Amended proposal for a Council Decision establishing the second phase of the Community vocational training action programme "Leonardo da Vinci"
19. 1. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 14/9 II (Preparatory Acts) COMMISSION Amended proposal for a Council Decision establishing the second phase of the Community vocational training action programme "Leonardo da Vinci’Ø(˛) (1999/C 14/07) (Text with EEA relevance) COM(1998) 697 final - 98/0196(SYN) (Submitted by the Commission pursuant to Article 189a(2) of the EC Treaty on 2 December 1998) (˛) OJ C 309, 9. 10. 1998, p. 9. TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community and in particular Article 127 thereof, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community and in particular Article 127 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Having regard to the proposal from the CommissionØ(˛), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee, Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social CommitteeØ(ˇ), Acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 189c of the Treaty in cooperation with the European Parliament, Acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 189c of the Treaty in cooperation with the European ParliamentØ(—), (1) Whereas the Treaty establishing the European Community stipulates that the latter’s action shall, inter alia, contribute to the development of quality education and training; whereas this was resolutely reiterated by the Amsterdam Treaty signed on 2 October 1997, which states that the Community’s objective is also to promote the highest possible level of knowledge for its peoples through a wide access to education and through a continuous updating of knowledge; Unchanged (˛) OJ C 309, 9. 10. 1998, pp. 9Ü22. (ˇ) Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee ESC 1308/98, 15. 10. 1998. (—) Opinion of the European Parliament of 5. 11. 1998 (PE 273. 780). C 14/10 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 19. 1. 1999 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 (2) Whereas, by Decision 94/819/ECØ(˛), the Council implement a set up an action programme Community vocational training policy; whereas it is appropriate, on the basis of the acquired experience of that programme, to ensure its extension, taking into account the results obtained to date; to (2) Whereas, by Decision 94/819/ECØ(˛), the Council implement a set up an action programme Community vocational training policy; whereas it is appropriate, on the basis of the acquired experience of that programme, to ensure its extension, taking into account the results obtained to date; to (3) Whereas the extraordinary European Council on Employment held in Luxembourg on 20 and 21 November 1997 adopted a coordinated employment strategy in which lifelong education and training have a fundamental role to play in implementing guidelinesØ(ˇ) for the Member States’ employment policies in order to enhance employability, adaptaÜ bility, and the culture of entrepreneurshipØ(—) and to promote equal opportunities; (3) Whereas the extraordinary European Council on Employment held in Luxembourg on 20 and 21 November 1997 adopted a coordinated employment strategy in which lifelong education and training have a fundamental role to play in implementing guidelinesØ(ˇ) for the Member States’ employment policies in order to enhance employability, adaptaÜ bility, and the culture of entrepreneurshipØ(—) and to promote equal opportunities; (3a) Whereas lifelong learning will have to be provided for persons of all ages and all occupational categories, because of technological and demoÜ graphic change; (4) Whereas the Commission in its Communication "Towards a Europe of knowledge’Ø(Ñ) set out guidelines on the creation of a European education area capable of achieving the objective of lifelong education and types of training, defining measures to be developed at the Community level, all transnational cooperation and designed to bring added value to the action taken in full respect of the by the Member States, in a context of principle of subsidiarity, and simplified procedures; focusing on six (4) Whereas in the Commission its communication "Towards a Europe of knowledge’Ø(Ñ) set out guidelines on the creation of a European education area capable of achieving the objective of lifelong education and types of training, defining measures to be developed at the Community level, all transnational cooperation and designed to bring added value to the action taken by the Member States, in full respect of the principle of subsidiarity and whereas in order to make it easier for the target publics to have access to the programme, it has decided to simplify the application and selection procedures; focusing on six (˛) OJ L 340, 29. 12. 1994, p. 8. (ˇ) OJ C 30, 28. 1. 1998, p. 1. (—) Communication from "Fostering entrepreneurship future’ (COM(1998) 222 final 2, of 21 April 1998). the Commission the Council to in Europe: priorities for the (˛) OJ L 340, 29. 12. 1994, p. 8. (ˇ) OJ C 30, 28. 1. 1998, p. 8. (—) Communication from "Fostering entrepreneurship future’ (COM(1998) 222 final 2, 21 April 1998). the Commission the Council to in Europe: priorities for the (Ñ) Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Towards a Europe of knowledge, COM(97) 563 final, 12 November 1997. (Ñ) Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Towards a Europe of knowledge, COM(97) 563 final, 12 November 1997. 19. 1. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 14/11 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 of the learning (5) ØWhereas the White Paper) "Teaching and learning - Towards the learning societys’Ø(˛) states that the emergence entails encouraging the acquisition of new knowledge and to this end providing motivation to learn at every the Green Paper opportunity; to "Education, the obstacles transnational mobility’Ø(ˇ) highlighted adÜ vantages mobility brings to people and competiÜ tiveness in the Union; and whereas training, research: society the of the learning (5) Whereas the White Paper "Teaching and learning - Towards the learning society’Ø(˛) states that the emergence entails encouraging the acquisition of new knowledge and to this end providing motivation to learn at every the Green Paper opportunity; to "Education, the obstacles transnational mobility’Ø(ˇ) highlighted adÜ vantages mobility brings to people and competiÜ tiveness in the Union; and whereas training, research: society the (6) Whereas there is a need to promote active citiÜ zenship, to strengthen the links between measures pursued under this programme, and to step up the fight against exclusion in all its forms, including against racism and xenophobia; whereas special attention should be focused on removing all forms of inequality and on promoting equal opportunities for women and men; (7) Whereas the European Parliament and the Council in their decisions on education and youth have established Community action programmes for the education and youth fields respectively, which contribute, together with the training programme, to implementing a knowledge policy; to encouraging (6) Whereas measures under this programme should serve the purpose of developing quality, fostering innovation and promoting the European dimension in vocational training systems and practices with a view learning; whereas attention should be paid in the implementation of this programme to fighting against exclusion in all its forms, including racism and xenophobia, and whereas special attention should be focused on removing all forms of discrimination and inequality and on promoting equal opportunities for women and men; lifelong the European Union (7) Whereas the European Parliament and the Council of their decisions on education and youth have established Community action programmes for the education and youth fields respectively and which contribute along with the Leonardo da Vinci programme to promoting a Europe of knowledge; in (8) Whereas it is necessary, in order to reinforce the added value of Community action to ensure, at all levels, a coherence and a complementarity between the actions implemented in the framework of this in the Community Decision and particular in the domains of cultureØ(—), audiovisual single market media, the completion of interventions, the (8) Whereas it is necessary, in order to reinforce the the for added value of Community action Commission, the Member in conjunction with States, to ensure a coherence and a complemenÜ tarity at all levels between the actions implemented the in the Community the domains of cultureØ(—), research and development, this Decision and in in particular framework of interventions, (˛) Commission’s White Paper: training: Teaching and learning - Towards the learning society’, Office the European Communities, Luxembourg, 1996. for Official Publications "Education and of (˛) Commission’s White Paper: training: Teaching and learning - Towards the learning society’, Office the European Communities, Luxembourg, 1996. for Official Publications "Education and of (ˇ) Commission’s Green Paper: "Education, training, research: the obstacles to transnational mobility’, COM(96) 462 final, 2 October 1996. (—) Proposal for a Parliament and Council Decision establishing a single financing and programming instrument for cultural cooperation (OJ C 211, (Programme Culture 2000) 7. 7. 1998, p. 18). (ˇ) Commission’s Green Paper: "Education, training, research: the obstacles to transnational mobility’, COM(96) 462 final, 2 October 1996. (—) Proposal for a Parliament and Council Decision establishing a single financing and programming instrument for cultural cooperation (OJ C 211, (Programme Culture 2000) 7. 7. 1998, p. 18). C 14/12 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 19. 1. 