Article 1 
Establishment of the programme 1. This Decision establishes the Community action programme 'European Voluntary Service for Young People`, hereinafter referred to as the 'programme`, concerning European voluntary service activities within the Community and in third countries for young people legally resident in a Member State. The programme is adopted for the period from 1 January 1998 to 31 December 1999. 2. This programme comes within the context of the general objectives of a cooperation policy in the youth field as set out in the programme 'Youth for Europe` (Article 1(2)). It is intended, while respecting equal opportunities for men and women, to encourage mobility and solidarity among young people as part of active citizenship, to promote, and give them the chance of acquiring, informal educational experience in a variety of sectors of activity, which may be one of the foundations of their future development, and to promote, through their participation in transnational activities of benefit to the community, an active contribution on their part to the ideals of democracy, tolerance and solidarity in the context of European integration and to cooperation between the European Community and third countries. Article 2 Framework, objectives and resources 1. This programme, based on intensified cooperation between the Member States, offers young people aged in principle between 18 and 25 an attested informal educational experience, at transnational level, involving both the acquisition of skills and abilities and the demonstration of responsible citizenship in order to help them to become actively integrated into society. Young people participating in the activities of this programme are hereinafter also referred to as 'young volunteers`. 2. In accordance with the general objectives set out in Article 1, the specific objectives of this programme shall be as follows: (a) to encourage a spirit of initiative, creativity and solidarity among young people so as to enable them to become actively integrated into society and to contribute to the attainment of the objectives of the programme; (b) to step up participation by young people legally resident in a Member State in long-term or short-term transnational activities of benefit to the community, within the Community or in third countries, in particular those with which the Community has concluded cooperation agreements. Those activities must not restrict or be a substitute for potential or existing paid employment; (c) to promote recognition of the value of informal educational experience acquired in a European context; (d) to facilitate access to the programme for all young people. 3. For this purpose, and in accordance with the general objectives set out in Article 1 and the specific objectives described in paragraph 2 of this Article, the main features of this programme, which are set out in detail in the Annex, shall be as follows: (a) to support long-term or short-term transnational activities of benefit to the community, within the Community and in third countries; (b) to support activities intended to foster partnerships based on European voluntary service and innovative network activities; (c) to support measures and projects intended to further the follow-up of young volunteers, to build on the experience acquired by the latter in the context of European voluntary service and thus to promote their active integration into society; (d) to develop and support appropriate preparation, particularly linguistic and intercultural, and the integration of young volunteers, 'mentors` and European project leaders so that young volunteers can benefit from high-quality projects connected with the objectives of the programme; (e) to support the quality of all the programme's activities and the development of their European dimension and to contribute to cooperation in the youth field by supporting, wherever possible, Member States' endeavours to improve services and measures related to European voluntary service, particularly through measures to provide young people with information on the objectives of the programme and through studies and continuing evaluation through which, where appropriate, the detailed implementing rules and the approaches of the programme may be brought into line with any needs which might emerge. Article 3 Financial provisions 1. The financial framework for the implementation of this programme for the period 1998-1999 is hereby set at ECU 47,5 million, in keeping with the current financial perspective. 2. The annual appropriations shall be authorised by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective. Article 4 Access to the programme - positive action 1. Special attention shall be paid to ensuring that all young people can have access, without discrimination, to the programme's activities. 2. The Commission and the Member States shall ensure that special efforts are made for young people who experience the most difficulties in being included in existing action programmes at both Community and national, regional and local levels, owing to cultural, social, physical, economic or geographical reasons. To this end, they shall take into consideration the problems encountered by this target group. Article 5 Participation by associated countries This programme shall be open to the participation of the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CCEE) in accordance with the Europe Agreements or the Additional Protocols, which have been, or are to be, concluded on the participation of those countries in Community programmes. This programme shall be open to the participation of Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations under the same rules as apply to the EFTA countries participating in the European Economic Area, in accordance with the procedures to be agreed with those countries, without prejudice to the procedures to be completed for Malta's participation. Article 6 Implementation, links with other measures and international cooperation 1. The Commission shall ensure the implementation of this programme. 2. The Commission and the Member States shall ensure that there is consistency and complementarity between measures to be implemented under this programme and other relevant Community programmes and initiatives, in particular 'Youth for Europe` and programmes offering the possibility of financing volunteer projects aimed at young volunteers from third countries, as well as measures undertaken by the Member States in this field. 