Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008) {SEC(2005) 1202}
Date: 2005-10-05
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: European cultural event, European neighbourhood policy, citizens' Europe, cultural pluralism, cultural policy, economic policy, enlargement of the Union, public awareness campaign, social policy

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 5.10.2005 
COM(2005) 467 final 

2005/0203 (COD) 

Proposal for a 

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL 

concerning the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008) 

(presented by the Commission) 

{SEC(2005) 1202} 

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EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

1) 

CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL 

•  Reasons for the proposal 

Intercultural  dialogue  is  intimately  linked  to  the  fundamental  ambition  underlying  the 
construction of Europe, namely to bring together the peoples of Europe. This vocation on the 
part of the Union requires dialogue to be voluntarily declared a priority, in order to call upon 
European citizens, and all those living in the European Union, to play a full part in managing 
our  diversity,  which  is  enriched  by  increasing  variation  and  by  the  changes  and  additions 
brought about by globalisation.  

Moreover, intercultural dialogue is an instrument which could facilitate the implementation of 
a series of strategic priorities for the Union. 

A European Year devoted to intercultural dialogue constitutes a unique awareness-raising tool 
for affirming this priority and involving citizens.  

•  Background 

The Treaty establishing the European Community gives it the task of creating an ever-closer 
union between the peoples of Europe and of contributing to the flowering of the cultures of 
Member  States,  while  respecting  their  national  and  regional  diversity  and  also  highlighting 
their common cultural heritage. The key to the success of this task is intercultural dialogue.  

In  addition,  the  combined  effect  of  the  successive  enlargements  of  the  Union,  the  increased 
mobility  resulting  from  the  single  market,  old  and  new  migratory  flows,  more  significant 
exchanges  with  the  rest  of  the  world  through  trade,  education,  leisure  and  globalisation  in 
general,  is  increasing  interactions  between  European  citizens,  and  all  those  living  in  the 
European Union, and the various cultures, languages, ethnic groups and  religions in Europe 
and beyond.  

European  citizens,  and  all  those  living  in  the  Union  temporarily  or  permanently, should 
therefore be able to acquire the knowledge, qualifications and aptitudes enabling them to deal 
with  a  more  open,  but  also  more  complex,  environment  and  to  manage  its  difficulties  and 
tensions in order to benefit from the opportunities offered to them by such a society, not only 
in Europe but also in the world. 

At the heart of the European project, priority is given to a strengthened and more structured 
intercultural  dialogue,  in  order  to  involve  all  European  citizens  and  all  those  living  in  the 
European  Union,  and  particularly  young  people,  consistent  with  the  new  dialogue-based 
approach desired by the Commission. Intercultural dialogue appears to be the tool of choice 
for citizens to manage the complex reality in our societies and galvanise them. In this context 
it is important to inspire people living in the Union to actively get in touch with other cultures, 
be  it  at  home  or  abroad,  and  thus  to  contribute  to  tolerance  and  mutual  respect  which  are 
prerequisites for intercultural dialogue. 

Intercultural  dialogue  thus  contributes  towards  achieving  a  number  of  the  Union’s  strategic 
priorities, in particular: 

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–  by respecting and promoting cultural diversity in Europe and promoting active European 

citizenship open to the world and based on common values in the European Union; 

–  by  including  the  renewed  Lisbon  strategy,  for  which  the  knowledge-based  economy 
requires people capable of adapting to changes and benefiting from all possible sources of 
innovation in order to increase prosperity; 

–  by promoting the Union’s commitment to solidarity, social justice and greater cohesion in 

the respect of common values in the European Union; 

–  by enabling Europe to make its voice heard in the world and to forge effective partnerships 
with  neighbouring  countries,  thus  extending  the  zone  of  stability  and  democracy  beyond 
the Union and thereby influencing the wellbeing and security of European citizens and all 
those living in the European Union. 

In  this  spirit,  the  Commission  proposes  that  2008  be  declared  the  European  Year  of 
Intercultural Dialogue.  

•  Provisions in force in the field covered by the proposal 

There are no provisions in force in the field covered by the proposal concerning intercultural 
dialogue  as  such,  but  many  projects  financed  under  various  Community  programmes 
contribute directly or indirectly to the development of such a dialogue. 

•  Coherence with other policies and objectives of the Union 

The  European  Year  of  Intercultural  Dialogue  proposed  for  2008  will  articulate  and  give 
concrete form to a number of fundamental principles of the European Union: 

–  The  Treaty  establishing  the  European  Community  gives  it  the  task  of  creating  an  ever-
closer  union  between  the  peoples  of  Europe  and  of  contributing  to  the  flowering  of  the 
cultures of Member States, while respecting their national and regional diversity and also 
highlighting their common cultural heritage. It also lays down that "the Community shall 
take  cultural  aspects  into  account  in  its  action  under  other  provisions  of  the  Treaty,  in 
particular in order to respect and to promote the diversity of its cultures". 

–  The Preamble to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union states that "the 
Union is founded on the indivisible, universal values of human dignity, freedom, equality 
and solidarity; it is based on the principles of democracy and the rule of law. It places the 
individual at the heart of its activities, by establishing the citizenship of the Union [...]. The 
Union  contributes  to  the  preservation  and  to  the  development  of  these  common  values 
while  respecting  the  diversity  of  the  cultures  and  traditions  of  the  peoples  of  Europe  as 
well as the national identities of the Member States".  

The European Year of Intercultural Dialogue will contribute to the achievement of a number 
of the Union’s strategic priorities, particularly with regard to the renewed Lisbon strategy for 
growth and employment and the Union’s commitment to solidarity, social justice and greater 
cohesion.  It  will  also  enable  Europe  to  make  its  voice  better  heard  in  the  world,  thus 
extending the zone of stability and democracy beyond the Union. 

Finally, intercultural dialogue forms part of the new approach to dialogue and communication 
desired  by  the  Commission,  by  contributing  to  the  dialogue  with  European  citizens  and  all 

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those living in the European Union. A significant number of Community actions involve the 
general  theme  of  intercultural  dialogue,  but  with  different  objectives  and  aims.  Significant 
intercultural dialogue initiatives have been launched or planned, for example in the fields of 
culture,  lifelong  learning,  youth,  citizenship,  combating  discrimination  and  social  exclusion, 
combating  racism  and  xenophobia,  policy  on  asylum  and  the  integration  of  immigrants, 
audiovisual policy and research.  

In  its  external  relations,  the  Community  carries  out  numerous  Community  activities  which 
also contribute significantly to the promotion of intercultural dialogue. An important example 
is  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Partnership  with  countries  which  are  also  important  countries  of 
origin of immigrants into the EU. This partnership comprises inter alia a programme for youth 
exchanges, and two intercultural dialogue programmes on cultural heritage and audio-visual 
media. The flagship action has been the creation in 2005 of the Anna Lindh Foundation for 
the  Dialogue  between  cultures  in  Alexandria,  Egypt.  The  European  Year  will  provide  an 
opportunity  to  strengthen  this  “mainstreaming”  in  all  relevant  Community  programmes  and 
actions in 2008 in order to raise the profile and increase the overall impact of these actions in 
the  context  of  the  Year.  This  will  make  it  possible  to  promote  a  consistent  image  of  the 
multiplicity of Community actions contributing to the intercultural dialogue while developing 
synergies between programmes. It will also make it possible to diversify actions by listening 
to  European  citizens,  and  all  those  living  in  the  European  Union,  in  their  different 
environments and involving them in the search for appropriate forms of dialogue. 