1999 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 environment, the information employment and public health; consumer SMEs, society, protection, social the policies, audiovisual media, the completion of the single market, the environment, consumer protection, the information policies, employment and public health; society, SMEs, social (8a) Whereas the SMEs and the craft trades, on account of their role in maintaining and creating jobs and in developing training, should be involved the more closely programme; implementation of the in (9) Whereas the Commission’s proposals for reforming the Structural FundsØ(˛), particularly the European Social Fund, and initiatives the Community therefrom, are based on objectives stemming designed to support the adaptation and modernÜ isation of policies and systems relating to education, training and employment; (9) Whereas the Commission’s proposals for reforming the Structural FundsØ(˛), particularly the European Social Fund, and initiatives to enhance therefrom, are designed stemming employability and to promote a skilled, trained and adaptable workforce; the Community (10) Whereas the Commission, in conjunction with the Member States, is seeking to secure coherence between the actions under this programme and Community action of a structural nature; whereas the Commission, in partnership with both sides of industry, is endeavouring to develop cooperation between this programme and the activities of the Community social dialogue; (10) Whereas the Commission, in conjunction with the Member States, is seeking to secure coherence and complementarity between the actions under the present programme and Community action of a structural nature, particularly by facilitating the transfer and dissemination on a wider scale, through the Community Structural Funds, of innoÜ vatory approaches and methods developed under this programme; and whereas the Commission, in is endeavÜ partnership with the social partners, ouring this programme and the activities of the Community social dialogue; cooperation between to develop Unchanged (11) Whereas provision should be made to open up this the associated to participation by programme Central in countries, and East European accordance with the conditions established in the the Association relevant Agreements and the additional Protocols to these agreements, to Cyprus on the same terms as those applied to the EFTA/EEA countries as well as to Turkey and Malta according to procedures to be agreed with those countries; agreements, notably (˛) Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) laying down general provisions on the Structural Funds (OJ C 176, 9. 6. 1998, p. 1). (˛) Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) laying down general provisions on the Structural Funds (OJ C 176, 9. 6. 1998, p. 1). 19. 1. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 14/13 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 (12) Whereas this programme should be monitored and in cooperation between the continually assessed Commission and the Member States in order to allow the priorities for implementing the measures; readjustments, particularly for in (12) Whereas this programme should be monitored and in partnership between the continually assessed Commission and the Member States in order to allow the priorities for implementing the measures; whereas external an this evaluation by independent organisations; readjustments, particularly assessment include should for in (12a) Whereas, in investment context of the strategy, the European in vocational employment training has been recognised as making an essential contribution to the Community’s global cohesion, by its competitiveness and promoting and providing employment opportunities for all; skilled workforce a highly social (12b) Whereas the political priority given to vocational training should result in a substantial increase in the resources allocated to this programme; (13) Whereas in accordance with the principle of subsiÜ diarity and the principle of proportionality as set out in Article 3b of the Treaty, the objectives of the action envisaged concerning the implementation of a vocational training policy at Community level cannot be adequately realised by the Member States given the complexity of training partnerships and can therefore, because of the transnational diÜ mension of the Community actions and measures, be best realised at Community level; whereas this Decision is limited to the minimum required to achieve these objectives and does not exceed what is necessary to this end; whereas it is up to the Member strengthen to develop arrangements for the programme’s target publics in the Community’s action more order effective, to make States and Unchanged (13) Whereas in accordance with the principle of subsiÜ diarity and the principle of proportionality as set out in Article 3b of the Treaty, the objectives of the action envisaged concerning the implementation of a vocational training policy at Community level cannot be adequately realised by the Member States given the complexity of training partnerships and can therefore, because of the transnational diÜ mension of the Community actions and measures, be best realised at Community level; whereas this Decision is limited to the minimum required to achieve these objectives and does not exceed what is necessary to this end, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 Establishment of the programme 1. Ú This Decision establishes the second phase of the implementation of a action programme Community vocational "Leonardo da Vinci’, hereinafter referred to as "this programme’. training policy the for C 14/14 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 19. 1. 1999 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 2. Ú This programme shall be implemented in the period starting on 1 January 2000 and ending on 31 December 2004. shall contribute programme 3. Ú This the Community’s knowledge policy through the implemenÜ tation of a European education area fostering the develÜ opment of lifelong education and training. It shall permit the development of the knowledge and skills likely to foster the full exercise of citizenship. to 3. Ú This programme shall contribute to the promotion of a Europe of knowledge through the building up of a fostering cooperation on European education area lifelong learning. It shall permit the building up of the knowledge and skills capable of enhancing employability and fostering active citizenship. 4. Ú This programme shall support and supplement action taken by and within the Member States, while fully respecting their responsibility for the content and organisation of vocational training, and their cultural and linguistic diversity. Unchanged Article 2 Aims of the programme 1. Ú The implementation of this programme is based on objectives, in support of and as a supplement to policies and actions undertaken by and in the Member States, and designed as a matter of priority: (a) to improve and strengthen the social and occupaÜ integration of young people, particularly tional through work linked training and apprenticeship; 1. Ú Within the policy framework defined in Article 1, this programme shall pursue the aims of developing the quality, training European dimension systems and practices. It shall in particular: in national vocational and promoting innovation fostering (a) improve and strengthen the social and occupational integration of young people and people in initial training by helping them to to acquire and gain access to the skills and competences necessary to increase through work linked training and apprenticeship. their employability The emphasis in this context will be on innovative approaches to counselling, guidance and teamwork, with a view to acquiring social competences and facilitating social and occupational integration; (b) to expand and develop access to quality continuing training and access to lifelong skills, particularly in order to consolidate technological and organisational innovation, and investment in training; (b) expand and develop access to quality continuing training and the acquisition of qualifications and skills throughout life which facilitate the adaptability of workers and enterprises, in order to encourage technological and organisational developments; 19. 1. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 14/15 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 (c) support the vocational training systems to assist those in difficult circumstances owing to inadequate or outdated skills, to find employment and to better insert themselves in the labour market. 2. Ú In implementing these objectives, the Commission and the Member States shall ensure that action under this programme is consistent with the Community’s other actions and policies, particularly with to inequality, to equal employment, to the removal of opportunities for women and men, and to social policy. regard Article 3 Community actions supported The aims of this programme shall be pursued through actions following Community the measures, the operational content and the application procedures of which are described in Annex A, and which can be used in combination: by (a) support for the mobility of people undergoing vocational training; sources of (c) promote entrepreneurship, relating in particular to encouraging new exchanges and joint activities between training instiÜ tutions (including universities) and between these and enterprises, particularly SMEs. employment, by Priority shall be given to measures identifying and developing systems and products which facilitate access to training for people vulnerable to exclusion or those whose position on the labour market has been seriously undermined. 2. Ú In implementing these objectives, the Commission and the Member States shall ensure that action under this programme is consistent with the Community’s other actions and policies, particularly with to employment, to the removal of all forms of social discrimination and inequality, to equal opportunities for women and men, particularly by this concern in all initiatives, through positive action, and in the area of social policy. incorporating regard The aims of this programme as stated in Article 2 shall be pursued by means of actions based on the following Community measures, the operational content and the application procedures of which are described in the Annex to this Decision: (a) support for the mobility of people undergoing initial or further vocational training in Europe, of trainers, human resource and training managers, in order to develop and create fresh opportunities for workÜ linked training; (b) promotion of virtual mobility in the context of vocational training, particularly by promoting access to educational multimedia; (b) promotion of the use of and access to information in the field of and communication technologies vocational training; (c) support for the development of European level coopÜ eration networks permitting mutual exchange of experience and good practice; (c) support for the development of European level coopÜ eration networks permitting mutual exchange of experience and good practice; (d) promotion of language skills and understanding of (d) promotion of language skills and understanding of different cultures; different cultures; C 14/16 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 19. 