Amended proposal for a Council Decision adopting the third phase of the trans-European cooperation scheme for higher education (Tempus III) (2000-2006)
C 87/102 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 29. 3. 1999 Amended proposal for a Council Decision adopting the third phase of the trans-European scheme for higher education Tempus III (2000—2006) (1) (1999/C 87/04) (Text with EEA relevance) COM(1999) 52 final — 98/0246 (CNS) (Presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 189 a (2) of the EC-Treaty on 3 February 1999) (1) OJ L 270, 29. 8. 1998, p. 9. ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 235 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Having regard to the opinion of Parliament, the European Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee, Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions, N e w r e c i t a l p r e c e d i n g r e c i t a l 1 Whereas the European Council meeting in Strasbourg on 8 and 9 December 1989 called on the Council to adopt, on the basis of from the Commission, measures aimed at enabling the Central and Eastern European countries in programmes in the areas of education and/or training similar to the existing Community programmes; to take part a proposal (1) Whereas the Council on 18 December 1989 adopted Regulation (EEC) No 3906/89 on economic aid to the Republic of Hungary and the Polish People’s Republic (2), which provides for aid to support the process of economic and social reform in Central and Eastern European countries in areas including training, and on 25 June 1996 adopted Regulation (EC, Euratom) No of assistance to economic reform and recovery in the new independent states of the former Soviet Union and Mongolia (3), concerning provision 1279/96 the (2) Whereas on 29 April 1993 the Council adopted trans-European second phase the the of (2) OJ L 375, 23. 12. 1989, p. 11. Regulation amended most recently by Regulation (EEC) No 753/96 (OJ L 103, 26. 4. 1996, p. 5). (3) OJ L 165, 4. 7. 1996, p. 1. 29. 3. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 87/103 ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL for higher scheme cooperation education (Tempus II) for a period of four years from 1 July 1994 (1) and thereafter amended its decision on 21 November 1996 to extend to six years the duration (1994-2000) (96/663/EC) (2); programme this of (3) Whereas the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, the new independent states of the former are Soviet Union beneficiaries PHARE and TACIS programmes, consider training and, in particular, higher education to be one of the key areas for the process of economic and social reform; and Mongolia, which the of R e c i t a l 3 a ( n e w ) Whereas cooperation on higher education strengthens and deepens the whole fabric of relations existing between the peoples of Europe, brings out common cultural values, allows fruitful exchanges of views to take place and facilitates multinational activities in the scientific, cultural, artistic, socio-economic and commercial spheres; (4) Whereas the recent establishment of Tempus in the non-associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe, in the new independent states of the former Soviet Union and in Mongolia, whose needs are greater and whose areas are more extensive, fully warrants the continuation of the measures undertaken; R e c i t a l 5 (5) Whereas Tempus an can make effective contribution to the reform of higher education systems required to improve occupational skills adapted to the necessary economic reforms and for is no other there whereas achieving this objective; instrument (5) Whereas Tempus an can make effective contribution to the structural development of higher improve occupational skills adapted to economic reform and whereas there is no other instrument for achieving this objective; education required to R e c i t a l 5 a ( n e w ) Whereas Tempus effective contribution, via universities and university staff, also make can an (1) OJ L 112, 6. 5. 1993, p. 34. (2) OJ L 306, 28. 11. 1996, p. 36. C 87/104 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 29. 3. 1999 ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL to the development of public administration and in the Central and Eastern education structures European countries, the new independent states and Mongolia; (6) Whereas Tempus contribute the can restoration of cooperation, interrupted by recent events, between neighbouring regions of the Community and whereas this cooperation is a factor of peace and stability in Europe; to R e c i t a l 7 (7) Whereas in the countries associated the pre-accession phase which have taken part in Tempus I and Tempus II could now make a useful contribution alongside the Member States in assisting the partner countries who came into to the programme at a much later restructure their higher education systems; stage (7) Whereas in the countries associated the pre-accession phase which have taken part in Tempus I and Tempus II could now, thanks to the experience they have acquired, make a useful contribution alongside the Member States in assisting the partner countries who came into the programme at a much later stage to restructure their higher education systems; stipulates (96/663/EC) (8) Whereas Article 11 introduced by Council Decision the Commission must carry out an evaluation of the implementation of the Tempus programme and submit no later than 30 April 1998 a proposal for the programme for the period commencing on 1 July 2000; the adjustment of the extension or that R e c i t a l 9 (9) Whereas the the users competent authorities of responsible and Mongolia, the in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, the the former Soviet new independent states of the Union programme, for structures organising it in the eligible countries and in the European Community, and the experts