Doc.: A5-0009/2002
Procedure : Own-initiative report
Debate : 07.02.2002

It is estimated that between 10% and 20% of the population in the EU and up to 30% of the population in the candidate countries are unable to understand and use written text. However, proper statistics on illiteracy are not available, although illiteracy has serious human and social consequences, according to the Committee for Employment and Social Affairs.

An own-initiative report by Marie-Thérèse HERMANGE (EPP-ED, F) seeks to establish joint action at European level to ensure that efforts to combat illiteracy become an integral part of the programmes to combat social exclusion and also other Community policies. In a draft resolution MEPs call on the Commission to submit a Green Paper on the topic and proposes specific indicators and benchmarks relating to illiteracy, in connection with the employment guidelines and the open method of co-ordination used in the fight against poverty and exclusion. The Green Paper, they suggest, should contain a timetable for tangible objectives. Moreover, MEPs want the Commission to submit to Parliament and Council a proposal recommending measures to be taken by Member States. These measures include the development of literacy courses in all vocation training programmes; the promotion at local, regional and national level of initiatives such as mobile libraries and the recognition that computer illiteracy may also lead to social exclusion and also therefore needs addressing.

MEPs further call on the Commission and Council to set up a European illiteracy monitoring centre. They also invite the Commission to submit an annual report on the progress achieved in combating illiteracy and social exclusion.