Decision not to organise a European Year in 2016

3.2.2016

Question for written answer E-001028-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Vilija Blinkevičiūtė (S&D)

European Years, an EU initiative, are devoted to specific themes and designed to encourage debate and dialogue within and between countries. European years of this kind have been organised since 1983, and the decision to focus greater attention on a given internal or external issue of concern to the EU is taken by Parliament and the Council under the ordinary legislative procedure, that is to say, on a proposal from the Commission.

Having already endorsed a written declaration in May 2015, Parliament, in a report adopted on 9 June 2015, renewed the call for 2016 to be declared the European Year for combating violence against women and girls.

Could the Commission explain in detail why it has decided not to organise a specific European Year in 2016?