Information, communication: framework for cooperation between institutions and with the Member States

The European Parliament adopted the report by Ole ANDREASEN (ELDR, Denmark) on a new framework for co-operation on information policy. (Please refer to document dated 19/02/02). Members also expressed concern at the planned decrease in the overall multiannual estimate of expenditure on information and communication in the Commission (the B-3 budget lines). Parliament stressed the general need to match the available information more closely with the main target groups such as women, young people between 16 and 20, the elderly, rural communities, children, teachers, SME's, professional decision-makers and opinion formers. The need to make information more easily avialble to journalists was also emphasised. European Institutions should develop specific training programmes related to European mechanisms and issues for future journalists. A "civic education" unit should be established within the Parliament with sufficient resources in order to act as a centre for all matters relating to education for European citizenship, as well as a centre for European level exchanges between different project operators and promoters in the EU and applicant countries.