Tag Archives: Culture

Enforcing judgments: the transparency of debtors' assets

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Enforcing judgments: the transparency of debtors’ assets

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Enforcing judgments: the transparency of debtors’ assets

Topics

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

Justice freedom and security > Judicial cooperation in civil matters

Enforcing judgments: the transparency of debtors’ assets

Even with a court judgment obtained, recovering cross-border debts may be difficult for creditors in practice if no information on the debtors’ assets or whereabouts is available. Because of this, the European Commission has adopted a Green Paper launching a public consultation on how to improve the recovery of debts through possible measures such as registers and debtor declarations.

Document or Iniciative

Green Paper of 6 March 2008 on the effective enforcement of judgments in the European Union: the transparency of debtors’ assets [COM(2008) 128 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

The late and non-payment of debts is detrimental to business and customers alike, particularly when no information is available on the debtor’s assets or whereabouts. This is a particular cross-border issue in debt recovery and has the potential to affect the smooth running of the internal market. In launching a public consultation, the European Commission has outlined the problems of the current situation and possible solutions in this Green Paper. Interested parties can submit their comments by 30 September 2008.

State of play

The search for a debtor’s address and information on his financial situation is often the starting point for enforcement proceedings. At national level, most Member States mainly use two different systems for obtaining information, either:

  • systems of declaration of the debtor’s entire assets or at least a part of it to satisfy the claim;
  • search systems with specific information (registers).

In this Green Paper, the European Commission focuses more on a series of measures instead of one single European measure to allow the creditor to obtain reliable information on the debtor’s assets and whereabouts within a reasonable period of time. Possible measures include:

  • drawing up a manual of national enforcement laws and practices: at present, there is very little information on the different enforcement systems in the 27 European Union Member States. Such a manual could contain all sources of information on a person’s assets, which could be accessed in each country; contact addresses, costs, etc.
  • increasing the information available and improving access to registers: the main sources of information on the debtor are public registers, such as commercial or population registers. However, these vary from one Member State to the next. The Commission is asking whether to increase information available in and access to commercial registers and in what way access to existing population registers should be enhanced. Furthermore, access to social security and tax registers by enforcement authorities may be increased, while respecting rules of data protection and social and fiscal privacy.
  • exchange of information between enforcement authorities: currently, enforcement bodies are not able to directly access the (non-public) registers of other Member States which are open to national enforcement bodies. In addition, there are no international instruments dealing with the exchange of information between national enforcement bodies. In the absence of a Europe-wide register, enhancing cooperation between national enforcement authorities and direct exchange of information between them may a possible solution.
  • measures relating to the debtor’s declaration: enforcement bodies have in several Member States the option to question the debtor directly regarding his assets, whereas in some Member States the debtor’s declaration is made in the form of a testimony before the enforcement court. In some Member States, the debtor has to fill out mandatory forms, and in others a debtor’s declaration does not exist at all. The European Commission is considering introducing a European Assets declaration, obliging the debtors to disclose all assets in the European judicial area. In this way, the transparency of the debtor’s assets would not be limited by the territoriality of the enforcement proceedings.

Investing in people

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Investing in people

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Investing in people

Topics

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

Development > General development framework

Investing in people

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament of 25 January 2006, “Investing in people” [COM(2006) 18 – not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

The current legislative framework governing external action has to be simplified. To this end, within the financial perspectives 2007-2013, the Commission is proposing six new instruments to meet two main objectives:

  • horizontal instruments to respond to particular needs and circumstances;
  • instruments designed to implement particular policies with specific geographical coverage (geographical programmes).

These instruments are to provide the legal basis for Community expenditure in support of external cooperation programmes and replace the existing thematic regulations.

Forming part of this new external assistance architecture, the new thematic programme “Investing in people” provides a number of advantages:

  • improved consistency among EU policies;
  • a framework for sharing know-how;
  • improved monitoring, data collection and analysis;
  • greater emphasis placed on innovation;
  • a higher international profile.

