Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION amending Decision 1999/311/EC adopting the third phase of the trans-European co-operation scheme for higher education (Tempus III) (2000-2006)

(presented by the Commission)

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1. Introduction

The South and East Mediterranean and the Middle East together represent an area of vital strategic importance for the European Union. The Barcelona Process, launched in 1995, has succeeded in creating a new spirit of partnership between the Union and countries and territories in this area. While the objectives, principles and instruments agreed in Barcelona remain fundamentally valid and will continue to be the reference for Community policy with neighbouring Mediterranean countries and territories, a new impetus is needed to reinforce the strategy and the instruments of this process and the Union's efforts to achieve peace, stability, democracy and prosperity should be renewed. It is essential to favour mutual knowledge and understanding between the European Union and the Mediterranean, through education and culture exchanges and dialogue.

At present there is no scheme for co-operation on higher education within the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. This present proposal aims at filling this gap via the extension of the Tempus programme to these countries and territories with a view to contributing towards the achievement of one of the key objectives of the Barcelona declaration, namely to:

Develop human resources, promote understanding between cultures and rapprochement of the peoples in the Euro-Mediterranean region as well as to develop free and flourishing civil societies (social, cultural and human partnership) [1].

[1] http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/med_mideast/euro_med_partnership/bd.htm.

The extension of Tempus should be seen in the context of a wider strategy to strengthen dialogue between peoples and cultures in the European Union and the Mediterranean.

2. Background

The EU's policy towards the Mediterranean region is governed by the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, launched at the 1995 Barcelona Conference, between the European Union and its Mediterranean Partners. The Barcelona Declaration adopted at the Conference provides a road map for the development of human resources, and the promotion of understanding between cultures and of exchanges between civil societies, the latter being one of the key objectives of the Declaration. To this end the Declaration stresses, in particular, the importance of education and training of young people and reflects the parties' agreement to strengthen and/or introduce the necessary instruments to encourage exchanges between inter alia universities and the research community.

The Declaration also recognises the essential contribution civil society can make in the process of development of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership and as being an essential factor for greater understanding and closeness between peoples, as well as the importance of encouraging contacts and exchanges between young people in the context of programmes for decentralised co-operation.

The MEDA programme is the principal financial instrument of the European Union for the implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. The programme offers technical and financial support measures to accompany the reform of economic and social structures in the Mediterranean partners. The legal basis of the MEDA Programme is the 1996 MEDA Regulation (Council Regulation (EC) 1488/96 of 23.7.1996). This Regulation was amended in November 2000 and is usually called MEDA II (Council Regulation (EC) No 2698/2000 of 27.11.2000).

In the wake of the 1995 Barcelona Conference, three successful co-operation initiatives were launched in the fields of culture and youth funded through the MEDA programme: Euromed Heritage (concerning protection of tangible and intangible heritage), Euromed Audio-visual (covering archive conservation, production and distribution for radio, television and cinema), and the Euro-Mediterranean Youth Action Programme (whose specific aims are to improve mutual understanding between young people around the Mediterranean basin, based on and committed to mutual respect, tolerance and dialogue between the various cultures).

Prior to the launching of the Barcelona Process and in the context of the New Mediterranean Policy, the Commission launched in 1992 the MED-Campus programme, which supported decentralised co-operation projects managed by networks of universities in the northern and southern Mediterranean. While the logic of intervention of the MED-Campus programme was not questioned, the programme was nevertheless suspended in 1997, following managerial problems. The MED-Campus programme's suspension, and later dissolution, left a vacuum in the field of university co-operation.

MED-Campus was to some extent inspired by the Tempus programme [2] adopted to respond to the needs for higher education reform in Central and Eastern European countries following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Tempus was extended in 1993 [3] to take in all the New Independent States and Mongolia, a total of 13 partner countries. In early 2000 Croatia joined Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Former Republic of Macedonia in being eligible to participate in Tempus, and in early 2001 these four were joined by the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Starting in 1997, the ten so-called 'pre-accession' countries from Central and Eastern Europe gradually left the Tempus programme to participate in Socrates, the EU's mainstream education programme. The current phase of the programme [4] (Tempus III), covers the 2000-2006 period. While the focus remains co-operation in higher education, this phase of the programme aims at extending the range of participants beyond the traditional academic community to include policy makers and civil society at large.