1. 1999 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 (e) support for innovatory pilot projects based on transÜ national partnerships designed to develop innovation and quality in vocational training in order to create training products, instruments of skills accreditation or in order to test out any new approach; (e) support for innovatory pilot projects based on transÜ national partnerships designed to develop innovation and quality in vocational training in order to create training products, instruments of skills accreditation or in order to test out any new approach; promotion and expansion of scientific research following on from innovatory projects; (f) the constant improvement of the Community terms of reference through support for the dissemination of good practice and through the observation and dissemination of innovation. (f) the constant improvement of the Community terms of reference through: - the observation and analysis of national vocational training policies, - the observation and dissemination of good practice and innovation, - extensive exchange of information, - the collection, analysis, evaluation and dissemiÜ nation of comparable Community statistical data on vocational training. Priority shall be given to projects combining two or more different measures. As a matter of principle all projects relating to measures mentioned under (a), (b), (c) and (e) should include measures listed under (d) as part of their preparatory and follow up action. Unchanged Article 4 Access to the programme Under the conditions and in accordance with the defiÜ nitions and arrangements for implementation specified in the Annex, participation in this programme shall be open institutions to all public and/or private bodies and involved in vocational training as defined Annex A, and in particular: (a) training establishments, centres and bodies at all including universities and higher education levels, establishments; (b) research centres and bodies; (c) companies and consortia, particularly SMEs or including public or private sector establishments, those involved in training; (c) companies and consortia, particularly SMEs and the craft sector or public or private sector establishments, including those involved in training; 19. 1. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 14/17 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 (d) trade organisations, including chambers of Unchanged commerce; (e) organisations of both sides of industry at all levels; (e) social partners and their organisations at all levels; (f) local and regional bodies and organisations; Unchanged (g) associations. (g) associations, including NGOs. Article 5 Implementation of the programme and cooperation with the Member States 1. Ú The Commission shall ensure the implementation of the Community actions covered by this programme in accordance with the Annexes. Unchanged the Member States, the 2. Ú In cooperation with Commission shall take the steps described in point 8 of Annex A to make the best use of what has been achieved through the action undertaken under the first phase of the Leonardo da Vinci programme and the Community initiatives on training. 3. Ú Member States shall take appropriate action to secure nationally the coordination, organisation and the follow up needed for the attainment of the objectives of this programme, involving all the parties concerned by vocational training in accordance with national practice. the operational To that end, they shall set up an integrated management structure for the programme’s actions and shall ensure that appropriate information and publicity is provided on actions co financed by the programme. implementation of 3. Ú Member States shall take appropriate action to secure nationally the coordination, organisation and the follow up in terms of monitoring and evaluation needed for the attainment of the objectives of this programme. They shall involve all the parties concerned by vocational training, in accordance with national practice and shall take the steps necessary to optimise synergy with other Community programmes. integrated They shall accordingly put in place an management structure for the operational implemenÜ tation of the programme’s actions. They shall also ensure that appropriate information and publicity is provided on actions cofinanced by the programme. 4. Ú Each Member State shall endeavour to take the necessary steps to ensure the efficient running of this programme and to take appropriate measures to remove any obstacles to access to this programme. 4. Ú Each Member State shall endeavour to take the necessary steps to ensure the efficient running of the programme and to take appropriate measures to remove any obstacles to access to this programme, particularly for underprivileged people. 5. Ú The Commission, in conjunction with the Member States, shall ensure the transition between those actions developed within the preceding "Leonardo’ programme in the field of vocational training and those to be implemented under this programme. framework of the Unchanged C 14/18 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 19. 1. 1999 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 Article 6 Joint actions As part of the process of building up a Europe of knowledge, the measures of this programme may be joint actions with other Community implemented as the knowledge policy, actions forming part of particularly Community programmes in the area of education and youth related matters. the Decision, As part of the process of building up a Europe of knowledge, and in conformity with the provisions of this Article 7 of programme may be implemented as joint actions with other Community programmes and actions which are part of the knowledge policy, particularly in the area of education, youth related matters, research and new techÜ nologies. the measures of Article 7 Committee 1. Ú The Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of the representatives of Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission. Unchanged 2. Ú The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken as regards: (a) the arrangements for implementing the programme, including where appropriate the annual plan of work for the implementation of the programme’s actions; (b) the criteria applicable for establishing the indicative breakdown of funds among the Member States for the purpose of the actions to be managed on a decentralised basis; (c) the arrangements for evaluating the programme. 3. Ú The Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148(2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the Committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The Chairman shall not vote. 4. Ú The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the Committee, they shall be communicated by the Council forthwith. the Commission to 19. 1. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 14/19 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 In that event, - the Commission may defer application of the measures which it has decided for a period of up to one month from the date of the communication; - the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit referred to in the first indent. 5. Ú The Commission may consult the Committee on any other matter concerning implementation of the programme. In that event, the Commission representative shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote. The opinion shall be recorded in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. the minutes; in 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 8 The two sides of industry Without prejudice to the procedure described in Article 7(3) and the Committee on any matter concerning the application of this Decision. the Commission may consult (4), Unchanged Whenever such consultation takes place, representatives of both sides of industry, appointed by the Commission on the basis of proposals from both sides of industry at Community level, and equal in number to that of the representatives of the Member States, shall participate in the work of the Committee as observers. They shall have the right to request that their position be recorded in the minutes of Committee meetings. C 14/20 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 19. 1. 1999 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 Article 9 Consistency and complementarity 1. Ú The Commission shall, in conjunction with the Member States, ensure the overall consistency with other Community policies and actions. There shall be coordiÜ nation between the activities of this programme and the other Community actions, in particular those covered by the knowledge policy. The Commission shall ensure in conjunction with the Member States consistency between implementation of this programme and the other Community actions relating to training in the domain of culture and the audiovisual sector, the completion of the internal market, consumer the environment, society, protection, SMEs, social policies, employment, and public health. information shall ensure an efficient link up The Commission between the programmes and actions in the area of vocational training undertaken as part of the Community’s external relations. this programme and 2. Ú The Commission and the Member States shall ensure that the measures of this programme are, as part of the implementation of the coordinated employment the orientations established strategy, consistent with annually in for conjunction with the other actions contributing to the implementation of the action plans. employment guidelines and the 3. Ú The Commission and the Member States shall ensure consistency and complementarity between action taken under this programme and Community action under the Structural Funds. 1. Ú The Commission shall, in conjunction with the Member States, and leaving the intrinsic and specific intact, ensure overall nature of each programme consistency and coordination with other Community policies and actions, particularly those which contribute to the Europe of knowledge in the area of education, training, youth, research and development, and innoÜ vation. this programme and The Commission shall ensure in conjunction with the synergy between consistency and Member States implementation of the other Community actions relating to training in the domain of the audiovisual culture, the sector, information society, environment, consumer protection, SMEs, social policies, employment, and public health. research and development, the completion of internal market, the The Commission shall, with help from the European Training Foundation, ensure an efficient link up between this programme and the programmes and actions in the area of vocational training undertaken as part of the Community’s external relations. 