Article 1 
Establishment of a Community action programme This Decision establishes a medium-term Community action programme on equal opportunities for men and women, hereinafter referred to as 'the programme', for the period from 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000. Article 2 Principle of integrating the equal opportunities for men and women dimension in all policies and activities (mainstreaming) The programme is intended to promote the integration of equal opportunities for men and women in the process of preparing, implementing and monitoring all policies and activities of the European Union and the Member States, having regard to their respective powers. Article 3 1. The programme shall support Member States' efforts in the area of equal opportunities for men and women. 2. The programme has the following aims: (a) to promote integration of the equal opportunities for men and women dimension in all policies and activities; (b) to mobilize all the actors in economic and social life to achieve equal opportunities for men and women; (c) to promote equal opportunities for men and women in a changing economy, especially in the fields of education, vocational training and the labour market; (d) to reconcile working and family life for men and women; (e) to promote a gender balance in decision-making; (f) to make conditions more conducive to exercising equality rights. Article 4 Community actions 1. With a view to achieving the aims set out in Article 3, the following actions shall be implemented, enhanced and/or supported under the programme using existing structures, improving their operation and/or rationalizing them where necessary: (a) in order to allow the exchange of information and experience on good practice, methodological and/or technical and/or financial support for projects to identify and develop good practice and transfer information and experience thereon; (b) observing and monitoring relevant policies and conducting studies in this field; (c) rapid dissemination of the results of the initiatives embarked upon and any other relevant information. 2. The provisions regarding the criteria for applying this Article are set out in the Annex. Article 5 Consistency and complementarity The Commission and the Member States shall ensure consistency and complementary between the initiatives undertaken under the programme and under the Structural Funds and other Community policies or activities, including those relating to education and vocational training, and those pursued by the Member States. Article 6 Participation of other countries 1. The programme activities which may be opened up to the participation of the countries of the European Economic Area, the associated countries of central and eastern Europe (ACCEE), Cyprus and Malta and the European Union's partner countries in the Mediterranean shall be defined in the context of the European Union's relations with those countries. 2. The cost of the participation referred to in paragraph 1 shall be covered either by the countries concerned out of their own budgets or by Community budget headings relating to the implementation of the cooperation, association or partnership agreements with these countries in the area concerned. Article 7 Implementation The Commission shall, in consultation with the Member States, implement the programme in accordance with this Decision. Article 8 Determination of financial assistance 1. For the actions referred to in Article 4 (1) (a), the Community's financial contribution may amount to: - as a general rule, a maximum of 60 %; - in exceptional cases, in accordance with criteria established following the procedure laid down in Article 9, a higher maximum rate. 2. The actions referred to in Article 4 (1) (b) and (c) shall be financed entirely by the Community. Article 9 Committee 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by a representative of Commission. 2. The following shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in paragraph 3: - the general guidelines for the support to be supplied by the Community; - the annual work programme and matters relating to the internal breakdown of the programme; - procedures for the selection of the actions supported by the Community, the criteria for the follow-up and evaluation of these actions and of the programme as a whole, and the arrangements for the dissemination and transfer of results. 3. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote. The Commission shall adopt measures which apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event, the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided for a period of two months from the date of such communication. The Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit referred to in the previous subparagraph. Article 10 Financing 1. The financial reference amount for the implementation of the programme for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000 shall be ECU 30 million. 2. The annual appropriations shall be authorized by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective. Article 11 Monitoring and evaluation 1. The actions supported by the programme shall be continuously monitored with a view to ensuring their effectiveness in accordance with the criteria established following the procedure referred to in Article 9. 2. The programme shall be subject to regular objective external evaluations in accordance with criteria laid down following the procedure referred to in Article 9. Article 12 Reports 1. The Commission shall submit an interim report on the implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions by 31 December 1998 at the latest. 2. The Commission shall submit a final report on the implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions by 31 December 2001 at the latest. Article 13 This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 22 December 1995. For the Council The President L. ATIENZA SERNA (1) OJ No C 306, 17. 11. 1995, p. 2. (2) OJ No C 323, 4. 12. 1995. (3) Opinion delivered on 22 November 1995 (not yet published in the Official Journal). (4) Council Directive 75/117/EEC of 10 February 1975 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the application of the principle of equal pay for men and women (OJ No L 45, 19. 2. 1975, p. 19). Council Directive 76/207/EEC of 9 February 1976 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women as regards access to employment, vocational training and promotion, and working conditions (OJ No L 39, 14. 2. 1976, p. 40). Council Directive 79/7/EEC of 19 December 1978 on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security (OJ No L 6, 10. 1. 1979, p. 24). Council Directive 86/378/EEC of 24 July 1986 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in occupational social security schemes (OJ No L 225, 12. 8. 1986, p. 40). Council Directive 86/313/EEC of 11 December 1986 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity, including agriculture, in a self-employed capacity, and on the protection of self-employed women during pregnancy and motherhood (OJ No L 359, 19. 12. 1986, p. 56). Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19 October 1992 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding (OJ No L 348, 28. 11. 1992, p. 1). Council recommendation 84/635/EEC of 13 December 1984 on the promotion of positive action for women (OJ No L 331, 19. 12. 1984, p. 34). Council recommendation 92/241/EEC of 31 March 1992 on child care (OJ No L 123, 8. 5. 1992, p. 16). Council resolution of 12 July 1982 on the promotion of equal opportunities for women (OJ No C 186, 21. 7. 1982, p. 3). Council resolution of 7 June 1984 on the action to combat unemployment amongst women (OJ No C 161, 21. 6. 1984, p. 4). Resolution of the Council and the Ministers for Education meeting within the Council of 3 June 1985 containing an action programme on equal opportunities for girls and boys in education (OJ No C 166, 5. 7. 1985, p. 1). 4. Whereas the Heads of State and of Government meeting within the European Council on 10 and 11 December 1994 at Essen and on 26 and 27 June 1995 at Cannes emphasized that equal opportunities for men and women, and the fight against unemployment, are the priority tasks of the European Union and its Member States; 5. Whereas, in their resolution of 6 December 1994 on equal participation by women in an employment-intensive economic growth strategy within the European Union (1) (1) OJ No C 368, 23. 12. 1994, p. 3.
