Article 1 
Establishment of the Community action programme 'Socrates` 1. This Decision establishes the action programme 'Socrates`, hereinafter referred to as 'this programme`, for the period 1 January 1995 to 31 December 1999. It shall enter into force on 1 January 1995. This programme is intended to contribute to the development of quality education and training and the creation of an open European area for cooperation in education. 2. This programme shall comprise the following three areas of action which are set out in the Annex:
Article 2 
Definitions 1. For the purposes of this programme, - the term 'university` covers all types of higher education institutions which offer qualifications or diplomas at that level, whatever such establishments may be called in the Member States, - the term 'school` covers all types of institutions whether providing general, vocational or technical education and exceptionally, non-school institutions providing apprenticeship training for the purpose of promoting measures in the framework of language training, particularly exchanges of pupils, - the term 'teacher`/'teaching staff` covers persons who through their duties are involved directly in the educational process in the Member States, in accordance with the organization of their educational system, - the term 'student` is used for persons registered in universities, whatever their field of study, in order to follow higher education studies leading to a degree or diploma (or equivalent), up to and including the level of doctorate, - the term 'pupil` covers persons enrolled in that capacity at a school, - the term 'open and distance education` is used to describe all forms of flexible education, whether or not involving the use of technologies and advanced facilities in information and communication. 2. Each Member State shall specify the types of universities, schools and other educational institutions covered by this programme. Article 3 Objectives This programme shall encourage cooperation between Member States in the field of education; it shall support and supplement their action while fully respecting their responsibility for the content of teaching and the organization of educational systems, and their cultural and linguistic diversity. In accordance with that aim, and to help to improve the quality of education, the specific objectives of the programme shall be: (a) to develop the European dimension in education at all levels so as to strengthen the spirit of European citizenship, drawing on the cultural heritage of each Member State; (b) to promote a quantitative and qualitative improvement of the knowledge of the languages of the European Union, and in particular those which are least widely used and least taught, leading to greater understanding and solidarity between the peoples of the European Union, and to promote the intercultural dimension of education; (c) to promote wide-ranging and intensive cooperation between institutions in the Member States at all levels of education, enhancing their intellectual and teaching potential; (d) to encourage the mobility of teachers, so as to promote a European dimension in studies and to contribute to the qualitative improvement of their skills; (e) to encourage mobility for students, enabling them to complete part of their studies in another Member State, so as to contribute to the consolidation of the European dimension in education; (f) to encourage contacts among pupils in the European Union, and to promote the European dimension in their education; (g) to encourage the academic recognition of diplomas, periods of study and other qualifications, with the aim of facilitating the development of an open European area for cooperation in education; (h) to encourage open and distance education in the context of the activities of this programme; (i) to foster exchanges of information and experience so that the diversity and specificity of the educational systems in the Member States become a source of enrichment and of mutual stimulation. Article 4 Committee 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of two members designated by each Member State and chaired by the Commission representative, hereinafter referred to as 'the committee`. The members of the committee may be assisted by experts or advisers. 2. (a) The committee shall be assisted by two subcommittees in the areas of higher education and school education. They shall be composed of two representatives per Member State according to the subject under discussion. The committee shall ensure coordination between the subcommittees. Specific questions may be referred to the subcommittees for final decision. (b) The committee may also establish working groups for certain specific issues, and in particular for language learning. 3. The Commission representative shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures concerning: (a) priorities and general guidelines for the Community measures described in the Annex and the relevant annual work programme, as well as the internal breakdown of the programme; (b) the financial support to be provided by the Community (amounts, duration, distribution and beneficiaries); (c) the procedures for monitoring, evaluation, dissemination and transfer of results; (d) the criteria for selecting the various types of project described in the Annex, including partnership projects; 4. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft measures referred to in paragraph 3 within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote. The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event, the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided upon for a period of two months from the date of such communication. The Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit referred to in the previous subparagraph. 5. In addition, the Commission may consult the committee on any other matter concerning the implementation of this programme, in particular those cases provided for in Article 5. 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 this draft, within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. 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. 6. The committee shall draw up its rules of procedure. 7. The committee shall establish regular and structured cooperation with the committee established in the context of the action programme for the implementation of the European Community vocational training programme (Leonardo da Vinci). 