eunbil · GT0N1242 · 2006-05-12 00:00:00 — ( Proposal may require application of the provisions of the Interinstitutional Agreement (i.e. flexibility instrument or revision of the financial perspective). Financial impact on Revenue ( Proposal has no financial implications on revenue ( Proposal has financial impact - the effect on revenue is as follows: NB: All details and observations relating to the method of calculating the effect on revenue should be shown in a separate annex. EUR million (to one decimal place) 2006 Situation following action Budget line Revenue 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 a) Revenue in absolute terms b) Change in revenue ( (Please specify each revenue budget line involved, adding the appropriate number of rows to the table if there is an effect on more than one budget line.) FTE (including officials, temporary and external staff) - see detail under point 8.2.1. Annual requirements 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total number of human resources 36 41 41 43 45 46 46 5. Details of the context of the proposal are required in the Explanatory Memorandum. This section of the Legislative Financial Statement should include the following specific complementary information: to be met in the short or long term This is clearly identified in the explanatory Memorandum (see introduction and context of the proposal). This proposal is targeting all citizens (that is without focussing on any specific group or category). The overall approach is to involve both citizens directly and civil society organisations. Value-added of Community involvement and coherence of the proposal with other financial instruments and possible synergy Several alternatives were analysed before opting for a new programme: Instruments other than a programme A legislative instrument would not be appropriate to promote citizen participation as described above. The proposed objectives imply the implementation of concrete actions at a European level requiring appropriate financial support and could not be achieved by simple recommendations or co-operation between Member States. The "no action" scenario The option of not presenting a programme post 2006 would be politically incomprehensible at a time when the Union has undertaken to reinforce European citizenship. A promise has been given to citizens and cannot go unanswered. There would be a predictably high level of outrage and criticism of the Commission in such circumstances. In more general terms institutions risk being accused of not giving sufficient importance to the distance which h has arisen between them and citizens and to contradict themselves with regard to their undertakings to citizens (such as the political priorities of the Dutch presidency and the speech of in his hearing at the parliament). In addition, the end of the programme would involve suppressing a series of successful activities involving citizens such as town twinning. In order to avoid a serious loss of credibility by institutions, Parliament, a strong supporter of such activities, asked the Commission to present a concrete programme proposal in 2005. The "no change" scenario The current programme was established with the objective of establishing a legal base for the granting of a series of subventions for the promotion of citizenship. This programme is therefore characterised by a series of grants linked to different budget lines which while having a basic logic linking the different elements, suffers from a lack of sufficient cohesion. This programme has been largely criticised by the Parliament and civil society organisations for its lack of ambition. Simply continuing the programme would be insufficient to realise the objectives set out below. This option is not sustainable in that no other sectoral programme can cover the objectives as set out. This programme differentiates itself from the other European initiatives specifically because of its horizontal dimension and its comprehensive approach to promoting European citizenship. Conclusion : the need for a new programme In response to the emergence of the question of citizenship among the political priorities of the Union, the adoption of a new specific programme is the best option for achieving the desired objectives. In order to respond properly to the expectations of citizens, this programme must firmly place the citizen at the centre of the actions, and is distinguished by its educational and transnational aspects. The first element gives citizens the necessary instruments to become involved at a European level, and the second creates favourable conditions for the mobility of citizens. It thus gives people the opportunity to develop their mutual understanding and to share a feeling of solidarity through the common European values that unite them. In addition, this programme integrates the principle of participative democracy introduced in article 47 of the draft establishing a constitution for Europe. Through this approach the programme attempts to respond as closely a possible to the needs of civil society. It develops a public arena devoted to dialogue and citizenship open to all citizens and decentralised across the whole of Europe through a support to town twinning, to all types of transnational citizens" initiatives and to events with a European dimension. At the same time it encourages a structured participative process on questions linked to the construction of Europe and the values on which it is based. Finally it respects the diversity which on which the richness of Union is founded As indicated above, all actions will be implemented on a transnational basis. They will encourage mobility of citizens and of ideas within Europe. Twinning projects are by nature transnational, but the programme will also encourage transnational cooperation between regional organisations, NGOs, think tanks etc. It will support the development of the transnational activities of civil society