Social and human development: recent developments

In addition to the wealth of experience built up at national and international level, several assessments and evaluations have been carried out recently in the following areas:

  • poverty diseases, sexual health, gender equality;
  • education;
  • employment and social cohesion;
  • culture.

The Commission’s analysis highlighted the need for a holistic and coherent thematic approach to human and social development, which must back up the various national initiatives. The programme “Investing in people” could pave the way for the development of European-level strategies that would respond effectively to the new priorities for health, education, social policy and culture in the field of human and social development.

The thematic programme

The focus of the thematic programme is on six different areas of action: health, knowledge and skills, culture, employment and social cohesion, gender equality, youth and children.

In order to ensure access to health care for all, the programme sets out to:

  • mobilise global public goods to combat and prevent diseases;
  • support innovative health measures;
  • improve the regulatory framework;
  • increase political and public awareness and education;
  • improve technical resources.

In the field of access to knowledge and skills, the measures taken to support national programmes consist mainly in:

  • supporting low-income countries for the development of successful education policies;
  • promoting reciprocal learning via international exchanges of experience and good practice;
  • promoting transnational university cooperation and the mobility of students and researchers at international level;
  • developing a broader framework for monitoring and data assessment;
  • promoting schooling for marginalised and vulnerable children.

In the field of culture, the new thematic programme should make for:

  • the bringing together of peoples and cultures on an equal footing, while preserving diversity;
  • greater international cooperation to fully exploit the economic potential of the cultural sector.

To reduce socio-economic inequalities, the new thematic programme will focus on social cohesion and employment, and will do this in three different ways, by:

  • promoting of the “decent work for all” agenda through global and multinational initiatives;
  • supporting initiatives to promote the improvement of working conditions as well as the adjustment to trade liberalisation;
  • promoting the social dimension of globalisation and the EU’s experience.

A fundamental human right, gender equality is already the subject of country action, which the new thematic programme will complement by:

  • supporting the various programmes that contribute to achieving the objectives of the Beijing Declaration;
  • backing the efforts of civil society organisations;
  • helping to include the gender perspective in statistics.

Finally, the thematic programme will place the interests of young people and children at the centre of European action, by:

  • drawing countries’ attention to children and youth issues and enhancing their capacity to address these issues in external action;
  • supporting regional, inter-regional and global initiatives in key areas, such as preventing all forms of child labour, human trafficking and sexual violence;
  • supporting the youth employment network;
  • supporting efforts to promote young people and children in situations and regions where bilateral cooperation has limitations;
  • supporting the monitoring of data, the development of policies, the exchange of information, awareness-raising campaigns and innovative initiatives in all areas that affect young people and children.

Background

Human and social development is part of the “European Consensus” on development policy. This statement is the cornerstone of the Union’s international commitments as set out in the Millennium Declaration, at the Cairo International Conference on Population and Development, the World Summit for Social Development, the Beijing Platform for Action on gender equality and the September 2005 UN Summit.

Related Acts

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on “External Actions through Thematic Programmes under the Future Financial Perspectives 2007 – 2013” [COM(2005) 324 final – not published in the Official Journal]

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia – Information society and media

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The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia – Information society and media

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia – Information society and media

Topics

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

Audiovisual and media

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia – Information society and media

acquis) and, more specifically, the priorities identified jointly by the Commission and the candidate countries in the analytical assessment (or ‘screening’) of the EU’s political and legislative acquis. Each year, the Commission reviews the progress made by candidates and evaluates the efforts required before their accession. This monitoring is the subject of annual reports presented to the Council and the European Parliament.

Document or Iniciative

Commission Report [COM (2011) 666 final – SEC(2011) 1203 – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was granted candidate country status for European Union (EU) membership in 2005. The Accession Partnership, adopted by the Council in 2008, supports the country’s preparations in view of its future membership and the alignment of its legislation with the Community acquis. In 2008, the accession negotiations had not yet been opened, as some progress still needed to be made on the objectives and conditions set out in the partnership.