3. The Commission and the Member States shall foster cooperation relating to this programme so as to allow complementarity of action with that of the competent international organisations, in particular the Council of Europe. Article 7 Cooperation with Member States 1. The Commission and the Member States shall take such measures as they deem appropriate to develop the structures set up at Community and national level for achieving the objectives of the programme, for making the programme more accessible to young people and other partners at local level, for evaluating and monitoring the measures provided for in the programme and for applying consultation and selection mechanisms. In that context, the Commission and the Member States shall take steps to ensure that appropriate information is provided and volunteers are made aware of their rights and obligations at European, national and local level, and shall endeavour to make an active contribution to ensuring complementarity between European voluntary service activities and similar national activities of various kinds. 2. Each Member State shall endeavour, as far as possible, to adopt such measures as it deems necessary and desirable to ensure the proper functioning of the programme, in particular regarding the legal and administrative obstacles to the access of young people to the programme, obstacles to the transnational mobility of young volunteers and recognition of the specific nature of the situation of young volunteers. Article 8 Attestation A document, drawn up by the Commission in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 9(2) and (3), shall attest to the participation of young volunteers in European Voluntary Service and to the experience and skills that they have acquired during the relevant period. Article 9 Committee 1. In the implementation of this programme, the Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission. 2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken in respect of: - the committee's rules of procedure, - the implementing provisions, - the annual plan of work for the implementation of the measures in the programme, - the general balance between the various sections of the programme, - the criteria for determining the indicative allocation of funds among the Member States, - the document attesting to participation in European voluntary service, - the procedures for monitoring and evaluating the programme. 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 may 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 indent. 3. The Commission may consult the Committee on any other matters relating to the implementation of this programme. In that case, 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, if necessary by taking a vote. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account. Article 10 Monitoring and evaluation 1. On implementation of this Decision, the Commission shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the programme is monitored and continuously evaluated, taking account of the general and specific objectives referred to in Articles 1 and 2, the specific objectives defined in the Annex, the provisions laid down in Article 4 and any input provided by the Committee set up under Article 9. 2. The Commission shall submit in sufficient time to the European Parliament and to the Council a report taking account in particular of the results of Community youth-related measures and accompanied, if necessary, by appropriate proposals, particularly with a view to a consistent approach to youth-related measures looking forward to the year 2000. Article 11 This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 20 July 1998 For the European Parliament The President J. M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council W. MOLTERER (1) OJ C 302, 3. 10. 1997, p. 6. and OJ C 320, 21. 10. 1997, p. 7. (2) OJ C 158, 26. 5. 1997, p. 12. (3) OJ C 244, 11. 8. 1997, p. 47. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 12 June 1997 (OJ C 200, 30. 6. 1997, p. 183), Council Common Position of 16 December 1997, (OJ C 43, 9. 2. 1998, p. 35) and Decision of the European Parliament of 12 March 1998 (OJ C 104, 6. 4. 1998, p. 206). Decision of the European Parliament of 15 July 1998. Decision of the Council of 20 July 1998. (5) OJ C 296, 10. 11. 1995, p. 11. (6) OJ C 269, 16. 10. 1995, p. 232. (7) Decision No 818/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 March 1995 adopting the third phase of the 'Youth for Europe` programme (OJ L 87, 20. 4. 1995, p. 1). (8) OJ C 102, 4. 4. 1996, p. 4. (9) OJ C 102, 4. 4. 1996, p. 1.
Article 2 
Framework, objectives and resources 1. This programme, based on intensified cooperation between the Member States, offers young people aged in principle between 18 and 25 an attested informal educational experience, at transnational level, involving both the acquisition of skills and abilities and the demonstration of responsible citizenship in order to help them to become actively integrated into society. Young people participating in the activities of this programme are hereinafter also referred to as 'young volunteers`. 2. In accordance with the general objectives set out in Article 1, the specific objectives of this programme shall be as follows: (a) to encourage a spirit of initiative, creativity and solidarity among young people so as to enable them to become actively integrated into society and to contribute to the attainment of the objectives of the programme; (b) to step up participation by young people legally resident in a Member State in long-term or short-term transnational activities of benefit to the community, within the Community or in third countries, in particular those with which the Community has concluded cooperation agreements. Those activities must not restrict or be a substitute for potential or existing paid employment; (c) to promote recognition of the value of informal educational experience acquired in a European context; (d) to facilitate access to the programme for all young people. 3. For this purpose, and in accordance with the general objectives set out in Article 1 and the specific objectives described in paragraph 2 of this Article, the main features of this programme, which are set out in detail in the Annex, shall be as follows: (a) to support long-term or short-term transnational activities of benefit to the community, within the Community and in third countries; (b) to support activities intended to foster partnerships based on European voluntary service and innovative network activities; (c) to support measures and projects intended to further the follow-up of young volunteers, to build on the experience acquired by the latter in the context of European voluntary service and thus to promote their active integration into society; (d) to develop and support appropriate preparation, particularly linguistic and intercultural, and the integration of young volunteers, 'mentors` and European project leaders so that young volunteers can benefit from high-quality projects connected with the objectives of the programme; (e) to support the quality of all the programme's activities and the development of their European dimension and to contribute to cooperation in the youth field by supporting, wherever possible, Member States' endeavours to improve services and measures related to European voluntary service, particularly through measures to provide young people with information on the objectives of the programme and through studies and continuing evaluation through which, where appropriate, the detailed implementing rules and the approaches of the programme may be brought into line with any needs which might emerge. Article 3 Financial provisions 1. The financial framework for the implementation of this programme for the period 1998-1999 is hereby set at ECU 47,5 million, in keeping with the current financial perspective. 