organisations and the structuring of civil society at European level. Some special events will bring more visibility to those transnational activities. Transnational debate and exchange of ideas will be supported. Studies by the Commission or research projects by think tanks will feed this debate. The programme will pay due attention to broad geographic coverage of supported activities and projects. Special emphasis will be put on the integration of citizens and organisations from new, or future, Member states into transitional projects and networks. Coherence with other financial instruments and possible synergy Citizenship is an essential and broad concept in the EU; hence it is no surprise that many actions implemented by Commission relate to this wide area, but they have different objectives and different targets, as the following examples illustrate. Within the DG Education and Culture programmes, the dimension of citizenship is a recurrent theme. The programmes in the field of Education foresee actions promoting European citizenship. One of the objectives of the Youth programme is to promote young peoples citizenship in general and their European citizenship in particular. It encourages voluntary work of young Europeans. The Culture programme, by fostering cultural cooperation and intercultural dialogue, also contributes to strengthening the feeling of solidarity and mutual understanding, essential for the of a European citizenship. However, these programmes are aimed either at specific sectors (such as culture), specific groups (such as youth) or specific activities (such as education and culture) whereas the actions proposed by this programme are specifically aimed to be horizontal and inclusive, addressing issues which do not fit comfortably into the other programmes. It can, however, act as a nexus between all these activities, thus further adding value to its own actions. For example, links between schools and town twinning can easily be imagined. In the field of , Freedom and Security, the Commission has activities in relation to citizenship, for example the Preparatory action to support civil society in the ten Member States which acceded to Union on 1st 2004, in the areas of the rule of law, democracy, fundamental rights, media pluralism and the fight against corruption. The aim of this action is to reinforce civil society in those countries mainly through support for in promoting fundamental rights. The DG is preparing a programme on Fundamental rights and citizenship for the period 2007-2013. Those activities have a clear focus on citizenship rights and fundamental rights. The support to NGOs therefore is limited to those promoting fundamental rights. The development of this programme of JLS and that of DG EAC are being carried out in close consultation to ensure maximum synergy. In the context of its research activities, and more specifically on it work in the field of Citizens and governance in a knowledge-based society, the Sixth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development has an objective of research directed towards providing a sound scientific base for the management of the transition towards a European knowledge based society, conditioned by national, regional and local policies and by decision making by individual citizens, families and other societal units. This covers scientific research on: the implications of European integration and enlargement; new forms of governance; resolution of conflicts and restoration of peace or new forms of citizenship and cultural identities. This research is relevant for policy makers and could be used to improve the EU policy in favour of the involvement of citizens and their organisations. In the field of communication, the Commission will be undertaking significant activities aimed at bringing the proposed constitution to the attention of citizens, and understanding of fundamental rights and the need for citizenship. However, this activity is top-down and informative whereas this programme has a more bottom-up and participative focus. However, when appropriate, cooperation with DG PRESS will be organised, particularly regarding Action 3 of the programme (Together for Europe). To what regards the external relations of the EU, complementarities could be envisaged in the context of the Neighbourhood policy. The proposed programme will be open to candidate countries and to the countries of the Western , which should join the EU. It will not be open to other Third countries. However, the expertise of the programme could be useful for implementing actions involving citizens and civil society in those countries. This would be in line with the objective of tightening the relations with our neighbouring countries. Objectives, expected results and related indicators of the proposal in the context of the ABM framework This Education and Culture policy area aims at reinforcing the human dimension of Europe, notably by developing the feeling for a European citizenship. The current programme will contribute to this overall purpose by: - Giving citizens the opportunity to interact and participate in constructing an ever closer Europe, united in and enriched through its cultural diversity; - Forging a European identity, based on recognised common values, history and culture; - Enhancing mutual understanding between European citizens respecting and celebrating cultural diversity, while contributing to intercultural dialogue. To that end, four specific objectives (here below) have been identified; they will be implemented on a transnational basis by three sets of actions (following) which constitute the operational objectives: Specific objective 1: together people from local communities across Europe to share and exchange experiences, opinions and values, to learn from history and to build for the future The programme will the direct participation of citizens across Europe, both in the activities of the programme and in the development