Actions  during  the  Year  may  thus  be  supported  by  a  critical  mass  of  specific  intercultural 
dialogue projects in a number of sectors. All these projects (and the programmes supporting 
them)  will  benefit  from  the  raised  profile  accorded  by  the  European  Year  of  Intercultural 
Dialogue.  

Preparation  for  the  Year  will  need  to  be  closely  coordinated  with  the  preparation  for  and 
implementation  of  the  European  Year  of  Equal  Opportunities  for  All  in  20071  in  order  to 
maximise synergies and complementarity between these two initiatives. 

The  European  Year  is  primarily  aimed  at  the  Member  States  of  the  European  Union.  The 
candidate  countries  will  be  closely  associated  with  the  Year  through  other  initiatives  for 
promoting  intercultural  dialogue,  which  will  be  developed  within  relevant  cooperation  and 
dialogue frameworks, in particular the civil society dialogue between the European Union and 
the candidate countries. 

The  intercultural  dialogue  within  the  EU  being  inextricably  linked  to  our  endeavours  of 
promoting dialogue among cultures and civilizations internationally, it will also be important 
to  ensure  complementarity  between  the  European  Year  of  Intercultural  Dialogue  and  all 
external  aspects  of  promoting  intercultural  dialogue  initiatives  developed  within  appropriate 
frameworks, including with those EFTA countries which are party to the EEA agreement, the 
countries  of  the  western  Balkans  and  the  partner  countries  of  the  European  neighbourhood 
policy.  

1 

Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the European Year 
of Equal Opportunities for All (2007). Towards a just society - COM(2005) 225, 1.6.2005. 

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Any  cooperation  initiative  with  third  countries,  particularly  developing  countries,  which  is 
relevant  with  regard  to  the  intercultural  dialogue  objectives  of  the  Year  will  require  close 
appropriate coordination. 

2) 

CONSULTATION OF INTERESTED PARTIES AND IMPACT ANALYSES 

•  Consultation of interested parties 

Intercultural  dialogue  is  a  horizontal  issue  concerning  all  sectors  of  society.  There  is  no 
specialist sector or player specific to it. There is no all-inclusive formula or favoured setting 
for intercultural dialogue. All European citizens, and all those living in the European Union, 
are  concerned  and  should  be  invited  to  take  part  in  this  dialogue.  Given  the  existence  of  a 
recent diversified series of relevant consultations, particularly in the context of preparing the 
new generation of programmes for education, culture, youth and citizenship, another specific 
consultation  exercise  was  not  considered  necessary  for  the  European  Year  of  Intercultural 
Dialogue. 

•  Obtaining and using expertise 

The use of external experts was not necessary. 

•  Impact analysis 

No further action: the absence of any action other than that already implemented in specific 
and sectoral actions would distract attention from a political priority of the Union, and would 
above all give rise to opportunity costs:  

Not  enabling  “mainstreaming”  actions  implemented  on  a  significant  scale  in  a  number  of 
areas  to  achieve  critical  mass  and  an  overall  profile;  limiting  the  scope  of  intercultural 
dialogue to sectors where appropriate programmes exist and not enabling other areas or trans-
sectoral  approaches  to  intercultural  dialogue  to  be  explored;  not  enabling  actions  so  far 
undertaken  to  reach  audiences  beyond  the  specific  environments  (e.g.:  educational 
communities,  university  specialists,  cultural  players,  etc.)  to  which  they  are  often  confined; 
not  enabling  broader  cooperation,  coordination  and  synergy  between  them;  making  the 
involvement of the general public and of European society as a whole more difficult. 

Regulatory  action:  Article  151  of  the  Treaty  excludes  "any  harmonisation  of  the  laws  and 
regulations of the Member States". Thus any regulatory instrument should be ruled out.  

Horizontal  or  “mainstreaming”  approach:  this  approach  has  already  been  implemented  to  a 
significant extent in many areas and should continue. However, this option in itself does not 
make  it  possible  to  achieve  critical  mass  and  a  sufficient  profile.  The  scope  of  intercultural 
dialogue  would  be  limited  to those  sectors  for  which  there  are  appropriate  programmes  and 
would not permit exploration of other areas or trans-sectoral approaches. 

Multiannual programme and/or action plan: experience so far has shown that such an option 
would  be  premature.  As  a  first  stage,  it  is  essential  to  test  the  situation  in  the  field.  The 
appropriate  nature  of  a  multiannual  programme  or  action  plan  could  derive  from  the 
experience of the European Year but should not be presumed at this stage.  

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The  option  proposed  is  a  European  Year  centred  on  three  action  lines  concentrating  on 
showcasing  and  communication.  These  action  lines  are,  in  turn,  based  on  the  richness  and 
diversity of a critical mass of specific projects to be implemented in 2008 through Community 
programmes and other relevant actions. 

The  Commission  has  carried  out  an  impact  analysis  under  its  legislative  and  work 
programme, and the report is available at: 

http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/education_culture/evalreports/index_en.htm. 

3) 

LEGAL ELEMENTS OF THE PROPOSAL 

•  Summary of the objectives of the action and the proposed measures 

The overall objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue are as follows:  

–  to promote intercultural dialogue as an instrument to assist European citizens, and all those 
living  permanently  or  temporarily  in  the  European  Union,  in  acquiring  the  knowledge, 
qualifications  and  aptitudes  to  enable  them  to  deal  with  a  more  open  but  also  more 
complex  environment  and  to  overcome  any  difficulties  in  order  to  benefit  from  the 
opportunities provided by a diverse and dynamic society, not only in Europe but also in the 
world; 

–  to raise the awareness of European citizens, and all those living in the European Union, of 
the  importance  of  developing  active  European  citizenship2  which  is  open  to  the  world, 
respectful  of  cultural  diversity  and  based  on  common  values  in  the  European  Union  of 
respect for human dignity, liberty, equality, non-discrimination, solidarity, the principles of 
democracy and the rule of law as well as respect for human rights, including the rights of 
persons belonging to minorities. 

The specific objectives of the action will be to contribute to: 

–  raising the profile and increasing the coherence of all Community programmes and actions 

contributing to intercultural dialogue.  

Intercultural  dialogue  is  generally  a  factor  in  Community  policies  and  instruments. 
Community  initiatives  in  this  field  have  led  to  a  number  of  specific  projects  dealing  with 
intercultural dialogue from a number of points of view and with different sectors of society. 
These initiatives have also made it possible to involve civil society in the search for forms of 
dialogue  adapted  to  the  experience  of  citizens.  However,  the  overall  impact  and  profile  of 
Community action in this field need to be strengthened.  

In general, intercultural dialogue may be tackled in each relevant Community programme or 
action where this is compatible with its conception and management.  

The  Year  will  also  need  to  facilitate  the  identification  of  relevant  Community  actions  for 
project  promoters  which  touch  on  intercultural  dialogue  and  the  development  of  synergies 

2 

For the purpose of the present decision, the notion of “active European citizenship” does not cover only 
citizens  of  the  European  Union  as  defined  in  Article  17  of  the  EC  Treaty,  but  any  individual  living 
permanently or temporarily in the European Union. 

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between these actions. The Year will help to increase the value of Community action in this 
field and should also increase its coherence and effectiveness. 

