European voluntary service for young people: Community action programme 1998-2002

In its amended proposal the Commission adopted 18 of the 40 amendments proposed by Parliament on first reading, 14 in a slightly modified form. The Commission adopted the following amendments: - development of a cooperation policy among young people, - development, through 'voluntary service',of the ideals of democracy, tolerance and cohesion regarding the construction of Europe, - the submission before 31 December 1997 of a report setting out the main guidelines for young people between now and the year 2000, - coherence and coordination between this programme and the 'Youth for Europe Programme', - the participation of young people from third countries in activities under the programme in their country of origin and within the Union, - consideration of certain specific aspects relating to voluntary service in developing countries - the importance of linguistic and cultural preparation for young people, - measures to ensure that volunteers are properly informed and made aware of their rights and obligations, - a degree of flexibility concerning the upper age limit for involvement in the programme. However, the Commission rejected the notion of a European statute for young volunteers and the coordination of tax arrangements and social welfare. It opposed the integration of national civilian services into European voluntary service. In line with accepted policy and in the light of the annual financial perspectives, it also rejected an increase in the financial framework for the implementation of the programme for the first two years Concerning commitology, the Commission did not agree to the proposal to set up an advisory committee, taking the view that a joint committee was more suitable for this type of programme. In addition, it rejected other amendments regarding procedures to be followed by the committee (particularly information to be forwarded to Parliament). �