2. Ú The Commission and the Member States shall ensure that the measures of this programme will, as part of the implementation of the coordinated employment strategy, contribute to the attainment of the objectives set in the European employment guidelines and to the preparation of national action plans. 3. Ú The Commission and the Member States shall ensure consistency and complementarity between action taken under this programme and Community action under the Structural Funds. They shall in particular facilitate the transfer and dissemination on a wider scale, through the Community Structural Funds, of innovatory approaches this programme. and methods developed under this programme, implementing the 4. Ú When Commission in close conjunction with both sides of industry at Community level will endeavour to develop the social dialogue at Community level, particularly by providing support at all levels, including sectoral levels, and by disseminating its results. Unchanged 19. 1. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 14/21 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 5. Ú The Commission shall secure the assistance of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) in implementing this programme, in accordance with the arrangements set out in Council Regulation (EEC) No 337/75Ø(˛). Subject to the same conditions and in the areas which lend themselves to it, coordination shall be established under the auspices of the Commission with the European Training Foundation as specified by Regulation (EEC) No 1360/90Ø(ˇ). 6. Ú The Commission the Advisory shall Committee on Vocational Training regularly informed of the progress of this programme. keep Article 10 Participation of the associated Central and East European countries, Cyprus, Turkey and Malta the associated Central and East Participation of European countries, EFTA countries which belong to the EEA, Cyprus, Turkey and Malta 1. Ú This programme shall be open to the participation of the associated Central and East European countries (CEECs) in accordance with the conditions laid down in the Europe Agreements or in existing or anticipated additional Protocols governing the participation of these countries in Community programmes. This programme shall also be open to the participation, funded by additional appropriations, of Cyprus under the same rules as those applied to the countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) which belong to the the European Economic Area (EEA) according procedures this country. This to be agreed with programme shall also be open to participation by Turkey according to the procedures to be established with that country. to 1. Ú This programme shall be open to the participation of the associated Central and East European countries (CEECs) in accordance with the conditions fixed in the Europe Agreements or in existing or anticipated additional Protocols governing the participation of these countries in Community programmes. This programme shall also be open to the participation of the countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) which belong to the European Economic Area (EEA). This programme shall also be open to the participation, appropriations, of Cyprus funded according to the procedures to be agreed with this country. This programme is also open to participation by Turkey according to the procedures to be established with that country. additional by 2. Ú This programme shall also be open to participation by Malta according to the procedures to be agreed with that country. 2. Ú This programme shall also be open to participation by Malta according to the procedures to be agreed with that country. Article 11 International cooperation The Commission shall strengthen its cooperation with nonÜCommunity countries and with the relevant interÜ national organisations. (˛) OJ L 39, 13. 2. 1975, p. 1. (ˇ) OJ L 131, 23. 5. 1990, p. 1. Under this programme, the Commission shall strengthen its cooperation with nonÜCommunity countries and the activities international organisations. The relevant covered by this article and the funding arrangements will be decided in accordance with the procedures set out in Article 7 of this Decision. C 14/22 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 19. 1. 1999 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 Article 12 Monitoring and evaluation Monitoring and evaluation 1. Ú The Commission shall continually monitor programme in conjunction with the Member States. this 1. Ú The Commission shall continually monitor programme in cooporation with the Member States. this This monitoring shall be effected through the reports referred to in paragraph 3 and through specific activities. This monitoring shall be effected through the reports referred to in paragraph 3 and through specific activities. 2. Ú The Commission shall evaluate this programme periodically in conjunction with the Member States. The evaluation shall seek to appraise the effectiveness of the actions implemented, by reference to the objectives set out in Article 2. 2. Ú The Commission shall evaluate this programme periodically in cooperation with the Member States. The evaluation shall seek to appraise the relevance, effecÜ tiveness and implemented, by reference to the objectives set out in Article 2. impact of the actions The evaluation shall also examine the complementarity between actions under those pursued programmes, particularly actions supported by the European Social Fund. this programme and other Community under In accordance with criteria established using the procedure described in Article 7(2), there shall be periÜ odical external evaluations of the Community actions. results of the 3. Ú Member States shall submit to the Commission by 31 December 2002 and 30 June 2005, respectively, reports on the implementation and the impact of this programme, and on the vocational training systems and arrangements which exist in the Member States. The evaluation shall also examine the complementarity between action under this programme and that pursued under other Community programmes, particularly action supported by the European Social Fund. There shall be regular external evaluations of the results of the Community actions in accordance with criteria established using the procedure under Article 7(2). 3. Ú Member States shall submit to the Commission by 31 December 2002 and 30 June 2005, respectively, reports on the implementation, the impact and the effecÜ tiveness of this programme with respect to the aims set out in Article 2, and on the vocational training systems and arrangements which exist in the Member States. Specific mention will be made of the measures taken to combat all forms of discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity between men and women and their impact in terms of participation in the programme. 4. Ú The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament, the Council and the Economic and Social Committee: 4. Ú The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament, the Council and the Economic and Social Committee: - an interim report on the implementation of this programme no later than 30 June 2003, - an interim report, no later than 30 June 2003, on the qualitative and quantitative aspects of programme implementation, - no later than 31 December 2005, a final report on - no later than 31 December 2005, a final report on the implementation of this programme. the implementation of this programme. 19. 1. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 14/23 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 Article 13 Entry into force This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its publication the European the Official Journal of Communities. in Unchanged ANNEX A COMMUNITY ACTIONS AND MEASURES Section I - General principles 1. The aims set out in Article 2 of this Decision will be impleÜ mented by means of transnational partnerships which submit proposals for action on the basis of the Community measures described in Article 3. Unchanged 2. Each proposal submitted by a transnational partnership will be part of the implementation of one of the objectives of the programme, indicating the measure(s) proposed. 2. Each proposal submitted by a transnational partnership will pursue one of the objectives of the programme and will indicate the measure(s) it intends to implement in order to achieve its aims. 3. A Community call for proposals will define the priorities for the objectives, the timetable, the conditions of submission, the common eligibility criteria, particularly in terms of transÜ nationality and selection. 3. A Community call for proposals will define the priorities under each objective, the conditions of submission, the common eligibility criteria, particularly in selection transnationality and evaluation and terms of procedures. timetable, the This call for proposals will remain valid for three years for the first phase of the programme. A second call for proposals will be drawn up at the half way stage of the programme on the basis of the interim assessment referred to in Article 12(4) of this Decision. This call for proposals will remain valid for three years for the first phase of the programme. A second call for proposals will be drawn up at the half way stage of the programme on the basis of the interim assessment referred to in Article 12(4) of this Decision. The Community call for proposals will be published by the Commission the Programme Committee. consultation with after The Community call for proposals will be published by the Commission the Programme Committee. consultation with after 4. The proposals for action must set out clearly the aims estabÜ lished, the results anticipated and the partners associated in the other Member States, as well as the nature and level of participation of financial contribution and the timetable of work. these partners, including their 4. The proposals for action must set out clearly the aims estabÜ lished, the results anticipated, the mechanisms for evaluating the actual results and the partners associated in the other Member States, as well as the nature and level of particiÜ pation financial contribution and the timetable of work. including partners, these their of C 14/24 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 19. 