Conseil UE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION Brussels, 30 May 2008 Interinstitutional File: 2007/0278(COD) PUBLIC 10044/08 ADD 1 LIMITE SOC 322 CODEC 677 ADDENDUM TO REPORT from : The Social Questions Working Party to : Permanent Representatives Committee (Part 1) No. prev. doc. : 9611/08 SOC 294 CODEC 618 No. Cion prop. : 16600/07 SOC 538 CODEC 1463 - COM(2007) 797 final Subject : Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion (2010) Delegations will find attached a comparative table describing the position of the Working Party on Social Questions following its meeting on 27 May 2008. Changes in relation to the Commission's proposal are set out in the third column of the table, as follows: new text is in bold type and deletions are marked "[...]". In the second column, text in bold and italics represents the European Parliament's draft amendments, also relative to the Commission's original proposal. 10044/08 ADD 1 PL/mk 1 DG G II LIMITE EN
ANNEX PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion (2010) (text with EEA relevance) Comparative table Commission's proposal Proposal for a DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion (2010) (text with EEA relevance) THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 137(2) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee, Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions, Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty, Whereas: Proposal for a DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion (2010) (text with EEA relevance) THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 137(2) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee, Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions, Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty, Whereas: 10044/08 ADD 1 PL/mk 2
(1) The adoption of the Amsterdam Treaty in 1997 introduced the fight against social exclusion among the fields of activity covered by the social policy provisions into the EC Treaty in particular Articles 136 and 137 - and provided a new legal framework and basis for new policy commitment in this area. (2) The European Council of Lisbon in March 2000 recognised that the extent of poverty and social exclusion was unacceptable. Building a more inclusive European Union was thus considered to be an essential element in achieving the Union s ten year strategic goal of economic growth, more and better jobs and greater social cohesion. (3) The Lisbon European Council invited Member States and the Commission to take steps to make a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty by 2010. The Lisbon Council thus agreed to adopt an Open Method of Coordination (OMC) in this area. Recital 0 Amendment 1 (-1) The fight against poverty and social exclusion is one of the central objectives of the European Union and its Member States. Recital 1 Recital 2 Recital 3 [Acceptable if redrafted as follows:] (-1) The fight against poverty and social exclusion is one of the strong commitments of the European Union and its Member States. (1) The adoption of the Amsterdam Treaty in 1997 introduced the fight against social exclusion among the fields of activity covered by the social policy provisions into the EC Treaty in particular Articles 136 and 137 - and provided a new legal framework and basis for new policy commitment in this area. (2) The European Council of Lisbon in March 2000 recognised that the extent of poverty and social exclusion was unacceptable. Building a more inclusive European Union was thus considered to be an essential element in achieving the Union s ten year strategic goal of economic growth, more and better jobs and greater social cohesion. (3) The Lisbon European Council invited Member States and the Commission to take steps to make a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty by 2010. The Lisbon Council thus agreed to adopt an Open Method of Coordination (OMC) in this area. 10044/08 ADD 1 PL/mk 3
(4) From the outset, the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) for Social Protection and Social Inclusion has been an important tool for supporting this political commitment and strengthening EU capacity to support Member States in their drive for greater social cohesion in Europe. (5) The OMC is helping to deepen mutual learning and has increased awareness of the multi-dimensional nature of exclusion and poverty. The OMC is thus creating the conditions to produce more impact on the ground and make the EU s attachment to social values more visible to European citizens. Amendment 2 Recital 4 (4a) There is a need for support to be provided for lessfavoured regions, for areas with permanent structural disadvantages, for extremely remote regions, for island Member States and for areas that have been affected by recent deindustrialisation or industrial conversion, in order to enable necessary social and economic cohesion to take place. Recital 5 after the meeting on 27 May 2008 (4) From the outset, the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) for Social Protection and Social Inclusion has been an important tool for supporting this political commitment and strengthening EU capacity to support Member States in their drive for greater social cohesion in Europe. [Amendment acceptable if redrafted as follows.] (4a) There is a need, in the interest of social and economic cohesion, for support to be provided for lessfavoured regions, for areas with permanent structural disadvantages, for outermost regions, for certain islands and island Member States and for areas that have been affected by recent deindustrialisation or industrial conversion; (5) The OMC is helping to deepen mutual learning and has increased awareness of the multi-dimensional nature of exclusion and poverty. The OMC is thus creating the conditions to produce more impact on the ground and make the EU s attachment to social values more visible to European citizens. 10044/08 ADD 1 PL/mk 4
