1. SERVICES
2. SOCIAL PROTECTION POLICIES
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2.1 Services of General Interest : Social Services of General Interest
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2.3 Study on the "Situation of social and health services of general interest in the European Union"
3. NON DISCRIMINATION
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3.1 2010 as European Year of combating poverty and social exclusion
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3.5 United Nations Convention for the acknowledgement of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
4. ACCESSIBILITY
5. INFORMATION SOCIETY
6. EUROPEAN FINANCING
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6.2 Open Call for Proposals VP/2006/019, Community programme for employment and social solidarity - First PROGRESS Call
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6.3 Cooperation Programme - ICT Technologies (under the 7th Framework Programme on Research and Development)
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6.4 eContentplus Programme. Calls for funding related to the Digital Library Project
7. PARTICIPATION IN CONSULTATION PROCESSES
8. EUROPEAN INSTITUTIONS
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8.1 German Presidency of the European Union
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8.2 2007 Work programme of the European Commission
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8.3 New Commissioners from Bulgaria and Rumania
1. SERVICES
1.1 Postal services
BACKGROUND
Last October, the European Commission presented the proposal to
review the Directive on Postal Services to carry out a liberalization of the
European market of postal services by 1 January 2009. According to the
Internal Market Commissioner, Charlie McCreevy, the main question for the
majority of postal operators will be the economic burden that will involve the
provision of universal postal services, and he also pointed out that the
Commission does not intend to alter the rules on universal services. Germany,
that holds as you know the Presidency of the Council from 1 January 2007, has
already voiced its hope to conclude negotiations on the review of postal
services before the end of its mandate in June 2007, as this matter is one of
its priorities.
A meeting of the Transport and Telecommunications Council took place on 11 and
12 December where the proposal for a directive to review postal services in
the EU was discussed.
Various Member States intervened during the debate to express their position,
in particular as regards universal services. Italy, France, Spain, Greece,
Cyprus, Belgium, Hungary, Luxemburg and Poland expressed reservations with
regards liberalization of universal services (letters and parcels weighing
less than 50 grams) and wanted more clarity and security in the financing of
these services. On the other hand, Germany, United Kingdom, the Netherlands,
Finland and Sweden are in favour of the full liberalization of such services.
ACTIONS CARRIED OUT
Revisions carried out by some National Members of the proposal for a directive in order to guarantee the protection of people with disabilities in general and especially that of blind people.
ACTIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT
Apart from the study of the new proposal, lobby actions should be designed
to guarantee the protection of the rights of blind or severely partially
sighted people.
DEADLINE
It is hoped that the new proposal will be ready by June 2007, coinciding with the end of the German Presidency.
OBSERVATIONS/STATUS
Under study.
2. KEY TOPICS: Social Protection Policies
2. 1 Services of General Interest : Social Services of General Interest
BACKGROUND
During this quarter, some parliamentary actions were initiated to elaborate
an opinion of the European Parliament on the European Commission's
communication on social services of general interest, published in April 2006.
The main parliamentary Committee, as we already know, is that of Employment
and Social Affairs and the Committees on Economic and Monetary Affairs,
Environment, Industry, Internal Market, Legal Affairs and Women's Rights will
issue an opinion. The main speaker in the Parliamentary Committee on
Employment is MEP Joel Hasse Ferreira (PSE, Portugal).
We are awaiting the European Parliament's opinion report.
ACTIONS CARRIED OUT
Some National Members have taken part in a seminar held on 14 and 15 November in Brussels, organized by the Committee of the Regions in which, among other things, the current drafts were examined for a possible Directive on Services of General Interest, its most adequate legal framework and its implications for some services such as Social Services.ACTIONS TO BE
CARRIED OUT
Follow-up on the progress being made
Furthermore, it would be necessary for us to be able to define in the most
adequate fashion the position with regards Social Services of General
Interest. To be able to do this, we would need to know if platforms such as
EDF or the Social NGO Platform are working towards this objective.
DEADLINE
The vote in the Committee on Employment took place on 19 December.
The vote in the plenary session of the European Parliament is scheduled for
mid January or February.
OBSERVATIONS/STATUS
Under study.
