This decision establishes the ‘Youth’ Community action programme, hereinafter referred to as ‘this programme’, concerning cooperation policy in the youth field, including European voluntary service and youth exchanges both within the Community and with third countries.

This programme shall be implemented over the period starting on 1 January 2000 and ending on 31 December 2006.

This programme shall contribute to the promotion of a Europe of knowledge by developing a European area of cooperation in the field of youth policy, based on informal education and training. It shall promote lifelong learning and the building up of the knowledge and skills and competences likely to foster active citizenship and employability.

This programme shall support and supplement action taken by and in the Member States while fully respecting their cultural and linguistic diversity.