A4-0373/98

Proposal for a Council Decision establishing the second phase of the Community vocational training action programme 'Leonardo da Vinci¨ (COM(98)0330 - C4-0522/98 - 98/0196(SYN))

The proposal was approved with the following amendments:

(Amendment 1)

Recital 3a (new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

(3a) Whereas lifelong training will have to be provided for persons of all ages and all occupational categories, not only because of technological change but also as a result of the reduction in the number of persons in active employment in the age pyramid;

(Amendment 2)

Recital 6

>Original text>

(6) Whereas there is a need to promote active citizenship, to strengthen the links between measures pursued under this programme, and to step up the fight against exclusion in all its forms, including racism and xenophobia, and whereas special attention should be focused on removing all forms of inequality and on promoting equal opportunities for women and men;

>Text following EP vote>

(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 to encouraging lifelong learning; whereas attention should be paid in the implementation of this programme to fighting exclusion in all its forms, including racism and xenophobia, removing all forms of discrimination and inequality and promoting equal opportunities for women and men;

(Amendment 3)

Recital 8

>Original text>

(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 Decision and the Community interventions, in particular in the domains of culture, audiovisual media, the completion of the single market, the environment, consumer protection, the information society, SMEs, social policies, employment and public health;

>Text following EP vote>

(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 Decision and the Community interventions, in particular in the domains of culture, research, development, audiovisual media, the completion of the single market, the environment, consumer protection, the information society, SMEs, social policies, employment and public health;

(Amendment 60)

Recital 8a (new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

(8a) Whereas, in view of their role in the maintenance and creation of jobs and the development of training, SMEs and craft undertakings should be more heavily involved in the implementation of the programme and the more equitable participation of their representatives should be ensured;

(Amendment 4)

Recital 9

>Original text>

(9) Whereas the Commission's proposals for reforming the Structural Funds, particularly the European Social Fund, and the Community initiatives stemming therefrom, are based on objectives designed to support the adaptation and modernisation of policies and systems relating to education, training and employment;

>Text following EP vote>

(9)

Whereas the Commission's proposals for reforming the Structural Funds, particularly the European Social Fund, and the Community initiatives stemming therefrom, are designed to enhance and sustain the employability of unemployed people and job-seekers and to promote a skilled, trained and adaptable workforce;

(Amendment 5)

Recital 10

>Original text>

(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;

>Text following EP vote>

(10)

Whereas the Commission, in conjunction with the Member States, is seeking to secure coherence and complementarity between the actions under this 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 innovatory approaches and methods developed under this programme; 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;

(Amendment 6)

Recital 12a (new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

(12a) Whereas the duration of this programme should correspond to that of the next financial perspectives (2000-2006), in order to provide a stable financial and political framework for Community vocational training policy;

(Amendment 7)

Recital 12b (new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

(12b) Whereas, in the context of the European Employment Strategy, investment in vocational training has been recognised as giving an essential contribution to the Union's global competitiveness and its social cohesion, by, respectively, promoting a highly skilled workforce and providing employment opportunities for all;

(Amendment 8)

Recital 12c (new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

(12c) Whereas the proposed extension in the duration of the programme and the political priority given to vocational training should result in a substantial increase in the resources allocated to this programme;

(Amendment 9)

Recital 13a (new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

(13a) Whereas, in accordance with Article 3 of the Financial Regulation, the Commission is required to provide the budgetary authority with an update of the original estimates contained in the financial statements.

(Amendment 10)

Article 1(2)

>Original text>

2. This programme shall be implemented in the period starting on 1 January 2000 and ending on 31 December 2004.

>Text following EP vote>

2.

This programme shall be implemented in the period starting on 1 January 2000 and ending on 31 December 2006.

(Amendment 11)

Article 1(3)

>Original text>

3. This programme shall contribute to the Community¨s knowledge policy through the implementation of a European education area fostering the development of lifelong education and training. It shall permit the development of the knowledge and skills likely to foster the full exercise of citizenship.

>Text following EP vote>

3.

This programme shall contribute to the promotion of a Europe of knowledge byfostering the implementation of a European area for lifelong education and training (lifelong learning) and by encouraging the development of the knowledge and skills likely to foster employability, thus allowing the full exercise of active citizenship.

