Regional systems 135 in particular on the grounds of sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, to fight against stereotypes and to raise awareness among the population of both their own and others’ rights and the benefits of diversity. To support the legislation and help change behaviours and attitudes, the European Union runs a Europe-wide information campaign, “For diversity. Against discrimination”, featuring public events, journalism awards, movies and publications to raise awareness of people’s rights and responsibilities. The film, A Diverse Society: Tackling Discrimination across Europe, for instance, explores equality and diversity under EU law and provides information about sources of assistance for those who have suffered discrimination.161 Cooperation with civil society The European Commission consults with civil society organizations when formulating and implementing its policies on non-discrimination. It consults with the public before taking major policy initiatives and cooperates with social sector NGOs. Not least, public consultations serve the purpose of collecting ideas and suggestions from key stakeholders and experts on how to achieve the greatest possible impact of non-discrimination policies. The European Union also financially supports intermediary actors (e.g., non-profit organizations, voluntary associations, foundations, NGOs and equality bodies) which are active in the fight against discrimination, racism and xenophobia. The European Union provides financial support to NGOs and other entities through the PROGRESS programme, for example, which aims at developing the capacity of key European networks to promote and further develop European Community policy goals and strategies to combat discrimination. In addition, the Specific Programme on Fundamental Rights and Citizenship focuses on the protection of the rights of the child, combating racism, xenophobia and antisemitism, the fight against homophobia, active participation in the democratic life of the European Union, data protection and privacy rights, training and networking among legal practitioners.162 Coordination of national policies for an inclusive society Member States have competence in central policy areas, such as education, employment or social inclusion, for the inclusion of ethnic minorities. However, the European Union coordinates national policies by means of common objectives, policy guidelines and indicators. Member States draw up national reform programmes and action plans on which there is joint reporting and peer review, which encourages the transfer of good practices. The European Union’s Structural Funds, and in particular the European Social Fund, serve as tools to implement the national programmes and action plans. European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights was established in 2007 through Council Regulation (EC) No. 168/2007.163 Based in Vienna, it is an independent agency which cooperates with national and international bodies and organizations, in particular with the Council of Europe. When the relevant institutions and authorities of the European Union and its member States are implementing EU law, the Agency provides assistance and expertise relating to fundamental rights in order to support the institutions to formulate appropriate courses of action. While the Agency focuses on the situation regarding fundamental rights in the European See http://ec.europa.eu/justice/discrimination/awareness/index_en.htm (accessed 4 December 2012). 161 See http://ec.europa.eu/justice/grants/programmes/fundamental-citizenship/index_en.htm (accessed 4 December 2012). 162 OJ 2007/L 53/1. 163