Amended proposal for a Council Decision adopting the third phase of the trans-European
scheme for higher education Tempus III (2000—2006) (1)
(1999/C 87/04)
(Text with EEA relevance)
COM(1999) 52 final — 98/0246 (CNS)
(Presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 189 a (2) of the EC-Treaty on 3 February
1999)
(1) OJ L 270, 29.8.1998, p. 9.
ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the EuropeanCommunity, and in particular Article 235 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
Having regard to the opinion of the European
Parliament,
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and
Social Committee,
Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the
Regions,
New recital preceding recital 1
Whereas the European Council meeting in Strasbourg
on 8 and 9 December 1989 called on the Council to
adopt, on the basis of a proposal from the
Commission, measures aimed at enabling the Centraland Eastern European countries to take part inprogrammes in the areas of education and/or trainingsimilar to the existing Community programmes;
(1) Whereas the Council on 18 December 1989
adopted Regulation (EEC) No 3906/89 oneconomic aid to the Republic of Hungary andthe Polish People’s Republic (
2), which provides
for aid to support the process of economic andsocial reform in Central and Eastern European
countries in areas including training, and on
25 June 1996 adopted Regulation (EC, Euratom)No 1279/96 concerning the provision ofassistance to economic reform and recovery inthe new independent states of the former SovietUnion and Mongolia (
3),
(2) Whereas on 29 April 1993 the Council adopted
the second phase of the trans-European
(2) OJ L 375, 23.12.1989, p. 11. Regulation amended most
recently by Regulation (EEC) No 753/96 (OJ L 103,26.4.1996, p. 5).
(
3) OJ L 165, 4.7.1996, p. 1.C 87/102 29.3.1999 Official Journal of the European Communities EN
ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL
cooperation scheme for higher education
(Tempus II) for a period of four years from 1 July1994 (
1) and thereafter amended its decision on
21 November 1996 to extend to six years theduration of this programme (1994-2000)(96/663/EC) (
2);
(3) Whereas the countries of Central and Eastern
Europe, the new independent states of the formerSoviet Union and Mongolia, which arebeneficiaries of the PHARE and TACISprogrammes, consider training and, in particular,higher education to be one of the key areas forthe process of economic and social reform;
Recital 3 a (new)
Whereas cooperation on higher education strengthens
and deepens the whole fabric of relations existingbetween the peoples of Europe, brings out commoncultural values, allows fruitful exchanges of views totake place and facilitates multinational activitiesin the scientific, cultural, artistic, socio-economic andcommercial spheres;
(4) Whereas the recent establishment of Tempus in
the non-associated countries of Central and
Eastern Europe, in the new independent states ofthe former Soviet Union and in Mongolia, whoseneeds are greater and whose areas are moreextensive, fully warrants the continuation of themeasures undertaken;
Recital 5
(5) Whereas Tempus can make an effective
contribution to the reform of higher educationsystems required to improve occupational skillsadapted to the necessary economic reforms andwhereas there is no other instrument for
achieving this objective;(5) Whereas Tempus can make an effective
contribution to the structural development ofhigher education required to improveoccupational skills adapted to economic reformand whereas there is no other instrument for
achieving this objective;
Recital 5 a (new)
Whereas Tempus can also make an effective
contribution, via universities and university staff,
(1) OJ L 112, 6.5.1993, p. 34.