–  Highlighting the contribution of different cultures to our heritage and ways of life; raising 
the  awareness  of  European  citizens  and  all  persons  living  in  the  European  Union, 
particularly  young  people,  of  the  importance  of  seeking  the  means  to  use  intercultural 
dialogue to realise an active European citizenship open to the world, respectful of cultural 
diversity and based on common values in the European Union. 

–  Contributing  to  innovation  and  to  the  horizontal  and  trans-sectoral  dimension  of 
approaches aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue, particularly among young people. 

In  particular,  the  Year  will  need  to  underline  the  promotion  and  development  of  initiatives 
bringing  together  different  communities  and  sectors  of  society  and  looking  at  intercultural 
dialogue  from  a  multiple  perspective.  In  promoting this  trans-sectoral  cooperation,  the Year 
will  contribute  indirectly  to  the  exchange  of  good  practice  and  experiences  between  the 
sectors with regard to promoting intercultural dialogue.  

The  Year  will  be  developed  around  three  types  of  action,  which  constitute  the  operational 
objectives: 

•  actions  on  a  Community  scale:  an  information  campaign  promoting  the  objectives  of  the 
European  Year  (including  its  position  at  national  level),  surveys  and  studies  on  a 
Community  scale,  with  the  aim  of  assessing  and  reporting  on  the  preparation  for, 
effectiveness and impact of and long-term follow-up to the European Year of Intercultural 
Dialogue; 

•  grants  for  actions  on  a  Community  scale:  a  limited  number  of  emblematic  actions  on  a 
European  scale  aimed  at  raising  awareness,  particularly  among  young  people,  of  the 
objectives  of  the  European  Year  may  receive  Community  aid  of  up  to  80%  of  the  total 
cost;  

•  co-financing  of  actions  on  a  national  scale  with  a  strong  European  dimension:  actions  at 
national level may meet the requirements for receiving Community aid of up to 50% of the 
total cost.  

The Community may provide non-financial support, including written authorisation to use the 
logo  and  other  material  associated  with  the  European  Year  of  Intercultural  Dialogue,  to 
initiatives from public or private organisations, in so far as they can assure the Commission 
that the initiatives in question are or will be carried out during 2008 and are likely to make a 
significant  contribution  to  achieving  the  objectives  of  the  European  Year  of  Intercultural 
Dialogue. Initiatives organised in third countries in association or cooperation with the Year, 
but  not  supported  financially  by  it,  may  also  benefit  from  non-financial  support  from  the 
Community and use the logo and other material associated with the Year. 

•  Legal basis 

Article 151 of the EC Treaty. 

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•  Principle of subsidiarity 

The principle of subsidiarity applies in so far as the proposal does not affect an area where the 
Community has exclusive competence. 

The objectives of the proposal may not be achieved to a sufficient extent solely by the action 
of Member States for the following reasons: 

–  promoting intercultural dialogue requires action on a variety of fronts and at a number of 
levels,  in  fields  where  national  and  local  authorities  have  very  broad  competence 
(particularly in cultural and education policies). The Community has a supplementary role 
in so far as its action, while concentrated on the individual citizen, would have more effect 
at Community level than that of the Member States. Action at national level alone would 
risk  limiting  the  scope  of  intercultural  dialogue  and  taking  insufficient  account  of  the 
European citizenship dimension associated with the dialogue. 

The  objectives  of  the  proposal  may  be  better  achieved  through  Community  action  for  the 
following reasons: 

–  in the context of the implementation of the relevant Community programmes, intercultural 
dialogue will be tackled whenever possible. This strengthening of the “mainstreaming” of 
intercultural dialogue in Community programmes will make it possible not only to have a 
critical mass of European-scale intercultural dialogue projects and initiatives but will also 
provide a series of networks for involving the general public; 

–  European Years are typically designed to involve a wide variety of audiences in order to 
raise awareness of a specific theme. The scale of participation in a limited time frame may 
help to enhance the Union’s political priorities;  

–  apart from the effects of this strengthening of the mainstreaming of intercultural dialogue 
within  Community  programmes,  the  European  Year  of  Intercultural  Dialogue  will 
concentrate on actions with a clear Community added value, leaving it to Member States to 
mobilise players at regional and local level in accordance with individual situations. 

•  Principle of proportionality 

As the Year is based on a critical mass of projects supported by Community programmes, it 
may  carry  out  a  significant  Community  development  action  with  a  budget  estimated  at  10 
million  €.  The  dynamic  created  by  the  Year  will  have  to  mobilise  additional  finance.  Non-
financial  support  actions  may  be  used  to  increase  the  number  of  actions  using  the  Year’s 
communication tools and thus raise its profile.  

The Year in no way limits action at national level and restricts itself to giving it a Community 
impulse.  In  addition,  the  intervention  methods  adopted  are  simple  and  impose  no 
disproportionate  management  constraints  for  administrations  tasked  with  implementing  the 
Year. 

The  actions  envisaged  here  and  their  financing  do  not  go  beyond  what  is  necessary  for 
achieving the objectives, in accordance with the principle of proportionality. 

•  Choice of instruments 

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The  issue  of  intercultural  dialogue  is  not  subject  to  normative  actions.  A  Decision  of  the 
European Parliament and of the Council is the most appropriate instrument for establishing an 
appropriate framework for development. 

4) 

BUDGETARY IMPACT 

The budget scheduled for the Year is 10 million €.  

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2005/0203 (COD) 

Proposal for a 

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL 

concerning the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008) 

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular the first 
indent of Article 151(5) thereof, 

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission3, 

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee4, 

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions5, 

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty6, 

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

The Treaty establishing the European Community gives it the task of creating an ever-
closer union between the peoples of Europe and of contributing to the flowering of the 
cultures of Member States, while respecting their national and regional diversity and 
also highlighting their common cultural heritage.  

The  combined  effect  of  the  successive  enlargements  of  the  Union,  the  increased 
mobility  resulting  from  the  single  market,  old  and  new  migratory  flows,  more 
significant exchanges with the rest of the world through trade, education, leisure and 
globalisation in general, is increasing interactions between European citizens, and all 
those living in the European Union, and the various cultures, languages, ethnic groups 
and religions in Europe and beyond.  

those 

living 

temporarily  or 
European  citizens,  and  all 
permanently, should  therefore  be  able  to  acquire  the  knowledge,  qualifications  and 
aptitudes  enabling  them  to  deal  with  a  more  open,  but  also  more  complex, 
environment  and  to  manage  its  difficulties  and  tensions  in  order  to  benefit  from  the 
opportunities  offered  to  them  by  such  a  society,  not  only  in  Europe  but  also  in  the 
world. 

the  Union 

in 

3 
4 
5 
6 

OJ C , p.  
OJ C, p.  
OJ C, p.  
OJ C , p.  

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(4) 

(5) 

At  the  heart  of  the  European  project,  intercultural  dialogue  appears  to  be  the  tool  of 
choice for citizens to manage the complex reality in our societies and galvanise them.  

