PURPOSE: Extending the framework strategy as well as the action programme on the promotion of gender equality by one year.

LEGISLATIVE ACT: Decision 1554/2005/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.

CONTENT: On 31 December 2005 both the Community framework strategy and the action plan on gender equality; first established in 2001 and 2004 respectively, expire. The framework programme was set up under Decision 2001/51/EC, whilst the action programme was established under Decision 848/2004/EC. Until such time as a new multi-annual framework programme can be agreed upon, it has become necessary to extend both of the existing programmes by one year.

Accordingly, Decision 2001/51/EEC has been amended so that the expiry date now reads 31 December 2006, rather than 31 December 2005. The financial contribution for the period 2001 – 2006 has been amended to read EUR 61.5 million. Similarly, Decision 848/004/EC has been amended so that the expiry date of the action programme now reads 31 December 2006, rather than 31 December 2005. The financial contribution for the programme 2004-2006, has been amended to read EUR 3.3 million.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 30/09/2005.

The European Parliament adopted a report by Rodi KRATSA-TSAGAROPOULOU (EPP-ED, EL) approving the Commission’s proposal. (Please see the summary of 26/04/2005.)

The European Parliament adopted a report by Rodi KRATSA-TSAGAROPOULOU (EPP-ED, EL) approving the Commission’s proposal. (Please see the summary of 26/04/2005.)

The committee adopted the report by Rodi KRATSA-TSAGAROPOULOU (EPP-ED, EL) approving the proposal unamended under the 1st reading of the codecision procedure. It called on the Commission explicitly to make adequate budgetary provision in the new financial perspective for 2007-2013 for the programme relating to the framework strategy and for the Community action programme.

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.

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.