REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008)
8.5.2006 - (COM(2005)0467 – C6‑0311/2005 – 2005/0203(COD)) - ***I
Committee on Culture and Education
Rapporteur: Erna Hennicot-Schoepges
DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION
on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008) (COM(2005)0467 – C6‑0311/2005 – 2005/0203(COD))
(Codecision procedure: first reading)
The European Parliament,
– having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2005)0467)[1],
– having regard to Article 251(2) and the first indent of Article 151(5) of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C6‑0311/2005),
– having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure,
– having regard to the report of the Committee on Culture and Education and the opinions of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Budgets, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (A6‑0000/2006),
1. Approves the Commission proposal as amended;
2. Considers that the financial envelope indicated in the legislative proposal must be compatible with the ceiling of heading 3b of the new Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) and points out that the annual amount will be decided within the annual budgetary procedure in accordance with the provisions of point 37 of the IIA of xxx;
3. Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend the proposal substantially or replace it with another text;
4. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and Commission.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendments by Parliament |
Amendment 1 Recital 3 | |
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(3) European citizens, and all those living in the Union temporarily or permanently, should therefore be able to acquire the knowledge, qualifications and aptitudes enabling them to deal with a more open, but also more complex, environment and to manage its difficulties and tensions in order to benefit from the opportunities offered to them by such a society, not only in Europe but also in the world. |
(3) European citizens, and all those living in the Union temporarily or permanently, should be able to acquire the knowledge, qualifications and aptitudes to fulfil their potential in a diverse, pluralist, solidarity-based and dynamic society, not only in Europe but also in the world. |
Amendment 2 Recital 4 | |
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(4) At the heart of the European project, intercultural dialogue appears to be the tool of choice for citizens to manage the complex reality in our societies and galvanise them. |
(4) At the heart of the European project, culture and intercultural dialogue are the tools par excellence for learning to live together in harmony and can contribute to improving EU relations with the outside world. |
Amendment 3 Recital 5, indent 1 | |
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- by respecting and promoting cultural diversity in Europe and promoting active European citizenship open to the world and based on the common values in the European Union; |
– by respecting and promoting cultural diversity in Europe, improving coexistence and encouraging active European citizenship open to the world and based on the common values in the European Union; |
Amendment 4 Recital 5, indent 1 a (new) | |
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- by providing information about rights and obligations concerning equality which result from being resident in the European Union; |
Justification | |
Migrants - both men and women - are often inadequately informed about the implications of EU and Member States' equality legislation, for example. Intercultural dialogue may help women migrants, in particular, with information about their rights, thereby enabling them to defend themselves more effectively against infringements of the law. | |
Amendment 5 Recital 5, indent 2 | |
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- by including the renewed Lisbon strategy, for which the knowledge-based economy requires people capable of adapting to changes and benefiting from all possible sources of innovation in order to increase prosperity; |
- by accentuating the cultural and educational dimension contained in the renewed Lisbon strategy and, in so doing, stimulating the cultural and creative economy in the European Union, which generates growth and creates jobs; |
Amendment 6 Recital 5, indent 3 | |
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- by supporting the Union’s commitment to solidarity, social justice and greater cohesion in the respect of common values in the European Union; |
- by supporting the Union’s commitment to solidarity, social justice, development of the social market economy, cooperation and greater cohesion in the respect of common values in the European Union, which are essential for building bridges for dialogue with the world's different cultures and consolidating the Union's role on the international stage, particularly in upholding and promoting democracy and human rights; |
Amendment 7 Recital 5, indent 4 | |
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- by enabling Europe to make its voice better heard in the world and to forge effective partnerships with neighbouring countries, thus extending the zone of stability and democracy beyond the Union and thereby influencing the wellbeing and security of European citizens and all those living in the European Union. |
- by enabling the European Union to make its voice better heard in the world and to forge effective partnerships with countries in its neighbourhood, thus extending the zone of stability, democracy and common prosperity and thereby increasing the wellbeing and security of European citizens and all those living in the European Union. |
Amendment 8 Recital 6 | |
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(6) Intercultural dialogue is an important dimension in many Community policies and instruments in the fields of education, youth, culture, citizenship and sport, combating discrimination and social exclusion, lifelong learning, combating racism and xenophobia, policy on asylum and the integration of immigrants, audiovisual policy and research. At the same time it is an increasing factor in the European Union’s external relations, particularly with regard to the candidate countries, the countries of the western Balkans and the partner countries of the European neighbourhood policy. |
(6) Intercultural dialogue is an important dimension in many Community policies and instruments in the fields of education, youth, culture, citizenship and sport, combating discrimination and social exclusion, women's rights and gender equality, lifelong learning, combating racism and xenophobia, the fight against human trafficking, policy on asylum and the integration of immigrants, human rights and sustainable development, audiovisual policy and research. At the same time it is an increasing factor in the European Union’s external relations, particularly with regard to the acceding and candidate countries, the countries of the western Balkans, the candidate countries for association agreements with the EU, the partner countries of the European neighbourhood policy and other third countries, particularly developing countries. |
Amendment 9 Recital 7 | |
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(7) Building on this diversified basis of Community experiences and initiatives, involving each citizen and European society as a whole in an intercultural dialogue approach is a fundamental step. |
(7) Building on this diversified basis of Community experiences and initiatives, involving each citizen, man and woman, on an equal footing and European society as a whole in an intercultural dialogue approach in particular through the structured cooperation described in Article 2a of this Decision, is a fundamental step. It complements measures aimed at creating a European identity, the content of which may be enriched by the principle of inclusion without assimilation. Embracing differences shapes the various aspects of belonging to a community. The promotion of learning 'intercultural civility' must contribute to that. 'Intercultural civility' is the complement to and a necessary condition for the implementation of true equality of opportunity for all. |
Justification | |
It is important to capture the concept of intercultural dialogue in the context of existing Community priorities and policies. | |
Arising from the methods and tools evolved by intercultural communication, the development of 'intercultural civility' is now a key condition for intercultural dialogue. Fruitful dialogue cannot take place unless citizens from different cultures share a certain number of basic codes encouraging mutual respect and learning from each other. The development of intercultural civility in the EU represents a major asset for its competitiveness, just as it also offers the citizen a key skill to be acquired in the context of creating true equality of opportunity for all. | |
Amendment 10 Recital 10 | |
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(10) It is important to ensure complementarity with all Community, national, regional and local actions with a strong intercultural dialogue dimension. The European Year of Intercultural Dialogue should make it possible to raise their profile and increase their coherence while contributing to innovation and to the horizontal and trans-sectoral dimension of approaches aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue. |
(10) It is essential to ensure complementarity and a horizontal approach in all Community, national, regional and local actions with a strong intercultural dialogue dimension, given that the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue will help to raise their profile and increase their coherence. |
Amendment 11 Recital 10 a (new) | |
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(10a) It should also be possible for the experience and the expertise of international organisations such as the Council of Europe to be brought to bear on the European Union's strategy to promote intercultural dialogue. |
Amendment 12 Recital 11 a (new) | |
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(11a) It is important, in preparation for the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, to develop initiatives in connection with that dialogue based on practical and sustainable projects, particularly in the context of existing and future partnerships with third countries. Those initiatives should be highlighted in connection with the information and awareness-raising campaigns planned for the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue in 2008. |
Amendment 13 Recital 13 a (new) | |
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(13a) Given the number of actions foreseen on a national and Community scale for all Member States, the financial reference amount can be considered as the threshold value below which achievement of the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue becomes impossible. |
Justification | |
If funding of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, for whatever reason, should go below the financial reference amount, as indicated in the Commission proposal, practical implementation of the activity would become impossible. | |
Amendment 14 Article 1, paragraph 1 a (new) | |
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(1a) For the purposes of this Decision, the term ‘intercultural dialogue’ describes a sustained process which will be given expression and a high profile in 2008 and encompass actions continuing beyond that year. |
Amendment 15 Article 2, paragraph 1, indent 1 | |
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- promoting intercultural dialogue as an instrument to assist European citizens and all those living in the Union temporarily or permanently in acquiring the knowledge, qualifications and aptitudes enabling them to deal with a more open, but also more complex, environment and to manage any difficulties in order to benefit from the opportunities offered to them by a diverse and dynamic society, not only in Europe but also in the world; |
- promoting intercultural dialogue through specific intercultural dialogue projects in a number of sectors as an instrument to assist all those living in the Union to learn to live together in harmony and to overcome the differences inherent in their cultural, religious and linguistic diversity, not only between the cultures of the different Member States but also between different cultures and religious groups within Member States; |
Or. en | |
Amendment 16 Article 2, paragraph 1, indent 2 | |
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- raising the awareness of European citizens and all those living in the European Union of the importance of developing active European citizenship which is open to the world, respects cultural diversity and is based on the common values in the European Union of respect for human dignity, liberty, equality, non-discrimination, solidarity, the principles of democracy and the rule of law as well as respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. |
- raising the awareness of European citizens and all those living in the European Union of the importance of developing active European citizenship which is open to the world, respects cultural diversity and is based on the common values in the European Union as laid down in Article 6 of the EU Treaty and in the Charter of fundamental Rights of the European Union. |
Amendment 17 Article 2, paragraph 1, indent 2 a (new) | |
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- highlighting the contribution of different cultures and expressions of cultural diversity to the heritage and ways of life of the Member States of the European Union; |
Amendment 18 Article 2, paragraph 1, indent 2 a (new) | |
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- exporting the previously mentioned common values of the European Union in its relations with the rest of the world, thus reinforcing its role as a leader in promoting and upholding human rights and democracy. |
Justification | |
The European Union should maintain consistency in promoting and upholding common values both within its territory and among its citizens and in its interaction with the outside world. | |
Amendment 19 Article 2, paragraph 1, indent 2 a (new) | |
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- making education a key medium for teaching about diversity and increasing understanding of other cultures, promoting mobility, exchanges and the application of knowledge, skills and the best social practices and giving the media a central role in promoting the principle of equality and mutual comprehension. |
Justification | |
Account should be taken of the report by the Advisory Group set up by the then Commission President, Mr Prodi, and adopted in November 2003, which proposed action on a dialogue between peoples and cultures in the Euro-Mediterranean area. | |
Amendment 20 Article 2, paragraph 2, indent 1 (new) | |
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- integrate intercultural dialogue as a horizontal and trans-sectoral priority into Community policies, actions and programmes and identify and share best practices in its promotion; |
Amendment 21 Article 2, paragraph 2, indent 1 | |
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- raise the profile and increase the coherence of all Community programmes and actions contributing to intercultural dialogue; |
- raise the profile and increase the coherence of all Community programmes and actions contributing to intercultural dialogue, promote them through, in particular, emblematic actions and measures and ensure their continuity; |
Amendment 22 Article 2, paragraph 2, indent 2 | |
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- highlight the contribution of different cultures to our heritage and ways of life; raise the awareness of European citizens and all those living in the European Union, particularly young people, of the importance of seeking the means to affirm through intercultural dialogue an active European citizenship which is open to the world, respects cultural diversity and is based on the common values in the European Union; |