2. 2 Questionnaire on Social Services of General Interest
BACKGROUND
At the beginning of October, the European Commission opened a consultation
process on a new questionnaire programmed by the European Commission's
Communication published in April 2006.
On this occasion, it was not a public consultation but rather just a
questionnaire sent to a set number of organizations that, because of their
characteristics, were considered by the European Commission as references in
the area of social services. For this reason, the questionnaire was sent to
the Platform of European Social NGOs and to the EDF.
ACTIONS CARRIED OUT
Some National Members (concretely ONCE) have been in contact with the official
in charge of this matter at the European Commission who informed us about the
publication of this questionnaire.
It has been studied and a reply has been prepared.
ACTIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT
Take part in this consultation. To be able to do that, our answer should be
channelled through EDF.
If we would want to make some specific contributions, we have been offered the
possibility to forward them separately through Raymond Maes, the official in
charge of this question; ONCE has met him on several occasions.
DEADLINE
The deadline for participation in the consultation is 3 January.
Regarding the following steps of the Commission in this area, a conference at
European level is planned to be organized next summer to present the results
of the consultation and the study on the situation of social services of
general interest in the EU, currently being carried out. The first biennial
report will be presented during the autumn of 2007, after the Communication,
it will include possibly some concrete proposals from the Commission for the
future administration of those services at European level.
OBSERVATIONS/STATUS
Under study
2. 3 Study on the "Situation of social and health services of general interest in the European Union"
BACKGROUND
On behalf of the European Commission, the European Centre for Social Welfare
Policy and Research is carrying out a study on "The situation of social and
health services of general interest in the European Union". The European
Centre is an intergovernmental organization of member countries of the United
Nations providing information in the field of welfare and social policy
development from a multidisciplinary viewpoint.
This organization signed a contract with DG Employment, Social Affairs and
Equal Opportunities to make this study. The call was published in the European
Commission Communication of 26 April 2006. The deadline for the study is June
2007.
The objective of this study is to improve the knowledge of both operators and
the Commission on the situation of social and health services of general
interest in the EU and the application and impact of Community rules on the
development of these services.
The study will try to fulfil the following concrete objectives:
- Mapping the situation of social and health services of general interest
within the European Union; this core element comprises the tasks of fact
finding and analysis with regard to the organisation, regulation, delivery and
financing of social services and of reporting on major employment trends
related to them
- Analyzing the on-going evolutions and modernizations of these services
across the European Union
- Reporting on the uncertainties and debates regarding Community legislation
and European Court of Justice case law, and its application
- Contributing to an exchange of innovative practices within the European
Union;
- Reporting on strategies and procedures for improving and monitoring quality
assessment and quality management in social services.
The study concentrates on the following five sectors of social services:
- Long-term care, care for the elderly, care for persons with disabilities;
- Social integration and re-integration (with a focus on migrants);
- Labour market services focusing on disadvantaged and persons with
disabilities;
- Child care (with a focus on services offered to families for children,
including afternoon care for children at school-age);
- Social housing.
The study comprises eight in-depth country studies covering the Czech
Republic, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. These country studies
have been conferred to experts in the countries covered. In order to obtain
up-to-date information, the European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and
Research launched in July 2006 a questionnaire for organizations at European
level interested in the subject, asking for their opinion. The deadline for
sending replies was 16 October.
Stakeholders at national level interested in participating in the inquiry
addressed to European-level stakeholders were also invited to support the fact
finding exercise and to report their opinions and expectations.
Project partners for the study, together with the European Centre for Social
Welfare Policy and Research in Vienna, are the International Centre of
Research and Information on the Public, Social and Cooperative Economy
(CIRIEC) in Liège and the Monitoring Unit of the Observatory for the
Development of Social Services in Europe at the Institute for Social Work and
Social Education (ISS) in Frankfurt/Main.
ACTIONS CARRIED OUT
This information has been forwarded to the National Members.
ACTIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT
Follow-up on the publication of the study and the impact it may generate.
DEADLINE
In 2007, this organization hopes to present a report and hold a conference on
the results of the study being carried out.
After the publication of this study, the European Commission wants to set a
control and dialogue tool in the shape of biannual reports.
