52006PC0492

EN

Brussels, 5.9.2006

COM(2006) 492 final

2005/0203 (COD)

Amended proposal for a

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

concerning the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008)

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

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1. History of the file

1.1. Transmission of the Commission’s proposal to the European Parliament and to the Council (COM(2005)467 final) in accordance with Treaty Article 251: 6 October 2005.

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

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

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

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

2. Objectives of the Commission’s proposal

2.1 Reasons for the proposal:

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

Intercultural dialogue is intimately linked to the fundamental ambition underlying the construction of Europe, namely to bring together the peoples of Europe. It should therefore be a priority throughout the EU to call upon European citizens, and all those living in the European Union, to play a full part in managing our diversity, which is enriched by migration flows, greater mobility as well as by the changes and additions brought about by globalisation.

Moreover, intercultural dialogue is an instrument which could facilitate the implementation of a series of strategic priorities for the Union.

A European Year devoted to intercultural dialogue constitutes a unique awareness-raising tool for affirming this priority and involving citizens. It is intended to provide momentum to what should be a long-lasting, sustainable process.

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

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

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

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

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

3. Budget allocation

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

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

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

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

4. Overview of amendments

4.1. European Parliament amendments

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

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

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

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

AM 8 and 9 referring to gender equality

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

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

AM 15 and 25 which introduce a reference to religious diversity

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

AM 22 stressing the meaning of intercultural dialogue in everyday life

AM 27 and 30 emphasizing the regional and local level

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

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

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

4.2. Council amendments

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

5. Conclusion

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

2005/0203 (COD)

Amended proposal for a

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

concerning the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

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

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission [1],

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee [2],

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions [3],

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty [4],

Whereas:

(1) The Treaty establishing the European Community gives it the task of creating an ever-closer union between the peoples of Europe and of contributing to the flowering of the cultures of Member States, while respecting their national and regional diversity and also highlighting their common cultural heritage.

(2) The combined effect of the successive enlargements of the Union, the increased mobility resulting from the single market, old and new migratory flows, more significant exchanges with the rest of the world through trade, education, leisure and globalisation in general, is increasing interactions between European citizens, and all those living in the European Union, and the various cultures, languages, ethnic groups and religions in Europe and beyond.

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

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

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

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

– by contributing to ensuring equal opportunities and non-discrimination within the European Union by including the renewed Lisbon strategy, for which the knowledge-based economy requires people capable of adapting to changes and benefiting from all possible sources of innovation in order to increase prosperity;

– by emphasising the cultural and educational dimension of this strategy, and, in so doing, stimulating the cultural and creative economy in the European Union, which generates growth and creates jobs;

– 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;

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

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

(7) At the same time it is an increasing factor in the European Union’s external relations, particularly with regard to the accession and candidate countries, the countries of the western Balkans, the candidate countries for association agreements with the EU and the partner countries of the European neighbourhood policy and other third countries, particularly developing countries.

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

(8)(9) For the purpose of the present decision, the notion of “active European citizenship” does not cover only citizens of the European Union as defined in Article 17 of the EC Treaty, but any individual living permanently or temporarily in the European Union.

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

(1011) It is important essential to ensure complementarity and a horizontal approach in with all Community, national, regional and local actions with a strong intercultural dialogue dimension, given that the The European Year of Intercultural Dialogue will help should make it possible to raise their profile and increase their coherence while contributing to innovation and to the horizontal and trans-sectoral dimension of approaches aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue.The actions planned, both at Community and national level, shall take on board, where relevant, the experience gained from actions under the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All (2007).

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

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

(1114) It will also be important to ensure complementarity between the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue and all external aspects of promoting intercultural dialogue initiatives developed within appropriate frameworks, including with those EFTA countries which are party to the EEA agreement, the countries of the western Balkans and the partner countries of the European neighbourhood policy. It will be also important to ensure complementarity with any other initiative of cooperation with third countries, in particular developing countries, relevant for the objectives of intercultural dialogue of the European Year of Intercultural dialogue.