Intercultural  dialogue  thus  contributes  towards  achieving  a  number  of  the  Union’s 
strategic priorities, in particular: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

by respecting and promoting cultural diversity in Europe and promoting active 
European citizenship open to the world and based on the common values in the 
European Union; 

by  including  the  renewed  Lisbon  strategy,  for  which  the  knowledge-based 
economy  requires  people  capable  of  adapting  to  changes  and  benefiting  from 
all possible sources of innovation in order to increase prosperity; 

by supporting the Union’s commitment to solidarity, social justice and greater 
cohesion in the respect of common values in the European Union;  

by  enabling  Europe  to  make  its  voice  better  heard  in  the  world  and  to  forge 
effective partnerships with neighbouring countries, thus extending the zone of 
stability  and  democracy  beyond  the  Union  and  thereby  influencing  the 
wellbeing  and  security  of  European  citizens  and  all  those  living  in  the 
European Union. 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

(9) 

(10) 

Intercultural  dialogue  is  an  important  dimension  in  many  Community  policies  and 
instruments in the fields of education, youth, culture, citizenship and sport, combating 
discrimination  and  social  exclusion,  lifelong  learning,  combating  racism  and 
xenophobia,  policy  on  asylum  and  the  integration  of  immigrants,  audiovisual  policy 
and  research.  At  the  same  time  it  is  an  increasing  factor  in  the  European  Union’s 
external relations, particularly with regard to the candidate countries, the countries of 
the western Balkans and the partner countries of the European neighbourhood policy7. 

Building on this diversified basis of Community experiences and initiatives, involving 
each citizen and European society as a whole in an intercultural dialogue approach is a 
fundamental step. 

For  the  purpose  of  the  present  decision,  the  notion  of  “active  European  citizenship” 
does not cover only citizens of the European Union as defined in Article 17 of the EC 
Treaty, but any individual living permanently or temporarily in the European Union. 

The  common  values  of  the  European  Union  are  those  defined  in  Article  6(1)  of  the 
Treaty on European Union. 

It is important to ensure complementarity with all Community, national, regional and 
local  actions  with  a  strong  intercultural  dialogue  dimension.  The  European  Year  of 
Intercultural Dialogue should make it possible to raise their profile and increase their 
coherence  while  contributing  to  innovation  and  to  the  horizontal  and  trans-sectoral 
dimension of approaches aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue. 

7 

Communication from the Commission. European Neighbourhood Policy - Strategy paper - COM(2004) 
373, 12.5.2004. 

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(11) 

It  will  also  be  important  to  ensure  complementarity  between  the  European  Year  of 
Intercultural  Dialogue  and  all  external  aspects  of  promoting  intercultural  dialogue 
initiatives  developed  within  appropriate  frameworks,  including  with  those  EFTA 
countries which are party to the EEA agreement, the countries of the western Balkans 
and  the  partner  countries  of  the  European  neighbourhood  policy.  It  will  be  also 
important  to  ensure  complementarity  with  any  other  initiative  of  cooperation  with 
third  countries,  in  particular  developing  countries,  relevant  for  the  objectives  of 
intercultural dialogue of the European Year of Intercultural dialogue. 

(12)  This Decision is addressed to the Member States.  The candidate countries should be 
closely  associated  with  actions  under  the  European  Year  of  Intercultural  Dialogue 
through  initiatives  to  promote  intercultural  dialogue  to  be  developed  within  the 
relevant  frameworks  for  cooperation  and  dialogue,  particularly  in  the  context  of  the 
civil society dialogue between the European Union and the candidate countries8.  

(13)  This Decision establishes, throughout the duration of the action, a financial framework 
which will constitute the budgetary authority's prime reference within the meaning of 
point  33  of  the  Interinstitutional  Agreement  of  6  May  1999  between  the  European 
Parliament, 
the  Commission  on  budgetary  discipline  and 
improvement of the budgetary procedure9. 

the  Council  and 

(14)  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. An 
advisory committee is thus considered appropriate to the type and scale of the action 
envisaged. 

(15)  As the objectives of the action envisaged cannot be achieved to a sufficient degree by 
the  Member  States  owing  to  the  need,  in  particular,  for  multilateral  partnerships  and 
transnational  exchanges  on  a  Community  scale  and  may  therefore,  owing  to  the 
dimension  of  the  action,  be  better  carried  out  at  Community  level,  the  Community 
may  take  measures  in  accordance  with  the  principle  of  subsidiarity  enshrined  in 
Article  5  of  the  Treaty.  In  accordance  with  the  principle  of  proportionality  as  laid 
down  in  that  Article,  this  Decision  does  not  go  beyond  what  is  necessary  to  achieve 
these objectives.  

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 

The year 2008 shall be designated as the “European Year of Intercultural Dialogue”. 

Article 1 
Subject 

8 

9 

See the Commission communication to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social 
Committee and the Committee of the regions on civil society dialogue between the EU and candidate 
countries of 29.6.2005 – COM(2005) 290. 
OJ C 172, 18.6.1999, p.1. 

EN 

12 

   EN 

 
                                                 
Article 2 
Objectives 

1. 

The  overall  objectives  of  the  European  Year  of  Intercultural  Dialogue  shall  be  to 
contribute to: 

– 

– 

promoting  intercultural  dialogue  as  an  instrument  to  assist  European  citizens 
and  all  those  living  in  the  Union  temporarily  or  permanently  in  acquiring  the 
knowledge,  qualifications  and  aptitudes  enabling  them  to  deal  with  a  more 
open,  but  also  more  complex,  environment  and  to  manage  any  difficulties  in 
order  to  benefit  from  the  opportunities  offered  to  them  by  a  diverse  and 
dynamic society, not only in Europe but also in the world; 

raising the awareness of European citizens and all those living in the European 
Union  of  the  importance  of  developing  active  European  citizenship  which  is 
open  to  the  world,  respects  cultural  diversity  and  is  based  on  the  common 
values  in  the  European  Union  of  respect  for  human  dignity,  liberty,  equality, 
non-discrimination, solidarity, the principles of democracy and the rule of law 
as well as respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to 
minorities. 

2. 

The specific objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue shall be to:  

– 

– 

– 

raise the profile and increase the coherence of all Community programmes and 
actions contributing to intercultural dialogue;  

highlight the contribution of different cultures to our heritage and ways of life; 
raise  the  awareness  of  European  citizens  and  all  those  living  in  the  European 
Union,  particularly  young  people,  of  the  importance  of  seeking  the  means  to 
affirm  through  intercultural  dialogue  an  active  European  citizenship  which  is 
open  to  the  world,  respects  cultural  diversity  and  is  based  on  the  common 
values in the European Union; 

contribute to innovation and to the horizontal and trans-sectoral dimension of 
approaches  aimed  at  promoting  intercultural  dialogue,  particularly  among 
young people. 

Article 3 
Content of measures 

The measures taken in order to achieve the objectives defined in Article 2 are set out in the 
Annex.  

They  shall  include  the  implementation  of  the following  activities  or  the  granting  of  support 
thereto:  

(a) 

information  and  promotion  campaigns,  particularly  in  cooperation  with  the 
media,  at  Community  and  national  level  to  disseminate  the  key  messages 
concerning the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; 

EN 

13 

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(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

events  and  initiatives  on  a  European  scale  aimed  at  promoting  intercultural 
dialogue,  and  highlighting  achievements  and  experiences  on  the  theme  of  the 
European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; 

events and initiatives at national level with a strong European dimension aimed 
at promoting the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; 

surveys and studies on a Community or national scale to assess and report on 
the preparation for, effectiveness and impact of and long-term follow-up to the 
European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. 