2. The annual appropriations shall be authorised by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective. Article 4 Access to the programme - positive action 1. Special attention shall be paid to ensuring that all young people can have access, without discrimination, to the programme's activities. 2. The Commission and the Member States shall ensure that special efforts are made for young people who experience the most difficulties in being included in existing action programmes at both Community and national, regional and local levels, owing to cultural, social, physical, economic or geographical reasons. To this end, they shall take into consideration the problems encountered by this target group. Article 5 Participation by associated countries This programme shall be open to the participation of the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CCEE) in accordance with the Europe Agreements or the Additional Protocols, which have been, or are to be, concluded on the participation of those countries in Community programmes. This programme shall be open to the participation of Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations under the same rules as apply to the EFTA countries participating in the European Economic Area, in accordance with the procedures to be agreed with those countries, without prejudice to the procedures to be completed for Malta's participation. Article 6 Implementation, links with other measures and international cooperation 1. The Commission shall ensure the implementation of this programme. 2. The Commission and the Member States shall ensure that there is consistency and complementarity between measures to be implemented under this programme and other relevant Community programmes and initiatives, in particular 'Youth for Europe` and programmes offering the possibility of financing volunteer projects aimed at young volunteers from third countries, as well as measures undertaken by the Member States in this field. 3. The Commission and the Member States shall foster cooperation relating to this programme so as to allow complementarity of action with that of the competent international organisations, in particular the Council of Europe. Article 7 Cooperation with Member States 1. The Commission and the Member States shall take such measures as they deem appropriate to develop the structures set up at Community and national level for achieving the objectives of the programme, for making the programme more accessible to young people and other partners at local level, for evaluating and monitoring the measures provided for in the programme and for applying consultation and selection mechanisms. In that context, the Commission and the Member States shall take steps to ensure that appropriate information is provided and volunteers are made aware of their rights and obligations at European, national and local level, and shall endeavour to make an active contribution to ensuring complementarity between European voluntary service activities and similar national activities of various kinds. 2. Each Member State shall endeavour, as far as possible, to adopt such measures as it deems necessary and desirable to ensure the proper functioning of the programme, in particular regarding the legal and administrative obstacles to the access of young people to the programme, obstacles to the transnational mobility of young volunteers and recognition of the specific nature of the situation of young volunteers. Article 8 Attestation A document, drawn up by the Commission in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 9(2) and (3), shall attest to the participation of young volunteers in European Voluntary Service and to the experience and skills that they have acquired during the relevant period. Article 9 Committee 1. In the implementation of this programme, the Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission. 2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken in respect of: - the committee's rules of procedure, - the implementing provisions, - the annual plan of work for the implementation of the measures in the programme, - the general balance between the various sections of the programme, - the criteria for determining the indicative allocation of funds among the Member States, - the document attesting to participation in European voluntary service, - the procedures for monitoring and evaluating the programme. 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 may 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 indent. 3. The Commission may consult the Committee on any other matters relating to the implementation of this programme. In that case, 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, if necessary by taking a vote. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account. Article 10 Monitoring and evaluation 1. On implementation of this Decision, the Commission shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the programme is monitored and continuously evaluated, taking account of the general and specific objectives referred to in Articles 1 and 2, the specific objectives defined in the Annex, the provisions laid down in Article 4 and any input provided by the Committee set up under Article 9. 2. The Commission shall submit in sufficient time to the European Parliament and to the Council a report taking account in particular of the results of Community youth-related measures and accompanied, if necessary, by appropriate proposals, particularly with a view to a consistent approach to youth-related measures looking forward to the year 2000. Article 11 This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 20 July 1998 For the European Parliament The President J. M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council W. MOLTERER (1) OJ C 302, 3. 10. 1997, p. 6. and OJ C 320, 21. 10. 1997, p. 7. (2) OJ C 158, 26. 5. 1997, p. 12. (3) OJ C 244, 11. 8. 1997, p. 47. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 12 June 1997 (OJ C 200, 30. 6. 1997, p. 183), Council Common Position of 16 December 1997, (OJ C 43, 9. 2. 1998, p. 35) and Decision of the European Parliament of 12 March 1998 (OJ C 104, 6. 4. 1998, p. 206). Decision of the European Parliament of 15 July 1998. Decision of the Council of 20 July 1998. (5) OJ C 296, 10. 11. 1995, p. 11. (6) OJ C 269, 16. 10. 1995, p. 232. (7) Decision No 818/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 March 1995 adopting the third phase of the 'Youth for Europe` programme (OJ L 87, 20. 4. 1995, p. 1). (8) OJ C 102, 4. 4. 1996, p. 4. (9) OJ C 102, 4. 4. 1996, p. 1.