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

(1216) This Decision is addressed to the Member States. The candidate countries should be closely associated with actions under the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue through initiatives to promote intercultural dialogue to be developed within the relevant frameworks for cooperation and dialogue, particularly in the context of civil society dialogue between the European Union and the candidate countries [5].

(1317) This Decision establishes, throughout the duration of the action, a financial framework which will constitute the budgetary authority's prime reference within the meaning of point 33 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 6 May 1999 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and improvement of the budgetary procedure [6].

(1418) The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission. An advisory committee is thus considered appropriate to the type and scale of the action envisaged.

(1519) As the objectives of the action envisaged cannot be achieved to a sufficient degree by the Member States owing to the need, in particular, for multilateral partnerships and transnational exchanges on a Community scale and may therefore, owing to the dimension of the action, be better carried out at Community level, the Community may take measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity enshrined in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as laid down in that Article, this Decision does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve these objectives.

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Subject

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

Article 2

Objectives

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

– promoting intercultural dialogue as an instrument to assist European citizens and all those living in the Union temporarily or permanently in acquiring the knowledge, qualifications and aptitudes enabling them to deal with a more open, but also more complex, environment and to manage any difficulties in order to benefit from the opportunities offered to them by a diverse and dynamic society, not only in Europe but also in the world; as a process in which all those living in the European Union can improve their ability to deal with a more open, but also more complex, cultural environment, where, in different Member States as well as within each Member State, coexist different cultural identities and beliefs.

– raising the awareness of European citizens and all those living in the European Union, in particular young people, of the importance of developing an active European citizenship which is open to the world, respects cultural diversity and is based on the common values in the European Union of respect for human dignity, liberty, equality, non-discrimination, solidarity, the principles of democracy and the rule of law as well as respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities as laid down in Article 6 of the EU Treaty and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;

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

2. The specific objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue shall be

– to raise the profile and increase the coherence of all Community programmes and actions contributing to intercultural dialogue and promote them;

– highlight the contribution of different cultures to our heritage and ways of life; raise the awareness of European citizens and all those living in the European Union, particularly young people, of the importance of seeking the means to affirm through intercultural dialogue an active European citizenship which is open to the world, respects cultural diversity and is based on the common values in the European Union; seek to raise the awareness of all those living in the European Union, particularly young people, of the importance of intercultural dialogue in everyday life;

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

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

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

Article3

Content of measures

The measures taken in order to achieve the objectives defined in Article 2 are set out in the Annex.

They shall include the implementation of the following activities or the granting of support thereto:

(a) information and promotion campaigns, particularly in cooperation with the media, at Community and national level to disseminate the key messages concerning the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; events and initiatives on a European scale aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue, through directly involving or otherwise reaching as many people as possible, and highlighting achievements and experiences on the theme of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue;

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

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

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

Article 4

Implementation

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

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

3. Special attention shall be paid to cooperation with the European institutions, in particular the European Parliament.

Article 5

Cooperation by the Member States

Each Member State shall appoint a national coordination body, or an equivalent administrative body, responsible for organising that State’s participation in the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. It shall inform the Commission of its choice within one month of the adoption of the present Decision. Each Member State shall ensure that this body involves in an appropriate manner the various parties in intercultural dialogue at national, regional and local level. This body shall ensure the coordination, at national level, of actions relating to the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.

Article 6

Committee

1. 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.

2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 3 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof.

3. The committee shall adopt its own rules of procedure.

Article 7

Financial provisions

1. Measures which are Community-wide in nature, referred to in part B A of the Annex, shall give rise to a procurement contract or the award of grants financed from the general budget of the European Communities. Measures which are Community-wide in nature, reffered to in part B of the Annex, may be subsidised up to 80% of their total cost from the general budget of the European Communities.

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

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

Article 8

Application and selection procedure

1. Decisions on the awarding of grants shall be taken by the Commission in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 6(2). The Commission shall ensure a balanced and fair distribution between the Member States and among the different fields of activity involved, while taking into consideration the quality of the project proposed.

