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Summary: The October issue of the Save the Children Brussels Office Newsletter provides information on the activities of the Brussels office as well as on the latest EU policy developments on children’s rights. HIGHLIGHTS Meeting in the European Parliaments Children’s Rights Alliance Euronet and Save the Children organised a meeting on 11th October, on the forthcoming Commission Communication on a strategy for implementation of the Rights of the Child. Patrick Trousson from the EC-Directorate-General for Justice, Freedom and Security (DG JLS) presented the outline and timeframe for the coming strategy. Six Members of the European Parliament participated in the discussion. For more information, contact Hans Lind: hans-savechildbru@skynet.be European Union Strategy for Africa and the EU development policy statement The European Commission adopted a proposal for a new EU Strategy for Africa on 12th October . The Strategy suggests a framework for action for all EU Member States and the European Commission to support Africa’s efforts to attain the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Commission proposes a focus on peace and security, good and effective governance, trade, interconnectivity, social cohesion and environmental sustainability. The strategy also stresses the need to prioritise children’s rights, especially in the areas of child labour, education, health and basic services. It also highlights the situation of orphaned and disabled children, as well as those affected by armed conflict. The Communication was welcomed by the EU Development ministers in their informal meeting in Leeds (24–25 October). They are however more divided on the Commission's proposal – presented in July - on coordinating development aid at EU level. Save the Children has stressed for the need to place children – their survival, development and protection – at the centre of policy and practice. Above all, to break Africa’s cycle of poverty, there must be an unprecedented level of investment in this generation of children. For policies to be implemented there is also a need for additional resources in the Commission as well as focal points for children’s rights both in Brussels and in the EC delegations. For more information, contact Hans Lind: hans-savechildbru@skynet.be The Council Directive 2003/86/EC sets out the rules by which third-country nationals legally residing in one of the Member States may apply for their family members to join them. According to the Directive, family members entitled to join their relative are at least: the spouse and minor children; as well as parents in case of recognised refugee children. In order to exercise the right to family reunification, fulfilment of the following conditions may be required from the sponsor: normal accommodation; sickness insurance for him/her and family members; stable and regular resources; two years of residence before the family joins him/her. When examining an application the Member States shall have the best interest of the child in mind. Member States have to implement the Directive before 3rd of October 2005. Until now only 6 Member States (Belgium, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Slovenia) have notified their implementing measures to the Commission. The Commission is to report to the Council and the Parliament periodically on the application of this directive. The first report is to be submitted before 3rd of October 2007. European Commission’s Plan for Democracy, Dialogue and Debate After the French and Dutch "No" to the EU constitution, the Commissioner Wallström presented a "Plan D for Democracy, Dialogue and Debate" on 13th October. The objective is to build a new consensus about the policies required to equip Europe to meet the new challenges of the 21st century. The EU is to listen more to its citizens and stimulate a debate on the future of Europe. National debates in the member states are to be held, providing feed back to the Commission by April 2006. A European Conference on the future of Europe will be organised on 9th May 2006, drawing together the main conclusions of the debates. The Commission will prepare a synthesis report of the national debates in time for the June 2006 European Council under the Austrian Presidency. The Commission is furthermore proposing 13 specific initiatives to stimulate a wider public debate. Save the Children notes the special focus on including young people in the dialogue. Consultation on the thematic programme for cooperation with third countries in the areas of migration and asylum The European Commission is launching an open consultation on the future thematic programme of cooperation with third countries in the areas of migration and asylum for the period 2007-2013. A specific Communication will be prepared and presented to the Parliament and the Council after the consultation. After their reactions, the Commission will draft a strategy and propose a budget, which are to be approved by the end of 2006. As a basis for the consultation, the Commission services have prepared a 10-page consultation document. Written comments are welcome until 4th November 2005, to the following e-mail address: Relex-consultation-programme-migration@cec.eu.int 2008 "European Year of Intercultural Dialogue" On 5th October, the Commission adopted a proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council to declare 2008 "European Year of Intercultural Dialogue". With an overall budget of € 10 million, the European Year will focus especially on culture, education, youth, sport and citizenship. European Commission presents a communication on trafficking On 18th October, the European Commission presented its plans for strengthening the EU's commitment to preventing and combating trafficking in human beings, laying special emphasis on the protection, support and rehabilitation of its victims. The Commission Communication urges the EU Council of Ministers to adopt a Decision to enable the EU to accede to the UN Protocol on human trafficking "as soon as possible." It also states that members should speed up transposition of Directive 2004/81/EC, which helps victims of trafficking who are living in the EU without documentation to obtain 6-month resident permits, if they help the authorities prosecute the traffickers. It also states that the 2003 Framework Decision on child sexual exploitation and pornography may need to be toughened up. The Communication emphasises that in order to effectively tackle human trafficking, an integrated approach is needed, calling for a coordinated policy response in the areas of freedom, security and justice, external relations, development cooperation, employment and gender equality. In 2006 the Commission will review an EU Framework Decision that introduced minimum penal sanctions for child prostitution and may propose further harmonisation. Calls for proposals: Albania Micro projects EIDHR - European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights The EC delegation in Tirana has issued a call for proposals to encourage individuals and civil society to respect human rights and prevent human rights violations, in particular with regards to the rights of marginalised, vulnerable groups or disadvantaged people. The regions concerned are Albania: Has, Puke, Diber, Tropoja, Malesi e Madhe. EU Member states NGOs are welcome to apply. The global budget is 340 000 Euros. Application deadline: 21 November 2005 Promotion of Active European Citizenship The Commission invites NGOs to present project proposals that can promote active European citizenship. Active engagement of young people is encouraged. Call for proposals. Submission deadline: 30 November 2005
Directive on family reunification for immigrants