Amended proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008) (presented by the Commission in accordance with Article 250 paragraph 2 of the Treaty)
Date: 2006-09-05
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: European cultural event, cultural cooperation, cultural pluralism, cultural policy, public awareness campaign

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 5.9.2006 
COM(2006) 492 final 

2005/0203 (COD) 

Amended proposal for a 

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL 

concerning the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008) 

(presented by the Commission in accordance with Article 250 paragraph 2 of the Treaty) 

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EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

1. 

HISTORY OF THE FILE 

1.1. 

Transmission  of  the  Commission’s  proposal  to  the  European  Parliament  and  to  the 
Council 
in  accordance  with  Treaty  Article  251: 
6 October 2005. 

(COM(2005)467 

final) 

Opinion  of  the  European  Social  and  Economic  Committee:  20  April  2006 
(SOC/226). 

Opinion of the Committee of the Regions: 27 April 2006 (CDR 44/2006). 

General approach of the Council: 18 May 2006 (pending the 1st reading of the EP) 

Legislative  Opinion  (First  Reading)  of  the  European  Parliament:  1  June  2006  (T6-
0234/2006). 

2. 

OBJECTIVES OF THE COMMISSION’S PROPOSAL 

2.1 

Reasons for the proposal:  

Based  on  Treaty  Article  151,  the  proposal  was  to  declare  2008  to  be  the  European 
Year of Intercultural Dialogue.  

Intercultural dialogue is intimately linked to the fundamental ambition underlying the 
construction  of  Europe,  namely  to  bring  together  the  peoples  of  Europe.  It  should 
therefore  be  a  priority  throughout  the  EU  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 migration flows, greater mobility as well as 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. It is intended to provide 
momentum to what should be a long-lasting, sustainable process.  

2.2 

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

– 

promoting  intercultural  dialogue  as  a  process  in  which  all  those  living  in  the 
Union  can  improve  their  ability  to  deal  with  a  more  open,  but  also  more 
complex,  cultural  environment,  where,  in  different  Member  States  as  well  as 
within each Member State, coexist different cultural identities and beliefs;  

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– 

– 

– 

raising  the  awareness  of  all  those  living  in  the  European  Union,  in  particular 
young  people,  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  as  laid  down  in  Article  6  of  the  EU 
Treaty and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union 

highlighting  the  contribution  of  different  cultures  and  expressions  of  cultural 
diversity  to  the  heritage  and  ways  of  life  of  the  Members  States  of  the 
European Union 

fostering  the  role  of  education  as  an  important  medium  for  teaching  about 
diversity and increasing understanding of other cultures and develop skills and 
best  social  practices,  and  highlighting  the  central  role  of  media  in  promoting 
the principle of equality and mutual comprehension 

3. 

BUDGET ALLOCATION 

The original budget proposed was EUR 10 million and has remained unchanged.  

However, the allocation of financial resources has been changed. The initial proposal 
of  the  Commission  foresaw  €4.5M  for  the  information  and  communication 
campaigns,  €2.4M  for  actions  at  Community  level,  €2.5M  for  actions  at  national 
level and €0.6 M for studies.  

The  amendments  of  the  EP  (AM  37)  foresee  a  drastic  cut  in  expenditure  on 
communication and information campaigns to 20 % of the overall budget, i.e. from 
€4.5 million to €2 million.  

The Council’s general approach foresees a €4M package (40%) for communication 
and  studies,  and  €3M  (30  %)  both  for  actions  at  Community  and  at  national  level, 
which constitutes a balanced compromise which the Commission can support.  

4. 

OVERVIEW OF AMENDMENTS  

4.1. 

European Parliament amendments 

4.1.1  On 1 June 2006, the EP adopted during the first reading 46 amendments. The revised 
proposal incorporates either verbatim or in substance 31 of them. The great majority 
of  these  amendments  improve  the  drafting  of  the  draft  Decision,  by  incorporating 
references to relevant policies or processes.  