(Amendment 12)

Article 2(1)

>Original text>

1. 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:

>Text following EP vote>

1. Within the policy framework defined in Article 1, this programme shall pursue the aims of developing quality, fostering innovation and promoting the European dimension in national vocational training systems and practices by means of transnational and/or Europe-wide measures. It shall in particular:

>Original text>

(a) to improve and strengthen the social and occupational integration of young people, particularly through work-linked training and apprenticeship;

>Text following EP vote>

(a) improve systems which enable people in initial training to acquire and gain access to the skills and competencies necessary to increase their employability; this may be achieved particularly through work-linked training and apprenticeship and by supporting innovative approaches to counselling, guidance and teamwork, with a view to acquiring social competencies and facilitating social and occupational integration;

>Original text>

(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;

>Text following EP vote>

(b) promote the lifelong acquisition of skills and competencies facilitating the adaptability of workers and enterprises, in order to encourage technological and organisational developments;

>Original text>

(c) to 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.

>Text following EP vote>

(c) promote entrepreneurship, relating in particular to new sources of employment, by encouraging exchanges and joint activities between training institutions (including Universities) and between these and enterprises, particularly SMEs.

Priority shall be given to measures identifying and developing systems and products which facilitate access to training for people vulnerable to exclusion.

(Amendment 62)

Article 2(2)

>Original text>

2. 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 regard to employment, to the removal of inequality, to equal opportunities for women and men, and to social policy.

>Text following EP vote>

2.

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 regard to employment, to the removal of all forms of discrimination and inequality, to equal opportunities for women and men, and to social policy, with particular emphasis on the vocational and social integration of disabled people.

(Amendments 14 and 64)

Article 3

>Original text>

The aims of this programme shall be pursued through actions supported by the following Community measures, the operational content and the application procedures of which are described in Annex A, and which can be used in combination:

>Text following EP vote>

The aims of this programme shall be pursued through actions

based on the following Community measures, the operational content and the application procedures of which are described in Annex A:

>Original text>

(a) support for the mobility of people undergoing vocational training;

>Text following EP vote>

(a)

support for the mobility of people undergoing their first or second course of training, trainers and training managers, with a view to developing and innovating work-linked training opportunities;

>Original text>

(b) promotion of virtual mobility in the context of vocational training, particularly by promoting access to educational multimedia;

>Text following EP vote>

(b) promotion of the use of and access to new information and communication technologies (NICT) in the context of vocational training;

>Original text>

(c) support for the development of European level cooperation networks permitting mutual exchange of experience and good practice;

>Text following EP vote>

(c)

support for the development of European level cooperation networks permitting mutual exchange of experience and good practice;

>Original text>

(d) promotion of language skills and understanding of different cultures;

>Text following EP vote>

(d)

promotion of language skills and understanding of different cultures;

>Original text>

(e) support for innovatory pilot projects based on transnational 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;

>Text following EP vote>

(e)

support for innovatory pilot projects based on transnational partnerships designed to develop innovation and quality in vocational training in order to create new training products, instruments of skills accreditation or in order to test out any new approach; promotion and expansion of accompanying scientific research for innovation projects;

>Original text>

(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.

>Text following EP vote>

(f)

the collection, analysis, evaluation and dissemination of comparable Community statistical data and reference material in the field of vocational training.

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

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.

(Amendment 61)

Article 4(c)

>Original text>

(c) companies and consortia, particularly SMEs or public or private sector establishments, including those involved in training;

>Text following EP vote>

(c)

companies and consortia, particularly SMEs and the craft sector or public or private sector establishments, including those involved in training;

(Amendment 15)

Article 4(e)

>Original text>

(e) organisations of both sides of industry at all levels;

>Text following EP vote>

(e)

both sides of industry and their organisations at all levels;

(Amendment 16)

Article 4(g)

>Original text>

(g) associations.

>Text following EP vote>

(g) non-profit-making and voluntary bodies, undertakings and businesses in the third sector.

(Amendment 17)

Article 4, 2nd paragraph (new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

The Commission and the Member States shall ensure that special efforts are made in terms of preparatory measures, technical and financial assistance and capacity-building measures to assist potential beneficiaries and project promoters who, for cultural, social, physical, economic or geographical reasons, find it more difficult to participate in the programme. The nature of these efforts shall be decided in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 7.

(Amendment 18)

Article 5(3)

>Original text>

3. 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.