[2] Council Decision 90/233/EEC of 7.5.1990 establishing a trans-European mobility scheme for university studies (Tempus).

[3] Council Decision 93/246/EEC of 29.4.1993 establishing the second phase of the trans-European co-operation scheme for higher education.

[4] Council Decision 1999/311/EC of 29.4.1999 adopting the third phase of the trans-European co-operation scheme for higher education (Tempus III).

Tempus III may, with only minor amendments, be enlarged to the Mediterranean partners and could therefore cater to the needs of co-operation in higher education in the Mediterranean area.

3. Objective of the Commission proposal: The extension of the Tempus programme to the Meda partners

3.1. The rationale of higher education co-operation with MEDA partners

At a time when co-operation in education, particularly higher education, between the EC and other regions in the world is being reinforced and when the surge of different forms of radicalism and intolerance reveals a deficit of dialogue and understanding between cultures, the need for co-operation around the Mediterranean basin is today greater than ever.

In order to give a rapid response to this need the Commission proposes to extend the Tempus programme to the following Mediterranean partners: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, Syria and Lebanon [5].

[5] Although Cyprus, Malta and Turkey are covered by this partnership, Cyprus and Malta participate already in the Socrates programme as part of the pre-accession strategy. Turkey is expected to be in a similar position soon. Therefore, their involvement in Tempus would be on a self-funding basis, as it is already the case for the Central and Eastern European countries former beneficiaries of the Tempus programme. Similarly, due to the fact that [the state of] Israel does not benefit from MEDA bilateral funds, its participation would be on a self-funding basis.

From a structural point of view, co-operation in higher education under the Tempus programme may contribute inter alia to the development of new curricula, the widening of educational offers adapted to today's qualification demands and the upgrading of university management. Such co-operation may also reinforce the structural mechanisms that enable universities to conduct sustainable co-operation beyond the support granted through co-operation schemes and better prepare both EC institutions and institutions in partner countries and territories to develop and consolidate partnerships, which in turn may have a multiplying effect beyond participating institutions.

University academic and administrative staff, students and other participants may all gain from exchange experience. But over and above personal gain, the benefits accruing from those participating in these exchanges may have a durable mutual impact on education systems. Ultimately, citizens will benefit from higher quality education and will thus be better prepared to face changing societal and economic challenges - the process of 'globalisation' being prominent among them.

In addition to the academic benefits, co-operation in higher education may play a fundamental role in changing attitudes by allowing younger generations to compare their respective national values and cultures. The importance of this effect should be judged against the backdrop of the potential growth of antagonistic attitudes derived from cultural and religious prejudice, both in the EU and in the Mediterranean partners. The dialogue between these cultures and exchanges at the individual, scientific and technological level can be seen as an essential factor in bringing peoples closer, promoting understanding between them and improving their perception of each other.

Co-operation favours networking and a steady flow of contacts between people, generating dialogues on issues that go far beyond purely academic issues. Such dialogues may reinforce civil society mechanisms in the Mediterranean partners and contribute to greater understanding of the differing cultures of the EU and that of its partners.

3.2. The inclusion of Mediterranean partners in the Tempus III programme

The Tempus programme has been the subject of a number of evaluations which have confirmed its value as a tool to promote the development of education systems through the support of activities involving structural co-operation between universities in the EC and in the partner countries and territories. This co-operation has induced changes in academic curricula as well as in practices pertaining to the management of higher education institutions. Furthermore, these evaluations have demonstrated that the programme is perceived as a valuable tool for the promotion of mutual understanding between participants in the activities supported. The conclusions of these evaluations together with evidence concerning the operation of the programme overall indicate that the measures foreseen in the Tempus programme (JEPs, structural and/or complementary measures and individual grants) are appropriate and effective in achieving the programme's objectives.