2. Grant applications presented under Article 7(3) shall be submitted to the Commission by the body referred to in Article 5.

Article 9

International organisations

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

Article 10

Role of the Commission

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

2. The Commission shall 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.

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.

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.

Article 11

Budget

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

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

Article 12

Protection of Community financial interests

1. The Commission shall ensure that, when actions financed under the present Decision are implemented, the financial interests of the Community are protected by the application of preventive measures against fraud, corruption and any other illegal activities, by effective checks and by the recovery of the amounts unduly paid and, if irregularities are detected, by effective, proportional and dissuasive penalties, in accordance with Council Regulations (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 and (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96, and with Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

2. With regard to the Community actions financed under this Decision, the notion of irregularity referred to in Article 1(2) of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 shall mean any infringement of a provision of Community law or any infringement of a contractual obligation resulting from an act or omission by an economic operator which has, or would have, the effect of prejudicing the general budget of the Communities or budgets managed by them, by an unjustified item of expenditure.

3. The Commission shall reduce, suspend or recover the amount of financial assistance granted for an action if it finds irregularities, particularly non-compliance with the provisions of this Decision, the individual decision or the contract granting the financial support in question, or if it transpires that, without Commission approval having being sought, the action has been subjected to significant change which conflicts with its nature or with its implementing conditions.

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

5. Any amount unduly paid shall be repaid to the Commission. Interest shall be added to any sums not repaid in due time under the conditions laid down in the Financial Regulation.

Article 13

Surveillance

1. The beneficiary shall submit technical and financial reports on the progress of work for any action financed under this Decision. A final report shall also be submitted within three months of the completion of the action. The Commission shall determine the form and content of the reports.

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

3. The Commission shall take every other step necessary to verify that the actions financed are carried out properly and in compliance with the provisions of this Decision and the Financial Regulation (Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002).

Article 14

Monitoring and evaluation

The Commission shall submit to Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, not later than 31 December 2009, a report on the implementation, results and overall assessment of the measures laid down in Article 3 of this Decision to serve as a basis for future European Union policies, measures and actions in this field.

Article 15

Entry into force

This Decision shall enter into force on the 20th day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Article 16

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels,

For the European Parliament For the Council

The President The President

ANNEX

MEASURES REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 3

B A) COFINANCING OF ACTIONS ON A COMMUNITY SCALE

A limited number of emblematic actions on a European scale aimed at raising awareness, particularly among young people, of the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue may receive a Community grant of up to 80% of the total cost.

These actions may consist of particular events, including a Community event to open and close the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue in cooperation with the Presidencies in office during 2008.

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

A B) ACTIONS ON A COMMUNITY SCALE

A limited number of emblematic actions on a European scale aimed at raising awareness, particularly among young people, of the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue may receive a Community grant of up to 80% of the total cost.

These actions may consist of particular events, including a Community event to open and close the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue in cooperation with the Presidencies in office during 2008.

1) Information and promotion campaigns including:

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

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

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

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

(d) appropriate measures for publicising the results and raising the profile of Community programmes, actions and initiatives contributing to the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue and to provide a European recognition to best practices;

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

– appropriate measures for publicising the results and raising the profile of Community programmes, actions and initiatives contributing to the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue;

– appropriate initiatives by educational institutions and the general public to disseminate information on the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue;

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

(f) the establishment of a web portal to make actions in the field of intercultural dialogue accessible to the general public and to guide an information website on Europa, including a portal for promoters of projects relating to intercultural dialogue, in order to guide them through the various relevant Community programmes and actions.

2) Other actions:

Surveys and studies at Community level with a view to assessing and reporting on the preparation, effectiveness, impact. Consultation with transnational networks and civil society stakeholders (through instruments such as small-scale meetings, debates, surveys and studies) to assess and report on the preparation for, the effectiveness and impact of and the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue in order to lay basis for its long-term follow-up. monitoring of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.