Article 2 
Principle of integrating the equal opportunities for men and women dimension in all policies and activities (mainstreaming) The programme is intended to promote the integration of equal opportunities for men and women in the process of preparing, implementing and monitoring all policies and activities of the European Union and the Member States, having regard to their respective powers. Article 3 1. The programme shall support Member States' efforts in the area of equal opportunities for men and women. 2. The programme has the following aims: (a) to promote integration of the equal opportunities for men and women dimension in all policies and activities; (b) to mobilize all the actors in economic and social life to achieve equal opportunities for men and women; (c) to promote equal opportunities for men and women in a changing economy, especially in the fields of education, vocational training and the labour market; (d) to reconcile working and family life for men and women; (e) to promote a gender balance in decision-making; (f) to make conditions more conducive to exercising equality rights. Article 4 Community actions 1. With a view to achieving the aims set out in Article 3, the following actions shall be implemented, enhanced and/or supported under the programme using existing structures, improving their operation and/or rationalizing them where necessary: (a) in order to allow the exchange of information and experience on good practice, methodological and/or technical and/or financial support for projects to identify and develop good practice and transfer information and experience thereon; (b) observing and monitoring relevant policies and conducting studies in this field; (c) rapid dissemination of the results of the initiatives embarked upon and any other relevant information. 2. The provisions regarding the criteria for applying this Article are set out in the Annex. Article 5 Consistency and complementarity The Commission and the Member States shall ensure consistency and complementary between the initiatives undertaken under the programme and under the Structural Funds and other Community policies or activities, including those relating to education and vocational training, and those pursued by the Member States. Article 6 Participation of other countries 1. The programme activities which may be opened up to the participation of the countries of the European Economic Area, the associated countries of central and eastern Europe (ACCEE), Cyprus and Malta and the European Union's partner countries in the Mediterranean shall be defined in the context of the European Union's relations with those countries. 2. The cost of the participation referred to in paragraph 1 shall be covered either by the countries concerned out of their own budgets or by Community budget headings relating to the implementation of the cooperation, association or partnership agreements with these countries in the area concerned. Article 7 Implementation The Commission shall, in consultation with the Member States, implement the programme in accordance with this Decision. Article 8 Determination of financial assistance 1. For the actions referred to in Article 4 (1) (a), the Community's financial contribution may amount to: - as a general rule, a maximum of 60 %; - in exceptional cases, in accordance with criteria established following the procedure laid down in Article 9, a higher maximum rate. 2. The actions referred to in Article 4 (1) (b) and (c) shall be financed entirely by the Community. Article 9 Committee 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by a representative of Commission. 2. The following shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in paragraph 3: - the general guidelines for the support to be supplied by the Community; - the annual work programme and matters relating to the internal breakdown of the programme; - procedures for the selection of the actions supported by the Community, the criteria for the follow-up and evaluation of these actions and of the programme as a whole, and the arrangements for the dissemination and transfer of results. 3. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote. The Commission shall adopt measures which apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event, the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided for a period of two months from the date of such communication. The Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit referred to in the previous subparagraph. Article 10 Financing 1. The financial reference amount for the implementation of the programme for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000 shall be ECU 30 million. 2. The annual appropriations shall be authorized by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective. Article 11 Monitoring and evaluation 1. The actions supported by the programme shall be continuously monitored with a view to ensuring their effectiveness in accordance with the criteria established following the procedure referred to in Article 9. 2. The programme shall be subject to regular objective external evaluations in accordance with criteria laid down following the procedure referred to in Article 9. Article 12 Reports 1. The Commission shall submit an interim report on the implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions by 31 December 1998 at the latest. 2. The Commission shall submit a final report on the implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions by 31 December 2001 at the latest. Article 13 This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 22 December 1995. For the Council The President L. ATIENZA SERNA (1) OJ No C 306, 17. 11. 1995, p. 2. (2) OJ No C 323, 4. 12. 1995. (3) Opinion delivered on 22 November 1995 (not yet published in the Official Journal). (4) Council Directive 75/117/EEC of 10 February 1975 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the application of the principle of equal pay for men and women (OJ No L 45, 19. 2. 1975, p. 19). Council Directive 76/207/EEC of 9 February 1976 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women as regards access to employment, vocational training and promotion, and working conditions (OJ No L 39, 14. 2. 1976, p. 40). Council Directive 79/7/EEC of 19 December 1978 on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security (OJ No L 6, 10. 1. 1979, p. 24). Council Directive 86/378/EEC of 24 July 1986 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in occupational social security schemes (OJ No L 225, 12. 8. 1986, p. 40). Council Directive 86/313/EEC of 11 December 1986 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity, including agriculture, in a self-employed capacity, and on the protection of self-employed women during pregnancy and motherhood (OJ No L 359, 19. 12. 1986, p. 56). Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19 October 1992 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding (OJ No L 348, 28. 11. 1992, p. 1). Council recommendation 84/635/EEC of 13 December 1984 on the promotion of positive action for women (OJ No L 331, 19. 12. 1984, p. 34). Council recommendation 92/241/EEC of 31 March 1992 on child care (OJ No L 123, 8. 5. 1992, p. 16). Council resolution of 12 July 1982 on the promotion of equal opportunities for women (OJ No C 186, 21. 7. 1982, p. 3). Council resolution of 7 June 1984 on the action to combat unemployment amongst women (OJ No C 161, 21. 6. 1984, p. 4). Resolution of the Council and the Ministers for Education meeting within the Council of 3 June 1985 containing an action programme on equal opportunities for girls and boys in education (OJ No C 166, 5. 7. 1985, p. 1). 4. Whereas the Heads of State and of Government meeting within the European Council on 10 and 11 December 1994 at Essen and on 26 and 27 June 1995 at Cannes emphasized that equal opportunities for men and women, and the fight against unemployment, are the priority tasks of the European Union and its Member States; 5. Whereas, in their resolution of 6 December 1994 on equal participation by women in an employment-intensive economic growth strategy within the European Union (1) (1) OJ No C 368, 23. 12. 1994, p. 3.