These objectives are formulated in such a way that they can be transposed, with minor adaptations, to the reality of the Mediterranean partners in such a way that the Tempus MEDA extension would not require a radical revision of the Tempus III Decision. Rather, the necessary adaptations will be made at the implementation level in accordance with the provisions of Article 7 of the Tempus III Decision [6]. However, in addition to amendments of a purely technical nature, the Commission is proposing two amendments of substance:

[6] Council Decision 1999/311/EC of 29.4.1999.

(i) the addition of the following new objective in Article 5 (Aims): "a) promote understanding between and rapprochement of cultures and develop free and flourishing civil societies"; this addition spells out an objective already implicit in the Tempus III Decision, thus bringing into the body of the text an important political message derived from the Barcelona declaration;

(ii) in the Annex, under "Individual grants", the word "researchers" and "research" have been added to the first paragraph and to the third indent respectively. These additions reflect the reality of postgraduate study and academic work and allow for bridges to be established with EC research programmes.

The Commission also proposes to extend the duration of the Tempus III programme by 6 months to 31 December 2006 without adjusting the financial provision. This new duration would match that of the current financial perspectives as well as those of the other major EU education and training programmes.

Tempus MEDA would be funded from the existing allocations of the MEDA programme.

4. Description of the programme

The design of the enlarged Tempus programme would remain fundamentally unchanged.

The main aims of the Tempus programme are: to facilitate the development of higher education; to better respond to the socio-economic and cultural needs of the eligible countries; and to promote understanding between and rapprochement of cultures and to develop free and flourishing civil societies.

These aims are to be achieved by Joint European Projects (JEP), which are the main inter-university co-operation instruments of the Tempus programme. A so-called 'JEP' is carried out by a network of institutions composed of at least one higher education institution from the eligible countries and two institutions from two EC Member States (of which at least one must be a higher education institution).

In addition to JEPs, the Tempus programme provides individual grants to teachers, researchers, trainers, university administrators, senior ministerial officials, education planners and other experts in training from eligible countries or from the Community, for visits to promote the quality, development and restructuring of higher education and training in the eligible countries. These grants may be used for a variety of activities ranging from the development of courses and teaching material to teaching, research and training assignments and including staff development.

Grants are also provided for a certain number of complementary activities in support of the overall objectives of the programme. 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 the university or faculty level, and to establish a development plan for universities to help them build up international relations; support the spread of durable co-operation actions targeting the Tempus objectives; and prepare a national strategy in a given eligible country to develop a specific aspect of higher education.

The definition of priority sectors to be supported by the Tempus programme will be the result of consultation between the Commission and the authorities of each partner country. These priorities should be in line with the priorities of each of the progammes covering the groupings of countries and territories participating in Tempus (CARDS, TACIS and MEDA). In line with the provisions of the Tempus III Decision the Commission shall ensure complementarity between actions implemented through Tempus and the other activities developed in the general framework of these programmes.

5. Conclusion

In light of the above, the Commission proposes the amendment of the Council Decision 1999/311/EC of 29 April 1999 adopting the third phase of the trans-European co-operation scheme for higher education (Tempus III) (2000-2006) to allow for the participation in this programme of countries and territories covered by Council Regulation (EC) No 1488/96 of 23 July 1996 (MEDA) on financial and technical measures to accompany the reform of economic and social structures in the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership [7].

[7] OJ L 189, 30.7.1996, p. 1 Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2698/2000 (OJ L 311, 12.12.2000, p. 1).

2002/0037 (CNS)

Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION amending Decision 1999/311/EC adopting the third phase of the trans-European co-operation scheme for higher education (Tempus III) (2000-2006)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 308 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission [8],

[8] OJ C [...], [...], p. [...].

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament [9],

[9] OJ C [...], [...], p. [...].

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee [10],

[10] OJ C [...], [...], p. [...].

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions [11],

[11] OJ C [...], [...], p. [...].

Whereas:

(1) On 23 July 1996 the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 1488/96 on financial and technical measures to accompany (MEDA) the reform of economic and social structures in the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership [12].