and qualified representatives reflecting the views of the university world in Europe, the findings of the evaluation report attesting to the to make an effective capacity of Tempus to the contribution in the eligible countries diversification of educational opportunities and to cooperation between universities, thereby paving the way for the development of scientific, cultural and cooperation; share (9) Whereas the the users competent authorities of responsible and Mongolia, the in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, the the former Soviet new independent states of the Union programme, for structures organising it in the eligible countries and in the European Community, and the experts and qualified representatives reflecting the views of the university world in Europe, the findings of the evaluation report attesting to the to make an effective capacity of Tempus to the contribution in the eligible countries diversification of educational opportunities and to cooperation between universities, thereby paving the way for the development of scientific, cultural and economic and social cooperation; share 29. 3. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 87/105 ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL R e c i t a l 9 a ( n e w ) Whereas the possibility should be provided of carrying out joint activities between the Tempus III programme and other Community programmes or actions with an educational and/or training-related dimension, thus stimulating synergies and increasing the added value of each of the Community actions; (10) Whereas the Treaty does not provide, for the action concerned, powers other than those of Article 235, and the conditions for the use of that Article have been satisfied; HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 Duration of Tempus III The third phase of the trans-European cooperation scheme for university studies (hereinafter referred to as Tempus III’) is hereby adopted for a period of six years as form 1 July 2000. Article 2 Eligible countries Tempus III concerns the non-associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe eligible for economic aid by virtue of Regulation (EEC) No 3906/89 (PHARE programme) (1), and the new independent states of the former Soviet Union and Mongolia mentioned in Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1279/96 (TACIS programme), subject to these assistance programmes being prolonged for the period referred to. These countries are hereinafter eligible countries’. referred to as in the set out On the basis of an evaluation of the specific situation of each country the Commission, in accordance with the procedures abovementioned regulations, shall determine in agreement with the eligible countries concerned whether they should participate in Tempus III, and the nature and the their participation in the national conditions of planning of Community assistance for social and economic reform. (1) At present Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. C 87/106 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 29. 3. 1999 ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL Article 3 Definitions For the purposes of Tempus III: (a) (b) university’ means any type of post-secondary teaching and training establishment which, in higher education and training, award higher level level qualifications or diplomas, offers higher qualifications such diplomas, whatever establishments may be called in the Member States; or irrespective of and types of industry’ and company’ cover all legal status, economic activity, local law bodies, authorities autonomous business organisations, chambers of commerce and industry and/or their equivalents, professional associations, employers’ and workers’ organisations, and the training bodies of the institutions and organisations mentioned above. public Each Member State or eligible country may determine what types of establishment referred to in point (a) can participate in Tempus III. Article 4 Aims The aims of Tempus III are to promote, in line with the guidelines and general objectives of the PHARE for economic and social and TACIS programmes reform, the higher education systems in the eligible countries through the most balanced cooperation possible with the partners of all the Member States of the Community. the developement of These actions are open to the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe so that what has been achieved through Tempus can be shared with the neighbouring countries and in order to develop regional cross-border cooperation. A r t i c l e 4 ( 3 ) More specifically, Tempus III is intended to help the higher education systems in the eligible countries to address: adaption of higher More specifically, Tempus III is intended to facilitate education to the new the socio-economic and cultural needs of the eligible countries by addressing: 29. 3. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 87/107 ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL (a) issues relating to the development and reshaping of teaching syllabuses in the priority areas; (b) reform of higher establishments and their management; education structures and (c) the development of training opening on to qualifications, with a view to making good the shortage of high level skills needed for the period of economic reform, particularly by improving and increasing links with industry. The Commission will, when pursuing the objectives of Tempus III, endeavour to adhere to the Community’s general policy on equal opportunities for men and women. The same will apply for disadvantaged groups such as those suffering from handicaps. The Commission will, when pursuing the objectives of Tempus III, endeavour to adhere to the Community’s general policy on equal opportunities for men and women. The Commission will also endeavour to ensure that no group of citizens is excluded or disadvantaged for any reason whatsoever. Article 5 Dialogue with the eligible countries In agreement with the competent authorities in each country, the Commission will define the detailed priorities and objectives for the role of Tempus III in the national strategy for economic and social reform, on the basis of the programme’s objectives and the provisions set out in the Annex, and in conformity in particular with: (a) (i) the general programme; objectives of the PHARE (ii) the general the TACIS programme, with particular reference to its sectoral aspects; objectives of (b) the policy of each eligible country on economic, social and educational reforms; (c) the need to strike an appropriate balance between the priority areas selected and the resources allocated to Tempus III. C 87/108 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 29. 