Follow up
When adopting the new framework of cooperation in the youth field, the European Member States identified 4 thematic priorities specific to the youth field - i.e. participation, information, voluntary activities and a greater knowledge & understanding of youth - and recommended that youth should better be taken into account in other policies. In 2004 for example, stress will more particularly be laid on social integration.
In 2004, the common objectives and lines of action that have been adopted for the 2 first priorities - participation and information - will gradually be implemented. The follow-up of this implementation process in each of the Member States will be an important task.
Voluntary service and a greater understanding & knowledge of youth are the next priorities for which common objectives will be proposed in 2004. This implies that by the end of the year, common objectives will exist for all 4 of the above mentioned priorities. This will enable a first evaluation of the open method of coordination.
In parallel to the YOUTH program, a budget line has been created - as was the case in 2003 - to develop this time networks of participation projects which have a local anchorage. These projects are designed to prepare new actions of the future program on youth.
During the Irish and Dutch presidencies in 2004, events bringing together young people and politicians are planned with a view to strengthen the structured dialogue at the European level and to involve young people and their organizations more closely in the discussions and proposals which are of relevance to them.