(6) Despite these achievements, significant parts of the population in all Member States are still suffering from deprivation and limited access to basic services or feel excluded from their societies, and 78 million people live at risk of poverty. Amendment 3 (5a) In its resolution of 15 November 2007 on social reality stocktaking 1, the European Parliament stressed that the strengthening of social cohesion and the eradication of poverty and social exclusion must become a political priority for the European Union. In that resolution, the European Parliament also welcomed the nomination of 2010 as the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion and called on the Commission and Member States to specify and pursue the ambitious objective of reducing poverty in Europe. 1 Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2007)0541 (not yet published in the Official Journal). Recital 6 Amendment 4 (6) Despite these achievements, significant parts of the population are still suffering from deprivation or limited and unequal access to services or are excluded from their societies, and 78 million people in the European Union live at risk of poverty amongst which 19 million are children, which is at least 3 percentage points higher than among adults. The gender gap is about 2 percentage points. Persistent poverty is a worrying phenomenon in Europe which also needs to be tackled more effectively. after the meeting on 27 May 2008 [Acceptable if redrafted as follows:] (5a) In its Resolution of 15 November 2007 on social reality stocktaking, the European Parliament stressed that the strengthening of social cohesion and the eradication of poverty and social exclusion must become a political priority for the European Union. [Amendments 4 and 5 are partially acceptable if merged and redrafted as follows:] (6) Despite these achievements, significant parts of the population [ ] are still suffering from deprivation or limited and unequal access to [ ] services, or are excluded from their societies. The Joint Report on Social Protection and Social Exclusion 2008 highlights the fact that 78 million people in the European Union live at risk of poverty, 19 million of whom are children. The gender gap is approximately 2 percentage points. 10044/08 ADD 1 PL/mk 5
(7) In addition, there are signs that the issue of deep poverty is becoming more important and the number of people suffering from absolute poverty is increasing, not least because of growing wealth inequalities across the Union. Amendment 5 (6a) Input for the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion should also be derived from the Commission's Communication of 30 January 2008 on a Proposal for the Joint Report on Social Protection and Social Inclusion 2008, which contained an assessment of the 2007 Open Method of Coordination on Social Protection and Social Inclusion that focused on child poverty, thus contributing to keeping the issue high on the political agenda. Recital 7 Amendment 6 (7) In addition, wealth inequalities and severe poverty are matters of growing concern across the Union. [See Amendment 4 above.] (7) In addition, [ ] wealth inequalities and severe poverty are matters of growing concern across the Union. [See Amendment 11 below.] (7a) Social exclusion damages the well-being of citizens, hampering their ability to express themselves and to participate in society. This aspect should therefore be given appropriate visibility in the European Year. 10044/08 ADD 1 PL/mk 6
(8) The fight against poverty and social exclusion is one of the central objectives of the EU and its Member States. (9) Poverty and social exclusion take complex and multidimensional forms. They relate to income and living standards, access to good quality health services and other services, and educational and work opportunities. Recital 8 Amendment 7 (8) The fight against poverty and social exclusion must be pursued both within the European Union, and externally, in accordance with the UN Millennium Development Goals to which the European Union and the Member States have subscribed. Amendment 8 (8a) The European Union, Member States and all those involved, should create the necessary synergies between the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion and the activities developed around the annual UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on 17 October. Recital 9 Amendment 9 (9) The problem of poverty and social exclusion has broad, complex and multi-dimensional forms. They relate to income and living standards, access to good quality health services and other services, including effective social protection systems, housing, the reconciliation of work and family life, educational and decent work opportunities as well as active citizenship. There is therefore a need, at all levels, for a transparent coordination and cooperation system. Amendment 10 (9a) The prevention of and the fight against poverty therefore require multi-dimensional policies at national, regional and local level which ensure a balance between economic growth and social objectives and are complemented by more targeted strategies for particularly vulnerable groups or persons. after the meeting on 27 May 2008 (8) The fight against poverty and social exclusion must be pursued both within the European Union, and externally, in accordance with the UN Millennium Development Goals to which the European Union and the Member States have subscribed. [Acceptable in principle if placed in the Annex, part I, paragraph 3 (see below).] [Partially acceptable if redrafted as follows:] (9) The problem of poverty and social exclusion has broad, complex and multi-dimensional forms. They relate to a large number of factors, such as income and living standards, educational and decent work opportunities, effective social protection systems, housing, access to good quality health and other services, as well as active citizenship. Stakeholders across all relevant policy areas therefore need to be involved. [Acceptable if redrafted as follows:] (9a) The prevention of and the fight against poverty therefore require multi-dimensional policies at national, regional and local level which ensure a balance between economic and social policies and targeted strategies for groups or persons in particularly vulnerable situations. 10044/08 ADD 1 PL/mk 7
