Decision no. 1672/2006 establishing a Community Program for Employment and Social Solidarity – PROGRESS, was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on 24 October 2004 and was published in the Official Journal of the European Communities on 15 November 2006. This specific program aims to support financially the implementation of the objectives of the European Union in the fields of employment and social affairs as set out in the Social Agenda and thereby contribute to the achievement of the Lisbon Strategy goals in these fields.

The mission of PROGRESS is to strengthen the EU contribution to Member States' commitments and efforts to create more and better jobs and to build a more cohesive society. To this end PROGRESS:

· provides analysis and policy advice on PROGRESS policy areas;

· monitors and reports on the implementation of EU legislation and policies in PROGRESS policy areas;

· promotes policy transfer, learning and support among Member States on EU objectives and priorities;

· relays the views of the stakeholders involved and society in general to the appropriate channels.

The seven-year Programme targets all stakeholders who can help shape the development of appropriate and effective employment and social legislation and policies across the 27 member- states of the EU, EFTA (European Free Trade Association) - EEA (European Economic Area), Croatia, Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia and Serbia.

It must be specified that this information “reflects the author’s view and that the Commission is not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained therein”

Within the context of the 2007 European Year of Equal Opportunities for All, European Union interested agencies were invited, through public tenders, to submit proposals for the promotion of national awareness raising activities in the fields of non-discrimination, diversity and equality. The Social Welfare Services submitted a proposal for the implementation of such activities, which was positively assessed. The programme, the duration of which is for one year, is being financed by the European Union by 80% and the Republic of Cyprus covers the remaining 20% of the costs. The goal is to inform and to raise awareness within the public and the officers involved as well as the various agencies, on matters relating to combating discrimination, respect for diversity and the promotion of equal opportunities for all, in particular as regards vulnerable groups of the population. It also aims at combating discrimination on the grounds of racial and ethnic origin, religion, special needs, age or sexual orientation.

The year 2007 was the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All, and it was an opportunity for renewing the common vision for the kind of Europe where all persons will enjoy a life free of discriminations and inequalities. In the light of this common vision, the European Union has invited interested agencies through public tenders, to submit proposals for the promotion of national awareness raising activities in the fields of non-discrimination, diversity and equality.

The Social Welfare Services submitted a proposal for the implementation of such activities, which was positively assessed. The duration of the programme is one year. The Programme is expected to be completed within the year 2008. The cost of the programme is €105 766,22. and it is being financed by the European Union by 80%, and the Republic of Cyprus will cover the remaining 20% of the total expenses.

The activities scheduled for the purpose of implementing the above project, lay within the context of the two Directives, which are the two pillars of the community legislation; Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 on the equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin and Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation.

The result of the efforts for combating discrimination was the development of a comprehensive legislation at European level. However, further efforts will be required to ensure that the legislation in force is effectively implemented. Discrimination on the grounds of personal characteristics such as gender, ethnic origin, age or sexual orientation or disabilities continues to deter certain people from fully utilising their abilities and skills. Discrimination affects not only the personal lives of the people experiencing it, but also the social and economic development of each country.

The Social Welfare Services, within the context of the above Programme, aim at raising awareness and enhancing the mobilisation of all citizens and in particular the vulnerable groups of the population and all stakeholders in matters concerning equality and diversity. It also aims at making people aware that it is important that diversity and equality are incorporated into every policy implemented.