OBSERVATIONS/STATUS
Under study
3. NON DISCRIMINATION
3.1 2010 as European Year of combating poverty and social
exclusion
BACKGROUND
In the speech he delivered at the European roundtable on poverty
and social exclusion, held about the middle of last October, Vladimir Spidla,
EU Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs & Equal Opportunities
anticipated that the European Commission is planning to present in 2007 a
proposal to make 2010 the European Year of combating poverty and social
exclusion.
ACTIONS CARRIED OUT
All National Members have been informed.
ACTIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT
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DEADLINE
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OBSERVATIONS/STATUS
In progress
3.2 European Disability Action Plan: Report from the EU
Committee on Employment and Social Affairs on "The situation of disabled
people in the enlarged European Union: the European Action Plan 2006-2007"
BACKGROUND
The report, with Elizabeth Lynne (ALDE, United Kingdom) as rapporteur was discussed and approved by this Committee on 5 October.
ACTIONS CARRIED OUT
The question of whether proposals suggested by some National Members should be finally included is being reviewed.
ACTIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT
Follow-up on actions taking place
DEADLINE
The next step was the discussion and vote on the report in the Parliament's plenary session on Thursday 30 November in Brussels.
OBSERVATIONS/STATUS
Under study
3.3 Parliamentary questions on disability
BACKGROUND
- At the end of October, the reply to the Parliamentary question, which we
already mentioned, to the Council by MEP Catherine Stihler (PSE, United
Kingdom) on the existence in some Member States of a feasible model in
relation with the compulsory creation of parking spaces for people with
disabilities, was published. The Council replied that it was unaware of any
Member State having a feasible model, as it recognized that disability
policies are mainly a responsibility of the Member States.
You may access the question and the answer through the following link:
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/omk/sipade3?SAME_LEVEL=1&LEVEL=3&NAV=S&LSTDOC=Y&DETAIL=&PUBREF=-//EP//TEXT+WQA+E-2006-3849-N+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN
- MEP Jean Cottigny (PSE, France) asked two parliamentary questions that were
of interest to the European Commission. The first one was on the orientation
suggested to be given to financing and EU programmes (European Social Fund)
assigned to social services of general interest dealing with people with
disabilities, as well as the modalities the European Commission is planning to
adopt to contribute actively to the training of personnel in charge of
assisting people with disabilities. The second question dealt with the way in
which the European Commission plans to promote the possibility of direct
management of financing and EU programmes dealing with people with
disabilities by the social services themselves.
The answers to these two parliamentary questions were published during the
first week of December. You may access the questions and the answers through
the following link (the answers are only available in French):
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/omk/sipade3?SAME_LEVEL=1&LEVEL=3&NAV=S&LSTDOC=Y&DETAIL=&PUBREF=-//EP//TEXT+WQ+E-2006-4252+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN
- Again, MEP Jean Louis Cottigny (PSE, France) asked a question to the
European Commission on how it plans to promote the European Quality Charter
for assistance to people with disabilities, in order to ensure a high level of
integration and participation. You may access the question and the answer
through the following link:
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/omk/sipade3?SAME_LEVEL=1&LEVEL=3&NAV=S&LSTDOC=Y&DETAIL=&PUBREF=-//EP//TEXT+WQ+E-2006-4253+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN
The European Commission replied that they considered the current methods and
instruments in place as sufficient and that, at the moment, they did not see
the need for a specific European quality charter for support to people with
disabilities.
- MEP Philip Bushill-Matthews (PPE, United Kingdom) asked a parliamentary
question on how the European Commission plans to remedy the discriminatory
situation experienced by some citizens, with the objective of guaranteeing
equal treatment to all citizens with disabilities in the whole European Union.
You may access the question and the answer through the following link:
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/omk/sipade3?SAME_LEVEL=1&LEVEL=2&NAV=X&DETAIL=&PUBREF=-//EP//TEXT+QT+H-2006-0941+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN
ACTIONS CARRIED OUT
Follow-up on replies made
ACTIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT
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DEADLINE
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OBSERVATIONS/STATUS
Under study
3.4 Antidiscrimination manual
BACKGROUND
A training manual was published in 23 European languages at the beginning
of November in the framework of the project "European Community Action
Programme to Combat Discrimination", financed by the European Union. You may
consult the manual through the following link:
http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/fundamental_rights/pdf/civil/train_en.pdf
ACTIONS CARRIED OUT
This information has been forwarded to EBU members.
ACTIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT
Follow-up on progress being made
DEADLINE
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OBSERVATIONS/STATUS
In progress
3.5 United Nations Convention for the acknowledgement of the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities
BACKGROUND
After five years of intense negotiations at the United Nations, the text of
the future International Convention on Human Rights of Persons with
Disabilities was adopted on 25 August, the first text in 16 years.
The new Convention is based on existing Human Rights Treaties and their
application for people with disabilities. The objective is to guarantee an
effective protection of this community and ensure that they can enjoy the most
basic rights. The text prohibits discrimination against people with
disabilities in all areas of life.
The Convention is a step forward that will strengthen significantly the
protection against discrimination of 650 million people with disabilities in
the world.
For the first time in the United Nations' history, the role of NGOs has been
vital in the development of the new treaty making the result very positive.
The new text pays particular attention to the situation of women with
disabilities, as well as children's rights through the creation of special
provisions.
For the first time, the European Union will take part in a Human Rights
Treaty, which will mean its implication in the implementation of the rights of
people with disabilities.
According to the rules of procedure, the text of the Convention on Disability
will be adopted in the General Assembly by simple majority vote of the members
present. Regarding the ratification process, two previous steps will be
necessary to transform it into international law:
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In general, the text must be ratified by a minimum number of countries to come
into force. In the case of Human Rights Conventions, it requires normally a
minimum of 20 countries. This way, the Convention will be adopted and ratified
progressively by the countries and there will be an international follow-up to
check whether it is carried out.
Once the minimum required has been reached, the text will be applied only to
the countries that have ratified it
ACTIONS CARRIED OUT
On 13 December, the UN General Assembly adopted in its plenary meeting the Convention on the rights of people with disabilities.
ACTIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT
Follow-up on progress being made and concretely collaboration in motivating the ratification by each Member State
DEADLINE
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OBSERVATIONS/STATUS
In progress
4. Accessibility
4.1 Transport : Third Railway Package
BACKGROUND
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ACTIONS CARRIED OUT
By some National Members:
Study of the common stand of the EU Council.
A position paper in relation with the presentation of the parliamentary
report.
Meetings held with the Spanish and German Permanent Representations, MEPs,
Members of the Transport Committee from the different political groups and
political advisors to present our worries and prepare amendments and voting
recommendations.
- On 19 December, the Committee on Transport and Tourism of the European
Parliament adopted unanimously (44 votes in favour, 1 against) its report for
the second reading of the Regulation proposal on the rights of rail
passengers. In relation with this vote, further to the request of some
National Members various amendments had been presented and we have obtained
first hand information confirming that at least one of them, related with the
participation of representative organizations of people with reduced mobility
in the definition of access rules, had been adopted by the Members of the
Committee on Transport.
ACTIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT
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DEADLINE
It is hoped that the plenary meeting of the European Parliament will approve the second reading during the January plenary meeting, aiming at the adoption of the Regulation during the first quarter of next year.
OBSERVATIONS/STATUS
Under study
4.2 Design for All Foundation
BACKGROUND
The Design for All Foundation organized on 9 November a Seminar in the framework of the "Build for All" Project, financed by the European Commission. It is a pilot project to integrate policies on disability aimed at the promotion of accessibility in the built environment and the services. The objective of the seminar was the presentation and promotion of the Reference Manual, addressed to persons in charge of preparing examinations and producing bids related with provision of goods and services by the Public Administrations.
ACTIONS CARRIED OUT
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ACTIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT
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DEADLINE
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OBSERVATIONS/STATUS
In progress
4.3 European Institute of Technology
BACKGROUND
All through November, the EU Education Ministers were unable to
reach an agreement on the creation of the European Institute of Technology.
They asked for more clarity in financing and issue of titles. The Ministers
were agreeable to the creation of the European Institute of Technology (EIT),
but they still wanted the European Commission to clarify some aspects of the
project. The Council established also a specific working group on the European
Institute of Technology which met for the first time on 14 November.
