REX/222 - CESE 642/2006 fin EN/o
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REX/222
Support for young people in the Mediterranean
partner countries
Brussels, 6 September 2006
INFORMATION REPORT
of the
Section for External Relations on the
Future economic, educational, social and cultural support for young people under the European Neighbourhood Policy, in particular by promoting exchanges and joint EU-Mediterranean
partner country initiatives _____________
Rapporteur: Mr Calleja _____________
Study Group on President: Ms Cassina Support for young people in
the Mediterranean partner Rapporteur: Mr Calleja Countries
Members: Ms Batut Ms Drbalová
Ms López Almendáriz Ms Päärendson Mr Jasinski Mr Piette Mr Bouis
Mr Cabra De Luna (Rule 62 - Nilsson) Mr Confalonieri
Mr Czajkowski
Expert: Mr Buttigieg
On 19 January 2006 the European Economic and Social Committee decided, under Rule 31 of its Rules of Procedure, to instruct its Section for External Relations to draw up an information report on:
Future economic, educational, social and cultural support for young people under the European Neighbourhood Policy, in particular by promoting exchanges and joint EU-Mediterranean partner country initiatives.
The preparatory work was carried out by the members and experts, in cooperation with the rapporteur and the groups.
The group met on three occasions:
− 21 March 2006
− 19 May 2006
− 21 June 2006.
On 5 September 2006, the Section adopted the information report unanimously.
*
* *
1. Conclusions and recommendations
1.1 Political priority. The EESC calls on the Euromed authorities and governments in the Mediterranean Partner Countries (MPCs) to make education and integration of young people in economic and social life as a priority.
1.2 Consultation. The EESC appeals to the Euromed authorities as well as MPCs' Governments to establish a policy of consultation with the social partners, civil society and particularly youth organisations in the drawing-up and implementation of the National Action Plans under the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP).
1.3 Participation. Furthermore, MPCs should consult with civil society, particularly youth organisations, at all stages of reforms, programme development and policy implementation affecting young people.
1.4 Visibility. Renewed efforts should be made to improve and coordinate the visibility of opportunities available for young people under the European Neighbourhood Policy.
1.5 Programmes. All programmes and initiatives should aim at empowering young people to take an active role in society and assume personal responsibilities, as a way of overcoming social exclusion. Such programmes should be a part of a life-long learning process.
Transparent mechanisms for monitoring their development and execution should be put in place.
1.6 Capacity building. Governments should assist youth NGOs in their respective countries to organise themselves more effectively, and in particular to set up a national federation for their organisations that can act as an interlocutor for young people at national level in a structured dialogue. Care should be taken not to compromise the autonomy of these representative organisations. The Euro-Med Youth Platform should also continue to be supported in further developing its networking functions.
1.7 Job creation. In view of the very high levels of youth unemployment, all countries should facilitate a friendly business environment by:
• encouraging young people (including girls) to show their talents and create their own enterprises at local level through making available relevant instruments such as micro credits and mutual guarantees;
• promoting inward flows of foreign direct investment that could generate the necessary jobs for young people;
• establishing investment guarantees, taxation arrangements, reliable banking systems that operate to international standards, a reliable and independent judiciary, and a fair social welfare system.
1.8 Support for young entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship should be encouraged from an early age. This can be achieved by:
• introducing entrepreneurship in the educational process;
• giving equal encouragement and assistance to young entrepreneurs to show their talents and create business ventures out of sound business propositions;
• providing facilities for young entrepreneurs to expand their operations; and
• making available incentive schemes, technical assistance, specialised training, micro credits, mutual guarantees and seed and venture capital.
1.9 Cooperation in the fields of education and culture. It is recommended that the EU and the MPCs collaborate further in the education and cultural fields by:
• conducting joint revisions of school curricula so as to include a Euro-Med dimension in geography, history, civics and culture courses;
• developing knowledge standards and mutual recognition of qualifications, skills and competences;
• strengthening formal/non-formal apprenticeship schemes and life-long learning;
• fostering more understanding and tolerance of the diversity of cultures and religions in the spirit of universal democratic values, especially through youth exchanges and twinning activities;
• encouraging young citizens to be proud of and treasure their Euro-Mediterranean heritage and environment and determined to make the region a peaceful, stable and prosperous one;
• giving due importance to vocational training; and
• ensuring that the possibilities available through the Anna Lindh Foundation reach the widest audience possible.