- raise the awareness of European citizens and all those living in the European Union, particularly young people, of the importance of intercultural and inter-religious dialogue in everyday life; |
Amendment 23 Article 2, paragraph 2, indent 2 a (new) | |
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- create awareness of the cultures and values of the countries of the European Union in third countries in partnership with the Union, for example through the Commission's delegations in those countries, particularly with a view to raising the awareness of potential immigrants to ensure they are better integrated into the host society; |
Amendment 24 Article 2, paragraph 2, indent 3 | |
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- contribute to innovation and to the horizontal and trans-sectoral dimension of approaches aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue, particularly among young people. |
deleted |
Amendment 25 Article 2, paragraph 2, indent 3 a (new) | |
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- explore the possibilities inherent in this thematic year; prepare and adopt a coherent strategy tailored to the specific situations of the Member States which pays attention to education, to promote tolerance, to accepting and coexisting with diversity and to raising awareness of the value of people who contribute to the linguistic, ethnic and religious diversity of Europe. |
Justification | |
When designing the concept of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, it is very important to focus on asserting the principle of sustainability. This strategy, in which education plays a key role, should be duly implemented by the Member States. | |
Amendment 26 Article 2 a (new) | |
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Article 2a |
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Participation in the action |
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To achieve the objectives listed in Article 2, the action initiated by this Decision must be prioritised through structured cooperation with civil society actors, such as non-governmental organisations working in the field of intercultural dialogue, organisations involved in inter-religious and secular dialogue, sociocultural associations and the media. |
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The action shall be carried out in cooperation with the European institutions and national and regional authorities, as well as with international organisations such as the Council of Europe and Unesco. |
Amendment 27 Article 3, points (a), (b) and (c) | |
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(a) information and promotion campaigns, particularly in cooperation with the media, at Community and national level to disseminate the key messages concerning the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; |
(a) events and initiatives on a European scale aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue and highlighting achievements and experiences around the theme of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; |
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(b) events and initiatives on a European scale aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue, and highlighting achievements and experiences on the theme of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; |
(b) events and initiatives at national and regional level with a strong European dimension aimed at promoting the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, with particular attention to actions relating to civic education and learning to appreciate other people and their differences; |
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(c) events and initiatives at national level with a strong European dimension aimed at promoting the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; |
(c) information and awareness campaigns; |
(Points (a), (b) and (c) of the Commission text have become points (c), (a) and (b) respectively in Parliament’s amendment. Point (a), which has become point (c), and point (c), which has become point (b), have also been modified.) | |
Amendment 28 Article 3, point (d) | |
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(d) surveys and studies on a Community or national scale to assess and report on the preparation for, effectiveness and impact of and long-term follow-up to the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. |
(d) consultation with transnational networks and civil society stakeholders (through instruments such as small-scale meetings, debates, surveys and studies) to assess and report on the effectiveness and impact of, and to lay the basis for long-term follow-up to, the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. |
Or. en | |
Amendment 29 Article 3, paragraph 2 a (new) | |
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Since one aspect of the intercultural dialogue relates to action to combat discrimination and promote integration, the activities undertaken in 2008 should follow on from, and complement, the actions carried out in connection with the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All (2007). The actions planned, at both Community and national level, must take on board the experience gained from actions under such European Year of Equal Opportunities for All. |
Amendment 30 Article 5 | |
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Each Member State shall appoint a national coordination body, or an equivalent administrative body, responsible for organising that State’s participation in the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. Each Member State shall ensure that this body involves in an appropriate manner the various parties in intercultural dialogue at national level. This body shall ensure the coordination, at national level, of actions relating to the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue |
Each Member State shall appoint a national coordination body, or an equivalent administrative body, responsible for organising that State’s participation in the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. Each Member State shall ensure that this body involves in an appropriate manner the various parties in intercultural dialogue at national, regional and local level. This body shall ensure the coordination, at national level, of actions relating to the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue |
Or. es | |
Justification | |
Regional and local level partnership in promoting intercultural dialogue is essential, in order to guarantee impact at grassroots level. | |
Amendment 31 Article 6, paragraph 1 | |
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1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee. |
1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of one representative from each Member State and presided over by the Commission. The national representatives shall be appointed preferably by the national coordination body referred to in Article 5. |
Amendment 32 Article 6, paragraph 2 | |
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2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 3 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof. |
2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 3 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof. Without prejudice to the above procedure, two representatives of the European Parliament shall attend meetings of the committee as observers. |
Justification | |
Considering the nature of decisions affecting European citizenship, two representatives of the European Parliament with observer status should attend meetings of the committee. | |
Amendment 33 Article 7, paragraph 3 | |
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3. The measures referred to in part C of the Annex may be subsidised up to 50% of their total cost from the general budget of the European Communities in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 8. |
3. The measures referred to in part C of the Annex may be subsidised up to 80% of their total cost from the general budget of the European Communities in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 8. |
Justification | |
The increase of Community grant from 50 to 80% will facilitate the implementation of projects for cultural operators. | |
Amendment 34 Article 9 | |
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For the purposes of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, the Commission may cooperate with appropriate international organisations. |
For the purposes of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, the Commission shall cooperate with appropriate international organisations, in particular with the Council of Europe and Unesco, taking great care to ensure transparency in cooperative relations and the visibility of the EU's participation. |
Amendment 35 Article 11, paragraph 1 | |
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1. The financial framework for the implementation of this Decision for the period between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2008 shall be 10 million euro. |
1. The financial framework for the implementation of this Decision for the period between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2008 shall be EUR 10 million. Preparatory action shall be limited to 30% of the overall budget. |
Justification | |
It has to be stated clearly that the biggest part of the overall budget is spent on cultural events during the year 2008, which will be the Year of Intercultural Dialogue. | |
Amendment 36 Article 14 | |
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The Commission shall submit to Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, not later than 31 December 2009, a report on the implementation, results and overall assessment of the measures laid down in Article 3 of this Decision.. |
The Commission shall submit to Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, not later than 31 December 2009, a report on the implementation, results and overall assessment of the measures laid down in Article 3 of this Decision to serve as a basis for future Union policies, measures and actions in this field. |
Amendment 37 Annex, Part A, point 1, subparagraph 1 a (new) | |
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The financial resources dedicated to information and promotion campaigns shall not exceed 20% of the overall budget. |
Justification | |
The proposed budget's repartition seems incorrect. The specific cultural events such as spectacles, exhibitions, and concerts will constitute by themselves a promotion of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue' objectives. Information and promotion campaigns (in the media) should be only supportive measures. | |
Amendment 38 Annex, Part A, point 1 (c) | |
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(c) cooperation with the private sector, broadcasters and other media as partners for disseminating information on the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; |
(c) cooperation with the private sector, broadcasters and other media as partners for disseminating information on the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, particularly in the context of the major sporting events taking place in 2008, namely the European Football Championships and the Beijing Olympic Games, at the same time combating human trafficking and forced prostitution of women during those events; |
Amendment 39 Annex, part A, point 1 (f) | |
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(f) appropriate initiatives by educational institutions and the general public to disseminate information on the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; |
(f) |
Amendment 40 Annex, Part A, point (1) (g) | |
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(g) the establishment of an information website on Europa, including a portal for promoters of projects relating to intercultural dialogue, in order to guide them through the various relevant Community programmes and actions. |
(g) the establishment of a web portal to make all actions in the field of intercultural dialogue accessible to the general public and to guide promoters of projects relating to intercultural dialogue through the various relevant Community programmes and actions. |
Amendment 41 Annex, Part A, new paragraph after title point (2) | |
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The creation of a prize for intercultural dialogue to reward a youth project in the context of Community programmes such as Socrates, Youth and Culture, as referred to in the first indent of Article 2(2). |
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Amendment 42 Annex, Part A, point (2) | |
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Surveys and studies at Community level with a view to assessing and reporting on the preparation, effectiveness, impact and long-term monitoring of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. |
Consultation with transnational networks and civil society stakeholders (through instruments such as small-scale meetings, debates, surveys and studies) to assess and report on the effectiveness and impact of, and to lay the basis for long-term follow-up to, the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. |
Or. en | |
Amendment 43 Annex, Part B, point 1 | |
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A limited number of emblematic actions on a European scale aimed at raising awareness, particularly among young people, of the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue may receive a Community grant of up to 80% of the total cost. |
A limited number of emblematic actions on a European scale aimed at raising awareness, particularly among young people and women, of the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue may receive a Community grant of up to 80% of the total cost. |
Justification | |
The Community grant of up to 80% of the total cost should also apply to women, in addition to young people, in order to encourage and facilitate their participation, which is lacking in all countries for a great variety of reasons. Measures should be taken to ensure that those groups which are not actively and systematically mobilised, such as young people and women, have access to the intercultural dialogue initiative. | |
Amendment 44 Annexe, part B, point 2 | |
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These actions may consist of particular events, including a Community event to open and close the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue in cooperation with the Presidencies in office during 2008 |
These actions may consist of particular events, including a Community event to open and close the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue in cooperation with the Presidencies in office during 2008. They could include, in particular, participation at European level in the celebrations of 8 March and 21 May, which the General Assembly of the United Nations has proclaimed respectively International Women’s day and World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. |
Amendment 45 Annex, Part B, points 2 a and 2 b (new) | |
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2a. The European Year of Intercultural Dialogue shall be concluded with an Intercultural Forum in the European Parliament bringing together civil society and political and religious representatives. |
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2b. An inter-religious meeting of churches and religious communities recognised by the Member States should also be organised. |
Amendment 46 Annex, Part C, point 1 | |
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Actions at national level with a strong European dimension may fulfil the conditions for receiving Community aid of up to 50% of the total cost. |
Actions at national, regional and local level with a strong European dimension may fulfil the conditions for receiving Community aid of up to 80% of the total cost. |
Or. es | |
Justification | |
Regional and local level partnership in promoting intercultural dialogue is essential, in order to guarantee impact at grassroots level. | |
- [1] Not yet published in OJ.
