Tag Archives: Community action

Green Paper on the learning mobility of young people

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Green Paper on the learning mobility of young people

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These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Education training youth sport > Youth

Green Paper on the learning mobility of young people

This green paper launches a public consultation with the aim of boosting mobility opportunities for young people.

Document or Iniciative

Green Paper of 8 July 2009 – Promoting the learning mobility of young people [COM(2009) 329 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

Transnational mobility through which young people may acquire new knowledge and skills (learning mobility) enhances personal development and employability. Currently however, the learning mobility of young people is more an exception than a rule, and should therefore be promoted in all disciplines and contexts. As a result, the Commission is launching this public consultation to initiate discussions on how existing and new instruments, as well as public authorities and stakeholders can be mobilised to that end.

The green paper presents a number of issues where further efforts towards learning mobility are needed. The aim is to promote organised mobility that is carried out across borders as well as within and across sectors. While the value of virtual mobility is recognised, the focus is on physical mobility and the challenges arising before, during and after such periods.

Preparing for a period of learning mobility

Preparation is an essential element of any mobility project and needs to be well thought-out in order for the mobility period to be a success. Firstly, this consists of providing good quality and easily accessible information and guidance on mobility opportunities, including on funding, education and training programmes, as well as on any practical issues. Secondly, there is a need to promote and motivate young people to be mobile by informing them of the benefits and guaranteeing the recognition of such an experience. Thirdly, linguistic skills and intercultural competences facilitate mobility, and may be upgraded during mobility periods. However, as a lack of such skills may be a barrier to participation, ways to address these obstacles must be explored.

Other challenges to take into consideration during the preparatory phase include the legal status of the young people in the host countries. A secure framework for the mobility of minors and a European Trainee Statute for the mobility of trainees could help to overcome such legal obstacles. Similarly, the obstacles to the portability of grants and loans as well as to the access to benefits, which often contravene Community law, should be overcome to promote mobility. To this end, the Commission is suggesting the publication of guides for Member State authorities and stakeholders.

There is also a need to assure that the mobility period is of a high quality, to which both the sending and receiving institutions should commit. Appropriate mechanisms should be set up for selecting participants in a fair and transparent manner, as well as for matching participants and receiving institutions. A number of charters, such as the European Quality Charter for Mobility, could be used to guide this work, as could learning/training agreements drawn up by the sending and hosting institutions together with the participants. Finally, measures should be taken to reach disadvantaged groups, so that they may also benefit from the opportunities of learning mobility.

The stay abroad and follow-up

Proper arrangements should be in place to receive young people during their mobility periods abroad. It is particularly essential that the hosting institutions provide mentoring support to young people in order to help them integrate better into the host environment. Concerning the follow-up, mobility periods must be appropriately recognised and validated in terms of both formal and non-formal learning. To this end, a number of European instruments are already available (such as ECVET, EQF, Europass), but greater use should be made of them at the regional and sectoral levels.

A new partnership for mobility

In order to overcome the continuing obstacles to mobility, it is imperative to mobilise actors and resources at all levels. A new partnership should be established between public authorities, civil society and partners from the business world. At the same time, the funding base needs to be enlarged to provide mobility opportunities to all groups of young people.

Virtual mobility can provide an added value by acting as a catalyst for physical mobility, as well as by providing an international dimension to learning for those who cannot or do not want to go abroad. “Multipliers”, such as teachers and trainers at all levels, youth workers, as well as people who have been mobile are important in motivating young people to embark on a period of mobility. Any obstacles to their involvement in promoting mobility should be removed and opportunities for their mobility encouraged.

At the moment, mobility has wide backing. However, it is essential to turn this support into concrete targets, based on which Member States, regional authorities, institutions and organisations may define their mobility strategies. Strategic benchmarks should also be established to complement those developed at European and national levels.

Background

The Commission invites stakeholders and the wider public to respond to the issues raised in this green paper before 15 December 2009. The Commission will propose follow-up actions on the basis of these responses.

European Quality Assurance Reference Framework for VET

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European Quality Assurance Reference Framework for VET

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about European Quality Assurance Reference Framework for VET

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These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Education training youth sport > Vocational training

European Quality Assurance Reference Framework for VET

Document or Iniciative

Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2009 on the establishment of a European Quality Assurance Reference Framework for Vocational Education and Training [Official Journal C 155 of 8.7.2009].

Summary

The European Quality Assurance Reference Framework is a new reference instrument to help authorities of Member States promote and monitor the improvement of their systems of vocational education and training (VET).

Quality assurance can be used as a systematic approach to modernising education systems, especially by improving the effectiveness of training. Therefore, it should underpin every policy initiative in VET.

Member States are invited to develop and use this instrument on a voluntary basis. The main users of the reference framework will be national and regional authorities as well as public and private bodies responsible for ensuring and improving the quality of VET.

Implementation

As a reference instrument, the framework makes methodological suggestions that will help Member States to assess clearly and consistently whether the measures necessary for improving the quality of their VET systems have been implemented and whether they need to be reviewed.