(2) OJ L 306, 28.11.1996, p. 36.29.3.1999 C 87/103 Official Journal of the European Communities EN
ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL
to the development of public administration and
education structures in the Central and EasternEuropean countries, the new independent states andMongolia;
(6) Whereas Tempus can contribute to the
restoration of cooperation, interrupted by recentevents, between neighbouring regions of theCommunity and whereas this cooperation is afactor of peace and stability in Europe;
Recital 7
(7) Whereas the associated countries in the
pre-accession phase which have taken part inTempus I and Tempus II could now make auseful contribution alongside the Member Statesin assisting the partner countries who came intothe programme at a much later stage torestructure their higher education systems;(7) Whereas the associated countries in the
pre-accession phase which have taken part inTempus I and Tempus II could now, thanks tothe experience they have acquired, make a usefulcontribution alongside the Member States inassisting the partner countries who came into theprogramme at a much later stage to restructuretheir higher education systems;
(8) Whereas Article 11 introduced by Council
Decision (96/663/EC) stipulates that theCommission must carry out an evaluation of the
implementation of the Tempus programme and
submit no later than 30 April 1998 a proposalfor the extension or the adjustment of theprogramme for the period commencing on 1 July2000;
Recital 9
(9) Whereas the competent authorities in the
countries of Central and Eastern Europe, the
new independent states of the former SovietUnion and Mongolia, the users of theprogramme, the structures responsible fororganising it in the eligible countries and in theEuropean Community, and the experts andqualified representatives reflecting the views ofthe university world in Europe, share thefindings of the evaluation report attesting to thecapacity of Tempus to make an effectivecontribution in the eligible countries to thediversification of educational opportunities andto cooperation between universities, therebypaving the way for the development of scientific,cultural and cooperation;(9) Whereas the competent authorities in the
countries of Central and Eastern Europe, the
new independent states of the former SovietUnion and Mongolia, the users of theprogramme, the structures responsible fororganising it in the eligible countries and in theEuropean Community, and the experts andqualified representatives reflecting the views ofthe university world in Europe, share thefindings of the evaluation report attesting to thecapacity of Tempus to make an effectivecontribution in the eligible countries to thediversification of educational opportunities andto cooperation between universities, therebypaving the way for the development of scientific,cultural and economic and social cooperation;C 87/104 29.3.1999 Official Journal of the European Communities EN
ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL
Recital 9 a (new)
Whereas the possibility should be provided of carrying
out joint activities between the Tempus III programmeand other Community programmes or actions with aneducational and/or training-related dimension, thusstimulating synergies and increasing the added valueof each of the Community actions;
(10) Whereas the Treaty does not provide, for the
action concerned, powers other than those ofArticle 235, and the conditions for the use ofthat Article have been satisfied;
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
Article 1
Duration of Tempus III
The third phase of the trans-European cooperation
scheme for university studies (hereinafter referred to asTempus III’) is hereby adopted for a period of sixyears as form 1 July 2000.
Article 2
Eligible countries
Tempus III concerns the non-associated countries of
Central and Eastern Europe eligible for economic aidby virtue of Regulation (EEC) No 3906/89 (PHAREprogramme) (
1), and the new independent states of the
former Soviet Union and Mongolia mentioned inRegulation (EC, Euratom) No 1279/96 (TACISprogramme), subject to these assistance programmesbeing prolonged for the period referred to. Thesecountries are hereinafter referred to as eligiblecountries’.
On the basis of an evaluation of the specific situation
of each country the Commission, in accordance withthe procedures set out in the abovementioned
regulations, shall determine in agreement with the
eligible countries concerned whether they shouldparticipate in Tempus III, and the nature and theconditions of their participation in the nationalplanning of Community assistance for social andeconomic reform.
(1) At present Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina and the former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.29.3.1999 C 87/105 Official Journal of the European Communities EN
ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL
Article 3
Definitions
For the purposes of Tempus III:(a) university’ means any type of post-secondary
teaching and training establishment which, in
higher education and training, award higher levelqualifications or diplomas, offers higher levelqualifications or diplomas, whatever suchestablishments may be called in the MemberStates;
(b) industry’ and company’ cover all types of
economic activity, irrespective of legal status,local authorities and public law bodies,autonomous business organisations, chambers ofcommerce and industry and/or their equivalents,professional associations, employers’ and workers’organisations, and the training bodies of theinstitutions and organisations mentioned above.
Each Member State or eligible country may determine
what types of establishment referred to in point (a)can participate in Tempus III.
Article 4
Aims
The aims of Tempus III are to promote, in line with
the guidelines and general objectives of the PHARE
and TACIS programmes for economic and social
reform, the developement of the higher educationsystems in the eligible countries through the mostbalanced cooperation possible with the partners of allthe Member States of the Community.
These actions are open to the associated countries of
Central and Eastern Europe so that what has beenachieved through Tempus can be shared with theneighbouring countries and in order to developregional cross-border cooperation.
Article 4(3)
More specifically, Tempus III is intended to help the
higher education systems in the eligible countries toaddress:More specifically, Tempus III is intended to facilitate
the adaption of higher education to the newsocio-economic and cultural needs of the eligiblecountries by addressing:C 87/106 29.3.1999 Official Journal of the European Communities EN
ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL
(a) issues relating to the development and reshaping
of teaching syllabuses in the priority areas;
(b) reform of higher education structures and
establishments and their management;
(c) the development of training opening on to
qualifications, with a view to making good theshortage of high level skills needed for the periodof economic reform, particularly by improvingand increasing links with industry.