1.10 Gender equality. No effort should be spared to promote gender equality as a central objective under the ENP and the Euro-Med partnership, not least by promoting women’s organisations and networks. Equal participation and leadership should be encouraged in all projects involving EU funding under the ENP action plan. The EESC supports the European Commission roadmap initiatives for strengthening gender equality in the region through civil society consultations and the organisation of a Euro-Med Ministerial Conference to adopt an action plan.
1.11 Visas. More needs to be done to resolve the problems relating to entry visas for bona fide young participants in EU-financed projects and to remove the need for bank guarantees that result in discrimination.
1.12 Media Influence on Youth Development. The MPCs should give the media more elbow- room to air new views and to promote a more positive attitude on the part of young people.
The MPC governments should use this to help push the development of the economy and society along the right lines and to promote tolerance and friendship between the MPCs and the EU.
1.13 Juvenile Delinquency and Crime Prevention. Governments should tackle the causes of juvenile delinquency before these develop into uncontrollable situations that present a threat to public order. Civil Society should be involved in identifying the causes that lead to the recruitment of young people in global crime and terrorist violence, thereby contributing to an improvement.
1.14 Sports. Young people should be encouraged to participate in sports activities as a means of promoting friendship and understanding, enjoying a healthy life-style, building a sound character, and staying out of unwelcome habits.
2. Background to the Report
2.1 The Euro-Mediterranean Summit of Economic and Social Councils and similar institutions, held in Amman, Jordan on 20/21 November, 2005 decided, amongst other matters, that one of the topics to be discussed at the next Summit in Slovenia should be future economic, educational, social and cultural support for young people under the European Neighbourhood Policy, in particular by promoting exchanges and joint EU-Mediterranean partner country initiatives.
This decision was motivated by the importance of youth issues in most Euromed partner countries, where young people make up a very high proportion of the population. All the countries are facing the economic and social challenge of integrating these populations.
2.2 The EESC undertook to have a report on the topic prepared under its direction with the cooperation of the Italian National Economic and Labour Council, the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development, the Economic and Social Council of France, the National Economic and Social Council of Algeria, the Economic and Social Council of Tunisia and the Palestinian ESC.
2.3 The EESC has approached the mandate given to it by the Amman Summit by analysing and appraising what has been achieved so far through the several programmes under MEDA that are specifically addressed at young people. It has also arrived at certain conclusions as to what needs to be done for the benefit of youth. Accordingly, it is making recommendations that are in consonance with the new youth programmes foreseen for the 2007-2013 period for Mediterranean partner states under the European Neighbourhood Policy.
After consultations with youth organisations, notably from Egypt and Jordan, the EESC recommends that action be taken in four major priority areas:
Youth employment
Education, vocational training, and cultural activities Intercultural dialogue
Promotion of gender equality on the lines advocated by the European Commission’s Roadmap.
3. Current Programmes
3.1 As part of its efforts to help the MPCs under the terms of the 1995 Barcelona Agreement, the EU launched a number of programmes, some of which were aimed directly at Euro-Med Youth. A brief description and appraisal is given below.
3.2 The Euro-Med Youth Programme was created in 1998, with an average annual budget of some EUR 3.6 million, and has been renewed twice, with the current one due to run out at the end of 2006. The programme aims at:
• facilitating the integration of young people into social and working life;
• helping stimulate the democratic process of civil society in the Mediterranean partner countries;
• improving mutual understanding between young people around the Mediterranean basin, based on, and with a commitment to, mutual respect, tolerance and dialogue between the various cultures;
• increasing the importance of youth organisations;
• developing active citizenship for young people (especially young women); and
• promoting the exchange of information, experience and expertise between actors in the youth field.
Thousands of young people have benefited from it, creating, managing and participating in hundreds of small-scale projects such as exchanges, voluntary work in another country, seminars, study visits, training courses, information-sharing and job shadowing. Judging by the successful and encouraging outcomes reported in several instances, the programme has enjoyed a reasonable measure of success1.
3.3 The aim of the Euro-Mediterranean Youth Platform is to facilitate networking between youth organisations and all those involved in the youth sector in Europe and the Mediterranean partner countries. Some 4 500 organisations have joined it since its creation in 2003, establishing one of the most extensive lists of youth actors in existence in the region.
