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Mediterranean package

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Mediterranean package

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Mediterranean package

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

Agriculture > General framework

Mediterranean package

Document or Iniciative

Council Regulation (EC) No 864/2004 of 29 April 2004 amending Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003 establishing common rules for direct support schemes under the Common Agricultural Policy and establishing certain support schemes for farmers, and adapting it by reason of the accession of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia to the European Union.

Summary

This Regulation, known as the “Mediterranean package”, supplements the major reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of June 2003 with provisions relating to the integration of support for tobacco, hops, olive groves and cotton into the single payment scheme.

The Regulation establishes specific direct aid applicable to these sectors. This aid is granted on condition that farmers meet the cross-compliance requirements laid down by the 2003 reform.

Hops

Direct aid for hops has been decoupled from production since 1 January 2005 (except in countries which applied a transitional period until 31 December 2005). However, in order to deal with specific market situations or regional implications, Member States may retain a certain percentage of coupled aid (corresponding to a maximum of 25 % of their national ceiling *).

The reference amount for the calculation of the aid is EUR 480 per hectare for which aid was granted during the reference period 2000 to 2002.

The Regulation on the common organisation of the market in hops contains rules on marketing, producer groups and trade with third countries.

Cotton

Direct aid for cotton has been decoupled from production since 1 January 2006. However, in order to safeguard production in areas where cotton production would be liable to cease if decoupling were applied in full, Member States may retain a certain percentage of coupled aid (corresponding to a maximum of 35 % of the total amount of aid previously granted for cotton).

This aid is calculated according to the following table:

Maximum area (total)
440 000 hectares		 Greece Spain Portugal
National base area

370 000 hectares

70 000 hectares

360 hectares
Aid in euros per eligible hectare

300 000 hectares at EUR 594 per hectare
70 000 hectares at EUR 342.85 per hectare

EUR 1 039 per hectare

EUR 556 per hectare

The “approved inter-branch organisations” in the cotton sector are encouraged to participate in the management of area aid for their members (fixing a scale).

Following the cancellation by the Court of Justice of the European Communities of the 2004 reform in September 2006, the current regulations governing the cotton sector will be replaced in the near future. In response to a very wide-ranging public consultation, stakeholders and the general public submitted contributions with a view to drawing up a new proposal for reform.

Olive oil

Support for the olive oil sector has been decoupled from production since 1 January 2006. However, for the upkeep of olive groves of environmental or social value, area aid (corresponding to a maximum of 40 % of the aid previously granted) is granted for olive groves recorded in the geographical information system *.

Only Spain decided to apply coupled aid for olive groves, amounting to EUR 103.14 million per annum.

Member States may assign no more than 10 % of their national envelope for olive oil to measures to improve quality.

The Regulation on the common organisation of the market in olive oil and table olives regulates the internal market and trade in these products with third countries.

Tobacco

Direct aid for tobacco will be fully decoupled from production from 2010. However, in order to protect local economies and to allow the market price to adjust to the new conditions, Member States may maintain a certain percentage of coupled aid (corresponding to a maximum of 60 % of the aid previously granted) for the four years up to 2010.

During this period, and depending on the choice made by the Member States concerned, the maximum amounts of this aid are as follows:

2006-2009
(EUR million)
Germany

21.287
Spain 70.599
France 48.217
Italy (apart from Puglia) 189.366
Portugal 8.468

A proportion of this production aid (set at 5 % in 2007) is transferred to the Community Tobacco Fund, which finances research and information programmes on the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.

From 2011, half the aid granted annually for tobacco between 2000 and 2002 (estimated at EUR 484 million) will be transferred for restructuring the tobacco-producing regions under rural development programmes financed under the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund, EAGGF.

The Regulation on the common organisation of the market in tobacco regulates production orientation and trade with third countries.

Background

The “Mediterranean products” reform is based on the Commission communication to the Council and the European Parliament entitled “Accomplishing a sustainable agricultural model for Europe through the reformed CAP – the tobacco, olive oil, cotton and sugar sectors “. For hops, the reform is based on the report from the Commission to the Council on evolution of the hop sector .

Key terms used in the act
  • National ceiling: maximum amount which each State may allocate to direct aid payments.
  • Geographical information system: a computerised tool organising geographical data and providing a realistic representation of the spatial environment.

References

Act Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Regulation (EC) No 864/2004 1.5.2004 – OJ L 161 of 30.4.2004

Resources

See Also

Media Mundus audiovisual cooperation programme with professionals from third countries 2011-2013

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Media Mundus audiovisual cooperation programme with professionals from third countries 2011-2013

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Media Mundus audiovisual cooperation programme with professionals from third countries 2011-2013

Topics

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

Audiovisual and media

Media Mundus audiovisual cooperation programme with professionals from third countries 2011-2013

Document or Iniciative

Decision No 1041/2009/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 establishing an audiovisual cooperation programme with professionals from third countries (MEDIA Mundus).

Summary

This Decision aims at establishing the programme MEDIA Mundus for the funding of projects for international cooperation with professionals from third countries in the audiovisual sector during the period 2011-2013.

Scope

The programme is intended for professionals worldwide. However, the project coordinator must be resident in one of the following countries:

  • Member States;
  • EFTA States that are members of the EEA;
  • countries which declare a willingness to be members of the programme and pay a contribution calculated on the same basis as their contribution to the MEDIA 2007 programme.

