Decision No 293/2000/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 January 2000 adopting a programme of Community action (the Daphne programme) (2000 to 2003) on preventive measures to fight violence against children, young persons and women
Date: 2000-01-24
Institutions: Council of the European Union, European Parliament
Subjects: EU action, action programme, child, violence, woman, young person

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I

(Acts whose publication is obligatory)

DECISION No 293/2000/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

of 24 January 2000

adopting a programme of Community action (the Daphne programme) (2000 to 2003) on preven-
tive measures to fight violence against children, young persons and women

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Community action is to include a contribution to the
attainment of a high level of health protection.

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community, and in particular Article 152 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social
Committee (2),

Having regard to the opinion of
Regions (3),

the Committee of

the

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article
251 of the Treaty (4),

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

(3)

Physical, sexual and psychological violence against chil-
dren, young persons and women constitutes a breach of
their right to life, safety, freedom, dignity and physical
and emotional integrity and a serious threat to the phys-
ical and mental health of the victims of such violence;
the
so widespread
throughout the Community as to constitute a major
health scourge.

such violence

effects of

are

It is important to recognise the serious immediate and
long-term implications for health, psychological and
social development, and for the equal opportunities of
those concerned,
individuals,
that violence has
families and communities and the high social and
economic costs to society as a whole.

for

According to the World Health Organisation's definition,
health is a state of complete physical, mental and social
well-being and not merely the absence of disease or
infirmity; in accordance with Article 3(p) of the Treaty,

(1) OJ C 259, 18.8.1998, p. 2,

OJ C 89, 30.3.1999, p. 42 and
OJ C 162, 9.6.1999, p. 11.
(2) OJ C 169, 16.6.1999, p. 35.
(3) OJ C 89, 30.3.1999, p. 42.
(4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 16 April 1999 (OJ C 219,
30.7.1999, p. 497); Council common position of 13 September
1999 (OJ C 317, 4.11.1999, p. 1); Decision of the European Parlia-
ment of 17 November 1999 (not yet published in the Official
Journal) and Council Decision of 13 December 1999.

(4)

(5)

(6)

These principles are recognised in the United Nations
Convention of 1979 on the elimination of all forms of
discrimination against women,
the United Nations
Convention of 1989 on the rights of the child, the
Vienna Declaration of 1993 on the elimination of
violence against women, the Declaration and Platform of
Action adopted at the IVth Conference on women held
in Beijing in 1995, the Declaration and the Plan of
Action against the sex trade and the exploitation of
minors adopted at the Stockholm Conference in 1996,
and the Lisbon Declaration of 1998 on youth policies
and programmes of the world conference of ministers of
youth.

The European Union has taken action in the field of
justice and home affairs in particular by the Joint Action
of 24 February 1997 concerning action to combat traf-
ficking in human beings and sexual exploitation of chil-
dren (5); the criminal law aspects of violence are a matter
for the Member States.

The European Parliament,
in its Resolutions of 18
January 1996 on trafficking in human beings (6), of 19
September 1996 on minors who are victims of
violence (7), of 12 December 1996 on measures to
protect minors in the European Union (8) and of 16
September 1997 on the need to establish a European
Union-wide campaign for zero tolerance of violence
against women (9) and of 16 December 1997 on traf-
ficking in women for the purpose of sexual exploita-
tion (10) has called upon the Commission to draw up
and implement action programmes to combat such
violence.

(5) OJ L 63, 4.3.1997, p. 2.
(6) OJ C 32, 5.2.1996, p. 88.
(7) OJ C 320, 28.10.1996, p. 190.
(8) OJ C 20, 20.1.1997, p. 170.
(9) OJ C 304, 6.10.1997, p. 55.
(10) OJ C 14, 19.1.1998, p. 39.

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(7)

(8)

(9)

(10)

(11)

(12)

in its Communication of 24
The Commission,
November 1993 on the framework for action in the
field of public health, identified, inter alia, the prevention
of injuries as an important area for action in the public
health field;
in this framework on 8 February 1999
Decision No 372/1999/EC of the European Parliament
and of the Council was adopted on a programme of
Community action on injury prevention (1).

By providing support for acquiring better knowledge
and understanding of, and wider dissemination of infor-
mation about violence against children, young persons
and women and by developing actions complementary
to existing Community programmes and actions, while
avoiding unnecessary duplication, this programme will
contribute greatly to curbing exploitation and ensuring a
high level of human health protection,
taking into
account its physical, mental and social aspects, and a
high quality of life.

Direct action concerning violence against children,
young persons and women is in essence part of Member
States' activity at national, regional or local

level.

The Community can provide added value to the actions
of Member States concerning the prevention of violence,
including violence in the form of sexual exploitation and
abuse perpetrated against children, young persons and
women through the dissemination and the exchange of
information and experience, promoting an innovative
approach, the joint establishment of priorities, the devel-
opment of networking as appropriate, the selection of
Community-wide projects and the motivation and
mobilisation of all parties concerned.