The methodology proposed by the framework is based on:

a cycle consisting of four phases (planning, implementation, assessment and review) described for VET providers/systems;
quality criteria and indicative descriptors for each phase of the cycle (Annex I);
common indicators for assessing targets, methods, procedures and training results – some indicators are to be based on statistical data, others are of a qualitative nature (Annex II).

The recommendation stresses a culture of quality improvement and responsibility at all levels, i.e. at the VET-system, VET-provider and qualification-awarding levels. The European Quality Assurance Reference Framework for VET attaches importance to systematic self-assessment. It includes internal and external assessment mechanisms that are to be defined by Member States. This will allow feedback on the progress achieved.

Drawing on the framework, Member States should develop approaches for improving their national quality assurance systems by 18 June 2011 at the latest. All relevant stakeholders should be involved in this development work.

European network for quality assurance

The recommendation encourages Member States to participate actively in the European network for quality assurance in VET, using it as a basis for further development of common principles and tools for quality improvement in VET at national, regional and local levels.

The recommendation also encourages Member States to designate Quality Assurance National Reference Points for VET, to bring together competent bodies and involve all relevant players at national and regional levels. These reference points will promote the active and practical development of the framework at the national level, support Member States’ self-evaluation as well as the Network’s work, and disseminate the related information to all relevant stakeholders.

Background

The European Quality Assurance Reference Framework for VET belongs to a series of European initiatives that encourage mobility. It will promote the implementation of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the European Credit system for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET).

The recommendation responds to the resolutions of the 2002 Barcelona European Council, which set the target of making Europe’s education and training systems a benchmark for the world by 2010. It is also in line with the Copenhagen process, which concerns re-launching cooperation in vocational education and training.

Rare diseases

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Rare diseases

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Rare diseases

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Public health > Threats to health

Rare diseases

Document or Iniciative

Council Recommendation 2009/C 151/02 of 8 June 2009 on an action in the field of rare diseases.

Summary

This Recommendation aims at introducing measures at European level to increase level of knowledge on rare diseases, as well as improve the quality of life and care of patients.

Plans and strategies

The European Commission recommends that Member States introduce plans or strategies to combat rare diseases. The aim is provide patients suffering from these diseases with high quality care, diagnosis, treatment and effective orphan drugs.

In this regard, Member States are encouraged to adopt a plan or strategy under their respective social and health schemes by 2013. These plans or strategies should integrate all current and future initiatives at local, regional and national levels in the field of rare diseases.

These national initiatives should form part of the framework of the European Project for Rare Diseases National Plans Development (EUROPLAN), which itself belongs to the Community action programme in the field of public health for 2008-2013.

Definitions, codification and inventorying

At present, a rare disease is defined as such if it does not affect more than 5 in 10 000 persons. The Commission considers this definition needs expanding and encourages Member States to work together on a definition which takes into account the parameters of incidence.

The Commission action aims to facilitate the coding and traceability of rare diseases in all health information systems, and particularly in the future version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). An inventory could be established on the basis of the Orphanet network or other networks.

Member States are called upon to support specific information networks, registers and databases relating to diseases.

Research

Current knowledge in research on rare diseases should be updated.

Needs and priorities should be determined in the field of basic, clinical, translational and social research before encouraging national researchers to participate in this kind of programme.

The European Commission is responsible for establishing cooperation with third countries and fostering the exchange of information and the sharing of expertise.

Centres of expertise and European Reference Networks

The Commission invites Member States to identify qualified centres of expertise by the end of 2013 and ensure that these centres benefit from support measures. These centres are to be encouraged to participate in European Reference Networks and to develop a multidisciplinary approach.

Healthcare pathways for patients suffering from a rare disease should be created through cooperation between experts and professionals in this field. Experts should be mobile in order to facilitate the treatment of patients in their own environment.

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as telemedicine should be integrated, ensuring distant access to specific healthcare.

Gathering expertise at European level

The Commission considers it crucial to gather different national experts in the field of rare diseases together in order to support:

the exchange of best practice in terms of diagnostic tools and medical care as well as education and social care;
teaching and training for healthcare professionals;
medical training in the diagnosis of diseases and aspects related to genetics, immunology, neurology, oncology or paediatrics;
guidelines on population screening;
exchange of information between Member States.

Empowerment of patient organisations

The creation and development of associations for patients suffering from rare diseases are encouraged insofar as this facilitates access for patients to up-to-date information.

Context

A first Community action programme on rare diseases covering the period 1999 to 2003 defined a rare disease as a disease affecting less than 5 in 10 000 persons. Its aim was to improve knowledge in this field. This Recommendation forms part of this perspective and aims to enhance cooperation and knowledge in order to improve cover and treatment for rare diseases.

Related Act

Commission Decision No (EC) 2009/872 of 30 November 2009 establishing a European Union Committee of Experts on Rare Diseases

This Decision establishes an EU committee of experts on rare diseases. The committee is tasked with:

implementing Community action programmes;
preparing Commission reports;
providing opinions and recommendations;
assisting the Commission in disseminating the measures taken at Community level, as well drawing up guidelines.

The Committee comprises 51 members and their alternates. The Committee shall be convened by the Commission and shall meet on its premises three times a year.

