Knowledge of Community Law

The Robert Schuman programme to improve awareness of Community law among the legal profession has invited applications for its Y2K project. It was set up by the European Parliament and Council with a total budget of E1m following completion of the legislative drive to consolidate the internal market and to meet the new need for effective and uniform implementation in the Member States of the common rules necessary for it to function smoothly. As the call for proposals says (OJ 4.1.2000 p.C1/4), citizens, consumers and enterprises will be unable to enforce all of their rights under the Community legal system unless those members of the legal professions most directly involved in implementing Community law (judges, prosecutors and lawyers) are sufficiently informed and trained to do so. The scheme supports two types of project - practical training and information provision - presented by lawyers, professional associations, courts, Ministries of Justice, universities or establishments for training legal professionals. There is an emphasis on the needs of professional practice both in the content and the arrangements of successful projects, and particular emphasis on raising awareness of Community law for those legal professionals who have not yet been exposed to it. The closing date to submit applications is 31 March 2000.