This programme can bring added value by identifying
and stimulating good practice, by encouraging innova-
tion and by exchanging relevant experience of actions
undertaken in the Member States, including an exchange
of
information relating to the various laws and the
results achieved.

Therefore,
in accordance with the principles of subsi-
diarity and proportionality as set out in Article 5 of the
Treaty, the objectives of the proposed measure can be
this Decision
better achieved by the Community;
confines itself to the minimum required in order to
achieve those objectives and does not go beyond what is
necessary for that purpose.

(14)

(15)

(16)

(17)

(18)

(19)

(20)

other organisations and national, regional and local
authorities.

In order to achieve the objectives of the programme and
use the resources available in the most efficient way, the
areas in which work is to be done must be carefully
chosen by selecting projects which offer a greater
Community added value and show the way towards
trying out and disseminating innovative ideas to prevent
violence, in the context of a multidisciplinary approach.

the

Cooperation with
organisations
competent in the fields covered by the programme and
with third countries should be fostered, as well as with
all those likely to be involved in preventing violence.

international

Provision should be made
for opening up this
programme to participation by the applicant countries
in accordance with the
in the pre-accession phase,
conditions established in the relevant agreements, partic-
ularly the Association Agreements and the additional
protocols to those Agreements.

to increase the value and impact of

the
In order
programme, a continuous assessment of
the actions
undertaken should be carried out, with particular regard
to their effectiveness and the achievement of the objec-
tives set and with a view, where appropriate, to making
the necessary adjustments.

This programme should be of a four-year duration in
order to allow sufficient time for actions to be imple-
mented to achieve the objectives set.

The measures necessary for the implementation of this
Decision should be adopted in accordance with Council
Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down
the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers
conferred on the Commission (2).

This Decision lays down for the entire duration of the
programme a financial
framework constituting the
prime reference, within the meaning of point 33 of the
Interinstitutional Agreement between the European
Parliament, the Council and the Commission of 6 May
1999 on budgetary discipline and improvement of the
budgetary procedure (3),

HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

(13) Active partnership between the Commission,

the
Member States and non-governmental organisations
(NGOs) and in particular organisations concerned with
the welfare and quality of life of children, young persons
and women needs to be promoted in this area and
synergy between all the relevant policies and measures
encouraged by promoting cooperation between NGOs,

Article 1

Establishment of the programme

A programme of Community action to fight violence
1.
towards children, young persons and women,
is hereby
adopted for the period 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2003.

(1) OJ L 46, 20.2.1999, p. 1.

(2) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.
(3) OJ C 172, 18.6.1999, p. 1.

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This programme aims to contribute towards ensuring a
2.
high level of protection of physical and mental health by the
protection of children, young persons and women against
violence (including violence in the form of sexual exploitation
and abuse), by the prevention of violence and by the provision
of support for the victims of violence, in order, in particular, to
prevent future exposure to violence. It further aims to assist
and encourage NGOs and other organisations active in this
field. By so doing, the programme will contribute to social
well-being.

The actions to be implemented under the programme, as

3.
set out in the Annex, are intended to promote:

relevant Community programmes

and measures,
other
including future developments in the field of public health.

Article 5

Implementing measures

1.
The measures necessary for the implementation of this
Decision relating to the matters referred to below shall be
adopted in accordance with the management procedure
referred to in Article 6(2):

(a) transnational actions to set up multidisciplinary networks
and to ensure exchange of information, best practice and
cooperation at Community level;

(a) the annual plan of work for the implementation of the
measures in the programme, including the budgetary impli-
cations and selection criteria;

(b) transnational actions aimed at raising public awareness;

(b) the general balance between the various sections of the

(c) complementary actions.

programme;

Article 2

Implementation

The Commission shall ensure implementation,

1.
in close
cooperation with the Member States, of the actions referred to
in Article 1(3) in accordance with Article 5.

2.
The Commission shall, after consultations with the
Member States, cooperate with institutions and organisations
active in the field of prevention of and protection against
violence against children, young persons and women, and of
the support of victims. It shall encourage, in particular, transna-
tional cooperation between NGOs and national, regional and
local authorities.

3.
The Commission shall take account of activities carried
out in this field at national, regional and local level. It shall also
ensure a balanced approach in respect of the target groups.

The actions undertaken shall involve a significant number

4.
of Member States.

Article 3

Budget

1.
The financial framework for the implementation of the
four-year programme (2000 to 2003) is hereby set at EUR 20
million.

The annual appropriations shall be established by the
2.
Budgetary Authority within the limits of the financial perspec-
tives.

3.
The Community contribution shall vary according to the
nature of the action. It may not exceed 80 % of the total cost
of the action.

Article 4

Consistency and complementarity

(c) the procedures for coordination with programmes and
initiatives which are of direct relevance to achievement of
the aim of this programme;

(d) the arrangements for cooperating with the third countries
and international organisations referred to in Article 8;

(e) the procedures
programme.

for monitoring

and evaluating

the

2.
The measures necessary for the implementation of this
Decision relating to all other matters shall be adopted in
accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article
6(3).

Article 6

Committee

1.

The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee.