[12] OJ L 189, 30.7.1996, p. 1 Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2968/2000 (OJ L 311, 12.12.2000, p. 1).

(2) The Mediterranean region constitutes a priority area for the Community and the political, economic and social development of the Mediterranean partners is a challenge of ever increasing proportions.

(3) It is important to pursue and intensify the co-operation launched within the Euro-Mediterranean partnership which was established by the Barcelona Declaration of 27 November 1995.

(4) The Barcelona Declaration recognises that the traditions of culture and civilisation throughout the Mediterranean region, dialogue between these cultures and exchanges at human, scientific and technological level are an essential factor in bringing their peoples closer, promoting understanding between them and improving their perception of each other. It stresses the essential nature of the development of human resources, both as regards the education and training of young people in particular and in the area of culture and recognises the essential contribution civil society can make in the process of development of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership and as an essential factor for greater understanding and closeness between peoples.

(5) Euro-Mediterranean co-operation in higher education is an indispensable instrument to achieve the key objectives set out in the Barcelona Declaration and in particular to develop human resources, promote understanding between cultures and rapprochement of the peoples in the Euro-Mediterranean region as well as to develop free and flourishing civil societies.

(6) On 29 April 1999 the Council adopted Decision 1999/311/EC adopting the third phase of the trans-European co-operation scheme for higher education (Tempus III) (2000-2006) [13].

[13] OJ L 120, 8.5.1999, p. 30 Decision as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2666/2000 (OJ L 306, 7.12.2000, p. 1).

(7) The Tempus III programme has proved an effective tool for structural co-operation in and development of higher education including the improvement of human resources and occupational skills. Via universities and university staff it can also make an effective contribution to the development of public administration and education structures in the eligible countries.

(8) Enlarging the geographical scope of the Tempus III programme to the Mediterranean non-member countries and territories referred to in Regulation (EC) No 1488/96 would make it possible to build on the proven strengths of that programme, achieve economies of scale and favour regional co-operation around the wider Euro-Mediterranean area.

(9) It is appropriate to extend the period covered by the Tempus III programme by 6 months to 31 December 2006 without adjusting the financial provision, since that period corresponds to that of the financial perspectives as well as that of the other major Community education and training programmes.

(10) Decision 1999/311/EC should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

Decision 1999/311/EC is amended as follows:

(1) Articles 1 and 2 are replaced by the following:

"Article 1

Duration of Tempus III

The third phase of the trans-European co-operation scheme for higher education (hereinafter referred to as "Tempus III") is hereby adopted for the period from 1 July 2000 to 31 December 2006.

Article 2

Eligible countries

1. Tempus III concerns the countries which are beneficiaries under Council Regulation (EC) No 2666/2000 (*) and the new independent States of the former Soviet Union and Mongolia referred to in Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 99/2000 (**), and Mediterranean non-member countries and territories listed in Council Regulation (EC) No 1488/96 (***). These countries and territories are hereinafter referred to as "eligible countries".

2. On the basis of an evaluation of the specific situation of each country the Commission, in accordance with the procedures referred to in the Regulations referred to in paragraph 1, shall agree with the eligible countries concerned whether they should participate in Tempus III, and the nature and conditions of their participation. The conditions of Article 10(1) will apply to eligible countries that do not participate in Tempus III."

(*) OJ L 306, 7.12.2000, p. 1. (**) OJ L 12, 18.1.2000, p. 1. (***) OJ L 189, 30.7.1996, p. 1.

(2) Articles 5 and 6 are replaced by the following:

"Article 5

Aims

1. The aim of Tempus III is to promote, in line with the guidelines and general objectives of the Regulations referred to in Article 2(1), and in complementarity with the programmes and sectoral approaches resulting therefrom, the development of the higher education systems in the eligible countries through the most balanced co-operation possible with partners from all Member States.

