Submitted by the Department for Education and Employment 3 December 1997.
SUBJECT MATTER 1. European Commission Communication on the Community education, training and youth programmes which will succeed the current SOCRATES, LEONARDO da Vinci and Youth for Europe III programmes when they finish at the end of 1999. BACKGROUND 2. SOCRATES is the Community action programme in the field of education, LEONARDO is the Community training programme and Youth for Europe promotes co-operation in the youth field. These programmes will finish at the end of 1999. The Commission's paper "Towards a Europe of Knowledge" sets out their initial thinking on the shape of future programmes, with a view to formal proposals being presented towards the middle of 1998 for new programmes to start in 2000. 3. The Communication sets out the Commission's views on the broad guidelines for future Community action. It suggests that Community action should support employment and development of the knowledge and skills of European citizens. It proposes to do this through promoting lifelong learning, the acquisition of skills and competence, access to knowledge and an understanding of citizenship. It goes on to state that there should be a limited number of objectives, more focused actions and streamlined management of the programmes. The Communication does not contain specific budgetary proposals, but it does highlight the need for improved synergy and complementarity with other programmes. MINISTERIAL RESPONSIBILITY 4. The Secretary of State for Education and Employment has lead responsibility for the policy questions arising from this document. This is shared with the Secretaries of State for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in respect of their responsibility for education in those countries. LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL ISSUES 5. The Communication does not raise any legal or procedural issues. APPLICATION TO THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA 6. The countries of the European Economic Area are eligible to participate in the existing education, training and youth programmes. APPLICATION TO GIBRALTAR 7. Gibraltar is eligible to participate in the existing education, training and youth programmes. SUBSIDIARITY 8. The Government will be concerned to ensure that any future Commission proposals in this area are consistent with Articles 126 and 127 of the EC Treaty, which recognise the responsibility of Member States for the content and organisation of their education and vocational training systems. POLICY IMPLICATIONS 9. The Government believes that the Commission's Communication is a helpful contribution to the debate on future EC education, training and youth programmes. The UK will contribute fully to the ongoing debate in the Council of Ministers and will argue in particular for future programmes which are designed to enhance the employability of European citizens. CONSULTATION 10. The Government is seeking the views of a wide range of participants in existing programmes, and other interested bodies, on the contents and management arrangements for the next generation of programmes. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 11. None. TIMETABLE OF FURTHER ACTION 12. The Commission's Communication will be discussed during the UK Presidency. Formal proposals for successor programmes are likely to be presented towards the middle of 1998 for negotiation during the second half of the year and early 1999. Baroness Blackstone Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment 3 December 1997
1. European Commission Communication on the Community education, training and youth programmes which will succeed the current SOCRATES, LEONARDO da Vinci and Youth for Europe III programmes when they finish at the end of 1999.
BACKGROUND 2. SOCRATES is the Community action programme in the field of education, LEONARDO is the Community training programme and Youth for Europe promotes co-operation in the youth field. These programmes will finish at the end of 1999. The Commission's paper "Towards a Europe of Knowledge" sets out their initial thinking on the shape of future programmes, with a view to formal proposals being presented towards the middle of 1998 for new programmes to start in 2000. 3. The Communication sets out the Commission's views on the broad guidelines for future Community action. It suggests that Community action should support employment and development of the knowledge and skills of European citizens. It proposes to do this through promoting lifelong learning, the acquisition of skills and competence, access to knowledge and an understanding of citizenship. It goes on to state that there should be a limited number of objectives, more focused actions and streamlined management of the programmes. The Communication does not contain specific budgetary proposals, but it does highlight the need for improved synergy and complementarity with other programmes. MINISTERIAL RESPONSIBILITY 4. The Secretary of State for Education and Employment has lead responsibility for the policy questions arising from this document. This is shared with the Secretaries of State for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in respect of their responsibility for education in those countries. LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL ISSUES 5. The Communication does not raise any legal or procedural issues. APPLICATION TO THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA 6. The countries of the European Economic Area are eligible to participate in the existing education, training and youth programmes. APPLICATION TO GIBRALTAR 7. Gibraltar is eligible to participate in the existing education, training and youth programmes. SUBSIDIARITY 8. The Government will be concerned to ensure that any future Commission proposals in this area are consistent with Articles 126 and 127 of the EC Treaty, which recognise the responsibility of Member States for the content and organisation of their education and vocational training systems. POLICY IMPLICATIONS 9. The Government believes that the Commission's Communication is a helpful contribution to the debate on future EC education, training and youth programmes. The UK will contribute fully to the ongoing debate in the Council of Ministers and will argue in particular for future programmes which are designed to enhance the employability of European citizens. CONSULTATION 10. The Government is seeking the views of a wide range of participants in existing programmes, and other interested bodies, on the contents and management arrangements for the next generation of programmes. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 11. None. TIMETABLE OF FURTHER ACTION 12. The Commission's Communication will be discussed during the UK Presidency. Formal proposals for successor programmes are likely to be presented towards the middle of 1998 for negotiation during the second half of the year and early 1999. Baroness Blackstone Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment 3 December 1997
2. SOCRATES is the Community action programme in the field of education, LEONARDO is the Community training programme and Youth for Europe promotes co-operation in the youth field. These programmes will finish at the end of 1999. The Commission's paper "Towards a Europe of Knowledge" sets out their initial thinking on the shape of future programmes, with a view to formal proposals being presented towards the middle of 1998 for new programmes to start in 2000.
