Daphne Programme 2000-2003: action relating to violence against children, young persons and women

The committee adopted the recommendation for second reading (codecision procedure) by María Antonia AVILES PEREA (EPP/ED, E) amending the Council's common position on the Daphne programme (2000-2003). Although it is a small programme with a limited budget, Parliament has had to defend it several times from attacks by the Council. At first reading Parliament prevented the programme's content from being distorted by a change in the legal basis. At second reading the committee adopted a number of important amendments which had not been taken on board in the Council's common position and at the same time prevented the procedure for approving the new programme from getting bogged down just before the current programme expires in December 1999. The amendments included the WHO's definition of health as a state of physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity. One amendment aimed to extend the programme's scope by assisting and encouraging as many voluntary organisations active in this field as possible. Among transnational measures designed to raise public awareness, the committee introduced a reference to media campaigns to combat violence against women. It also adopted two technical amendments on the commitology arrangements for implementing the programme.