What are the conditions for participation in the programme?

Projects proposed must fulfil the following conditions:

  • be carried out jointly by European and third-country professionals;
  • have a minimum of three partners with a view to creating an international network;
  • be coordinated by a European professional and include at least one partner from a third country.

What are the objectives of the programme?

The programme aims to increase the diversity and competitiveness of the European audiovisual industry and to promote Europe’s role in culture.

Information exchange, training and market intelligence

Under the programme, European and third-country professionals meet in order to enhance their understanding of their respective audiovisual markets, particularly in terms of operating conditions, legal frameworks, financing systems and possibilities for cooperation.

It involves establishing professional training on:

  • the conditions of production, co-production, distribution and the exhibition and dissemination of audiovisual works internationally;
  • the inclusion of new technologies throughout the value chain (production, post-production, distribution, marketing and archiving).

Competitiveness and distribution

The introduction of the programme should facilitate the search for foreign partners for European audiovisual works, whilst supporting the organisation of co-production markets.

Moreover, the programme should promote international sales of audiovisual works.

Distribution

At this level, the programme should:

  • improve the programming and exhibition conditions of audiovisual works in European and third-country cinemas;
  • improve broadcasting and distribution conditions for third countries’ audiovisual works on European distribution channels and European works on international distribution channels;
  • facilitate the organisation of events and initiatives, in particular aimed at young audiences.

What is the programme budget?

The financial allocation for implementing the programme throughout the 2011-2013 period is EUR 15 million (of which 13.5 million is dedicated to supporting projects).

Context

Prompted by the effects of the digital revolution on the conditions of production and dissemination of works, the audiovisual sector has changed significantly over the last 20 years, in particular from a technical standpoint. Furthermore, its international role is increasing with regard to the protection of cultural diversity. In this context, the public consultation on MEDIA Mundus demonstrated a willingness among European professionals and their third-country counterparts to cooperate so as to better promote the circulation of audiovisual works and film literacy.

References

Act Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal

Decision No 1041/2009/EC

24.11.2009

–

OJ L 288 of 4.11.2009

Related Acts

Council Decision 2010/478/EU of 26 July 2010 concerning the conclusion of an Agreement between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation in the audiovisual field, establishing the terms and conditions for the participation of the Swiss Confederation in the Community programme MEDIA 2007, and a Final Act [OJ L 234, 4.9.2010].

Media literacy in the digital age

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Media literacy in the digital age

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Media literacy in the digital age

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

Information society > Digital Strategy i2010 Strategy eEurope Action Plan Digital Strategy Programmes

Media literacy in the digital age

The production and consumption of media in the digital age is transforming the media sector. Broadband networks are becoming more accessible and participation in the creation of online content is creating unprecedented volumes of information and content, prompting the Commission to support media literacy initiatives.

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 20 December 2007 – A European approach to media literacy in the digital environment [COM(2007) 833 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

Media literacy is defined as the ability to access, understand, critically evaluate and create media content.

It is essential for the development of active and aware citizenship. It gives European citizens the opportunity to better pinpoint the cultural and economic dimension of all types of media associated with digital technology (television, cinema, video, websites, radio, video games and online communities).

A high level of media literacy can contribute to achieving the Lisbon objectives by fostering the emergence of a knowledge economy and by boosting competitiveness in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and media sectors.

Media literacy can give a new boost to European audiovisual policy. The Commission’s Report on implementation of the new ” Audiovisual Media Services ” Directive will give an account of media literacy levels in the Member States up to 2011. This Directive also relates to the MEDIA 2007 support programme by focusing on access to audiovisual works and promotion of European audiovisual heritage.

How can the effectiveness of media literacy be guaranteed?

The Commission considers media literacy in three fields:

  • online content;
  • commercial communication;
  • audiovisual works.

Effective media literacy allows users to critically evaluate online content. The Commission wishes, for example, to develop a critical approach to commercial communication as an alternative to bans on certain practices.

Media literacy must generally encourage online accessibility aimed at ensuring that developments in the information society can be enjoyed by disabled or disadvantaged persons or those discriminated against due to their sex, ethnic origin, age, religion or sexual orientation.

For audiovisual works, media literacy involves raising awareness of European cinematographic heritage and the support for audiovisual creativity.

This communication is based on the conclusions of the wide public consultation launched in October 2006 (pdf ), which focuses on spreading good local and national practice in the field of media literacy.

In light of all these priorities, Member States are invited to:

  • encourage the national authorities responsible for regulating audiovisual and electronic communications to play a bigger role in media literacy initiatives;
  • regularly monitor media literacy initiatives and define new evaluation criteria;
  • develop codes of conduct or legislative frameworks by involving all interested parties, namely the national regulatory authorities, consumer associations, content providers and producers, media sector companies, educational establishments and cultural and research institutions.

Background

The Recommendation on the protection of minors and human dignity and on the right of reply in relation to the competitiveness of the European audiovisual and online information services industry underlines the importance of media literacy.

Media literacy initiatives will be established as part of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.