3. The Communication sets out the Commission's views on the broad guidelines for future Community action. It suggests that Community action should support employment and development of the knowledge and skills of European citizens. It proposes to do this through promoting lifelong learning, the acquisition of skills and competence, access to knowledge and an understanding of citizenship. It goes on to state that there should be a limited number of objectives, more focused actions and streamlined management of the programmes. The Communication does not contain specific budgetary proposals, but it does highlight the need for improved synergy and complementarity with other programmes.
MINISTERIAL RESPONSIBILITY 4. The Secretary of State for Education and Employment has lead responsibility for the policy questions arising from this document. This is shared with the Secretaries of State for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in respect of their responsibility for education in those countries. LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL ISSUES 5. The Communication does not raise any legal or procedural issues. APPLICATION TO THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA 6. The countries of the European Economic Area are eligible to participate in the existing education, training and youth programmes. APPLICATION TO GIBRALTAR 7. Gibraltar is eligible to participate in the existing education, training and youth programmes. SUBSIDIARITY 8. The Government will be concerned to ensure that any future Commission proposals in this area are consistent with Articles 126 and 127 of the EC Treaty, which recognise the responsibility of Member States for the content and organisation of their education and vocational training systems. POLICY IMPLICATIONS 9. The Government believes that the Commission's Communication is a helpful contribution to the debate on future EC education, training and youth programmes. The UK will contribute fully to the ongoing debate in the Council of Ministers and will argue in particular for future programmes which are designed to enhance the employability of European citizens. CONSULTATION 10. The Government is seeking the views of a wide range of participants in existing programmes, and other interested bodies, on the contents and management arrangements for the next generation of programmes. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 11. None. TIMETABLE OF FURTHER ACTION 12. The Commission's Communication will be discussed during the UK Presidency. Formal proposals for successor programmes are likely to be presented towards the middle of 1998 for negotiation during the second half of the year and early 1999. Baroness Blackstone Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment 3 December 1997
4. The Secretary of State for Education and Employment has lead responsibility for the policy questions arising from this document. This is shared with the Secretaries of State for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in respect of their responsibility for education in those countries.
LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL ISSUES 5. The Communication does not raise any legal or procedural issues. APPLICATION TO THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA 6. The countries of the European Economic Area are eligible to participate in the existing education, training and youth programmes. APPLICATION TO GIBRALTAR 7. Gibraltar is eligible to participate in the existing education, training and youth programmes. SUBSIDIARITY 8. The Government will be concerned to ensure that any future Commission proposals in this area are consistent with Articles 126 and 127 of the EC Treaty, which recognise the responsibility of Member States for the content and organisation of their education and vocational training systems. POLICY IMPLICATIONS 9. The Government believes that the Commission's Communication is a helpful contribution to the debate on future EC education, training and youth programmes. The UK will contribute fully to the ongoing debate in the Council of Ministers and will argue in particular for future programmes which are designed to enhance the employability of European citizens. CONSULTATION 10. The Government is seeking the views of a wide range of participants in existing programmes, and other interested bodies, on the contents and management arrangements for the next generation of programmes. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 11. None. TIMETABLE OF FURTHER ACTION 12. The Commission's Communication will be discussed during the UK Presidency. Formal proposals for successor programmes are likely to be presented towards the middle of 1998 for negotiation during the second half of the year and early 1999. Baroness Blackstone Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment 3 December 1997
5. The Communication does not raise any legal or procedural issues.
APPLICATION TO THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA 6. The countries of the European Economic Area are eligible to participate in the existing education, training and youth programmes. APPLICATION TO GIBRALTAR 7. Gibraltar is eligible to participate in the existing education, training and youth programmes. SUBSIDIARITY 8. The Government will be concerned to ensure that any future Commission proposals in this area are consistent with Articles 126 and 127 of the EC Treaty, which recognise the responsibility of Member States for the content and organisation of their education and vocational training systems. POLICY IMPLICATIONS 9. The Government believes that the Commission's Communication is a helpful contribution to the debate on future EC education, training and youth programmes. The UK will contribute fully to the ongoing debate in the Council of Ministers and will argue in particular for future programmes which are designed to enhance the employability of European citizens. CONSULTATION 10. The Government is seeking the views of a wide range of participants in existing programmes, and other interested bodies, on the contents and management arrangements for the next generation of programmes. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 11. None. TIMETABLE OF FURTHER ACTION 12. The Commission's Communication will be discussed during the UK Presidency. Formal proposals for successor programmes are likely to be presented towards the middle of 1998 for negotiation during the second half of the year and early 1999. Baroness Blackstone Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment 3 December 1997
6. The countries of the European Economic Area are eligible to participate in the existing education, training and youth programmes.