Amendment 11 (9b) Social exclusion affects individuals' well-being and prevents people from expressing themselves and participating in society. Community and Member State actions and policies should therefore focus particularly on social exclusion. after the meeting on 27 May 2008 [Partially acceptable if redrafted as a new Recital 7a (see above).] [See Amendment 30.] Amendment 12 Recital 10 (9b) The European Year may help to stimulate such multi-dimensional policies as well as the further development of relevant indicators. (10) The Social Agenda 2005-2010, which complements and supports the Lisbon Strategy, has a key role in promoting the social dimension of economic growth. One of the priorities of the Social Agenda is the promotion of equal opportunities for all as a vector for a more cohesive society. (10) The Social Agenda 2005-2010, which complements and supports the Lisbon Strategy, has a key role in promoting the social dimension of economic growth and the active participation of citizens in society and the labour market. One of the priorities of the Social Agenda is the promotion of equal opportunities for all as a vector for social and intergenerational solidarity and the creation of a poverty-free and a more inclusive society. (10) The Social Agenda 2005-2010, which complements and supports the Lisbon Strategy, has a key role in promoting the social dimension of economic growth and the active participation of citizens in society and the labour market. One of the priorities of the Social Agenda is the promotion of equal opportunities for all as a vector for social and intergenerational solidarity and the creation of a poverty-free and a more inclusive society. 10044/08 ADD 1 PL/mk 8
(11) In their National Action Plans for Social Inclusion, several countries highlight the high poverty and/or exclusion risk faced by some particular groups, including children, lone parents, the elderly, migrants and ethnic minorities, disabled people, the homeless, prisoners, women and children who are victims of violence, and severe substance abusers. (12) If employment significantly reduces the poverty risk for the individual, it is not always a sufficient condition to lift people out of poverty, and the at-risk-of-poverty rate is still relatively high even for those in work. In-work poverty is linked to low pay, low skills, and precarious and often part-time employment, but also to the characteristics of the household in which the individual lives, in terms of the number of dependants and the work intensity of the household. Quality employment is thus essential to lift individuals out of poverty. Recital 11 Amendment 13 (11) In their National Action Plans for Social Inclusion, several countries highlight the high poverty and/or exclusion risk faced by some particular groups, including children, early school leavers, single parents, large families, families with a single income, young people, in particular young women, older people, migrants and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and their carers, the homeless, the unemployed, in particular the long-term unemployed, prisoners, women and children who are victims of violence, and severe substance abusers. National policies and supporting measures targeted at the most vulnerable groups can play an important role in fighting against poverty and social exclusion. Recital 12 Amendment 14 (12) Although decent employment significantly reduces the poverty risk for the individual, it is not a sufficient condition to lift people out of poverty, and the at-risk-ofpoverty rate is still relatively high even for those in work. In-work poverty is linked to low pay, the gender pay and pensions gap, low skills, limited professional training opportunities and combining a job with family and nonsecure employment and working conditions, but also to difficult household conditions. Quality employment and social and economic support are thus essential to lift individuals out of poverty. (11) In their National Action Plans for Social Inclusion, several countries highlight the high poverty and/or exclusion risk faced by some particular groups, including children, early school leavers, single parents, large families, families with a single income, young people, in particular young women, older people, migrants and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and their carers, the homeless, the unemployed, in particular the long-term unemployed, prisoners, women and children who are victims of violence, and severe substance abusers. National policies and supporting measures targeted at the most vulnerable groups can play an important role in fighting against poverty and social exclusion. [Acceptable if redrafted as follows:] (12) Although employment significantly reduces the poverty risk for the individual, it is not always a sufficient condition to lift people out of poverty, and the at-risk-ofpoverty rate is still relatively high even for those in work. In-work poverty is linked to low pay, the gender pay gap, low skills, limited professional training opportunities, the need to combine a job with a family, [ ] non-secure employment and working conditions, and 1 also to difficult household conditions. Quality employment and social and economic support are thus essential for lifting individuals out of poverty. 1 Editorial change. 10044/08 ADD 1 PL/mk 9
(13) The lack of basic competences and qualifications is also a major barrier to inclusion in society. There is a growing danger of new cleavages in society emerging, between those who have access to lifelong learning to enhance their employability and adaptability, and to facilitate their personal development and active citizenship, and those who remain excluded. Those without adequate skills will find it more difficult to enter the labour market and find a quality job, are more likely to spend long periods out of work and, if they do work, are more likely to find themselves in low-paid jobs. (14) The availability and the ability to use information and communication technology (ICT) is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for inclusion. A ministerial declaration approved in June 2006 in Riga calls for an information society for all. Recital 13 Amendment 15 (13) The lack of basic competences and qualifications adapted to the changing needs of the labour market is also a major barrier to inclusion in society. There is