Recent developments concerning youth policies in the States parties to the European Cultural Convention
30th meeting, 18-20 February 2003

Turkey

Program of the 58^th Government

The Program of the 58th Government was presented to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey by Mr. Abdullah Gül, Prime Minister, on 23 November 2002.

The aim of the Government is to raise talented young people equipped with the skills to cope with the difficulties of life and sensitive to moral values, that are free minded, capable of taking decisions on their own, that question and are informed of the truths of their own society as well as those of an universal understanding.

The stated points in the programme are as follows:

• · Due attention will be paid to equal opportunity in the services offered to youth and to the healthy development of their personality, bodies and minds. Culture, arts and sports activities will be encouraged.
• · A regulating, coordinating and monitoring role will be assigned to the central authority in the field of youth and sports services; while the services will essentially be provided by local administrations in co-operation with voluntary organisations and the private sector.
• · Culture, arts, sports, folklore, literacy and research activities of local administrations geared towards the youth will be encouraged as well as private sector investment in these areas.
• · Necessary measures will be taken in the fight against drug addiction and an effective coordination will be established among the relevant institutions.
• · The minimum age to qualify for election will be reduced to 25 in order to carry the dynamism and the desire of renewal of our society to politics.
• · Steps will be taken in order to ensure that our youth makes better and healthier use of their spare time.

Establishment of the National Agency

Turkish National Agency has been established with the name of the Department of the European Union Education and Youth Programs under the State Planning Institute with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Education, the Council of Higher Education and the Directorate General for Youth and Sports.

The European Commission and the Turkish Government – National Agency have signed a series of agreements in preparation for Turkey's participation in the Community's “Socrates”, “Leonardo da Vinci” and “Youth” programmes from 2004 on.

In order to participate fully in the programmes, Turkey must make a financial contribution to the programmes' budgets and follow the necessary rules for participation and implement a set of preparatory measures (information campaigns throughout the country, having the National Agency staff receive training, supplying necessary equipment, having the National Agency become fully operational and having potential participants be given the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the programmes and develop contacts with a view to future partnerships).

To this end, those appointed by the Turkish authorities have, with the Commission's help, drew up work programmes planning the measures to be taken in December 2002. Implementing the preparatory measures in the course of 2003 will help to prepare Turkey for full integration into the three programmes in 2004 when the necessary agreement has been reached.