Urgent measures to be taken to combat doping in sport

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Urgent measures to be taken to combat doping in sport

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Urgent measures to be taken to combat doping in sport

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Education training youth sport > Sport

Urgent measures to be taken to combat doping in sport

Document or Iniciative

European Parliament Resolution of 14 April 2005 on combating doping in sport [Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

Concerned by the ever increasing problem of doping in sport (in particular the use of ever more dangerous substances, such as growth hormones or Erythropoietin), the European Parliament would emphasise first of all that the use of chemicals to enhance performance is totally at odds with the values of sport as a social, cultural and education activity.

In order to combat doping more effectively, the European Parliament calls on the Commission to:

ensure that the Union’s external borders are effectively policed and combat the trade in illegal substances;
implement an effective, joined-up policy in all related fields (public health, prevention, education and pharmaceutical research);
support a sustained information campaign in order to establish an effective prevention policy;
together with the Member States, step up its collaboration with the World Anti-Doping Agency, the Council of Europe and the World Health Organisation;
involve all those concerned with sport in the decision-making process in this area, in order to tackle this problem effectively and promote a clean image of sport;
encourage cooperation between the Member States in order to develop common, effective methods for monitoring and certifying the use of chemical substances and compounds in gymnasia and sports centres frequented by young people in particular;
propose, in the Seventh Research Framework Programme, further research into different methods of doping detection and control.

Doping: a reality to be tackled

Doping is a real public health problem today. As the 2004 Athens Olympics showed, it has become worryingly prevalent in all areas of sport and at all competitive and amateur levels. Not only does it place athletes in danger, but it falsifies competition results, damages the image of sport, especially for young people, and tarnishes its ethical dimension.

Related Acts

Parliament Resolution of 17 December 1998 on urgent measures to be taken against doping in sport [Official Journal C98 of 09.04.1999]

European Year of Education through Sport 2004

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European Year of Education through Sport 2004

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about European Year of Education through Sport 2004

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Education training youth sport > Sport

European Year of Education through Sport 2004

The objective of the European Year of Education through Sport 2004 was to encourage partnerships between the worlds of education and sport in order to promote the educational and social values of sporting activity.

Document or Iniciative

Decision No 291/2003/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 February 2003 establishing the European Year of Education through Sport 2004 [See amending acts].

Summary

Sport has become a major economic and social phenomenon in the European Union. The European Community has, on several occasions, recognised the important social and educational role of sport. A declaration annexed to the Treaty of Amsterdam emphasises the role of sport in forging identity and bringing people together. The Nice European Council, in December 2000, drew attention to sport’s “social function in Europe, of which account should be taken in implementing common policies”. The European Year of Education through Sport accordingly focused on these educational and social functions.

The Olympic and Paralympic Games in Athens in 2004, as well as the Euro 2004 football tournament in Portugal, boosted media coverage of sport, heightened public awareness and provided an opportunity to promote its values.

Objectives

The objectives of the European Year of Education through Sport 2004 were as follows:

to make institutions and sports organisations aware of the need for cooperation in order to develop education through sport and its European dimension;
to take advantage of the values conveyed through sport to develop knowledge and basic skills allowing young poeple to improve their physical and social abilities, mainly through the school curriculum (teamwork, solidarity, tolerance and fair play in a multicultural framework);
to promote awareness of the positive contribution that voluntary activities make to non-formal education for young people;
to encourage the exchange of good practice concerning the role sport can play in education systems to promote the social inclusion of disadvantaged groups;
to consider the problems relating to the education of young sportsmen and sportswomen involved in competitive sports.

Actions

The activities and initiatives undertaken during the Year were run at Community, transnational, national, regional and local level, and were co-financed by the Community. The activities that were supported as part of the European Year of Education through Sport comprised the following:

meetings, European educational competitions and events highlighting achievements and experiences on the theme of sport;
voluntary actions at European level during Olympic and other sporting events in 2004;
information and promotional campaigns, including cooperation with the media to disseminate the educational values of sport;
events promoting the educational value of sport and showcasing examples of good practice;
financial support for transnational, national, regional or local initiatives to promote the objectives of the Year.

The Community contributions were allocated on the basis of the type of action:

measures that were Community-wide in nature were subsidised from the general budget of the European Union up to a maximum of 80% of the total cost;
measures of Community interest which were local, regional, national or transnational in nature were co-financed from the general budget of the European Union up to a maximum of 50% of the total cost.

Other forms of action were given moral support (authorisation to use the logo and other materials associated with the Year).

Implementation

The Member States designated bodies having responsibility for coordination and local implementation of the measures taken.

The Commission assumed responsibility for the overall implementation and coordination of the Year’s activities, including the selection of projects co-financed from the EU budget, in compliance with the principle of subsidiarity. It was assisted by a Committee. In the course of the project selection procedure, the Commission took into account the opinion of the bodies designated by the Member States for implementing the projects, and ensured a balanced distribution among the Member States. Moreover, the Commission ensured that the measures taken were consistent with and complementary to other relevant Community actions and initiatives as well as existing national and regional initiatives, where these contributed to meeting the objectives of the Year.

