Gender equality: Community framework strategy and Community action programme to promote organisations active at European level in this field, extension of the programmes until 31 December 2006

PURPOSE : to extend both the Programme relating to the Community framework strategy on gender equality (2001–2005) and the Community Action Programme to promote organisations active at European level in the field of equality between men and women until the end of the year 2006.

PROPOSED ACT : Council Decision.

CONTENT : the objective of the prolongation is to ensure the continuation of the Community Action Programme on gender equality during the year 2006. The present programme will expire on 31 December 2005. The prolongation is deemed necessary to guarantee continuity of Community action in a transitional period characterised by important institutional changes until the adoption of a new comprehensive multiannual Framework Programme on the financing of actions in the employment and social field, including gender equality.

FINANCIAL IMPACT :

1) Programme concerning the Community framework strategy on gender equality (2001-2005). It is proposed to increase the total budget from EUR 50 million to EUR 61.5 million.

- budget lines : Articles 04.0502 and 04.010405;

- total commitment appropriations : EUR 11.5 million for 2006 (Action 1 : EUR 5 300 million, Action 2 : EUR 1 900 million, Action 3 : EUR 3 900 million, technical assistance : EUR 0 400 million) ;

- impact on human resources : EUR 1 620 (15 posts); other administrative expenditure : EUR 162 400, making a total of EUR 1 636 240.

2) Programmes concerning the Community action programme to promote organisations active at European level in the field of equality between men and women. It is proposed to increase the budget from EUR 2.2 million to EUR 3.3 million.

- budget lines : A-3037 (No ABB 040503) et A-3046 (No ABB040501).

- total commitment appropriations : EUR 1.1 million for 2006.