Article 4 
Implementation 

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

Article 5 
Cooperation by the Member States 

Each  Member  State  shall  appoint  a  national  coordination  body,  or  an  equivalent 
administrative body, responsible for organising that State’s participation in the European Year 
of  Intercultural  Dialogue.  Each  Member  State  shall  ensure  that  this  body  involves  in  an 
appropriate  manner  the  various  parties  in  intercultural  dialogue  at  national  level.  This  body 
shall  ensure  the  coordination,  at  national  level,  of  actions  relating  to  the  European  Year  of 
Intercultural Dialogue.  

Article 6 
Committee 

1. 

2. 

3. 

1. 

2. 

The Commission shall be assisted by a committee.  

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.  

The committee shall adopt its own rules of procedure.  

Article 7 
Financial provisions  

Measures which are Community-wide in nature, referred to in part A of the Annex, 
shall  give  rise  to  a  procurement  contract  or  the  award  of  grants  financed  from  the 
general budget of the European Communities.  

Measures which are Community-wide in nature, referred to in part B of the Annex, 
may  be  subsidised  up  to  80%  of  their  total  cost  from  the  general  budget  of  the 
European Communities.  

EN 

14 

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3. 

1. 

2. 

The  measures  referred  to  in  part  C  of  the  Annex  may  be  subsidised  up  to  50%  of 
their total cost from the general budget of the European Communities in accordance 
with the procedure referred to in Article 8. 

Article 8 
Application and selection procedure 

Decisions on the awarding of grants shall be taken by the Commission in accordance 
with  the  procedure  referred  to  in  Article  6(2).  The  Commission  shall  ensure  a 
balanced  distribution  between  the  Member  States  and  among  the  different  fields  of 
activity involved.  

Grant applications presented under Article 7(3) shall be submitted to the Commission 
by the body referred to in Article 5. 

Article 9 
International organisations 

For  the  purposes  of  the  European  Year  of  Intercultural  Dialogue,  the  Commission  may 
cooperate with appropriate international organisations. 

Article 10 
Role of the Commission 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

The  Commission  shall  ensure  coherence  between  the  measures  laid  down  in  this 
Decision and other Community actions and initiatives.  

The Commission shall take care to involve the candidate countries in the European 
Year  of  Intercultural  Dialogue,  on  the  basis  of  their  participation  in  a  number  of 
Community  programmes  including  an  intercultural  dialogue  dimension  and  by 
developing specific initiatives in appropriate frameworks, particularly in the context 
of civil society dialogue between the European Union and the candidate countries.  

The  Commission  shall  ensure  complementarity  between  the  measures  taken  to 
achieve the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue and initiatives 
likely to be developed within the relevant cooperation and dialogue frameworks with 
those  EFTA  countries  which  are  party  to  the  EEA  agreement,  the  countries  of  the 
western Balkans and the partner countries of the European neighbourhood policy. 

The  Commission  shall  also  ensure  complementarity  with  any  other  initiative  of 
cooperation with third countries, in particular developing countries, relevant for the 
objectives of intercultural dialogue of the European Year. 

Article 11 
Budget 

1. 

The  financial  framework  for  the  implementation  of  this  Decision  for  the  period 
between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2008 shall be 10 million euro.  

EN 

15 

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2. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

1. 

Annual  appropriations  shall  be  authorised  by  the  budgetary  authority  within  the 
limits of the financial perspective.  

Article 12 
Protection of Community financial interests  

The  Commission  shall  ensure  that,  when  actions  financed  under  the  present 
Regulation are implemented, the financial interests of the Community are protected 
by  the  application  of  preventive  measures  against  fraud,  corruption  and  any  other 
illegal activities, by effective checks and by the recovery of the amounts unduly paid 
and, if irregularities are detected, by effective, proportional and dissuasive penalties, 
in  accordance  with  Council  Regulations  (EC,  Euratom)  No  2988/95  and  (Euratom, 
EC)  No  2185/96,  and  with  Regulation  (EC)  No  1073/1999  of  the  European 
Parliament and of the Council. 

With  regard  to  the  Community  actions  financed  under  this  Decision,  the  notion  of 
irregularity referred to in Article 1(2) of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 shall 
mean  any  infringement  of  a  provision  of  Community  law  or  any  infringement  of  a 
contractual  obligation  resulting  from  an  act  or  omission  by  an  economic  operator 
which  has,  or  would  have,  the  effect  of  prejudicing  the  general  budget  of  the 
Communities or budgets managed by them, by an unjustified item of expenditure. 

The Commission shall reduce, suspend or recover the amount of financial assistance 
granted  for  an  action  if  it  finds  irregularities,  particularly  non-compliance  with  the 
provisions  of  this  Decision,  the  individual  decision  or  the  contract  granting  the 
financial  support  in  question,  or  if  it  transpires  that,  without  Commission  approval 
having  being  sought,  the  action  has  been  subjected  to  significant  change  which 
conflicts with its nature or with its implementing conditions. 

If  the  time  limits  have  not  been  observed  or  if  only  part  of  the  allocated  financial 
assistance  is  justified  by  the  progress  made  with  implementing  an  action,  the 
Commission  shall  request  the  beneficiary  to  submit  observations  within  a  specified 
period. If the beneficiary does not give a satisfactory answer, the Commission may 
cancel  the  remaining  financial  assistance  and  demand  repayment  of  sums  already 
paid. 

Any amount unduly paid shall be repaid to the Commission. Interest shall be added 
to any sums not repaid in due time under the conditions laid down in the Financial 
Regulation. 

Article 13 
Surveillance 

The beneficiary shall submit technical and financial reports on the progress of work 
for  any  action  financed  under  this  Decision.  A  final  report  shall  also  be  submitted 
within  three  months  of  the  completion  of  the  action.  The  Commission  shall 
determine the form and content of the reports. 

EN 

16 

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2. 

3. 

For  a  period  of  five  years  following  the  last  payment  in  respect  of  any  action,  the 
beneficiary  of  financial  assistance  shall  keep  available  for  the  Commission  all  the 
supporting documents regarding expenditure on the action. 

The  Commission  shall  take  every  other  step  necessary  to  verify  that  the  actions 
financed  are  carried  out  properly  and  in  compliance  with  the  provisions  of  this 
Decision  and  the  Financial  Regulation  (Council  Regulation  (EC,  Euratom)  No 
1605/2002 of 25 June 2002). 

Article 14 
Monitoring and evaluation 

The  Commission  shall  submit  to  Parliament,  the  Council,  the  Economic  and  Social 
Committee and the Committee of the Regions, not later than 31 December 2009, a report on 
the implementation, results and overall assessment of the measures laid down in Article 3 of 
this Decision.  

Article 15 
Entry into force 

This  Decision  shall  enter  into  force  on  the  20th  day  following  that  of  its  publication  in  the 
Official Journal of the European Union. 

Article 16 

This Decision is addressed to the Member States. 

Done at Brussels,  

For the European Parliament 
The President 

For the Council 
The President 

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ANNEX 

MEASURES REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 3 

A) ACTIONS ON A COMMUNITY SCALE 

1) Information and promotion campaigns including: 

(a) 

the  design  of  a  logo  and  slogans  for  the  European  Year  of  Intercultural 
Dialogue, which will be associated with all activities linked to it; 

(b) 

an information campaign at Community level and positioning at national level;  

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

(f) 

(g) 

cooperation  with  the  private  sector,  broadcasters  and  other  media  as  partners 
for disseminating information on the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; 

the  production  of  tools  and  media  available  throughout  the  Community  to 
stimulate public interest; 

appropriate  measures  for  publicising  the  results  and  raising  the  profile  of 
Community programmes, actions and initiatives contributing to the objectives 
of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; 

appropriate  initiatives  by  educational  institutions  and  the  general  public  to 
disseminate information on the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; 

the establishment of an information website on Europa, including a portal for 
promoters of projects relating to intercultural dialogue, in order to guide them 
through the various relevant Community programmes and actions. 

