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Non discrimination and gender equality: European year of equal opportunities for all 2007

2005/0107(COD)

The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by Martine ROURE (PES, France) and made some amendments to the Commission’s text:

-the financial framework is now EUR 15 000 000, of which EUR 6 000 000 is for the period until 31 December 2006. For the period following 31 December 2006, the amount is indicative and shall be deemed to be confirmed if it is consistent for this phase with the multi-annual financial framework in force for the period commencing on 1 January 2007. The Commission’s text had a figure of EUR 13 600000.

-Parliament sought to lay some emphasis on addressing issues of multiple discrimination, defined as discrimination on the basis of two or more grounds listed in Article 13 of the Treaty. It added that the European Year will make groups who are at risk of discrimination more aware of their rights and of existing European legislation in the area of non-discrimination.

-educational campaigns were added to eligible actions and cooperation with media, business and enterprise deleted;

-a new article was added on gender mainstreaming, so that the European Year shall take into account the different ways in which women and men experience discrimination on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age and sexual orientation.

-EachMemberState shall designate aNational Implementing Bodyto organise its participation in the European Year.It shall inform the Commission of its choice within one month of the adoption of the Decision. This Body shall be responsible for defining the national strategy and priorities for the European Year as well as for selecting the individual activities to be proposed for Community funding. The national strategy and priorities for the European Year shall be set out in accordance with the objectives listed and will seek to ensure a balanced treatment of all grounds of discrimination.  The procedure for awarding Community funding for national level activities is set out in Part II of the Annex, which has been amended by Parliament.