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"B COUNCIL DECISION
of 29 April 1999
adopting the third phase of the trans-European cooperation scheme for higher education (Tempus III) (2000-2006)
(1999/311/EC)
(OJ L 120, 8.5.1999, p. 30)
Amended by:
Official Journal
No page date
"M1 Council Decision 2000/460/EC of 17 July 2000 L 183 16 22.7.20001999D0311 — EN — 22.07.2000 — 001.001 — 1
COUNCIL DECISION
of 29 April 1999
adopting the third phase of the trans-European cooperation scheme for
higher education (Tempus III) (2000-2006)
(1999/311/EC)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in
particular Article 235 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (2),
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3),
Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (4),
(1) Whereas the European Council meeting in Strasbourg on 8 and 9
December 1989 called on the Council to adopt, on the basis of aproposal from the Commission, measures aimed at enabling the central
and eastern European countries to take part in programmes in the areas
of education and/or training similar to the existing Communityprogrammes;
(2) Whereas on 18 December 1989 the Council adopted Regulation (EEC)
No 3906/89 on economic aid to the Republic of Hungary and the
Polish People’s Republic (
5) (PHARE programme), which provides for
aid to support the process of economic and social reform in central andeastern European countries in areas including training; whereas on 25June 1996 the Council adopted Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 1279/96
concerning the provision of assistance to economic reform and
recovery in the new independent States and Mongolia (
6) (TACIS
programme);
(3) Whereas on 29 April 1993 by Decision 93/246/EEC the Council
adopted the second phase of the trans-European cooperation scheme
for higher education (Tempus II) for a period of four years from 1 July
1994 (7); whereas that Decision was amended on 21 November 1996
by Decision 96/663/EC (8) to extend to six years the duration of this
programme (1994-2000);
(4) Whereas the countries of central and eastern Europe, the new
independent States of the former Soviet Union and Mongolia, which
are beneficiaries of the PHARE and TACIS programmes, considerhigher education and training to be key areas for the process ofeconomic and social reform;
(5) Whereas cooperation on higher education strengthens and deepens the
whole fabric of relations existing between the peoples of Europe,
brings out common cultural values, allows fruitful exchanges of views
to take place and facilitates multinational activities in the scientific,cultural, artistic, economic and social spheres;
(6) Whereas the recent establishment of Tempus in the non-associated
countries of central and eastern Europe, in the new independent States
of the former Soviet Union and in Mongolia, whose needs are greater
and whose areas are more extensive, fully warrants the continuation ofthe measures undertaken;
(7) Whereas Tempus can make an effective contribution to the structural
development of higher education including the improvement of human!B
(1) OJ C 270, 29.8.1998, p. 9, and OJ C 87, 29.3.1999, p. 102.
(2) OJ C 98, 9.4.1999.
(3) OJ C 40, 15.2.1999, p. 23.
(4) OJ C 51, 22.2.1999, p. 86.
(5) OJ L 375, 23.12.1989, p. 11. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No
753/96 (OJ L 103, 26.4.1996, p. 5).
(6) OJ L 165, 4.7.1996, p. 1.
(7) OJ L 112, 6.5.1993, p. 34.
(8) OJ L 306, 28.11.1996, p. 36.1999D0311 — EN — 22.07.2000 — 001.001 — 2
resources and occupational skills adapted to economic reform and
whereas there is no other instrument for achieving this objective;
(8) Whereas Tempus can also make an effective contribution, via
universities and university staff, to the development of public
administration and education structures in the eligible countries;
(9) Whereas Tempus can contribute to the restoration of cooperation,
interrupted by recent events, between neighbouring regions of theCommunity and whereas this cooperation is a factor of peace and
stability in Europe;
(10) Whereas the associated countries in the pre-accession phase which
have taken part in Tempus I and Tempus II could now, thanks to the
experience they have acquired, make a useful contribution alongsidethe Member States in assisting the partner countries who came into theprogramme at a much later stage to restructure their higher education
systems;
(11) Whereas Article 11 of Decision 93/246/EEC stipulates that the
Commission must carry out an evaluation of the implementation of the
Tempus programme and submit no later than 30 April 1998 a proposalfor the extension or the adjustment of the programme for the period
commencing on 1 July 2000;
(12) Whereas the competent authorities in the countries of central and
eastern Europe, the new independent States of the former Soviet Union
and Mongolia, the users of the programme, the structures responsiblefor organising it in the eligible countries and in the EuropeanCommunity, and the experts and qualified representatives reflecting
the views of the university world in Europe, share the findings of the
evaluation report attesting to the capacity of Tempus to make aneffective contribution in the eligible countries to the diversification ofeducational opportunities and to cooperation between universities,
thereby paving the way for the development of scientific, cultural and
economic and social cooperation;
(13) Whereas the possibility should be provided of creating effective
coordination between the Tempus III programme and other Commu-nity programmes or activities with an educational and/or training-related dimension, thus stimulating synergies and increasing the added
value of each of the Community activities;
(14) Whereas the Treaty does not provide, for the adoption of this Decision,
powers other than those of Article 235; whereas the conditions for
invoking that Article have been satisfied,
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
Article 1
Duration of Tempus III
The third phase of the trans-European cooperation scheme for higher
education (hereinafter referred to as ‘Tempus III’) is hereby adopted for a
period of six years as from 1 July 2000.