2) Other actions: 

Surveys  and  studies  at  Community  level  with  a  view  to  assessing  and  reporting  on  the 
preparation,  effectiveness,  impact  and  long-term  monitoring  of  the  European  Year  of 
Intercultural Dialogue. 

3) Financing will generally take the form of direct purchase of goods and services by means 
of open and/or restricted invitations to tender. It may also take the form of grants. 

B) COFINANCING OF ACTIONS ON A COMMUNITY SCALE 

A  limited  number  of  emblematic  actions  on  a  European  scale  aimed  at  raising  awareness, 
particularly  among  young  people,  of  the  objectives  of  the  European  Year  of  Intercultural 
Dialogue may receive a Community grant of up to 80% of the total cost.  

These  actions  may  consist  of  particular  events,  including  a  Community  event  to  open  and 
close  the  European  Year  of  Intercultural  Dialogue  in  cooperation  with  the  Presidencies  in 
office during 2008. 

EN 

18 

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C) COFINANCING OF ACTIONS ON A NATIONAL SCALE  

Actions  at  national  level  with  a  strong  European  dimension  may  fulfil  the  conditions  for 
receiving Community aid of up to 50% of the total cost. 

These actions may relate in particular to the cofinancing of a national initiative per Member 
State. 

D) ACTIONS NOT RECEIVING ANY COMMUNITY FINANCIAL AID 

The  Community  will  grant  non-financial  support,  including  written  authorisation  to  use  the 
logo, once developed, and other materials associated with the European Year of Intercultural 
Dialogue, in initiatives from public or private organisations, in so far as the latter may provide 
assurances to the Commission that the initiatives in question are or will be carried out during 
2008  and  are  likely  to  make  a  significant  contribution  to  achieving  the  objectives  of  the 
European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. Initiatives organised in third countries in association 
or  cooperation  with  the  European  Year  of  Intercultural  Dialogue,  without  being  supported 
financially  by  it,  may  also  receive  non-financial  support  from  the  Community  and  use  the 
logo and other materials associated with the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. 

EN 

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1. 

2. 

LEGISLATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENT 

NAME OF THE PROPOSAL: European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 

ABM/ABB FRAMEWORK 

Policy area(s) concerned and associated activity/activities: 

Policy area:  Education and Culture 

Activity: Culture and languages 

3. 

BUDGET LINES 

3.1.  Budget  lines  (operational  lines  and  related  technical  and  administrative  assistance 
lines (ex-BA lines)) including headings:  

15.04.02.04 European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 

3.2.  Duration of the action and of the financial impact: 

01.01.2007 – 31.12.2008 

3.3.  Budgetary characteristics (add rows if necessary): 

Budget line  Type of 

New 

expenditure 

EFTA 
contribution 

Contributions 
from applicant 
countries 

Heading in 
financial 
perspective 

15.04.02.04  NCE 

NDA  YES 

NO 

NO 

3 

4. 

SUMMARY OF RESOURCES 

4.1. 

Financial resources 

4.1.1.  Summary  of  commitment  appropriations  (CA)  and  payment  appropriations  (PA)  at 
current prices 

Sectio
n No 

Expenditure type 

Operational expenditure10 

EUR million (to 3 decimal places) 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

n+4 
and 
later 

Total 

Commitment 
appropriations (CA) 

8.1 

a 

3.000 

7.000 

10.000 

10 

Expenditure that does not fall under Chapter xx 01 of the Title xx concerned. 

EN 

20 

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Payment 
appropriations (PA) 

b 

1.200 

4.600 

4.200 

TOTAL REFERENCE AMOUNT 

Commitment 
appropriations 

3.000 

7.000 

a+c 

Payment appropriations 

b+c 

1.200 

4.600 

4.200 

Administrative expenditure not included in reference amount 11 

Human 
associated 
(NDA) 

resources 

and 
expenditure 

Administrative 
costs, 
human 
than 
other 
resources  and  associated 
costs,  not 
in 
reference amount (NDA) 

included 

8.3.4 

d 

0.378

0.432

0.108

8.3.5 

e 

0.026

0.064

0.016

Total indicative financial cost of action 

TOTAL  CA 
cost of human resources 

including 

TOTAL  PA 
cost of human resources  

including 

a+c
+d+
e 

b+c
+d+
e 

3.404 

7.496 

0.124 

1.604 

5.096 

4.324 

4.1.2.  Compatibility with financial programming 

10.000 

10.000 

10.000 

0.918 

0.106 

11.024 

11.024 

EUR million (to 3 decimal places)  

x 

Proposal is compatible with the Commission communication of  14 July 2004 
on the financial perspective 2007-2013, COM(2004) 487 final. 

Proposal  will  entail  reprogramming  of  the  relevant  heading  in  the  financial 

(cid:133) 
perspective. 

Proposal  may  require  application  of  the  provisions  of  the  Interinstitutional 

(cid:133) 
Agreement12 (flexibility instrument or revision of the financial perspective). 

4.1.3.  Financial impact on revenue 

x 

(cid:133) 

Proposal has no financial implications on revenue 

Proposal has financial impact – the effect on revenue is as follows: 

11 
12 

Expenditure within chapter xx, other than Articles xx and xx. 
See points 19 and 24 of the Interinstitutional Agreement. 

EN 

21 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
4.2.  Human resources FTE (including officials, temporary and external staff) – see details 
under point 8.2.1. 

Annual requirements 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

n  +  4 
and 
later 

number 

Total 
human resources  

of 

4 

5 

2 

5. 

CHARACTERISTICS AND OBJECTIVES 

5.1.  Need to be met in the short or long term 

See point 1 of the explanatory memorandum attached to the proposal for a Decision.  

5.2.  Value-added  of  Community  involvement  and  coherence  of  the  proposal  with  other 
financial instruments and possible synergy 

The objectives of the Year, while aimed at each citizen, will be better achieved and have more 
effect  at  Community  level  than  at  Member  State  level.  The  actions  envisaged  will  not  go 
beyond what is necessary to achieve these objectives, respecting the principle of subsidiarity.  

The  Commission  will  ensure  that  activities  financed  by  the  Year  will  complement  other 
Community  interventions  in  areas  such  as  the  Structural  Funds,  education,  culture,  youth, 
citizenship,  employment,  social  affairs,  equal  opportunities,  immigration,  promotion  of 
fundamental  rights,  combating  racism  and  xenophobia,  audiovisual  policy  and  research. 
Complementarity with the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All will be particularly 
important  in  order  to  ensure  that  the  two  Years  support  each  other  in  their  objectives  and 
actions.  

5.3.  Objectives, expected results and related indicators of the proposal in the context of the 
ABM framework 

See Articles 2 and 3 of the proposal for a Decision and the relevant annex. 

5.4.  Method of implementation (indicative) 

Indicate below the method(s)13 of implementation chosen. 

x Centralised management 

x 

ٱ 

13 

EN 

directly by the Commission 

indirectly by delegation to: 

If a number of methods are indicated, please provide details in the “Comments” section. 