Article 3 
1. The programme shall support Member States' efforts in the area of equal opportunities for men and women. 2. The programme has the following aims: (a) to promote integration of the equal opportunities for men and women dimension in all policies and activities; (b) to mobilize all the actors in economic and social life to achieve equal opportunities for men and women; (c) to promote equal opportunities for men and women in a changing economy, especially in the fields of education, vocational training and the labour market; (d) to reconcile working and family life for men and women; (e) to promote a gender balance in decision-making; (f) to make conditions more conducive to exercising equality rights. Article 4 Community actions 1. With a view to achieving the aims set out in Article 3, the following actions shall be implemented, enhanced and/or supported under the programme using existing structures, improving their operation and/or rationalizing them where necessary: (a) in order to allow the exchange of information and experience on good practice, methodological and/or technical and/or financial support for projects to identify and develop good practice and transfer information and experience thereon; (b) observing and monitoring relevant policies and conducting studies in this field; (c) rapid dissemination of the results of the initiatives embarked upon and any other relevant information. 2. The provisions regarding the criteria for applying this Article are set out in the Annex. Article 5 Consistency and complementarity The Commission and the Member States shall ensure consistency and complementary between the initiatives undertaken under the programme and under the Structural Funds and other Community policies or activities, including those relating to education and vocational training, and those pursued by the Member States. Article 6 Participation of other countries 1. The programme activities which may be opened up to the participation of the countries of the European Economic Area, the associated countries of central and eastern Europe (ACCEE), Cyprus and Malta and the European Union's partner countries in the Mediterranean shall be defined in the context of the European Union's relations with those countries. 2. The cost of the participation referred to in paragraph 1 shall be covered either by the countries concerned out of their own budgets or by Community budget headings relating to the implementation of the cooperation, association or partnership agreements with these countries in the area concerned. Article 7 Implementation The Commission shall, in consultation with the Member States, implement the programme in accordance with this Decision. Article 8 Determination of financial assistance 1. For the actions referred to in Article 4 (1) (a), the Community's financial contribution may amount to: - as a general rule, a maximum of 60 %; - in exceptional cases, in accordance with criteria established following the procedure laid down in Article 9, a higher maximum rate. 2. The actions referred to in Article 4 (1) (b) and (c) shall be financed entirely by the Community. Article 9 Committee 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by a representative of Commission. 2. The following shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in paragraph 3: - the general guidelines for the support to be supplied by the Community; - the annual work programme and matters relating to the internal breakdown of the programme; - procedures for the selection of the actions supported by the Community, the criteria for the follow-up and evaluation of these actions and of the programme as a whole, and the arrangements for the dissemination and transfer of results. 3. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote. The Commission shall adopt measures which apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event, the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided for a period of two months from the date of such communication. The Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit referred to in the previous subparagraph. Article 10 Financing 1. The financial reference amount for the implementation of the programme for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000 shall be ECU 30 million. 2. The annual appropriations shall be authorized by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective. Article 11 Monitoring and evaluation 1. The actions supported by the programme shall be continuously monitored with a view to ensuring their effectiveness in accordance with the criteria established following the procedure referred to in Article 9. 2. The programme shall be subject to regular objective external evaluations in accordance with criteria laid down following the procedure referred to in Article 9. Article 12 Reports 1. The Commission shall submit an interim report on the implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions by 31 December 1998 at the latest. 2. The Commission shall submit a final report on the implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions by 31 December 2001 at the latest. Article 13 This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 22 December 1995. For the Council The President L. ATIENZA SERNA (1) OJ No C 306, 17. 11. 1995, p. 2. (2) OJ No C 323, 4. 12. 1995. (3) Opinion delivered on 22 November 1995 (not yet published in the Official Journal). (4) Council Directive 75/117/EEC of 10 February 1975 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the application of the principle of equal pay for men and women (OJ No L 45, 19. 2. 1975, p. 19). Council Directive 76/207/EEC of 9 February 1976 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women as regards access to employment, vocational training and promotion, and working conditions (OJ No L 39, 14. 2. 1976, p. 40). Council Directive 79/7/EEC of 19 December 1978 on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security (OJ No L 6, 10. 1. 1979, p. 24). Council Directive 86/378/EEC of 24 July 1986 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in occupational social security schemes (OJ No L 225, 12. 8. 1986, p. 40). Council Directive 86/313/EEC of 11 December 1986 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity, including agriculture, in a self-employed capacity, and on the protection of self-employed women during pregnancy and motherhood (OJ No L 359, 19. 12. 1986, p. 56). Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19 October 1992 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding (OJ No L 348, 28. 11. 1992, p. 1). Council recommendation 84/635/EEC of 13 December 1984 on the promotion of positive action for women (OJ No L 331, 19. 12. 1984, p. 34). Council recommendation 92/241/EEC of 31 March 1992 on child care (OJ No L 123, 8. 5. 1992, p. 16). Council resolution of 12 July 1982 on the promotion of equal opportunities for women (OJ No C 186, 21. 7. 1982, p. 3). Council resolution of 7 June 1984 on the action to combat unemployment amongst women (OJ No C 161, 21. 6. 1984, p. 4). Resolution of the Council and the Ministers for Education meeting within the Council of 3 June 1985 containing an action programme on equal opportunities for girls and boys in education (OJ No C 166, 5. 7. 1985, p. 1). 4. Whereas the Heads of State and of Government meeting within the European Council on 10 and 11 December 1994 at Essen and on 26 and 27 June 1995 at Cannes emphasized that equal opportunities for men and women, and the fight against unemployment, are the priority tasks of the European Union and its Member States; 5. Whereas, in their resolution of 6 December 1994 on equal participation by women in an employment-intensive economic growth strategy within the European Union (1) (1) OJ No C 368, 23. 12. 1994, p. 3.