The 2011 Report notes progress with regard to the alignment of the legislation with the acquis, although the capacities of the Broadcasting Council to monitor the market remain inadequate.

EUROPEAN UNION ACQUIS (according to the Commission’s words)

The acquis includes specific rules relating to electronic communications, information society services, particularly e-commerce and services based on conditional access, and to audiovisual services. In the field of electronic communications, the acquis aims at removing the obstacles preventing the smooth running of the internal market of telecommunications services and networks, at encouraging competition and at protecting consumers’ interests, specifically by guaranteeing the universal availability of modern services.

In terms of audiovisual policy, the acquis requires legislative alignment with the Television without Frontiers Directive which creates the conditions for the free movement of television programmes in the European Union. The acquis intends to define a transparent, reliable and efficient regulatory framework for public and private broadcasting which meets European standards. It also estimates the capacity for participating in the Community programmes Media Plus and Media Training.

EVALUATION (according to the Commission’s words)

Progress was made in the field of information society and media. Alignment with the EU acquis is advancing and most of the key competitive safeguards were introduced. The capacity of the Broadcasting Council to monitor the market effectively remains inadequate.

Related Acts

Commission Report [COM(2010) 660 final – SEC(2010) 1327 – Not published in the Official Journal].
The 2010 Report presents advancements concerning alignment with the acquis and liberalisation of the Information Society and Media sector. In particular, progress must be made to ensure the proper functioning of public service broadcasters.

Commission Report [COM(2009) 533 final – SEC(2009) 1334 – Not published in the Official Journal].

The October 2009 report indicates that the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has progressed on audiovisual policy, having partly met its objectives. However, while the administrative capacity of the Broadcasting Council was strengthened, no efforts were made to ensure the sustainability of the public service broadcaster. Also, both still face political interference. In the field of culture, the country has made some progress and its preparations now meet the EU requirements.

Commission Report [COM(2008) 674 final – SEC(2008) 2699 – Not published in the Official Journal].
The November 2008 report noted that some progress had been achieved in the field of audiovisual policy and that preparations in the media sector were advanced. However, certain concerns remained, in particular with regard to the financial situation of the Broadcasting Council and the public service broadcaster. In the area of culture, progress had been good. The country has been participating in the Community programme on culture.

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia – Education and culture

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The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia – Education and culture

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia – Education and culture

Topics

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

Enlargement > Ongoing enlargement > The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia – Education and culture

acquis) and, more specifically, the priorities identified jointly by the Commission and the candidate countries in the analytical assessment (or ‘screening’) of the EU’s political and legislative acquis. Each year, the Commission reviews the progress made by candidates and evaluates the efforts required before their accession. This monitoring is the subject of annual reports presented to the Council and the European Parliament.

Document or Iniciative

Commission Report [COM(2011) 666 final – SEC(2011) 1203 – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was granted candidate country status for European Union (EU) membership in 2005. The Accession Partnership, adopted by the Council in 2008, supports the country’s preparations in view of its future membership and the alignment of its legislation with the Community acquis. In 2008, the accession negotiations had not yet been opened, as some progress still needed to be made on the objectives and conditions set out in the partnership.

The 2011 Report focuses on the progress made on the strategic framework ‘Education and Training 2020’. Furthermore, it highlights the need to improve interaction between the ethnic communities in education.

EUROPEAN UNION ACQUIS (according to the Commission’s words)

The fields of education, training, youth and culture are primarily the competence of the Member States. A framework for cooperation on policies relating to education and training has been adopted with a view to converging national policies and achieving joint objectives through an open method of coordination. It came out of the work programme ‘Education and Training 2010’, which brings together all the actions in the field of education and training at European level. Furthermore, Member States must take into account the principles stated in the Treaty and ensure that their international commitments contribute towards preserving and promoting cultural diversity. It requires Member States to equip themselves with a legal, administrative and financial framework and the implementation capacities necessary for ensuring sound financial management of European Union programmes related to education, training and youth.