3) Financing will generally take the form of direct purchase of goods and services by means of open and/or restricted invitations to tender. It may also take the form of grants.

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

C) COFINANCING OF ACTIONS ON A NATIONAL SCALE

Actions at national level with a strong European dimension may fulfil the conditions for receiving Community aid of up to 50% of the total cost.

These actions may relate in particular to the cofinancing of a national initiative per Member State.

D) ACTIONS NOT RECEIVING ANY COMMUNITY FINANCIAL AID

The Community will grant non-financial support, including written authorisation to use the logo, once developed, and other materials associated with the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, in initiatives from public or private organisations, in so far as the latter may provide assurances to the Commission that the initiatives in question are or will be carried out during 2008 and are likely to make a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. Initiatives organised in third countries in association or cooperation with the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, without being supported financially by it, may also receive non-financial support from the Community and use the logo and other materials associated with the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.

LEGISLATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENT

1. NAME OF THE AMENDED PROPOSAL: European Year of Intercultural Dialogue

2. ABM/ABB FRAMEWORK

Policy area(s) concerned and associated activity/activities:

Policy area: Education and Culture

Activity: Culture and languages

3. BUDGET LINES

3.1. Budget lines (operational lines and related technical and administrative assistance lines (ex-BA lines)) including headings:

15.04.02.04 European Year of Intercultural Dialogue

3.2. Duration of the action and of the financial impact:

01.01.2007 – 31.12.2008

3.3. Budgetary characteristics (add rows if necessary):

Budget line | Type of expenditure | New | EFTA contribution | Contributions from applicant countries | Heading in financial perspective |

15.04.02.04 | NCE | DA | YES | NO | NO | 3 |

4. SUMMARY OF RESOURCES

See initial proposal

5. CHARACTERISTICS AND OBJECTIVES

5.1. Need to be met in the short or long term

See point 1 of the explanatory memorandum attached to the proposal for a Decision.

5.2. Value-added of Community involvement and coherence of the proposal with other financial instruments and possible synergy

The objectives of the Year, while aimed at each citizen, will be better achieved and have more effect at Community level than at Member State level. The actions envisaged will not go beyond what is necessary to achieve these objectives, respecting the principle of subsidiarity.

The Commission will ensure that activities financed by the Year will complement other Community interventions in areas such as the Structural Funds, education, culture, youth, citizenship, employment, social affairs, equal opportunities, immigration, promotion of fundamental rights, combating racism and xenophobia, the promotion of gender equality, audiovisual policy and research. Complementarity with the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All will be particularly important in order to ensure that the two Years support each other in their objectives and actions.

5.3. Objectives, expected results and related indicators of the proposal in the context of the ABM framework

See Articles 2 and 3 of the proposal for a Decision and the relevant annex.

5.4. Method of implementation (indicative)

Indicate below the method(s) [7] of implementation chosen.

x Centralised management

x directly by the Commission

indirectly by delegation to:

executive agencies

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

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

Shared or decentralised management

with Member States

with third countries

Joint management with international organisations (please specify)

6. MONITORING AND EVALUATION

6.1. Monitoring system

It is worthwhile for the Commission and the Member States to ensure consistency between the measures financed. This monitoring work should promote the quality of the actions supported and their consistency with the objectives of the Year. The design of the monitoring framework will primarily be the responsibility of the Commission, in consultation with participating States. Monitoring systems will be applied in accordance with responsibilities for the financing of activities. The table below provides some examples of indicators.