a growing danger of new cleavages in society emerging, between those who have access to lifelong learning to enhance their employability and adaptability, and to facilitate their personal development and active citizenship, and those who remain excluded and face forms of discrimination. It is therefore of the greatest importance that both employed and unemployed persons with low skills are given opportunities to enhance their skills. Recital 14 [The first two sentences are acceptable if redrafted as follows:] (13) The lack of basic competences and qualifications adapted to the changing needs of the labour market is also a major barrier to inclusion in society. There is a growing danger of new cleavages in society emerging, between those who have access to lifelong learning to enhance their employability and adaptability, and to facilitate their personal development and active citizenship, and those who remain excluded and face various forms of discrimination. Those without adequate skills will find it more difficult to enter the labour market and find a quality job, are more likely to spend long periods out of work and, if they do work, are more likely to find themselves in low-paid jobs. (14) The availability and the ability to use information and communication technology (ICT) is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for inclusion. A ministerial declaration approved in June 2006 in Riga calls for an information society for all. 10044/08 ADD 1 PL/mk 10
(15) Key to the successful impact of Community action to fight poverty and social exclusion is the extent to which it enjoys broad popular support. The European Year should act as a catalyst in raising awareness and in building momentum. It should help to focus political attention and mobilise everyone concerned in order to drive forward the Open Method of Coordination on Social Protection and Social Inclusion. Recital 15 Amendment 16 (15) Key to the successful impact of Community action to fight poverty and social exclusion is the extent to which it enjoys broad popular and political support. The European Year should act as a catalyst in raising awareness, in building momentum and in exchanging best practices between the Member States, local and regional authorities and international organisations involved in the fight against poverty. It should help to focus political attention in the long-term and mobilise everyone concerned in order to drive forward and strengthen the Open Method of Coordination on Social Protection and Social Inclusion as well as promote further actions and initiatives at European and national level in that field, in association with the people affected by poverty and their representatives. In this regard, particular attention should be paid to the implementation, at national level, of Community legislation, in particular that on equal opportunities, non-discrimination and gender equality. [Partially acceptable if redrafted as follows:] (15) Key to the successful impact of Community action to fight poverty and social exclusion is the extent to which it enjoys broad popular and political support. Moreover, the effective implementation of EU legislation on equal opportunities and non-discrimination also supports the aims of the European Year. The European Year should, therefore, act as a catalyst for raising awareness, for building momentum and for exchanging best practices between the Member States, local and regional authorities and international organisations involved in the fight against poverty. It should help to focus political attention and mobilise everyone concerned in order to drive forward and strengthen the Open Method of Coordination on Social Protection and Social Inclusion as well as to promote further actions and initiatives at European and national level in that field, in association with the people affected by poverty and their representatives. 10044/08 ADD 1 PL/mk 11
(16) The varying levels of progress made at national level and the differing national socio-economic and cultural contexts and sensitivities call for a considerable part of the activities of the European Year to be decentralised at national level, through a system of indirect centralised management in accordance with the procedures laid down in Article 54(2)(c) of the Financial Regulation and its implementing rules. Amendment 17 (15a) The European Year should help improve the coordination between existing programmes and initiatives at EU level on the fight against poverty and social exclusion within the Open method of Coordination on Social Protection and Social Inclusion Amendment 18 (15b) The European Year should also give rise to a process of reflection at national level on the necessity of establishing decent living conditions for all as a means to prevent poverty and promote the exchange of best practices between Member States in this regard. Recital 16 [Acceptable if redrafted as follows:] (15a) The European Year can help to improve the coordination between existing programmes and initiatives for fighting against poverty and social exclusion at the EU level, including the Open Method of Coordination on Social Protection and Social Inclusion. [Partially acceptable if redrafted as follows:] 15b) The European Year should boost active inclusion policies as a means of preventing poverty and social exclusion and should help to promote best practices in this field within the Open Method of Coordination. (16) The varying levels of progress made at national level and the differing national socio-economic and cultural contexts and sensitivities call for a considerable part of the activities of the European Year to be decentralised at national level, through a system of indirect centralised management in accordance with the procedures laid down in Article 54(2)(c) of the Financial Regulation and its implementing rules. 10044/08 ADD 1 PL/mk 12