Financial provisions

A budget of EUR 12.1 million was allocated at European level for the preparatory period (2003) and the Year itself. The budget was complemented by other initiatives by the Commission and Member States and by actions financed by other parties.

Participation by certain third countries

The European Year was open to participation by the 25 Member States, the countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the European Economic Area (EEA), in accordance with the conditions laid down in the EEA Agreement. Bulgaria and Romania were also able to participate in accordance with the conditions laid down in their respective European Agreements and Turkey by means of additional appropriations.

Assessment

By 31 December 2005 at the latest, the Commission must submit a report on the implementation, results and overall assessment of the European Year.

References

Act	Entry into force	Deadline for transposition in the Member States	Official Journal
Decision No 291/2003/EC [adoption: codecision COD/2001/0244]	19.02.2003	–	OJ L 43 of 18.02.2003.

Amending act(s)	Entry into force	Deadline for transposition in the Member States	Official Journal
Decision No 786/2004/EC	30.04.2004	–	OJ L38 of 30.04.2004.
Regulation (EC) No 885/2004	01.05.2004	–	OJ L68 of 01.05.2004.

Another Normative about European Year of Education through Sport 2004

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Employment and social policy > Social inclusion and the fight against poverty

European Year of Education through Sport 2004

Document or Iniciative

Decision No 291/2003/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 February 2003 establishing the European Year of Education through Sport 2004 [See amending acts].

Summary

Objectives

The objectives of the European Year of Education through Sport 2004 were as follows:

to make institutions and sports organisations aware of the need for cooperation in order to develop education through sport and its European dimension;
to take advantage of the values conveyed through sport to develop knowledge and basic skills allowing young poeple to improve their physical and social abilities, mainly through the school curriculum (teamwork, solidarity, tolerance and fair play in a multicultural framework);
to promote awareness of the positive contribution that voluntary activities make to non-formal education for young people;
to encourage the exchange of good practice concerning the role sport can play in education systems to promote the social inclusion of disadvantaged groups;
to consider the problems relating to the education of young sportsmen and sportswomen involved in competitive sports.

Actions

meetings, European educational competitions and events highlighting achievements and experiences on the theme of sport;
voluntary actions at European level during Olympic and other sporting events in 2004;
information and promotional campaigns, including cooperation with the media to disseminate the educational values of sport;
events promoting the educational value of sport and showcasing examples of good practice;
financial support for transnational, national, regional or local initiatives to promote the objectives of the Year.

The Community contributions were allocated on the basis of the type of action:

measures that were Community-wide in nature were subsidised from the general budget of the European Union up to a maximum of 80% of the total cost;
measures of Community interest which were local, regional, national or transnational in nature were co-financed from the general budget of the European Union up to a maximum of 50% of the total cost.

Other forms of action were given moral support (authorisation to use the logo and other materials associated with the Year).

Implementation

The Member States designated bodies having responsibility for coordination and local implementation of the measures taken.

Financial provisions

Participation by certain third countries

Assessment

By 31 December 2005 at the latest, the Commission must submit a report on the implementation, results and overall assessment of the European Year.

References

Act	Entry into force	Deadline for transposition in the Member States	Official Journal
Decision No 291/2003/EC [adoption: codecision COD/2001/0244]	19.02.2003	–	OJ L 43 of 18.02.2003.

Amending act(s)	Entry into force	Deadline for transposition in the Member States	Official Journal
Decision No 786/2004/EC	30.04.2004	–	OJ L38 of 30.04.2004.
Regulation (EC) No 885/2004	01.05.2004	–	OJ L68 of 01.05.2004.

European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion

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European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Employment and social policy > Social inclusion and the fight against poverty

European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion (2010)

The fight against poverty and social exclusion is a primary objective of the European Union (EU) and its Member States. A significant part of the European population is in a situation of poverty and lacks access to basic services. The launch of a European Year dedicated to this objective is intended to give a new impetus to the process of social inclusion.

Document or Iniciative

Decision No 1098/2008/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2008 on the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion (2010) (Text with EEA relevance).

Summary

On the occasion of the European Year 2010, the European Union (EU) reaffirms its commitment to the fight against poverty and social exclusion. It promotes a social model contributing to the welfare of individuals, their participation in society and the economic development of Europe.

The fight against poverty and social exclusion is linked to a series of socioeconomic and cultural factors which call for multidimensional strategies of national, regional and local dimension. It requires the participation of public authorities and individuals alike.

Objectives and beneficiaries

This initiative aims at informing European citizens but also to give a voice to people in a situation of poverty and social exclusion.

In accordance with the European principles of solidarity and social justice, the Year will have four guiding principles.

Recognition of the fundamental right of people in a situation of poverty to live in dignity and to play a full part in society. In particular, the aim is to guarantee access to resources, social services, culture and leisure.

Promotion of social cohesion,in the form of actions to enhance quality of life, social welfare, equal opportunities and sustainable development, by promoting an employment market that is open to all and the principle of equality in education and training. In particular, these actions will target victims of discrimination, people with disabilities, children and situations of family poverty, vulnerable groups or groups in a situation of extreme poverty.