It has developed tools such as the Partner Search facility for youth projects; a magazine in three languages, an on-line FORUM for thematic discussions, development and follow-up of projects; research on the situation of young people in each country; a series of meetings to enable greater participation from countries least present in Euro-Med youth cooperation; a clearing house facility; and support to the Euro-Med Youth Programme.
The Youth Platform has also facilitated the creation of Euro-Mediterranean networks of youth groups with complementary objectives. The furthest advanced of these, dealing with young people and work, brings together young people active in trade unions in the different countries.
Another network was developed for young people involved in political parties of all leanings around the region. The long-term effect of such a network can be significant, considering that it is bringing together at an early age some of the most likely future leaders in the Euro-Med region.
Other networks at different levels of development include one for officials responsible for youth in local governments, one for those working with social minorities, another for those working on the problem of youth trafficking, a Euro-Med network for young entrepreneurs, one for those working on gender-related matters and a Euro-Med Student Forum for student unions in the region.
In 2005 the Euro-Mediterranean Youth Platform received the Newropeans Grand Prix Award for its contribution to democracy.
1 A review of the Programme is available at http://ec.europa.eu/youth/priorities/euromed_en.html.
3.4 Erasmus Mundus is a cooperation and mobility programme in the field of higher education at post-graduate level that has a budget of EUR 203 million for the period 2004-08. It aims at:
• enhancing the quality of higher education and promoting intercultural understanding through cooperation between Europe and the rest of the world;
• enabling students and visiting scholars from around the world to engage in postgraduate study at European universities2; as well as
• encouraging the outgoing mobility of European students and scholars towards other countries, including those in the Mediterranean;
• supporting some 100 Masters Courses of outstanding academic quality, providing grants for some 5 000 graduate students from partner countries to follow these Masters Courses, and for more than 4 000 EU graduate students to study in partner countries;
• offering teaching and research scholarships in Europe for over 1 000 academics from partner-countries and for a similar number of outgoing EU scholars;
• supporting about 100 partnerships between Erasmus Mundus Masters Courses and higher education institutions in partner countries.
3.5 TEMPUS3 enables universities from EU Member States to cooperate with those in the Mediterranean (as well as those in the Western Balkans, Eastern Europe and Central Asia), on higher education modernisation projects. Established in 1990, it has been renewed three times, with the current TEMPUS III covering the period 2000-2006. Its projects fall into three categories:
• Joint European Projects, implemented by actors in higher education, which help the higher education sector propagate its knowledge outside academic institutions.
• Structural and Complementary Projects are short-term interventions designed to support national higher education reforms and strategic framework development. Projects address issues such as quality assurance, accreditation systems and good university management practice.
• Individual Mobility Grants help staff in participating partner countries to take part in training and conferences abroad, and to help European teachers to deliver training courses in partner countries, within the context of TEMPUS' objectives.
2 Selected participants from the region:
2004-2005 Academic Year
Students: Israel 2, Jordan 2, Morocco 2, Turkey* 2, Libya 1 Scholars: Algeria 1, Israel 1
2005-2006 Academic Year
Students: Algeria 3, Egypt 3, Israel 6, Jordan 5, Lebanon 3, Morocco 3, Palestine 3, Syria 3, Tunisia 1 Scholars: Algeria 1, Israel 2, Jordan 1, Syria 1
* Turkish students were considered eligible under the first round but not under the following rounds due to Turkey obtaining official status of candidate country.
3 Trans-European Mobility Scheme for University Studies. It was made accessible to Mediterranean partners in 2002.
3.6 The Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for Dialogue between Cultures was created by the 35 Euro-Med governments in 2005. Its main objective is to bring people and organisations from both shores of the Mediterranean closer to each other and to help bridge the gap between them. With youth as its main target group, its priority is the promotion of tolerance by furthering exchanges between members of the diverse civil societies. Operating as a grand network of 35 national networks, it has great potential for supporting cultural initiatives and exchanges. The Foundation has a budget of EUR 10 million. In its first year of operation the Foundation has already taken various initiatives for bringing young people together. It is important that possibilities are offered to as wide an audience as possible.
3.7 The Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) offers advanced degrees in diplomacy with a focus on Mediterranean issues. It has financial support from the Arab League and is more than ever before emphasising the Euro-Mediterranean dimension by building bridges between Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Twice a year it offers training to junior diplomats from the region.