(17) However, the definition of policy priorities at national level should be monitored by the Commission with a view to guaranteeing consistency with the strategic objectives agreed for the European Year and ultimately with the Common Objectives established for the Open Method of Coordination. (18) Participation in the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion should be open to Member States, to EFTA/EEA countries in accordance with the conditions established under the European Economic Area Agreement (EEA), to the candidate countries benefiting from a pre-accession strategy and countries from the Western Balkans, in line with the conditions laid down in their respective agreements, and to the countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy, in accordance with the provisions of the May 2004 Strategy Paper and the Country Action Plans. Recital 17 Amendment 19 (17) However, the definition of policy priorities at national level and their subsequent implementation should be monitored by the Commission with a view to guaranteeing consistency with the strategic objectives agreed for the European Year and ultimately with the Common Objectives established for the Open Method of Coordination. Amendment 20 (17a) Good coordination of all the partners contributing at European, national, regional and local level is a fundamental prerequisite to ensuring the effectiveness of the European Year.. Recital 18 [Not acceptable.] (17) However, the definition of policy priorities at national level should be monitored by the Commission with a view to guaranteeing consistency with the strategic objectives agreed for the European Year and ultimately with the Common Objectives established for the Open Method of Coordination. [Acceptable if redrafted as follows:] (17a) Effective coordination of all partners contributing at European, national, regional and local level is a fundamental prerequisite for ensuring the effectiveness of the European Year. Local and regional partners have a particular role to play in promoting the interests of people living in poverty or social exclusion. (18) Participation in the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion should be open to Member States, to EFTA/EEA countries in accordance with the conditions established under the European Economic Area Agreement (EEA), to the candidate countries benefiting from a pre-accession strategy and countries from the Western Balkans, in line with the conditions laid down in their respective agreements, and to the countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy, in accordance with the provisions of the May 2004 Strategy Paper and the Country Action Plans. 10044/08 ADD 1 PL/mk 13
(19) Consistency and complementarity with other Community action is needed, in particular with the PROGRESS programme, the Structural Funds and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), action to combat discrimination and to promote gender equality and fundamental rights, and action in the areas of education and training, culture and intercultural dialogue, youth, citizenship, immigration and asylum, and research. (20) This Decision establishes a financial framework for the entire duration of the programme, which is to be the principal point of reference for the budgetary authority within the meaning of point 37 of the Inter-Institutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management. (21) The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission. Amendment 21 Recital 19 (19a) The European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Inclusion should continue the best practices derived from the European Years on Equal Opportunities for All in 2007 and the European Year on Intercultural Dialogue in 2008. Recital 20 Recital 21 (19) Consistency and complementarity with other Community action is needed, in particular with the PROGRESS programme, the Structural Funds and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), action to combat discrimination and to promote gender equality and fundamental rights, and action in the areas of education and training, culture and intercultural dialogue, youth, citizenship, immigration and asylum, and research. [Acceptable if redrafted as follows:] (19a) The European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion should continue the best practices derived from previous European Years, including the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All (2007) and the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008). (20) This Decision establishes a financial framework for the entire duration of the programme, which is to be the principal point of reference for the budgetary authority within the meaning of point 37 of the Inter-Institutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management. (21) The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission. 10044/08 ADD 1 PL/mk 14
(22) The objectives of the proposed European Year cannot be fully achieved at Member States level due to the need, among other things, for multilateral partnerships, the transnational exchange of information and the Community-wide dissemination of good practice, and can therefore, by reason of the scale of the proposed action, be better achieved at Community level. Accordingly, the Community may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the EC Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in the same Article, this Decision does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve those objectives; HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: With a view to supporting Community action to combat social exclusion, the year 2010 shall be designated as the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion (hereinafter: the European Year). Recital 22 Article 1 - The European Year (22) The objectives of the proposed European Year cannot be fully achieved at Member States level due to the need, among other things, for multilateral partnerships, the transnational exchange of information and the Community-wide dissemination of good practice, and can therefore, by reason of the scale of the proposed action, be better achieved at Community level. Accordingly, the Community may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the EC Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in the same Article, this Decision does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve those objectives; HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: With a view to supporting Community action to combat social exclusion, the year 2010 shall be designated as the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion (hereinafter: the European Year). Amendment 22 Article 2 - Objectives Article 2 - Objectives The objectives of the European Year shall be as follows: Objectives and guiding principles Amendment 23 The objectives and guiding principles of the European Year shall be as follows: Objectives and Guiding Principles 1. The objectives and guiding principles of the European Year shall be as follows: 10044/08 ADD 1 PL/mk 15
