studies focusing on the impact of measures taken on behalf of young people and, in particular, measures that seek to promote cooperation in this field. This research may take the form of case studies. Action 5. 3: Support measures 1. National agencies Community assistance may be provided to support the activities of the structures set up by Member States, in accordance with Article 5 of the Decision. 2. Technical assistance and operational support the programme, In carrying out the Commission can have recourse to technical assistance organisations the financing of which may be provided for the within the overall envelope for the programme. It can, under the same conditions, have recourse to experts. studies, evaluation Furthermore, the Commission will be able to undertake organise seminars, colloquia or other meetings of experts, likely to facilitate the implementation of the programme. The Commission can also take foward information, publication and dissemination actions. "''"BîHJiiil^Sftrii^98:! 33 Commission's initial proposal Amended proposal following the EP's opinion of 05 November 1998 The Commission shall set up a structure designed inter alia to develop youth projects, to collect information and documentation on youth, bringing together publications, specific studies, programmes and/or measures taken on youth-related matters by the Community Institutions, the Member States, organisations An Europa-based and Commission-run in site "Youth Internet Europe" will further highlight the steps taken for young people at Community level and in the Member States, in a wide range of social and contexts: education, political leisure. rights, matters. accommodation. audiovisual and media, etc. It is also expected to make dialogue easier with young people in general. associations. consumer training, health. sport. 34 ISSN 0254-1475 COM(98) 695 final DOCUMENTS EN 16 05 01 09 Catalogue number : CB-CO-98-701-EN-C Office for Official Publications of the European Communities L-2985 Luxembourg 3>5"