of the notion of a European identity. One of the most effective ways of participation is directly experiencing other cultures in an environment that exchange and where people learn through involvement in issues and actions related to the essence of Europe. This intercultural exchange will contribute to the improvement of the mutual knowledge of the culture and history of peoples, and will therefore bring our common cultural heritage to the fore and strengthen the basis for our common future. Specific objective 2: action, debate and reflection related to European citizenship through cooperation between civil society organisations at European level There is a need to support transnational cooperation among civil society organisations at European level. Those Europe-wide organisations, representing a vast spectrum of citizens, can act as multipliers and offer a voice in Europe for citizens, through transnational and cross-sectoral actions, debate and reflection, linked to citizenship of Union. Specific objective 3: Make the idea of Europe more tangible for its citizens by promoting and celebrating Europe"s values and achievements, while preserving the memory of its past There is a need for activities addressing the widest possible audience across frontiers, built around shared ideas, values or achievements, and reaching the greatest possible number of Europeans. These activities across Europe have the objective of forging a sense of belonging to common European ideals, adding to the existing sense of national and regional identity. They will contribute to bringing the common cultural heritage to the fore. Specific objective 4: Encourage the balanced integration of citizens and civil society organisations from all Member States, contributing to intercultural dialogue and bringing to the fore both Europes diversity and unity, with particular attention to the activities with Member States that have recently joined Unio Without strong and full participation from citizens, and civil society organisations from the newer Member States, the development of space will be severely compromised. All the previous objectives will therefore take this last objective into account, which will be implemented in all the programmes activities. Transnational cooperation will play an essential role with regard to this objective. The above objectives will be implemented via the following sets of actions, presented below with their expected results. The elements of networking and focussing on the multiplier effects, including the use of information and communication technologies, will be important, and will be reflected both in the types of activities and the range of organisations involved. The development of interactions and synergies among the various types of stakeholders involved in the programme will be encouraged. This contributes to the notion of sustainability and a structure which can encourage the emergence of a European citizenship beyond the constraints and lifetime of the programme. This therefore involves not only developing and strengthening networks but also the organisations themselves. By bringing together and reflecting diversity of people and organisations, the programme can contribute to the development of a dynamic and innovative society. Action 1: citizens for Europe This action forms the part of the programme directed specifically at citizens, either directly or indirectly. These are broken down into two types of activity as follows: The measure is aimed at activities that involve or promote direct exchanges between citizens through their participation in town-twinning activities. These activities may be one-off or pilot in nature: these will include citizens meeting (approx. 1250/year) and conferences or seminars on subjects of common interest (approx 60/year). They can also take the form of structured multi-annual multi-partner agreements which take a more programmed approach (approx. 13/year). This measure will actively contribute to strengthening mutual knowledge and understanding between citizens and between cultures. For helping in the implementation of this measure, structural support may be provided directly to (), a body pursuing an aim of general interest, in the field of town twinning. - Citizens projects and support measures Under this measure, a variety of projects of transnational and cross-sectoral dimension, directly involving citizens, will be supported (approx. 60/year). The scale and scope of such projects will depend on the evolutions within the society and will explore, through innovative approaches, the possible responses to the needs that will have been identified. Those projects will citizens from different horizons, who will act together or debate on common European issues, hereby developing mutual understanding as well as raising awareness of the process of European integration. It also appears necessary to develop support measures to exchange best practices, to pool experiences between stakeholders at the local and regional levels including public authorities, and to develop new skills for example through training, in order to improve citizens projects. Action 2: civil society in Europe - Structural support to European public policy research organisations (think tanks) Bodies providing new ideas and reflections on European issues are important institutional interlocutors able to provide independent strategic, cross-sectoral recommendations to the EU institutions. They can undertake activities that feed the debate notably on citizenship of Union and on European values and cultures. This measure is aimed at strengthening the institutional capacity of those organisations, which are representative, provide real European added value, can bring about important multiplier effects and, finally, are able to cooperate with other beneficiaries of this programme. The strengthening of transeuropean networks (3/year) is an important element in this area. Structural support may