Robert Schuman project (1998-2000)

1) OBJECTIVE

To improve training in and knowledge of Community law among judges, prosecutors and lawyers.

2) ACT

Parliament and Council Decision No 1496/98/EC of 22 June 1998 establishing an action programme to improve awareness of Community law within the legal professions (Robert Schuman project) [Official Journal L 196, 14.07.1998].

3) SUMMARY

Declaration No 19 on the implementation of Community law, attached to the Final Act of the Treaty on European Union, stresses that it is essential for the proper functioning of the Community that the measures taken by the different Member States should result in Community law being applied with the same effectiveness and rigour as domestic law.

Since the Community rules on the freedoms of the internal market which have direct effect may be invoked before any national court, it is essential that legal practitioners be trained in Community law to ensure that citizens benefit from certain guarantees in all Member States.

The three-year programme known as the "Robert Schuman project" is aimed at members of the legal professions (judges, prosecutors and lawyers).

The programme consists of three strands: training, information and accompanying measures. Its main purpose is to support Member States in launching initiatives of a practical nature.

Any institution responsible for training members of the legal profession (bar associations, professional bodies, Ministries of Justice, universities, etc.) may submit a project. Projects are selected on the basis of certain criteria such as their practical use, suitability to the needs of professional practice, cross-border dimension and cost-effectiveness.

The Commission is responsible for implementing the project and carries out periodic assessments. No later than two years after the programme enters into force, the Commission will submit an assessment report on implementation of the programme to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.

This Decision entered into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal.

Last updated: 07.03.2005