Common Position (EC) No 30/2006 of 14 November 2006 adopted by the Council, acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 251 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, with a view to adopting a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008)
Date: 2006-11-14
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: European cultural event, cultural cooperation, cultural pluralism, cultural policy, promotion of the European idea, public awareness campaign

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COMMON POSITION (EC) No 30/2006

adopted by the Council on 14 November 2006

with a view to the adoption of Decision No …/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the
Council of … concerning the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008)

(2006/C 301 E/04)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EURO-
PEAN UNION,

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

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the Opinion of the European Economic and
Social Committee (1),

Having regard to the Opinion of
Regions (2),

the Committee of

the

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in
Article 251 of the Treaty (3),

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

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

The combined effect of the successive enlargements of
the European Union (EU),
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 EU, and the various
cultures,
in
Europe and beyond.

languages, ethnic groups and religions

European citizens, and all
those living in the EU
temporarily or permanently, should therefore have the
opportunity to take part in intercultural dialogue and
fulfil their potential
in a diverse, pluralist, solidarity-
based and dynamic society, not only in Europe but also
in the world.

the means

At the heart of the European project, it is important to
and
for
provide
dialogue between citizens
for
cultural diversity and deal with the complex reality in
our societies and the coexistence of different cultural

intercultural dialogue
to strengthen respect

(1) OJ C 185, 8.8.2006, p. 42.
(2) OJ C 206, 29.8.2006, p. 44.
(3) Opinion of the European Parliament of 1 June 2006 and Council

Decision of … (not yet published in the Official Journal).

identities and beliefs. Furthermore,
it is important to
highlight the contribution of different cultures to the
Member States' heritage and way of life and to recognise
that culture and intercultural dialogue are essential for
learning to live together in harmony.

(5)

Intercultural dialogue thus contributes towards achieving
a number of the EU's strategic priorities, in particular by:

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

— contributing to ensuring equal opportunities and
non-discrimination within the EU 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,

— emphasising the cultural and educational dimension
of the renewed Lisbon strategy and,
in so doing,
stimulating the cultural and creative economy in the
EU, which generates growth and creates jobs,

— supporting the EU's commitment to solidarity, social
justice, the development of a social market economy,
cooperation and greater cohesion in the respect of
its common values,

— enabling the EU to make its voice better heard in the
world and to forge effective partnerships with coun-
tries in its neighbourhood, thus extending a zone of
stability, democracy and common prosperity beyond
the EU, and thereby increasing the well-being and
security of European citizens and all those living in
the EU.

(6)

the structural

Intercultural dialogue is an important dimension in
many Community policies and instruments in the fields
of
lifelong learning,
funds, education,
youth, culture, citizenship and sport, gender equality,
employment and social affairs, combating discrimination
and social exclusion, combating racism and xenophobia,
policy on asylum and the integration of immigrants,
human rights and sustainable development, audiovisual
policy and research.

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(7)

(8)

(9)

the countries of

It is also an increasing factor in the EU's external rela-
tions, particularly with regard to accession and candidate
countries,
the
candidate countries for association agreements with the
EU and the partner countries of the European neigh-
bourhood policy and other third countries, particularly
developing countries.

the western Balkans,

Building on the basis of Community experiences and
initiatives, a fundamental step is promoting the partici-
pation of each citizen, men and women on an equal
footing, of each Member State and of European society
as a whole in an intercultural dialogue,
in particular
through the structured cooperation with civil society. It
contributes to creating a sense of European identity, by
embracing differences and shaping the various aspects of
belonging to a community.

For the purpose of the present Decision, the notion of
‘active European citizenship’ should not cover only citi-
zens of the EU as defined in Article 17 of the EC Treaty,
but any individual living permanently or temporarily in
the EU.

(10)

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

(11)

(12)

It is essential to ensure complementarity and a hori-
zontal approach in all Community, national, regional
and local actions with a strong intercultural dialogue
dimension, given that the European Year of Intercultural
Dialogue will help to raise their profile and increase
their coherence. The planning of these actions, both at
take on board,
Community and national
where relevant,
the experience gained from actions
under the European Year of Equal Opportunities for
All (2007).

level, shall

The European Year of Intercultural Dialogue should also
contribute to integrating intercultural dialogue as a hori-
zontal and trans-sectoral priority into Community poli-
cies, 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 will encourage stakeholders and promote the
idea among civil society.

(13)

Cooperation with other international institutions such as
the Council of Europe and UNESCO could be developed
as appropriate, in particular to take into account their

experience and expertise in promoting intercultural
dialogue.