be provided directly to the association "Groupement détudes et de recherches Notre Europe", a body pursuing an aim of general interest. - Structural support to organisations of civil society at European level Civil society organisations need to exist and to be able to operate and cooperate at European level in a large number of fields of general interest (e.g. common values and heritage, voluntarism, social issues). This measure will provide them with the capacity and stability to act as transnational catalysts for their members and for civil society at European level. The strengthening of transeuropean networks is an important element of this area. The Commission anticipates to contribute to the operating expenses of approximately 20 networks/year; in order to maximize the cost-effectiveness of this action, a sufficient amount will be allocated to relatively small operating grants (50.000-100.000 ). Structural support may be provided directly to two bodies pursuing an aim of general interest: the Platform of European Social NGOs and Movement. - Support to projects initiated by civil society organisations Civil society organisations, such as non-governmental organisations, trade unions, federations, think tanks, etc., can, through debate, publications, advocacy and other concrete transnational projects, involve citizens or represent their interests. Introducing or on a European dimension in the activities of civil society organisations will enable them to enhance their capacities and reach wider audiences. Direct cooperation among civil society organisations from different Member States will contribute to mutual understanding for the different cultures and point of views and to the identification of shared concerns and values. 125 projects will be funded each year to that end. Action 3: Together for Europe This measure will support events (approx. 5/year) organised by or in cooperation with Commission, which are substantial in scale and scope, strike a significant chord with the peoples of Europe, help to increase their sense of belonging to the same community, make them aware of the history, achievements and values of Union, involve them in intercultural dialogue and contribute to the development of their European identity. In order to get a better understanding of citizenship at European level, the Commission will carry out studies, surveys and opinion polls (Eurobarometer) (2 /year). - Information and dissemination tools The focus on citizens and the variety of initiatives in the field of citizenship call for comprehensive information on the various activities of the programme, on other European actions related to citizenship and on other relevant initiatives to be provided through an Internet portal and other tools. Structural support may be provided directly to the "Association " and to the "Centre européen ", both bodies pursuing an aim of general interest. The following table presents the indicators planned for measuring the results and impact of the programme activities: The general objectives are to contribute to: Giving citizens the opportunity to interact and participate in constructing an ever closer Europe, united in and enriched through its cultural diversity Change in behaviour of programme participants Forging a European identity, based on recognised common values, history and culture Change in perceptions of programme participants Enhancing mutual understanding between European citizens respecting and celebrating cultural diversity, while contributing to intercultural dialogue Change in attitudes of programme participants Specific Indicators together people from local communities across Europe to share and exchange experiences, opinions and values, to learn from history and to build for the future Proportion of launched/completed projects that specifically seek/sought to bring citizens together Number of citizens taking part, via the medium of the programme, in exchanges and collaborations Number of communities taking part, via the medium of the programme, in exchanges and collaborations Proportion of relevant completed projects that, if not funded by the programme, would probably not have been undertaken (based on survey of participants) action, debate and reflection related to European citizenship through cooperation between civil society organisations at European level Proportion of launched/completed projects that specifically seek/sought to facilitate a structured and dynamic civil society Extent of new knowledge and ideas which have been developed with the support of the programme Proportion of relevant projects that, if not funded by the programme, would probably not have been implemented (based on survey of participants) Make the idea of Europe more tangible for its citizens by promoting and celebrating Europe"s values and achievements, while preserving the memory of its past Press and media coverage of the events - qualitative and quantitative Encourage the balanced integration of citizens and civil society organisations from all Member States, contributing to intercultural dialogue and bringing to the fore both Europes diversity and unity, with particular attention to the activities with Member States that have recently joined Union Proportion of launched/completed projects that specifically seek/sought to bring organisations together Proportion of launched/completed projects that specifically seek/sought to involvement of new and candidate country organisations and citizens Increase in involvement in transnational activities by participants from new Member States and the candidate countries Proportion of relevant projects that, if not funded by the programme, would probably not have been implemented (based on survey of participants) Operational Indicators citizens for Europe: citizens projects and support measures Number of town twinning projects Proportion of total programme budget used to support town twinning Number of projects to encourage citizenship launched