Medicinal products for paediatric use

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Medicinal products for paediatric use

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Medicinal products for paediatric use

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

Internal market > Pharmaceutical and cosmetic products

Medicinal products for paediatric use

Document or Iniciative

Regulation (EC) No 1901/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 on products for paediatric use and amending Regulation (EEC) No 1768/92, Directives 2001/20/EC and 2001/83/EC, and Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 . [See amending acts].

Summary

This European Union (EU) Regulation aims to improve the health and quality of life of children in Europe by ensuring that new medicines for children and medicines already on the market are fully adapted to their specific needs. In order to fill the gaps in research on this type of medicinal product, the Regulation lays down new obligations for the pharmaceutical industry accompanied by rewards and incentives. The Regulation therefore also contributes to the competitiveness of the European pharmaceutical industry.

The aims to be achieved are as follows:

  • to stimulate the development of medicines for use in children;
  • to ensure that medicines used to treat children are subject to high-quality, ethical research;
  • to ensure that these medicines are appropriately authorised for use in children;
  • to improve the information available on the use of medicines in children;
  • to achieve these objectives without subjecting the paediatric population to unnecessary clinical trials and without delaying the authorisation of medicines for other categories of patient.

The Community instruments already in force in the pharmaceutical sector will have a key role to play in achieving these aims. Moreover, as regards the procedure for placing pharmaceutical products on the market, the procedures established by current pharmaceutical legislation have not been altered. However, for every marketing authorisation application, the competent authorities will check compliance with the agreed paediatric investigation plan * or verify the presence of a waiver or deferral.

Paediatric Committee

The Regulation’s key feature is the establishment of a Paediatric Committee within the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) *. This committee is made up of five members of the Committee on Medicinal Products for Human Use and their alternates, a member and an alternate appointed by each of the Member States not represented by members of the Committee on Medicinal Products for Human Use, three members and three alternates selected by the Commission to represent the health professions, and three members and their alternates appointed by the Commission to represent patients’ associations.

The committee is specifically responsible for advising on questions concerning medicinal products for paediatric use, issuing opinions on the quality, safety and efficacy of medicinal products for paediatric use, assessing and approving companies’ paediatric investigation plans * and considering any related requests for waivers and deferrals. The paediatric investigation plan is the document upon which the development and authorisation of medicines for use in children must be based. It should include details of the timing and the measures proposed to demonstrate the quality, safety and efficacy of the medicinal product in a paediatric population. *

In the course of its work, the Paediatric Committee will consider the therapeutic benefits of carrying out studies in children and ensure that unnecessary studies are avoided. It must also ensure that authorisations for medicines for other populations are not delayed by the requirements for studies in children.

Given that certain medicines developed for adults are not suitable for children, the Paediatric Committee will draw up lists of waivers for specific medicines and classes of medicine.

Marketing authorisation procedures and rewards

This Regulation concerns medicines under development which have yet to be authorised, authorised products covered by a supplementary protection certificate or a patent, and authorised products no longer covered by either a supplementary protection certificate or a patent.

A request for marketing authorisation for paediatric * use does not affect the right to apply for authorisation to market the product for other uses.

When all the measures in the paediatric investigation plan * have been complied with, this fact will be recorded in the marketing authorisation. Implementation of these measures will be the basis upon which companies can obtain the rewards for compliance. The provisions differ according to the category of medicine in question, namely:

  • medicinal products no longer covered by a patent: a medicinal product which is no longer covered by a patent may be subject to a new marketing authorisation for paediatric use. It may enjoy a new period of market exclusivity of 10 years. This type of authorisation is called Paediatric Use Marketing Authorisation (PUMA). A medicinal product that has obtained a PUMA can use the existing brand name of the corresponding authorised product in order to take advantage of the latter product’s reputation.
  • new medicines and products covered by a patent or a(SPC): if all the measures included in the agreed paediatric investigation plan * are complied with, if the product is authorised in all Member States and if relevant information on the results of studies is included in product information, a six-month SPC extension will be granted.
  • orphan medicinal products*: this category of medicinal products qualifies for ten years of market exclusivity. This period will be extended to twelve years if the requirements for data on use in children are fully met.

European network

The Paediatric Committee must help the EMEA to establish a European network linking together existing national and European networks, researchers and study centres. This network will facilitate cooperation and avoid duplication of studies on the paediatric population.

Information on medicines for children

Increased availability of information facilitates the safe and effective use of medicines for children. Companies are therefore invited to submit all completed studies to the competent authorities. The European database contains information on clinical paediatric studies, whether completed or ongoing, in the Community and non-member countries. By way of derogation the EMEA will reveal to the public some of the information on clinical paediatric studies contained in the European database.

Details of the results of paediatric studies, the status of paediatric investigation plans, and any waivers or deferrals must be included in the product information in order to inform healthcare professionals and patients about the safe and effective use of children’s medicines.

Context

This Regulation follows on from a proposal for a European Parliament and Council Regulation of 29 September 2004, which in turn was a response to Council Resolution of 14 December 2000 inviting the Commission to propose measures to address the lack of medicines specifically designed for the paediatric population *. Children today remain exposed to diseases without benefiting from the same technological advances as adults. Market forces have not sufficiently stimulated the development of medicines specifically designed for children, since companies have insufficient income to finance the necessary research. Moreover, attempts to solve the problem at national level have proved ineffective. It is for these reasons that action at Community level has been deemed necessary.