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
1) Summary of the Commission proposal
The Commission proposal is to be seen in the context of the series of theme-based European Years, such as the European Year of Workers’ Mobility in 2006 and the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All in 2007.
The main objective of the proposed European Year is to promote dialogue among all cultures and among everyone living in the European Union in order to provide them with the tools to live together in harmony. The legal basis is Article 151 of the Treaty establishing the European Community.
Under the proposal, the European Year would be allocated a budget of €10 million to achieve its objective by means of the following four types of activity:
1) Information and promotion campaigns coordinated at Community level and carried out at national level with the aim of communicating the key messages and logo of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue to all citizens and those living in the Union. The Commission will provide funding of €4.5 million (45% of the total budget).
2) Events and actions at European level aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue and raising awareness among all Europeans, particularly young people. These emblematic actions, limited to a maximum of eight, will be eligible for 80% cofunding from the Commission, up to a total of €2.4 million (24% of the total budget).
3) Events and actions at national level, provided they offer a European added value, will be eligible for 50% cofunding from the Commission, up to a total of €2.5 million (25% of the total budget).
4) Surveys and studies at European or national level to prepare actions and ensure that they are sustainable. These surveys will be funded by the Commission from a planned budget of €600 000 (6% of the total budget).
The action must be carried out in full compliance with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality.
2) Reasons for, and content of, amendments
· The Commission proposal contains many good ideas and initiatives. However, it lacks clarity. It is hard to talk about intercultural dialogue on the basis of a document which, in some parts, is impossible to understand. It needs to be made simpler, with appropriate definitions and clarifications.
· In general, a sustained process needs to be initiated in the context of intercultural dialogue. That process will reach its peak in 2008, but will begin immediately and continue beyond 2008. Steps must be taken to ensure that the action is sustainable. Furthermore, it must also be coherent with other European Years, above all the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All in 2007.
· More thorough consideration should also be given to defining the concept of intercultural dialogue itself. As it stands, the Commission proposal contains no definition of the term – a definition needs to be included.
· It is important to think about the explicit reference to interreligious and secular dialogue and also to consider what forms that dialogue could take. Religious identity is an essential part of the identity of all of us, even those who are not religious. It would be unthinkable for it not to be included in a project of such supposedly comprehensive scope as the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.
· Greater emphasis should be given to the role of culture itself. It is through culture that different cultures can have a dialogue. The approval of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions by the Unesco General Conference on 20 October 2005, supported explicitly by the 25 Member States of the European Union, marked a recognition that culture and cultural diversity lie at the foundation of our model of society. The role of intercultural dialogue, therefore, is to make it possible for everyone to learn from and participate in this diversity.
· Consideration should be given to using existing programmes, in which case the contribution and possibilities of the Culture 2007-2013 programme should be stressed first of all in terms of targeting priorities.
· To achieve the objectives of the Year of Intercultural Dialogue, the action should be prioritised through structured cooperation with the actors on the ground. Consequently, numerous civil society partners should be actively involved in its preparation and implementation. For example, there are NGOs working in the field of intercultural dialogue, organisations involved in interreligious and secular dialogue, sociocultural associations, research institutes, universities and the media.
· The action also has to be carried out in close cooperation with the European institutions and national and regional authorities, as well as with international organisations such as the Council of Europe and Unesco, which have a wealth of experience and unrivalled know-how in the area of intercultural dialogue.
· I agree with the Commission’s suggestion to take the best existing practices at all levels as the basis but it needs to be made clearer how that could be done.
· It would be useful to include suggestions for specific and emblematic events and actions with a symbolic content at European level. This would make it possible to raise the profile of the action and to begin targeting the budget for the year straight away, as well as to ensure coherence with all existing actions.
o Such events could include establishing a Prize for Intercultural Dialogue. It would have to be decided whether such a prize would be similar to the Sakharov Prize, rewarding a prominent champion of intercultural dialogue, or a prize which rewarded, for example, the best project submitted in the context of intercultural dialogue.
o Following the Commission’s proposal of holding an opening or closing event, a ‘grand forum’ would have to be held at the end (and possibly also at the beginning) of the year. Such a conference could be accommodated by the European Parliament, which could thereby involve itself more actively in the action.
o In the context of the information campaigns, it would be useful to broaden the proposal to set up a website and instead create a genuine web portal in order to:
§ centralise all information about all intercultural dialogue activities;
§ create a network of civil society (the professionals on the ground) and other actors;
§ exchange best practices;
§ as the Commission proposal indicates, guide promoters of projects relating to intercultural dialogue through the various relevant Community programmes and actions, and also make it easy to respond to calls for proposals.
· Finally, the role of the European Parliament should be clarified. If necessary, Parliament should seek a more active involvement. Parliament has the responsibility of fostering intercultural dialogue and must declare itself willing to ensure the continuity of the action and to ensure that respect for intercultural dialogue is one of the criteria for evaluating all the Union’s work.
OPINION of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (21.4.2006)
for the Committee on Culture and Education
on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008)
(COM(2005)0467 – C6‑0311/2005 – 2005/0203(COD))
Draftsman: Patrick Gaubert
SHORT JUSTIFICATION
Intercultural dialogue is assuming increasing importance in the light of recent developments in Europe and elsewhere. It is a means of averting civil strife and upholding social cohesion, as it fosters understanding between peoples through informed mutual awareness of their respective cultures and values. It is a cornerstone of European integration.
The intercultural dialogue must be reciprocal. On the one hand, European citizens must be increasingly receptive to a pluralist and multipolar society, and consequently to the different cultures of other European and non-European countries, particularly those nearest to them. On the other hand, efforts should be made to increase the awareness of people in non-Union countries and regions of the culture and common values of the European Union, particularly in connection with the enlargement process and regional partnerships.
One of the objectives of this European Year could centre on the social integration of first-generation immigrants. It is essential for these newly-arrived citizens to be aware of the culture and values of their host countries to improve their integration into society. The necessary information could be provided in potential immigrants’ countries of origin before they leave. Conversely, a dialogue based on mutual respect must encourage European citizens to be receptive to ‘non-European’ cultures to enable these ‘non-European’ citizens to be fully integrated.
Care should be taken to ensure that the actions carried out in connection with this 2008 Year are complementary to, and consistent with, those taken in 2007 under the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All. Intercultural dialogue is also concerned with action to combat discrimination and promote the integration of immigrants. This being so, it should be possible for stakeholders who are mobilised in 2007 and have an interest in the activities connected with the intercultural dialogue to be involved in the 2008 European Year also.
For the 2008 European Year to be successful, it will have to involve cooperation and exchanges with a number of stakeholders and partners who can help the European and national institutions to fully achieve their objectives. The involvement of international organisations such as the Council of Europe and Unesco, which have considerable experience and expertise in the field of intercultural dialogue, would also be desirable. Similarly, it should be possible to bring on board representatives of civil society, particularly the NGOs active in the field, together with other intercultural organisations such as the Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for Dialogue between Cultures.