8. To ensure the consistency of this programme with other measures referred to in Article 6, the Commission shall keep the committee regularly informed about Community initiatives taken in the field of education and vocational training. Article 5 Implementation and selection procedure 1. The Commission shall ensure the implementation of the programme in accordance with the arrangements set out in the Annex. It shall consult the social partners and the competent associations in the field of education at European level and shall inform the committee of their opinions. It shall also ensure that the European parliament is fully informed on the operation of the programme. 2. It shall take measures to ensure appropriate transition between those actions already developed in the framework of the Erasmus and Lingua programmes and other current actions and those to be implemented under this programme. 3. The Member States shall take the necessary steps to coordinate and organize the implementation of this programme at national level, in particular, by providing for the appropriate structures and mechanisms at national level. 4. The methods for proposing and selecting the projects referred to in the Annex are as follows: (a) Requests for financial assistance for projects under Chapter I, Action 1 of the Annex shall be sent to the Commission. The Commission shall inform the structures designated by the Member States of these requests. Before taking a final decision, the Commission shall submit the proposal based on the results of the selection to the committee referred to in Article 4 for its opinion. The national agencies provided for in Chapter I, Action 2 shall award the mobility grants provided for in Action 2 to students participating in the projects accepted in the context of Action 1. (b) Requests for financial assistance for projects mentioned in actions considered to be decentralized in Chapters II and III (Chapter II, Action I and Action 3.2; Chapter III, Action 1.2 (b), (c), (e) and Action 3.3) shall be submitted to the structures designated by the Member States. These structures shall select and give Community financial assistance to the selected projects in accordance with the general guidelines established in accordance with Article 4. (c) Requests for financial assistance for projects in actions considered to be centralized in Chapter II (Action 2 and Action 3.1) shall be submitted by the project coordinators to the structures designated by the Member States. Those structures shall forward the approved requests to the Commission for a final decision, to be taken after receiving the opinion of the committee. (d) Requests for financial assistance for projects in actions considered to be centralized in Chapter III, (Action 1.2 (a) and (d), Action 2 and Action 3 except point 3) shall be submitted by the project coordinators to the Commission and the structures designated by the Member States. Those structures shall inform the Commission of their opinion. Decisions on financial assistance for projects shall be taken by the Commission after consulting the Member States concerned and receiving the opinion of the committee. Article 6 Consistency 1. The Commission, in partnership with the Member States, shall ensure overall consistency between this programme and other Community actions, and in particular the Leonardo da Vinci programme. 2. The Commission, in conjunction with the Member States, shall encourage the coordination of activities between this programme and the fourth research and development framework programme (1). Article 7 Budget 1. The financial framework for implementation of this programme for the period referred to in Article 1 shall be ECU 850 million. 2. The annual appropriations necessary to cover the Community contribution to the measures provided for in this programme shall be established in the annual budgetary procedure in accordance with the current financial perspective. 3. The programme shall be open to the participation of associated countries of central and eastern Europe (CCEE) in accordance with the conditions agreed to in the Additional Protocols to the Association Agreements, to be concluded with those countries, concerning participation in Community programmes. This programme shall be open to the participation of Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations in accordance with the same rules as apply to the EFTA countries following procedures to be agreed with the countries in question. Article 8 Monitoring and evaluation 1. The Commission, in partnership with the Member States, shall ensure regular monitoring and evaluation of this programme with the objective, if necessary, of readjusting the programme in the light of needs arising during its implementation. The results of Community measures shall be evaluated by external bodies at regular intervals on the basis of the objectives referred to in Article 3, and the findings of those evaluations shall be submitted to the committee, and also to the European Parliament and the Council. 2. The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, before 30 September 1988, an interim report on the launch phase, and before 30 September 2000, a final report on the implementation of this programme. Done at Strasbourg, 14 March 1995. For the European Parliament The President K. HAENSCH For the Council The President A. LAMASSOURE (1) OJ No C 66, 3. 3. 1994, p. 3, and OJ No C 164, 16. 6. 1994, p. 8. (2) OJ No C 195, 18. 7. 1994, p. 29. (3) OJ No C 217, 6. 8. 1994, p. 18. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 22 April 1994 (OJ No C 128, 9. 5. 1994, p. 479), Council common position of 18 July 1994 (OJ No C 244, 31. 8. 1994, p. 51) and decision of the European Parliament of 26 October 1994 (OJ No C 323, 21. 11. 1994, p. 50). Joint text of the Conciliation Committee of 31 January 1995. (5) OJ No L 166, 25. 6. 1987, p. 20. Decision as amended by Decision 89/663/EEC (OJ No L 395, 30. 12. 1989, p. 23). (6) OJ No L 239, 16. 8. 1989, p. 24. (7) OJ No L 340, 29. 12. 1984, p. 8. (8) OJ No C 255, 20. 9. 1993, p. 161. (1) OJ No C 177, 6. 7. 1988, p. 5. (2) OJ No C 48, 25. 2. 1991, p. 216. (3) OJ No C 150, 15. 6. 1992, p. 366. (4) OJ No C 151, 16. 6. 1992, p. 3. (5) OJ No C 336, 19. 12. 1992, p. 6. (6) OJ No C 42, 15. 2. 1993, p. 187. (1) OJ No L 1, 3. 1. 1994. p. 3. (1) OJ No L 126, 18. 5. 1994, p. 1.