(14)

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 neighbour-
hood policy. It will also be important to ensure comple-
mentarity with any other cooperation initiative with
third countries, in particular developing countries, which
is relevant to the objectives of the European Year of
Intercultural Dialogue.

(15) 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 mutual knowledge, respect and understanding
of their respective cultures.

(16)

(17)

(18)

This Decision is addressed to the Member States. The
candidate countries should nevertheless be closely asso-
ciated with actions under the European Year of Intercul-
tural Dialogue through initiatives to promote developing
intercultural dialogue within the relevant frameworks for
cooperation and dialogue, particularly in the context of
the civil society dialogue between the EU and these
countries (1).

This Decision lays down, for the entire duration of the
action, a financial envelope constituting the prime refer-
ence for the budgetary authority during the annual
budgetary procedure, within the meaning of point 37 of
the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006
between the European Parliament, the Council and the
Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial
management (2).

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

(1) See Commission communication of 29 June 2005 to the Council,
the European Parliament,
the European Economic and Social
Committee and the Committee of the Regions on civil society
dialogue between the EU and candidate countries.

(2) OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1.
(3) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. Decision as amended by Decision

2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 22.7.2006, p. 11).

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(19)

be

better

Since the objectives of this Decision cannot be suffi-
ciently achieved by the Member States and can therefore,
by reason of the need, in particular, for multilateral part-
nerships and transnational exchanges on a Community
level,
scale,
the Community may adopt measures,
in accordance
with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5
of
In accordance with the principle of
proportionality as set out in that Article, this Decision
does not go beyond what
is necessary in order to
achieve those objectives,

at Community

the Treaty.

achieved

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Subject

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

The overall objectives of the European Year of Intercul-

1.
tural Dialogue shall be to contribute to:

— promoting intercultural dialogue as a process in which all
those living in the EU 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, different cultural
identities and beliefs
coexist,

— highlighting intercultural dialogue as an opportunity to
from a diverse and dynamic

contribute to and benefit
society, not only in Europe but also in the world,

— raising the awareness of all those living in the EU, in par-
ticular young people, of the importance of developing an
active European citizenship which is open to the world,
respects cultural diversity and is based on common values
in the EU as laid down in Article 6 of the EU Treaty and
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.

The specific objectives of the European Year of Intercul-

2.
tural Dialogue shall be to:

— seek to raise the awareness of all those living in the EU, in
particular young people, of the importance of engaging in
intercultural dialogue in their daily life,

— work to identify, share and give a visible European recogni-
tion to best practices in promoting intercultural dialogue
throughout the EU, especially among young people and
children,

— foster the role of education as an important medium for
teaching about diversity,
increase the understanding of
other cultures and developing skills and best social prac-
tices, and highlight
the media in
promoting the principle of equality and mutual under-
standing,

the central

role of

— raise the profile, increase the coherence of and promote all
Community programmes and actions contributing to inter-
cultural dialogue and ensure their continuity,

— contribute to exploring new approaches to intercultural
dialogue involving cooperation between a wide range of
stakeholders from different sectors.

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 activ-
ities or the granting of support thereto:

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

(b) events and initiatives at national

level and regional

level
with a strong European dimension aimed at promoting the
objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue,
through directly involving or otherwise reaching as many
people as possible, with particular attention being given to
actions
education and learning to
appreciate other people and their differences;

relating to civic

(c) information and promotion campaigns, particularly in
cooperation with the media and civil society organisations
level to disseminate the key
at Community and national
messages concerning the objectives of the European Year of
Intercultural Dialogue and the recognition of best practices,
especially among young people and children;

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

Article 4

Cooperation by the Member States

Each Member State shall appoint a national coordination body,
or an equivalent administrative body, responsible for organising
that Member State's participation in the European Year of Inter-
that
cultural Dialogue.
appointment within one month of the adoption of this Deci-
sion.

inform the Commission of

It shall

Each Member State shall ensure that the aforementioned body
involve in an appropriate manner the various parties to inter-
cultural dialogue at national, regional and local level.

The aforementioned body shall ensure the coordination, at
national level, of actions relating to the European Year of Inter-
cultural Dialogue.

Article 5

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).

Special attention shall be paid to cooperation with the

2.
European institutions, in particular the European Parliament.

Article 6

Committee

1.

The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee.

2. 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.

3.

The Committee shall adopt its own rules of procedure.

The national representatives to the Committee shall be
coordination body

4.
appointed preferably by the national
referred to in Article 4.

Article 7

Financial provisions

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

2.
The measures referred to in part B of the Annex may be
subsidised up to 50 % of their total cost from the general
budget of the European Union in accordance with the proce-
dure referred to in Article 8.