Article 4 
Community actions 1. With a view to achieving the aims set out in Article 3, the following actions shall be implemented, enhanced and/or supported under the programme using existing structures, improving their operation and/or rationalizing them where necessary: (a) in order to allow the exchange of information and experience on good practice, methodological and/or technical and/or financial support for projects to identify and develop good practice and transfer information and experience thereon; (b) observing and monitoring relevant policies and conducting studies in this field; (c) rapid dissemination of the results of the initiatives embarked upon and any other relevant information. 2. The provisions regarding the criteria for applying this Article are set out in the Annex. Article 5 Consistency and complementarity The Commission and the Member States shall ensure consistency and complementary between the initiatives undertaken under the programme and under the Structural Funds and other Community policies or activities, including those relating to education and vocational training, and those pursued by the Member States. Article 6 Participation of other countries 1. The programme activities which may be opened up to the participation of the countries of the European Economic Area, the associated countries of central and eastern Europe (ACCEE), Cyprus and Malta and the European Union's partner countries in the Mediterranean shall be defined in the context of the European Union's relations with those countries. 2. The cost of the participation referred to in paragraph 1 shall be covered either by the countries concerned out of their own budgets or by Community budget headings relating to the implementation of the cooperation, association or partnership agreements with these countries in the area concerned. Article 7 Implementation The Commission shall, in consultation with the Member States, implement the programme in accordance with this Decision. Article 8 Determination of financial assistance 1. For the actions referred to in Article 4 (1) (a), the Community's financial contribution may amount to: - as a general rule, a maximum of 60 %; - in exceptional cases, in accordance with criteria established following the procedure laid down in Article 9, a higher maximum rate. 2. The actions referred to in Article 4 (1) (b) and (c) shall be financed entirely by the Community. Article 9 Committee 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by a representative of Commission. 2. The following shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in paragraph 3: - the general guidelines for the support to be supplied by the Community; - the annual work programme and matters relating to the internal breakdown of the programme; - procedures for the selection of the actions supported by the Community, the criteria for the follow-up and evaluation of these actions and of the programme as a whole, and the arrangements for the dissemination and transfer of results. 3. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote. The Commission shall adopt measures which apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event, the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided for a period of two months from the date of such communication. The Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit referred to in the previous subparagraph. Article 10 Financing 1. The financial reference amount for the implementation of the programme for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000 shall be ECU 30 million. 2. The annual appropriations shall be authorized by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective. Article 11 Monitoring and evaluation 1. The actions supported by the programme shall be continuously monitored with a view to ensuring their effectiveness in accordance with the criteria established following the procedure referred to in Article 9. 2. The programme shall be subject to regular objective external evaluations in accordance with criteria laid down following the procedure referred to in Article 9. Article 12 Reports 1. The Commission shall submit an interim report on the implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions by 31 December 1998 at the latest. 2. The Commission shall submit a final report on the implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions by 31 December 2001 at the latest. Article 13 This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 22 December 1995. For the Council The President L. ATIENZA SERNA (1) OJ No C 306, 17. 11. 1995, p. 2. (2) OJ No C 323, 4. 12. 1995. (3) Opinion delivered on 22 November 1995 (not yet published in the Official Journal). (4) Council Directive 75/117/EEC of 10 February 1975 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the application of the principle of equal pay for men and women (OJ No L 45, 19. 2. 1975, p. 19). Council Directive 76/207/EEC of 9 February 1976 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women as regards access to employment, vocational training and promotion, and working conditions (OJ No L 39, 14. 2. 1976, p. 40). Council Directive 79/7/EEC of 19 December 1978 on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security (OJ No L 6, 10. 1. 1979, p. 24). Council Directive 86/378/EEC of 24 July 1986 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in occupational social security schemes (OJ No L 225, 12. 8. 1986, p. 40). Council Directive 86/313/EEC of 11 December 1986 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity, including agriculture, in a self-employed capacity, and on the protection of self-employed women during pregnancy and motherhood (OJ No L 359, 19. 12. 1986, p. 56). Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19 October 1992 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding (OJ No L 348, 28. 11. 1992, p. 1). Council recommendation 84/635/EEC of 13 December 1984 on the promotion of positive action for women (OJ No L 331, 19. 12. 1984, p. 34). Council recommendation 92/241/EEC of 31 March 1992 on child care (OJ No L 123, 8. 5. 1992, p. 16). Council resolution of 12 July 1982 on the promotion of equal opportunities for women (OJ No C 186, 21. 7. 1982, p. 3). Council resolution of 7 June 1984 on the action to combat unemployment amongst women (OJ No C 161, 21. 6. 1984, p. 4). Resolution of the Council and the Ministers for Education meeting within the Council of 3 June 1985 containing an action programme on equal opportunities for girls and boys in education (OJ No C 166, 5. 7. 1985, p. 1). 4. Whereas the Heads of State and of Government meeting within the European Council on 10 and 11 December 1994 at Essen and on 26 and 27 June 1995 at Cannes emphasized that equal opportunities for men and women, and the fight against unemployment, are the priority tasks of the European Union and its Member States; 5. Whereas, in their resolution of 6 December 1994 on equal participation by women in an employment-intensive economic growth strategy within the European Union (1) (1) OJ No C 368, 23. 12. 1994, p. 3.
Article 5 
Consistency and complementarity The Commission and the Member States shall ensure consistency and complementary between the initiatives undertaken under the programme and under the Structural Funds and other Community policies or activities, including those relating to education and vocational training, and those pursued by the Member States. Article 6 Participation of other countries 1. The programme activities which may be opened up to the participation of the countries of the European Economic Area, the associated countries of central and eastern Europe (ACCEE), Cyprus and Malta and the European Union's partner countries in the Mediterranean shall be defined in the context of the European Union's relations with those countries. 2. The cost of the participation referred to in paragraph 1 shall be covered either by the countries concerned out of their own budgets or by Community budget headings relating to the implementation of the cooperation, association or partnership agreements with these countries in the area concerned. Article 7 Implementation The Commission shall, in consultation with the Member States, implement the programme in accordance with this Decision. Article 8 Determination of financial assistance 1. For the actions referred to in Article 4 (1) (a), the Community's financial contribution may amount to: - as a general rule, a maximum of 60 %; - in exceptional cases, in accordance with criteria established following the procedure laid down in Article 9, a higher maximum rate. 2. The actions referred to in Article 4 (1) (b) and (c) shall be financed entirely by the Community. Article 9 Committee 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by a representative of Commission. 2. The following shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in paragraph 3: - the general guidelines for the support to be supplied by the Community; - the annual work programme and matters relating to the internal breakdown of the programme; - procedures for the selection of the actions supported by the Community, the criteria for the follow-up and evaluation of these actions and of the programme as a whole, and the arrangements for the dissemination and transfer of results. 3. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote. The Commission shall adopt measures which apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event, the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided for a period of two months from the date of such communication. The Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit referred to in the previous subparagraph. Article 10 Financing 1. The financial reference amount for the implementation of the programme for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000 shall be ECU 30 million. 2. The annual appropriations shall be authorized by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective. Article 11 Monitoring and evaluation 1. The actions supported by the programme shall be continuously monitored with a view to ensuring their effectiveness in accordance with the criteria established following the procedure referred to in Article 9. 2. The programme shall be subject to regular objective external evaluations in accordance with criteria laid down following the procedure referred to in Article 9. Article 12 Reports 1. The Commission shall submit an interim report on the implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions by 31 December 1998 at the latest. 2. The Commission shall submit a final report on the implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions by 31 December 2001 at the latest. Article 13 This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 22 December 1995. For the Council The President L. ATIENZA SERNA (1) OJ No C 306, 17. 11. 1995, p. 2. (2) OJ No C 323, 4. 12. 1995. (3) Opinion delivered on 22 November 1995 (not yet published in the Official Journal). (4) Council Directive 75/117/EEC of 10 February 1975 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the application of the principle of equal pay for men and women (OJ No L 45, 19. 2. 1975, p. 19). Council Directive 76/207/EEC of 9 February 1976 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women as regards access to employment, vocational training and promotion, and working conditions (OJ No L 39, 14. 2. 1976, p. 40). Council Directive 79/7/EEC of 19 December 1978 on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security (OJ No L 6, 10. 1. 1979, p. 24). Council Directive 86/378/EEC of 24 July 1986 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in occupational social security schemes (OJ No L 225, 12. 8. 1986, p. 40). Council Directive 86/313/EEC of 11 December 1986 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity, including agriculture, in a self-employed capacity, and on the protection of self-employed women during pregnancy and motherhood (OJ No L 359, 19. 12. 1986, p. 56). Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19 October 1992 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding (OJ No L 348, 28. 11. 1992, p. 1). Council recommendation 84/635/EEC of 13 December 1984 on the promotion of positive action for women (OJ No L 331, 19. 12. 1984, p. 34). Council recommendation 92/241/EEC of 31 March 1992 on child care (OJ No L 123, 8. 5. 1992, p. 16). Council resolution of 12 July 1982 on the promotion of equal opportunities for women (OJ No C 186, 21. 7. 1982, p. 3). Council resolution of 7 June 1984 on the action to combat unemployment amongst women (OJ No C 161, 21. 6. 1984, p. 4). Resolution of the Council and the Ministers for Education meeting within the Council of 3 June 1985 containing an action programme on equal opportunities for girls and boys in education (OJ No C 166, 5. 7. 1985, p. 1). 4. Whereas the Heads of State and of Government meeting within the European Council on 10 and 11 December 1994 at Essen and on 26 and 27 June 1995 at Cannes emphasized that equal opportunities for men and women, and the fight against unemployment, are the priority tasks of the European Union and its Member States; 5. Whereas, in their resolution of 6 December 1994 on equal participation by women in an employment-intensive economic growth strategy within the European Union (1) (1) OJ No C 368, 23. 12. 1994, p. 3.