Shared responsibility and collective and individual participation, to expand the role of all public or private actors in the fight against poverty and social exclusion.

Commitment and political action by the Member States and the EU, and the intensification of actions taken at all levels of authority. In this respect, the potential of the open method of coordination (OMC[m1]) introduced by the EU in 2000 in the fields of social protection and inclusion must be better exploited.

Actions and procedure

This initiative will give rise to actions launched at Community and national level. They will take the form of public awareness campaigns, innovative and creative initiatives, or meetings, discussions and studies. A committee of representatives of the Member States will support the Commission in the implementation of the European Year.

The Member States shall carry out these actions through national programmes adapting the Community guidelines to the challenges and priorities of each country. Each Member State shall appoint a body to prepare and implement these programmes. Those bodies will cooperate with civil society, the social partners, and regional and local authorities.

These objectives should be pursued both within the EU and beyond its borders. The initiative is open to participation by European Free Trade Association (EFTA) States, candidate countries for EU accession and third countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP).

Context

The building of a society which is founded on social inclusion and on reducing poverty is one of the essential priorities of the EU. At the Lisbon summit in 2000 the Member States committed themselves to making progress towards the elimination of poverty in Europe by 2010.

Carried out in the context of the process of social inclusion, their actions require the wider participation of all the actors involved.

Act	Entry into force	Deadline for transposition in the Member States	Official Journal
Decision 1098/2008/EC	27.11.2008	–	OJ L 298 of 7.11.2008

Cohesion policy to deliver the Lisbon Strategy

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Cohesion policy to deliver the Lisbon Strategy

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Cohesion policy to deliver the Lisbon Strategy

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These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Regional policy > Review and the future of regional policy

Cohesion policy to deliver the Lisbon Strategy (2007-2013)

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 11 December 2007 – Member States and Regions delivering the Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs through EU cohesion policy, 2007-2013 [COM(2007) 798 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

The Commission sets out an initial overview of the results of the negotiations relating to the new generation of cohesion programmes and strategies. It looks at the part which these can play in the renewed Lisbon strategy.

This Communication is part of the package defining the actions taken by the European Union to achieve the Lisbon objectives for 2008-2011. It assesses the progress made towards achieving the objectives of this strategy in the period 2005-2007.

Cohesion policy at the heart of the Lisbon process

Since its reform in 2006, cohesion policy has focused on the achievement of the priorities of the Lisbon strategy for the period 2007-2013, namely: making the EU an attractive place to invest and work, encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship and growth of the knowledge economy, and creating more and better jobs.

The reformed cohesion policy has brought about the decentralisation of responsibilities to local and regional partners, the pooling of their knowledge and resources, and the development of strategies suited to local and regional levels.

The efforts to achieve the Lisbon objectives must continue, taking account of the variability of contexts and the difficulties facing each country. For instance, the Member States are required to provide funding for actions which achieve these objectives and for the structural reforms set out in the National Reform Programmes (NRPs).

Focusing on the Lisbon priorities

For 2007-2013, the budget for cohesion policy amounts to 347 billion euro, with an additional 160 billion euro from public and private national resources. Around 80 % of these resources will be allocated to regions under the Convergence objective: 65 % of these funds will be used for the Lisbon strategy. Regions under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective will account for 16 % of cohesion policy resources, 82 % of which will be used for actions linked to the Lisbon strategy.

Efforts will focus on the four priorities of the Lisbon strategy, namely:

investing more in knowledge and innovation;
unlocking business potential (particularly of SMEs);
improving employability through flexicurity;
better management of energy resources.

Investing in knowledge and innovation

The cohesion programmes invest 85 billion euro in knowledge and innovation, in particular in order to improve the innovation capacity of businesses (49.5 billion euro) and skills, to disseminate, use and design technologies, to create businesses and promote a more flexible workforce.

In this field, it is important to exploit existing poles of excellence, improve national and regional capacities, leverage private financing and draw on existing potential. This can be done through joint action to launch a new generation of world-class infrastructures, laboratories and research instruments.

Unlocking business potential

Cohesion policy helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to invest in human capital, install efficient management systems, offer a good working environment, anticipate economic change and reduce administrative formalities.

For 2007-2013, almost 19 billion euro are allocated to helping SMEs improve their competitiveness and gain access to the world markets. Thanks to the JEREMIE and JESSICA initiatives, which seek to improve the availability of innovative financial engineering products in the regions, SMEs can also have access to other sources of aid.

The JASMINE initiative has been adopted in the field of supporting micro-credit, in order to develop employment and boost social inclusion. A Communication proposing guidance on the synergies between cohesion policy, the Research Framework Programmes and the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme has also been issued.

Improving employability through flexicurity

For the period 2007-2013, around 50 billion euro have been allocated under cohesion policy to financing various aspects of flexicurity. The aim of the new programmes is to improve employability through flexicurity by helping businesses to develop human resources strategies and more productive working methods and to ease the transition process resulting from restructuring.