3.8 The Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership (FEMIP) was created in 2002 to facilitate the financing of larger-scale projects in the region. Although young people are not its direct target beneficiaries, they certainly stand to benefit with the rest of the population from better infrastructure, higher environmental quality, job creation, and greater market access.
4. The Barcelona Agreement and the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP)
4.1 The European Neighbourhood Policy is a key EU External Relations Policy. It aims at moving from cooperation with partners into integration with neighbours, and builds upon existing agreements and partnerships. All Mediterranean countries currently involved in the Barcelona Process are included in it, as well as Libya and several other countries to the east of Europe. The Mediterranean states are concerned that the EU has put aside the spirit of the Barcelona Agreement in the process, especially the regional aspect.
4.2 The ENP works on the basis of Action Plans, which are partnerships for reform negotiated with each country. One year into the launch of the ENP, agreements with five MPCs (Israel, Jordan, Morocco, the Palestinian Authority and Tunisia) were formally adopted and are being implemented according to priorities and clear time frames. The action plans of Egypt and Lebanon are under preparation.
4.3 Some Mediterranean countries see the ENP as a means of accelerating their own reform programmes, with countries like Jordan linking it with its own National Agenda. Partners have identified the human and cultural dimensions as high priorities. These include people-to- people contacts, cross-border cooperation, education reform, university exchanges, scholarships, and health related issues.
4.4 The ENP is strengthening and widening the scope of political dialogue with a number of Mediterranean countries including, for the first time, the creation of sub-committees, where issues such as democracy, human rights and governance can be discussed for the first time on a regular basis. In this regard the EESC notes that the ENP has failed to make it a condition on governments of the MPCs to include the social partners and civil society in general in the consultation process preceding negotiation of the National Action Programmes.
4.5 As regards the scope of cooperation under the ENP, the EESC notes with satisfaction that it certainly allows for the support of a wider range of activities than is possible under MEDA and TACIS, the existing financial instruments. The EU Commission is also examining the possibilities of gradual opening of certain Community programmes, promoting cultural, educational, environmental, technical and scientific links. Preparations are under-way to strengthen educational cooperation and extend twinning and technical assistance under TAIEX4, to ENP partners.
5. General comments
5.1 Programmes
All programmes and initiatives projected for this period are subject to the budget negotiations concluded recently. Two programmes that stand to bring great benefit to young people are Youth in Action and Tempus Plus. These projects evolved as a result of various evaluations and consultations on current programmes. It must be said that in general they build on the achievements of previous initiatives whilst also seriously addressing their shortcomings.
5.1.1 Youth in Action Programme
EUR 42 million are being allocated for the ENP area under this scheme, based on an estimated 1 400 projects involving the direct participation of 60 000 young people and youth workers. Additional support within the programme could be provided for volunteering in other countries.
5.1.2 Tempus Plus programme
The new TEMPUS PLUS programme will build on the successful TEMPUS approach, extending its coverage across the spectrum of lifelong learning: schools, vocational education and training, adult and higher education. Its objectives are to foster the development of
4 The Technical Assistance Information Exchange Office provides technical assistance on specific subjects and in building the necessary administrative infrastructure. Its activities include expert missions to user countries, information visits of experts from these countries, workshops to help solve key issues, training for administrators and inspectors, monitoring and progress analysis.
Issues tackled include customs, VAT, public procurement, energy, environmental protection, agrarian policy, rural development, veterinary control, phyto-sanitary control, the internal market, fight against organised crime and transport. It does not offer services to citizens or individual companies.
human resources and human capital, and in particular to promote the reform and development of lifelong learning systems in the ENP area; and to enhance the quality and the capacity of lifelong learning institutions and organisations. It has set a target to support the mobility of at least 100 000 individuals within seven years.
5.2 National Action Plans (NAPs) of the European Neighbourhood Policy
The EESC has noted with satisfaction the emphasis given to youth matters in Bilateral National Action Plans between the EU and Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Tunisia, Morocco, and Jordan. There is a common desire to co-operate at all levels of education including mutual recognition and accreditation of education systems, to promote European and Euro-Med studies, and to cooperate on non-formal education and vocational training for young people. There is a proposed initiative to establish employment observatories in universities so as to adapt education to labour market requirements and to promote mobility.