Objectives | Indicators (indicative) |

General | |

Promote intercultural dialogue as an instrument to help European citizens and all people living in the EU, temporarily or permanently, to acquire knowledge, skills and abilities that will allow them to master a more open, but also more complex environment and to manage its potential difficulties in order to take advantage of the opportunities such a diverse and dynamic society offers, not only in Europe, but also in the worldpromoting intercultural dialogue as a process in which all those living in the European Union can improve their ability to deal with a more open, but also more complex, cultural environment, where, in different Member States as well as within each Member State, coexist different cultural identities and beliefs. | Number and type of initiatives funded or sponsored by the YearChange in perceptions of people who have taken part in the activities of the Year |

Raising awareness of European citizens and all people living in the EU of the importance of developing an active European citizenship, with an open attitude to the world, respecting cultural diversity and based on common values in the European Union of respect for human dignity, freedom, equality, non-discrimination, solidarity and principles of democracy and rule of law as well as respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities.raising the awareness of all those living in the European Union, in particular young people, of the importance of developing an active European citizenship which is open to the world, respects cultural diversity and is based on the common values in the European Union as laid down in Article 6 of the EU Treaty and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union | Number of citizens taking part in the events related to the YearChange in perceptions of participants in the activities of the Year, in particular of the young people |

highlighting the contribution of different cultures and expressions of cultural diversity to the heritage and ways of life of the Members States of the European Union; | Cultural diversity reflected in the events related to the Year |

Specific | Indicators |

Increase the visibility and consistency of all Community programmes and actions contributing to the promotion of intercultural dialogueraise the profile and increase the coherence of all Community programmes and actions contributing to intercultural dialogue and promote them | Access to and use of information tools established and disseminated by the Year about relevant Community programmes;Awareness among participants in the activities of the Year of these programmes and actions. |

Underline the contribution of different cultures to our heritage and lifestyles; raising awareness of European citizens and all people living in the EU, in particular young people, of the importance of exploring together the means to be implemented to develop, through intercultural dialogue, an active European citizenship, with an open attitude to the world, respecting cultural diversity and based on common values in the European Union.seek to raise the awareness of all those living in the European Union, particularly young people, of the importance of intercultural dialogue in everyday life | Change in perceptions of participants (in particular young people) in the activities of the year;Extent and tone of press and media coverage of the events (qualitative and quantitative) |

work to identify, share and give a visible European recognition to best practices in promoting intercultural dialogue across the European Union; | Number of best practices valorised during the Year. Visibility of best practices achieved at European level |

fostering the role of education as an important medium for teaching about diversity, increasing understanding of other cultures and develop skills and best social practices, and highlighting the central role of the media in promoting the principle of equality and mutual understanding. | Number of initiatives involving educational dimension Change in perceptions of young participants in the activities of the Year |

Contribute to innovation and to the horizontal and trans-sectoral dimension of the approaches aiming at promoting the intercultural dialogue, in particular to young peoplecontribute to exploring new approaches to intercultural dialogue, involving cooperation between a wide range of stakeholders from different sectors. | Number of projects involving promoters or networks from different sectors |

Operational | Indicators |

Information and awareness-raising campaigns at European level: | Number and type of information and promotion activities Improvement of the public’s awareness, in particular young peopleMedia coverage of events supported by the Year% of population reachedProduction of tools to stimulate the interest of the general public |

Surveys and studies | Coverage of the publication of the surveys and study on the theme of the Year |

Events and initiatives at Community level | Number of organised events and share of the Community supportMedia coverage of eventsNumber of participants in events supported by the Year (in particular young people)Improvement of the public’s awareness Proportion of the total budget used in order to support this operational objective (indicative target: 24 30 %) |

Events and initiatives at national level | Number of organised events and share of the Community supportMedia coverage of national initiativesMultiplier effect (number of actions and initiatives at national, regional and local level sponsored but not financed by the Year) Proportion of the total budget used in order to support this operational objective (indicative target: 25 30 %) |

Indicators will be assessed on the basis of data collected by different sources: data collected by surveys and focus groups, continuous evaluation of the Year, and data collected by national organisms and relevant EC programme managers.

6.2. Evaluation

6.2.1. Ex-ante evaluation

The ex-ante evaluation of the European Year is attached to this proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council.