Article 6 
Participation of other countries 1. The programme activities which may be opened up to the participation of the countries of the European Economic Area, the associated countries of central and eastern Europe (ACCEE), Cyprus and Malta and the European Union's partner countries in the Mediterranean shall be defined in the context of the European Union's relations with those countries. 2. The cost of the participation referred to in paragraph 1 shall be covered either by the countries concerned out of their own budgets or by Community budget headings relating to the implementation of the cooperation, association or partnership agreements with these countries in the area concerned. Article 7 Implementation The Commission shall, in consultation with the Member States, implement the programme in accordance with this Decision. Article 8 Determination of financial assistance 1. For the actions referred to in Article 4 (1) (a), the Community's financial contribution may amount to: - as a general rule, a maximum of 60 %; - in exceptional cases, in accordance with criteria established following the procedure laid down in Article 9, a higher maximum rate. 2. The actions referred to in Article 4 (1) (b) and (c) shall be financed entirely by the Community. Article 9 Committee 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by a representative of Commission. 2. The following shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in paragraph 3: - the general guidelines for the support to be supplied by the Community; - the annual work programme and matters relating to the internal breakdown of the programme; - procedures for the selection of the actions supported by the Community, the criteria for the follow-up and evaluation of these actions and of the programme as a whole, and the arrangements for the dissemination and transfer of results. 3. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote. The Commission shall adopt measures which apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event, the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided for a period of two months from the date of such communication. The Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit referred to in the previous subparagraph. Article 10 Financing 1. The financial reference amount for the implementation of the programme for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000 shall be ECU 30 million. 2. The annual appropriations shall be authorized by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective. Article 11 Monitoring and evaluation 1. The actions supported by the programme shall be continuously monitored with a view to ensuring their effectiveness in accordance with the criteria established following the procedure referred to in Article 9. 2. The programme shall be subject to regular objective external evaluations in accordance with criteria laid down following the procedure referred to in Article 9. Article 12 Reports 1. The Commission shall submit an interim report on the implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions by 31 December 1998 at the latest. 2. The Commission shall submit a final report on the implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions by 31 December 2001 at the latest. Article 13 This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 22 December 1995. For the Council The President L. ATIENZA SERNA (1) OJ No C 306, 17. 11. 1995, p. 2. (2) OJ No C 323, 4. 12. 1995. (3) Opinion delivered on 22 November 1995 (not yet published in the Official Journal). (4) Council Directive 75/117/EEC of 10 February 1975 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the application of the principle of equal pay for men and women (OJ No L 45, 19. 2. 1975, p. 19). Council Directive 76/207/EEC of 9 February 1976 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women as regards access to employment, vocational training and promotion, and working conditions (OJ No L 39, 14. 2. 1976, p. 40). Council Directive 79/7/EEC of 19 December 1978 on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security (OJ No L 6, 10. 1. 1979, p. 24). Council Directive 86/378/EEC of 24 July 1986 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in occupational social security schemes (OJ No L 225, 12. 8. 1986, p. 40). Council Directive 86/313/EEC of 11 December 1986 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity, including agriculture, in a self-employed capacity, and on the protection of self-employed women during pregnancy and motherhood (OJ No L 359, 19. 12. 1986, p. 56). Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19 October 1992 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding (OJ No L 348, 28. 11. 1992, p. 1). Council recommendation 84/635/EEC of 13 December 1984 on the promotion of positive action for women (OJ No L 331, 19. 12. 1984, p. 34). Council recommendation 92/241/EEC of 31 March 1992 on child care (OJ No L 123, 8. 5. 1992, p. 16). Council resolution of 12 July 1982 on the promotion of equal opportunities for women (OJ No C 186, 21. 7. 1982, p. 3). Council resolution of 7 June 1984 on the action to combat unemployment amongst women (OJ No C 161, 21. 6. 1984, p. 4). Resolution of the Council and the Ministers for Education meeting within the Council of 3 June 1985 containing an action programme on equal opportunities for girls and boys in education (OJ No C 166, 5. 7. 1985, p. 1). 4. Whereas the Heads of State and of Government meeting within the European Council on 10 and 11 December 1994 at Essen and on 26 and 27 June 1995 at Cannes emphasized that equal opportunities for men and women, and the fight against unemployment, are the priority tasks of the European Union and its Member States; 5. Whereas, in their resolution of 6 December 1994 on equal participation by women in an employment-intensive economic growth strategy within the European Union (1) (1) OJ No C 368, 23. 12. 1994, p. 3.