2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 4 and
7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the
provisions of Article 8 thereof.

The period laid down in Article 4(3) of Decision 1999/468/EC
shall be set at two months.

3. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 3 and
7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the
provisions of Article 8 thereof.

4.

The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedures.

Article 7

Participation of the EFTA/EEA countries, the associated
central and eastern European countries, Cyprus, Malta and
Turkey

The Commission shall ensure that there is consistency and
complementarity between the Community actions to be imple-
mented under the programme and those implemented under

This programme shall be open to the participation of:

— the EFTA/EEA countries, in accordance with the conditions

established in the EEA Ageement,

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— the associated central and eastern European countries, in
accordance with the conditions established in the Europe
Agreements, in their additional protocols and in the deci-
sions of the respective Association Councils,

— Cyprus, funded by additional appropriations in accordance

with procedures to be agreed with that country,

— Malta and Turkey, funded by additional appropriations in

accordance with the provisions of the Treaty.

Article 8

International cooperation

Subject to Article 300 of the Treaty, in the course of imple-
menting the programme, cooperation with third countries and
with international organisations competent
in the fields
covered by the programme shall be fostered as well as with all
those likely to be involved in preventing and protecting against
all forms of violence.

Article 9

Monitoring and evaluation

In the implementation of this Decision, the Commission
1.
shall take the necessary measures to ensure the monitoring and
continuous evaluation of the programme taking account of the
general and specific objectives referred to in Article 1 and in
the Annex.

During the second year of the programme, the Commis-
2.
sion shall present an evaluation report to the European Parlia-
ment and to the Council.

The Commission shall submit a final report to the Euro-
the

3.
pean Parliament and the Council on completion of
programme.

The Commission shall

4.
incorporate into the reports
referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 information on Community
financing in the various fields of action and on complemen-
tarity with the other actions referred to in Article 4, as well as
the results of the evaluations. It shall also send the reports to
the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the
Regions.

Article 10

Entry into force

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publica-
tion in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

Done at Brussels, 24 January 2000.

For the European Parliament

For the Council

The President

N. FONTAINE

The President

J. GAMA

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ANNEX

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS

I. TRANSNATIONAL ACTIONS TO SET UP MULTIDISCIPLINARY NETWORKS AND TO ENSURE EXCHANGE OF

INFORMATION, BEST PRACTICE AND COOPERATION AT COMMUNITY LEVEL

Objective: To support and encourage both non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other organisations including public

authorities active in the fight against violence to work together

1. Support for the establishment and strengthening of multidisciplinary networks and the encouragement and
support of cooperation between NGOs and the various organisations and public bodies at national, regional and
local level, in order to improve on both sides the level of knowledge and understanding of each other's role and to
facilitate the exchange of relevant information.

2. Stimulation and exchange of best practice, including pilot projects, at Community level on the prevention of

violence and on the support and protection of children, young persons and women.

The networks shall

in particular carry out activities to address the problems of violence that will:

1. produce a common framework for analysis of violence, including the definition of different types of violence,

the causes of violence and all

its consequences;

2. measure the real impact of the different types of violence within Europe on victims and society, in order to

establish an appropriate response;

3. assess the types and effectiveness of measures and practices to prevent and detect violence including violence in
the form of sexual exploitation and abuse and to provide support for victims of violence, in order, in particular,
to prevent future exposure to violence.

II. TRANSNATIONAL ACTIONS AIMED AT RAISING PUBLIC AWARENESS

Objective: To support the raising of public awareness of violence and the prevention of violence against children, young persons
and women, including the victims of trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation, commercial sexual exploitation
and other sexual abuse

1. Encouragement of information campaigns in cooperation with the Member States and pilot projects with
European added-value and awareness-raising activities among the general public and in particular, among children
and young persons, educators and other categories involved as well as among the media about potential risks of
violence and of ways of avoiding them, including knowledge of legislative measures, health education and training
in the context of the fight against violence.

2. Development of a Community-wide information source to assist and inform NGOs and public bodies of publicly
available information compiled by governmental, NGO and academic sources relevant to the field of violence, its
prevention and the support of victims, and the means to prevent violence, as well as the provision of information
about all measures and programmes on this subject under the auspices of the Community. This should enable
information to be integrated into all relevant information systems.

3. Studies in the field of violence and sexual abuse and the means of their prevention with the aim, inter alia, of
identifying the most effective procedures and policies for preventing violence, for supporting victims of violence,
in order, in particular, to prevent future exposure to violence, and for examining the social and economic costs, in
order to establish appropriate responses to this phenomenon.

4. Improvement of recognition, reporting and management of the consequences of violence.

III. COMPLEMENTARY ACTIONS

In carrying out the programme, the Commission, in compliance with Articles 2 and 5 of the Decision, can have
recourse to technical assistance organisations the financing of which shall be provided for within the overall financial
framework for the programme. It can, under the same conditions, have recourse to experts. Furthermore, the
likely to facilitate the
Commission will be able to organise seminars, colloquia or other meetings of experts,
implementation of the programme and enhance information, publication and dissemination actions.