Amended proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision establishing the Community action programme 'European voluntary service for young people'
Date: 1997-07-23
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU programme, European cooperation, European integration, voluntary military service, young person

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