Article 7 
Implementation The Commission shall, in consultation with the Member States, implement the programme in accordance with this Decision. Article 8 Determination of financial assistance 1. For the actions referred to in Article 4 (1) (a), the Community's financial contribution may amount to: - as a general rule, a maximum of 60 %; - in exceptional cases, in accordance with criteria established following the procedure laid down in Article 9, a higher maximum rate. 2. The actions referred to in Article 4 (1) (b) and (c) shall be financed entirely by the Community. Article 9 Committee 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by a representative of Commission. 2. The following shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in paragraph 3: - the general guidelines for the support to be supplied by the Community; - the annual work programme and matters relating to the internal breakdown of the programme; - procedures for the selection of the actions supported by the Community, the criteria for the follow-up and evaluation of these actions and of the programme as a whole, and the arrangements for the dissemination and transfer of results. 3. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote. The Commission shall adopt measures which apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event, the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided for a period of two months from the date of such communication. The Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit referred to in the previous subparagraph. Article 10 Financing 1. The financial reference amount for the implementation of the programme for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000 shall be ECU 30 million. 2. The annual appropriations shall be authorized by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective. Article 11 Monitoring and evaluation 1. The actions supported by the programme shall be continuously monitored with a view to ensuring their effectiveness in accordance with the criteria established following the procedure referred to in Article 9. 2. The programme shall be subject to regular objective external evaluations in accordance with criteria laid down following the procedure referred to in Article 9. Article 12 Reports 1. The Commission shall submit an interim report on the implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions by 31 December 1998 at the latest. 2. The Commission shall submit a final report on the implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions by 31 December 2001 at the latest. Article 13 This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 22 December 1995. For the Council The President L. ATIENZA SERNA (1) OJ No C 306, 17. 11. 1995, p. 2. (2) OJ No C 323, 4. 12. 1995. (3) Opinion delivered on 22 November 1995 (not yet published in the Official Journal). (4) Council Directive 75/117/EEC of 10 February 1975 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the application of the principle of equal pay for men and women (OJ No L 45, 19. 2. 1975, p. 19). Council Directive 76/207/EEC of 9 February 1976 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women as regards access to employment, vocational training and promotion, and working conditions (OJ No L 39, 14. 2. 1976, p. 40). Council Directive 79/7/EEC of 19 December 1978 on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security (OJ No L 6, 10. 1. 1979, p. 24). Council Directive 86/378/EEC of 24 July 1986 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in occupational social security schemes (OJ No L 225, 12. 8. 1986, p. 40). Council Directive 86/313/EEC of 11 December 1986 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity, including agriculture, in a self-employed capacity, and on the protection of self-employed women during pregnancy and motherhood (OJ No L 359, 19. 12. 1986, p. 56). Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19 October 1992 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding (OJ No L 348, 28. 11. 1992, p. 1). Council recommendation 84/635/EEC of 13 December 1984 on the promotion of positive action for women (OJ No L 331, 19. 12. 1984, p. 34). Council recommendation 92/241/EEC of 31 March 1992 on child care (OJ No L 123, 8. 5. 1992, p. 16). Council resolution of 12 July 1982 on the promotion of equal opportunities for women (OJ No C 186, 21. 7. 1982, p. 3). Council resolution of 7 June 1984 on the action to combat unemployment amongst women (OJ No C 161, 21. 6. 1984, p. 4). Resolution of the Council and the Ministers for Education meeting within the Council of 3 June 1985 containing an action programme on equal opportunities for girls and boys in education (OJ No C 166, 5. 7. 1985, p. 1). 4. Whereas the Heads of State and of Government meeting within the European Council on 10 and 11 December 1994 at Essen and on 26 and 27 June 1995 at Cannes emphasized that equal opportunities for men and women, and the fight against unemployment, are the priority tasks of the European Union and its Member States; 5. Whereas, in their resolution of 6 December 1994 on equal participation by women in an employment-intensive economic growth strategy within the European Union (1) (1) OJ No C 368, 23. 12. 1994, p. 3.
Article 8 
Determination of financial assistance 1. For the actions referred to in Article 4 (1) (a), the Community's financial contribution may amount to: - as a general rule, a maximum of 60 %; - in exceptional cases, in accordance with criteria established following the procedure laid down in Article 9, a higher maximum rate. 2. The actions referred to in Article 4 (1) (b) and (c) shall be financed entirely by the Community. Article 9 Committee 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by a representative of Commission. 2. The following shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in paragraph 3: - the general guidelines for the support to be supplied by the Community; - the annual work programme and matters relating to the internal breakdown of the programme; - procedures for the selection of the actions supported by the Community, the criteria for the follow-up and evaluation of these actions and of the programme as a whole, and the arrangements for the dissemination and transfer of results. 3. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote. The Commission shall adopt measures which apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event, the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided for a period of two months from the date of such communication. The Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit referred to in the previous subparagraph. Article 10 Financing 1. The financial reference amount for the implementation of the programme for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000 shall be ECU 30 million. 2. The annual appropriations shall be authorized by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective. Article 11 Monitoring and evaluation 1. The actions supported by the programme shall be continuously monitored with a view to ensuring their effectiveness in accordance with the criteria established following the procedure referred to in Article 9. 2. The programme shall be subject to regular objective external evaluations in accordance with criteria laid down following the procedure referred to in Article 9. Article 12 Reports 1. The Commission shall submit an interim report on the implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions by 31 December 1998 at the latest. 2. The Commission shall submit a final report on the implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions by 31 December 2001 at the latest. Article 13 This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 22 December 1995. For the Council The President L. ATIENZA SERNA (1) OJ No C 306, 17. 11. 1995, p. 2. (2) OJ No C 323, 4. 12. 1995. (3) Opinion delivered on 22 November 1995 (not yet published in the Official Journal). (4) Council Directive 75/117/EEC of 10 February 1975 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the application of the principle of equal pay for men and women (OJ No L 45, 19. 2. 1975, p. 19). Council Directive 76/207/EEC of 9 February 1976 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women as regards access to employment, vocational training and promotion, and working conditions (OJ No L 39, 14. 2. 1976, p. 40). Council Directive 79/7/EEC of 19 December 1978 on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security (OJ No L 6, 10. 1. 1979, p. 24). Council Directive 86/378/EEC of 24 July 1986 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in occupational social security schemes (OJ No L 225, 12. 8. 1986, p. 40). Council Directive 86/313/EEC of 11 December 1986 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity, including agriculture, in a self-employed capacity, and on the protection of self-employed women during pregnancy and motherhood (OJ No L 359, 19. 12. 1986, p. 56). Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19 October 1992 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding (OJ No L 348, 28. 11. 1992, p. 1). Council recommendation 84/635/EEC of 13 December 1984 on the promotion of positive action for women (OJ No L 331, 19. 12. 1984, p. 34). Council recommendation 92/241/EEC of 31 March 1992 on child care (OJ No L 123, 8. 5. 1992, p. 16). Council resolution of 12 July 1982 on the promotion of equal opportunities for women (OJ No C 186, 21. 7. 1982, p. 3). Council resolution of 7 June 1984 on the action to combat unemployment amongst women (OJ No C 161, 21. 6. 1984, p. 4). Resolution of the Council and the Ministers for Education meeting within the Council of 3 June 1985 containing an action programme on equal opportunities for girls and boys in education (OJ No C 166, 5. 7. 1985, p. 1). 4. Whereas the Heads of State and of Government meeting within the European Council on 10 and 11 December 1994 at Essen and on 26 and 27 June 1995 at Cannes emphasized that equal opportunities for men and women, and the fight against unemployment, are the priority tasks of the European Union and its Member States; 5. Whereas, in their resolution of 6 December 1994 on equal participation by women in an employment-intensive economic growth strategy within the European Union (1) (1) OJ No C 368, 23. 12. 1994, p. 3.