a) Recognition - Recognising the right of people in a situation of poverty and social exclusion to live in dignity and to play a full part in society. The European Year shall help in acknowledging the situation of people experiencing poverty and promoting their effective access to social, economic and cultural rights as well as to resources and services and shall help in combating stereotypes and stigmatisation; b) Ownership - Increasing public ownership of social inclusion policies and actions, emphasising everyone s responsibility in tackling poverty and marginalisation. The European Year shall foster awareness, participation and engagement, and create new opportunities for ordinary citizens to contribute. (after EMPL Cttee vote) Amendment 24 (a) Recognition of Rights In light of respecting fundamental rights, recognising the right of people in a situation of poverty and social exclusion to live in dignity and to play a full part in society. The European Year will help sensitising public opinion by improving knowledge about the situation of people experiencing poverty, paying particular attention to vulnerable groups, and promoting their effective access to social, economic and cultural rights as well as to sufficient resources and quality services and shall help in combating stereotypes and stigmatisation; Amendment 25 (b) Shared responsibility and partnership Increasing public ownership of social inclusion policies and actions, emphasising both collective and individual responsibility in the fight against poverty and social exclusion and the importance of promoting and supporting voluntary activities. The European Year will promote the involvement of all public and private actors, inter alia through pro-active partnerships. [Acceptable if redrafted as follows:] a) Recognition of Rights Recognising the fundamental right of people in a situation of poverty and social exclusion to live in dignity and to play a full part in society. The European Year will increase public awareness of the situation of people experiencing poverty, particularly that of groups or persons in vulnerable situations, and will help to promote their effective access to social, economic and cultural rights as well as to sufficient resources and quality services. The European Year will also help to combat stereotypes and stigmatisation; [Amendments 25 and 26 are partially acceptable if merged and redrafted as follows:] b) Shared responsibility and participation Increasing public ownership of social inclusion policies and actions, emphasising both collective and individual responsibility in the fight against poverty and social exclusion, as well as the importance of promoting and supporting voluntary activities. The European Year will promote the involvement of public and private actors, inter alia through pro-active partnerships. It will foster awareness and engagement and create [ ] opportunities for contributions by all citizens, in particular people with direct or indirect experience of poverty. 10044/08 ADD 1 PL/mk 16
c) Cohesion - Promoting a more cohesive society by raising public awareness of the benefits for all of a society where poverty is eradicated and no-one is condemned to live in the margins. The European Year shall foster a society that sustains and develops quality of life, social well-being and equal opportunities for all regardless of their background, ensuring sustainable development and solidarity between and within generations and policy coherence with EU action worldwide. Amendment 26 (ba) Participation The European Year will foster awareness and engagement, creating opportunities for contributions by all citizens, in particular people with direct or indirect experience of poverty. Amendment 27 c) Cohesion Promoting a more cohesive society by raising public awareness of the benefits for all of a society where poverty is eradicated and no-one is marginalised. The European Year will foster a society that sustains and develops quality of life, quality of skills and employment, the well-being of children, social well-being and equal opportunities for all, ensuring sustainable development and solidarity between and within generations and policy coherence with EU action worldwide. [See Amendment 25.] [Acceptable if redrafted as follows:] c) Cohesion Promoting a more cohesive society by raising public awareness of the benefits for all of a society where poverty is eradicated, fair distribution is supported and no-one is marginalised. The European Year will foster a society that sustains and develops quality of life, including quality of skills and employment, social well-being, including the well-being of children, and equal opportunities for all. [ ] It will, moreover, ensure sustainable development and solidarity between and within generations and policy coherence with EU action worldwide. 10044/08 ADD 1 PL/mk 17