The Commission will, when pursuing the objectives of
Tempus III, endeavour to adhere to the Community’sgeneral policy on equal opportunities for men andwomen. The same will apply for disadvantaged groupssuch as those suffering from handicaps.The Commission will, when pursuing the objectives of
Tempus III, endeavour to adhere to the Community’sgeneral policy on equal opportunities for men andwomen. The Commission will also endeavour toensure that no group of citizens is excluded ordisadvantaged for any reason whatsoever.
Article 5
Dialogue with the eligible countries
In agreement with the competent authorities in each
country, the Commission will define the detailedpriorities and objectives for the role of Tempus III inthe national strategy for economic and social reform,on the basis of the programme’s objectives and theprovisions set out in the Annex, and in conformity inparticular with:
(a) (i) the general objectives of the PHARE
programme;
(ii) the general objectives of the TACIS
programme, with particular reference to itssectoral aspects;
(b) the policy of each eligible country on economic,
social and educational reforms;
(c) the need to strike an appropriate balance between
the priority areas selected and the resourcesallocated to Tempus III.29.3.1999 C 87/107 Official Journal of the European Communities EN
ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL
Article 6
Committee
(1) The Commission shall implement the Tempus III
programme in accordance with the provision set out in
the Annex, with the detailed guidelines to be adoptedevery year as a function of the objectives and prioritiesdefined in Agreement with the competent authoritiesin each eligible country, as described in Article 5.
(2) The Commission shall be assisted in the
implementation of this task by an advisory committeecomprising a representative of each Member State andchaired by the representative of the Commission.
(3) The Commission representative shall submit to
the Committee drafts for measures relating to:
(a) the general guidelines governing Tempus III;(b) the selection procedures and the general
guidelines for the Community’s financialcontribution (amounts, duration andbeneficiaries);
(c) matters concerning the general balance of
Tempus III, including the breakdown across thevarious actions;
(d) the detailed priorities and objectives to be defined
with the competent authorities in each eligiblecounty;
(e) the arrangements for monitoring and evaluating
Tempus.
(4) The Committee shall deliver its opinion on these
draft measures within a time limit which theChairman may lay down according to the urgency ofthe matter, if necessary by taking a vote.
The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in
addition, each Member State shall have the right toask to have its position recorded in the minutes.C 87/108 29.3.1999 Official Journal of the European Communities EN
ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL
(5) The Commission shall take the utmost account
of the opinion delivered by the Committee. It shallinform the Committee of the manner in which itsopinion has been taken into account.
Article 7
Cooperation with the competent institutions
(1) The Commission shall cooperate with the
institutions of each of the eligible countries designatedand set up to coordinate the relations and structuresneeded to implement Tempus III, including theallocation of funds earmarked by the eligible countriesthemselves.
(2) In addition, for the implementation of
Tempus III, the Commission shall cooperate closelywith the competent national institutions designated bythe Member States. It shall take due account whenever
possible of bilateral measures taken in this context by
the Member States.
Article 8
Links with other Community actions Article 8
In line with the procedure set out in Article 6(3) of
this Decision and, if applicable, the procedure definedin Article 9 of Regulation (EEC) No 3906/89 and inArticle 8 of Regulation No 1279/96, the Commissionshall ensure consistency and, complementarity betweenTempus III and other Community actions undertakenboth in the Community and as part of assistance
provided to eligible countries, particularly with regard
to the activities of the European Training Foundation.In line with the procedure set out in Article 6(3) of
this Decision and, if applicable, the procedure definedin Article 9 of Regulation (EEC) No 3906/89 and inArticle 8 of Regulation No 1279/96, within the limitsestablished by the annual budgetary decisions, theCommission shall ensure consistency and, if necessary,complementarity between Tempus III and other
Community actions undertaken both in the
Community and as part of assistance provided toeligible countries, particularly with regard to theactivities of the European Training Foundation.
Article 9
Coordination with action taken in non-Community
countries
(1) The Commission shall organise appropriate
coordination with actions undertaken by countries not29.3.1999 C 87/109 Official Journal of the European Communities EN
ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL
members of the Community (1) or by universities and
the business sector in this country in the same field asTempus III, including, where applicable, participationin Tempus III projects.
(2) This participation may take a variety of forms,
including one or more of the following:
— participation in Tempus III projects on an
co-financing basis;
— using the opportunities available under Tempus III
to redirect exchange actions receiving bilateralfunding;
— coordination between Tempus III and national
initiatives which have the same aims but whichare funded and managed separately;
— mutual exchange of information on all relevant
initiatives in this field.
Article 10
Annual report
An annual report on the operation of Tempus III shall
be forwarded by the Commission to the EuropeanParliament, the Council, the Economic and SocialCommittee and the Committee of the Regions. Thisreport shall be forwarded to the eligible countries forinformation.