Article 9 
Committee 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by a representative of Commission. 2. The following shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in paragraph 3: - the general guidelines for the support to be supplied by the Community; - the annual work programme and matters relating to the internal breakdown of the programme; - procedures for the selection of the actions supported by the Community, the criteria for the follow-up and evaluation of these actions and of the programme as a whole, and the arrangements for the dissemination and transfer of results. 3. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote. The Commission shall adopt measures which apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event, the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided for a period of two months from the date of such communication. The Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit referred to in the previous subparagraph. Article 10 Financing 1. The financial reference amount for the implementation of the programme for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000 shall be ECU 30 million. 2. The annual appropriations shall be authorized by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective. Article 11 Monitoring and evaluation 1. The actions supported by the programme shall be continuously monitored with a view to ensuring their effectiveness in accordance with the criteria established following the procedure referred to in Article 9. 2. The programme shall be subject to regular objective external evaluations in accordance with criteria laid down following the procedure referred to in Article 9. Article 12 Reports 1. The Commission shall submit an interim report on the implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions by 31 December 1998 at the latest. 2. The Commission shall submit a final report on the implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions by 31 December 2001 at the latest. Article 13 This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 22 December 1995. For the Council The President L. ATIENZA SERNA (1) OJ No C 306, 17. 11. 1995, p. 2. (2) OJ No C 323, 4. 12. 1995. (3) Opinion delivered on 22 November 1995 (not yet published in the Official Journal). (4) Council Directive 75/117/EEC of 10 February 1975 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the application of the principle of equal pay for men and women (OJ No L 45, 19. 2. 1975, p. 19). Council Directive 76/207/EEC of 9 February 1976 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women as regards access to employment, vocational training and promotion, and working conditions (OJ No L 39, 14. 2. 1976, p. 40). Council Directive 79/7/EEC of 19 December 1978 on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security (OJ No L 6, 10. 1. 1979, p. 24). Council Directive 86/378/EEC of 24 July 1986 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in occupational social security schemes (OJ No L 225, 12. 8. 1986, p. 40). Council Directive 86/313/EEC of 11 December 1986 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity, including agriculture, in a self-employed capacity, and on the protection of self-employed women during pregnancy and motherhood (OJ No L 359, 19. 12. 1986, p. 56). Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19 October 1992 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding (OJ No L 348, 28. 11. 1992, p. 1). Council recommendation 84/635/EEC of 13 December 1984 on the promotion of positive action for women (OJ No L 331, 19. 12. 1984, p. 34). Council recommendation 92/241/EEC of 31 March 1992 on child care (OJ No L 123, 8. 5. 1992, p. 16). Council resolution of 12 July 1982 on the promotion of equal opportunities for women (OJ No C 186, 21. 7. 1982, p. 3). Council resolution of 7 June 1984 on the action to combat unemployment amongst women (OJ No C 161, 21. 6. 1984, p. 4). Resolution of the Council and the Ministers for Education meeting within the Council of 3 June 1985 containing an action programme on equal opportunities for girls and boys in education (OJ No C 166, 5. 7. 1985, p. 1). 4. Whereas the Heads of State and of Government meeting within the European Council on 10 and 11 December 1994 at Essen and on 26 and 27 June 1995 at Cannes emphasized that equal opportunities for men and women, and the fight against unemployment, are the priority tasks of the European Union and its Member States; 5. Whereas, in their resolution of 6 December 1994 on equal participation by women in an employment-intensive economic growth strategy within the European Union (1) (1) OJ No C 368, 23. 12. 1994, p. 3.
Article 10 
Financing 1. The financial reference amount for the implementation of the programme for the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000 shall be ECU 30 million. 2. The annual appropriations shall be authorized by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective. Article 11 Monitoring and evaluation 1. The actions supported by the programme shall be continuously monitored with a view to ensuring their effectiveness in accordance with the criteria established following the procedure referred to in Article 9. 2. The programme shall be subject to regular objective external evaluations in accordance with criteria laid down following the procedure referred to in Article 9. Article 12 Reports 1. The Commission shall submit an interim report on the implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions by 31 December 1998 at the latest. 2. The Commission shall submit a final report on the implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions by 31 December 2001 at the latest. Article 13 This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 22 December 1995. For the Council The President L. ATIENZA SERNA (1) OJ No C 306, 17. 11. 1995, p. 2. (2) OJ No C 323, 4. 12. 1995. (3) Opinion delivered on 22 November 1995 (not yet published in the Official Journal). (4) Council Directive 75/117/EEC of 10 February 1975 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the application of the principle of equal pay for men and women (OJ No L 45, 19. 2. 1975, p. 19). Council Directive 76/207/EEC of 9 February 1976 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women as regards access to employment, vocational training and promotion, and working conditions (OJ No L 39, 14. 2. 1976, p. 40). Council Directive 79/7/EEC of 19 December 1978 on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security (OJ No L 6, 10. 1. 1979, p. 24). Council Directive 86/378/EEC of 24 July 1986 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in occupational social security schemes (OJ No L 225, 12. 8. 1986, p. 40). Council Directive 86/313/EEC of 11 December 1986 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity, including agriculture, in a self-employed capacity, and on the protection of self-employed women during pregnancy and motherhood (OJ No L 359, 19. 12. 1986, p. 56). Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19 October 1992 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding (OJ No L 348, 28. 11. 1992, p. 1). Council recommendation 84/635/EEC of 13 December 1984 on the promotion of positive action for women (OJ No L 331, 19. 12. 1984, p. 34). Council recommendation 92/241/EEC of 31 March 1992 on child care (OJ No L 123, 8. 5. 1992, p. 16). Council resolution of 12 July 1982 on the promotion of equal opportunities for women (OJ No C 186, 21. 7. 1982, p. 3). Council resolution of 7 June 1984 on the action to combat unemployment amongst women (OJ No C 161, 21. 6. 1984, p. 4). Resolution of the Council and the Ministers for Education meeting within the Council of 3 June 1985 containing an action programme on equal opportunities for girls and boys in education (OJ No C 166, 5. 7. 1985, p. 1). 4. Whereas the Heads of State and of Government meeting within the European Council on 10 and 11 December 1994 at Essen and on 26 and 27 June 1995 at Cannes emphasized that equal opportunities for men and women, and the fight against unemployment, are the priority tasks of the European Union and its Member States; 5. Whereas, in their resolution of 6 December 1994 on equal participation by women in an employment-intensive economic growth strategy within the European Union (1) (1) OJ No C 368, 23. 12. 1994, p. 3.