6.2.2. Measures taken following an intermediate/ex-post evaluation (lessons learned from similar experiences in the past)

An external evaluation will be launched in the year preceding the European Year (2007) in order to follow-up monitoring of the Year and provide interim results if necessary. The results of this evaluation should be available in the middle of 2009.

7. anti-fraud measures

See Articles 12 and 13 of the proposal for a Decision.

8. DETAILS OF RESOURCES

8.1. Objectives of the proposal in terms of their financial cost

Commitment appropriations in EUR million (to 3 decimal places)

((Headings of Objectives, actions and outputs should be provided) | Type of output | Av. cost | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | Year n+4 and later | TOTAL |

| | | Number | Total cost | Number | Total cost | Number | Total cost | Number | Total cost | Number | Total cost | Number | Total cost | No. outputs | Total cost |

Action A: Measures on a Community scale | Information and promotion campaign | 1.700 | 1 | 1.820 | 1 | 1.580 | | | | | | | | | 2 | 3.400 |

| Surveys and studies | 0.200 | 1 | 0.150 | 2 | 0.450 | | | | | | | | | 3 | 0.600 |

Action B: cofinancing of actions at Community level | Emblematic actions including opening and closing events | 0.300 | 2 | 0.600 | 8 | 2.400 | | | | | | | | | 10 | 3.000 |

Action C: cofinancing of actions at national level | National initiatives | 0.120 | 4 | .480 | 21 | 2.520 | | | | | | | | | 25 | 3.000 |

TOTAL COST | | | 8 | 3.0 | 32 | 7.000 | | | | | | | | | 40 | 10.000 |

8.2 Calculation of the costs of measures

Action A: Measures cofinanced at Community level

A limited number of European-scale emblematic actions should help to raise awareness, particularly among young people, of the objectives of the European Year. These actions will include the opening and closing events for the Year, to be organised with the Member States occupying the Presidency of the Union in 2008.

The average amount of the Community contribution to these actions (a maximum of 80% of the total cost) is estimated at 300 000 euro. This involves a minimum overall budget of 375 000 euro corresponding, for example, to the cost of organising a two-day event bringing together approximately 250 people.

The low number of actions envisaged (ten) presupposes a good geographical distribution, a diversity of approach reflecting the diversity of issues and frameworks for intercultural dialogue and a balanced distribution throughout the year in order to maintain an optimum rhythm.

Action B: Measures on a European scale

· Information and communication campaign:

The Year will be the subject of a Community information and support campaign for the action, consisting of creating a logo and one or more slogans, producing awareness-raising tools and instruments, cooperating with the media and promoting and supporting the localisation of the Community campaign in the Member States. Particular attention will be given to young people.

The campaign is also to include appropriate measures for communicating the results and raising the profile of Community programmes, actions and initiatives contributing to the objectives of the European Year and the establishment of an information site on the Europa website, including a portal for promoters of projects relating to intercultural dialogue, in order to guide them through the various relevant Community programmes and actions.

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

· Surveys and studies

Two Eurobarometer surveys will be carried out in order to measure the impact of the Year, one before it begins and the other towards the end. In addition, all activities set up in the context of the Year will be subject to an evaluation, to be the subject of a report published after the close of the Year.

Action C: Activities on a national scale

While the European Union may provide a framework for awareness-raising actions, it must be recognised that the majority of progress is to be accomplished through the active intervention of Member States themselves. This intervention will be facilitated by the organisation of a major action or event likely to have the effect of mobilising civil society at national level with a strong European dimension.

These actions are to be designed in such a way as to act in synergy with the Community action set out above. The aid provided will take the form of grants of up to 50% of the overall budget for the action or event. The average amount of the Community contribution is estimated at 120 000 €.

8.3. Administrative expenditure –see initial proposal

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

[2] OJ C […], […], p. […].

[3] OJ C […], […], p. […].

[4] OJ C […], […], p. […].

[5] See the Commission communication to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the regions on civil society dialogue between the EU and candidate countries of 29.6.2005 – COM(2005) 290.

[6] OJ C 172, 18.6.1999, p.1.

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

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