3. 1999 ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL Article 6 Committee The Commission shall implement the Tempus III (1) programme in accordance with the provision set out in the Annex, with the detailed guidelines to be adopted every year as a function of the objectives and priorities defined in Agreement with the competent authorities in each eligible country, as described in Article 5. The Commission shall be assisted in the (2) implementation of this task by an advisory committee comprising a representative of each Member State and chaired by the representative of the Commission. The Commission representative shall submit to (3) the Committee drafts for measures relating to: (a) the general guidelines governing Tempus III; (b) selection the guidelines contribution beneficiaries); for procedures and the the Community’s (amounts, duration general financial and (c) matters concerning general balance of the Tempus III, including the breakdown across the various actions; (d) the detailed priorities and objectives to be defined with the competent authorities in each eligible county; (e) the arrangements for monitoring and evaluating Tempus. (4) The Committee shall deliver its opinion on these limit which the draft measures within a time Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. 29. 3. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 87/109 ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL (5) The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account. Article 7 Cooperation with the competent institutions The Commission shall (1) cooperate with the institutions of each of the eligible countries designated and set up to coordinate the relations and structures needed to implement Tempus including the allocation of funds earmarked by the eligible countries themselves. III, In for the addition, implementation (2) of Tempus III, the Commission shall cooperate closely with the competent national institutions designated by the Member States. It shall take due account whenever possible of bilateral measures taken in this context by the Member States. Article 8 Links with other Community actions A r t i c l e 8 In line with the procedure set out in Article 6(3) of this Decision and, if applicable, the procedure defined in Article 9 of Regulation (EEC) No 3906/89 and in Article 8 of Regulation No 1279/96, the Commission shall ensure consistency and, complementarity between Tempus III and other Community actions undertaken both in the Community and as part of assistance provided to eligible countries, particularly with regard to the activities of the European Training Foundation. In line with the procedure set out in Article 6(3) of this Decision and, if applicable, the procedure defined in Article 9 of Regulation (EEC) No 3906/89 and in Article 8 of Regulation No 1279/96, within the limits established by the annual budgetary decisions, the Commission shall ensure consistency and, if necessary, III and other complementarity between Tempus Community the in both undertaken actions Community and as part of assistance provided to eligible countries, particularly with regard to the activities of the European Training Foundation. Article 9 Coordination with action taken in non-Community countries (1) The Commission shall organise appropriate coordination with actions undertaken by countries not C 87/110 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 29. 3. 1999 ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL members of the Community (1) or by universities and the business sector in this country in the same field as Tempus III, including, where applicable, participation in Tempus III projects. This participation may take a variety of forms, (2) including one or more of the following: — participation in Tempus III projects on an co-financing basis; — using the opportunities available under Tempus III to redirect exchange actions receiving bilateral funding; — coordination between Tempus III and national initiatives which have the same aims but which are funded and managed separately; — mutual exchange of information on all relevant initiatives in this field. Article 10 Annual report An annual report on the operation of Tempus III shall be forwarded by the Commission to the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. This report shall be forwarded to the eligible countries for information. the Council, Article 11 Monitoring and evaluation — reports In accordance with the procedure described in to the the Commission shall Article 6(3), regular monitoring and external for arrangements see (1) These countries are the members of the Group of 24, other than the Member States of the Community, the Republic of Cyprus and Malta, and the associated countries and and participation relates to projects with the non-associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe eligible under the PHARE programme. of Central Europe, Eastern 29. 3. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 87/111 ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL III, evaluation of experience gained with Tempus in the specific objectives taking due account of Article 4 and the national objectives defined in accordance with Article 5. It shall submit by 30 April 2004 an interim report on the findings of together with any proposals for extending or adjusting Tempus for the period commencing on 1 July 2006. the evaluation, The Commission shall submit a final report no later than 30 June 2009. ANNEX Joint European projects (1) The European Community will provide support for Joint European Projects. The JEPs will associate at least one university in an eligible country, one university from a Member State and a partner establishment (university or company) in another Member State. (2) for JEPs can be provided for activities Support according to the specific needs of the establishments concerned and in line with the priorities established, including: (i) joint teaching and training actions, particularly with a view to creating new courses, developing and restructuring existing teaching programmes, boosting university capacity to provide continuing and refreshing training, setting up short intensive courses, and developing distance teaching systems; (ii) measures for the reform and development of higher education and its capacity, particularly by restructuring the management of higher education by modernising establishments existing the equipment needed to implement a JEP and, where applicable, by providing technical and financial assistance to the authorities responsible; and infrastructures, systems, by acquiring C 87/112 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 29. 3. 1999 ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL (iii) (iv) the promotion of university socio-economic the including industry, through joint actions; cooperation between the players, and development the teachers, administrative staff at universities and students under JEPs: of mobility for will provided grants for be teaching/administrative staff at universities or in the Member to trainers States teaching/training to assignments for periods lasting up to one year in eligible countries and vice versa; in companies carry out (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) will provided in companies grants for be teaching/administrative staff at universities or in the Member to trainers teaching/training States to assignments lasting from one week to one year in eligible countries and vice versa; carry out for periods (a) will awarded grants to be teaching/administrative staff of universities in the eligible countries to undertake periods of retraining and updating in the European Community; eligible in the a period of Community grants will be available for students up to and including post graduate level, targeting countries both students in the undertaking European European Community students undertaking a period of study in the eligible countries. These grants will normally be granted for a period of three months to one year; study and for students taking part in JEPs with the specific aim of promoting mobility, priority will go to students taking part in projects for which their university of origin will give full academic recognition to the period of study spent abroad; support will be provided for practical or in-company training periods of one month to one year for teachers, trainers, students and graduates of the eligible countries between the end of their studies and their first job, so that they can undertake a period of practical training in companies in the Community and vice versa; (v) activities to ensure the success of a JEP involving two or more eligible countries. 29. 3. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 87/113 ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL Structural and/or complementary measures complementary measures Financial support will be provided for certain structural technical and/or information assistance, activities) the programme, particularly the development and restructuring of higher education systems in the eligible countries. studies, the objectives of seminars, to support publications, (particularly Under the structural measures, financial aid will be granted inter alia in order to: — develop and strengthen the strategic and institutional development of higher planning education establishments at university or faculty level; capacity for — establish a plan to develop universities under structural contracts to help them build up international relations; — support the spread of durable cooperation actions targeting the Tempus objectives; — prepare a national strategy in a given eligible country to develop a specific aspect of higher education. Individual grants JEPs and the structural the provision of In addition to the and/or complementary measures, the European Community will also support to teachers, trainers, university administrators, senior ministerial officials, education planners and other experts in training from eligible countries or from the Community, for visits to promote the quality, development and restructuring of higher education and training in the eligible countries. individual grants These visits could inter alia cover the following areas: — the development of courses and teaching material; — the development of staff, particularly through periods of refresher training and in-company placements; — teaching assignments; — activities to support the development of higher education. C 87/114 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 29. 3. 1999 ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL Support actions (1) The Commission will receive the technical assistance needed to underpin the action taken pursuant to this decision and to monitor programme implementation. (2) Support will be provided for appropriate external evaluation of Tempus III