4.1.2 

The following amendments, accepted wholly or in substance, make more substantial 
changes relating directly to the content or implementation of the Year:  

AM  5  underlining  the  cultural  and  educational  dimensions  of  the  renewed  Lisbon 
Strategy  stressing  the  need  to  provide  information  on  equal  opportunities  and  non-
discrimination within the European Union  

AM 7 underlining the need for a structured cooperation with civil society 

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AM 8 and 9 referring to gender equality 

AM  11  and  34  mentioning  explicitly  the  Council  of  Europe  and  UNESCO  as 
international organisation the EU may co-operate with in the context of the Year 

AM 14 which clarifies the concept of intercultural dialogue in the context of the Year 

AM 15 and 25 which introduce a reference to religious diversity 

AM  19  and  39  stressing  the  importance  of  education  in  promoting  intercultural 
dialogue 

AM 22 stressing the meaning of intercultural dialogue in everyday life  

AM 27 and 30 emphasizing the regional and local level 

AM  28  and  42  underlining  the  need  to  consult  transnational  networks  and  civil 
society in the context of the evaluation of the Year 

AM  29  underlining  links  between  the  Year  of  intercultural  dialogue  with  the 
European Year of Equal Opportunities for All (2007) 

AM 47 (new Art. 2a) introducing a provision on “participation in the action” which 
stresses the role of civil society, media, cities and local authorities,  

4.2. 

Council amendments  

4.2.1 

The Commission’s modified proposal largely integrates the amendments contained in 
the  Council’s  general  approach  with  a  view  to  reaching  an  early  adoption  in  the 
Council. A consultation on these modifications took place during a tripartite meeting 
on  12  July  2006.  With  regard  to  the  allocation  of  financial  resources,  the 
Commission supports the breakdown suggested by the Cultural Affairs Committee of 
the Council, as it constitutes a good compromise between the initial proposal of the 
Commission and the report of the European Parliament. 

5. 

CONCLUSION 

5.1 

In accordance with Article 250, paragraph 2, of the Treaty, the Commission modifies 
its proposal as follows: 

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2005/0203 (COD) 

Amended 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 Commission1, 

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee2, 

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions3, 

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty4, 

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.  

in 

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 to fulfil their potential in a diverse, 
pluralist, solidarity-based and dynamic society, not only in Europe but also in the 
world. 

the  Union 

1 
2 
3 
4 

OJ C 49 from 28.2.2006, p. 44. 
OJ C […], […], p. […]. 
OJ C […], […], p. […]. 
OJ C […], […], p. […]. 

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(4) 

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. 
it  is  important  to  provide  the  means  for  intercultural  dialogue  and  dialogue 
between  citizens  to  strengthen  respect  for  cultural  diversity  and  deal  with  the 
complex reality in our societies and the coexistence of different cultural identities 
and beliefs. Furthermore, it is important to highlight the contribution of different 
cultures to the European Union Member States' heritage and way of life and to 
recognise that culture and intercultural dialogue are the tools par excellence for 
learning to live together in harmony.  

(5) 

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

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

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

by  contributing  to  ensuring  equal  opportunities  and  non-discrimination 
within  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  emphasising  the  cultural  and  educational  dimension  of  this  strategy, 
and,  in  so  doing,  stimulating  the  cultural  and  creative  economy  in  the 
European Union, which generates growth and creates jobs; 

justice, 
by  supporting 
development  of  the  social  market  economy,  cooperation  and  greater 
cohesion in the respect of common values in the European Union;  

the  Union’s  commitment 

to  solidarity,  social 

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

(6) 

(7) 

Intercultural  dialogue  is  an  important  dimension  in  many  Community  policies  and 
instruments  in  the  fields  of  structural  funds,  education,  lifelong  learning,  youth, 
culture,  citizenship  and  sport,  gender  equality,  combating  discrimination  and  social 
exclusion, lifelong learning, combating racism and xenophobia, policy on asylum and 
the  integration  of  immigrants,  human  rights  and  sustainable  development, 
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 accession and candidate countries, the countries of the 
western Balkans, the candidate countries for association agreements with the EU 
and  the  partner  countries  of  the  European  neighbourhood  policy  and  other  third 
countries, particularly developing countries. 

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(7)(8)  Building  on  the  this  diversified  basis  of  Community  experiences  and  initiatives, 
promoting  participation  of  involving  each  citizen,  men  and  women,  on  an  equal 
footing, each Member State and European society as a whole in an the intercultural 
dialogue  approach,  in  particular  through  the  structured  cooperation  with  civil 
society,  is  a  fundamental  step.  It  contributes  to  creating  a  European  identity,  as 
embracing differences shapes the various aspects of belonging to a community. 

(8)(9)  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. 