Key terms used in the act
  • Paediatric population: that part of the population aged between 0 and 18 years.
  • European Medicines Agency: created in London on 26 January 1995, it contributes to consumer protection and the establishment of a single market for human and veterinary medicinal products by standardising the sale of certain medicines and improving supervision of their use.
  • Paediatric investigation plan: a research and development programme aimed at ensuring that the necessary data are generated to determine the conditions under which a medicinal product may be authorised to treat the paediatric population.
  • Marketing authorisation for paediatric use: authorisation granted for a medicine for human use that is not protected by a supplementary protection certificate or a patent, covering therapeutic indications for use on the paediatric population, including the dosage, pharmaceutical form or route of administration of the product in question.
  • Orphan medicines: medicines for the treatment of diseases so rare that promoters are reluctant to develop them under normal market conditions. These medicines are designed for the treatment of patients with very serious and even fatal diseases for which there is not yet any treatment, or at least any satisfactory treatment. Many of these diseases affect children and newly-born babies.

References

Act Entry into force – Date of expiry Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Regulation (EC) No 1901/2006 26.1.2007 – OJ L 378 of 27.12.2006
Amending act(s) Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Regulation (EC) No 1902/2006 26.1.2007 – OJ L 378 of 27.12.2006

Related Acts

Regulation (EC) No 726/2004of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 laying down Community procedures for the authorisation and supervision of medicinal products for human and veterinary use and establishing a European Medicines Agency [Official Journal L136 of 30.4.2004].

Directive 2001/83/ECof the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 November 2001 on the Community code relating to medicinal products for human use [Official Journal L 311 of 28.11.2001].

Directive 2001/20/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 April 2001 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the implementation of good clinical practice in the conduct of clinical trials on medicinal products for human use [Official Journal L 121 of 1.5.2001].

Council Regulation (EEC) No 1768/92 of 18 June 1992 concerning the creation of a supplementary protection certificate for medicinal products [Official Journal L 182 of 2.7.1992].

Mediterranean partner countries

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Mediterranean partner countries

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Mediterranean partner countries

Topics

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

External relations > Mediterranean partner countries

Mediterranean partner countries

GENERAL FRAMEWORK

Framework for relations

  • Partnership for democracy and prosperity with the Southern Mediterranean
  • Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean
  • Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreements
  • Pan-Euro-Mediterranean system of cumulation of origin

Barcelona Process: Euro-Mediterranean Partnership

  • Tenth anniversary of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership
  • The Valencia Ministerial Conference and its Action Plan
  • Reinvigorating the Barcelona process
  • Barcelona Declaration and Euro-Mediterranean partnership
  • EU Common Strategy for the Mediterranean

European Neighbourhood Policy

  • New neighbourhood policy strategy
  • Taking stock of the European Neighbourhood Policy
  • Neighbourhood policy: participation in European Union Agencies and programmes
  • Neighbourhood Policy – Strategy paper
  • Neighbourhood Policy: 2008 Report
  • Implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy in 2007
  • European Neighbourhood Policy: recommendations for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia and for Egypt and Lebanon

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

  • European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (2007 – 2013)
  • Euro-Mediterranean Regional Strategy and Indicative Programme 2007-2013
  • Inter-regional programme: Strategy paper 2007-2013 and indicative programme 2007-2010
  • Cross-border cooperation (CBC) 2007-2013
  • Common framework for joint multiannual programming
  • MEDA programme
  • Financial and technical cooperation with the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

SECTORAL COOPERATION

  • Human rights and relations in the Mediterranean
  • Environment strategy for the Mediterranean
  • Euro-African Partnership for infrastructure
  • Cooperation with Non-EU Member Countries on nuclear safety
  • European Training Foundation (ETF)
  • Combating HIV/AIDS in the European Union and neighbouring countries (2009-2013)
  • Action on HIV/AIDS in the European Union and neighbouring countries 2006 – 2009

MEDA programme

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MEDA programme

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about MEDA programme

Topics

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

External relations > Mediterranean partner countries

MEDA programme

To implement the cooperation measures designed to help Mediterranean non-member countries reform their economic and social structures and mitigate the social and environmental consequences of economic development.

Document or Iniciative

Council Regulation (EC) No 1488/96 of 23 July 1996 on financial and technical measures to accompany (MEDA) the reform of economic and social structures in the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership [Official Journal L 189 of 30.07.1996].

Summary

1. The MEDA Regulation is the principal instrument of economic and financial cooperation under the Euro-Mediterranean partnership. It was launched in 1996 (MEDA I) and amended in 2000 (MEDA II). It enables the European Union (EU) to provide financial and technical assistance to the countries in the southern Mediterranean: Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, the Palestinian Territory, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey. The MEDA programme takes the place of the various bilateral financial protocols that exist with the countries in the Mediterranean basin. It is inspired by the Phare and TACIS programmes, especially as regards transparency and information. A budget heading is established for financing the programme.

2. Actions under the MEDA programme aim to fulfil the objectives of the three sectors of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership:

  • reinforcing political stability and democracy;
  • creating a Euro-Mediterranean free trade area and the development of economic and social cooperation;
  • taking due account of the human and cultural dimension.