d) Commitment - Reiterating the strong political commitment of the EU to the fight against poverty and social exclusion and promoting this commitment at all levels of governance. Building upon the achievements and possible shortcomings of the Open Method of Coordination on Social Protection and Social Inclusion, the European Year shall strengthen the political commitment to the prevention of and fight against poverty and social exclusion and give impetus to further development of the European Union s action in this field. Amendment 28 (d) Commitment and concrete action Reiterating the strong political commitment of the EU and the Member States to eradicate poverty and social exclusion and promoting this commitment and concrete actions at all levels of governance. Building upon the achievements and potential of the Open Method of Coordination on Social Protection and Social Inclusion, the European Year will strengthen the political commitment, by focusing political attention and mobilising all interested parties, to the prevention of and fight against poverty and social exclusion and give further impetus to the Member States and the European Union s action in this field. Amendment 29 1a. When implementing these objectives, the Community and the Member States should take into account the priorities listed in Part IV of the Annex. [Acceptable if redrafted as follows:] (d) Commitment and concrete action Reiterating the strong political commitment of the EU and the Member States to make a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty and social exclusion and promoting this commitment and actions at all levels of governance. Building upon the achievements and potential of the Open Method of Coordination on Social Protection and Social Inclusion, the European Year will strengthen the political commitment, by focusing political attention and mobilising all interested parties, to the prevention of and fight against poverty and social exclusion and give further impetus to the Member States' and the European Union s action in this field. 1a. When implementing these objectives, the Community and the Member States should take into account the priorities listed in Part IV of the Annex. 10044/08 ADD 1 PL/mk 18
Article 3 - Content of actions Amendment 30 [The suggested addition at the end of Article (1)(c) is partially acceptable if redrafted as a new Recital 9b (see above). The remainder of the Amendment is acceptable if redrafted as follows:] 1. The actions designed to meet the objectives set out in Article 2 may include the following in particular: 1. The actions designed to meet the objectives set out in Article 2 may include the following in particular: 1. The actions at Community and national level designed to meet the objectives set out in Article 2 may include the following in particular: a) meetings and events; (a) meetings and events at Community and national level; a) meetings and events; b) information, promotional and educational campaigns; (b) information, promotional and educational campaigns b) information, promotional and educational campaigns; at Community and national level; c) surveys and studies on a Community or nationwide scale. (c) surveys and studies based on gender-disaggregated data collection on a Community or nationwide scale, as well as the development of multi-dimensional comparable indicators. Amendment 31 c) surveys and studies on a Community or nationwide scale, based on gender-disaggregated data collection where appropriate. [Acceptable if redrafted as follows:] 2. Details of the actions referred to in paragraph 1 are set out in the Annex to this Decision (hereafter referred to as "the Annex"). 2. Details of the actions referred to in paragraph 1 are set out in the Annex. 2. Details of the actions referred to in paragraph 1 are set out in the Annex [ ]. 3. All actions addressed to a wider public should be easily accessible to all, including people experiencing poverty and people with disabilities. 10044/08 ADD 1 PL/mk 19
The European Year shall take into account the different ways in which women and men experience poverty and social exclusion. Article 4 - Gender mainstreaming Amendment 32 The European Year shall take into account the different risks and dimensions of poverty and social exclusion experienced by women and men, specifically in singleparent families, which experience poverty more severely. Special attention should also be paid to discrimination in employment. Account shall be taken of gender considerations in the implementation and evaluation of its activities. [Acceptable in spirit if reworded as follows:] The European Year shall take into account the different risks and dimensions of poverty and social exclusion experienced by women and men. The Community and the Member States should take account of gender mainstreaming in the implementation of the European Year. 1. The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 7. 2. The Commission shall ensure that Community actions covered by this Decision are implemented in conformity with the Annex. 3. In particular, the Commission shall make the necessary arrangements to ensure the consistency and complementarity of the Community action and initiatives referred to in Article 10 so as to help meet the objectives set out in Article 2. Article 5 - Cooperation and implementation at Community level 1. The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 7. 2. The Commission shall ensure that Community actions covered by this Decision are implemented in conformity with the Annex. 3. In particular, the Commission shall make the necessary arrangements to ensure the consistency and complementarity of the Community action and initiatives referred to in Article 10 so as to help meet the objectives set out in Article 2. 10044/08 ADD 1 PL/mk 20
4. It shall conduct a regular exchange of views with stakeholders, particularly at European level, on the design, implementation, follow-up and assessment of the European Year. 5. The Commission shall establish the necessary links with the Social Protection Committee in order to ensure regular and appropriate information on the implementation of activities referred to in this Decision. Amendment 33 4. The Commission shall conduct a regular exchange of views with stakeholders including those working with people living in poverty, particularly at European level, on the design, implementation, follow-up and assessment of the European Year. It shall make all relevant information available to the public. [Acceptable if redrafted as follows:] 4. The Commission shall conduct a regular exchange of views with stakeholders including those working with people living in poverty, particularly at European level, on the design, implementation, follow-up and assessment of the European Year. It shall make all relevant information available to the public. 5. The Commission shall closely associate the Social Protection Committee in the preparation and implementation of the European Year and, where appropriate, inform or involve other relevant Committees. [See Amendment 43.] 6. The European Commission shall, as appropriate, cooperate with other EU institutions, bodies and agencies. 10044/08 ADD 1 PL/mk 21