Article 11
Monitoring and evaluation — reports
In accordance with the procedure described in
Article 6(3), the Commission shall see to the
arrangements for regular monitoring and external
(1) These countries are the members of the Group of 24,
other than the Member States of the Community, theRepublic of Cyprus and Malta, and the associated
countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and
participation relates to projects with the non-associatedcountries of Central and Eastern Europe eligible underthe PHARE programme.C 87/110 29.3.1999 Official Journal of the European Communities EN
ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL
evaluation of experience gained with Tempus III,
taking due account of the specific objectives inArticle 4 and the national objectives defined inaccordance with Article 5.
It shall submit by 30 April 2004 an interim report on
the findings of the evaluation, together with anyproposals for extending or adjusting Tempus for theperiod commencing on 1 July 2006.
The Commission shall submit a final report no later
than 30 June 2009.
ANNEX
Joint European projects
(1) The European Community will provide support for
Joint European Projects.
The JEPs will associate at least one university in an
eligible country, one university from a Member State
and a partner establishment (university or company) inanother Member State.
(2) Support for JEPs can be provided for activities
according to the specific needs of the establishments
concerned and in line with the priorities established,including:
(i) joint teaching and training actions, particularly
with a view to creating new courses, developingand restructuring existing teaching programmes,boosting university capacity to provide continuing
and refreshing training, setting up short intensive
courses, and developing distance teaching systems;
(ii) measures for the reform and development of
higher education and its capacity, particularly by
restructuring the management of higher educationestablishments and systems, by modernisingexisting infrastructures, by acquiring the
equipment needed to implement a JEP and, where
applicable, by providing technical and financialassistance to the authorities responsible;29.3.1999 C 87/111 Official Journal of the European Communities EN
ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL
(iii) the promotion of cooperation between the
university and the socio-economic players,
including industry, through joint actions;
(iv) the development of mobility for teachers,
administrative staff at universities and studentsunder JEPs:
(a) grants will be provided for
teaching/administrative staff at universities or
to trainers in companies in the Member
States to carry out teaching/trainingassignments for periods lasting from oneweek to one year in eligible countries and
vice versa;(a) grants will be provided for
teaching/administrative staff at universities or
to trainers in companies in the Member
States to carry out teaching/trainingassignments for periods lasting up to oneyear in eligible countries and vice versa;
(b) grants will be awarded to
teaching/administrative staff of universities in
the eligible countries to undertake periods ofretraining and updating in the EuropeanCommunity;
(c) grants will be available for students up to
and including post graduate level, targeting
both students in the eligible countriesundertaking a period of study in theEuropean Community and European
Community students undertaking a period of
study in the eligible countries. These grantswill normally be granted for a period of threemonths to one year;
(d) for students taking part in JEPs with the
specific aim of promoting mobility, priority
will go to students taking part in projects for
which their university of origin will give fullacademic recognition to the period of studyspent abroad;
(e) support will be provided for practical or
in-company training periods of one month to
one year for teachers, trainers, students and
graduates of the eligible countries betweenthe end of their studies and their first job, sothat they can undertake a period of practical
training in companies in the Community and
vice versa;
(v) activities to ensure the success of a JEP involving
two or more eligible countries.C 87/112 29.3.1999 Official Journal of the European Communities EN
ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL
Structural and/or complementary measures
Financial support will be provided for certain structural
and/or complementary measures (particularly technicalassistance, seminars, studies, publications, information
activities) to support the objectives of the programme,
particularly the development and restructuring of highereducation systems in the eligible countries.
Under the structural measures, financial aid will be granted
inter alia in order to:
— develop and strengthen the capacity for strategic
planning and institutional development of highereducation establishments at university or faculty level;
— establish a plan to develop universities under structural
contracts to help them build up international relations;
— support the spread of durable cooperation actions
targeting the Tempus objectives;
— prepare a national strategy in a given eligible country to
develop a specific aspect of higher education.
Individual grants
In addition to the JEPs and the structural and/or
complementary measures, the European Community will alsosupport the provision of individual grants to teachers,
trainers, university administrators, senior ministerial officials,
education planners and other experts in training from eligiblecountries 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 assignments;— activities to support the development of higher
education.29.3.1999 C 87/113 Official Journal of the European Communities EN
ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL
Support actions
(1) The Commission will receive the technical assistance
needed to underpin the action taken pursuant to thisdecision and to monitor programme implementation.
(2) Support will be provided for appropriate external
evaluation of Tempus III.C 87/114 29.3.1999 Official Journal of the European Communities EN