A4-0038/95

Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision establishing 1996 as the European Year of Lifelong Learning (COM(94)0264 - C4-0143/94 - 94/0199(COD))

The proposal was approved with the following amendments:

(Amendment 1)

Recital 3

>Original text>

Whereas the continuing adaptation of education and training systems to these new requirements is of major strategic importance to Europe whose economic competitiveness and social model are based on knowledge and know-how;

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas the continuing adaptation of education and training systems to these new requirements is of major strategic importance to Europe whose economic competitiveness and social model are based on knowledge and know-how; whereas it is important in this context to ensure that equal value is attached to education and training;

(Amendment 2)

Recital 3a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas education and training are intended to develop each individual's personality, to teach him such values of private, social and public life as solidarity, tolerance and understanding of cultural diversity and to promote the ability of the various cultural groups to communicate and participate in democratic decision-making processes; whereas particular attention must be paid in this context to the states in association with the European Union;

(Amendment 3)

Recital 3b (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas, on the basis of the White Paper on Growth, Competitiveness and Employment, more than 2 million jobs to be created by the year 2000 will consist of new careers linked with the technological revolutions in the audiovisual sector and the information society, requiring continuing education and flexibility in initial training concepts;

(Amendment 4)

Recital 4

>Original text>

Whereas the role of lifelong learning for the individual and the worker is becoming fundamental both in order to secure personal fulfilment and to enhance long-term employment prospects; whereas the White Paper on Growth, Competitiveness and Employment stresses that education and training will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the renewal of growth, the recovery of competitiveness and the restoring of a socially acceptable level of employment;

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas the role of lifelong learning for the individual and the worker is becoming fundamental in order to enhance long-term employment prospects; whereas the White Paper on Growth, Competitiveness and Employment stresses that education and training will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the renewal of growth, the recovery of competitiveness and the restoring of a socially acceptable level of employment;

(Amendment 5)

Recital 4a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas it must be borne in mind that non-school education and training (e.g. adult education and open universities) are gaining in importance, whereas it must be ensured that everyone has access to such education and training, and whereas the promotion needed for non-school education must not be at the expense of broadly based initial training;

(Amendment 6)

Recital 5a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas continuing training which improves the trainee's prospects also forms a good opportunity for resolving social conflicts and, with appropriate concepts and actions, must help to prevent xenophobia, alcohol and drug abuse and the associated willingness to resort to violence;

(Amendment 7)

Recital 5b (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas the Commission's White Paper on European Social Policy advocates a positive flexible approach to work and training, the raising of the skill levels of the present-day and future workforce and the introduction of fiscal and other incentives with a view to investment by businesses and private individuals in continuing education for the development of lifelong learning opportunities for adults;

(Amendment 8)

Recital 7a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas existing distance and self-instruction systems, global networks (especially computer networks), interactive communication among learners and between learners and teachers and information infrastructure have an important role to play in lifelong learning; whereas existing international networks are particularly suitable for language training; whereas sound basic training is essential if they are to be integrated into the lifelong learning process;

(Amendment 9)

Recital 9

>Original text>

Whereas there is a need to highlight the fundamental importance of education and training for the construction of a Europe which is economically competitive and socially anchored in solidarity and in the encouragement of individual fulfilment, through a series of activities and events concerted at European Union level under the banner of a European Year of Lifelong Learning, and thus achieve a greater impact than that achieved by existing Community programmes and which would not be feasible for actions undertaken singly by Member States,

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas there is a need to highlight the fundamental importance of education and training for the construction of a Europe which is economically competitive and socially anchored in solidarity, through a series of activities and events concerted at European Union level under the banner of a European Year of Lifelong Learning, and thus achieve a greater impact than that achieved by existing Community programmes and which would not be feasible for actions undertaken singly by Member States,

(Amendment 10)

Recital 9a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas the aims of the European Year of Lifelong Learning cannot be achieved in the longer term unless all Member State governments are prepared to:

>Text following EP vote>

(i) provide adequate funding for lifelong learning opportunities, or remove any restrictions on funding being provided by other elected bodies responsible for the provision of public sector education and training;

>Text following EP vote>

(ii) ensure potential participants are not deterred from lifelong learning opportunities by the cost of taking part or obtaining reasonable access to them;

(Amendment 11)

Recital 9b (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas many people from socially excluded or marginalized groups will not be able to benefit from the opportunities of lifelong learning, unless they are assisted financially to pursue such opportunities or, at the very least, not penalized by the loss of welfare benefits if they take them up;

(Amendment 12)

Recital 9c (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Having regard to the modus vivendi between the European Parliament, the Council and Commission as regards measures to implement the acts adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189b of the EC Treaty, adopted on 20 January 1995;

(Amendment 13)

Recital 9d (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas, in accordance with the provisions laid down in Article 3(1) and (3) of the current Financial Regulation, the Commission has submitted the financial statement comprising the planned schedule of annual requirements for the duration of the programme; whereas this financial statement, updated in accordance with the decisions of the budgetary authority and in line with the state of implementation of the authorized appropriations, must be forwarded to the budgetary authority together with the preliminary draft budget;

(Amendment 14)

Article 1(2)

>Original text>

2. 1996 shall be proclaimed the 'European Year of Lifelong Learning¨.

>Text following EP vote>

2. 1996 shall be proclaimed the 'European Year of Lifelong Learning¨. This title takes into account the different learning conditions which prevail at each stage of life.

(Amendment 15)

Article 2(1)

>Original text>

1. make the European public aware of the importance of lifelong learning as a key factor in the personal development of individuals and for a European model of competitiveness and growth which is employment-intensive;

>Text following EP vote>

1. make the European public aware of the importance of lifelong learning through initial and continuing training as a key factor in the personal development of individuals and in their participation in the democratic decision-making processes;

(Amendment 16)

Article 2(2a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

2a. contribute to European competitiveness and to an employment-intensive economic growth by promoting awareness amongst the social partners of the importance of creating opportunities for lifelong learning to meet the challenges of economic and social change; particular encouragement shall be given to SMEs;

(Amendment 17)

Article 2(3)

>Original text>

3. help to establish a European area of education and training through the academic and vocational recognition of qualifications within the European Union and through the introduction of a European dimension in education and training;

>Text following EP vote>

3. raise awareness among European citizens of the initiatives taken by the European Union in the field of academic and vocational recognition of qualifications and promotion of a European dimension in education and training, particularly through the LEONARDO and SOCRATES programmes. In this context, the European Year must focus, among other things, on promoting language skills;

(Amendment 18)

Article 2(3a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

3a. emphasize the importance of providing access to lifelong learning and appropriate recognized accreditation systems for all regardless of difference in sex, age, ability, ethnic, economic and social background with a view to ending the waste of talent, combating social exclusion and eliminating regional disparities.

(Amendment 20)

Article 2(4)

>Original text>

4. stress the contribution made by education and training to the equality of opportunities - and thus the importance of this equality, particularly between men and women - in access to education and training.

>Text following EP vote>

4. take appropriate account in education and in initial and continuing training of the special needs of girls and women. This is necessary particularly to widen the choice of occupations for girls and young women.

(Amendment 21)

Article 2(4a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

4a. provide a generally valid definition of 'lifelong learning', with account taken of the latest scientific findings.

(Amendment 22)

Article 2(4b) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

4b. support the professionalization of teaching staff so as to further the development of the fourth sector of education and training - continuing education and training. The protection of participants must be improved, mutual recognition criteria established and quality control instruments (certification systems) created.

(Amendment 40)

Article 2(4c) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

4c. support parents and legal guardians in the fulfilment of their responsibility for the education and upbringing of their children in order to strengthen their exemplary role in lifelong learning.