AMENDMENTS
The Committee on Foreign Affairs calls on the Committee on Culture and Education, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following amendments in its report:
| Text proposed by the Commission[1] | Amendments by Parliament |
Amendment 1 Recital 4 | |
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(4) At the heart of the European project, intercultural dialogue appears to be the tool of choice for citizens to manage the complex reality in our societies and galvanise them. |
(4) At the heart of the European project, intercultural dialogue appears to be the tool of choice for citizens to manage the complex reality in our societies and galvanise them, and can make an enormous contribution to improving the EU’s external relations, in the context of a globalised world. |
Justification | |
Cultural and linguistic diversity contributes to the EU's cultural wealth and can facilitate dialogue with all the world's cultures and thus help people to live together within the EU. | |
Amendment 2 Recital 5, indent 1 | |
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- by respecting and promoting cultural diversity in Europe and promoting active European citizenship open to the world and based on the common values in the European Union; |
- by respecting and promoting cultural diversity in Europe, promoting active European citizenship open to the world and based on the common values in the European Union and encouraging the integration of citizens through awareness and knowledge of those values based on the alliance of civilisations; |
Amendment 3 Recital 5, indent 3 | |
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– by supporting the Union’s commitment to solidarity, social justice and greater cohesion in the respect of common values in the European Union; |
– by supporting the Union’s commitment to solidarity, social justice, cooperation and greater cohesion in the respect of common values in the European Union, which are essential to facilitate dialogue with the world’s different cultures and thus consolidate its role as international leader in upholding and promoting democracy and human rights; |
Justification | |
Cultural and linguistic diversity contributes to the EU's cultural wealth and can facilitate dialogue with all the world's cultures and in this way help people to live together within the EU. Thus it can be seen as a basis for world governance, in which the United Nations framework should also be valued. | |
Amendment 4 Recital 5, indent 4 | |
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- by enabling Europe to make its voice better heard in the world and to forge effective partnerships with neighbouring countries, thus extending the zone of stability and democracy beyond the Union and thereby influencing the wellbeing and security of European citizens and all those living in the European Union. |
- by enabling Europe to make its voice better heard in the world, to know more about, and understand, the culture of other regions and continents in order to forge effective partnerships with neighbouring countries, to extend the zone of stability, peace and democracy beyond the Union by fostering peoples' knowledge of each others' culture and thereby to influence the wellbeing, security and mutual respect of European and non-European citizens and all those living inside and outside the European Union. |
Amendment 5 Recital 6 | |
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(6) Intercultural dialogue is an important dimension in many Community policies and instruments in the fields of education, youth, culture, citizenship and sport, combating discrimination and social exclusion, lifelong learning, combating racism and xenophobia, policy on asylum and the integration of immigrants, audiovisual policy and research. At the same time it is an increasing factor in the European Union’s external relations, particularly with regard to the candidate countries, the countries of the western Balkans and the partner countries of the European neighbourhood policy. |
(6) Intercultural dialogue is an important dimension in many Community policies and instruments in the fields of education, youth, culture, citizenship and sport, combating discrimination and social exclusion, women's rights and gender equality, lifelong learning, combating racism and xenophobia, the fight against human trafficking, policy on asylum and the integration of immigrants, human rights and sustainable development, audiovisual policy and research. At the same time it is an increasing factor in the European Union’s external relations, particularly with regard to the accession and candidate countries, the countries of the western Balkans, the candidate countries for association agreements with the EU, the partner countries of the European neighbourhood policy and other third countries, particularly developing countries. |
Amendment 6 Recital 10 a (new) | |
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(10a) It should also be possible for the experience and the expertise of international organisations such as the Council of Europe to be brought to bear on the European Union's strategy to promote intercultural dialogue. |
Amendment 7 Recital 11 a (new) | |
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(11a) It is important, in preparation for the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, to develop initiatives in connection with that dialogue, based on practical and sustainable projects, particularly in the context of existing and future partnerships with third countries. Those initiatives should be highlighted in connection with the information and awareness-raising campaigns planned for the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue in 2008. |
Amendment 8 Article 2, paragraph 1, indent 1 | |
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- promoting intercultural dialogue as an instrument to assist European citizens and all those living in the Union temporarily or permanently in acquiring the knowledge, qualifications and aptitudes enabling them to deal with a more open, but also more complex, environment and to manage any difficulties in order to benefit from the opportunities offered to them by a diverse and dynamic society, not only in Europe but also in the world; |
- promoting intercultural dialogue as an instrument to assist European citizens and all those living in the Union temporarily or permanently in living together more harmoniously on the basis of mutual respect for cultural differences and to enable immigrants, particularly women and children, to be integrated more fully by enhancing the mutual awareness and knowledge, and hence the mutual perception, of the respective cultures and values of all sectors of the population in the Member States; |
Amendment 9 Article 2, paragraph 1, indent 2 a (new) | |
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- exporting the previously mentioned common values of the European Union, in its relations with the rest of the world, thus reinforcing its role as a leader in promoting and upholding human rights and democracy. |
Justification | |
The European Union should maintain consistency in promoting and upholding common values both within its territory and among its citizens and in its interaction with the outside world. | |
Amendment 10 Article 2, paragraph 1, indent 2 a (new) | |
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- making education a key medium for teaching about diversity and increasing understanding of other cultures, promoting mobility, exchanges and the application of knowledge, skills and the best social practices, and giving the media a central role in promoting the principle of equality and mutual comprehension. |
Justification | |
Account should be taken of the report by the Advisory Group set up by the then Commission President, Mr Prodi, and adopted in November 2003, which proposed action on a dialogue between peoples and cultures in the Euro-Mediterranean area. | |
Amendment 11 Article 2, paragraph 2, indent 2 a (new) | |
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- create awareness of the cultures and values of the countries of the European Union in third countries in partnership with the Union - for example, through the Commission's delegations in those countries - particularly with a view to raising the awareness of potential immigrants to ensure they are better integrated into the host society; |
Amendment 12 Article 3, paragraph 2 a (new) | |
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Since one aspect of the intercultural dialogue relates to action to combat discrimination and promote integration, the activities undertaken in 2008 should follow on from, and complement, the actions carried out in connection with the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All (2007). The actions planned, at both Community and national level, must take on board the experience gained from actions under the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All (2007). |
Amendment 13 Article 3, paragraph 3 a (new) | |
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The measures intended to achieve the objectives of the European Year, as defined in this Article, should be the focus of concerted action involving stakeholders drawn from civil society such as non-governmental organisations active in the field of intercultural dialogue, and other intercultural organisations such as gender equality organisations or the Anna Lindh Foundation, which all have a particular interest in the planning, implementation and follow-up of the European Year. |
Amendment 14 Article 6, paragraph 2 | |
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2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 3 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof. |
2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 3 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof. Without prejudice to the above procedure, two representatives of the European Parliament shall attend meetings of the committee as observers. |
Justification | |
Considering the nature of decisions affecting European citizenship, two representatives of the European Parliament with observer status should attend meetings of the committee. | |
Amendment 15 Article 9 | |
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For the purposes of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, the Commission may cooperate with appropriate international organisations.. |
For the purposes of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, the Commission may cooperate with appropriate international organisations and, in particular, with the United Nations and its High-Level Group on the Alliance of Civilisations. |
Justification | |
The European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008 should take account of the objectives of the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations. | |
Amendment 16 Article 10, paragraph 2 | |
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2. The Commission shall take care to involve the candidate countries in the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, on the basis of their participation in a number of Community programmes including an intercultural dialogue dimension and by developing specific initiatives in appropriate frameworks, particularly in the context of civil society dialogue between the European Union and the candidate countries. |
2. The Commission shall take care to involve the accession and candidate countries benefiting from a pre-accession strategy including the candidate countries for association agreements with the EU, the countries in MEDA and the partner countries in EUROMED in the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, on the basis of their participation in a number of Community programmes including an intercultural dialogue dimension and by developing specific initiatives in appropriate frameworks, particularly in the context of civil society dialogue between the European Union and the candidate countries. |
Amendment 17 Article 10, paragraph 3 | |
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3. The Commission shall ensure complementarity between the measures taken to achieve the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue and initiatives likely to be developed within the relevant cooperation and dialogue frameworks with those EFTA countries which are party to the EEA agreement, the countries of the western Balkans and the partner countries of the European neighbourhood policy. |
3. The Commission shall ensure complementarity between the measures taken to achieve the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue and initiatives likely to be developed within the relevant cooperation and dialogue frameworks, placing special emphasis on reinforcing democracy and respect for human rights and civil liberties and on equal participation by women in the dialogue with those EFTA countries which are party to the EEA agreement, the countries of the western Balkans and the partner countries of the European neighbourhood policy. |
Justification | |
The European Union should maintain consistency in promoting and upholding common values both within its territory and among its citizens and in its interaction with the outside world. Moreover, the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008 should take account of the objectives of the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations. | |
Amendment 18 Article 10, paragraph 4 | |
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4. The Commission shall also ensure complementarity with any other initiative of cooperation with third countries, in particular developing countries, relevant for the objectives of intercultural dialogue of the European Year..