Article 2
Eligible countries
Tempus III concerns the non-associated countries of central and eastern
Europe designated as eligible for economic aid by virtue of Regulation (EEC)
No 3906/89 (PHARE programme) or the programme intended to replace it,and the new independent states of the former Soviet Union and Mongoliamentioned in Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 99/2000 (which replaces the old
TACIS programme). These countries are hereinafter referred to as ‘eligible
countries’.
On the basis of an evaluation of the specific situation of each country the
Commission, in accordance with the procedures set out in the saidRegulations, shall agree with the eligible countries concerned whether they
should participate in Tempus III, and the nature and conditions of their
participation in the national planning of Community assistance for social andeconomic reform.!B
!M1
!B1999D0311 — EN — 22.07.2000 — 001.001 — 3
Article 3
Involvement of associated countries
Actions under Tempus III are also open to the associated countries of central
and eastern Europe so that what has been achieved through Tempus can beshared with the neighbouring countries and in order to develop regional and
cross-border cooperation. Taking into account the respective financial rules
and regulations, cooperation between Tempus and Erasmus projects should beencouraged.
Article 4
Definitions
For the purposes of Tempus III:
(a) the term ‘university’ shall be used to cover all types of post-secondary
educational and vocational training establishments which offer, within the
framework of advanced education and training, qualifications or
diplomas of that level, whatever such establishments may be called;
(b) the terms ‘industry’ and ‘company’ shall be used to cover all types of
economic activity, irrespective of legal status, autonomous businessorganisations, chambers of commerce and industry and/or theirequivalents, professional associations, and the training bodies of the
institutions and organisations mentioned above;
(c) the term ‘institution’ shall be used to cover local and public authorities,
and the social partners’ and their training bodies.
Each Member State or eligible country may determine what types of
establishment referred to in point (a) can participate in Tempus III.
Article 5
Aims
The aim of Tempus III is to promote, in line with the guidelines and general
objectives of the PHARE and TACIS programmes for economic and social
reform, the development of the higher education systems in the eligiblecountries through the most balanced cooperation possible with the partnersfrom all the Member States of the Community.
More specifically, Tempus III is intended to facilitate the adaptation of higher
education to the new socio-economic and cultural needs of the eligible
countries by addressing:
(a) issues relating to the development and reshaping of curricula in the
priority areas;
(b) reform of higher education structures and establishments and their
management;
(c) the development of training leading to qualifications, with a view to
making good the shortage of high-level skills needed in the context ofeconomic reform, particularly by improving and increasing links withindustry;
(d) the contribution of higher education and training to citizenship and the
strengthening of democracy.
The Commission will, when pursuing the objectives of Tempus III, endeavour
to adhere to the Community’s general policy on equal opportunities for men
and women. The Commission will also endeavour to ensure that no group ofcitizens is excluded or disadvantaged.
Article 6
Dialogue with the eligible countries
In agreement with the competent authorities in each country, the Commission
will define the detailed priorities and objectives for the role of Tempus III in
the national strategy for economic and social reform, on the basis of the
programme’ s objectives and the provisions set out in the Annex, and inconformity in particular with:
(a) (i) the general objectives of the PHARE programme;!B1999D0311 — EN — 22.07.2000 — 001.001 — 4
(ii) the general objectives of the TACIS programme, with particular
reference to its sectoral aspects;
(b) the policy of each eligible country on economic, social and educational
reforms;
(c) the need to strike an appropriate balance between the priority areas
selected and the resources allocated to Tempus III.
