Employment and social cohesion: programme Progress for employment and social solidarity, 2007-2013

The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by Karin JÖNS (PES, DE) amending the financial framework of the Programme from EUR 628.8 million to EUR 854.2 million, and made other amendments with a view to take into account gender mainstreaming, the rights of disabled people, the role of the European Parliament and NGO’s. (Please see the summary of 15/06/2005.) In addition, the following principal amendments were made:

-The involvement of non-governmental organisations active at regional, national and EU levels is important for the successful implementation of the Programme’s general objectives, and they should therefore play a substantial part, through relevant EU networks, in devising, implementing and monitoring the Programme.

-The principle of gender mainstreaming must be taken into account in all Programme sections and activities.

-The results achieved in the Programme sections and activities shall be disseminated to those involved and to the public as appropriate. The Commission shall also provide the necessary links to the European Parliament, the relevant NGOs and the social partners at EU level and conduct regular exchanges of views with them.

-Raising awareness, disseminating information and promoting discussion on the general question of illegal employment in order to ensure that the issues of health and safety and working conditions which affect migrants and EU citizens alike will be dealt with and the relevant rules met.

-Cooperation between institutions and local national actors was emphasised.

-Full access to the activities and results of the Programme shall be given to disabled people. Their particular needs shall be taken into account, including the compensation of additional costs incurred by them in meeting their access needs.

-Cofinancing may not exceed, as a general rule, 90% of the total expenditure incurred by the recipient rather than 80% as in the original proposal.

-Comitology provisions are amended, so that the committee assisting the Commission will be divided into five subcommittees corresponding to the five sections of the Programme.

-The lower limits for the financial breakdown between the different sections have been changed;

-The Commission must produce the following reports: by 31 December 2010 an interim report evaluating the results achieved and the qualitative and quantitative aspects of implementing the Programme; in the context of proposals for the next financial perspectives, by 31 December 2011 a communication on continuing the Programme; and by 31 December 2015, with the assistance of external experts, an ex-post evaluation report to measure the impact of the Programme objectives and its EU added value.