OPINION OF THE COMMISSION pursuant to Article 251 (2), third subparagraph, point (c) of the EC Treaty, on the European Parliament's amendments to the Council's common position regarding the proposal for a DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL adopting a multiannual programme (2004-2006) for the effective integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in education and training systems in Europe (eLearning Programme) AMENDING THE PROPOSAL OF THE COMMISSION pursuant to Article 250 (2) of the EC Treaty

2002/0303 (COD)

OPINION OF THE COMMISSION pursuant to Article 251 (2), third subparagraph, point (c) of the EC Treaty, on the European Parliament's amendments to the Council's common position regarding the proposal for a DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL adopting a multiannual programme (2004-2006) for the effective integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in education and training systems in Europe (eLearning Programme)

1. Introduction

Article 251(2), third subparagraph, point (c) of the EC Treaty provides that the Commission is to deliver an opinion on the amendments proposed by the European Parliament at second reading. The Commission sets out its opinion below on the sole amendment proposed by Parliament.

2. Background

a) Transmission of the Commission proposal (COM(2002) 751 final - 2002/0303 (COD)) to the European Parliament and to the Council: 19 December 2002

b) Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee: 26 March 2003.

c) Opinion of the Committee of the Regions: 10 April 2003.

d) Opinion of the European Parliament (first reading): 8 April 2003.

e) Adoption of the Commission amended proposal (COM(2003) 245 final - 2002/0303 (COD)) pursuant to article 250, paragraph 2 of the Treaty: 29 April 2003.

f) Adoption of the Council common position: 16 June 2003.

g) Adoption of the Parliament's amendments in second reading: 21 October 2003.

3. Purpose of the proposal

Based on Article 149 and 150, the proposal aims at a sustained effort for the effective integration of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) in European education and training systems. The adaptation and modernisation of these systems is a key message of the Lisbon Council, and ICT are seen as a lever for their change and enhancement. The proposal builds on the good results of the eLearning Initiative and eLearning Action Plan, adopted by the Commission in 2000 and 2001, respectively.

The proposal should also be seen in the context of the eEurope Action Plans. Further to its role in eEurope 2002, developing and extending its educational actions, eLearning has been confirmed as one of the three priorities for eEurope 2005. The proposal has been well received by the European Parliament, who has proposed a special budget for preparatory and exploratory measures on these issues since 2001, and by the Council, who adopted an eLearning Resolution in July 2001.

4. Opinion of the Commission on the amendments by the European Parliament

Total number of amendments: 1

Amendments accepted in full: 1

Amendment accepted by the Commission

The Commission accepts amendment 1 to Article 8, paragraph 1, setting the financial framework for the implementation of the programme for the period specified in Article 1 at EUR 44 million.

5. Conclusion

Pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty, the Commission amends its proposal as set out above.