Article 3 
Financial provisions 1. The financial framework for the implementation of this programme for the period 1998-1999 is hereby set at ECU 47,5 million, in keeping with the current financial perspective. 2. The annual appropriations shall be authorised by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective. Article 4 Access to the programme - positive action 1. Special attention shall be paid to ensuring that all young people can have access, without discrimination, to the programme's activities. 2. The Commission and the Member States shall ensure that special efforts are made for young people who experience the most difficulties in being included in existing action programmes at both Community and national, regional and local levels, owing to cultural, social, physical, economic or geographical reasons. To this end, they shall take into consideration the problems encountered by this target group. Article 5 Participation by associated countries This programme shall be open to the participation of the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CCEE) in accordance with the Europe Agreements or the Additional Protocols, which have been, or are to be, concluded on the participation of those countries in Community programmes. This programme shall be open to the participation of Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations under the same rules as apply to the EFTA countries participating in the European Economic Area, in accordance with the procedures to be agreed with those countries, without prejudice to the procedures to be completed for Malta's participation. Article 6 Implementation, links with other measures and international cooperation 1. The Commission shall ensure the implementation of this programme. 2. The Commission and the Member States shall ensure that there is consistency and complementarity between measures to be implemented under this programme and other relevant Community programmes and initiatives, in particular 'Youth for Europe` and programmes offering the possibility of financing volunteer projects aimed at young volunteers from third countries, as well as measures undertaken by the Member States in this field. 3. The Commission and the Member States shall foster cooperation relating to this programme so as to allow complementarity of action with that of the competent international organisations, in particular the Council of Europe. Article 7 Cooperation with Member States 1. The Commission and the Member States shall take such measures as they deem appropriate to develop the structures set up at Community and national level for achieving the objectives of the programme, for making the programme more accessible to young people and other partners at local level, for evaluating and monitoring the measures provided for in the programme and for applying consultation and selection mechanisms. In that context, the Commission and the Member States shall take steps to ensure that appropriate information is provided and volunteers are made aware of their rights and obligations at European, national and local level, and shall endeavour to make an active contribution to ensuring complementarity between European voluntary service activities and similar national activities of various kinds. 2. Each Member State shall endeavour, as far as possible, to adopt such measures as it deems necessary and desirable to ensure the proper functioning of the programme, in particular regarding the legal and administrative obstacles to the access of young people to the programme, obstacles to the transnational mobility of young volunteers and recognition of the specific nature of the situation of young volunteers. Article 8 Attestation A document, drawn up by the Commission in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 9(2) and (3), shall attest to the participation of young volunteers in European Voluntary Service and to the experience and skills that they have acquired during the relevant period. Article 9 Committee 1. In the implementation of this programme, the Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission. 2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken in respect of: - the committee's rules of procedure, - the implementing provisions, - the annual plan of work for the implementation of the measures in the programme, - the general balance between the various sections of the programme, - the criteria for determining the indicative allocation of funds among the Member States, - the document attesting to participation in European voluntary service, - the procedures for monitoring and evaluating the programme. 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 may 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 indent. 3. The Commission may consult the Committee on any other matters relating to the implementation of this programme. In that case, 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, if necessary by taking a vote. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account. Article 10 Monitoring and evaluation 1. On implementation of this Decision, the Commission shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the programme is monitored and continuously evaluated, taking account of the general and specific objectives referred to in Articles 1 and 2, the specific objectives defined in the Annex, the provisions laid down in Article 4 and any input provided by the Committee set up under Article 9. 2. The Commission shall submit in sufficient time to the European Parliament and to the Council a report taking account in particular of the results of Community youth-related measures and accompanied, if necessary, by appropriate proposals, particularly with a view to a consistent approach to youth-related measures looking forward to the year 2000. Article 11 This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 20 July 1998 For the European Parliament The President J. M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council W. MOLTERER (1) OJ C 302, 3. 10. 1997, p. 6. and OJ C 320, 21. 10. 1997, p. 7. (2) OJ C 158, 26. 5. 1997, p. 12. (3) OJ C 244, 11. 8. 1997, p. 47. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 12 June 1997 (OJ C 200, 30. 6. 1997, p. 183), Council Common Position of 16 December 1997, (OJ C 43, 9. 2. 1998, p. 35) and Decision of the European Parliament of 12 March 1998 (OJ C 104, 6. 4. 1998, p. 206). Decision of the European Parliament of 15 July 1998. Decision of the Council of 20 July 1998. (5) OJ C 296, 10. 11. 1995, p. 11. (6) OJ C 269, 16. 10. 1995, p. 232. (7) Decision No 818/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 March 1995 adopting the third phase of the 'Youth for Europe` programme (OJ L 87, 20. 4. 1995, p. 1). (8) OJ C 102, 4. 4. 1996, p. 4. (9) OJ C 102, 4. 4. 1996, p. 1.
Article 4 
Access to the programme - positive action 1. Special attention shall be paid to ensuring that all young people can have access, without discrimination, to the programme's activities. 2. The Commission and the Member States shall ensure that special efforts are made for young people who experience the most difficulties in being included in existing action programmes at both Community and national, regional and local levels, owing to cultural, social, physical, economic or geographical reasons. To this end, they shall take into consideration the problems encountered by this target group. Article 5 Participation by associated countries This programme shall be open to the participation of the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CCEE) in accordance with the Europe Agreements or the Additional Protocols, which have been, or are to be, concluded on the participation of those countries in Community programmes. This programme shall be open to the participation of Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations under the same rules as apply to the EFTA countries participating in the European Economic Area, in accordance with the procedures to be agreed with those countries, without prejudice to the procedures to be completed for Malta's participation. Article 6 Implementation, links with other measures and international cooperation 1. The Commission shall ensure the implementation of this programme. 2. The Commission and the Member States shall ensure that there is consistency and complementarity between measures to be implemented under this programme and other relevant Community programmes and initiatives, in particular 'Youth for Europe` and programmes offering the possibility of financing volunteer projects aimed at young volunteers from third countries, as well as measures undertaken by the Member States in this field. 3. The Commission and the Member States shall foster cooperation relating to this programme so as to allow complementarity of action with that of the competent international organisations, in particular the Council of Europe. Article 7 Cooperation with Member States 1. The Commission and the Member States shall take such measures as they deem appropriate to develop the structures set up at Community and national level for achieving the objectives of the programme, for making the programme more accessible to young people and other partners at local level, for evaluating and monitoring the measures provided for in the programme and for applying consultation and selection mechanisms. In that context, the Commission and the Member States shall take steps to ensure that appropriate information is provided and volunteers are made aware of their rights and obligations at European, national and local level, and shall endeavour to make an active contribution to ensuring complementarity between European voluntary service activities and similar national activities of various kinds. 