There is the will to take further steps to promote and reinforce youth programmes and exchanges, including intercultural dialogue. Only one action plan mentions cooperation in programmes aimed at increasing awareness of the dangers of drugs and narcotics. It was also noted with disappointment that cooperation in the field of youth sport features in only two of the five NAPs. The EESC also notes that there is no emphasis in any of the finalised NAPs on study programmes on Mediterranean history and culture. Generally, it is noted that no mention is made in the NAPs that the MPCs have satisfied the EU with regard to general consultations with youth organisations and women’s organisations on gender issues concerning youth.
5.3 Need for More Visibility
In spite of the opportunities already available and those being created, Euro-Mediterranean cooperation in general suffers from a chronic lack of visibility in relation to the Euro-Med countries in general, and potential beneficiaries in particular. As a matter of principle, all EU- funded projects have a focal point/national coordinator whose key duty it is to disseminate information about the programmes and create publicity, with a substantial budget provided for the purpose. There are a number of underlying problems that are crying out for a solution but which still linger on, such as the issue of visas for beneficiaries under EU youth programmes. The authorities require a bank guarantee before issuing a visa and therefore discriminate between those who can afford to pay the money and those who cannot.
5.4 Facilitation of business exchanges and cooperation for young entrepreneurs5
A better business environment should be in place to attract more foreign direct investment in industry and services by European entrepreneurs and to encourage joint ventures. The main areas for reform are investment guarantee and double taxation agreements, a reliable banking system operating to international standards, and changes in legislation to give the judicial system a solid standing that guarantees justice to all. In the meantime specific schemes for young entrepreneurs should be set in motion by the authorities.
5.5 Education and Cultural Initiatives and Exchanges6
There are great possibilities under the Anna Lindh Foundation's remit for promoting inter- cultural activities. It is very important to reach as wide an audience as possible amongst youth. It is noted that school curricula have not been targeted yet as an instrument for fostering greater understanding of the different cultures and religions and promoting peaceful co-existence and collaboration. The Euro-Med dimension in geography, history, civics and culture should be included. European universities could offer more places to students from MPCs on a reciprocal basis with universities from the region, in addition to those facilitated under the new Tempus Plus programme. It is noted that further progress needs to be made in the areas of developing knowledge standards and recognition of qualifications. Euro-Med joint mechanisms created for the purpose could help to promote understanding of cultural differences that affect the educational system, the development of curricula and the achievement of standards of qualifications that are mutually acceptable in Science and Technology Institutions and Universities.
5 Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions Implementing the Community Lisbon Programme: Fostering entrepreneurial mindsets through education and learning SOC 242 CESE 971/2006.
EESC opinion on the "Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Action Plan: The European agenda for Entrepreneurship"
(rapporteur Mr Ben Butters) - OJ C74, page 1, 23.3.2005.
EESC opinion on the "Green Paper - Entrepreneurship in Europe" (rapporteur Mr Ben Butters) - OJ C10, page 58, 14.1.2004.
6 White Paper: Youth Policy (OJ C 116 of 20.4.2001 – Rapporteur: Mrs Hassett-van Turnhout).
European Commission White Paper - A New Impetus for European Youth (OJ C 149 of 21.6.2002 – Rapporteur: Mrs Hassett- van Turnhout).
Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the European Year of Education through Sport 2004 (OJ C 149 of 21.6.2002 – Rapporteur: Mr Koryfidis).
Proposal for a European Parliament and of the Council decision establishing a Community action programme to promote bodies active at European level in the field of youth (OJ C 10 of 14.1.2004 – Rapporteur: Mrs Hassett-van Turnhout).
SOC/174 Relations between the generations (OJ C 157 of 28.6.2005 – Rapporteur: Mr Bloch-Lainé).
SOC/177 Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council creating the Youth in Action programme for the period 2007-2013 (OJ C 234 of 22.9.2005– Rapporteur: Mr Rodríguez García-Caro).
5.6 Formation of Young Citizens of the Mediterranean
Governments of the MPCs and EU Member States bordering the Mediterranean should encourage young citizens to be proud of their Mediterranean heritage and determined to make the region a peaceful, stable and prosperous one, by nurturing a spirit of tolerance and solidarity for all peoples living in bordering countries. Young people should be encouraged to shoulder their responsibilities and duties as citizens of the Mediterranean. Through suitable programmes and activities they should be proud to identify themselves as people sharing many common values and determined to work for a common future. They should be encouraged to treasure their cultural heritage and their environment and to work relentlessly for justice and for the sustainable development of their respective countries. They should discuss issues relating to discrimination on the basis of gender, discrimination against disabled persons and ethnic and religious minorities, and find solutions based on justice and solidarity.