EVALUATION (according to the Commission’s words)

Some progress can be reported concerning European standards in the areas of education, training, youth and culture. The country improved its performance in relation to the Education and Training 2020 common benchmarks. The Lifelong Learning and Youth in Action programmes remained suspended. Increasing interaction between the ethnic communities in education remains a challenge.

Related Acts

Commission Report [COM(2010) 660 final – SEC(2010) 1327 – Not published in the Official Journal].

In its 2010 Report, the Commission notes limited progress in the field of education. While the reforms have been made, preparations to implement the EU programmes are not completed. The country has partially fulfilled its objectives in the field of culture.

Commission Report [COM(2009) 533 final – SEC(2009) 1334 – Not published in the Official Journal].

The October 2009 report notes that some progress has been made on education, training and youth, especially in terms of preparing for the country’s participation in Community programmes. Nevertheless, further efforts are still needed to implement the national reform strategy, to attain the EU common benchmarks in education and training, to prepare for the management of Community programmes and to establish an efficient system for controlling the functioning of the National Agency.

Commission Report [COM(2008) 674 final – SEC(2008) 2699 – Not published in the Official Journal].

The November 2008 report indicated that good progress had been made in the field of education, training and youth. However, the country’s capacity to implement adopted legislation was not sufficient. While preparations for the management of Community programmes on lifelong learning and youth were advanced, further efforts still needed to be made.

Turkey – Information society and media

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Turkey – Information society and media

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Turkey – Information society and media

Topics

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

Audiovisual and media

Turkey – Information society and media

acquis) and, more specifically, the priorities identified jointly by the Commission and the candidate countries in the analytical assessment (or ‘screening’) of the EU’s political and legislative acquis. Each year, the Commission reviews the progress made by candidates and evaluates the efforts required before their accession. This monitoring is the subject of annual reports presented to the Council and the European Parliament.

Document or Iniciative

Commission Report [COM(2011) 666 final – SEC(2011) 1201 – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

The 2011 Report highlights progress concerning electronic communications and audiovisual policy.

EUROPEAN UNION ACQUIS (according to the Commission’s words)

The acquis includes specific rules relating to electronic communications, information society services, particularly e-commerce and services based on conditional access, and to audiovisual services. In the field of electronic communications, the acquis aims at removing the obstacles preventing the smooth running of the internal market of telecommunications services and networks, at encouraging competition and at protecting consumers’ interests, specifically by guaranteeing the universal availability of modern services.

In terms of audiovisual policy, the acquis requires legislative alignment with the Television without Frontiers Directive which creates the conditions for the free movement of television programmes in the European Union. The acquis intends to define a transparent, reliable and efficient regulatory framework for public and private broadcasting which meets European standards. It also estimates the capacity for participating in the Community programmes Media Plus and Media Training.

EVALUATION (according to the Commission’s words)

With regard to information society and the media, some progress can be reported in the area of electroniccommunications and also good progress on audiovisual policy.

Related Acts

Commission Report [COM(2010) 660 final – SEC(2010) 1327 – Not published in the Official Journal].

The 2010 Report noted progress towards aligning national legislation with the acquis with regard to electronic communications and information technologies. Furthermore, competition and the role of the regulatory authorities had to be strengthened in order to encourage the development of the sector. Significant efforts were still required in the fields of information society and audiovisual policy.

Commission Report [COM(2009) 533 final – SEC(2009) 1334 – Not published in the Official Journal].

The October 2009 Report reiterated the lack of progress in aligning Turkey with the Community acquis in the field of audiovisual policy and the need to sustain its efforts in the cultural field.

Commission Report [COM(2008) 674 final – SEC(2008) 2699 – Not published in the Official Journal].
The November 2008 Report presented certain advancements in the field of audiovisual policy. However, alignment with the Community acquis remained incomplete, in particular as a result of continuing cultural discrimination and restrictions on freedom of expression.