>Text following EP vote>

3.

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.

>Original text>

To that end, they shall set up an integrated management structure for the operational implementation of the programme's actions and shall ensure that appropriate information and publicity is provided on actions cofinanced by the programme.

>Text following EP vote>

They shall ensure the coordination and integration of the management arrangements taken and their compliance with the principles laid down in Article 9(1), first and second subparagraphs. Furthermore they shall ensure that appropriate information and publicity is provided on actions cofinanced by the programme.

(Amendment 19)

Article 5(4)

>Original text>

4. 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.

>Text following EP vote>

4.

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, particularly for people likely to be discriminated against.

(Amendment 20)

Article 7

>Original text>

1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of the representatives of Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission.

>Text following EP vote>

1.

The Commission shall be assisted by an advisory committee composed of one representative per Member State and chaired by the representative of the Commission.

>Original text>

2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken as regards:

>Text following EP vote>

2.

The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft of the general measures to be taken as regards:

>Original text>

(a) the arrangements for implementing the programme, including where appropriate the annual plan of work for the implementation of the programme's actions;

>Text following EP vote>

(a)

the arrangements for implementing the programme, including where appropriate the annual plan of work for the implementation of the programme's actions;

>Original text>

(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;

>Text following EP vote>

(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;

>Original text>

(c) the arrangements for evaluating the programme.

>Text following EP vote>

(c)

the arrangements for evaluating the programme.

>Original text>

3. 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.

>Text following EP vote>

Deleted

>Original text>

4. 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.

>Text following EP vote>

Deleted

>Original text>

In that event,

>Text following EP vote>

>Original text>

- 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;

>Text following EP vote>

>Original text>

- the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time-limit referred to in the first indent.

>Text following EP vote>

>Original text>

5. 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.

>Text following EP vote>

3. 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.

>Original text>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.

>Text following EP 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.

>Original text>

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.

>Text following EP vote>

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

(Amendment 21)

Article 8, 2nd and 3rd paragraphs

>Original text>

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.

>Text following EP vote>

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

and shall have the right to be heard.

>Original text>

They shall have the right to request that their position be recorded in the minutes of committee meetings.

>Text following EP vote>

Their position

shall be recorded in the minutes of committee meetings.

(Amendment 22)

Article 9(1)

>Original text>

1. The Commission shall, in conjunction with the Member States, ensure the overall consistency with other Community policies and actions. There shall be coordination between the activities of this programme and the other Community actions, in particular those covered by the knowledge policy.

>Text following EP vote>

1.

The Commission shall, in conjunction with the Member States, ensure the overall consistency and coordination between the activities of this programme and the other Community policies and actions, in particular those covered by the knowledge policy.

>Original text>

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, the information society, environment, consumer protection, SMEs, social policies, employment, and public health.

>Text following EP vote>

The Commission shall ensure, in conjunction with the Member States, consistency

and synergy between implementation of this programme and the other Community actions relating to training in the domain of culture, research, and the audiovisual sector, the completion of the internal market, the information society, environment, consumer protection, SMEs, social policies, employment, and public health.

>Original text>

The Commission shall 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.

>Text following EP vote>

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.

(Amendment 23)

Article 9(2)

>Original text>

2. The Commission and the Member States shall ensure that the measures of this programme are, as part of the implementation of the coordinated employment strategy, consistent with the orientations established annually for the employment guidelines and in conjunction with the other actions contributing to the implementation of the action plans.

>Text following EP vote>

2.

The Commission and the Member States shall ensure that the measures of this programme are, as part of the implementation of the coordinated employment strategy, contributing to the achievement of the objectives laid down in the European employment guidelines and the development of the national action plans.

(Amendment 24)

Article 9(3)

>Original text>

3. The Commission and the Member States shall ensure consistency and complementarity between action taken under this programme and Community action under the Structural Funds.

>Text following EP vote>

3.

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 and methods developed under this programme.

(Amendment 25)

Article 9(4)

>Original text>

4. When implementing this programme, the Commission in close conjunction with both sides of industry at Community level will endeavour to develop the social dialogue at the Community level, particularly by providing support at all levels, including sectoral levels, and by disseminating its results.

>Text following EP vote>

4.