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

Article 8

Application and selection procedure

Decisions on the awarding of grants shall be taken by the
1.
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 considera-
tion the quality of the projects proposed.

2.
Grant applications presented under Article 7(3) shall be
submitted to the Commission by the body referred to in
Article 4.

Article 9

International organisations

the purposes of

Intercultural
the European Year of
For
the Commission may cooperate with appropriate
Dialogue,
international organisations,
in particular with the Council of
Europe and UNESCO, taking great care to ensure the visibility
of the EU's participation.

Article 10

Role of the Commission

1.
The Commission shall ensure coherence between the
measures laid down in this Decision and other Community
actions and initiatives.

2.
The Commission shall endeavour 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
EU and candidate countries.

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3.
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 devel-
oped within the relevant cooperation and dialogue frameworks
with those EFTA countries which are party to the EEA agree-
ment, the countries of the western Balkans and the partner
countries of the European neighbourhood policy.

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 Euro-
pean Union or budgets managed by the Communities, by an
unjustified item of expenditure.

4.
The Commission shall also ensure complementarity with
any other initiative of cooperation with third countries, in par-
ticular developing countries, relevant for the objectives of inter-
cultural dialogue of the European Year.

Article 11

Budget

The financial envelope for the implementation of this Decision
for the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2008 is
EUR 10 000 000. Preparatory action shall be limited to 30 %
of the overall budget.

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

Article 12

Protection of the Community's financial interests

1.
The Commission shall ensure that, when actions financed
under this Decision are implemented, the financial interests of
the Community are protected by the application of preventive
measures against fraud, corruption and any other illegal activ-
ities, by effective checks and by the recovery of the amounts
irregularities are detected, by effective,
unduly paid and,
if
proportional and dissuasive penalties,
in accordance with
Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December
1995 on the protection of the European Communities' financial
interests (1), Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of
11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspec-
tions carried out by the Commission in order to protect the
European Communities' financial
interests against fraud and
other irregularities (2) and Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of
the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999
concerning investigations conducted by the European Antifraud
Office (OLAF) (3).

2. With regard to the Community actions financed under
this Decision,
irregularity referred to in
Article 1(2) of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 shall

the notion of

(1) OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1.
(2) OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2.
(3) OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1.

this Decision,

3.
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
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.

the individual decision or

4.
If the time limits have not been observed or if only part
of the allocated financial assistance is justified by the progress
the Commission shall
made with implementing an action,
request the beneficiary to submit observations within a speci-
fied period.
the beneficiary does not give a satisfactory
answer, the Commission may cancel the remaining financial
assistance and demand repayment of sums already paid.

If

5.
Any amount unduly paid shall be repaid to the Commis-
sion. Interest shall be added to any sums not repaid in due time
Council
under
Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on
the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the
European Communities (4).

conditions

down

laid

the

in

Article 13

Supervision

submit

The beneficiary shall

1.
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 subject-matter of the reports.

For a period of five years following the last payment in
2.
respect of any action, the beneficiary of financial assistance
shall keep available for the Commission all the supporting
documents regarding expenditure on the action.

3.
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 Regulation
(EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002.

(4) OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

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Article 14

Monitoring and evaluation

By 31 December 2009 at the latest, the Commission shall
submit to the European Parliament, the Council, the European
Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the
Regions a report on the implementation, results and overall
assessment of the measures laid down in Article 3 to serve as a
basis for future EU policies, measures and actions in this field.

Article 15

Entry into force

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

Article 16

Addressees

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. Co-financing 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.

As an indication, approximately 30 % of the total budget allocated will be devoted to these actions.

B. Co-financing 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 one national initiative per Member State.

As an indication, approximately 30 % of the total budget allocated will be devoted to these actions.

C. Actions on a community scale

1. Information and promotion actions including:

(a) an information campaign coordinated at Community level and articulated in the Member States, building on

best practices of intercultural dialogue at all levels;

(b) cooperation with the private sector, the media, educational institutions and other partners from the civil

society to disseminate information on the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue;

(c) the design of a logo and slogans for use in connection with any activity linked to the European Year of Inter-
cultural Dialogue and the production of promotional tools to be made available throughout the Community;

(d) 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, especially among young people and children;

(e) the dissemination, of teaching materials and tools primarily intended for educational institutions, promoting

exchanges on cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue;

(f) the establishment of a web portal to make actions in the field of intercultural dialogue accessible to the
general public and to guide promoters of projects relating to intercultural dialogue through the various rele-
vant Community programmes and actions.

2. Other actions:

Surveys, studies at Community level and consultation with transnational networks and civil society stakeholders
to assess, and report on, the preparation for the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue in order to lay the basis
for its long-term follow-up.

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 Heading C shall not exceed 40 % of the total budget allocated.

