After having been sent back to the committee at the last plenary session, the resolution drafted by Mrs Marianne ERIKSSON (EUl/NGL, S) was adopted by a large majority with 14 compromise amendments which overcome the problems with the Commission. Parliament is proposing a financial reference of at least EUR 50 million for the period from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2005. (Refer to previous stage in the legislative process, decision of committee responsible, for further details).
In addition, the EU is invited to organise a European Equality week that will take place at Community level and in each Member State and applicant country. One such topic could be combating violence against women and children. The Commission should monitor and evaluate the programme and inform the Parliament on progress.
The resolution also takes the view that women are poorly represented at all levels (Community, regional, national and local). It wishes to strengthen the participation of women in the decision-making bodies, including their role in the international missions. It should also be added that the Commission has noted that the external dimension of the programme cannot go beyond the EU's area of competence and that the programme cannot therefore apply to candidate countries.