Article 7
Committee
1. The Commission shall implement the Tempus III programme in
accordance with the provisions of the Annex, on the basis of detailedguidelines to be adopted annually and following the detailed objectives andpriorities agreed with the competent authorities in each eligible country, as
provided for in Article 6.
2. In the performance of that task, the Commission shall be assisted by a
committee composed of two representatives appointed by each Member State
and chaired by the Commission representative. The members of thecommittee may be assisted by experts and advisers.
The committee shall, in particular, assist the Commission in the implemen-
tation of the scheme having regard to the objectives set out in Article 5 andshall coordinate its work with that of other programme committees
established in the field of education (Socrates) and training (Leonardo).
3. The Commission representative shall submit to the Committee drafts for
measures concerning:
(a) the general guidelines governing Tempus III;(b) the selection procedures and general guidelines for the Community’s
financial assistance (amounts, duration and beneficiaries);
(c) questions relating to the overall balance of Tempus III, including the
breakdown between the various actions;
(d) the detailed priorities and objectives to be agreed with the competent
authorities in each eligible country;
(e) the arrangements for monitoring and evaluating Tempus III.
4. The committee shall deliver its opinion on these draft measures within a
time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of thematter. 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 ofthe Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner setout in that Article. The chairman shall not vote.
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 Commission to the Council
forthwith.
In that event the Commission may defer application of the measures which it
has decided upon for a period of one month.
The Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision
within the time limit referred to in the previous subparagraph.
5. In addition, the Commission may consult the committee on any other
matter concerning the implementation of Tempus III, including the annual
report.
The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of
the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on this draft,
within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to theurgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote.
The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State
shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes.
The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the
committee. It shall inform the committee on the manner in which its opinionhas been taken into account.!B1999D0311 — EN — 22.07.2000 — 001.001 — 5
Article 8
Cooperation with the competent bodies
1. The Commission shall cooperate with the agencies of each of the eligible
countries designated and set up to coordinate the relations and structuresneeded to implement Tempus III, including the allocation of funds earmarkedby the eligible countries themselves.
2. In addition, for the implementation of Tempus III, the Commission shall
cooperate closely with the competent national structures designated by the
Member States. It shall take due account whenever possible of bilateral
measures taken in this context by the Member States.
Article 9
Links with other Community actions
In line with the procedure set out in Article 7(3) of this Decision and, if
applicable, the procedure defined in Article 9 of Regulation (EEC) No3906/89 and in Article 8 of Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 1279/96, within the
limits established by the annual budgetary decisions, the Commission shall
ensure consistency and, where necessary, complementarity between TempusIII and other Community actions undertaken both in the Community and as
part of assistance provided to eligible countries, particularly with regard to the
activities of the European Training Foundation.
Article 10
Coordination with action taken in non-Community countries
1. The Commission shall organise appropriate coordination with actions
undertaken by countries not members of the Community (
1) or by universities
and the business sector in these countries in the same field as Tempus III,
including, where applicable, participation in Tempus III projects.
2. This participation may take a variety of forms, including one or more of
the following:
— participation in Tempus III projects on a co-financing basis,
— using the opportunities available under Tempus III to channel exchange
actions receiving bilateral funding,
— coordination between Tempus III and national initiatives which have the
same aims but which are funded and managed separately,
— mutual exchange of information on all relevant initiatives in this field.
Article 11
Annual report
An annual report on the operation of Tempus III shall be forwarded by the
Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic andSocial Committee and the Committee of the Regions. This report shall also be
forwarded to the eligible countries for information.
Article 12
Monitoring and evaluation — reports
In accordance with the procedure set out in Article 7(3), the Commission shall
supervise the arrangements for regular monitoring and external evaluation ofexperience gained with Tempus III, taking due account of the specific
objectives in Article 5 and the national objectives defined in accordance with
Article 6.