2. More specifically, Tempus III shall:

(a) promote understanding between and rapprochement of cultures, develop free and flourishing civil societies; and

(b) facilitate the adaptation and development of higher education to better respond to the socio-economic and cultural needs of the eligible countries by addressing:

(i) issues relating to the development and reshaping of curricula in the priority areas;

(ii) reform and development of higher education structures and establishments and their management;

(iii) the development of training leading to such qualifications as will remedy the shortage of high-level skills needed in the context of economic reform and development, particularly by improving and increasing links with industry;

(iv) the contribution of higher education and training to citizenship and the strengthening of democracy.

3. The Commission shall, when pursuing the objectives of Tempus III, observe the Community's general policy on equal opportunities for men and women. The Commission shall also ensure that no group of citizens is excluded or disadvantaged.

Article 6

Dialogue with the eligible countries

In agreement with the competent authorities in each country, the Commission shall define the detailed priorities and objectives for the role of Tempus III, on the basis of the programme's objectives and the provisions set out in the Annex, and in conformity in particular with:

(a) the general objectives of the Regulations referred to in Article 2(1);

(b) the economic, social and educational policy of each eligible country;

(c) the need to strike an appropriate balance between the priority areas selected and the resources allocated to Tempus III."

(3) Articles 9 and 10 are replaced by the following:

"Article 9

Links with other Community Actions

In accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 7(3) of this Decision and, if applicable, the procedure referred to in Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 2666/2000, in Article 13 of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 99/2000, and in Article 11 of Regulation (EC) No 1488/96, within the limits established by the annual budgetary decisions, the Commission shall ensure consistency and, where necessary, complementarity between Tempus III and other Community actions undertaken both in the Community and as part of assistance provided to eligible countries, particularly with regard to the activities of the European Training Foundation.

Article 10

Co-ordination with action taken in third countries

1. The Commission shall organise appropriate co-ordination with actions undertaken by third countries (*) 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:

(a) participation in Tempus III projects on a co-financing basis;

(b) use of the opportunities available under Tempus III to channel exchange actions receiving bilateral funding;

(c) co-ordination between Tempus III and national initiatives which have the same aims but which are funded and managed separately;

(d) mutual exchange of information on all relevant initiatives in this field."

(*) 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 and such other countries the Community might subsequently decide to include.

(4) In Article 12, the second paragraph is replaced by the following:

"It shall submit by 30 June 2004 an interim report on the findings of the evaluation, together with any proposals for extending or adjusting Tempus III for the period commencing on 1 January 2007."

(5) The text under the heading "Individual grants" in the Annex is replaced by the text in the Annex to this Decision.

Done at Brussels,

For the Council

The President

ANNEX

The text under the heading "Individual grants" in the Annex to Decision 1999/311/EC shall be replaced by the following:

"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, researchers, trainers, university administrators, senior ministerial officials, education planners, and other experts in training from eligible countries or from the Community, for visits to promote the quality, development and restructuring of higher education and training in the eligible countries.

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, research and training assignments;

- activities to support the development of higher education;

- participation in the activities of European associations, in particular university associations."

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

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1. BUDGET LINE(S) + HEADING(S)

B7-410 and B7-410A

The amounts concerned will be drawn from existing allocations.

2. OVERALL FIGURES

2.1. Total allocation for action (Part B): EUR 106.75 million for commitment

The proposed allocation is based the participation of eight countries: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Palestinian Authority, Jordanian, Syria and Lebanon. It should be noted, however, that the decision to participate in the Tempus programme rests ultimately with the individual countries and therefore the actual funding required will be a function of this.

2.2. Period of application: 2003-2006

2.3. Overall multiannual estimate on expenditure:

a) Schedule of commitment appropriations/payment appropriations (financial intervention)

EUR million (to 3rd decimal place)

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b) Technical and administrative assistance and support expenditure (see point 6.1.2.)

EUR million (to 3rd decimal place)

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EUR million (to 3rd decimal place)

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c) Overall financial impact of human resources and other administrative expenditure (see points 7.2. and 7.3.)