Measures supported

3. The MEDA programme supports the economic transition of Mediterranean non-member countries (MNCs) and the establishment of a Euro-Mediterranean free trade area by promoting economic and social reforms for the modernisation of enterprises and the development of the private sector, paying particular attention to:

  • support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and job creation;
  • the opening-up of markets;
  • promotion of private investment, industrial cooperation and trade between the various partners;
  • upgrading of economic infrastructure, including the financial and taxation systems;
  • consolidation of the major financial balances and creation of an economic environment favourable to accelerated growth (support for structural adjustment).

4. The MEDA programme also supports sustainable socio-economic development, in particular through:

  • the participation of civil society and populations in the planning and implementation of development measures;
  • the improvement of social services (education, health, housing, water, etc.);
  • harmonious and integrated rural development, including agricultural development;
  • the strengthening of democracy, human rights and the rule of law;
  • the protection and improvement of the environment;
  • the upgrading of economic infrastructure, especially in the sectors of transport, energy and the information society;
  • the promotion of youth exchanges and cultural cooperation;
  • the development of human resources (vocational training, improvement of scientific and technological research).

5. In addition, MEDA supports regional, sub-regional and cross-border cooperation, in particular through:

  • the establishment and development of structures for regional cooperation between Mediterranean partners and between them and the EU and its Member States;
  • the establishment of the infrastructure necessary for regional trade in the areas of transport, communications and energy;
  • exchanges between civil society in the Community and the Mediterranean partners within the framework of decentralised cooperation through the networking of civil society actors (universities, local communities, associations, trade unions, the media, private business, non-governmental organisations, etc.).

6. The Regulation stresses that the programming and implementation of cooperation must take account of gender equality and the promotion of the role of women in economic and social life. The measures financed under the Regulation must also give due regard to environmental considerations.

7. According to the MEDA Regulation, respect for democracy, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms is an essential element of the partnership, the violation of which justifies the adoption of appropriate measures. These measures can be adopted by the Council acting by a qualified majority on a Commission proposal.

Financing

8. In order to achieve its objectives, the MEDA II programme was allocated EUR 5 350 million for the 2000-2006 period.

9. The activities financed under MEDA may take the form of technical assistance, training, institution-building, information, seminars, studies, projects for investment and action designed to highlight the Community nature of the assistance.

10. In particular, MEDA financing takes the form of:

  • grants managed by the European Commission and used to finance or cofinance activities, projects or programmes that contribute to the realisation of the MEDA programme’s objectives;
  • risk capital provided and managed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) to strengthen the private sector, especially the financial sector;
  • interest rate subsidies for EIB loans within the framework of environmental cooperation, not exceeding a subsidy rate of 3%.

11. Community financing may cover expenditure on import of goods and services and local expenditure needed to carry out the projects and programmes envisaged. Taxes, duties and charges are excluded from Community financing. Direct financial assistance for the partner country may also be granted to support economic reform programmes within the framework of structural adjustment programmes.

12. Community financing in the production sector is combined with the beneficiary’s own resources. The amount provided by the EU should not exceed 80% of the total investment costs. Community financing may also take the form of cofinancing with other bodies.

13. The beneficiaries of MEDA financing may include not only states and regions but also local authorities, regional organisations, public agencies, local communities, organisations supporting business, private operators, cooperatives, mutual societies, associations, foundations and non-governmental organisations in the EU and the Mediterranean partners.

Programming

14. The Commission plays an important role in ensuring the effective coordination of the assistance efforts undertaken by the Community, including the EIB, and individual Member States, in order to increase the coherence and complementarity of their cooperation programmes. In addition, the Commission promotes coordination and cooperation with international financial institutions and other donors.

15. Measures financed under the MEDA programme are selected taking account of the beneficiaries’ priorities, evolving needs, absorption capacity and progress towards structural reform. The provisions of association or cooperation agreements are also taken into consideration.

16. Strategy papers covering the 2000-2006 period are drawn up at national and regional level in liaison with the EIB. These strategy papers aim to define the objectives of cooperation in the long term and determine the priority areas of action.

17. National Indicative Programmes (NIPs) and Regional Indicative Programmes (RIPs) covering a three-year period are then drawn up on the basis of the strategy papers and agreed by the EU and each Mediterranean partner. These programmes define the main objectives of, the guidelines for, and the priority sectors of Community support together with factors for the evaluation of the programmes. The programmes include indicative amounts and list the criteria for funding the programme concerned. They may be updated annually and adapted to changes in each partner country.

18. Finally, financing decisions are drawn up annually on the basis of the national and regional indicative programmes in liaison with the EIB. They contain a list of the projects to be financed.

Procedures

19. The strategy papers, indicative programmes and financing decisions are adopted by the Commission, according to the management procedure, following consultation of the MED Committee, composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by the Commission representative. For greater efficiency, financing decisions totalling less than EUR 2 million are taken by the Commission, which then informs the MED Committee immediately.

20. Decisions on interest rate subsidies are taken by the Commission, which informs the EIB of any such decisions. The EIB decides on the allocation of risk capital following approval by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and informs the Commission accordingly.