2. Each Member State shall endeavour, as far as possible, to adopt such measures as it deems necessary and desirable to ensure the proper functioning of the programme, in particular regarding the legal and administrative obstacles to the access of young people to the programme, obstacles to the transnational mobility of young volunteers and recognition of the specific nature of the situation of young volunteers. Article 8 Attestation A document, drawn up by the Commission in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 9(2) and (3), shall attest to the participation of young volunteers in European Voluntary Service and to the experience and skills that they have acquired during the relevant period. Article 9 Committee 1. In the implementation of this programme, the Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission. 2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken in respect of: - the committee's rules of procedure, - the implementing provisions, - the annual plan of work for the implementation of the measures in the programme, - the general balance between the various sections of the programme, - the criteria for determining the indicative allocation of funds among the Member States, - the document attesting to participation in European voluntary service, - the procedures for monitoring and evaluating the programme. 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 may 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 indent. 3. The Commission may consult the Committee on any other matters relating to the implementation of this programme. In that case, 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, if necessary by taking a vote. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account. Article 10 Monitoring and evaluation 1. On implementation of this Decision, the Commission shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the programme is monitored and continuously evaluated, taking account of the general and specific objectives referred to in Articles 1 and 2, the specific objectives defined in the Annex, the provisions laid down in Article 4 and any input provided by the Committee set up under Article 9. 2. The Commission shall submit in sufficient time to the European Parliament and to the Council a report taking account in particular of the results of Community youth-related measures and accompanied, if necessary, by appropriate proposals, particularly with a view to a consistent approach to youth-related measures looking forward to the year 2000. Article 11 This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 20 July 1998 For the European Parliament The President J. M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council W. MOLTERER (1) OJ C 302, 3. 10. 1997, p. 6. and OJ C 320, 21. 10. 1997, p. 7. (2) OJ C 158, 26. 5. 1997, p. 12. (3) OJ C 244, 11. 8. 1997, p. 47. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 12 June 1997 (OJ C 200, 30. 6. 1997, p. 183), Council Common Position of 16 December 1997, (OJ C 43, 9. 2. 1998, p. 35) and Decision of the European Parliament of 12 March 1998 (OJ C 104, 6. 4. 1998, p. 206). Decision of the European Parliament of 15 July 1998. Decision of the Council of 20 July 1998. (5) OJ C 296, 10. 11. 1995, p. 11. (6) OJ C 269, 16. 10. 1995, p. 232. (7) Decision No 818/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 March 1995 adopting the third phase of the 'Youth for Europe` programme (OJ L 87, 20. 4. 1995, p. 1). (8) OJ C 102, 4. 4. 1996, p. 4. (9) OJ C 102, 4. 4. 1996, p. 1.
Article 5 
Participation by associated countries This programme shall be open to the participation of the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CCEE) in accordance with the Europe Agreements or the Additional Protocols, which have been, or are to be, concluded on the participation of those countries in Community programmes. This programme shall be open to the participation of Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations under the same rules as apply to the EFTA countries participating in the European Economic Area, in accordance with the procedures to be agreed with those countries, without prejudice to the procedures to be completed for Malta's participation. Article 6 Implementation, links with other measures and international cooperation 1. The Commission shall ensure the implementation of this programme. 2. The Commission and the Member States shall ensure that there is consistency and complementarity between measures to be implemented under this programme and other relevant Community programmes and initiatives, in particular 'Youth for Europe` and programmes offering the possibility of financing volunteer projects aimed at young volunteers from third countries, as well as measures undertaken by the Member States in this field. 3. The Commission and the Member States shall foster cooperation relating to this programme so as to allow complementarity of action with that of the competent international organisations, in particular the Council of Europe. Article 7 Cooperation with Member States 1. The Commission and the Member States shall take such measures as they deem appropriate to develop the structures set up at Community and national level for achieving the objectives of the programme, for making the programme more accessible to young people and other partners at local level, for evaluating and monitoring the measures provided for in the programme and for applying consultation and selection mechanisms. In that context, the Commission and the Member States shall take steps to ensure that appropriate information is provided and volunteers are made aware of their rights and obligations at European, national and local level, and shall endeavour to make an active contribution to ensuring complementarity between European voluntary service activities and similar national activities of various kinds. 2. Each Member State shall endeavour, as far as possible, to adopt such measures as it deems necessary and desirable to ensure the proper functioning of the programme, in particular regarding the legal and administrative obstacles to the access of young people to the programme, obstacles to the transnational mobility of young volunteers and recognition of the specific nature of the situation of young volunteers. Article 8 Attestation A document, drawn up by the Commission in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 9(2) and (3), shall attest to the participation of young volunteers in European Voluntary Service and to the experience and skills that they have acquired during the relevant period. Article 9 Committee 1. In the implementation of this programme, the Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission. 2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken in respect of: - the committee's rules of procedure, - the implementing provisions, - the annual plan of work for the implementation of the measures in the programme, - the general balance between the various sections of the programme, - the criteria for determining the indicative allocation of funds among the Member States, - the document attesting to participation in European voluntary service, - the procedures for monitoring and evaluating the programme. 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 may 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 indent. 3. The Commission may consult the Committee on any other matters relating to the implementation of this programme. In that case, 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, if necessary by taking a vote. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account. Article 10 Monitoring and evaluation 1. On implementation of this Decision, the Commission shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the programme is monitored and continuously evaluated, taking account of the general and specific objectives referred to in Articles 1 and 2, the specific objectives defined in the Annex, the provisions laid down in Article 4 and any input provided by the Committee set up under Article 9. 2. The Commission shall submit in sufficient time to the European Parliament and to the Council a report taking account in particular of the results of Community youth-related measures and accompanied, if necessary, by appropriate proposals, particularly with a view to a consistent approach to youth-related measures looking forward to the year 2000. Article 11 This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 20 July 1998 For the European Parliament The President J. M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council W. MOLTERER (1) OJ C 302, 3. 10. 1997, p. 6. and OJ C 320, 21. 10. 1997, p. 7. (2) OJ C 158, 26. 5. 1997, p. 12. (3) OJ C 244, 11. 8. 1997, p. 47. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 12 June 1997 (OJ C 200, 30. 6. 1997, p. 183), Council Common Position of 16 December 1997, (OJ C 43, 9. 2. 1998, p. 35) and Decision of the European Parliament of 12 March 1998 (OJ C 104, 6. 4. 1998, p. 206). Decision of the European Parliament of 15 July 1998. Decision of the Council of 20 July 1998. (5) OJ C 296, 10. 11. 1995, p. 11. (6) OJ C 269, 16. 10. 1995, p. 232. (7) Decision No 818/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 March 1995 adopting the third phase of the 'Youth for Europe` programme (OJ L 87, 20. 4. 1995, p. 1). (8) OJ C 102, 4. 4. 1996, p. 4. (9) OJ C 102, 4. 4. 1996, p. 1.