Labour market and education and training policies ensure the provision of the necessary skills and qualifications for the world of work. Funding earmarked for the reform of education and training systems will be increased (25.3 billion euro).

Better management of energy resources

The new programmes attach greater importance to improving the management of energy resources and the move towards an efficient and integrated energy policy. Compared to the period 2000-2006, investments in renewable energies and energy efficiency will be five times higher for the Convergence objective and seven times higher for the Regional Competitiveness and Employment objective.

Addressing recommendations and priorities

Investments to further the achievement of the Lisbon objectives affect a number of fields, the complexity of which could lead to difficulties for the Member States. In order to deal with this, 51 billion euro are earmarked for programmes which aim to strengthen synergies between environmental protection, risk prevention and growth.

A suitable transport network is needed for economic development. Priority is given to the development of Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T), with a budget of 38 billion euro. Projects which facilitate access to TEN-T and promote more environmentally-friendly transport systems will benefit from 34 billion euro.

Almost 3.6 billion euro will be used to help modernise public administrations and services and allow them to develop and implement effective policies. The JASPERS technical assistance facility will also help the new Member States to implement quality projects likely to receive EU financial support.

Promoting partnerships

Overall, there is good cooperation between those responsible for coordinating the implementation of the NRPs (National Reform Programmes) and those developing strategies and programmes for cohesion policy. Efforts must continue to be made where this is not yet the case.

All stakeholders must cooperate intensively for the preparation and implementation of cohesion policy programmes. Cohesion policy associates both “vertical” partners (Community, national, regional and local authorities) and “horizontal” stakeholders (business representatives, trade unions, NGOs, etc.).

Evaluation and monitoring of cohesion policy in the Lisbon process

Regular reports on the contribution of cohesion policy to the improvement of growth and employment are presented for the purpose of cross-checking and to guarantee the coherent management of the NRPs and cohesion policy programmes.

The Member States will submit a report each year on the aid allocated to each programme in addition to reports in 2009 and 2012 on the contribution of cohesion policy to the Lisbon agenda.

The Commission will draft a report (in 2010 and 2013) on national contributions and the need to adjust the programmes to the new challenges.

Related Acts

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 14 May 2008 on the results of the negotiations concerning cohesion policy strategies and programmes for the programming period 2007-2013 [COM(2008) 301 final – Not published in the Official Journal].
Following the negotiations conducted with the Member States, the Commission presents the priorities of cohesion policy programming for 2007-2013. In line with the objectives of the Lisbon Strategy, the financial resources allocated to the Convergence, Competitiveness and Territorial Cooperation Objectives support innovation, research, skills and human capital.

The regional and sectoral strategies have been adapted to new challenges. For example, investments should contribute to the global competitiveness of European businesses by facilitating their access to the markets and by helping them to deal with restructuring. The ageing of the population and demographic changes in European society call in particular for increased labour participation and enhanced workers’ skills. Cohesion policy is aimed in particular at the inclusion of migrants and the fight against discrimination, poverty and exclusion. The programmes support the development of new environmental services and new skills, as well as the financing of infrastructure, in order to achieve the European objectives in the areas of sustainable development, climate change and energy policy.

The decentralised management of the Funds is essential to the effectiveness of the programmes. The multi-level partnership introduced between the public authorities and civil society in the preparation of strategies also makes it possible to adapt investment more closely to regional and local situations. In addition, exchanges of good practices based on previous programming contribute towards the effectiveness of public spending.

Good practices are spread within the framework of the Community initiatives, particularly the new “Regions for Economic Change” initiative and the Territorial Cooperation Objective.

Africa and Europe: strengthening transport cooperation

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Africa and Europe: strengthening transport cooperation

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Africa and Europe: strengthening transport cooperation

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Development > African Caribbean and Pacific states (ACP)

Africa and Europe: strengthening transport cooperation

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and to the Council of 24 June 2009 – “Partnership between the European Union and Africa – Connecting Africa and Europe: working towards strengthening transport cooperation” [COM(2009) 301 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

The communication promotes reflection upon how cooperation and the exchange of experiences can be improved to encourage the African Union (AU) to establish a safer and more effective transport system, including the extension of trans-European transport networks (TEN-T) towards Africa. The communication is therefore linked to the Euro-African partnership for infrastructure adopted in 2007. Within this partnership regional and national transport, water, energy, and telecommunications networks are interconnected throughout Africa.

The proposed measures are to be applied through existing instruments and cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Africa, in particular the Cotonou agreement, the European Development Fund, and the European Neighbourhood Policy.

The need for an EU-African transport cooperation

As the principle means of providing physical access to employment, health care and education, transport is essential to development and to the well-being of both rural and urban communities. The costs of transport in Africa are some of the highest globally and are particularly high in landlocked African countries; due in part to weak infrastructures, excessive administrative procedures, lack of appropriate governance and ineffective safety regulations.

An effective transport network is particularly important for landlocked countries. African transport networks must be developed when necessary for trade flow passing from ports towards these landlocked countries. By facilitating and improving transport flows between the EU and Africa, transport costs can be lowered whilst the sustainability and reliability of the transports services is improved. To achieve a genuine Euro-African transport network, there needs to be a coordinated approach with regards to the planning and implementation of infrastructure as well as an enhanced cooperation in the two principle modes of transport: air and maritime transport.

