Commission awaits project proposals aiming to fight against violence against women and children (Daphné programme)

Brussels, 30/03/2000 (Agence Europe) - Doted with EUR 20 million for the 2000-2003 period (EUR 5 million per year), the Daphné programme initiated by the European Commission and jointly launched, in 1997, by the Council and EP in view of fighting against violence against women and children is presently opening its call for applications. These should be made by the 20 June. Founded on the worries linked to public health, this programme - now under the responsibility of the Commissioner responsible for Justice and Home Affairs, Antonio Vitorino, - is inspired by the desire to defend human rights, especially those of women and children. During the press conference, its creator, Antony Simpson (who will have retired when you read this), explained, on Thursday, that the 2000-2003 programme will be different from its previous one in its now being open:

• Not only NGO, but also public institutions that, therefore, may, also present projects;
• To candidate Member States for accession to the EU as well as EFTA countries;
• Projects covering several years, while the previous programme (54 in 1999) limited them to one year.

The Daphné programme as well as the application form and the introductory guide are available on the Commission's Europa web site at the following address: http: //http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/justice_home/project/daphne/index.htm