When implementing this programme, the Commission in close conjunction with both sides of industry at Community level will endeavour to develop the social dialogue at the Community level, particularly by providing support at all levels, including sectoral levels, and by disseminating its results. Similar steps shall be taken by the Commission with a view to developing a permanent dialogue with the relevant NGOs, representative at European Union level of the interests and groups concerned by the programme.

(Amendment 26)

Article 12(2)

>Original text>

2. 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.

>Text following EP vote>

2.

The Commission shall evaluate this programme 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.

>Original text>

The evaluation shall also examine the complementarity between actions under this programme and those pursued under other Community programmes, particularly actions supported by the European Social Fund.

>Text following EP vote>

The evaluation shall also examine the complementarity between actions under this programme and those pursued under other Community programmes, particularly actions supported by the European Social Fund.

The results of this evaluation, accompanied, where appropriate, by the Commission's remarks and recommendations, shall be submitted for consideration to the committee referred to in Article 7 and forwarded to the European Parliament.

>Original text>

In accordance with criteria established using the procedure described in Article 7(2), there shall be periodical external evaluations of the results of the Community actions.

>Text following EP vote>

In accordance with

the arrangements established using the procedure described in Article 7(2), there shall be periodical external evaluations of the results of the Community actions

(Amendment 27)

Article 12(3)

>Original text>

3. 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.

>Text following EP vote>

3.

Member States shall submit to the Commission by 31 December 2004 and 30 June 2007, respectively, reports on the implementation, the impact and the effectiveness 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.

(Amendment 28)

Article 12(4)

>Original text>

4. The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament, the Council and the Economic and Social Committee:

>Text following EP vote>

4.

The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament, the Council, the Committee of the Regions and the Economic and Social Committee:

>Original text>

- an interim report on the implementation of this programme no later than 30 June 2003;

>Text following EP vote>

-

an interim report on the qualitative and quantitative aspects of implementation of this programme no later than 30 June 2005;

>Original text>

- no later than 31 December 2005, a final report on the implementation of this programme.

>Text following EP vote>

-

no later than 31 December 2007, a final report on the implementation of this programme.

(Amendment 29)

Annex A, Section I (2)

>Original text>

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.

>Text following EP vote>

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.

(Amendment 30)

Annex A, Section I (3), 1st subparagraph

>Original text>

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 transnationality and selection.

>Text following EP vote>

3.

A Community call for proposals will define the priorities under each objective, the timetable, the conditions of submission, the common eligibility criteria, particularly in terms of transnationality and evaluation and selection procedures.

(Amendment 31)

Annex A, Section I (4)

>Original text>

4. The proposals for action must set out clearly the aims established, the results anticipated and the partners associated in the other Member States, as well as the nature and level of participation of these partners, including their financial contribution and the timetable of work.

>Text following EP vote>

4.

The proposals for action must set out clearly the aims established, 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 participation of these partners, including their financial contribution and the timetable of work.

(Amendment 32)

Annex A, Section I (5a) (new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

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.

(Amendment 33)

Annex A, Section I (5b) (new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

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 transnationally,

(c) proposals to test through European cooperation innovatory themes identified in the call for proposal and

(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 IIIB of this Annex.

(Amendment 34)

Annex A, Section II, Action 1 (a)

>Original text>

(a) preparation and implementation of transnational programmes of placement and exchange for young people undergoing initial vocational training, studying or who have just finished studying: including students and qualified 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 apprenticeship¨ within the meaning of Council Decision 98/.../EC. 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 occupational training or a work experience. Long-term placements can be carried out in two or more periods.

>Text following EP vote>

(a)

preparation and implementation of transnational programmes of placement and exchange for people undergoing vocational training, including workers or 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 apprenticeship¨ within the meaning of Council Decision 98/.../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. 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. Long-term 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.

>Original text>

The transnational placement programmes for young people undergoing training which involve SMEs and craft industry as host bodies will receive special treatment in the conditions described below.

>Text following EP vote>

The transnational placement programmes for people undergoing training which involve SMEs and craft industry as host bodies will receive special treatment in the conditions described below.

(Amendment 35)

Annex A, Section II, Action 1(b), 3rd paragraph

>Original text>

The transnational placement and exchange programmes may be multiannual and last up to three years.

>Text following EP vote>

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.

(Amendment 36)

Annex A, Section II, Action 1, 'Demonstration actions¨

>Original text>

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 multi-annual transnational placement programmes organised among regions and/or sectors in European work-linked training and apprenticeship networks.