Article 11 
Monitoring and evaluation 1. The actions supported by the programme shall be continuously monitored with a view to ensuring their effectiveness in accordance with the criteria established following the procedure referred to in Article 9. 2. The programme shall be subject to regular objective external evaluations in accordance with criteria laid down following the procedure referred to in Article 9. Article 12 Reports 1. The Commission shall submit an interim report on the implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions by 31 December 1998 at the latest. 2. The Commission shall submit a final report on the implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions by 31 December 2001 at the latest. Article 13 This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 22 December 1995. For the Council The President L. ATIENZA SERNA (1) OJ No C 306, 17. 11. 1995, p. 2. (2) OJ No C 323, 4. 12. 1995. (3) Opinion delivered on 22 November 1995 (not yet published in the Official Journal). (4) Council Directive 75/117/EEC of 10 February 1975 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the application of the principle of equal pay for men and women (OJ No L 45, 19. 2. 1975, p. 19). Council Directive 76/207/EEC of 9 February 1976 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women as regards access to employment, vocational training and promotion, and working conditions (OJ No L 39, 14. 2. 1976, p. 40). Council Directive 79/7/EEC of 19 December 1978 on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security (OJ No L 6, 10. 1. 1979, p. 24). Council Directive 86/378/EEC of 24 July 1986 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in occupational social security schemes (OJ No L 225, 12. 8. 1986, p. 40). Council Directive 86/313/EEC of 11 December 1986 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity, including agriculture, in a self-employed capacity, and on the protection of self-employed women during pregnancy and motherhood (OJ No L 359, 19. 12. 1986, p. 56). Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19 October 1992 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding (OJ No L 348, 28. 11. 1992, p. 1). Council recommendation 84/635/EEC of 13 December 1984 on the promotion of positive action for women (OJ No L 331, 19. 12. 1984, p. 34). Council recommendation 92/241/EEC of 31 March 1992 on child care (OJ No L 123, 8. 5. 1992, p. 16). Council resolution of 12 July 1982 on the promotion of equal opportunities for women (OJ No C 186, 21. 7. 1982, p. 3). Council resolution of 7 June 1984 on the action to combat unemployment amongst women (OJ No C 161, 21. 6. 1984, p. 4). Resolution of the Council and the Ministers for Education meeting within the Council of 3 June 1985 containing an action programme on equal opportunities for girls and boys in education (OJ No C 166, 5. 7. 1985, p. 1). 4. Whereas the Heads of State and of Government meeting within the European Council on 10 and 11 December 1994 at Essen and on 26 and 27 June 1995 at Cannes emphasized that equal opportunities for men and women, and the fight against unemployment, are the priority tasks of the European Union and its Member States; 5. Whereas, in their resolution of 6 December 1994 on equal participation by women in an employment-intensive economic growth strategy within the European Union (1) (1) OJ No C 368, 23. 12. 1994, p. 3.
Article 12 
Reports 1. The Commission shall submit an interim report on the implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions by 31 December 1998 at the latest. 2. The Commission shall submit a final report on the implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions by 31 December 2001 at the latest. Article 13 This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 22 December 1995. For the Council The President L. ATIENZA SERNA (1) OJ No C 306, 17. 11. 1995, p. 2. (2) OJ No C 323, 4. 12. 1995. (3) Opinion delivered on 22 November 1995 (not yet published in the Official Journal). (4) Council Directive 75/117/EEC of 10 February 1975 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the application of the principle of equal pay for men and women (OJ No L 45, 19. 2. 1975, p. 19). Council Directive 76/207/EEC of 9 February 1976 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women as regards access to employment, vocational training and promotion, and working conditions (OJ No L 39, 14. 2. 1976, p. 40). Council Directive 79/7/EEC of 19 December 1978 on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security (OJ No L 6, 10. 1. 1979, p. 24). Council Directive 86/378/EEC of 24 July 1986 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in occupational social security schemes (OJ No L 225, 12. 8. 1986, p. 40). Council Directive 86/313/EEC of 11 December 1986 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity, including agriculture, in a self-employed capacity, and on the protection of self-employed women during pregnancy and motherhood (OJ No L 359, 19. 12. 1986, p. 56). Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19 October 1992 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding (OJ No L 348, 28. 11. 1992, p. 1). Council recommendation 84/635/EEC of 13 December 1984 on the promotion of positive action for women (OJ No L 331, 19. 12. 1984, p. 34). Council recommendation 92/241/EEC of 31 March 1992 on child care (OJ No L 123, 8. 5. 1992, p. 16). Council resolution of 12 July 1982 on the promotion of equal opportunities for women (OJ No C 186, 21. 7. 1982, p. 3). Council resolution of 7 June 1984 on the action to combat unemployment amongst women (OJ No C 161, 21. 6. 1984, p. 4). Resolution of the Council and the Ministers for Education meeting within the Council of 3 June 1985 containing an action programme on equal opportunities for girls and boys in education (OJ No C 166, 5. 7. 1985, p. 1). 4. Whereas the Heads of State and of Government meeting within the European Council on 10 and 11 December 1994 at Essen and on 26 and 27 June 1995 at Cannes emphasized that equal opportunities for men and women, and the fight against unemployment, are the priority tasks of the European Union and its Member States; 5. Whereas, in their resolution of 6 December 1994 on equal participation by women in an employment-intensive economic growth strategy within the European Union (1) (1) OJ No C 368, 23. 12. 1994, p. 3.
Article 13 
This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 22 December 1995