(9)(10) The  common  values  of  the  European  Union  are  those  defined  in  Article  6(1)  of  the 

Treaty on European Union. 

(1011) It  is  important  essential  to  ensure  complementarity  and  a  horizontal  approach  in 
with  all  Community,  national,  regional  and  local  actions  with  a  strong  intercultural 
dialogue dimension, given that the The European Year of Intercultural Dialogue will 
help 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.The  actions  planned,  both  at 
Community  and  national  level,  shall  take  on  board,  where  relevant,  the 
experience gained from actions under the European Year of Equal Opportunities 
for All (2007).  

(12)  The  Year  should  also  contribute  to  integrating  intercultural  dialogue  as  a 
horizontal  and  trans-sectoral  priority  into  Community  policies,  actions  and 
programmes  and  to  identify  and  share  best  practices  in  its  promotion.  Visible 
recognition  of  best  practices  and  projects  in  the  field  of  intercultural  dialogue 
would encourage stakeholders and promote the idea among civil society.  

(13b)  Cooperation  with  other  international  institutions such as the  Council of  Europe 
and  UNESCO  may  be  developed  as  appropriate,  in  particular  to  take  into 
account their experience and expertise in promoting intercultural dialogue. 

(1114) 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.  

(11b15)  Actions  of  intercultural  dialogue  to  be  developed  within  relevant  external 
relations instruments should inter alia reflect the mutual interest associated with 
the  exchange  of  experiences  and  values  with  third  countries  and  promote 
knowledge, respect and understanding of the cultures of third countries. 

(1216) 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 

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relevant frameworks for cooperation and dialogue, particularly in the context of civil 
society dialogue between the European Union and the candidate countries5.  

(1317) 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 procedure6. 

the  Council  and 

(1418) 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. 

(1519) 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: 

Article 1 
Subject 

1. 
The year 2008 shall be designated as the “European Year of Intercultural Dialogue” to 
contribute to giving expression and a high profile to a sustained process of intercultural 
dialogue which will continue beyond that year. 

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 

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6 

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. 

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dynamic  society,  not  only  in  Europe  but  also  in  the  world;  as  a  process  in 
which all those living in the European Union can improve their ability to 
deal  with  a  more  open,  but  also  more  complex,  cultural  environment, 
where,  in  different  Member  States  as  well  as  within  each  Member  State, 
coexist different cultural identities and beliefs. 

– 

raising the awareness of European citizens and all those living in the European 
Union, in particular young people, of the importance of developing an 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 as laid down in Article 6 of the 
EU  Treaty  and  in  the  Charter  of  Fundamental  Rights  of  the  European 
Union; 

– 

highlighting  the  contribution  of  different  cultures  and  expressions  of 
cultural diversity to the heritage and ways of life of the Member States of 
the European Union; 

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 and promote them; 

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; seek to raise the awareness of all those living 
in  the  European  Union,  particularly  young  people,  of  the  importance  of 
intercultural dialogue in everyday life; 

work  to  identify,  share  and  give  a  visible  European  recognition  to  best 
practices in promoting intercultural dialogue across the European Union; 

fostering the role of education as an important medium for teaching about 
diversity, increasing understanding of other cultures and developing skills 
and best social practices, and highlighting the central role of the media in 
promoting the principle of equality and mutual understanding. 

contribute to exploring new innovation and to the horizontal and trans-sectoral 
dimension  of  approaches  to  aimed  at  promoting  intercultural  dialogue, 
particularly  among  young  people.  involving  cooperation  between  a  wide 
range of stakeholders from different sectors. 

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Article3 
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) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

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; 
events  and  initiatives  on  a  European  scale  aimed  at  promoting  intercultural 
dialogue, through directly involving or otherwise reaching as many people 
as  possible,  and  highlighting  achievements  and  experiences  on  the  theme  of 
the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; 

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 and 
regional  level  with  a  strong  European  dimension  aimed  at  promoting  the 
objectives  of  the  European  Year  of  Intercultural  Dialogue,  with  particular 
attention being given to actions relating to civic education and learning to 
appreciate other people and their differences; 

events and initiatives at national level with a strong European dimension aimed 
at  promoting  the  objectives  of  the  European  Year  of  Intercultural  Dialogue 
information  and  promotion  campaigns,  particularly  in  cooperation  with  the 
media  and  civil  society  organisations  at  Community  and  national  level  to 
disseminate the key messages concerning the objectives of the European Year 
of Intercultural Dialogue 

surveys  and  studies  on  a  Community  or  national  scale  consultation  with 
transnational  networks  and  civil 
(through 
instruments such as small-scale meetings, debates, surveys and studies) to 
assess  and  report  on  the  preparation  for,  effectiveness  and  impact  of  and  the 
European  Year  of  Intercultural  Dialogue  in  order  to  lay  the  basis  for  its 
long-term follow-up to the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.  