1. Each Member State shall appoint a National Implementing Body to organise its participation in the European Year and ensure coordination at national level. That National Implementing Body shall be responsible for defining the national programme and the priorities for the European Year and for selecting the individual actions to be proposed for Community funding. The national strategy and priorities for the European Year shall be set out in accordance with the objectives listed in Article 2. 2. The procedure for awarding Community funding for actions at national level is set out in part II of the Annex. 3. For the purpose of carrying out its tasks, the National Implementing Body shall consult on a regular basis and cooperate closely with a National Advisory Group, composed of a broad range of relevant stakeholders, including civil society organisations and organisations defending or representing the interests of those who experience poverty and social exclusion, national parliament representatives, social partners, and regional and local authorities. Article 6 - Cooperation and implementation at national level Amendment 34 1. Each Member State shall appoint a National Implementing Body to organise its participation in the European Year and ensure coordination at national level. That National Implementing Body shall be responsible for defining the national programme and the priorities for the European Year and for selecting the individual actions to be proposed for Community funding. The national strategy and priorities for the European Year shall be set out in accordance with the objectives listed in Article 2 and the gender mainstreaming principle, pursuant to Article 4. Amendment 35 3. For the purpose of carrying out its tasks, in particular when drawing up the national programme and whenever appropriate during the implementation of the European Year, the National Implementing Body shall consult on a regular basis and cooperate closely with a broad range of relevant stakeholders, including civil society organisations and organisations defending or representing the interests of those who experience poverty and social exclusion, national parliament representatives, social partners, and regional and local authorities, structured in an appropriate advisory body. [Not acceptable.] 1. Each Member State shall appoint a National Implementing Body to organise its participation in the European Year and ensure coordination at national level. That National Implementing Body shall be responsible for defining the national programme and the priorities for the European Year and for selecting the individual actions to be proposed for Community funding. The national strategy and priorities for the European Year shall be set out in accordance with the objectives listed in Article 2. 2. The procedure for awarding Community funding for actions at national level is set out in part II of the Annex. [Partially acceptable if redrafted as follows:] 3. In carrying out its tasks, in particular when drawing up the national programme and whenever appropriate during the implementation of the European Year, the National Implementing Body shall closely consult [ ] and cooperate with [ ] a broad range of relevant stakeholders, including civil society organisations and organisations defending or representing the interests of those who experience poverty and social exclusion, [ ], the social partners, and regional and local authorities. 10044/08 ADD 1 PL/mk 22
Article 7 - Committee Amendment 36 [Acceptable if redrafted as follows:] 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee composed of one representative per State and chaired by a representative of the Commission. The representative per State shall be designated from the National Implementing Body referred to in Article 6. 2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 3 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee, hereinafter referred to as the "Committee". 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee, hereinafter referred to as the "Committee". 2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 3 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof. to the provisions of Article 8 thereof. 3. The Committee shall adopt its Rules of Procedure. 3. The Committee shall adopt its Rules of Procedure. 4. The Member State's representative on the Committee shall be designated preferably from the National Implementing Body as referred to in Article 6(1). 10044/08 ADD 1 PL/mk 23
1. Actions on a Community scale, as set out in part I of the Annex, may be subsidised up to 80 % or give rise to procurement contract financed from the general budget of the European Union. 2. Actions at local, regional or national level may be cofinanced from the general budget of the European Union up to a maximum of 50 % of the total eligible costs of the actions implemented in accordance with the procedure set out in part II of the Annex. Amendment 37 Article 8 - Financial provisions (2) Actions at local, regional or national level may be cofinanced from the general budget of the European Union up to a maximum of 50 % of the total eligible costs of the actions implemented in accordance with the procedure set out in Part II of the Annex. The national implementing bodies shall provide opportunities for pre-financing and co-financing to facilitate the participation particularly of small and medium-sized non-governmental organisations. [Under discussion.] 1. Actions on a Community scale, as set out in part I of the Annex, may be subsidised up to 80% or give rise to procurement contract financed from the general budget of the European Union. 2 [Amendment not acceptable. Paragraph under discussion.] 2. Actions at local, regional or national level may be cofinanced from the general budget of the European Union up to a maximum of 50% of the total eligible costs of the actions implemented in accordance with the procedure set out in part II of the Annex. 3 2 3 MT maintained a reservation. See doc. 10044/08, section II(b). CZ, CY, LT, LV, MT and PL maintained reservations. See doc. 10044/08, section II(a). 10044/08 ADD 1 PL/mk 24