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4. The Commission shall also ensure complementarity with the work of the High-Level Group of the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations, and with any other initiative of cooperation with third countries, in particular developing countries, relevant for the objectives of intercultural dialogue of the European Year. |
Justification | |
The European Union should maintain consistency in promoting and upholding common values both within its territory and among its citizens and in its interaction with the outside world. Moreover, the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008 should take account of the objectives of the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations. | |
Amendment 19 Annex, Part A, paragraph 1, point (c) | |
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(c) cooperation with the private sector, broadcasters and other media as partners for disseminating information on the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; |
(c) cooperation with the private sector, broadcasters and other media as partners for disseminating information on the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, particularly in the context of the major sporting events taking place in 2008, namely the European Football Championship and the Beijing Olympic Games, at the same time combating human trafficking and forced prostitution of women during those events; |
Amendment 20 Annex, Part B, paragraph 2 | |
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These actions may consist of particular events, including a Community event to open and close the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue in cooperation with the Presidencies in office during 2008. |
These actions may consist of particular events, including a Community event to open and close the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue in cooperation with the Presidencies in office during 2008. They could include, in particular, participation at European level in the celebration of 8 March and 21 May, which the General Assembly of the United Nations has respectively proclaimed World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development and International Women's Day. |
Amendment 21 Legislative financial statement, part 5, paragraph 5.2, paragraph 3 | |
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The Commission will ensure that activities financed by the Year will complement other Community interventions in areas such as the Structural Funds, education, culture, youth, citizenship, employment, social affairs, equal opportunities, immigration, promotion of fundamental rights, combating racism and xenophobia, audiovisual policy and research. Complementarity with the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All will be particularly important in order to ensure that the two Years support each other in their objectives and actions. |
The Commission will ensure that activities financed by the Year will complement other Community interventions in areas such as the Structural Funds, education, culture, youth, citizenship, employment, social affairs, equal opportunities, immigration, promotion of fundamental rights, combating racism and xenophobia, the promotion of women's rights and gender equality, the fight against forced prostitution, audiovisual policy and research. Complementarity with the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All will be particularly important in order to ensure that the two Years support each other in their objectives and actions. The actions planned, at both Community and national level, must take on board the experience gained from actions carried out under the 2007 Year, for example by making provision for cooperation with various components of civil society, including lay and women's organisations, and public sector and private sector stakeholders mobilised in 2007. |
Amendment 22 Legislative financial statement, part 8, paragraph 8.2, subparagraph 5 (Action B) | |
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A limited number of European-scale emblematic actions should help to raise awareness, particularly among young people, of the objectives of the European Year. These actions will include the opening and closing events for the Year, to be organised with the Member States occupying the Presidency of the Union in 2008. |
A limited number of European-scale emblematic actions should help to raise awareness, particularly among young people, of the objectives of the European Year. These actions will include the opening and closing events for the Year, to be organised with the Member States occupying the Presidency of the Union in 2008. They could include, in particular, participation at European level in the celebration of 21 May, which has been proclaimed World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development by the General Assembly of the United Nations. |
PROCEDURE
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Title |
Proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008) | |||||
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References |
COM(2005)0467 – C6-0311/2005 – 2005/0203(COD) | |||||
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Committee responsible |
CULT | |||||
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Opinion by |
AFET | |||||
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Enhanced cooperation – date announced in plenary |
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Draftsman |
Patrick Gaubert | |||||
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Previous drafts(wo)man |
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Discussed in committee |
21.3.2006 |
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Date adopted |
20.4.2006 | |||||
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Result of final vote |
+: –: 0: |
52 3 0 | ||||
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Members present for the final vote |
Angelika Beer, Panagiotis Beglitis, Bastiaan Belder, Monika Beňová, Emma Bonino, André Brie, Elmar Brok, Paul Marie Coûteaux, Véronique De Keyser, Giorgos Dimitrakopoulos, Camiel Eurlings, Ana Maria Gomes, Richard Howitt, Jana Hybášková, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Vytautas Landsbergis, Edward McMillan-Scott, Cecilia Malmström, Francisco José Millán Mon, Philippe Morillon, Pasqualina Napoletano, Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck, Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne, Raimon Obiols i Germà, Alojz Peterle, Tobias Pflüger, João de Deus Pinheiro, Paweł Bartłomiej Piskorski, Michel Rocard, Raül Romeva i Rueda, Libor Rouček, José Ignacio Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra, Jacek Emil Saryusz-Wolski, György Schöpflin, Gitte Seeberg, István Szent-Iványi, Konrad Szymański, Antonio Tajani, Paavo Väyrynen, Karl von Wogau, Luis Yañez-Barnuevo García, Josef Zieleniec | |||||
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Substitute(s) present for the final vote |
Laima Liucija Andrikienė, Irena Belohorská, Carlos Carnero González, Alexandra Dobolyi, Hélène Flautre, Michael Gahler, Kinga Gál, Milan Horáček, Tunne Kelam, Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis, Miguel Angel Martínez Martínez, Athanasios Pafilis, Inger Segelström | |||||
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Substitute(s) under Rule 178(2) present for the final vote |
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Comments (available in one language only) |
... | |||||
- [1] OJ C ..., ..., p. ....
OPINION of the Committee on Budgets (26.4.2006)
for the Committee on Culture and Education
on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008)
(COM(2005)0467 – C6‑0311/2005 – 2005/0203(COD))
Draftswoman: Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg
SHORT JUSTIFICATION
1. Main elements of the Commission proposal
The objectives of the Commission Proposal concerning the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008) are as follows:
- to promote intercultural dialogue as an instrument to assist European citizens, and all those living permanently or temporarily in the European Union, in acquiring the knowledge, qualifications and aptitudes to enable them to deal with a more open but also more complex environment and to overcome any difficulties in order to benefit from the opportunities provided by a diverse and dynamic society, not only in Europe but also in the world;
- to raise the awareness of European citizens, and all those living in the European Union, of the importance of developing active European citizenship;
- to increase the coherence of all Community programmes and actions contributing to intercultural dialogue;
- to highlight the contribution of different cultures to our heritage and ways of life; raising the awareness of European citizens and all persons living in the European Union, particularly young people;
- to contribute to innovation.
The Year will be developed around three types of action:
· actions on a Community scale: an information campaign promoting the objectives of the European Year, surveys and studies on a Community scale aiming at assessing the impact of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue;
· grants for actions on a Community: particularly among young people may receive Community aid of up to 80% of the total cost;
· co-financing of actions on a national scale with a strong European dimension: actions at national level may meet the requirements for receiving Community aid of up to 50% of the total cost.
The proposal includes a financial framework. The total amount suggested is EUR 10 million for 2007 and 2008 (excluding administrative expenditure).
The breakdown of expenditure looks as follows:
A: Measures for on Community scale:
- Information and promotion campaign: EUR 4.5 million
- Surveys and studies: EUR 0.6 million
B: Cofinancing of actions at Community level
- Emblematic actions including opening and closing events: EUR 2.4 million
C: Cofinancing of actions at national level
- National initiatives: EUR 2.5 million
2. Amendments proposed by the draftsperson:
The draftsperson welcomes the Commission proposal as an important step towards the construction of Europe. A European Year devoted to intercultural dialogue constitutes a unique awareness-raising tool for implementing a series of strategic priorities of the European Union.
The following points are raised by the draftsperson:
- Amendment 1 concerning the legislative resolution: Standard amendment pointing out that the appropriations are subject to the decision on the next multiannual financial framework.
- Focus on concrete projects: the draftsperson is of the opinion that given the limited financial resources that have to be spread among 25 Member States only a minor part of the overall budget should be spent on information and promotion campaigns (Amendments 3, 4 and 8).
- An increase in the part to be co-financed by the EU will facilitate the implementation of projects for cultural operators (Amendments 5 and 9).
- In order to ensure a certain visibility of the European year on intercultural dialogue it has to be made clear that the main part of the overall budget is spent on the projects that will take place in 2008. Preparatory action in 2007 should be limited to what is absolutely necessary (Amendment 7).
AMENDMENTS
The Committee on Budgets calls on the Committee on Culture and Education, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following amendments in its report:
Draft legislative resolution
Amendment 1 Paragraph 1 a (new) | |
1a. Considers that the financial envelope indicated in the legislative proposal must be compatible with the ceiling of heading 3b of the new Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) and points out that the annual amount will be decided within the annual budgetary procedure in accordance with the provisions of point 37 of the IIA of xxx. |
Proposal for a decision
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Text proposed by the Commission[1] |
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Amendments by Parliament |
Amendment 2
Recital 13 a (new)
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(13a) Given the number of actions foreseen on a national and Community scale for all Member States, the financial reference amount can be considered as the threshold value below which achievement of the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue becomes impossible. |
Justification
If funding of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, for whatever reason, should go below the financial reference amount, as indicated in the Commission proposal, practical implementation of the activity would become impossible.