Article 3 
Objectives This programme shall encourage cooperation between Member States in the field of education; it shall support and supplement their action while fully respecting their responsibility for the content of teaching and the organization of educational systems, and their cultural and linguistic diversity. In accordance with that aim, and to help to improve the quality of education, the specific objectives of the programme shall be: (a) to develop the European dimension in education at all levels so as to strengthen the spirit of European citizenship, drawing on the cultural heritage of each Member State; (b) to promote a quantitative and qualitative improvement of the knowledge of the languages of the European Union, and in particular those which are least widely used and least taught, leading to greater understanding and solidarity between the peoples of the European Union, and to promote the intercultural dimension of education; (c) to promote wide-ranging and intensive cooperation between institutions in the Member States at all levels of education, enhancing their intellectual and teaching potential; (d) to encourage the mobility of teachers, so as to promote a European dimension in studies and to contribute to the qualitative improvement of their skills; (e) to encourage mobility for students, enabling them to complete part of their studies in another Member State, so as to contribute to the consolidation of the European dimension in education; (f) to encourage contacts among pupils in the European Union, and to promote the European dimension in their education; (g) to encourage the academic recognition of diplomas, periods of study and other qualifications, with the aim of facilitating the development of an open European area for cooperation in education; (h) to encourage open and distance education in the context of the activities of this programme; (i) to foster exchanges of information and experience so that the diversity and specificity of the educational systems in the Member States become a source of enrichment and of mutual stimulation. Article 4 Committee 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of two members designated by each Member State and chaired by the Commission representative, hereinafter referred to as 'the committee`. The members of the committee may be assisted by experts or advisers. 2. (a) The committee shall be assisted by two subcommittees in the areas of higher education and school education. They shall be composed of two representatives per Member State according to the subject under discussion. The committee shall ensure coordination between the subcommittees. Specific questions may be referred to the subcommittees for final decision. (b) The committee may also establish working groups for certain specific issues, and in particular for language learning. 3. The Commission representative shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures concerning: (a) priorities and general guidelines for the Community measures described in the Annex and the relevant annual work programme, as well as the internal breakdown of the programme; (b) the financial support to be provided by the Community (amounts, duration, distribution and beneficiaries); (c) the procedures for monitoring, evaluation, dissemination and transfer of results; (d) the criteria for selecting the various types of project described in the Annex, including partnership projects; 4. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft measures referred to in paragraph 3 within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote. The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event, the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided upon for a period of two months from the date of such communication. The Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit referred to in the previous subparagraph. 5. In addition, the Commission may consult the committee on any other matter concerning the implementation of this programme, in particular those cases provided for in Article 5. 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 this draft, within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. 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. 6. The committee shall draw up its rules of procedure. 7. The committee shall establish regular and structured cooperation with the committee established in the context of the action programme for the implementation of the European Community vocational training programme (Leonardo da Vinci). 8. To ensure the consistency of this programme with other measures referred to in Article 6, the Commission shall keep the committee regularly informed about Community initiatives taken in the field of education and vocational training. Article 5 Implementation and selection procedure 1. The Commission shall ensure the implementation of the programme in accordance with the arrangements set out in the Annex. It shall consult the social partners and the competent associations in the field of education at European level and shall inform the committee of their opinions. It shall also ensure that the European parliament is fully informed on the operation of the programme. 