22 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
ٱ 

executive agencies 

bodies  set  up  by  the  Communities,  as  referred  to  in  Article  185  of  the  Financial 

ٱ 
Regulation 

ٱ 

national public-sector bodies/bodies with a public-service mission. 

ٱ Shared or decentralised management 

ٱ 

ٱ 

with Member States 

with third countries 

ٱ Joint management with international organisations (please specify) 

6. 

MONITORING AND EVALUATION 

6.1.  Monitoring system 

It  is  worthwhile  for  the  Commission  and  the  Member  States  to  ensure  consistency  between 
the  measures  financed.  This  monitoring  work  should  promote  the  quality  of  the  actions 
supported and their consistency with the objectives of the Year. The design of the monitoring 
framework  will  primarily  be  the  responsibility  of  the  Commission,  in  consultation  with 
participating  States.  Monitoring  systems  will  be  applied  in  accordance  with  responsibilities 
for the financing of activities. The table below provides some examples of indicators. 

Indicators (indicative) 

 Number and type of initiatives funded or sponsored by the Year 

Change in perceptions of people who have taken part in the activities of the 
Year 

Number of citizens taking part in the events related to the Year 

Change in perceptions of participants in the activities of the Year 

Objectives 

General  

Promote  intercultural  dialogue  as  an 
instrument to help European citizens and 
all  people  living  in  the  EU,  temporarily 
or  permanently,  to  acquire  knowledge, 
skills and abilities that will allow them to 
master  a  more  open,  but  also  more 
complex  environment  and  to  manage  its 
potential  difficulties  in  order  to  take 
advantage  of  the  opportunities  such  a 
diverse  and  dynamic  society  offers,  not 
only in Europe, but also in the world 

Raising  awareness  of  European  citizens 
and  all  people  living  in  the  EU  of  the 
importance  of  developing  an  active 
European  citizenship,  with  an  open 
attitude  to  the  world,  respecting  cultural 
diversity and based on common values in 
the  European  Union  of  respect  for 
human  dignity,  freedom,  equality,  non-
discrimination,  solidarity  and  principles 
of democracy and rule of law as well as 
respect  for  human  rights,  including  the 
rights of persons belonging to minorities. 

EN 

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Specific  

Indicators 

Increase the visibility and consistency of 
all  Community  programmes  and  actions 
the  promotion  of 
contributing 
intercultural dialogue 

to 

Access to and use of information tools established and disseminated by the 
Year about relevant Community programmes; 

Awareness  among  participants  in  the  activities  of  the  Year  of  these 
programmes and actions.  

Change  in  perceptions  of  participants  (in  particular  young  people)  in  the 
activities of the year; 

Extent and tone of press and media coverage of the events (qualitative and 
quantitative) 

young 

people, 

Underline  the  contribution  of  different 
cultures  to  our  heritage  and  lifestyles; 
raising  awareness  of  European  citizens 
and  all  people  living  in  the  EU,  in 
particular 
the 
importance  of  exploring  together  the 
means  to  be  implemented  to  develop, 
through  intercultural  dialogue,  an  active 
European  citizenship,  with  an  open 
attitude  to  the  world,  respecting  cultural 
diversity and based on common values in 
the European Union. 

of 

Contribute  to  innovation  and  to  the 
horizontal  and  trans-sectoral  dimension 
of  the  approaches  aiming  at  promoting 
the intercultural dialogue, in particular to 
young people 

Number of projects involving promoters or networks from different sectors 

Operational 

Indicators  

Information 
campaigns at European level: 

and 

awareness-raising 

Number and type of information and promotion activities  

Improvement of the public’s awareness, in particular young people 

Media coverage of events supported by the Year 

% of population reached 

Production of tools to stimulate the interest of the general public  

Surveys and studies 

Coverage  of  the  publication of  the  surveys  and  study  on  the  theme  of the 
Year 

Events  and 
level  

initiatives at  Community 

Number of organised events and share of the Community support 

Media coverage of events 

Number of participants in events supported by the Year (in particular young 
people) 

Improvement of the public’s awareness  

Proportion  of  the  total  budget  used  in  order  to  support  this  operational 
objective (indicative target: 24 %) 

Events and initiatives at national level  

Number of organised events and share of the Community support 

Media coverage of national initiatives 

EN 

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Multiplier effect (number of actions and initiatives at national, regional and 
local level sponsored but not financed by the Year)  

Proportion  of  the  total  budget  used  in  order  to  support  this  operational 
objective (indicative target: 25%) 

Indicators will be assessed on the basis of data collected by different sources: data collected 
by  surveys  and  focus  groups,  continuous  evaluation  of  the  Year,  and  data  collected  by 
national organisms and relevant EC programme managers. 

6.2. 

Evaluation 

6.2.1.  Ex-ante evaluation 

The ex-ante evaluation of the European Year is attached to this proposal for a Decision of the 
European Parliament and of the Council.  

6.2.2.  Measures  taken  following  an  intermediate/ex-post  evaluation  (lessons  learned  from 
similar experiences in the past) 

An  external  evaluation  will  be  launched  in  the  year  preceding  the  European  Year  (2007)  in 
order to follow-up monitoring of the Year and provide interim results if necessary. The results 
of this evaluation should be available in the middle of 2009.  

7. 

ANTI-FRAUD MEASURES 

See Articles 12 and 13 of the proposal for a Decision. 

8. 

DETAILS OF RESOURCES 

8.1.  Objectives of the proposal in terms of their financial cost 

Commitment appropriations in EUR million (to 3 decimal places) 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

200
7 

Year  n+4  and 
later 

TOTAL 

t
s
o
c

.
v
A

r
e
b
m
u
N

t
s
o
c

l
a
t
o
T

r
e
b
m
u
N

t
s
o
c

l
a
t
o
T

r
e
b
m
u
N

t
s
o
c

l
a
t
o
T

r
e
b
m
u
N

t
s
o
c

l
a
t
o
T

r
e
b
m
u
N

t
s
o
c

l
a
t
o
T

r
e
b
m
u
N

t
s
o
c

l
a
t
o
T

2.250 

1 

0.200 

1 

0.300 

2 

1 

2 

6 

1.9
00 

0.1
00 

0.6
00 

2.6
00 

0.5
00 

1.8
00 

s
t
u
p
t
u
o
.
o
N

t
s
o
c

l
a
t
o
T

2 

4.500 

3 

8 

0.600 

2.400 

,
s
e
v
i
t
c
e
j
b
O

f
o

s
g
n
i
d
a
e
H

(
(

d
l
u
o
h
s

s
t
u
p
t
u
o

d
n
a

s
n
o
i
t
c
a

)
d
e
d
i
v
o
r
p

e
b

t
u
p
t
u
o
f
o

e
p
y
T

Action A: 
Measures 
on 
a 
Communi
ty scale  

Information 
and 
promotion 
campaign 

Surveys 
and studies 

Action  B: 
cofinanci
ng 
of 
actions  at 
Communi
ty level 

Emblematic 
actions 
including 
opening 
and  closing 
events 

EN 

25 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Action  C: 
cofinanci
ng 
of 
actions  at 
national 
level  

TOTAL 
COST 

National 
initiatives 

0.100 

4 

21 

0.4
00 

2.1
00 

8 

3.0 

30 

7.0
00 

8.2 Calculation of the costs of measures 

Action A: Measures on a European scale 

•  Information and communication campaign:  

25 

2.500 

38 

10.000 

The  Year  will  be  the  subject  of  a  Community  information  and  support  campaign  for  the 
action,  consisting  of  creating  a  logo  and  one  or  more  slogans,  producing  awareness-raising 
tools  and  instruments,  cooperating  with  the  media  and  promoting  and  supporting  the 
localisation  of  the  Community  campaign  in  the  Member  States.  Particular  attention  will  be 
given to young people. 