1. 1999 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 5. The proposals can be sent in at any time during the period of validity of the overall call for proposals. Proposal selection by the Commission will take place at least once yearly in accordance with the procedures defined below. Unchanged 5a. Article 2(2) provides that the selected projects must respect the principle of equality of opportunity and avoid any kind of exclusion. Where appropriate, positive measures may be implemented in specific areas. The special needs of the disabled shall as a matter of principle be taken into account in setting the level of subsidies. 5b. Projects with a more pronounced Community dimension, i. e. : (a) proposals from established European organisations, (b) proposals from European networks set up to utilise and disseminate the results of pilot actions conducted transÜ nationally, (c) proposals to test through European cooperation innoÜ vatory themes identified in the call for proposal, (d) proposals submitted in relation to Action 6 in Section II of this Annex (Community vocational training reference material) will be selected directly by the Commission on the basis of the procedure set out in Section IIIØB of this Annex. Section II - Actions 1. PHYSICAL MOBILITY Support for transnational physical mobility programmes for training people undergoing organisers training and trainers and for Community support shall be provided for the following actions: Community support shall be provided for the following actions: (a) preparation and transnational proÜ implementation of grammes of placement and exchange for young people undergoing initial vocational training, studying or who have including students and qualified just finished studying: young people, young workers or young people available on the labour market in accordance with the national laws and practices, particularly programmes which are part of European pathways for work linked training and appreÜ ticeship within the meaning of Council Decision 98/. Ø. Ø. /EC. (a) preparation and transnational proÜ implementation of grammes of placement and exchange for people undergoing initial vocational training, including workers and people available on the labour market in accordance with the national laws and practices, and programmes which are part of European pathways for work linked training and apprenÜ ticeship within the meaning of Council Decision 98/. Ø. Ø. /EC, as well as preparation and implementation of transnational programmes of placement and exchange for any persons undergoing vocational training who are not covered by the above categories and who are participating in a programme of lifelong learning, career redirection or reintegration. 19. 1. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 14/25 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 Placements for young people may be short term (two weeks to three months) and in such cases are designed essentially to familiarise them with the occupational and cultural context of another Member State. Long term placements (three months to a maximum of 12 months) are intended primarily for young people who already have initial occupaÜ tional training or a work experience. LongÜterm placements can be carried out in two or more periods. Placements may be short term (two weeks to three months) or long term (three months to a maximum of 12 months) depending on the aims of the proposal of which they are part. LongÜterm placements can be carried out in two or more periods. The skills acquired during such experience shall be validated by the competent authority on the basis of common and transparent principles. The transnational placement programmes for young people undergoing training which involve SMEs and craft industry the as host bodies will receive conditions described below. treatment special in transnational placement programmes The for people undergoing training which involve SMEs and craft industry the as host bodies will receive conditions described below. treatment special in (b) The organisation of transnational programmes of exchanges between companies on the one hand and on the other training organisations or universities and targeting human resources managers in the business sector, and training programme planners and managers (particularly trainers and mentors), advisers and occupational guidance specialists and economic and social circles. Study visits for vocational training organisers on the the Commission can be provided by Cedefop on behalf of the Commission in the conditions to be decided on after receiving the opinion of the Programme Committee. themes defined by (b) The organisation of transnational programmes of exchanges between companies on the one hand and on the other training organisations or universities and targeting human resources managers in the business sector, and training programme planners and managers (particularly trainers and mentors), advisers and occupational guidance specialists and economic and social circles. Study visits for vocational training organisers on the the Commission can be provided by Cedefop on behalf of the Commission in the conditions to be decided on after receiving the opinion of the Programme Committee. themes defined by As a general rule, placements and exchanges as well as study visits for these categories will last between one week and a maximum of six weeks. As a general rule, placements and exchanges as well as study visits for these categories will last between one week and a maximum of six weeks. The transnational placement and exchange programmes may be multiannual and last up to three years. The transnational placement and exchange programmes may be multiannual and last up to three years. They will include provisions ensuring full access for any disabled participants. Demonstration actions As part of the Physical mobility measure, pilot demonstration actions will be given support and will relate to the organisation and implementation of multiannual transnational placement programmes organised among regions and/or sectors in European work linked training and apprenticeship networks. Unchanged Funding The Community’s financial contribution to the transnational placement and exchange programmes defined above may not exceed ECU 5Ø000 per beneficiary for a placement or an exchange - the maximum amount of this contribution correÜ sponding to the maximum duration indicated above. The Community’s financial contribution to the transnational placement and exchange programmes defined above may not exceed EUR 5Ø000 per beneficiary for a placement or an exchange - the maximum amount of this contribution correÜ sponding to the maximum duration indicated above. For this measure, the Commission may allocate to each Member State an annual global grant the amount of which will be defined in accordance with the procedures described in Annex C. For this measure, the Commission may allocate to each Member State an annual global grant the amount of which will be defined in accordance with the procedures described in Annex C. C 14/26 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 19. 1. 1999 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 is set aside, this allocation agreed on with in accordance with 10Ø% of structure procedures concerned, to help potential promoters of programmes to prepare their proposals. The sum allowed for this purpose may not exceed ECU 500 per promoter. the management Up to 10Ø% of this allocation shall be set aside to help potential promoters with no or only limited experience in Community programmes to prepare their proposals. The sum allowed for this purpose may not exceed EUR 500 per promoter. The procedures for allocating this type of grant shall be decided in accordance with Article 7(2). In line with the same procedure, and within the same allocation, a sum will be granted to transnational programmes undertaken in the SMEs and the craft industry and lasting a minimum of three weeks. This sum is designed to facilitate the pedagogic, cultural and linguistic follow up of young people placed in a host company in another Member State and may not exceed ECU 250 per placement, with a ceiling of ECU 25Ø000 per company. This amount is in addition to that set aside for the body of the original Member State for the management and monitoring of transnational placement programmes. In line with the same procedure, and within the same allocation, a sum will be granted to transnational programmes undertaken in the SMEs and the craft industry and lasting a minimum of three weeks. This sum is designed to facilitate the pedagogic, cultural and linguistic follow up of people placed in a host company in another Member State and may not exceed EUR 250 per placement, with a ceiling of EUR 25Ø000 per company. This amount is in addition to that set aside for the body of the original Member State for the management and monitoring of transnational placement programmes. 2. VIRTUAL MOBILITY Unchanged Support for actions to promote the new information and communication technologies and designed to develop virtual mobility Community support is available for transnational actions to develop the use of new ICT in training actions and products to promote, inter alia, access for people undergoing training to new tools, services and products in training which use the new ICT, to support the development of European distance training networks through the new ICT (multimedia products, websites, network training approaches stemming from new work situations (e. g. teleÜ working). transmission, etc. ) and try out new to These projects may last for a maximum of two years. Demonstration actions Under the measure Virtual mobility, Community demonstration actions on experimental pilot actions to promote the new ICT will be supported and specifically targeted partly towards the development of European arrangements for guidance/counÜ selling/training in business related services, particularly with a view to building up a virtual European area of training and job seeking. Funding The Commission’s financial contribution to the transnational virtual mobility projects may be up to 75Ø% of eligible expenÜ diture, with a ceiling of ECU 300Ø000 per project and per year. The Commission’s financial contribution to the transnational virtual mobility projects may be up to 75Ø% of eligible expenÜ diture, with a ceiling of EUR 300Ø000 per project and per year. 19. 1. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 14/27 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 In no case may the project partners’ own resources be derived from other Community funding. In no case may the project partners’ own resources be derived from other Community funding. 3. INNOVATORY PILOT PROJECTS Support for transnational pilot training projects to develop aptitude to innovation, its transfer and entrepreneurship, and the development of innovation and its transfer in training Community support is available for the design, development, testing and assessment of European transnational pilot projects to develop and/or disseminate innovation in training and to develop aptitude to innovation and its transfer. These projects may relate to the dissemination and transfer to other Member States of the results of in training, developed and validated in another Member State. They may relate to the development of quality in training and to occupaÜ tional guidance in the context of lifelong training. They may also relate to the promotion of new methods of training as part of new configurations of work organisation and the develÜ opment of new forms of working, e. g. teleworking. innovatory approaches Community support is available for the design, development, testing and assessment of European transnational pilot projects to develop and/or disseminate innovation in training and to develop aptitude to innovation and its transfer. These projects may relate to the dissemination and transfer to other Member States of the results of in training, developed and validated in another Member State. They may relate to the development of quality in training and to occupaÜ tional guidance in the context of lifelong training. They may also relate to the promotion of new methods of training stemming from new forms of working and work organisation, for example teleworking, tested under Action 2. innovatory approaches Projects under this measure may last a maximum of two years. Projects under this measure may last a maximum of two years. Demonstration actions Unchanged Under "Innovatory pilot projects’, there will be support for experimental demonstration actions relating to: - the implementation at European level of new forms of accreditation of skills, with emphasis on recognising skills and expertise learned on the job, - stepping up the fight to head off exclusion through "second chance’ training arrangements for the different publics affected, especially in the problem urban districts, in order to reintegrate young and adult unemployed persons, particularly the long term unemployed, and those who have no qualifiÜ cations. Funding The Community may contribute up to 75Ø% of eligible expenÜ diture for the transnational pilot projects, with a ceiling of ECU 200Ø000 per year and per project. The Community may contribute up to 75Ø% of eligible expenÜ diture for the transnational pilot projects, with a ceiling of EUR 200Ø000 per year and per project. Under no circumstances may resources derive from other Community funding. the project partners’ own Under no circumstances may resources derive from other Community funding. the project partners’ own C 14/28 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 19. 1. 1999 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 4. COMMUNITY NETWORKS Unchanged Support for Community networks of Community expertise and dissemination in Community support is available for setting up and organising Community networks of cooperation training, bringing together in the Member States at the regional or sectoral level the public and private players concerned including researchers, in the area of vocational training and designed (i) to assemble, innovatory distil and build on European expertise and approaches on a priority theme of common interest, (ii) to improve the analysis and anticipation of skills requirements, (iii) to disseminate the results throughout the EU in the appropriate circles. Projects under this measure may last a maximum of three years. Demonstration actions Under "European networks’, there will be support for experiÜ mental demonstration actions relating to the development and networking of multiplayer training consortia organised regionally or sectorally and involving in particular the local authorities, local chambers of commerce, trade organisations for employers and employees, and research and training centres, including the universities, and fulfilling the role of centres providing services, advice and information on access to validated training methods and products. Funding The Community may contribute up to 75Ø% of eligible expenÜ diture for the organisation of European networks, with a minimum of ECU 150Ø000 per year and per network and a ceiling of ECU 500Ø000 per year, this ceiling applicable only in the case of proposals for transnational networks seeking to develop an integrated set of experimental measures opening on to validated and transferable training products. The financial contribution to "multiplayer training consortia’ will be restricted to ECU 50Ø000 per year and per operation, representing a maximum of 50Ø% of the eligible operational costs. The Community may contribute up to 75Ø% of eligible expenÜ diture for the organisation of European networks, with a minimum of EUR 150Ø000 per year and per network and a ceiling of EUR 500Ø000 per year, this ceiling applicable only in the case of proposals for transnational networks seeking to develop an integrated set of experimental measures opening on to validated and transferable training products. The financial contribution to "multiplayer training consortia’ will be restricted to EUR 50Ø000 per year and per operation, representing a maximum of 50Ø% of the eligible operational costs. Under no circumstances may resources be derived from other Community funding. the project partners’ own Under no circumstances may resources be derived from other Community funding. the project partners’ own 5. LANGUAGE SKILLS Support for actions to promote language and cultural skills in training Community support is available for transnational pilot projects to develop language skills linked to the promotion of the social and occupational integration of young people and a higher level of employability and adaptability of workers. Language skills can be considered as key skills the knowledge based society. the context of in Community support is available for transnational pilot projects to develop in a vocational training context. Language skills can be considered as key skills in the context of the knowledge based society. language skills 19. 1. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 14/29 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 The point of these projects is to design, test and validate, assess and disseminate teaching material tailored to the specific needs including of each occupational area and economic sector, innovatory through the use of teaching methods based on the dissemination of their results. language audits, and also language self tuition and The point of these projects is to design, test and validate, assess and disseminate teaching material tailored to the specific needs of each occupational area and economic sector, including innovatory through the use of teaching methods based on the dissemination of their results. language audits, and also language self tuition and Proposals for linguistic and cultural support may also be submitted under other actions and measures, particularly in order to language and cultural skills amongst the trainers and mentors responsible for the pedagogic supervision of young people taking part in transnational physical mobility programmes. improve Proposals for linguistic and cultural support may also be submitted under other actions and measures, particularly in order to language and cultural skills amongst the trainers and mentors responsible for the pedagogic supervision of young people taking part in transnational physical mobility programmes. improve is also support transnational Community programmes and exchanges between the business sector on the one hand and the specialised language training establishments or training bodies on the other. The exchanges relate to trainers and mentors in the area of language skills. available for Support is also available for the development of language skills and provision of cultural competences as part of a transnational exchange experience. The maximum duration of the projects under this measure is usually two years. The maximum duration of the projects under this measure is two years. Funding The Community may contribute up to 75Ø% of eligible expenÜ diture, with a ceiling of ECU 150Ø000 per project and per year. The Community may contribute up to 75Ø% of eligible expenÜ diture, with a ceiling of EUR 150Ø000 per project and per year. Under no circumstances may resources be derived from other Community funding. the project partners’ own Under no circumstances may resources be derived from other Community funding. the project partners’ own 6. COMMUNITY TERMS OF REFERENCE 6. COMMUNITY TERMS OF REFERENCE ON VOÜ CATIONAL TRAINING for actions Support to establish, update and disseminate Community terms of reference which can be used to compare training systems Support for actions to observe and analyse national training policies, to establish, update and disseminate comparable Community data on training, and for extensive exchanges of information to disseminate good practice and innovation, Unchanged lifelong Community support is available for actions undertaken on a transnational basis and making a contribution through surveys, analyses and/or studies, to establishing comparable data on vocational training systems and arrangements in the Member States or likely to produce quantitative and/or qualitative information in support of policies and enhance training practices for training. Eurostat and Cedefop are closely associated with the production of statistical instruments within the procedures currently in place notably those defined by Council Regulation (EC) No 322/97 on Community statistics, into account the Council Decision on the statistical taking programme 1998 the Community will support the introduction of arrangements to observe innovatory practices in lifelong training, particularly with in close conjunction with both sides of industry at the various levels. same connection, to continuing to 2002. In to access training, regard the C 14/30 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 19. 