D. Actions receiving non-financial community support

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 Intercul-
tural Dialogue.

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STATEMENT OF THE COUNCIL'S REASONS

I. INTRODUCTION

1. On 6 October 2005 the Commission submitted to the European Parliament and to the Council a
proposal for a Decision, based on Article 151 of the EC Treaty, to designate 2008 as the European
Year of Intercultural Dialogue.

2. The European Economic and Social Committee delivered its opinion on 20 April 2006 and the

Committee of the Regions gave its opinion on 27 April 2006.

3. The European Parliament delivered its opinion at first reading on 1st June 2006.

4. The Commission submitted an amended proposal on 7 September 2006.

5. On 14 November 2006, the Council adopted its common position in accordance with Article 251

(2) of the EC Treaty.

II. OBJECTIVE

The proposal aims to declare 2008 the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. Intercultural dialogue
being closely linked to the fundamental ambition underlying the construction of Europe, namely to
bring together the peoples of Europe, a European Year devoted to intercultural dialogue will constitute
a unique awareness-raising tool for affirming this priority and involving citizens.

The overall objectives of the Year are to contribute to:

— promoting intercultural dialogue as a process in which all those living in the EU 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, different cultural identities and beliefs coexist,

— highlighting intercultural dialogue as an opportunity to contribute to and benefit from a diverse

and dynamic society, not only in Europe but also in the world,

— raising the awareness of all those living in the EU, 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 common values in the EU as laid down in Article 6 of the EU Treaty and the
Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

— highlighting the contribution of different cultures and expressions of cultural diversity to the heri-

tage and ways of life of the Member States.

The activities of the Year will be developed around three types of action:

— cofinancing (up to 80 %of the total cost) of actions on a community scale aiming at raising aware-

ness of the objectives of the Year, particularly among young people;

— cofinancing (up to 50 % of the total cost) of actions on a national scale with a strong European

dimension;

— actions on a Community scale, including information and promotion activities, and surveys, studies
and consultation with transnational networks and civil society stakeholders to assess the prepara-
tion for and impact of the Year.

The budget for the Year is set at 10 million Euros.

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III. ANALYSIS OF THE COMMON POSITION

1. General comments

The Council's common position retains the main elements of the Commission's original proposal
and is fully in line with the Commission's amended proposal.

2. European Parliament amendments

The Council has sought in its common position to take account of the European Parliament's
concerns and priorities and was able to accept most of Parliament's amendments. Out of the 46
amendments voted by the EP, the Council accepted in full, in part or in principle 33 amendments.

A number of informal contacts took place between the Council, the European Parliament and the
Commission during tripartite meetings with a view to reaching an early agreement with the EP. The
Council took on board the main concerns of the EP and understands that the text of the common
position could be acceptable to the EP.

In addition to a number of amendments improving the drafting of the Decision, or incorporating
in full or in part, the
references to relevant policies or processes, the Council
following amendments, introducing substantial changes regarding the implementation of the Year:

incorporated,

Amendments 4 and 5 underlining the cultural and educational dimensions of the renewed Lisbon
Strategy and stressing the need to contribute to ensuring equal opportunities and non-discrimina-
tion within the European Union;

Amendments 8 and 9 referring to gender equality;

Amendment 29 underlining links between the Year of intercultural dialogue and the European Year
of Equal Opportunities for All (2007);

Amendments 11 and 34 mentioning explicitly cooperation with the Council of Europe and
UNESCO with in the context of the Year;

Amendments 14, 21 and 36 aiming at ensuring continuity and long-term follow-up to the Year;

Amendments 15 and 25 which introduce a reference to religious diversity;

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

Amendments 20 and 41 on recognition of best practices;

Amendments 27 and 30 emphasizing the regional and local level;

Amendments 28 and 42 underlining the need to consult trans-national networks and civil society;

Amendment 32 on cooperation with other institutions, notably the European Parliament.

Regarding the allocation of financial resources, the Council has sought a balanced compromise on
the financial resources dedicated to information and promotions campaigns (Amendment 37), with
a limitation of 40 % of the overall budget dedicated to actions on a Community scale ( information
and promotion activities and other actions) and approximately 30 % of the budget each for cofinan-
cing of actions at Community and at national level. Amendment 35 limiting preparatory actions to
30 % of the budget was also incorporated.

IV. CONCLUSION

The Council considers that, as a whole, its common position is fully in line with the objectives of the
Commission's amended proposal. The Council also considers that it has taken due account of the
objectives pursued by the European Parliament in its amendments to the Commission's proposal and
looks forward to an agreement with the Parliament in the near future with a view to the early adoption
of the Decision.