5.7 Youth initiatives in the labour market
The education system in the Euro-Med area should be linked to the needs of the labour market through collaboration between the education system in each MPC, on the one hand, and business and industry on the other. There should be an emphasis on ensuring that youth education and vocational training are not interrupted by premature entry into the labour market of minors of school age. If this is allowed to happen, it can seriously jeopardise young people’s training and reduce their opportunities of finding a job and advancing in their career.
It is also noted that young people constitute a majority of the population in several MPCs and that the number of youth unemployed is very high indeed. Greater efforts are needed to keep young people in education and vocational training. The recent experiences of EU Member States, especially in relation to initiatives on life-long learning and the definition of key competences could perhaps serve as a good basis for discussion and adaptation by the MPCs.
5.8 Media Influence on Youth
The media plays an important part in the formation of young people’s identity. It influences life-style and behaviour and stimulates the imagination. It can certainly be used for the good of youth, for example by sending positive signals, inviting participation from young people and enabling young people to discuss their aspirations and problems in relation to their daily lives, education and job opportunities.
5.9 Tackling Juvenile delinquency
The cheapest and most effective way of tackling criminal behaviour is to address the root of the problem, by insisting on prevention. The state commits a considerable amount of resources to its efforts to tackle the effects of crime, including investigation, prosecution and detention or correction programmes to rehabilitate those who transgress the law. It makes more sense to tackle the causes of crime at source and prevent or limit the problems before they escalate beyond control. The involvement of civil society in preventing and reducing the harm caused by crime is vital. Little attention is given to victims of crime, despite the knowledge that it has far-reaching and long-lasting psychological, financial and sometimes physical effects on those who are at the receiving end. It is always extremely costly and complicated and less effective when society tackles the effects rather than the causes of social problems.
5.10 Combating global crime and violence
The same approach mentioned in the previous sub-paragraph in relation to tackling juvenile delinquency should apply in the case of global, cross-border crime. Young people are affected by international criminal rings both as perpetrators and victims of crimes involving trafficking of illegal substances and persons, and terrorism. Following recent events, a number of international initiatives have been taken in the field of prevention. Generally, such actions focus on minimising the effects of organised terrorist activities, human trafficking and the proliferation of illegal substances. What is still missing in Euro-Med cooperation is a shift of focus from the prevention of criminal acts to an intensification of efforts aimed at creating the conditions for dissuading young people from associating themselves with criminality. Cooperation between the authorities in the EU Member States and the MPCs, with assistance from civil society organisations, should focus on the sharing of information, results, good practices and research so as to reduce the number of juvenile recruits, who aid and support international criminal and terrorist circles. Positive results achieved in this regard will save the EU and MPCs massive resources that could be used for other purposes, besides helping to improve security and the quality of life in the Euro-Med area.
5.11 Youth friendship societies and twinning agreements by youth NGOs
Youth Friendship Societies and the twinning of youth NGOs in small towns and villages in the MPCs with European counterparts should be encouraged, with a view to disseminating a spirit of understanding, tolerance, collaboration, and appreciation of cultures on the two sides. Such action is possible within the programmes of the Anna Lindh Foundation. Further voluntary work exchanges, including those associated with art and culture, such as rehabilitation of cultural heritage, should also be encouraged and facilitated between the EU and the MPCs under this scheme.
5.12 Encouragement of sports activities
There is a need for more sports activities and facilities for young people. Sports activities help to form young people’s character, encourage a healthy life-style, and combat drugs, juvenile delinquency and crime. Formalised sports activities, such as the Mediterranean Games, already exist at international level between the Mediterranean countries. However, more could be done at local and regional level to enable wider participation in sports.
Existing sports organisations in the MPCs, such as the National Olympic Committee and youth organisations, should be encouraged to cooperate with the relevant Ministries for youth and sports to provide sports facilities and to organise and encourage participation in sporting activities. It will not be a problem to procure technical assistance from counterpart organisations in the EU, provided that similar funding possibilities are available as for inter- cultural activities. The MPCs themselves should dedicate a part of their budget to such activities.
Brussels, 5 September 2006.
The President of the
Section for External Relations
The Rapporteur
of the
Section for External Relations
Ann Davison Mr Calleja
The Secretary-General
of the
European Economic and Social Committee
Patrick Venturini
_____________