1. 1999 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 The maximum duration of projects under this measure is three years. The Commission will ensure that these terms of reference are disseminated as widely as possible in different ways, particularly in order to make them available to public and private decisionÜ makers in vocational training. Demonstration actions Under the measure "Community terms of reference’ and as a follow up to its report on the implementation of the Council recommendation of June 1993 on access to continuing training, the Commission, in close conjunction with both sides of industry and in cooperation with Cedefop, will propose support for an arrangement to observe good practice on access to training, the development and the transparency of qualifications and skills, particularly at branch and company level. Funding The Community’s financial contribution will be between 50Ø% and 100Ø% of eligible expenditure, with a ceiling of ECU 500Ø000 per year and per project. The Community’s financial contribution will be between 50Ø% and 100Ø% of eligible expenditure, with a ceiling of EUR 500Ø000 per year and per project. Under no circumstances can the project partners’ own resources be derived from other Community funding. Under no circumstances can the project partners’ own resources be derived from other Community funding. 7. JOINT ACTIONS Unchanged 1. For the joint actions described in Article 6 of this Decision, Community support may be provided for joint actions with other actions under the knowledge policy, particularly Community education and youth programmes designed to widen access to knowledge. 2. Coordination of the programmes can be achieved by in common calls for proposals. The Commission particular to develop a joint information and observation arrangement with regard to good practice in the field of knowledge, and joint actions on education and training multimedia. intends 3. Appropriate steps, a significant one being the setting up of to ensure European knowledge centres, will be regional and interaction between the players taking part in this programme and in education and youth related programmes. This will contribute the implementation of a policy of lifelong learning in the regions and local districts concerned. local contact and taken to 19. 1. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 14/31 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 8. ACCOMPANYING MEASURES To attain the objectives set out in Article 2 of the Decision, Community support is available for: To attain the objectives set out in Article 2 of the Decision, Community support is available for: - coordination and monitoring activities by the Member States as described in Article 5 of this Decision, - coordination, evaluation activities by the Member States as described in Articles 5, 9 and 12 of this Decision, integration, monitoring and - information, monitoring, organisation and dissemination activities by the Member States and the Commission to facilitate access to the programme and consolidate the transfer of methods, products and tools designed, and of the results obtained by the Community measures, including through telematics links and databanks, assessment - information, monitoring, organisation and dissemination activities by the Member States and the Commission to facilitate access to the programme and consolidate the transfer of methods, products and tools designed, and of the results obtained by the Community measures, including through telematics links and databanks, assessment - in carrying out the programme the Commission can have recourse to technical assistance organisations the financing of which may be provided for within the overall envelope for the programme. It can, under the same conditions, have recourse to experts. Furthermore, the Commission will be able to organise seminars, colloquia or other meetings of the experts, programme. The Commission can also forward take information, publication and dissemination actions. implementation of facilitate likely the to - in carrying out the programme the Commission can have recourse to technical assistance organisations the financing of which may be provided for within the overall envelope for the programme. It can, under the same conditions, have recourse to experts. Furthermore, the Commission will be able to organise seminars, colloquia or other meetings of the experts, programme. The Commission can also forward take information, publication and dissemination actions. implementation of facilitate likely the to The respective roles and tasks of the European technical assistance office and the national management structures must be clearly defined. Section III - Selection procedures III A - Decentralised selection procedure 1. The decentralised selection procedure will be applied to all Community actions and measures and comprises the following stages. 1. The decentralised selection procedure shall be applied to all Community actions and measures, with the exception of those referred to in Section I, paragraph 5b of this Annex, and comprises the following stages: 2. Under the rules defined in the general call for proposals, proposals are to be submitted by the coordinators of transÜ national projects at the management structure designated by the Member State. 3. The management structure will assess the proposals on the basis of specifications established at Community level, using the definitions given in Annex C. 4. Every year, on the basis of this assessment at a date to be decided by the Commission following consultation with the Committee, Member States will submit to the Commission (and to the other Member States for information) their overall proposal in the form of a report, presenting, the results of the general call for proposals, by objective and by measure, the assessment procedure and the technical back up given to promoters as well as a descriptive and reasoned list of proposals likely to be retained in order of priority. 4. Every year, on the basis of this assessment at a date to be decided by the Commission following consultation with the Committee, Member States will submit to the Commission (and to the other Member States for information) their overall proposal in the form of a report, presenting the information and publicity measures taken to facilitate particiÜ pation in the programme, the results of the general call for proposals, by objective and by measure, the assessment procedure and the parties involved in this assessment, and the technical back up given to promoters as well as a descriptive and reasoned list of proposals likely to be retained in order of priority. C 14/32 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 19. 1. 1999 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 5. The Commission will examine each report and liaise accordingly with the Member State concerned. 5. The Commission will examine each report and liaise accordingly with the Member States concerned, with a view to assessing and ensuring the transnational and innovative nature of projects. In this context the Commission may rely on the assistance of independent experts. 6. At the end of the examination, the Commission will submit to the Committee a proposal on how the year’s budgetary resources to be allocated on a decentralised basis should be distributed by measure and by Member State, and will obtain its opinion in accordance with the procedures set out in Article 6 of the Decision. 6. At the end of the examination, the Commission will submit to the Committee a proposal on how the year’s budgetary resources to be allocated on a decentralised basis should be distributed by measure and by Member State, and will obtain its opinion in accordance with the procedures set out in Article 7 of the Decision. 7. After receiving the opinion of the Commission will determine the final amount to be allocated to each Member State and the list of proposals accepted per measure. the Committee, 8. The process on stages 5, 6 and 7 must not take more than two months. III B - Centralised selection procedure The centralised selection procedure applies to the Community demonstration actions for each measure and in particular concerns the proposals submitted by European organisations, networks set up to utilise, disseminate and propagate the results of transnational projects on a Community theme, and actions, projects or demonstration networks having an experimental character as defined in Section II. The centralised selection procedure applies to actions with a more pronounced Community dimension, as defined in Section I, paragraph 5b of this Annex. (i) Under the general call for proposals setting out the priorities, project coordinators must submit a pre proposal the to management structure in their Member State. the Commission and, information, for to (i) Under the general call for proposals setting out the priorities, project coordinators must submit a pre proposal the to management structure in their Member State. the Commission and, information, for to (ii) The Commission, in consultation with the programme Committee, will examine all the pre proposals and make a selection. The project coordinators will be informed of the outcome of this preselection. (ii) The Commission, in consultation with the programme Committee, will examine all the pre proposals and make a selection. The project coordinators will be informed of the outcome of this preselection. (iii) The coordinator for each project selected at the close of this first phase will forward the final proposal to the Commission within three months and, for information, to the management structure of his/her Member State. (iii) The coordinator for each project selected at the close of this first phase will forward the final proposal to the Commission within three months and, for information, to the management structure of his/her Member State. (iv) The Commission, with the assistance of a group of indeÜ pendent experts appointed by the Commission after consulting the Member States and the circles concerned, particularly both sides of industry, will undertake a transÜ national appraisal of the proposals received and establish a short list of actions for a European knowledge programme. (iv) The Commission, with the assistance of a group of indeÜ pendent experts appointed by the Commission after consulting the Member States and the circles concerned, particularly the social partners, will undertake a transÜ national appraisal of the proposals received and establish a short list of actions for a European knowledge programme. 