-Official Journal of the European Communities 25 . 1338/63 OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 20.4.63 'COUNCIL DECISION of 2 April 1963 laying down general principles for implementing a common vocational training policy (63/266/EEC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the Euro- pean Economic Community, and in particular Article 128 thereof; Having regard to the proposal from the Commission; Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee; Having regard to the Opinion of the European Par- liament?; Whereas, in order to fulfil the obligation imposed on them by the Treaty, to ensure the maintenance of a high level of employment through their economic policies, Member States should take appropriate ac- tion to adapt the skills of their labour forces to changes in the general economic situation and to changes in production technology; Whereas against the background of the rapid im- plementation of the common market and in con- junction with the co-ordination of regional policies and the progressive achievement of a common agri- cultural policy, the structural changes which are at present taking place in certain economic sectors raise urgent problems of vocational training and retraining; Whereas a common vocational training policy which, in accordance with Article 128 of the Treaty, can contribute to the harmonious development both of the national economies and of the common market should be defined in the light of the general objec- tives of the Treaty, and in particular the Preamble and Article 2 thereof; 1 OJ No 31, 26. 4. 1962, p. 1034/62. Whereas the implementation of an effective common vocational training policy will help to bring about freedom of movement for workers; Whereas the freedom of choice of occupation, place of training and place of work which is the fundamen- tal right of every person should be respected; Whereas every person should, during the different stages of his working life, be able to receive adequate basic and advanced training, and any necessary vo- cational retraining; Whereas the general principles for implementing a common vocational training policy should apply to all vocational training of young persons and adults who might be or already are employed in posts up to supervisory level; and whereas special importance should be attached to the basic and advanced training of teachers and instructors; Whereas the attainment of the objectives set out in the following general principles requires not only that action be taken at a national level, but also that the Commission be enabled to propose appropriate measures, under the Treaty, to the Council or to the Member States; and whereas this will entail close co-operation both between Member States and between Member States and the competent institutions of the Community; Whereas it is desirable to ensure, in particular by set- ting up an Advisory Committee attached to the Com- mission, co-operation between those public and pri- vate bodies within the Member States which are par- ticularly concerned with problems of w~ocational training; ) Whereas the following general principles are relevant to, present economic and social conditions in- the Community; and whereas they may subsequently be amplified progressively in the light of changing re- quirements within the Community;