91998E2856

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2856/98

by Niall Andrews (UPE) to the Commission

(28 September 1998)

Subject: European Voluntary Service Programme for young people

Following the agreement between the European Parliament and Council on a budget of ECU 47,5 million for 1998/99 for the EVS programme, what assurances can the Commission provide that Irish applicants will be favourably considered, and will it outline the main areas of support in 1998/99 for EVS programmes?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 1998)

The European voluntary service for young people (EVS) has been preceded by a two-year pilot action in which Irish young people and organisations have actively participated (66 Irish volunteers sent, 85 European volunteers hosted by Irish organisations). Knowledge and information on the content and procedural aspects of EVS have therefore been widely disseminated amongst potential Irish applicants. This should facilitate their smooth participation in the newly established programme.

The EVS programme is a largely decentralised programme. Its implementation in Ireland will be highly dependent on the actions taken by the Irish EVS national structure "Leargas - the exchange bureau". This structure has already been successfully involved in the pilot phase of EVS and has also proven to be a very efficient vector for implementation of the youth for Europe programme. The efficiency and competence demonstrated by Leargas should be an asset for the participation of Irish young people and organisations during the coming months. They will, of course, benefit from the same opportunities to participate in EVS as nationals from other Member States.

As far as the main areas of support are concerned, the Commission has established a work plan outlining them for 1998. This has received full support from the programme committee. For 1998 the development of long-term (6-12 months) EVS projects remains the programme's centre of gravity but emphasis has also been put on the following activities: short-term (3 weeks - 3 months) EVS projects; preparation and training activities for young volunteers, project leaders and support staff, initiative and creativity projects of young people following their European voluntary service. Support to special projects (related to important events taking place in certain Member States), projects with non-member countries and experimental short-term projects is also envisaged.