21. The actions and programmes financed under MEDA are subject to the award of contracts through tendering procedures which are open on equal terms to all natural and legal persons in the EU Member States and the Mediterranean partners. The Commission ensures the necessary transparency and effective competition in the award of these contracts and maximum dissemination of the relevant information through the Official Journal of the European Communities and the Internet.

22. Contracts are awarded in accordance with the relevant provisions of the EC Financial Regulation, taking into account the principles of sound financial management, economy and cost-effectiveness.

Monitoring and evaluation

23. In addition to an overall assessment report and a mid-term evaluation, the Commission, in collaboration with the EIB, submits an annual report to the European Parliament and the Council summarising the actions financed during the year and assessing the results obtained in relation to the strategy papers. This assessment is now included in the Commission’s annual report on EC development policy and the implementation of external aid (2001 report) [PDF ].

24. No later than 31 December 2005, the Commission must submit to the Council an evaluation report accompanied by proposals regarding the future of the MEDA programme with a view to its review by the Council.

References

Act Entry into force – Date of expiry Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Regulation (EC) No 1488/96 2.8.1996 – OJ L 189 of 30.7.1996
Amending act(s) Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Regulation (EC) No 780/98 18.4.1998 – OJ L 113 of 15.4.1998
Regulation (EC) No 2698/2000 15.12.2000 – OJ L 311 of 12.12.2000
Regulation (EC) No 2112/2005 28.12.2005 – OJ L 344 of 27.12.2005

Related Acts

Regulation (EC) No 1638/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 2006 laying down general provisions establishing a European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument [Official Journal L 310 of 9.11.2006].

This Regulation repeals the MEDA programme.

Council Decision of 23 January 2006 enabling countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy, as well as Russia, to benefit from the Technical Assistance and Information Exchange (TAIEX) Programme [Official Journal L 32 of 4.2.2006].

Media literacy in the digital environment

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Media literacy in the digital environment

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Media literacy in the digital environment

Topics

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

Audiovisual and media

Media literacy in the digital environment

Document or Iniciative

Commission Recommendation 2009/625/EC of 20 August 2009 on media literacy in the digital environment for a more competitive audiovisual and content industry and an inclusive knowledge society.

Summary

This Recommendation aims to increase media literacy in the digital environment in order to achieve a more competitive knowledge economy while contributing towards a more inclusive information society.

Definition

Media literacy is defined as the ability to access the media, and to understand and critically evaluate different aspects of the media and media content. Media literacy also includes the ability to communicate in a variety of contexts.

Barriers

There are still many barriers to the development of media literacy at European level. Member States still lack a shared vision in this area. In addition, the lack of visibility of national, regional and local initiatives in this area makes it more difficult to foster European networks. Consequently, for the moment, there is no coordination between stakeholders.

Challenges

Media literacy should enable European citizens to better understand and analyse the media messages and content they encounter and to acquire the skills which will enable them to play their role of citizen fully.

It may also contribute to safeguarding the pluralism and independence of the media. It permits the expression of diverse opinions from different social groups and promotes the development of the values of tolerance and dialogue.

Media literacy also plays an important role in enhancing awareness of the European audiovisual heritage and cultural identities. In fact, it helps to increase knowledge of and interest in recent European cultural works.

Faced with these challenges, the European Commission proposes encouraging research projects on media literacy in the framework of existing programmes.

Recommended action

Member States are invited to develop and implement co-regulatory initiatives leading to the adoption of codes of conduct relating to the European media.

It is important to promote and finance research, studies and projects covering the different aspects and dimensions of media literacy in the digital environment.

Member States are also encouraged to organise debates in conferences and public events with a view to the inclusion of media literacy in the education curriculum and as part of the provision of key competences for lifelong learning.

Member States should also implement national campaigns to raise public awareness of cultural heritage, as well as training to raise awareness of the risks involved in processing personal data through information and communication networks.

Moreover, the Media Industry is invited to suggest tools for improving the level of media literacy, such as:

  • information tools relating to digital content and search engines;
  • awareness-raising campaigns about techniques used for commercial communication purposes (product placement and online advertising);
  • information packs for young people on the processing of personal data;
  • information days on the creative economy and copyright.

Background

The Commission Communication of December 2007 on ‘A European approach to media literacy in the digital environment’ emphasised the importance of media literacy in relation to commercial communication, audiovisual works and digital content. A better level of media literacy would contribute towards the objectives that the European Union set for itself in Lisbon and in the context of the i2010 initiative.

Measures to counter unsolicited commercial communications

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Measures to counter unsolicited commercial communications

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Measures to counter unsolicited commercial communications

Topics

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

Information society > Internet Online activities and ICT standards

Measures to counter unsolicited commercial communications (spam)

Last updated: 07.12.2004

Mechanism for evaluating the application and implementation at national level of international acts and instruments in the fight against organised crime

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Mechanism for evaluating the application and implementation at national level of international acts and instruments in the fight against organised crime

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Mechanism for evaluating the application and implementation at national level of international acts and instruments in the fight against organised crime

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 > Fight against organised crime

Mechanism for evaluating the application and implementation at national level of international acts and instruments in the fight against organised crime

Document or Iniciative

Joint Action 97/827/JHA of 5 December 1997, adopted by the Council on the basis of Article K.3 of the Treaty on European Union, establishing a mechanism for evaluating the application and implementation at national level of international undertakings in the fight against organised crime [Official Journal L 344, 15.12.1997].

