EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 84/198

(2004/C 84 E/0241)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0316/04

by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(6 February 2004)

Subject: European voluntary and solidarity service

It is widely known that compulsory military service is gradually being abolished in the various European countries. Unfortunately, as part of these rationalisation measures certain states are also beginning to abolish the associated civilian service. The latter provides many aid organisations with a temporary increase in staff, and it is thus a great source of help in their many day-to-day activities.

It would therefore be useful to provide both young men and women throughout the EU with basic training lasting three to four months in first aid, social work and environmental services, so that they would be prepared for any situation and ready to act in emergencies.

Commissioner Reding has already commented on this issue in a joint debate with the Culture and Youth Committee of the European Parliament held on 2 December 2003, when she promised that part of the next programme for young people would focus on voluntary service.

Can the Commission confirm these future plans? What further steps does it plan to take in this connection?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(9 March 2004)

The Commission firmly believes that participation in voluntary activities, and particularly in organised national or international voluntary services, can be an extremely important non-formal learning experience for young people and is one that promotes their active involvement in society. Its value in terms of social cohesion is also beyond question.

In recognition of this, the Commission is continuing to support the European Voluntary Service, set up in 1996 and now Action 2 of the EU Youth Programme (2000-2006), and is endeavouring to extend and improve it. The interim evaluation of the EU Youth Programme, which is about to be published, is a demonstration of the extent of the interest generated by the European Voluntary Service.

The European Voluntary Service (EVS) gives young people aged 18 to 25 the opportunity to work abroad for up to 12 months in local projects in a wide variety of areas. Training events and educational support are an integral part of the EVS. In 2004 the EVS had a budget of EUR 33 million, which allowed 4 000 young people to participate. Geographically, the Youth Programme covered 30 European countries plus some third country regions.

As announced on 2 December 2003 by the Member of the Commission responsible for Education and Culture, the intention is also to make the European Voluntary Service an established component of the new generation of programmes starting in 2007. It is in the Community's interest to add new, more collective aspects to the EVS, which is currently very individual in nature, in order to continue increasing its effectiveness and visibility. The corresponding proposal to introduce a legal basis is likely to be submitted in 2004, and the Commission is intending to adopt a communication in March 2004 on the new programmes in the areas of youth, culture and audiovisual policy.

In conclusion, it could be added that in its White Paper ‘A New Impetus for European Youth’, the Commission regards voluntary activities for young people as a priority, and it is currently drawing up proposals in this area for common objectives for all Member States.