>Text following EP vote>

Exemplary actions

Special attention will be given to the organisation and implementation of multi-annual transnational placement programmes organised among regions and/or sectors in European training networks, including apprenticeship and work-linked training.

(Amendment 37)

Annex A, Section II, Action 1, 'Funding¨, 3rd paragraph

>Original text>

Of this allocation 10% is set aside, in accordance with procedures agreed upon with the management structure concerned, to help potential promoters of programmes to prepare their proposals. The sum allowed for this purpose may not exceed ECU 500 per promoter.

>Text following EP vote>

Up to 10% 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 are decided in accordance with Article 7(2).

(Amendment 38)

Annex A, Section II, Action 1, 'Funding¨, 4th paragraph

>Original text>

In line with the same procedure, and within the same allocation, a sum will be granted to transnational programmes undertaken in the SMEs and in 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 may not exceed ECU 250 per placement, with a ceiling of ECU 25 000 per company. This amount is on top of that set aside for the body of the original Member State for the management and monitoring of transnational placement programmes.

>Text following EP vote>

In line with the same procedure, and within the same allocation, a sum will be granted to transnational programmes undertaken in the SMEs and in craft industry and lasting a minimum of three weeks. This sum is designed to facilitate the pedagogic, cultural and linguistic follow-up of

persons placed in a host company in another Member State and may not exceed EUR 250 per placement, with a ceiling of EUR 25 000 per company. This amount is on top of that set aside for the body of the original Member State for the management and monitoring of transnational placement programmes.

(Amendment 39)

Annex A, Section II, Action 1, 'Funding¨, 4th paragraph a (new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

In compliance with the procedure set out in Article 4, second paragraph, additional financial support will be granted to disabled beneficiaries with a view to ensuring their full and equal participation.

(Amendment 40)

Annex A, Section II, Action 2, 'Demonstration actions¨

>Original text>

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/counselling/training in business-related services, particularly with a view to building up a virtual European area of training and job seeking.

>Text following EP vote>

Exemplary actions

Special attention will be given to actions promoting the development of ICT-based European arrangements for guidance/counselling/training in business-related services, particularly with a view to building up a virtual European area of training and job seeking.

(Amendment 41)

Annex A, Section II, Action 3, definition

>Original text>

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

>Text following EP vote>

Support for transnational pilot training projects to develop innovation and its transfer in training

(Amendment 42)

Annex A, Section II, Action 3, 1st paragraph

>Original text>

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 innovatory approaches in training, developed and validated in another Member State. They may relate to the development of quality in training and to occupational 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 development of new forms of working, e.g. teleworking.

>Text following EP vote>

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 innovatory approaches in training, developed and validated in another Member State. They may relate to the development of quality in training and to occupational 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, e.g. teleworking, tested under Action 2 above.

(Amendment 43)

Annex A, Section II, Action 3, 'Demonstration actions¨, heading and introduction

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Demonstration actions

Under 'Innovatory pilot projects¨, there will be support for experimental demonstration actions relating to:

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Exemplary actions

Special attention will be given to actions relating to:

(Amendment 44)

Annex A, Section II, Action 4, 1st paragraph

>Original text>

Community support is available for setting up and organising Community networks of cooperation in 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, distil and build on European expertise and innovatory 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.

>Text following EP vote>

Community support is available for setting up and organising Community networks of cooperation in training, bringing together in the Member States at the regional or sectoral level the public and private players concerned including

representative NGOs and researchers, in the area of vocational training and designed (i) to assemble, distil and build on European expertise and innovatory 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. Given its horizontal and mainly accessory nature, this action shall on principle underpin other measures, particularly those listed under actions 1, 2, 3 and 5.

(Amendment 45)

Annex A, Section II, Action 4, 'Demonstration actions¨

>Original text>

Demonstration actions

Under 'European networks¨, there will be support for experimental demonstration actions relating to the development and networking of multi-player 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.

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Exemplary actions

Special attention will be given to the development and networking of multi-player 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.

(Amendment 46)

Annex A, Section II, Action 5, 1st, 2nd and 3rd paragraphs

>Original text>

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 in the context of the knowledge-based society.

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Community support is available for transnational pilot projects to develop language skills

in a vocational training context. Language skills can be considered as key skills in the context of the knowledge-based society.