Summary

Each Member State will undertake to ensure that its national authorities cooperate fully with the evaluation teams set up under this Joint Action, with due regard for the rules of law and ethics applicable at national level (Article 1).

Each year, the specific subject of the evaluation as well as the order in which Member States are to be evaluated, at a rate of at least five per year, will be defined, on a proposal from the Presidency, by the members of the Multidisciplinary Working Party on Organised Crime (MDW).
The evaluation will be prepared by the Presidency of the Council, assisted by the General Secretariat of the Council. The Commission will be fully involved in the work (Article 2).

Each Member State will send the Secretariat-General of the Council, at the Presidency’s initiative, the names of one to three experts having substantial experience of the subject to which the evaluation relates in the field of combating organised crime, in particular in a law-enforcement service such as the police, customs, a judicial or other public authority, who are prepared to participate in at least one evaluation exercise (Article 3).

The Presidency, assisted by the Secretariat-General of the Council, will draw up a questionnaire for the purpose of evaluating all the Member States, in line with the objective set out in point 2 above (Article 5).

Upon receiving the reply to the questionnaire, the evaluation team will visit the Member State being evaluated in order to meet the political, administrative, police, customs and judicial authorities or any other relevant body in accordance with a programme of visits arranged by the Member State visited, taking account of the wishes expressed by the evaluation team (Article 6).

No later than one month after the visit referred to in point 5 above, the evaluation team will draw up a draft report and submit it to the Member State evaluated for its opinion. If deemed appropriate, it will amend its report in the light of the comments made by the Member State evaluated (Article 7).

The Presidency will forward the draft report, in confidence, to the members of the MDW, together with any comments of the Member State evaluated which were not accepted by the evaluation team (Article 8).

No later than at the end of the first evaluation of all the Member States, the Council will examine the procedures and scope of the mechanism, and will, if appropriate, make adjustments to this Joint Action.

References

Act Entry into force – Date of expiry Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Joint Action 97/827/JAI 15.12.1997 – OJ L 344, 15.12.1997.

Related Acts

Council Decision 2002/996/JHA of 28 November 2002 establishing a mechanism for evaluating the legal systems and their implementation at national level in the fight against terrorism [Official Journal L 349 of 24.12.2002].
The purpose of this Decision is to establish a simplified evaluation mechanism which is more rapid than the mechanism provided for by Joint Action 97/827/JHA. The Article 36 Committee (the committee set up pursuant to Article 36 of the TEU) is to determine, on a proposal from the EU Presidency, the specific subject of the evaluation as well as the order in which Member States are to be evaluated. A list of the experts appointed by Member States will by sent to the Secretariat-General of the Council. This list will be used to set up the evaluation teams (two experts per team of a different nationality to the country to be evaluated).

The Commission will be closely involved in all of the work carried out.
Evaluations will be carried out on the basis of a questionnaire, to which Member States will have one month to reply. The countries under investigation will be visited for evaluation where considered necessary.
A draft report will then be prepared and sent to the Member State being evaluated for their comments. The report is to be forwarded confidentially to the Article 36 Committee. Once a year the Presidency will inform the Council of the results of the complete evaluation exercise. The Council may then address any recommendations it sees fit to the Member States concerned. The European Parliament will be informed confidentially of the implementation of the evaluation mechanism.

Measures to protect the euro against counterfeiting

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Measures to protect the euro against counterfeiting

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Measures to protect the euro against counterfeiting

Topics

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

Fight against fraud > Fight against counterfeiting

Measures to protect the euro against counterfeiting

Document or Iniciative

Council Regulation (EC) No 1338/2001 of 28 June 2001 laying down measures necessary for the protection of the euro against counterfeiting [See amending act(s)].

Summary

This regulation seeks to set up an overall system for protecting the euro against counterfeiting, with a view to the introduction of euro notes and coins on 1 January 2002. It supplements a number of decisions taken previously in this field, namely:

  • Guideline ECB/1999/3 of the European Central Bank (ECB) of 26 August 1998 on certain provisions regarding euro banknotes, which established the Counterfeit Analysis Centre (CAC);
  • Council decision of 28 February 2000 providing for the systematic gathering of technical information on euro counterfeiting by the ECB and for the establishment of national centres (Coin National Analysis Centres – CNACs) and a European Technical and Scientific Centre (ETSC) responsible for analysing euro coins;
  • Council Framework Decision 2000/383/JHA of 29 May 2000 on increasing protection by criminal penalties and other sanctions against counterfeiting in connection with the introduction of the euro.

The system for the protection of the euro includes the following elements:

  • the systematic transmission of technical data on counterfeit euro notes and coins by the competent national authorities (national central banks, other empowered bodies, etc.) to the ECB, which will be responsible for storage and processing;
  • the obligation on the competent national authorities to allow the National Analysis Centre (NAC) to examine suspected counterfeit notes and to allow the CNAC to examine suspect coins. These bodies must send all new types of suspect notes to the ECB and all new types of suspect coins to the ETSC;
  • the obligation on credit institutions, on other payment service providers and on other institutions that process and distribute notes and coins to the public:
    1. to ensure that all euro notes and coins that they have received and that they intend to put back into circulation are checked for authenticity and
    2. to withdraw from circulation those notes and coins that they know or have good reason to believe are counterfeit and to hand them over to the relevant national authority.