Commission Report [COM(2007) 663 final – SEC(2007) 1436 – Not published in the Official Journal].
The November 2007 Report noted that no progress had been made in aligning Turkey with the Community acquis in the audiovisual sector. However, efforts in the cultural sector have been made.

Commission Report [COM(2006) 649 final – SEC(2006) 1390 – Not published in the Official Journal].
The November 2006 Report reiterated the findings of the previous year. It underlined the almost complete lack of progress towards aligning Turkish legislation with the Community acquis in the audiovisual sector. However, significant progress was recorded in the cultural field, in particular with Turkey’s participation in the Culture 2000 Community programme and the launching of the procedure for ratification of the UNESCO Convention on cultural diversity.

Commission Report [COM(2005) 561 final – SEC(2005) 1426 – Not published in the Official Journal].
The October 2005 Report pointed out that Turkey’s progress in aligning its legislation with the acquis in the area of audiovisual policy remained limited.

Commission Report [COM(2004) 656 final – SEC(2004) 1201 – Not published in the Official Journal].
The October 2004 Report emphasised the progress made by Turkey, particularly as a result of the entry into force of a new regulation concerning the broadcasting of television and radio programmes in the languages and dialects traditionally used by Turkish citizens. However, substantial progress was still necessary to align Turkish legislation in the audiovisual field with the Community acquis.

Commission Report [COM(2003) 676 final – SEC(2003) 1212 – Not published in the Official Journal].
The November 2003 Report noted that, although some progress had been made (mainly as regards radio and television broadcasting in languages other than Turkish), the alignment of Turkish legislation with the Community acquis was still limited.

Commission Report [COM(2002) 700 final – SEC(2002) 1412 – Not published in the Official Journal].
The October 2002 Report took stock of the progress made by Turkey in aligning its legislation with the Community acquis in the audiovisual field, though it also noted that some important discrepancies remained.

Commission Report [COM(2001) 700 final – SEC(2001) 1756 – Not published in the Official Journal].
The November 2001 Report highlighted the lack of progress made towards alignment with the Community acquis.

Commission Report [COM(2000) 713 final – Not published in the Official Journal].
The November 2000 Report emphasised the important changes that had taken place in Turkey’s audiovisual sector. However, further efforts were needed in order to achieve alignment with the Community acquis.

Commission Report [COM(1999) 513 final – Not published in the Official Journal].
Although not enough information was available to allow Turkey’s progress since 1998 to be assessed, the October 1999 Report noted that Turkish legislation on audiovisual media was not compatible with the Community acquis.

Commission Report [COM(1998) 711 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Iceland – Education and culture

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Iceland – Education and culture

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Iceland – Education and culture

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 > Education training youth: cooperation with non-EU countries

Iceland – Education and culture

acquis) and, more specifically, the priorities identified jointly by the Commission and the candidate countries in the analytical assessment (or ‘screening’) of the EU’s political and legislative acquis. Each year, the Commission reviews the progress made by candidates and evaluates the efforts required before their accession. This monitoring is the subject of annual reports presented to the Council and the European Parliament.

Document or Iniciative

Commission Report [COM(2011) 666 final – SEC(2011) 1202 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

The 2011 Report highlights that Iceland has already put in place most of the European Union (EU) acquis on education and culture. The country applies these provisions due to its membership of the European Economic Area (EEA).

EUROPEAN UNION ACQUIS (according to the Commission’s words)

The fields of education, training, youth and culture are primarily the competence of the Member States. A framework for cooperation on policies relating to education and training has been adopted with a view to converging national policies and achieving joint objectives through an open method of coordination. It came out of the work programme ‘Education and Training 2010’, which brings together all the actions in the field of education and training at European level.

Furthermore, Member States must take into account the principles stated in the Treaty and ensure that their international commitments contribute towards preserving and promoting cultural diversity. It requires Member States to equip themselves with a legal, administrative and financial framework and the implementation capacities necessary for ensuring sound financial management of European Union programmes related to education, training and youth.