(Amendment 23)

Article 3(2)

>Original text>

2. The criteria, procedures and arrangements for the selection and financing of actions are set out in the Annex.

>Text following EP vote>

2. The actions should provide the means to fulfil the objectives described in Article 2. They shall highlight the importance of co-operation between education and training structures, business and the social partners; the potential of a European education and training area in the context of mobility of people receiving training and of workers; the need to ensure better access to relevant education and training actions for all regardless of gender, ethnic, economic and social background.

>Text following EP vote>

Priority in the selection of the actions mentioned in Section II of the annex will go to those which offer a practical demonstration of the advantages of education and training and a motivating incentive for individuals, enterprises and regional development alike; those highlighting education and training actions as part of a lifelong learning approach; those encouraging the social partners to promote through collective agreements the provision of training and further training; those which show the contribution made by transnational cooperation and those which disseminate the results of Community interventions, those promoting through European, national, regional and local networks the exchange of ideas and the dissemination of good practice in relation to the provision of lifelong learning particularly to the socially excluded and groups at risk.

(Amendment 24)

Article 4, second paragraph

>Original text>

The Commission shall be assisted by a committee of an advisory nature composed of one representative from each Member State and chaired by the Commission representative.

>Text following EP vote>

The Commission shall be assisted by a committee of an advisory nature composed of two representatives from each Member State and an equal number of representatives of the social partners. It shall be chaired by the Commission representative.

(Amendment 25)

Article 4, third paragraph

>Original text>

The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The Committee shall deliver its opinion on 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>

In accordance with the provisions laid down in the modus vivendi of 20 January 1995 and the associated procedures, the representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The Committee shall deliver its opinion on 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.

(Amendment 26)

Article 4, fifth paragraph

>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 opinions delivered by the parliamentary committees and the advisory committee. It shall inform them of the manner in which their opinions have been taken into account.

(Amendment 27)

Article 5

>Original text>

Decisions on financial support to be awarded by the Community for actions proposed by Member States shall be taken by the Commission in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 4.

>Text following EP vote>

Decisions on financial support to be awarded by the Community for actions proposed by Member States shall be taken by the Commission.

(Amendment 28)

Article 6(1a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

1a. Member States shall allow interested parties to have observer status on this body.

(Amendment 41)

Article 6a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

The Commission shall inform the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on a regular basis of the activities planned under the 'European Year' agreed on by the advisory committee. The Commission shall also ensure close cooperation with the Leonardo da Vinci and Socrates programmes.

(Amendment 30)

Article 6b (new)

>Text following EP vote>

The Commission shall optimize the impact of the European Year for Lifelong Learning by ensuring that in 1996 related EU programmes and/or other financial instruments, in particular the education and vocational training programmes, the European Social Fund and the EU information policy give financial support and contribute to the objectives pursued by the Year.

(Amendment 31)

Article 6c (new)

>Text following EP vote>

The Commission and the Member States shall ensure that the social partners and, where they have a responsibility for education and training, regional or local authorities are involved in the planning and implementation of activities connected with the Year.

(Amendment 32)

Annex (I)

>Original text>

I. GENERAL

1. Objectives and grounds for the action

>Text following EP vote>

Deleted

>Original text>

The action follows up the White Paper on growth, competitiveness and employment submitted by the Commission to the Brussels European Council in December 1993, in which it is recommended that the Commission should 'set firmly and clearly the essential requirements and the long-term objectives for measures and policies¨ in the areas of education and training, and that 'one way of sending an important signal and creating added awareness in this area would be announce and organize a 'European Year of Lifelong Learning¨.

>Original text>

2. Themes

Activities and events undertaken as part of the European Year of Lifelong Learning will focus on the objectives described in Article 2, viz. the development, generalization and systematization of continuing education and training, the importance of cooperation between education and training structures and the business community, the potential of a European education and training area in the context of mobility of people receiving training and of workers, the need to ensure better access to education and training actions - particularly from the point of view of equal opportunities for men and women.