EUR million (to 3rd decimal place)

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2.4. Compatibility with the financial programming and the financial perspective

|X| Proposal compatible with the existing financial programming

| | This proposal will entail reprogramming of the relevant heading in the financial perspective.

| | This may entail application of the provisions of the Interinstitutional Agreement.

2.5. Financial impact on revenue:

|X| No financial implications (involves technical aspects regarding implementation of a measure)

3. BUDGET CHARACTERISTICS

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4. LEGAL BASIS

Council Regulation (EC) No 1488/96 on financial and technical measures to accompany (MEDA) the reform of economic and social structures in the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership, as amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 780/98 of 7 April 1998 and Council Regulation (EC) No 2698/2000 of 27 November 2000.

Council Decision 1999/311/EC of 29 April 1999 adopting the third phase of the trans-European co-operation scheme for higher education (Tempus III) (2000-2006) as amended by Council Regulation (EC)No 2666/2000 of 5 December 2000.

5. DESCRIPTION AND GROUNDS

5.1. Need for Community intervention

5.1.1. Objectives pursued

The present proposal concerns the extension of the Tempus programme to the Mediterranean non-member countries and territories listed in Regulation (EC) No 1488/96 (MEDA programme) subsequently amended by Regulation (EC) No 2698/00.

The objectives of the enlarged programme will continue to be the development of the higher education systems in the eligible countries through the most balanced co-operation possible with the partners from all the Member States of the Community. In particular the programme will:

(a) promoting understanding between and rapprochement of cultures and developing free and flourishing civil societies;

(b) facilitate the development of higher education to better respond to the socio-economic and cultural needs of the eligible countries by addressing issues relating to:

(i) the development and reshaping of curricula in the priority areas;

(ii) the reform and development of higher education structures and establishments and their management;

(iii) the development of training leading to qualifications, with a view to making good the shortage of high-level skills needed in the context of economic reform and development, particularly by improving and increasing links with industry;

(iv) the contribution of higher education and training to citizenship and the strengthening of democracy.

5.1.2. Measures taken in connection with ex ante evaluation

The Tempus programme has been the subject of a number of evaluations which have confirmed its value as a tool to promote the development of education systems through the support of activities involving structural co-operation between universities in the EC and in the partner countries. This co-operation has induced changes in academic curricula as well as in practices pertaining to the management of higher education institutions. The programme has proved to be a useful tool to stimulate exchanges of staff and students thus contributing to the development of human resources both in the EC and in the partner countries.

Furthermore, the evaluation has proved that the programme is perceived as a valuable tool to promote mutual understanding between participants in the activities supported. Education plays a fundamental role in changing attitudes by allowing young generations to compare their respective national values. There is evidence showing that the impact of education programmes goes beyond those immediately concerned and reaches wider sectors of the population of the participating countries. The importance of this effect should be judged against the backdrop of the potential growth of antagonistic attitudes derived from cultural and religious prejudice both in the EU and in non-member Mediterranean countries.

The Commission proposal for the adoption of the third phase of the Tempus programme was based inter alia on the result of an interim evaluation of the Tempus II (TACIS) programme. The conclusions of this evaluation together with evidence concerning the operation of the programme overall indicate that the measures foreseen in the Tempus programme (JEPs, structural and/or complementary measures and individual grants) are appropriate and effective in achieving the overall objectives of the programme. These objectives are formulated in such a way that can be transposed, with minor adaptations, to the reality of the non-member Mediterranean countries in such a way that the Tempus MEDA extension would not require a fundamental revision of the logic of intervention at the level of the decision. Rather, the necessary adaptations would be required at the implementation level.

The present proposal is therefore based on the positive evaluation of the Tempus programme which has proven validity as an instrument to promote the development of education and in the countries in question.

5.1.3. Measures taken following ex post evaluation

The ex post evaluation will be carried out in line with the current Commission evaluation practices and with the provisions of the Tempus III Decision with a view to reorient and/or renew the Tempus programme beyond 2006. According to the Tempus III Decision, the evaluation and subsequent Commission recommendations must be made by June 2004.