EVALUATION (according to the Commission’s words)

Iceland has achieved a high level of political and legislative alignment in the fields of education and culture.

Croatia – Education and culture

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Croatia – Education and culture

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Croatia – Education and culture

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 > Education training youth: cooperation with non-EU countries

Croatia – Education and culture

acquis) and, more specifically, the priorities identified jointly by the Commission and the candidate countries in the analytical assessment (or ‘screening’) of the EU’s political and legislative acquis. Each year, the Commission reviews the progress made by candidates and evaluates the efforts required before their accession. This monitoring is the subject of annual reports presented to the Council and the European Parliament.

Document or Iniciative

Commission Report [COM(2010) 660 final – SEC(2010) 1326 – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

In its 2010 Report, the Commission regrets that Croatia has not made additional progress in the areas of education, training, youth and culture. However, the country has achieved an adequate level of alignment and future effort should essentially focus on preparing the country to participate in European Union programmes.

EUROPEAN UNION ACQUIS (according to the Commission’s words)

Education, training and youth is primarily the competence of the Member States. The EC Treaty provides that the Community will contribute to the development of quality education and implement a vocational training policy that supports and supplements the action of Member States. The acquis consists of a directive on education of the children of migrant workers, and of action programmes and recommendations. Member States need to have the necessary implementing capacity in place to effectively participate in the Community programmes related to this chapter.

EVALUATION (according to the Commission’s words)

Further progress has been made regarding the acquis in the area of education and culture. There is a good level of alignment.

Croatia needs to continue its efforts to prepare for the management of the Lifelong Learning and Youth in Action Programmes.

Related Acts

Commission Report [COM(2009) 533 final – SEC(2009) 1333 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

The October 2009 report noted that Croatia had made good progress, in particular in aligning with the Community acquis as well as in partially meeting its Accession Partnership priorities. Nevertheless, additional efforts were needed with regard to the management of Community programmes and adult education.

Commission Report [COM(2008) 674 final – SEC(2008) 2694 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

The November 2008 report noted encouraging progress with regard to respect for the Accession Partnership priorities in the field of education, training and youth. Preparations for the management of the programmes were to be continued.

Commission Report [COM(2007) 663 final – SEC(2007) 1431 – Not published in the Official Journal].
The November 2007 report noted the continuation of the education reform process and Croatia’s good level of alignment with the acquis. Efforts remained to be made regarding non-discrimination between EU and Croatian nationals in secondary education and the application of the directive on education of children of migrant workers.

Commission Report [COM(2006) 649 final – SEC(2006) 1385 – Not published in the Official Journal].
The November 2006 report noted that Croatia had made reasonable progress, particularly in continuing with its reforms, and had achieved a good level of preparation for implementing the acquis. However, it had to put in place the management capacity and infrastructure needed to manage the Community programmes in which it participates. It also had to continue its efforts to guarantee non-discrimination between EU and Croatian nationals.

Commission Report [COM(2005) 561 final – SEC(2005) 1424 – Not published in the Official Journal].
The October 2005 report noted that several measures had been taken in connection with the reform of the education and training system, particularly in the area of higher education with the introduction of the Bologna process in study programmes. Croatia’s system of vocational education and training needed substantial improvement. It needed to be based on a coherent national policy approach and pay greater heed to youth policy.

Commission Opinion [COM(2004) 257 final – Not published in the Official Journal].
In its opinion of April 2004, the European Commission concluded that Croatia should not encounter any major problems in the field of education and training in the medium term. It would, however, have to make a considerable effort to create a modern vocational education and training system in line with the European Union’s (EU) employment and social policies.