Amendment 3 Article 2, paragraph 1, indent 1 | |
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– promoting intercultural dialogue as an instrument to assist European citizens and all those living in the Union temporarily or permanently in acquiring the knowledge, qualifications and aptitudes enabling them to deal with a more open, but also more complex, environment and to manage any difficulties in order to benefit from the opportunities offered to them by a diverse and dynamic society, not only in Europe but also in the world; |
– promoting intercultural dialogue through specific intercultural dialogue projects in a number of sectors as an instrument to assist European citizens and all those living in the Union temporarily or permanently in acquiring the knowledge, qualifications and aptitudes enabling them to deal with a more open, but also more complex, environment and to manage any difficulties in order to benefit from the opportunities offered to them by a diverse and dynamic society, not only in Europe but also in the world; |
Justification | |
The objectives of the Intercultural Dialogue should be primarily achieved through realisation of concrete projects and cultural initiatives launched on national and community level. | |
Amendment 4 Article 3, paragraph 2, points (a), (b) and (c) | |
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(a) information and promotion campaigns, particularly in cooperation with the media, at Community and national level to disseminate the key messages concerning the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; |
(a) events and initiatives on a European scale aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue, and highlighting achievements and experiences on the theme of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; |
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(b) events and initiatives on a European scale aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue, and highlighting achievements and experiences on the theme of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; |
(b) events and initiatives at national level with a strong European dimension aimed at promoting the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; |
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(c) events and initiatives at national level with a strong European dimension aimed at promoting the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; |
(c) information and promotion campaigns, particularly in cooperation with the media, at Community and national level to disseminate the key messages concerning the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; |
Justification | |
The objectives of the Intercultural Dialogue should be primarily achieved through the implementation of concrete projects and cultural events launched on national and community level, supported by information and promotion campaigns on the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue's goals. | |
Amendment 5 Article 7, paragraph 3 | |
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3. The measures referred to in part C of the Annex may be subsidised up to 50% of their total cost from the general budget of the European Communities in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 8. |
3. The measures referred to in part C of the Annex may be subsidised up to 80% of their total cost from the general budget of the European Communities in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 8. |
Justification | |
The increase of Community grant from 50 to 80% will facilitate the implementation of projects for cultural operators. | |
Amendment 6 Article 9 | |
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For the purposes of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, the Commission may cooperate with appropriate international organisations. |
For the purposes of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, the Commission shall cooperate with appropriate international organisations. |
Justification | |
In a legislative text rights and obligations have to be stated clearly. | |
Amendment 7 Article 11, paragraph 1 | |
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1. The financial framework for the implementation of this Decision for the period between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2008 shall be 10 million euro. |
1. The financial framework for the implementation of this Decision for the period between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2008 shall be EUR 10 million. Preparatory action shall be limited to 30% of the overall budget. |
Justification | |
It has to be stated clearly that the biggest part of the overall budget is spent on cultural events during the year 2008, which will be the Year of Intercultural Dialogue. | |
Amendment 8 Annex, Part A, point 1, subparagraph 1 a (new) | |
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The financial resources dedicated to information and promotion campaigns shall not exceed 20% of the overall budget. |
Justification | |
The proposed budget's repartition seems incorrect. The specific cultural events such as spectacles, exhibitions, and concerts will constitute by themselves a promotion of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue' objectives. Information and promotion campaigns (in the media) should be only supportive measures. | |
Amendment 9 Annex, Part C, paragraph 1 | |
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Actions at national level with a strong European dimension may fulfil the conditions for receiving Community aid of up to 50% of the total cost. |
Actions at national level with a strong European dimension may fulfil the conditions for receiving Community aid of up to 80% of the total cost. |
Justification | |
The increase of Community grant from 50 up to 80% will facilitate the implementation of projects for cultural operators. | |
PROCEDURE
|
Title |
Proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008) | |||||
|
References |
(COM(2005)0467 – C6 0311/2005 – 2005/0203(COD)) | |||||
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Committee responsible |
CULT | |||||
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Opinion by |
BUDG | |||||
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Enhanced cooperation – date announced in plenary |
0.0.0000 | |||||
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Drafts(wo)man |
Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg | |||||
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Previous drafts(wo)man |
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Discussed in committee |
23.3.2006 |
25.4.2006 |
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Date adopted |
25.4.2006 | |||||
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Result of final vote |
+: –: 0: |
31 0 0 | ||||
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Members present for the final vote |
Richard James Ashworth, Simon Busuttil, James Elles, Markus Ferber, Salvador Garriga Polledo, Ingeborg Gräßle, Ville Itälä, Alain Lamassoure, Janusz Lewandowski, Mario Mauro, Antonis Samaras, Nina Škottová, László Surján, Paulo Casaca, Bárbara Dührkop Dührkop, Neena Gill, Louis Grech, Catherine Guy-Quint, Jutta D. Haug, Wiesław Stefan Kuc, Vladimír Maňka, Yannick Vaugrenard, Ralf Walter, Gérard Deprez, Kyösti Virrankoski, Gérard Onesta, Esko Seppänen, Zbigniew Krzysztof Kuźmiuk, Wojciech Roszkowski, | |||||
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Substitute(s) present for the final vote |
Peter Šťastný, Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg, | |||||
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Substitute(s) under Rule 178(2) present for the final vote |
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Comments (available in one language only) |
... | |||||
- [1] OJ C 49, 28.2.2006, p. 44.
OPINION of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (20.4.2006)
for the Committee on Culture and Education
on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the European year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008)
(COM(2005)0467 – C6‑0311/2005 – 2005/0203(COD))
Draftswoman: Kinga Gál
SHORT JUSTIFICATION
The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs wishes to draw attention to the following European Parliament resolutions and Commission documents which form the background to the amendments it has proposed in this opinion:
- resolution on the situation of the Roma in the European Union, adopted 28 April 2005,
- resolution on promotion and protection of fundamental rights: the role of national and European institutions, including the Fundamental Rights Agency (2005/2007(INI)), adopted 26 May 2005,
- resolution on Anti-discrimination policies Minority protection in an enlarged Union, adopted 8 June 2005 (2005/2008(INI)),
- proposal for a Council Decision: European Fund for the Integration of third-country nationals for the period 2007-2013, as part of the General programme ‘Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows’ (2005/0048(CNS) - COM(2005)0123),
- proposal for a Council Decision: for 2007-2013 the specific programme "Fundamental rights and citizenship" as part of the General programme "Fundamental Rights and Justice" (2005/0038(CNS) - COM(2005)0122),
- proposal for a Regulation establishing EU's Agency for Fundamental Rights (2005/0124(CNS)),
- recruitment of terrorists: communication of the Commission on the fight against factors contributing to violent radicalisation (COM(2005)0313),
- Commission Communication to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on "Non-discrimination and equal opportunities for all - A framework strategy" (COM(2005)0224),
AMENDMENTS
The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs calls on the Committee on Culture and Education, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following amendments in its report:
| Text proposed by the Commission[1] | Amendments by Parliament |
Amendment 1 Recital 4 | |
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(4) At the heart of the European project, intercultural dialogue appears to be the tool of choice for citizens to manage the complex reality in our societies and galvanise them. |
(4) At the heart of the European project, intercultural dialogue appears to be the tool of choice for citizens to manage the complex reality in our societies and galvanise them. This reality is simultaneously shaped by the impacts of globalisation and by the process of extending an increasingly political project beyond the economic aspects of European integration. In order to answer this multi-faceted challenge, European citizens and those living in the European Union need to be prepared for effective, peaceful and prosperous coexistence, to show tolerance and to accept diversity. |
Justification | |
When referring to the complex reality in societies, the effects of globalisation and those of the EU's political priorities (especially that of promoting European citizenship in search of reinforcing legitimacy) have to be mentioned as well. A general openness towards learning from other cultures is a precondition for addressing the situation by way of intercultural dialogue. | |
Amendment 2 Recital 6 | |
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(6) Intercultural dialogue is an important dimension in many Community policies and instruments in the fields of education, youth, culture, citizenship and sport, combating discrimination and social exclusion, lifelong learning, combating racism and xenophobia, policy on asylum and the integration of immigrants, audiovisual policy and research. At the same time it is an increasing factor in the European Union’s external relations, particularly with regard to the candidate countries, the countries of the western Balkans and the partner countries of the European neighbourhood policy. |
(6) Intercultural dialogue is an important dimension in many Community policies and instruments in the fields of education, youth, culture, citizenship and sport, combating discrimination and social exclusion, lifelong learning, combating racism and xenophobia, policy on asylum and the integration of immigrants, audiovisual policy and research. In addition, it should be placed at the heart of new Community policies to be introduced to protect and promote the special identity of traditional ethnic, linguistic and national minorities and thus answer the specific needs of the recently enlarged Union. At the same time it is an increasing factor in the European Union’s external relations, particularly with regard to the candidate countries, the countries of the western Balkans and the partner countries of the European neighbourhood policy. |
Justification | |
Culture is universally recognised as a fundamental component of identity. In particular, for traditional ethnic, linguistic and national minorities, preserving and promoting their peculiar cultural characteristics is essential in maintaining their distinctive identity. As a first step to achieve this goal, specific Community programmes have to be worked out that are tailored to the specific needs of these communities, different from immigrants and other groups subject to discrimination. | |
Amendment 3 Recital 7 | |
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(7) Building on this diversified basis of Community experiences and initiatives, involving each citizen and European society as a whole in an intercultural dialogue approach is a fundamental step. |
(7) Building on this diversified basis of Community experiences and initiatives, involving each citizen and European society as a whole in an intercultural dialogue approach is a fundamental step. It complements measures aimed at creating a European identity, the content of which may be enriched by the principle of inclusion without assimilation. Embracing differences shapes the various aspects of belonging to a community. The promotion of learning 'intercultural civility' must contribute to that. 'Intercultural civility' is the complement to and a necessary condition for the implementation of true equality of opportunity for all. |
Justification | |
It is important to capture the concept of intercultural dialogue in the context of existing Community priorities and policies. | |
Arising from the methods and tools evolved by intercultural communication, the development of 'intercultural civility' is now a key condition for intercultural dialogue. Fruitful dialogue cannot take place unless citizens from different cultures share a certain number of basic codes encouraging mutual respect and learning from each other. The development of intercultural civility in the EU represents a major asset for its competitiveness, just as it also offers the citizen a key skill to be acquired in the context of creating true equality of opportunity for all. | |
Amendment 4 Recital 11 | |
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(11) It will also be important to ensure complementarity between the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue and all external aspects of promoting intercultural dialogue initiatives developed within appropriate frameworks, including with those EFTA countries which are party to the EEA agreement, the countries of the western Balkans and the partner countries of the European neighbourhood policy. It will be also important to ensure complementarity with any other initiative of cooperation with third countries, in particular developing countries, relevant for the objectives of intercultural dialogue of the European Year of Intercultural dialogue. |
(11) It will also be important to ensure complementarity between the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue and all external aspects of promoting intercultural dialogue initiatives developed within appropriate frameworks, including with those EFTA countries which are party to the EEA agreement, the countries of the western Balkans and the partner countries of the European neighbourhood policy. Special attention should be paid to accession and candidate countries to further tackle the weaknesses identified in the process of monitoring compliance with the relevant human rights criteria during the pre-accession period. It will be also important to ensure complementarity with any other initiative of cooperation with third countries, in particular developing countries, relevant for the objectives of intercultural dialogue of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. |
Justification | |
Drawing on the experience of the ten new member states joining the Union in 2004, it is important to ensure a sense of continuity between meeting the accession criteria and respecting Community legislation and policies. | |
Amendment 5 Article 2, paragraph 2, indent 3 a (new) | |
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- explore the possibilities inherent in this thematic year; prepare and adopt a coherent strategy tailored to the specific situations of the Member States and paying attention to education to promote tolerance, to accepting and coexisting with diversity, and to raising awareness of the value of people who contribute to the linguistic, ethnic and religious diversity of Europe. |
Justification | |
When designing the concept of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, it is very important to focus on asserting the principle of sustainability. This strategy, in which education plays a key role, should be duly implemented by the Member States. | |
PROCEDURE
|
Title |
Proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the European year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008) | |||||
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References |
COM(2005)0467 – C6-0311/2005 – 2005/0203(COD) | |||||
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Committee responsible |
CULT | |||||
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Opinion by |
LIBE | |||||
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Enhanced cooperation – date announced in plenary |
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Drafts(wo)man |
Kinga Gál | |||||
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Previous drafts(wo)man |
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Discussed in committee |
20.3.2006 |
19.4.2006 |
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| |
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Date adopted |
19.4.2006 | |||||
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Result of final vote |
+: –: 0: |
33 1 0 | ||||
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Members present for the final vote |
Alexander Nuno Alvaro, Roberta Angelilli, Edit Bauer, Mihael Brejc, Kathalijne Maria Buitenweg, Giusto Catania, Jean-Marie Cavada, Carlos Coelho, Fausto Correia, Patrick Gaubert, Timothy Kirkhope, Ewa Klamt, Magda Kósáné Kovács, Barbara Kudrycka, Stavros Lambrinidis, Romano Maria La Russa, Henrik Lax, Hartmut Nassauer, Athanasios Pafilis, Lapo Pistelli, Martine Roure, Inger Segelström, Manfred Weber, Stefano Zappalà, Tatjana Ždanoka | |||||
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Substitute(s) present for the final vote |
Panayiotis Demetriou, Gérard Deprez, Lutz Goepel, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Sophia in 't Veld, Bill Newton Dunn, Hubert Pirker, Marie-Line Reynaud | |||||
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Substitute(s) under Rule 178(2) present for the final vote |
María del Pilar Ayuso González, María Esther Herranz García, Luisa Fernanda Rudi Ubeda, José Ignacio Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra | |||||
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Comments (available in one language only) |
... | |||||
- [1] Not yet published in OJ.