stakeholders 

society 

Article 4 
Implementation 

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

Such measures shall take  into account the role of civil society and the media as 
2. 
well as of cities and local authorities. They shall, where appropriate and by appropriate 
means,  be  carried  out  in  cooperation  with  civil  society  players,  and  national,  regional 
and local authorities.  

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Special attention shall be paid to cooperation with the European institutions, in 

3. 
particular the European Parliament. 

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. It shall inform the Commission of its choice within one month of 
the  adoption  of  the  present  Decision.  Each  Member  State  shall  ensure  that  this  body 
involves  in  an  appropriate  manner  the  various  parties  in  intercultural  dialogue  at  national, 
regional and local 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. 

3. 

The Commission shall be assisted by a committee, composed of one representative 
from  each  Member  State  and  presided  over  by  the  Commission.  The  national 
representatives shall be appointed preferably by the national coordination body 
referred to in Article 5. 

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 B 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, reffered 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.  

The measures referred to in part C B 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. 

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

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Article 8 
Application and selection procedure 

1. 

2. 

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 and fair distribution between the Member States and among the different 
fields  of  activity  involved,  while  taking  into  consideration  the  quality  of  the 
project proposed.  

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,  in  particular  with  the  Council  of 
Europe  and  UNESCO,  taking  great  care  to  ensure  the  visibility  of  the  EU’s 
participation.  

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

1. 

Article 10 
Role of the Commission 

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 

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. 
Preparatory action shall be limited to 30 % of the overall budget. 

EN 

12 

   EN 

 
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 Decision 
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 

13 

   EN 

 
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  to  serve  as  a  basis  for  future  European  Union  policies,  measures  and 
actions in this field.  

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 

EN 

14 

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ANNEX 

MEASURES REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 3 

B A) 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. 

The financial resources dedicated to actions on a community scale shall not exceed 30 % 
of the overall budget. 

A B) 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. 

1) Information and promotion campaigns including: 

(a) 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

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

an information campaign coordinated at Community level and articulated in 
the Member States, building on best practices of intercultural dialogue at 
all levels positioning at national level;  

 cooperation  with  the  private  sector,  the  media,  educational  institutions, 
broadcasters and other media as partners from civil society for disseminating 
to disseminate information on the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; 

 the  design  of  a  logo  and  slogans  for  use  in  connection  with  any  activity 
linked to the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, and the production 
of promotional tools to be made available throughout the Community 

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  and  to  provide  a  European 
recognition to best practices; 

– 

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

EN 

15 

   EN 

 
– 

– 

(e) 

(f) 

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  dissemination,  of  teaching  materials  and  tools  primarily  intended  for 
educational  institutions,  promoting  exchanges  on  cultural  diversity  and 
intercultural dialogue; 

the  establishment  of  a  web  portal  to  make  actions  in  the  field  of 
intercultural  dialogue  accessible  to  the  general  public  and  to  guide  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.  Consultation  with  transnational  networks  and  civil 
society stakeholders (through instruments such as small-scale meetings, debates, surveys 
and studies) to assess and report on the preparation for, the effectiveness and impact of 
and the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue in order to lay basis for its long-term 
follow-up. 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. 

The  financial  resources  dedicated  to  information  and  promotion  campaigns  shall  not 
exceed 40 % of the overall budget. 

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 

16 

   EN 

 
LEGISLATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENT 

NAME  OF  THE  AMENDED  PROPOSAL:  European  Year  of  Intercultural 

1. 
Dialogue 

2. 

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 

DA 

YES 

NO 

NO 

3 

4. 