5.2. Actions envisaged and arrangements for budget intervention

The actions foreseen are those currently envisaged in the Annex to the Tempus II Decision:

Joint European Projects including activities such as: joint education and training actions; measures for the reform and development of higher education and its capacity; the promotion of co-operation between universities, industry and institutions; the development of mobility for teachers, administrative staff of universities and students under JEPs.

Structural and/or complementary measures.

Individual grants.

Support Actions.

Actions will be funded through:

- 100% subsidies only as an exception to the general co-funding rule;

- subsidies for joint financing with other sources in the public and/or private sector;

- 100% financing for purchased services (such as studies, publications or experts).

5.3. Methods of implementation

These activities are to be implemented through existing Tempus programme mechanisms. These mechanisms foresee annual calls for proposals and the setting up of Tempus Information Points in partner countries. The role of Tempus Information Points is to provide information and counselling on the programme and assist the Commission in project monitoring. The existing network of National Contact Points in Member States will also contribute to the implementation of the programme.

Implementation will be managed by internal staff and with external technical assistance.

6. FINANCIAL IMPACT

6.1. Total financial impact on Part B - (over the entire programming period)

6.1.1. Financial intervention

Commitments in EUR million (to the 3rd decimal place)

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6.1.2 Technical and administrative assistance, support expenditure and IT expenditure (Commitment appropriations)

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In addition, and in accordance with the provisions of the Annex to the Council Decision 1999/311/EC of 29.4.1999 adopting Tempus III, the Commission will receive the technical assistance needed to underpin the action taken pursuant to the Decision amended as proposed.

6.2. Calculation of costs by measure envisaged in Part B (over the entire programming period)

Commitments in EUR million (to the 3rd decimal place)

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7. IMPACT ON STAFF AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENDITURE

The impact on staff and administrative expenditure will be covered from within the resources assigned to DG EAC through the annual allocation procedure. Due account should be taken in the 2003 APS of the high priority given to this action in the 2002 working programme.

7.1. Impact on human resources

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7.2. Overall financial impact of human resources

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7.3. Other administrative expenditure deriving from the action

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* Cost per unit

The amounts are total expenditure for twelve months.

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8. FOLLOW-UP AND EVALUATION

8.1. Follow-up arrangements

- Technical assistance will provide for the monitoring of the programmes.

- The ongoing monitoring of the programmes will be based on the information directly available to the Commission (notably, information received from the projects supported). Beneficiaries must submit annual and final activity reports and financial reports, as well as, where appropriate, interim reports, including performance indicator criteria set out in the selection process.

- A monitoring approach will be developed including, as appropriate, site visits.

- Projects include built-in evaluation, or provision for assessment by external experts or internal sources and contain indications for follow-up.

- For single projects such as seminars and conferences, the participation of representatives of the Commission on a selective basis is envisaged to assess the outcome of the actions and establish a detailed evaluation report.

- On-the-spot audits will be carried out when deemed necessary.

- Finally, an overall evaluation of actions and programmes financed shall be made at least every six years, the first such evaluation should be completed within three years.

8.2. Arrangements and schedule for the planned evaluation

An ex post evaluation focused on the impact of the action in question will be carried out.

9. ANTI-FRAUD MEASURES

Funding decisions and contracts between the Commission and the beneficiaries provide for in situ checks to be carried out on the premises of beneficiaries of a Community grant by the Commission and the Court of Auditors, and bestow the power to require evidence of any expenditure made under such contracts, agreements and legal undertakings within five years following the end of the contractual period.

Beneficiaries are subject to reporting and financial accounting obligations, and these are analysed from the point of view of content and eligibility of expenditure, bearing in mind the purpose of the Community funding, and taking account of contractual obligations and of the principles of economy and sound financial management.

Appended to the financial agreements is information of an administrative and financial nature, designed to specify the kind of expenditure which is eligible under such agreements. Where appropriate, Community coverage of certain cost elements will be limited to items which are real, identifiable and verifiable in the beneficiary's book-keeping arrangements, so as to facilitate checking and auditing (and evaluation for selection purposes) of projects in receipt of funding.