Croatia – Information Society and Media

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Croatia – Information Society and Media

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Croatia – Information Society and Media

Topics

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

Audiovisual and media

Croatia – Information Society and Media

acquis) and, more specifically, the priorities identified jointly by the Commission and the candidate countries in the analytical assessment (or ‘screening’) of the EU’s political and legislative acquis. Each year, the Commission reviews the progress made by candidates and evaluates the efforts required before their accession. This monitoring is the subject of annual reports presented to the Council and the European Parliament.

Document or Iniciative

Commission Report [COM(2010) 660 final – SEC(2010) 1326 – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

The 2010 Report presents a satisfactory level of reform. However, effort must be maintained in order to develop broadcasting and electronic communications under the conditions of open competition and an independent public service.

EUROPEAN UNION ACQUIS (according to the Commission’s words)

The acquis includes specific rules on electronic communications, on information society services, in particular electronic commerce and conditional access services, and on audio-visual services. In the field of electronic communications, the acquis aims to eliminate obstacles to the effective operation of the internal market in telecommunications services and networks, to promote competition and to safeguard consumer interests in the sector, including universal availability of modern services.

As regards audio-visual policy, the acquis requires the legislative alignment with the Television without Frontiers Directive, which creates the conditions for the free movement of television broadcasts within the EU. The acquis aims to the establishment of a transparent, predictable and effective regulatory framework for public and private broadcasting in line with European standards. The acquis also requires the capacity to participate in the community programmes Media Plus and Media Training.

EVALUATION (according to the Commission’s words)

Croatia has made significant progress in the field of information society and media and has achieved a high level of alignment with the acquis. However, continued efforts are needed to strengthen the capacity of the two national regulators to apply the legal framework correctly.

Liberalisation of all segments of electronic communications markets needs to be sustained.

Related Acts

Commission Report [COM(2009) 533 final – SEC(2009) 1333 – Not published in the Official Journal].

Commission Report [COM(2008) 674 final – SEC(2008) 2694 – Not published in the Official Journal].
The November 2008 report presented the progress made in the context of media reform. New legislative provisions had increased the media’s capacity to self-regulate without supervision by the public authorities. Satisfactory progress was also reported with regard to the country’s participation in European cultural cooperation programmes.

Commission Report [COM(2007) 663 final – SEC(2007) 1431 – Not published in the Official Journal].
The November 2007 report noted some progress in the field of audiovisual policy. However, the question of the independence of the media landscape remained problematic due to the political pressure on the sector.

Commission Report [COM(2006) 649 final – SEC(2006) 1385 – Not published in the Official Journal].
The November 2006 report noted that a good level of alignment had been achieved in the audiovisual field. However, substantial efforts were still required, particularly regarding the need to revise the legislation on audiovisual media to define a transparent, predictable and effective regulatory framework.

Commission Report [COM(2005) 561 final – SEC(2005) 1424 – Not published in the Official Journal].
The October 2005 report stated that several amendments should be made to the audiovisual legislative framework adopted in 2003. In addition to aligning legislation, Croatia had to ensure the rules were implemented effectively and guarantee the independence of the regulatory bodies.

Commission Opinion [COM(2004) 257 final – Not published in the Official Journal].


In its April 2004 opinion, the Commission stressed the significant progress made by Croatia in aligning with the audiovisual acquis, in particular through the adoption in 2003 of a new legislative framework relating to media. The Commission emphasised that, in the cultural and audiovisual areas, Croatia should be able to meet EU requirements in the medium term.

Making citizenship work: programmes for Youth, Culture, Audiovisual and Civic Participation

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Making citizenship work: programmes for Youth, Culture, Audiovisual and Civic Participation

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Making citizenship work: programmes for Youth, Culture, Audiovisual and Civic Participation

Topics

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

Justice freedom and security > Citizenship of the Union

Making citizenship work: programmes for Youth, Culture, Audiovisual and Civic Participation

The Commission proposes developing European citizenship as a main priority for EU action. To this end, it is necessary to make citizenship a reality. With this in mind, the Commission Communication proposes to update and modify several programmes due to end in 2006. These are programmes in the fields of youth, culture, audiovisual and civic participation.