In the Council meeting of 13 and 14 November in Brussels, the EU Ministers of
Education, Culture and Youth gave also their approval to the European
Commission's proposal to create a digital library by 2010 and discussed the
importance of the cultural sector economy.
During the European Summit held mid December 2006 in Brussels, the EU Heads of
State and Government defined four strategic priorities to promote innovation
in Europe. One of these priorities is the need to reach a speedy agreement
between the Parliament and the Council, preferably before the end of 2007, on
the Commission's proposal to establish a European Institute of Technology.
ACTIONS CARRIED OUT
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ACTIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT
To keep in contact with key persons with a view to try and include
universal accessibility
DEADLINE
-
OBSERVATIONS/STATUS
Under study.
5. Information Society
5.1 Revision of the "TV without Frontiers" Directive
BACKGROUND
The vote of the Parliamentary Committee on Culture on the
proposal for a Directive on audiovisual media services took place in
Strasbourg on 13 November.
This Committee adopted two compromise amendments of relevance to us.
The first one reinforces the prohibition to discriminate or incite to
humiliating treatment due to disability.
The second one contains our proposals that State Members should take the
necessary measures to ensure that audiovisual media services become gradually
accessible for people with visual or hearing disabilities. At the same time,
it was approved that Member States should present a biannual report to the
Commission on the state of accessibility in the respective national
territories.
Other individual amendments were also adopted, related to the right of people
with disabilities to participate in social and cultural life.
This report was voted in the Parliament's plenary session during the week of
11 December.
The final adoption is planned not before May 2007, under the German Presidency
of the EU Council.
On the other hand, during the meeting of the Education and Culture Council on
13 and 14 November, the Member States adopted also the general approach of the
Directive on audiovisual media services.
The Council concentrated mainly on three matters: the field of application for
the Directive, the layout of the products and the quantitative rules on
publicity.
In the framework of the plenary session of the European Parliament that took
place in December, we followed the debate on the proposal for a directive on
media audio services. The debate concentrated mainly on matters such as layout
of products, publicity, protection of minors, non lineal services and the
country of origin principle. Only one reference was made by the rapporteur on
the report Ruth Hieronymi (PPE, Germany) to non discrimination, where she
underlined that there was an agreement on accessibility of people with
disabilities. The Hieronymi report underwent a favourable vote by EP Members.
After a first analysis, it seems clear that the amendments we supported were
approved.
ACTIONS CARRIED OUT
Revision of the amendments for the report of the Parliamentary Committee on
Culture (main Committee), as well as the other committees in charge of
drafting an opinion.
Preparation of voting recommendations and dispatch to the different
committees.
Information through the EBU and other European platforms.
Meeting with the Spanish and German Permanent Representations to make the EU
Council aware of its formal adoption.
ACTIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT
Coordination of actions to raise the awareness of the EU Council
DEADLINE
It is hoped that the State Members should adopt a common stand on the Directive on audiovisual media services in the Education Council of 25 May.
OBSERVATIONS/STATUS
Under study
6. European Financing
6.1 PROGRESS programme
BACKGROUND
On 5 December, the EU launched officially it new integrated programme for employment and solidarity: PROGRESS. In the same line, on 12 December, the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the State Members met for the first time, it is in charge of helping the European Commission with the implementation of the PROGRESS Programme.
ACTIONS CARRIED OUT
The EBU office has been monitoring this subject closely.
ACTIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT
Follow-up on the various calls being published under this programme
DEADLINE
Beginning of the programme: 1 January 2007
OBSERVATIONS/STATUS
In progress
6.2 Open Call for Proposals VP/2006/019, Community programme for employment and social solidarity - First PROGRESS Call
BACKGROUND
The European Commission has launched recently the first call for
proposals in the framework of the new integrated PROGRESS programme of
employment promotion and social solidarity for the period 2007-2013. This call
is addressed only to European-level NGOs networks active in the field of
combating discrimination, promoting gender equality and promoting the
integration of people with disabilities in society. These European-level
networks must be constituted by members of at least 15 different Member
States.
* Objective of the proposal
The objective of the proposal is to grant financial support for the
operational costs of the above-mentioned European networks.
