Brussels, 19.07.2004 (Agence Europe) - The proposals of the European Commission concerning the future “Youth in Action” programme received a positive response from the European Youth Forum. The programme in question is to repalce the earlier “Youth Programme” as of 2007 and should have a budget of EUR 915 million (see EUROPE of 16 July, p.10). Giacomo Filibeck, President of the Youth Forum, especially welcomes the support given to the action of the youth associations in favour of active European citizenship. In his view, the proposals put forward stem from the great attention paid to the reality of the situation on the ground and come as a response to the developments in this connection, for example the strengthening of Community powers on matters relating to youth in the constitutional treaty. The Youth Forum is also delighted by the scope of the programme which will extend beyond Community borders involving third countries in many actions (for example the “Youth for the world” action) and the flexibility introduced with regards age. The budget, however, remains very limited, the Forum states, despite the desire of Community institutions to “bring Europe closer to its citizens”.