19. 1. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 14/33 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 (v) The Commission will seek the opinion of the Committee on this short list and finalise, in accordance with the arrangements set out in Article 7 of this Decision, the European knowledge programme. (v) The Commission will seek the opinion of the Committee on this short list and finalise, in accordance with the arrangements set out in Article 7 of this Decision, the European knowledge programme. (vi) The Commission will establish the final list of proposals selected and inform the Committee. It will set out the conditions for monitoring these experimental projects. (vi) The Commission will establish the final list of proposals selected and inform the Committee. It will set out the conditions for monitoring these experimental projects. ANNEX B Overall budget breakdown 1. At the beginning of the operation, and no later than 1 March every year, the Commission will submit to the Committee an ex ante breakdown of budget resources by type of measure, by procedures and taking into account, to this end, the objectives set out in Article 2 of the present Decision and will seek its opinion. The Commission will on this basis define an indicative budget for each Member State for the implemenÜ tation of the measures covered by the decentralised selection procedure. 2. For the first year of programme implementation and only for the transnational programmes of placements and exchanges described in measure B1 and defined below undertaken before 1 October 2000, the Member States must submit to the Commission an operational plan no later than 31 March 2000. The Commission will on this basis allocate to each Member State an amount on the basis of which it can go ahead with transnational programmes. The amounts not used up within this allocation at 1 September 2000 will be incorÜ porated in the final amount of the global grant as shown in the procedure described in Section II below. Procedure for determining amounts for transnational placement and exchange programmes The transnational placement and exchange programmes for young people undergoing initial training must be presented to the Commission for examination and approval by 31 March every year. They must indicate clearly for each programme by group of beneficiaries: Unchanged in The transnational placement and exchange programmes for persons participating lifelong learning, or career redirection or reintegration must be presented to the Commission for examination and approval by 31 March every year. They must indicate clearly for each programme by group of beneficiaries: initial vocational training, - the target publics of the programmes, - the target publics of the programmes, - the content and objectives in terms of skills and/or qualifiÜ - the content and objectives in terms of skills and/or qualifiÜ cations, cations, - the duration of training and/or work learning experience in - the duration of training and/or work learning experience in a training establishment and/or company, a training establishment and/or company, - the partners associated in the other Member State or States if the training periods take place consecutively in several, - the partners associated in the other Member State or States if the training periods take place consecutively in several, - the arrangements for validating or recognising skills and/or qualifications acquired in the training system of the original Member State in which the beneficiaries are pursuing their training. - the arrangements for validating or recognising skills and/or qualifications acquired in the training system of the original Member State in which the beneficiaries are pursuing their training. C 14/34 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 19. 1. 1999 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 For each category of public targeted by these programmes, the Commission will allocate a global grant established on the basis of calculation criteria defined within the procedure described in Article 7 of this Decision, taking into account: For each category of public targeted by these programmes, the Commission will allocate a global grant established on the basis of calculation criteria defined within the procedure described in Article 7 of this Decision, taking into account: - the population, - the population, - the GDP per capita in each Member State in terms of - the GDP per capita in each Member State in terms of purchasing power parities, purchasing power parities, - the geographical distance and the costs of transport, - the geographical distance and the costs of transport, - whenever possible, the weight of the target public concerned - whenever possible, the weight of the target public concerned in relation to the overall population, in relation to the overall population, - the overall unemployment figure and the level of long term - the overall unemployment figure and the level of long term unemployment. unemployment. In any event, the application of these criteria cannot result in the exclusion of any Member State from funding of the transÜ national placement and exchange programmes described above. In any event, the application of these criteria cannot result in the exclusion of any Member State from funding of the transÜ national placement and exchange programmes described above. The overall grant is allocated to each Member State on the basis of the abovementioned operational plan which must set out clearly: The overall grant is allocated to each Member State on the basis of the abovementioned operational plan which must set out clearly: - the arrangements for managing financial aid, - the arrangements for managing financial aid, - the steps to be taken to assist placement and exchange - the steps to be taken to assist placement and exchange organisers to identify potential partners, organisers to identify potential partners, - appropriate measures to be taken in the interests of sound preparation (particularly in terms of teaching and language preparation), organisation and follow up of placements and exchanges. - appropriate measures to be taken in the interests of sound preparation (particularly in terms of teaching and language preparation), organisation and follow up of placements and exchanges, including accessibility measures to ensure equal opportunities and address potential discrimination. ANNEX C DEFINITIONS For the purposes of this Decision and taking account of the differences which exist between the systems and arrangements in the Member States: Unchanged (a) Ø"initial vocational training, including training’ means any initial vocational technical and vocational teaching and apprenticeship, which gives young people access to a vocational qualification recognised by the competent authorities in the Member State in which it is obtained; form of (b) including higher education, which "work linked training’ means vocational training at all levels, to a certificate or a qualification recognised by the competent authorities of the Member State concerned, and involving structured periods of work linked training in a training establishment and a company as separate and compleÜ mentary forums of training; leads 19. 1. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 14/35 TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION TEXT AS MODIFIED FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON 5 NOVEMBER 1998 (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) (k) "continuing vocational training’ means any vocational training undertaken by a worker in the Community during his working life; "lifelong training’ means the training opportunities offered to any individual throughout their lives to enable them to continually update their knowledge and skills for the purposes of his career; "vocational guidance’ means the provision of advice and information on the choice of an occupation and changes of occupation, both through vocational education and training and through individual information initiatives; "company’ means all companies in the public or private sector whatever their size, legal status or the economic sector in which they operate, and all types of economic activities, including the social economy; "worker’ means all persons, whether in work or not, including the self employed, who have links with the labour market; (i) "both sides of level’ means employers’ and workers’ organisations in conformity with national laws and/or practices; industry at national (ii) "both sides of level’ means employers’ and workers’ organisations taking part in the social dialogue at the Community level; industry at Community "training body’ means any type of public, semi public or private establishment which, in accordance with national laws and/or practices, design or undertake vocational training, further training, refresher training or retraining, irrespective of the designation given to it in the Member States; "university’ means any type of higher education institution which, in accordance with national laws and/or practices, offer higher level qualifications or diplomas, whatever such establishments may be called in the Member States; "local and regional partners’ means any player in regional and local life, local authority, association, local chambers of commerce and associations, consortia, advisory bodies, the media, participating in local or regional cooperation activities which include training; (l) "apprenticeship and open and distance training’ means any form of flexible vocational training involving: - the use of ICT techniques and services in traditional or modern form, and - support in mentoring; the form of individualised advice and (m) "European training pathways’ means any period of initial or continuing vocational training undertaken in a Member State other than that in which the person concerned is pursuing his/her training; (n) "Community terms of reference’ means all the analyses, studies, surveys and identification of good practice which make it possible to locate, at Community level, the relative position of the various Member States and the progress made on a given subject or in a given area