Amended proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision establishing the Community action programme for youth
Date: 1998-11-27
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU programme, action programme, vocational training, young person, youth employment

* * * ** 

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 

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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 

of 

as 

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"