Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

[**Avis juridique important**](../../../editorial/legal_notice.htm)

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# 91996E2457

**WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2457/96 by Pierre MOSCOVICI to the Commission. Condition of access by European nationals to paid vocational training courses in another Member State** 
  
*Official Journal C 365 , 04/12/1996 P. 0116*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2457/96 by Pierre Moscovici (PSE) to the Commission (11 September 1996)

Subject: Condition of access by European nationals to paid vocational training courses in another Member State

What are the legal provisions governing access by EU citizens to vocational training courses in a Member State other than that of which they have nationality?

Do conditions of access vary according to whether the course is paid or not?

What residence permit may be required, notably in France, for access to a paid course?

Can a Member State refuse a European citizen access to a course where the remuneration is financed by a public body?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (16 October 1996)

There is no specific Community legislation governing access of Union citizens to vocational training courses in Member States other than their own. However, several Community programmes are aimed at encouraging and facilitating the mobility of (inter alia) trainees, such as the Leonard da Vinci Programme or the Training and Mobility of Researchers Programme.

As regards the right of residence, trainees may face different situations. If the trainee's activity is a real and effective one and if he is being paid for it the trainee may exercise his rights as a Community employee. If this is not the case, however, he may - depending on the circumstances - exercise his rights as a student, or as a beneficiary or supplier of services, or simply as a national of a Member State with sufficient resources to meet the requirements of Directive 90/364/EEC on the right of residence ((OJ L 180, 13.7.1990. )).

The conditions for access of European citizens to courses provided in the Member States are subject to the principle of non-discrimination on grounds of nationality. Hence a Member State cannot refuse a European citizen access to a training course simply because this course is financed by a public body. The only exception is when the training course gives direct access to employment in the public service within the meaning of Article 48(4) of the EC Treaty.

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