European Year against Racism 1997

- OBJECTIVE: implementation in 1997 of a "European Year against Racism", the aim of which is to raise public awareness of the fight against racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism in the Community by various information campaigns and the promotion of solidarity. - SUBSTANCE: The objectives of the European Year against Racism are: . to raise public awareness and disseminate information on racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism in Europe, . to highlight the threat posed by racism for the economic and social cohesion of the Community, . to make known the benefits of integration policies, . to encourage reflection on the measures required in this area, . to disseminate on a large scale the measures taken at national and European level to combat this phenomenon, . to promote solidarity between all members of society, . to involve the victims of racism in the process of European integration. - Actions which may be financed under the Year are given in the annex. These include: . the use of a common logo and slogan, . the organization of Community competitions and prizes, . the organization of local and mobile information campaigns aimed at promoting the results of integration and campaigns against racism in all its forms, . cooperation with the media on the contribution of immigrants and ethnic minorities to the development of the European Community, . the publication of national and Community information on events connected with the Year. - The Commission is responsible for the implementation of the Year. It will be assisted by an advisory committee comprising representatives of the Member States and chaired by the Commission itself. The European Year against Racism will be implemented in a way which is complementary to and consistent with other Community measures in this field (education, training, the fight against social exclusion) and with the activities of the Council of Europe. - The financial envelope for the Year is set at ECU 6 m (1996-1997). - A report on the implementation of the European Year is to be submitted to the Council and the European Parliament before 31.12.1998. �