92001E1752

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1752/01

by Isidoro Sánchez García (ELDR) to the Commission

(15 June 2001)

Subject: Cancellation of the White Paper on European Union youth policies

The Spanish Youth Council has criticised the cancellation of one of the main projects embarked on by the Commission in relation to young people: the White Paper on European Union youth policies. According to the Youth Council, the Commission decided to cancel the project after two years of intensive work with thousands of young people, experts, researchers and EU governments.

The project responded to the calls made by European youth organisations and appeared to open up the possibility of providing youth policies with a structure at Community level.

Bearing in mind the expectations raised and the initial date of November 2001 for the project's submission, why has the project been cancelled?

Will the Commission continue with the preparatory work on the White Paper on EU youth policies, and what date will it set for its finalisation and presentation?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(26 July 2001)

The Commission feels that the policy of co-operation on matters concerning European youth must be strengthened.

For this reason, at the initiative of the Member of the Commission responsible for education and culture, the Commission embarked upon the preparation of a White Paper on the subject.

The Commission wished this to be preceded by widespread consultation on an unprecedented scale. It is therefore aware of young people's expectations and of the responsibilities such expectations give rise to, not only at EU level but also in fact especially in the Member States.

Bolstered by the support of young people and the Member States, the Commission is continuing with the preparatory work on the White Paper, which should be published by the end of the year.