>Original text>

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 through the use of language audits, and also innovatory methods based on language self-tuition and the dissemination of their results.

>Text following EP vote>

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 through the use of language audits, and also innovatory methods based on language self-tuition and the dissemination of their results.

>Original text>

Proposals for linguistic and cultural support may also be submitted under other actions and measures, particularly in order to improve language and cultural skills amongst the trainers and mentors responsible for the pedagogic supervision of young people taking part in transnational physical mobility programmes.

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Support is also available for the development of language skills and provision of cultural competencies as part of a transnational exchange experience.

(Amendment 47)

Annex A, Section II, Action 6, title and definition

>Original text>

6. COMMUNITY TERMS OF REFERENCE

Support for actions to establish, update and disseminate Community terms of reference which can be used to compare training systems

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6.

COMMUNITY VOCATIONAL TRAINING REFERENCE MATERIAL

Support for actions to establish, update and disseminate Community data which can be used to compare training systems

(Amendment 48)

Annex A, Section II, Action 6, 'Demonstration actions¨

>Original text>

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.

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Exemplary actions

Under the measure 'Community vocational training reference material¨ the Commission shall give special attention to the setting up, in close conjunction with both sides of industry and in cooperation with Cedefop, of 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.

(Amendment 49)

Annex A, Section II, Action 8, 1st indent

>Original text>

- coordination and monitoring activities by the Member States as described in Article 5 of this Decision;

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coordination, integration, monitoring and evaluation activities by the Member States as described in Articles 5, 9 and 12 of this Decision;

(Amendment 50)

Annex A, Section II, Action 8, 2nd paragraph (new)

>Original text>

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The respective roles and tasks of the European technical assistance office and the national management structures must be clearly defined.

(Amendment 51)

Annex A, Section III A (1)

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1. The decentralised selection procedure will be applied to all Community actions and measures and comprises the following stages.

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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.

(Amendment 52)

Annex A, Section III A (4)

>Original text>

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.

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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 participation 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.

(Amendment 53)

Annex A, Section III A (5)

>Original text>

5. The Commission will examine each report and liaise accordingly with the Member State concerned.

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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.

(Amendment 55)

Annex A, Section III B, introduction

>Original text>

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.

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The centralised selection procedure applies to

actions with a more pronounced Community dimension, as defined in Section I, paragraph 5b of this Annex.

(Amendment 56)

Annex B, 'Overall budget breakdown¨ (2a) (new)

>Original text>

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2a. Under no circumstances shall monies allocated to Action 1 (Physical mobility) exceed 40% of the total annual budget. The financial envelope for Action 3 (Innovative projects), on the contrary, shall amount to at least 25% of the overall annual budget.

(Amendment 66)

Annex B, 'Procedure for determining amounts for transnational placement and exchange programmes¨, 1st paragraph, introduction

>Original text>

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:

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The transnational placement and exchange programmes for

persons participating in initial vocational training, 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:

(Amendment 58)

Annex B, 'Procedure for determining amounts

for transnational placement and exchange programmes¨, 4th paragraph, 3rd indent

>Original text>

- 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.

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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.

Legislative resolution embodying Parliament's opinion on the proposal for a Council Decision on establishing the second phase of the Community vocational training action programme 'Leonardo da Vinci¨ (COM(98)0330 - C4-0522/98 - 98/0196(SYN))(Cooperation procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council, COM(98)0330 - 98/0196(SYN) ((OJ C 309, 9.10.1998, p. 9.)),

- having been consulted by the Council pursuant to Articles 189c and 127 of the EC Treaty (C4-0522/98),

- having regard to Rule 58 of its Rules of Procedure,

- having regard to the report of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs and the opinions of the Committee on Budgets, the Committee on Culture, Youth, Education and the Media and the Committee on Legal Affairs and Citizens' Rights (A4-0373/98),

1. Approves the Commission proposal, subject to Parliament's amendments;

2. Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 189a(2) of the EC Treaty;

3. Calls on the Council to incorporate Parliament's amendments in the common position that it adopts in accordance with Article 189c(a) of the EC Treaty;

4. Calls for the conciliation procedure to be opened should the Council intend to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

5. Asks to be consulted again should the Council intend to make substantial modifications to the Commission proposal;

6. Instructs its President to forward this opinion to the Council and Commission.