OPINION of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (22.3.2006)
for the Committee on Culture and Education
on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the European year of intercultural dialogue (2008)
(COM(2005)0467 – C6‑0311/2005 – 2005/0203(COD))
Draftswoman: Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou
SHORT JUSTIFICATION
The EU’s initiative to declare 2008 the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue is extremely important in that it provides a complete response to the internal and external challenges of the Union and its citizens for the following reasons.
The EU is by its very nature, and by definition under the Treaties, multicultural. Article 151 of the EC Treaty confers on the European Union responsibility for creating an ever-closer Union between the peoples of Europe and contributing to the flowering of the cultures of the Member States, bringing the common cultural heritage to the fore, while respecting their national and regional diversity.
Culture is not only an innate value among the peoples of Europe and a crucial element of European integration, it is also an economic factor and coefficient in terms of growth and cohesion in European societies. The Lisbon Strategy is based specifically on the ability of Europeans to get to know each other better, to share experiences and opportunities, to cooperate and make use of their comparative advantages. In addition, an open society in which dialogue takes place on the basis of mutual enrichment and the quest for common values is essential to the social integration of immigrants, men and women, who will come from an increasing number of countries and cultures.
Moreover, the EU’s neighbourhood policy and the preparations for further enlargement consist in the EU and its citizens conducting a constructive dialogue with its neighbours at all levels and on all subjects. The Union’s international role and its cooperation with the major powers and all peoples aimed at strengthening its position, promoting its values and achieving world peace, call for a dialogue of substance, showing mutual respect and understanding in rapidly shifting conditions.
European citizens, men and women, should make proper use of all the opportunities provided by a globalised environment to make swift and effective adjustments and become competitive in all sectors. International awareness should coexist harmoniously and constructively with European citizenship and national identity.
The EU confronts all these challenges associated with intercultural dialogue through various policies, ranging from combating discrimination, through cultural exchange and cooperation, strengthening the Lisbon Strategy, and through to external and humanitarian operations.
However, it is important that the goal of intercultural dialogue in 2008 should aim to be a structured and enhanced project which will lend added value to EU measures and provide opportunities for creative participation by all citizens.
The Commission proposal recognises that, as the Year of Intercultural Dialogue, 2008 should be used to combat all forms of discrimination. At the same time, a general objective of this European Year is to raise European citizens' awareness of the importance of developing active European citizenship which is open to the world and based on common values, including equality. Both of these components particularly affect the female population of the EU and the gender equality dimension should, therefore, be incorporated in all measures associated with intercultural dialogue.
It should be stressed that, although women constitute a majority of the population, both in the EU Member States and neighbouring countries, their awareness and participation in this type of Community initiative remains relatively low, as it is in all forms of European policy and productive activity. The consequence of this is that views and issues which affect the female population directly and indirectly are not aired, the particular problems faced by women are not taken into account and women are not informed of the specific opportunities and challenges which concern them.
Measures should, therefore, be taken to promote equal participation of men and women in all bodies to be set up in conjunction with the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, at European and national level, in the Member States and other partnering countries. The participation of women will enrich the 2008 initiatives with new ideas and a fresh perspective on reality, both for European citizens and for those living in the EU or preparing to become future members of the EU.
Intercultural dialogue can be employed as a useful tool to raise the awareness of Europeans about discrimination against women which is often attributable to different cultures, traditions and social exclusion. In particular, women who are members of minorities or immigrant communities living in the EU suffer discrimination on multiple levels in their own communities and in European society. Cultivating a dialogue between cultures should lead to the acceptance of fundamental values and principles which underpin economic and social cohesion, and ensure equality, participation and solidarity.
In order to raise awareness among public opinion as far as possible and to achieve the greatest possible participation and success of the Year of Intercultural Dialogue in 2008, your draftswoman also proposes the systematic promotion of measures and synergies at regional level.
AMENDMENTS
The Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality calls on the Committee on Culture and Education, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following amendments in its report:
| Text proposed by the Commission[1] | Amendments by Parliament |
Amendment 1 Recital 5, indent 1 a (new) | |
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- by providing information about rights and obligations concerning equality which ensue from being resident in the European Union; |
Justification | |
Migrants - both men and women - are often inadequately informed about the implications of EU and Member States' equality legislation, for example. Intercultural dialogue may help women migrants, in particular, with information about their rights, thereby enabling them to defend themselves more effectively against infringements of the law. | |
Amendment 2 Recital 6 | |
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(6) Intercultural dialogue is an important dimension in many Community policies and instruments in the fields of education, youth, culture, citizenship and sport, combating discrimination and social exclusion, lifelong learning, combating racism and xenophobia, policy on asylum and the integration of immigrants, audiovisual policy and research. At the same time it is an increasing factor in the European Union’s external relations, particularly with regard to the candidate countries, the countries of the western Balkans and the partner countries of the European neighbourhood policy. |
(6) Intercultural dialogue is an important dimension in many Community policies and instruments in the fields of education, youth, culture, citizenship and sport, combating any form of discrimination and social exclusion, promoting equality between women and men, lifelong learning, combating racism and xenophobia, policy on asylum and the integration of immigrants, audiovisual policy and research. At the same time it is an increasing factor in the European Union’s external relations, particularly with regard to the candidate countries, the countries of the western Balkans and the partner countries of the European neighbourhood policy. |
Justification | |
Combating all forms of discrimination and promoting gender equality should be specifically referred to as one of the Community policies in which intercultural dialogue is an important dimension. Intercultural dialogue should make an effective contribution to achieving these objectives as they constitute fundamental EU values. | |
Amendment 3 Recital 7 | |
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(7) Building on this diversified basis of Community experiences and initiatives, involving each citizen and European society as a whole in an intercultural dialogue approach is a fundamental step. |
(7) Building on this diversified basis of Community experiences and initiatives, involving each citizen, men and women, on an equal footing and European society as a whole in an intercultural dialogue approach is a fundamental step. |
Justification | |
Access to intercultural dialogue for all citizens, men and women should be ensured on an equal basis. Even though women constitute a majority of the population, they are conspicuous by their absence from dialogue (forums, conferences, institutional cooperation between the EU and third countries etc) where views on social values and social objectives are formed and exchanged. | |
Amendment 4 Article 2, paragraph 1, indent 2 | |
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- raising the awareness of European citizens and all those living in the European Union of the importance of developing active European citizenship which is open to the world, respects cultural diversity and is based on the common values in the European Union of respect for human dignity, liberty, equality, non-discrimination, solidarity, the principles of democracy and the rule of law as well as respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. |
- raising the awareness of European citizens and all those living in the European Union of the importance of developing active European citizenship which is open to the world, respects cultural diversity and is based on the common values in the European Union of respect for human dignity, liberty, equality between women and men, non-discrimination, solidarity, the principles of democracy and the rule of law as well as respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. |
Justification | |
European Union activity in the context of intercultural dialogue must expressly address equality between men and women, as included in the definition of the task and activities of the Community (Articles 2 and 3 of the EC Treaty) and as expressed specifically as a value in the proposal for a European Constitution (Article I-2). | |
Amendment 5 Article 2, paragraph 1 a (new) | |
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1 a. Respect for cultural diversity shall end, however, at banning girls from taking part in sports, swimming and school tuition, direct and indirect support for male polygamy, and severe violations of human rights such as honour killings, forced marriages and genital mutilation, which are not justified by any culture or religion and must not be tolerated. |
Justification | |
Honour killings, forced marriages and genital mutilation also take place in the EU. They are too often excused by reference to cultural diversity. The EU must go on the offensive to champion the human rights of women. | |
Amendment 6 Article 2, paragraph 2, indent 2 | |
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– highlight the contribution of different cultures to our heritage and ways of life; raise the awareness of European citizens and all those living in the European Union, particularly young people, of the importance of seeking the means to affirm through intercultural dialogue an active European citizenship which is open to the world, respects cultural diversity and is based on the common values in the European Union; |
– highlight the contribution of different cultures to our heritage and ways of life; raise the awareness of all European citizens both men and women and all those living in the European Union, particularly young people and women, of the importance of seeking the means to affirm through intercultural dialogue an active European citizenship which is open to the world, respects cultural diversity and is based on the common values in the European Union; |
Justification | |
It is vital to ensure that all citizens, both men and women, can participate in the intercultural dialogue on an equal footing. | |
Measures should be taken to ensure that those groups which are either not actively and systematically mobilised or have objective difficulties in participating, such as women, have access to the intercultural dialogue initiative to the greatest possible extent. | |