    European Union (EU) countries must provide for effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties applicable to institutions that fail to discharge their obligations;

  • cooperation between the relevant authorities of EU countries (in particular, the national central offices established under the Geneva Convention), the ECB and the Commission for the purposes of strategic analysis and mutual assistance in the prevention of counterfeiting, including scientific support and training, and between them and the European Police Office (Europol);
  • centralisation of the information on euro counterfeiting cases within the national central offices, with a view to transmission to Europol via its national units;
  • cooperation with non-EU countries and international organisations.

EU countries must communicate the list of authorities competent to identify forged notes and coins to the Commission and the ECB.

Regulation (EC) No 1339/2001, as amended by Regulation (EC) No 45/2009, extends Articles 1 to 11 of this regulation to the EU countries that have not adopted the euro as their single currency.

References

Act Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Regulation (EC) No 1338/2001

4.7.2001

–

OJ L 181 of 4.7.2001
Amending act(s) Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Regulation (EC) No 44/2009

23.1.2009

–

OJ L 17 of 22.1.2009

Successive amendments and corrections to Regulation (EC) No 1338/2001 have been incorporated in the basic text. This consolidated versionis for reference purposes only.

Related Acts

Regulation (EU) No 1210/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 December 2010 concerning authentication of euro coins and handling of euro coins unfit for circulation [Official Journal L 339 of 22.12.2010].
This regulation introduces common binding rules for checking the authenticity of euro coins in circulation and for handling and reimbursing euro coins unfit for circulation within the euro area.
Credit institutions, other payment service providers and any other institutions that process and distribute euro coins to the public must apply a procedure of authentication by coin-processing machines or trained personnel to coins intended for re-circulation.
All counterfeit coins and coins unfit for circulation must be handed over to the designated national authority. EU countries must withdraw from circulation and reimburse or replace any unfit coins.

Decision ECB/2010/14 of the European Central Bank of 16 September 2010 on the authenticity and fitness checking and recirculation of euro banknotes (2010/597/EU) [Official Journal L 267 of 9.10.2010].
This decision establishes common rules and procedures for checking the authenticity and fitness of euro banknotes intended for recirculation by credit institutions, other payment service providers and any other institutions that process and distribute them to the public. These checks may only be carried out by a type of banknote handling machine that has been successfully tested by a national central bank (NCB) or manually by a trained member of the cash handler’s staff.
Banknotes classified as genuine and fit following a check by a type of banknote handling machine may be put back into circulation through customer-operated machines or cash dispensers. Banknotes checked manually by a staff member may only be re-circulated over the counter.
All counterfeit banknotes must be handed over to the competent national authorities, while all unfit banknotes must be handed over to the relevant NCB.

referred to in Article 2(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1338/2001 [Official Journal C 56 of 10.3.2009].
This document lists the authorities that EU countries have designated as competent at national level for the fight against counterfeiting, for the purposes of Regulation (EC) No 1338/2001.

Council Decision 2003/861/EC of 8 December 2003 concerning analysis and cooperation with regard to counterfeit euro coins [Official Journal L 325 of 12.12.2003].
Under this decision, the Commission has the task of establishing the ETSC and ensuring its functioning and the coordination of the activities of the competent technical authorities to protect euro coins against counterfeiting. Council Decision 2003/862/EC extends these provisions to the EU countries that have not adopted the euro.

Decision ECB/2003/4 of the European Central Bank of 20 March 2003 on the denominations, specifications, reproduction, exchange and withdrawal of euro banknotes (2003/205/EC) [Official Journal L 78 of 25.3.2003].

between the European Police Office (Europol) and the European Central Bank (ECB) [Official Journal C 23 of 25.1.2002].
The agreement, concluded under Article 3 of the present regulation, gives Europol access to the technical and statistical data held by the ECB that relate to counterfeit notes and coins discovered both in EU and in non-EU countries. Europol will thus have access to information in the ECB-managed Counterfeiting Monitoring System (CMS), but will not be able to enter data directly.
Furthermore, the ECB and Europol are to:

  • promptly exchange information;
  • consult each other and coordinate their policies, training activities and public information campaigns;
  • provide mutual technical assistance needed for certain analyses.

Subject to compliance with certain conditions relating to criminal proceedings, the ECB provides Europol with a sample of counterfeit euro notes for analysis.

Council Decision 2001/923/EC of 17 December 2001 establishing an exchange, assistance and training programme for the protection of the euro against counterfeiting (the “Pericles” programme) [Official Journal L 339 of 21.12.2001].

Council Decision 2001/887/JHA of 6 December 2001 on the protection of the euro against counterfeiting [Official Journal L 329 of 14.12.2001].

Decision ECB/2001/11 of the European Central Bank of 8 November 2001 on certain conditions regarding access to the Counterfeit Monitoring System (CMS) (2001/912/EC) [Official Journal L 337 of 20.12.2001].
Under this decision, the ECB reorganised the database on counterfeit money into the Counterfeiting Monitoring System (CMS). This system is a central database containing all the technical information and statistics relating to the counterfeiting of euro notes and coins supplied by EU or non-EU countries.