>Original text>

3. Criteria

Priority in the selection of the actions mentioned in Section II will go to those which offer a practical demonstration of the advantages of education and training for individuals, firms and regional development alike; those highlighting education and training actions as part of a lifelong learning approach; those based on Community action on education and training; and those which show the contribution made by transnational cooperation.

(Amendment 33)

Annex (II)(A)(1)(b)

>Original text>

(b) Organization of meetings in the Member States in order to stress the contribution made by the European Union to the abovementioned themes.

>Text following EP vote>

(b) Organization of meetings in the Member States in order to stress the contribution made by the European Union to the abovementioned themes. Such meetings to involve national parliamentarians and elected representatives at regional and local level, responsible for the provision of public sector education and training.

(Amendment 34)

Annex (II)(A)(2)(b)

>Original text>

(b) preparation of communication products, e.g. video clips describing innovatory experiences in education and training; multimedia points at fairs and exhibitions; brochures and leaflets; packages (texts, pictures, graphs, diagrams, etc.) to facilitate organization of local and regional conferences and seminars around the Year's four themes; interactive systems (CD-ROM, CD- I or telematics) to complement printed material; in addition to raising awareness these products will help to improve access by a wider public to information on the vocational recognition of qualifications, on the conditions of access to higher education in the Union, and on the projects supported by the different Community programmes and initiatives;

>Text following EP vote>

(b) preparation of communication products on the projects supported by the different Community programmes and initiatives;

(Amendment 35)

Annex (II)(A)(2)(c)

>Original text>

(c) the use of the major public (television, radio, press) and specialized media (educational TV channels, specialized press) for events and promotional campaigns;

>Text following EP vote>

(c) cooperation with the media;

(Amendment 36)

Annex (II)(A)(2)(d)

>Original text>

(d) organization of European competitions (e.g. for pupils, schools, companies or local authorities) highlighting tangible experiences and achievements on one of the Year's four themes, inter alia, in conjunction with business circles, the social partners and the world of education, particularly as regards access for workers to continuing education and training;

>Text following EP vote>

(d) organization of European competitions highlighting tangible experiences and achievements on one of the Year's themes;

(Amendment 37)

Annex(II)(A)(2)(da) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

(da) The provision to those who participate in the activities organized within the European Year for lifelong learning of a European certificate which gives added value to their involvement in these activities.

(Amendment 38)

Annex (II)(A)(3)

>Original text>

3. Organization of surveys, preparatory and ex-post assessment studies as a function of the target publics for each of the themes, one of the main points being to circumscribe more accurately the expectations of these different publics, including as regards the contribution of the Union.

>Text following EP vote>

3. Surveys and studies, in particular with a view to better defining the expectations of the different target groups concerned by the themes of the Year and to evaluating the impact of the Year.

(Amendment 39)

Annex (II)(B)(b)

>Original text>

(b) providing information on and disseminating examples of good practice;

>Text following EP vote>

Deleted

Legislative resolution embodying Parliament's opinion on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision establishing 1996 as the European Year of Lifelong Learning (COM(94)0264 - C4-0143/94 - 94/0199(COD))

(Codecision procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council, COM(94)0264 - 94/0199(COD) ((OJ C 287, 15.10.1994, p. 18.)),

- having regard to Article 189b(2) of the EC Treaty and Articles 126 and 127 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C4-0143/94),

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

- having regard to the report of the Committee on Culture, Youth, Education and the Media and the opinions of the Committee on Social Affairs and Employment and the Committee on Budgets (A4-0038/95),

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 189b(2) of the EC Treaty;

4. Should the Council intend to depart from the text approved by Parliament, calls on the Council to notify Parliament and requests that the conciliation procedure be initiated;

5. Points out that the Commission is required to submit to Parliament any modification it may intend to make to its proposal as amended by Parliament;

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