Article 6 
Implementation, links with other measures and international cooperation 1. The Commission shall ensure the implementation of this programme. 2. The Commission and the Member States shall ensure that there is consistency and complementarity between measures to be implemented under this programme and other relevant Community programmes and initiatives, in particular 'Youth for Europe` and programmes offering the possibility of financing volunteer projects aimed at young volunteers from third countries, as well as measures undertaken by the Member States in this field. 3. The Commission and the Member States shall foster cooperation relating to this programme so as to allow complementarity of action with that of the competent international organisations, in particular the Council of Europe. Article 7 Cooperation with Member States 1. The Commission and the Member States shall take such measures as they deem appropriate to develop the structures set up at Community and national level for achieving the objectives of the programme, for making the programme more accessible to young people and other partners at local level, for evaluating and monitoring the measures provided for in the programme and for applying consultation and selection mechanisms. In that context, the Commission and the Member States shall take steps to ensure that appropriate information is provided and volunteers are made aware of their rights and obligations at European, national and local level, and shall endeavour to make an active contribution to ensuring complementarity between European voluntary service activities and similar national activities of various kinds. 2. Each Member State shall endeavour, as far as possible, to adopt such measures as it deems necessary and desirable to ensure the proper functioning of the programme, in particular regarding the legal and administrative obstacles to the access of young people to the programme, obstacles to the transnational mobility of young volunteers and recognition of the specific nature of the situation of young volunteers. Article 8 Attestation A document, drawn up by the Commission in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 9(2) and (3), shall attest to the participation of young volunteers in European Voluntary Service and to the experience and skills that they have acquired during the relevant period. Article 9 Committee 1. In the implementation of this programme, the Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission. 2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken in respect of: - the committee's rules of procedure, - the implementing provisions, - the annual plan of work for the implementation of the measures in the programme, - the general balance between the various sections of the programme, - the criteria for determining the indicative allocation of funds among the Member States, - the document attesting to participation in European voluntary service, - the procedures for monitoring and evaluating the programme. 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 may 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 indent. 3. The Commission may consult the Committee on any other matters relating to the implementation of this programme. In that case, 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, if necessary by taking a vote. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account. Article 10 Monitoring and evaluation 1. On implementation of this Decision, the Commission shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the programme is monitored and continuously evaluated, taking account of the general and specific objectives referred to in Articles 1 and 2, the specific objectives defined in the Annex, the provisions laid down in Article 4 and any input provided by the Committee set up under Article 9. 2. The Commission shall submit in sufficient time to the European Parliament and to the Council a report taking account in particular of the results of Community youth-related measures and accompanied, if necessary, by appropriate proposals, particularly with a view to a consistent approach to youth-related measures looking forward to the year 2000. Article 11 This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 20 July 1998 For the European Parliament The President J. M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council W. MOLTERER (1) OJ C 302, 3. 10. 1997, p. 6. and OJ C 320, 21. 10. 1997, p. 7. (2) OJ C 158, 26. 5. 1997, p. 12. (3) OJ C 244, 11. 8. 1997, p. 47. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 12 June 1997 (OJ C 200, 30. 6. 1997, p. 183), Council Common Position of 16 December 1997, (OJ C 43, 9. 2. 1998, p. 35) and Decision of the European Parliament of 12 March 1998 (OJ C 104, 6. 4. 1998, p. 206). Decision of the European Parliament of 15 July 1998. Decision of the Council of 20 July 1998. (5) OJ C 296, 10. 11. 1995, p. 11. (6) OJ C 269, 16. 10. 1995, p. 232. (7) Decision No 818/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 March 1995 adopting the third phase of the 'Youth for Europe` programme (OJ L 87, 20. 4. 1995, p. 1). (8) OJ C 102, 4. 4. 1996, p. 4. (9) OJ C 102, 4. 4. 1996, p. 1.