SUMMARY OF RESOURCES 

See initial proposal 

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,  the  promotion  of  gender  equality, 

EN 

17 

   EN 

 
 
 
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)7 of implementation chosen. 

x Centralised management 

x 

(cid:133) 

(cid:133) 

directly by the Commission 

indirectly by delegation to: 

executive agencies 

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

(cid:133) 
Regulation 

(cid:133) 

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

(cid:133) Shared or decentralised management 

(cid:133) 

(cid:133) 

with Member States 

with third countries 

(cid:133) 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. 

7 

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

EN 

18 

   EN 

 
 
 
                                                 
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,  in 
particular of the young people 

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 

promoting  intercultural  dialogue  as  a 
process in which all those living in the 
European  Union  can  improve  their 
ability  to  deal  with  a  more  open,  but 
also  more 
cultural 
environment,  where, 
in  different 
Member  States  as  well  as  within  each 
Member  State, 
coexist  different 
cultural identities and beliefs. 

complex, 

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. 

in  the  European  Union, 

raising  the  awareness  of  all  those 
in 
living 
particular  young  people,  of 
the 
importance  of  developing  an  active 
European citizenship which is open to 
the  world,  respects  cultural  diversity 
and is based on the common values in 
the  European  Union  as  laid  down  in 
Article  6  of  the  EU  Treaty  and  in  the 
Charter of Fundamental Rights of the 
European Union  

EN 

19 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
the 

contribution 

highlighting 
of 
different  cultures  and  expressions  of 
cultural  diversity  to  the  heritage  and 
ways  of  life  of  the  Members  States  of 
the European Union; 

Cultural diversity reflected in the events related to the Year 

Specific  

Indicators 

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

of 

raise  the  profile  and  increase  the 
coherence 
Community 
programmes  and  actions  contributing 
to  intercultural  dialogue  and  promote 
them 

all 

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 

in 

seek to raise the awareness of all those 
living 
the  European  Union, 
particularly  young  people,  of  the 
importance  of  intercultural  dialogue 
in everyday life  

work  to  identify,  share  and  give  a 
visible  European  recognition  to  best 
practices  in  promoting  intercultural 
dialogue across the European Union; 

fostering  the  role  of  education  as  an 
important medium for teaching about 
diversity,  increasing  understanding  of 
other  cultures  and  develop  skills  and 
best  social  practices,  and  highlighting 
in 
the  central  role  of  the  media 
promoting  the  principle  of  equality 
and mutual understanding. 

Number  of  best  practices  valorised  during  the  Year.  Visibility  of  best 
practices achieved at European level 

Number of initiatives involving educational dimension  

Change in perceptions of young participants in the activities of the Year 

EN 

20 

   EN 

 
 
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 

to 

exploring 

contribute 
new 
approaches  to  intercultural  dialogue, 
involving  cooperation  between  a  wide 
range  of  stakeholders  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 30 %) 

Events and initiatives at national level  

Number of organised events and share of the Community support 

Media coverage of national initiatives 

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 30 %) 

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. 

EN 

21 

   EN 

 
 
 
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) 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

Year  n+4  and 
later 

TOTAL 

,
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 
a 
on 
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 

Action  C: 
cofinanci
of 
ng 
actions  at 
national 
level  

TOTAL 
COST 

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

1.700 

1 

0.200 

1 

0.300 

2 

1 

2 

8 

1.8
20 

0.1
50 

0.6
00 

1.5
80 

0.4
50 

2.4
00 

s
t
u
p
t
u
o
.
o
N

t
s
o
c

l
a
t
o
T

2 

3.400 

3 

0.600 

10 

3.000 

25 

3.000 

National 
initiatives 

0.120 

4 

.48
0 

21 

2.5
20 

8 

3.0 

32 

7.0
00 

40 

10.000 

EN 

22 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8.2 Calculation of the costs of measures 

Action A: 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  (ten)  presupposes  a  good  geographical  distribution,  a 
diversity  of  approach  reflecting  the  diversity  of  issues  and  frameworks  for  intercultural 
dialogue  and  a  balanced  distribution  throughout  the  year  in  order  to  maintain  an  optimum 
rhythm.  

Action B: Measures on a European scale 

•  Information and communication campaign:  

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.  

3 400 000 € is a reasonable estimate for the total amount necessary for the Year’s information 
and communication actions. While part of the 3 400 000 € will go towards coordinating the 
campaign at European level, the bulk will be devoted to localising the campaign at national 
level and involving the civil society in the awareness raising process. 

•  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. 

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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 120 000 €. 

8.3.  Administrative expenditure –see initial proposal  

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