The expected results from this call for funding are the following:
To strengthen the flow of information between their member organisations and
the European institutions
To contribute to the implementation of European anti-discrimination policy and
legislation on non-discrimination, gender equality and equal opportunities for
all
* Beneficiaries
The beneficiaries are networks working at European level in the field of
discrimination, gender equality and in the disability field.
Financial support may be awarded towards the operating costs of three types of
European organisations:
1- European level networks of NGOs active in the field of combating
discrimination, that is, organizations which have as their primary objectives
and activities the representation, defence of and access to the rights of
people potentially exposed to discrimination on grounds of racial or ethnic
origin, religion or beliefs, disability, age and sexual orientation.
2- European level networks of NGOs active in promoting gender equality, that
is, European organisations which have as their primary objectives and
activities the representation and defence of the rights and interests of women
and the promotion of equality between women and men.
3- European level networks of NGOs active in promoting the integration of
people with disabilities in society, that is, organizations representing the
interests of people with disabilities at Community level as well as
organizations active in promoting equal opportunities for people with
disabilities. The EDF meets entirely this description.
The duration of the operating grant is from 1 January to 31 December 2007.
The average amount to be received by each beneficiary will be 600,000 euros
for organizations devoted to non discrimination, between 300,000 and 800,000
euros for organizations dealing with gender equality and a maximum of 125,000
euros for organizations devoted to people with disabilities.
The costs of the project will be covered up to a maximum of 80% of their total
amount. In case of exceptional and duly justified circumstances, this funding
could be even higher.
ACTIONS CARRIED OUT
National Members have been informed about this call
ACTIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT
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DEADLINE
The deadline for submission of applications to the project was 17 November 2006.
OBSERVATIONS/STATUS
In progress
6.3 Cooperation Programme - ICT Technologies (under the 7th Framework Programme on Research and Development)
BACKGROUND
Last December, the draft 2007-2008 work programme for the specific Cooperation Programme - ICT Technologies was published under the 7th Framework Programme on Research and Development. This draft can be found on the following webpage: ftp://ftp.cordis.lu/pub/fp7/ict/docs/ict-wp-2007-08-draft-ist-2006.pdf
It is worth mentioning that the European Commission and the German Presidency
are organizing on 1 February in Cologne a seminar to provide information and
details on the work programme and the different funding opportunities in the
framework of this specific subject, which is of special interest to blind and
visually impaired people. Further information may be found at the following
Internet address:
http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/events/koln_2007/index_en.htm
ACTIONS CARRIED OUT
The different National Members have been informed.
ACTIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT
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DEADLINE
Last 22 December, the European Commission published the first call for funding for this programme.
OBSERVATIONS/STATUS
In progress
6.4 eContentplus Programme. Calls for funding related to the Digital Library Project
BACKGROUND
Content Director Content from DG Information Society & Media from the European Commission, Horst Forster, mentioned in a recent speech last December, that in the framework of the various initiatives related to digital libraries, the European Commission will publish soon, probably in January, a Communication on Scientific Information which aims at covering aspects such as access, spreading and preservation of digital scientific material. In his speech he also referred to the launching in the course of next year and in the framework of the eContentplus Programme of four calls for funding for projects related to digital libraries. He also reminded the audience that part of the financing for the 7th Framework Programme on Research and Development will be used for projects on protection and digitalization. A first call on this question is expected in January 2007.
ACTIONS CARRIED OUT
The different National Members have been informed.
ACTIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT
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DEADLINE
All through 2007
OBSERVATIONS/STATUS
In progress
7. Participation in consultation processes
7.1 eCommunications
BACKGROUND
In the course of the debate of the Telecom Council of Ministers that took
place on 9 June, the Ministers were inclined to keep the current regulating
framework for eCommunications, without making substantial changes.
The long awaited European Commission's Communication on the revision of this
regulating framework was finally made public on 29 June.
ACTIONS CARRIED OUT
The contribution to the public consultation has been prepared and
forwarded.