Aviation sector

The measures proposed by the Commission are designed to increase efficiency and long-term growth within the field of African air transport.

The AU encourages structured dialogue both between African organisations and between regional economic communities. This dialogue would develop the following areas:

air safety;
security;
modernisation of economic regulations;
environmental limits.

Maritime sector

Cooperation between the EU and the AU is needed to improve efficiency of African ports. The Commission proposes three ways for this to happen:

simplify regulatory aspects of customs and documentary procedures;
develop port infrastructure;
apply international standards (the international ship and port facilities security code – ISPS) to ensure port security.

In regard to environmental aspects, the Commission also suggest establishing efficient port installations to easier process waste from vessels in compliance with international conventions.

Development of a safer and more effective transport system

Issues of security and safety affect all modes of transport in both Europe and Africa.

Within maritime transport, it is important that countries in north and north-west Africa commit to combat the use by criminal organisations of overloaded small boats to transport illegal immigrants. This practice puts at risk the lives of thousands of people. Another issue is that of piracy, which currently represents an obstacle to the development of trade due to the lack of security in ports and along coastlines. The Commission therefore proposes that the EU:

assists in the administrative implementation of maritime regulations;
strengthens cooperation within its integrated maritime policy with Africa to encourage a heightened maritime surveillance;
promotes a more effective exchange of information with the relevant national authorities.

The Commission suggests that the opening up to air traffic from Africa should be accompanied by the reorganisation of air space and the network of air routes to ensure greater economic and environmental efficiency and safety.

Road is the principle mode of transport in Africa, in particular with regard to access to rural areas. The Commission therefore proposes guidelines in the field of road safety to be developed within national and regional administration:

create appropriate mechanism to promote the exchange of best practice;
encourage the allocation of European funds meant for the road network to specific measures designed to improve road safety;
promote the inclusion of road safety aspects in social impact studies for road investment.

The EU supports European cities in establishing integrated strategies for urban transport by means of the CIVITAS programme, within which cities are able to exchange ideas and good practice. The Commission proposes that this programme be extended to include African cities so that they can also benefit from these ideas and experiences.

Trans-European energy networks

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Trans-European energy networks

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Trans-European energy networks

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Regional policy > Management of regional policy > Trans-european networks

Trans-European energy networks

Document or Iniciative

Decision No 1364/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 September 2006 laying down guidelines for trans-European energy networks and repealing Decision 96/391/EC and Decision No 1229/2003/EC.

Summary

The new guidelines for trans-European energy networks (TEN-E) list and rank, according to the objectives and priorities laid down, projects eligible for Community assistance. They also introduce the concept of ‘project of European interest’.

Defining the objectives of the TEN-E

The interconnection, interoperability and development of trans-European networks for transporting electricity and gas are essential for the effective operation of the internal energy market in particular and the internal market in general. Users should have access to higher-quality services and a wider choice as a result of the diversification of energy sources, at more competitive prices. Closer links should therefore be established between national markets and the EU as a whole. With that in mind, the new Member States are now fully incorporated into the Community TEN-E guidelines.

TEN-E also play a crucial role in ensuring the security and diversification of supply. Interoperability with the energy networks of third countries (accession and candidate countries and other countries in Europe, in the Mediterranean, Black Sea and Caspian Sea basins, and in the Middle East and Gulf regions) is essential.

Access to TEN-E also helps to reduce the isolation of the less-favoured, island, landlocked or remote regions, thus strengthening territorial cohesion in the European Union (EU).

The interconnection of TEN-E also promotes sustainable development, in particular by improving the links between renewable energy production installations and using more efficient technologies, thus reducing losses and the environmental risks associated with the transportation and transmission of energy.

Projects of common interest, priority projects and projects of European interest

Decision 1364/2006/EC lists projects eligible for Community assistance under Regulation (EC) No 2236/95 and ranks them in three categories.

Projects of common interest relate to the electricity and gas networks referred to in the Decision meeting the objectives and priorities laid down in it. They must display potential economic viability. The economic viability of a project is assessed by means of a cost-benefit analysis in terms of the environment, the security of supply and territorial cohesion. Projects of common interest are listed in Annexes II and III to the Decision.

Priority projects are selected from among the projects of common interest. To be eligible, they must have a significant impact on the proper functioning of the internal market, on the security of supply and/or the use of renewable energy sources. Priority projects, which are listed in Annex I to the Decision, have priority for the granting of Community financial assistance.

Certain priority projects of a cross-border nature or which have a significant impact on cross-border transmission capacity are declared to be projects of European interest. Also listed in Annex I, projects of European interest have priority for the granting of Community funding under the TEN-E budget and particular attention is given to their funding under other Community budgets.

A favourable framework for the development of TEN-E

The Community guidelines for TEN-E stress the importance of facilitating and speeding up the completion of projects, in particular projects of European interest.

The Member States must take all measures necessary to minimise delays while complying with environmental rules. The authorisation procedures must be completed rapidly. The third countries involved must also facilitate the completion of projects partly situated on their territory in accordance with the Energy Charter Treaty.