Article 7 
Cooperation with Member States 1. The Commission and the Member States shall take such measures as they deem appropriate to develop the structures set up at Community and national level for achieving the objectives of the programme, for making the programme more accessible to young people and other partners at local level, for evaluating and monitoring the measures provided for in the programme and for applying consultation and selection mechanisms. In that context, the Commission and the Member States shall take steps to ensure that appropriate information is provided and volunteers are made aware of their rights and obligations at European, national and local level, and shall endeavour to make an active contribution to ensuring complementarity between European voluntary service activities and similar national activities of various kinds. 2. Each Member State shall endeavour, as far as possible, to adopt such measures as it deems necessary and desirable to ensure the proper functioning of the programme, in particular regarding the legal and administrative obstacles to the access of young people to the programme, obstacles to the transnational mobility of young volunteers and recognition of the specific nature of the situation of young volunteers. Article 8 Attestation A document, drawn up by the Commission in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 9(2) and (3), shall attest to the participation of young volunteers in European Voluntary Service and to the experience and skills that they have acquired during the relevant period. Article 9 Committee 1. In the implementation of this programme, the Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission. 2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken in respect of: - the committee's rules of procedure, - the implementing provisions, - the annual plan of work for the implementation of the measures in the programme, - the general balance between the various sections of the programme, - the criteria for determining the indicative allocation of funds among the Member States, - the document attesting to participation in European voluntary service, - the procedures for monitoring and evaluating the programme. 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 may 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 indent. 3. The Commission may consult the Committee on any other matters relating to the implementation of this programme. In that case, 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, if necessary by taking a vote. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account. Article 10 Monitoring and evaluation 1. On implementation of this Decision, the Commission shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the programme is monitored and continuously evaluated, taking account of the general and specific objectives referred to in Articles 1 and 2, the specific objectives defined in the Annex, the provisions laid down in Article 4 and any input provided by the Committee set up under Article 9. 2. The Commission shall submit in sufficient time to the European Parliament and to the Council a report taking account in particular of the results of Community youth-related measures and accompanied, if necessary, by appropriate proposals, particularly with a view to a consistent approach to youth-related measures looking forward to the year 2000. Article 11 This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 20 July 1998 For the European Parliament The President J. M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council W. MOLTERER (1) OJ C 302, 3. 10. 1997, p. 6. and OJ C 320, 21. 10. 1997, p. 7. (2) OJ C 158, 26. 5. 1997, p. 12. (3) OJ C 244, 11. 8. 1997, p. 47. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 12 June 1997 (OJ C 200, 30. 6. 1997, p. 183), Council Common Position of 16 December 1997, (OJ C 43, 9. 2. 1998, p. 35) and Decision of the European Parliament of 12 March 1998 (OJ C 104, 6. 4. 1998, p. 206). Decision of the European Parliament of 15 July 1998. Decision of the Council of 20 July 1998. (5) OJ C 296, 10. 11. 1995, p. 11. (6) OJ C 269, 16. 10. 1995, p. 232. (7) Decision No 818/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 March 1995 adopting the third phase of the 'Youth for Europe` programme (OJ L 87, 20. 4. 1995, p. 1). (8) OJ C 102, 4. 4. 1996, p. 4. (9) OJ C 102, 4. 4. 1996, p. 1.
Article 8 
Attestation A document, drawn up by the Commission in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 9(2) and (3), shall attest to the participation of young volunteers in European Voluntary Service and to the experience and skills that they have acquired during the relevant period. Article 9 Committee 1. In the implementation of this programme, the Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission. 2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken in respect of: - the committee's rules of procedure, - the implementing provisions, - the annual plan of work for the implementation of the measures in the programme, - the general balance between the various sections of the programme, - the criteria for determining the indicative allocation of funds among the Member States, - the document attesting to participation in European voluntary service, - the procedures for monitoring and evaluating the programme. 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 may 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 indent. 3. The Commission may consult the Committee on any other matters relating to the implementation of this programme. In that case, 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, if necessary by taking a vote. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account. Article 10 Monitoring and evaluation 1. On implementation of this Decision, the Commission shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the programme is monitored and continuously evaluated, taking account of the general and specific objectives referred to in Articles 1 and 2, the specific objectives defined in the Annex, the provisions laid down in Article 4 and any input provided by the Committee set up under Article 9. 2. The Commission shall submit in sufficient time to the European Parliament and to the Council a report taking account in particular of the results of Community youth-related measures and accompanied, if necessary, by appropriate proposals, particularly with a view to a consistent approach to youth-related measures looking forward to the year 2000. Article 11 This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 20 July 1998 For the European Parliament The President J. M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council W. MOLTERER (1) OJ C 302, 3. 10. 1997, p. 6. and OJ C 320, 21. 10. 1997, p. 7. (2) OJ C 158, 26. 5. 1997, p. 12. (3) OJ C 244, 11. 8. 1997, p. 47. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 12 June 1997 (OJ C 200, 30. 6. 1997, p. 183), Council Common Position of 16 December 1997, (OJ C 43, 9. 2. 1998, p. 35) and Decision of the European Parliament of 12 March 1998 (OJ C 104, 6. 4. 1998, p. 206). Decision of the European Parliament of 15 July 1998. Decision of the Council of 20 July 1998. (5) OJ C 296, 10. 11. 1995, p. 11. (6) OJ C 269, 16. 10. 1995, p. 232. (7) Decision No 818/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 March 1995 adopting the third phase of the 'Youth for Europe` programme (OJ L 87, 20. 4. 1995, p. 1). (8) OJ C 102, 4. 4. 1996, p. 4. (9) OJ C 102, 4. 4. 1996, p. 1.