APPLICATION TO GIBRALTAR 7. Gibraltar is eligible to participate in the existing education, training and youth programmes. SUBSIDIARITY 8. The Government will be concerned to ensure that any future Commission proposals in this area are consistent with Articles 126 and 127 of the EC Treaty, which recognise the responsibility of Member States for the content and organisation of their education and vocational training systems. POLICY IMPLICATIONS 9. The Government believes that the Commission's Communication is a helpful contribution to the debate on future EC education, training and youth programmes. The UK will contribute fully to the ongoing debate in the Council of Ministers and will argue in particular for future programmes which are designed to enhance the employability of European citizens. CONSULTATION 10. The Government is seeking the views of a wide range of participants in existing programmes, and other interested bodies, on the contents and management arrangements for the next generation of programmes. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 11. None. TIMETABLE OF FURTHER ACTION 12. The Commission's Communication will be discussed during the UK Presidency. Formal proposals for successor programmes are likely to be presented towards the middle of 1998 for negotiation during the second half of the year and early 1999. Baroness Blackstone Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment 3 December 1997
7. Gibraltar is eligible to participate in the existing education, training and youth programmes.
SUBSIDIARITY 8. The Government will be concerned to ensure that any future Commission proposals in this area are consistent with Articles 126 and 127 of the EC Treaty, which recognise the responsibility of Member States for the content and organisation of their education and vocational training systems. POLICY IMPLICATIONS 9. The Government believes that the Commission's Communication is a helpful contribution to the debate on future EC education, training and youth programmes. The UK will contribute fully to the ongoing debate in the Council of Ministers and will argue in particular for future programmes which are designed to enhance the employability of European citizens. CONSULTATION 10. The Government is seeking the views of a wide range of participants in existing programmes, and other interested bodies, on the contents and management arrangements for the next generation of programmes. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 11. None. TIMETABLE OF FURTHER ACTION 12. The Commission's Communication will be discussed during the UK Presidency. Formal proposals for successor programmes are likely to be presented towards the middle of 1998 for negotiation during the second half of the year and early 1999. Baroness Blackstone Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment 3 December 1997
8. The Government will be concerned to ensure that any future Commission proposals in this area are consistent with Articles 126 and 127 of the EC Treaty, which recognise the responsibility of Member States for the content and organisation of their education and vocational training systems.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS 9. The Government believes that the Commission's Communication is a helpful contribution to the debate on future EC education, training and youth programmes. The UK will contribute fully to the ongoing debate in the Council of Ministers and will argue in particular for future programmes which are designed to enhance the employability of European citizens. CONSULTATION 10. The Government is seeking the views of a wide range of participants in existing programmes, and other interested bodies, on the contents and management arrangements for the next generation of programmes. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 11. None. TIMETABLE OF FURTHER ACTION 12. The Commission's Communication will be discussed during the UK Presidency. Formal proposals for successor programmes are likely to be presented towards the middle of 1998 for negotiation during the second half of the year and early 1999. Baroness Blackstone Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment 3 December 1997
9. The Government believes that the Commission's Communication is a helpful contribution to the debate on future EC education, training and youth programmes. The UK will contribute fully to the ongoing debate in the Council of Ministers and will argue in particular for future programmes which are designed to enhance the employability of European citizens.
CONSULTATION 10. The Government is seeking the views of a wide range of participants in existing programmes, and other interested bodies, on the contents and management arrangements for the next generation of programmes. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 11. None. TIMETABLE OF FURTHER ACTION 12. The Commission's Communication will be discussed during the UK Presidency. Formal proposals for successor programmes are likely to be presented towards the middle of 1998 for negotiation during the second half of the year and early 1999. Baroness Blackstone Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment 3 December 1997
10. The Government is seeking the views of a wide range of participants in existing programmes, and other interested bodies, on the contents and management arrangements for the next generation of programmes.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 11. None. TIMETABLE OF FURTHER ACTION 12. The Commission's Communication will be discussed during the UK Presidency. Formal proposals for successor programmes are likely to be presented towards the middle of 1998 for negotiation during the second half of the year and early 1999. Baroness Blackstone Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment 3 December 1997
11. None.
TIMETABLE OF FURTHER ACTION 12. The Commission's Communication will be discussed during the UK Presidency. Formal proposals for successor programmes are likely to be presented towards the middle of 1998 for negotiation during the second half of the year and early 1999. Baroness Blackstone Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment 3 December 1997
12. The Commission's Communication will be discussed during the UK Presidency. Formal proposals for successor programmes are likely to be presented towards the middle of 1998 for negotiation during the second half of the year and early 1999.
Baroness Blackstone Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment
3 December 1997