It shall submit by 30 April 2004 an interim report on the findings of the
evaluation, together with any proposals for extending or adjusting Tempus for
the period commencing on 1 July 2006.!B
(1) These countries are the members of the Group of 24, other than the Member States
of the Community, the Republic of Cyprus and Malta, and the associated countries
of central and eastern Europe, and participation relates to projects with the
non-associated countries of central and eastern Europe eligible under the PHARE
programme.1999D0311 — EN — 22.07.2000 — 001.001 — 6
The Commission shall submit a final report no later than 30 June 2009.!B1999D0311 — EN — 22.07.2000 — 001.001 — 7
ANNEX
Joint European projects
1. The European Community will provide support for joint European projects
(JEPs) of a maximum of three years’ duration.
The JEPs will associate at least one university in an eligible country, one
university from a Member State and a partner establishment (university,company or institution as defined in Article 4) in another Member State.
2. Support for JEPs can be provided for activities according to the specific needs
of the establishments concerned and in line with the priorities established,including:
(i) joint education and training actions, particularly with a view to curriculum
development and updating, boosting university capacity to providecontinuing education and retraining, development of short intensivecourses, and development of open and distance learning systems includinginformation and communication technology;
(ii) measures for the reform and development of higher education and its
capacity, particularly by restructuring the management of higher educationestablishments and systems, by modernising existing infrastructures, byacquiring the equipment needed to implement a JEP and, where applicable,
by providing technical and financial assistance to the authorities
responsible;
(iii) the promotion of cooperation between universities, industry and institu-
tions as defined in Article 4 through JEPs;
(iv) the development of mobility for teachers, administrative staff of
universities and students under JEPs:
(a) grants will be provided for teaching/administrative staff of univer-
sities or to trainers in companies in the Member States to carry outteaching/training assignments for periods lasting up to one year ineligible countries and vice versa;
(b) grants will be awarded to teaching/administrative staff of universities
in the eligible countries to undertake periods of retraining andupdating in the European Community;
(c) grants will be available for students up to and including postgraduate
at doctoral level, targeting both students in the eligible countriesundertaking a period of study in the European Community andEuropean Community students undertaking a period of study in theeligible countries. These grants will normally be granted for a periodof three months to one year;
(d) grants will be available for students taking part in JEPs with the
specific aim of promoting mobility, priority will go to students takingpart in projects for which their university of origin will give fullacademic recognition to the period of study spent abroad;
(e) support will be provided for practical or in-company training periods
of one month to one year for teachers, trainers, students and graduatesof the eligible countries between the end of their studies and their first
job, so that they can undertake a period of practical training in
companies in the Community and vice versa;
(v) activities to ensure the success of a JEP involving two or more eligible
countries.
Structural and/or complementary measures
Financial support will be provided for certain structural and/or complementary
measures (particularly technical assistance, seminars, studies, publications, information
activities) to support the objectives of the programme, particularly the development and
restructuring of higher education systems in the eligible countries. Under the structuralmeasures, financial aid will be granted to assist the eligible countries inter alia to:
— develop and strengthen the capacity for strategic planning and institutional
development of higher education establishments at university or faculty level,
— establish a development plan for universities to help them build up international
relations,
— support the spread of durable cooperation actions targeting the Tempus objectives,!
B1999D0311 — EN — 22.07.2000 — 001.001 — 8
— prepare a national strategy in a given eligible country to develop a specific aspect
of higher education.
Individual grants
In addition to the JEPs and the structural and/or complementary measures, the European
Community will also support the provision of individual grants to teachers, trainers,
university administrators, senior ministerial officials, education planners and otherexperts in training from eligible countries or from the Community, for visits to promotethe quality, development and restructuring of higher education and training in theeligible countries.
These visits could inter alia cover the following areas:
— the development of courses and teaching material,
— the development of staff, particularly through periods of refresher training and in-
company placements,
— teaching and training assignments,— activities to support the development of higher education,
— participation in the activities of European associations, in particular university
associations.
Support actions
1. The Commission will receive the technical assistance needed to underpin the
action taken pursuant to this Decision and to monitor programme implementa-tion.
2. Support will be provided for appropriate external evaluation of Tempus III.
Support will also be provided for dissemination in relation to JEPs, structural
and/or complementary measures and individual mobility and for disseminationof successful outcomes from specific projects in earlier stages of the Tempusprogramme.!
B1999D0311 — EN — 22.07.2000 — 001.001 — 9