The  campaign  is  also  to  include  appropriate  measures  for  communicating  the  results  and 
raising  the  profile  of  Community  programmes,  actions  and  initiatives  contributing  to  the 
objectives of the European Year and the establishment of an information site on the Europa 
website, including a portal for promoters of projects relating to intercultural dialogue, in order 
to guide them through the various relevant Community programmes and actions.  

4 500 000 € is a reasonable estimate for the total amount necessary for the Year’s information 
and communication actions. While part of the 4 500 000 € will go towards coordinating the 
campaign at European level, the bulk will be devoted to localising the campaign at national 
level. 

•  Surveys and studies 

Two Eurobarometer surveys will be carried out in order to measure the impact of the Year, 
one  before  it  begins  and  the  other  towards  the  end.  In  addition,  all  activities  set  up  in  the 
context  of  the  Year  will  be  subject  to  an evaluation,  to  be  the  subject  of  a  report  published 
after the close of the Year. 

Action B: Measures cofinanced at Community level 

A  limited  number  of  European-scale  emblematic  actions  should  help  to  raise  awareness, 
particularly among young people, of the objectives of the European Year. These actions will 
include the opening and closing events for the Year, to be organised with the Member States 
occupying the Presidency of the Union in 2008.  

The average amount of the Community contribution to these actions (a maximum of 80% of 
the total cost) is estimated at 300 000 euro. This involves a minimum overall budget of 375 
000  euro  corresponding,  for  example,  to  the  cost  of  organising  a  two-day  event  bringing 
together approximately 250 people. 

The low number of actions envisaged (eight) presupposes a good geographical distribution, a 
diversity  of  approach  reflecting  the  diversity  of  issues  and  frameworks  for  intercultural 

EN 

26 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
dialogue  and  a  balanced  distribution  throughout  the  year  in  order  to  maintain  an  optimum 
rhythm.  

Action C: Activities on a national scale 

While the European Union may provide a framework for awareness-raising actions, it must be 
recognised that the majority of progress is to be accomplished through the active intervention 
of  Member  States  themselves.  This  intervention  will  be  facilitated  by  the  organisation  of  a 
major action or event likely to have the effect of mobilising civil society at national level with 
a strong European dimension. 

These  actions  are  to  be  designed  in  such  a  way  as  to  act  in  synergy  with  the  Community 
action set out above. The aid provided will take the form of grants of up to 50% of the overall 
budget  for  the  action  or  event.  The  average  amount  of  the  Community  contribution  is 
estimated at 100 000 €. 

8.3.  Administrative expenditure 

8.3.1.  Number and type of human resources 

Types of post 

Staff to be assigned to management of the action using existing and/or 
additional resources (number of posts/FTEs) 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

Officials or 
temporary 
staff14 (XX 01 
01) 

A*/AD 

B*, 
C*/AST 

Staff  financed15  by  Article 
XX 01 02 

Other  staff  financed16  by 
Article XX 01 04/05 

TOTAL 

2 

1 

1 

0 

4 

2 

1 

2 

0 

5 

0.5 

0.5 

1 

0 

2 

8.3.2.  Description of tasks deriving from the action 

A  officials:  advisory  committee,  drawing  up  invitations  to  tender,  monitoring  grants  to 
Member States, information campaign, event, studies and press releases 

B officials: financial monitoring of bids and grants, general assistance to A officials with all 
tasks 

14 
15 
16 

Cost of which is NOT covered by the reference amount. 
Cost of which is NOT covered by the reference amount. 
Cost of which is included within the reference amount. 

EN 

27 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
C officials: assistance with all tasks referred to above 

8.3.3.  Sources of human resources (statutory) 

Posts  currently  allocated  to  the  management  of  the  programme  to  be  replaced  or 

ٱ 
extended  

1 

1 

Posts pre-allocated within the APS/PDB exercise for 2006  

Posts to be requested in the 2007 SPA/APB procedure 

Posts to be redeployed using existing resources within the managing service (internal 

1 
redeployment)  

Posts required for year n although not foreseen in the APS/PDB exercise of the year in 

ٱ 
question 

Other administrative expenditure included in reference amount (XX 01 04/05 – Expenditure 
on administrative management) 

NOT APPLICABLE 

EUR million (to 3 decimal places) 

Budget line (number and heading) 

2007  2008 2009 2010 2011  2012  TOTAL

1.  Technical  and  administrative  assistance 
(including related staff costs) 

Executive agencies17 

Other 
assistance 

technical 

and 

administrative 

0 

0 

0 

0 

- intra muros  

- extra muros 

technical  and  administrative 

Total 
assistance 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

8.3.4.  Financial cost of human resources and associated costs not included in the reference 
amount 

EUR million (to 3 decimal places) 

Type of human resources 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

17 

Reference should be made to the specific legislative financial statement for the Executive Agency(ies) 
concerned. 

EN 

28 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
Officials and temporary staff (XX 01 01) 

Staff  financed  by  Article  XX 01 02 
(auxiliary, END, contract staff, etc.) 

(specify budget line) 

Total  cost  of  human  resources  and 
associated  costs  (NOT  in  reference 
amount) 

0.324 

0.054 

0.324 

0.108 

0.054 

0.054 

0.378 

0.432 

0.108 

Calculation– Officials and temporary agents 

Reference should be made to Point 8.2.1, if applicable 

The  guidelines  stipulate  a  standard  cost  of  108 000  euro  for  officials  (staff  and  connected 
costs). 

. 

Calculation– Staff financed under Article XX 01 02 

Reference should be made to Point 8.2.1, if applicable 

8.3.5. Other administrative expenditure not included in reference amount 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

TOTAL 

EUR million (to 3 decimal places) 

XX 01 02 11 01 – Missions 

0.010 

0.030 

XX 01 02 11 02 – Meetings and conferences 

XX 01 02 11 03 - Committees18 

0.016 

0.034 

0.016 

XX 01 02 11 04 - Studies and consultations 

XX 01 02 11 05 - Information systems 

0.040 

0. 066 

2. 

Total 

other  management 

0.026 

0.064 

0.016 

0.106 

expenditure (XX 01 02 11) 

3.  Other 

expenditure 

administrative  nature 
including reference to budget line) 

an 
of 
(specify 

Total administrative expenditure, 
other than human resources and 
associated costs (NOT included in 
reference amount) 

0.026 

0.064 

0.016 

0.106 

18 

Specify the type of committee and the group to which it belongs. 

EN 

29 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
Calculation - Other administrative expenditure not included in reference amount 

Missions: average of 2 missions in 25 countries x 800 € 

Advisory committee: 4 meetings x 25 participants x 665 € 

Human  resources  and  administrative  requirements  will  be  covered  by  the  global  envelope 
allocated  to  the  authorising  DG  of  reference  in  the  framework  of  the  annual  allocation 
procedure.  

EN 

30 

   EN