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission – Making citizenship work: fostering European culture and diversity through programmes for Youth, Culture, Audiovisual and Civic Participation [COM(2004) 154 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

The concept of “European citizenship” was established by the Maastricht Treaty, which specifies that citizenship of the Union shall complement and not replace National citizenship. The reality is that many citizens regard the Union as merely a remote political and economic entity. With the enlargements of 2004 (Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia) and 2007 (Bulgaria and Romania), the total population of the Union will approach 500 million, representing an immense richness of cultural, social and linguistic diversity. In light of these developments, Europe’s citizens must have an opportunity to experience a feeling of belonging to the Union.

Action to promote EU citizenship will consist of four strands:

  • youth;
  • culture;
  • media;
  • civic participation.

The aim of these measures is to update and modernise several programmes which are scheduled to end in 2006.

Actions in the field ofyouth

The aim of the new Youth programme is to promote experiences of European citizenship among young people aged 13 to 30. It is also intended to promote solidarity and develop young people’s sense of initiative, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

In order to achieve these objectives, the programme will include five separate and complementary strands:

  • Youth for Europe: exchanges, mobility and initiatives for young people;
  • European Voluntary Service: it is planned that 10 000 volunteers per year will take part in a non-profit-making or unpaid activity in another Member State or third country;
  • Youth of the World: the programme will be open to cooperation with third countries;
  • socio-educational instructors and support systems: training, information, exchange of best practice among instructors;
  • support for political cooperation: cooperation on youth policy.

These programmes are planned for the period 2007-2013.

Actions in the field ofculture

The programme which will follow on from Culture 2000 will focus on certain priorities: the transnational mobility of people working in the cultural sector, the transnational circulation of works of art, and intercultural dialogue.

Three strands of action are planned:

  • direct support for cultural cooperation projects (around 1 400 projects are envisaged for the period 2007-2013, including 80 multiannual cultural cooperation focal points);
  • support for European cultural cooperation organisations (each year, around 50 networks or organisations of European interest);
  • support for studies and information on cultural cooperation issues.

The overall result will be hundreds of European cultural operators working together each year on a transnational basis and reaching millions of citizens.

Actions in theaudiovisualsector

MEDIA 2007 is intended to replace the two current programmes MEDIA Plus and MEDIA Training. Its global objectives will be to preserve and enhance European cultural diversity and audiovisual heritage, increase the circulation of European audiovisual works and make the sector more competitive.

The programme will support projects in the pre-production (acquiring skills and competence, development) and post-production (distribution, promotion, pilot projects/digital technology) phases.

MEDIA 2007 will aim to bring together 1 500 audiovisual operators each year and to increase the market share of European films distributed outside their country of origin from the current 11% to 20% by 2013.

Civic participation

The civic participation programme has just been launched and will be concluded at the end of 2006. However, it would be premature at this stage to outline specific proposals. A legislative proposal will be tabled by the European Commission in early 2005.

The objectives of the programme are to promote the values and objectives of the Union, to bring citizens closer to the EU and to encourage them to engage more frequently with its institutions. The programme is intended for all those involved in civil society and it aims to involve citizens closely in reflection and discussion on the construction of the European Union, to intensify links and exchanges between citizens from the countries participating in the programme, for example through town-twinning, and to encourage initiatives from bodies involved in promoting active and participatory citizenship.

Related Acts

Decision No 1719/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 November 2006 establishing theprogramme for the period 2007 to 2013 [Official Journal L 327 of 24.11.2006].

Decision No 1855/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 establishing theProgramme (2007 to 2013) [Official Journal L 372 of 27.12.2006].

Decision No 1718/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 November 2006 concerning the implementation of a programme of support for the European audiovisual sector () [Official Journal L 327 of 24.11.2006].

Decision No 1904/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 establishing for the period 2007 to 2013 the programmeto promote active European citizenship [Official Journal L 378 of 27.12.2006].