Amendment 7 Article 2, paragraph 2, indent 3 | |
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– contribute to innovation and to the horizontal and trans-sectoral dimension of approaches aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue, particularly among young people. |
– contribute to innovation and to the horizontal and trans-sectoral dimension of approaches aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue, particularly among young people and women. |
Justification | |
The specific objectives should also include the policy of promoting intercultural dialogue between women, given that they constitute a majority of the population, while they are conspicuous by their absence from dialogue (forums, conferences, institutional cooperation between the EU and third countries etc) where views on social values, social objectives and funding are formed and exchanged. | |
Amendment 8 Article 3, point (a) | |
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(a) information and promotion campaigns, particularly in cooperation with the media, at Community and national level to disseminate the key messages concerning the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; |
(a) information and promotion campaigns, particularly in cooperation with the media, at Community, national and regional level to disseminate the key messages concerning the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; |
Justification | |
To achieve the best possible information and promotion for intercultural dialogue, it is essential to include measures at regional level aimed at mobilising and raising the awareness of all citizens. ´Europe' should work as close to the citizens as possible. | |
Amendment 9 Article 3, point (c) | |
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(c) events and initiatives at national level with a strong European dimension aimed at promoting the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; |
(c) events and initiatives at national and regional level with a strong European dimension aimed at promoting the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue with equal participation of all groups of the population and of both sexes; |
Justification | |
Events and initiatives with a strong European dimension should take place not only at national but also at regional level with a view to bringing them closer to citizens more effectively. Care should be taken to ensure also that all groups of the population and both sexes take part. | |
Amendment 10 Article 5 | |
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Each Member State shall appoint a national coordination body, or an equivalent administrative body, responsible for organising that State’s participation in the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. Each Member State shall ensure that this body involves in an appropriate manner the various parties in intercultural dialogue at national level. This body shall ensure the coordination, at national level, of actions relating to the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. |
Each Member State shall appoint a national coordination body, or an equivalent administrative body, responsible for organising that State’s participation in the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. Each Member State shall ensure that the composition of this body is equally representative of both sexes and involves in an appropriate manner the various parties and both sexes in intercultural dialogue at national level. This body shall ensure the coordination, at national level, of actions relating to the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. |
Justification | |
Equal representation and participation of women in the national coordinating body or administrative body will give that body democratic legitimacy and ensure that the main issues affecting women will be a subject for discussion and dialogue in this institutional process. | |
Amendment 11 Article 6, paragraph 1 | |
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1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee. |
1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee on which both sexes shall be equally represented. |
Justification | |
Equal representation and participation of women on the committee assisting the Commission will ensure that the main issues affecting women will be a subject for discussion and dialogue in this institutional process. | |
Amendment 12 Article 8, paragraph 3 a (new) | |
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3a. The awarding of grants under the programme shall take into account the need to promote the value of equality between men and women and ensure the participation of women in the actions and initiatives of that programme. |
Justification | |
The awarding of grants in the context of actions under this programme should take account of the need to promote equality between women and men as a European value and as an objective of European policy. | |
Amendment 13 Article 9 | |
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For the purposes of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, the Commission may cooperate with appropriate international organisations. |
For the purposes of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, the Commission may cooperate with appropriate international organisations, taking great care to ensure transparency in cooperative relations and the visibility of EU participation. |
Justification | |
Particular care should be taken to refer to the visibility of European support and EU participation in the implementation of actions under this programme so that European citizens and citizens of the other participating countries are aware of the extent and value of the European contribution. An effort should be made to avoid the failure to recognise Europe's actions and contributions which marks other programmes and Community initiatives on a European and international scale. | |
Amendment 14 Annex, Part A, section 1, point (g a) (new) | |
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(ga) appropriate initiatives to disseminate information concerning the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue to young people with the aim of increasing their awareness and participation in implementing and promoting that dialogue. |
Justification | |
The information and promotion campaigns for the dialogue should raise the awareness of young people and women and mobilise them by means of specific initiatives and measures since such Community initiatives are marked by a low level of interest and low general participation. | |
Amendment 15 Annex, Part B, paragraph 1 | |
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A limited number of emblematic actions on a European scale aimed at raising awareness, particularly among young people, of the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue may receive a Community grant of up to 80% of the total cost. |
A limited number of emblematic actions on a European scale aimed at raising awareness, particularly among young people and women, of the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue may receive a Community grant of up to 80% of the total cost. |
Justification | |
The Community grant of up to 80% of the total cost should also apply to women, in addition to young people, in order to encourage and facilitate their participation, which is lacking in all countries for a great variety of reasons. Measures should be taken to ensure that those groups which are not actively and systematically mobilised, such as young people and women, have access to the intercultural dialogue initiative. | |
PROCEDURE
|
Title |
Proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the European year of intercultural dialogue (2008) | |||||
|
References |
(COM(2005)0467 – C6‑0311/2005 – 2005/0203(COD)) | |||||
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Committee responsible |
CULT | |||||
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Opinion by |
FEMM | |||||
|
Enhanced cooperation – date announced in plenary |
0.0.0000 | |||||
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Drafts(wo)man |
Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou | |||||
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Previous drafts(wo)man |
| |||||
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Discussed in committee |
21.2.2006 |
21.3.2006 |
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| |
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Date adopted |
21.3.2006 | |||||
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Result of final vote |
+: –: 0: |
15 0 0 | ||||
|
Members present for the final vote |
Edite Estrela, Ilda Figueiredo, Věra Flasarová, Lissy Gröner, Zita Gurmai, María Esther Herranz García, Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou, Angelika Niebler, Siiri Oviir, Teresa Riera Madurell, Amalia Sartori, Britta Thomsen, Corien Wortmann-Kool, Anna Záborská | |||||
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Substitute(s) present for the final vote |
Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg | |||||
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Substitute(s) under Rule 178(2) present for the final vote |
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Comments (available in one language only) |
... | |||||
- [1] OJ C …, ..., p. ….
PROCEDURE
|
Title |
Proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008) | |||||||||
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References |
COM(2005)0467 – C6‑0311/2005 – 2005/0203(COD) | |||||||||
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Date submitted to Parliament |
5.10.2005 | |||||||||
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Committee responsible |
CULT | |||||||||
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Committee(s) asked for opinion(s) |
AFET |
BUDG |
LIBE |
FEMM |
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Not delivering opinion(s) |
EMPL |
DEVE |
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Enhanced cooperation |
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Rapporteur(s) |
Erna Hennicot-Schoepges |
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Previous rapporteur(s) |
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Simplified procedure – date of decision |
0.0.0000 | |||||||||
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Legal basis disputed |
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/ |
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Financial endowment amended |
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/ |
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European Economic and Social Committee consulted – date of decision in plenary |
0.0.0000 | |||||||||
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Committee of the Regions consulted – date of decision in plenary |
0.0.0000 | |||||||||
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Discussed in committee |
23.2.2006 |
20.3.2006 |
27.4.2006 |
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Date adopted |
27.4.2006 | |||||||||
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Result of final vote |
+ – 0 |
23 1 0 | ||||||||
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Members present for the final vote |
Ivo Belet, Guy Bono, Marie-Hélène Descamps, Jolanta Dičkutė, Milan Gaľa, Lissy Gröner, Luis Herrero-Tejedor, Ruth Hieronymi, Manolis Mavrommatis, Ljudmila Novak, Doris Pack, Zdzisław Zbigniew Podkański, Karin Resetarits, Nikolaos Sifunakis, Hannu Takkula, Helga Trüpel, Henri Weber, Thomas Wise, Tomáš Zatloukal | |||||||||
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Substitute(s) present for the final vote |
Gyula Hegyi, Erna Hennicot-Schoepges, Mary Honeyball,, Nina Škottová | |||||||||
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Substitute(s) under Rule 178(2) |
Antonio López-Istúriz White | |||||||||
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Date tabled |
8.5.2006 | |||||||||
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Comments |
... | |||||||||