Article 9 
Committee 1. In the implementation of this programme, the Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission. 2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken in respect of: - the committee's rules of procedure, - the implementing provisions, - the annual plan of work for the implementation of the measures in the programme, - the general balance between the various sections of the programme, - the criteria for determining the indicative allocation of funds among the Member States, - the document attesting to participation in European voluntary service, - the procedures for monitoring and evaluating the programme. 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 may 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 indent. 3. The Commission may consult the Committee on any other matters relating to the implementation of this programme. In that case, 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, if necessary by taking a vote. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account. Article 10 Monitoring and evaluation 1. On implementation of this Decision, the Commission shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the programme is monitored and continuously evaluated, taking account of the general and specific objectives referred to in Articles 1 and 2, the specific objectives defined in the Annex, the provisions laid down in Article 4 and any input provided by the Committee set up under Article 9. 2. The Commission shall submit in sufficient time to the European Parliament and to the Council a report taking account in particular of the results of Community youth-related measures and accompanied, if necessary, by appropriate proposals, particularly with a view to a consistent approach to youth-related measures looking forward to the year 2000. Article 11 This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 20 July 1998 For the European Parliament The President J. M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council W. MOLTERER (1) OJ C 302, 3. 10. 1997, p. 6. and OJ C 320, 21. 10. 1997, p. 7. (2) OJ C 158, 26. 5. 1997, p. 12. (3) OJ C 244, 11. 8. 1997, p. 47. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 12 June 1997 (OJ C 200, 30. 6. 1997, p. 183), Council Common Position of 16 December 1997, (OJ C 43, 9. 2. 1998, p. 35) and Decision of the European Parliament of 12 March 1998 (OJ C 104, 6. 4. 1998, p. 206). Decision of the European Parliament of 15 July 1998. Decision of the Council of 20 July 1998. (5) OJ C 296, 10. 11. 1995, p. 11. (6) OJ C 269, 16. 10. 1995, p. 232. (7) Decision No 818/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 March 1995 adopting the third phase of the 'Youth for Europe` programme (OJ L 87, 20. 4. 1995, p. 1). (8) OJ C 102, 4. 4. 1996, p. 4. (9) OJ C 102, 4. 4. 1996, p. 1.
Article 10 
Monitoring and evaluation 1. On implementation of this Decision, the Commission shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the programme is monitored and continuously evaluated, taking account of the general and specific objectives referred to in Articles 1 and 2, the specific objectives defined in the Annex, the provisions laid down in Article 4 and any input provided by the Committee set up under Article 9. 2. The Commission shall submit in sufficient time to the European Parliament and to the Council a report taking account in particular of the results of Community youth-related measures and accompanied, if necessary, by appropriate proposals, particularly with a view to a consistent approach to youth-related measures looking forward to the year 2000. Article 11 This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 20 July 1998 For the European Parliament The President J. M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council W. MOLTERER (1) OJ C 302, 3. 10. 1997, p. 6. and OJ C 320, 21. 10. 1997, p. 7. (2) OJ C 158, 26. 5. 1997, p. 12. (3) OJ C 244, 11. 8. 1997, p. 47. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 12 June 1997 (OJ C 200, 30. 6. 1997, p. 183), Council Common Position of 16 December 1997, (OJ C 43, 9. 2. 1998, p. 35) and Decision of the European Parliament of 12 March 1998 (OJ C 104, 6. 4. 1998, p. 206). Decision of the European Parliament of 15 July 1998. Decision of the Council of 20 July 1998. (5) OJ C 296, 10. 11. 1995, p. 11. (6) OJ C 269, 16. 10. 1995, p. 232. (7) Decision No 818/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 March 1995 adopting the third phase of the 'Youth for Europe` programme (OJ L 87, 20. 4. 1995, p. 1). (8) OJ C 102, 4. 4. 1996, p. 4. (9) OJ C 102, 4. 4. 1996, p. 1.
Article 11 
This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Done at Brussels, 20 July 1998 For the European Parliament The President J. M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council W. MOLTERER (1) OJ C 302, 3. 10. 1997, p. 6. and OJ C 320, 21. 10. 1997, p. 7. (2) OJ C 158, 26. 5. 1997, p. 12. (3) OJ C 244, 11. 8. 1997, p. 47. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 12 June 1997 (OJ C 200, 30. 6. 1997, p. 183), Council Common Position of 16 December 1997, (OJ C 43, 9. 2. 1998, p. 35) and Decision of the European Parliament of 12 March 1998 (OJ C 104, 6. 4. 1998, p. 206). Decision of the European Parliament of 15 July 1998. Decision of the Council of 20 July 1998. (5) OJ C 296, 10. 11. 1995, p. 11. (6) OJ C 269, 16. 10. 1995, p. 232. (7) Decision No 818/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 March 1995 adopting the third phase of the 'Youth for Europe` programme (OJ L 87, 20. 4. 1995, p. 1). (8) OJ C 102, 4. 4. 1996, p. 4. (9) OJ C 102, 4. 4. 1996, p. 1.