The main points are as follows:
* Must Carry Obligations
* Terminal Equipment
* Caller Location
* Updating Universal Service
* Directories and Directory Enquiry Services
* Access to emergency services
* Introduction of a "Community mechanism to address eAccessibility issues"
Other aspects that are not reflected in the Communication:
* Tariffs
* Public Payphones
* Accessibility Standards
ACTIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT
Follow up on the results of the consultation
DEADLINE
The deadline was 27 October 2006
OBSERVATIONS/STATUS
Under study
7.2 Public Consultation on digital content
BACKGROUND
The European Commission launched a public consultation last 28 July on
digital content online in the European single market, including films, music
and games, in order to offer the adequate context to stimulate competition and
development of content and services online.
With this consultation the Commission wants to prepare the ground for the
development of a Communication on content online by the end of 2006. This
consultation and the before-mentioned communication aim at exploring the
possible actions to improve competitivity of the European content online
production and distribution industry and examine the various existing
obstacles and the instruments that can be used to stimulate creativity and
development in this sector (legislation, promotion of good practices,
financial support).
The Commission has identified various types of audiovisual content and
services: audiovisual media services, games online, educational content and
other creative services (cultural information, publications, etc.)
ACTIONS CARRIED OUT
Preparation and sending of the answer to the consultation
The main points are:
Consumption, creation and diversity of online content: Do you think the
present environment (legal, technical, business, etc.) is conducive to
developing trust in and take-up of new creative content services online ? If
not, what are your concerns: Lack of interoperability between devices ?
* Legal environment
* eBooks
* Digital TV
* eLearning
* Copyrights
Other environments
* Financing
* Interoperability
Do you think that adequate protection of public interests (privacy, access to
information, etc) is ensured in the online environment ? How are user rights
taken into account in the country you live / operate in ?
How important for you is the possibility to access and use all online content
on several, different devices? What are the advantages and / or risks of such
interoperability between content and devices in the online environment? What
is your opinion on the current legal framework in that respect ?
What could be the role of national governments / regional entities to foster
new business models in the online environment (broadband deployment,
inclusion, etc.) ?
ACTIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT
Follow up on the results of the consultation
DEADLINE
The answering deadline was 13 October 2006
OBSERVATIONS/STATUS
Under study
8. European Institutions
8.1 German Presidency of the European Union
BACKGROUND
German Chancellor, Angela Merkel anticipated at the beginning of
October some of the priority areas of the German Presidency of the EU Council
to start on 1 January 2007 for a duration of six months. Her Presidency will
focus on five areas:
Restoration of common European values, in the framework of the celebration
of 25 March as the anniversary of the Treaty of Rome
Debate on the Union's enlargement, on the need to set the frontiers
Give a new impulse to the draft European Constitution
Improvement of the economic dynamism of Europe, with the decrease of
bureaucracy and the development of innovationtion
Contribution of the European Union to the restructuring of international
economy imposing fairer rules in world trade and struggling for protection of
copyrightsghts
ACTIONS CARRIED OUT
In the meeting between some National Members and the German permanent representation, the latter indicated that it will focus most of the work on the revision of the Directive on Audiovisual Media.
ACTIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT
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DEADLINE
The Presidency starts on 1 January 2007
OBSERVATIONS/STATUS
In progress
8.2 2007 Work programme of the European Commission
BACKGROUND
The European Commission adopted on 24 October its work programme for 2007.
This programme focuses on four main strategic priorities: prosperity
(modernization of European economy based on revision of the Lisbon Strategy,
competitivity and energy), solidarity (protection of environment and health),
security and justice, and finally the fulfilment of a more important role of
the EU at world level. The European Commission considers necessary to improve
legislative action and communication with the citizens.
You may access the work programme through the following link:
http://ec.europa.eu/atwork/programmes/docs/clwp2007_en.pdf
ACTIONS CARRIED OUT
Revision of the Work Programme in order to identify matters related with social policy for people with disabilities.
ACTIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT
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DEADLINE
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OBSERVATIONS/STATUS
In progress
8.3 New Commissioners from Bulgaria and Rumania
BACKGROUND
In December, the European Parliament approved with a broad majority the nomination of two new commissioners: one from Bulgaria (Meglena Kuneva who will have the consumer protection portfolio) and the other from Rumania (Leonard Orban who will have the multilingualism portfolio). These countries enter the European Union on 1 January 2007.
ACTIONS CARRIED OUT
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ACTIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT
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DEADLINE
-
OBSERVATIONS/STATUS
In progress