The new guidelines also establish a framework for closer cooperation, in particular for projects of European interest. They provide for an exchange of information and the organisation of coordination meetings between the Member States for implementing the cross-border sections of networks.

The intervention of a European coordinator is provided for where a project of European interest encounters significant delays or implementation difficulties. His or her tasks include facilitating coordination between the various parties involved in implementing the cross-border section of a network and monitoring the progress of the project.

A European coordinator may also intervene in the case of other projects relating to TEN-E at the request of the Member States concerned.

The exceptional nature of the aid

The budget allocated to the TEN-E (around EUR 20 million per year) is mainly intended for financing feasibility studies. Other Community instruments may also step in to part-finance investments, for example the Structural Funds in the convergence regions.

However, such financial assistance is exceptional and may not lead to any distortion of competition. As a rule, the construction and maintenance of energy infrastructure should be subject to market principles.

Background

The establishment and development of trans-European networks, including in the energy sector, are set out in Article 154 of the Treaty establishing the European Community. Articles 155 and 156 of the EC Treaty provide for the adoption of guidelines to define the objectives, priorities and broad lines of measures for them.

The new Community guidelines update the guidelines adopted in 2003, which themselves updated the original guidelines adopted in 1996.

References

Act	Entry into force	Deadline for transposition in the Member States	Official Journal
Decision 1364/2006/EC	12.10.2006	–	OJ L 262 of 22.9.2006

Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency

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Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Transport > Bodies and objectives

Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency

Document or Iniciative

Commission Decision 2007/60/EC of 26 October 2006 establishing the Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No 58/2003. [See amending acts].

Summary

An executive agency for the management of Community action in the field of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) has been established. Its status is governed by Regulation (EC) No 58/2003. It is managed by a steering committee and a director, who are both appointed by the Commission.

The creation of an executive agency permits the mobilisation of a high level of expertise by recruiting specialist staff. It should permit increased flexibility in the implementation of Community action in the field of the TEN-T and ensure better coordination of funding with other Community instruments.

Under the framework for Community action on the trans-European transport network, the Agency is responsible for undertaking tasks related to the granting of Community financial aid pursuant to Regulations (EC) No 2236/95 and (EC) No 680/2007, with the exception of tasks which require discretionary powers in translating political choices (programming, establishing priorities, assessing the programme, etc.).

In particular, the Agency’s tasks are to:

support the Commission in the selection and programming phases, manage the monitoring of Community financial assistance granted to projects of common interest under the TEN-T budget and continue with supervision required for this purpose;
ensure better coordination of the granting of financial aid to promote projects with a common interest which also benefit from the Structural Funds, the Cohesion Fund and the European Investment Bank (EIB);
provide technical assistance to project promoters regarding the financial engineering for projects and finalise common evaluation methods;
adopt budget implementation instruments (income and expenditure) and execute the necessary operations for managing Community actions within the field of the TEN-T as provided for in Regulations (EC) No 2236/95 and (EC) No 680/2007;
collect, analyse and send to the Commission all the information it requires for the implementation of the TEN-T;
take supplementary measures to contribute to the effectiveness of the TEN-T programme, in particular promote the programme to all stakeholders and increase its visibility to citizens;
provide any administrative and technical support requested by the Commission.

The Commission may also instruct the agency to carry out tasks of the same kind within the framework of other Community programmes or actions, if these programmes and actions are within the field of the TEN-T.

Subsidy and control

The agency receives a subsidy entered in the European Communities’ general budget. This subsidy is taken from the overall financial allocation for Community action in the field of the TEN-T.

The agency is subject to supervision by the Commission. It must report on the implementation of the Community action in the field entrusted to it, in accordance with the arrangements and frequency specified in the decision delegating responsibility.

The agency runs its operating budget in accordance with provisions stipulated in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004.

References

Act	Entry into force	Deadline for transposition in the Member States	Official Journal
Decision No 2007/60/EC	26.10.2006	–	OJ L 32, 6.2.2007

Modifying Act(s)	Entry into force	Deadline for transposition in the Member States	Official Journal
Decision No 2008/593/EC	11. 7.2008	–	OJ L 190 of 18.7.2008

Related Acts

Commission Regulation (EC) No 651/2008 of 9 July 2008 amending Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004 on a standard financial regulation for the executive agencies pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No 58/2003 laying down the statute for executive agencies to be entrusted with certain tasks in the management of Community programmes [Official Journal L 181 of 10.7.2008].

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1821/2005 of 8 November 2005 amending Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004 as regards the posts of accounting officers of executive agencies [Official Journal L293 of 9.11.2005].

Council Regulation (EC) No 58/2003 of 19 December 2002 laying down the statute for executive agencies to be entrusted with certain tasks in the management of Community programmes [Official Journal L 11, 16.1.2003].

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004 of 21 September 2004 on a standard financial regulation for the executive agencies pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No 58/2003 laying down the statute for executive agencies to be entrusted with certain tasks in the management of Community programmes [Official Journal L 297, 22.9.2004].