2. It shall take measures to ensure appropriate transition between those actions already developed in the framework of the Erasmus and Lingua programmes and other current actions and those to be implemented under this programme. 3. The Member States shall take the necessary steps to coordinate and organize the implementation of this programme at national level, in particular, by providing for the appropriate structures and mechanisms at national level. 4. The methods for proposing and selecting the projects referred to in the Annex are as follows: (a) Requests for financial assistance for projects under Chapter I, Action 1 of the Annex shall be sent to the Commission. The Commission shall inform the structures designated by the Member States of these requests. Before taking a final decision, the Commission shall submit the proposal based on the results of the selection to the committee referred to in Article 4 for its opinion. The national agencies provided for in Chapter I, Action 2 shall award the mobility grants provided for in Action 2 to students participating in the projects accepted in the context of Action 1. (b) Requests for financial assistance for projects mentioned in actions considered to be decentralized in Chapters II and III (Chapter II, Action I and Action 3.2; Chapter III, Action 1.2 (b), (c), (e) and Action 3.3) shall be submitted to the structures designated by the Member States. These structures shall select and give Community financial assistance to the selected projects in accordance with the general guidelines established in accordance with Article 4. (c) Requests for financial assistance for projects in actions considered to be centralized in Chapter II (Action 2 and Action 3.1) shall be submitted by the project coordinators to the structures designated by the Member States. Those structures shall forward the approved requests to the Commission for a final decision, to be taken after receiving the opinion of the committee. (d) Requests for financial assistance for projects in actions considered to be centralized in Chapter III, (Action 1.2 (a) and (d), Action 2 and Action 3 except point 3) shall be submitted by the project coordinators to the Commission and the structures designated by the Member States. Those structures shall inform the Commission of their opinion. Decisions on financial assistance for projects shall be taken by the Commission after consulting the Member States concerned and receiving the opinion of the committee. Article 6 Consistency 1. The Commission, in partnership with the Member States, shall ensure overall consistency between this programme and other Community actions, and in particular the Leonardo da Vinci programme. 2. The Commission, in conjunction with the Member States, shall encourage the coordination of activities between this programme and the fourth research and development framework programme (1). Article 7 Budget 1. The financial framework for implementation of this programme for the period referred to in Article 1 shall be ECU 850 million. 2. The annual appropriations necessary to cover the Community contribution to the measures provided for in this programme shall be established in the annual budgetary procedure in accordance with the current financial perspective. 3. The programme shall be open to the participation of associated countries of central and eastern Europe (CCEE) in accordance with the conditions agreed to in the Additional Protocols to the Association Agreements, to be concluded with those countries, concerning participation in Community programmes. This programme shall be open to the participation of Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations in accordance with the same rules as apply to the EFTA countries following procedures to be agreed with the countries in question. Article 8 Monitoring and evaluation 1. The Commission, in partnership with the Member States, shall ensure regular monitoring and evaluation of this programme with the objective, if necessary, of readjusting the programme in the light of needs arising during its implementation. The results of Community measures shall be evaluated by external bodies at regular intervals on the basis of the objectives referred to in Article 3, and the findings of those evaluations shall be submitted to the committee, and also to the European Parliament and the Council. 2. The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, before 30 September 1988, an interim report on the launch phase, and before 30 September 2000, a final report on the implementation of this programme. Done at Strasbourg, 14 March 1995. For the European Parliament The President K. HAENSCH For the Council The President A. LAMASSOURE (1) OJ No C 66, 3. 3. 1994, p. 3, and OJ No C 164, 16. 6. 1994, p. 8. (2) OJ No C 195, 18. 7. 1994, p. 29. (3) OJ No C 217, 6. 8. 1994, p. 18. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 22 April 1994 (OJ No C 128, 9. 5. 1994, p. 479), Council common position of 18 July 1994 (OJ No C 244, 31. 8. 1994, p. 51) and decision of the European Parliament of 26 October 1994 (OJ No C 323, 21. 11. 1994, p. 50). Joint text of the Conciliation Committee of 31 January 1995. (5) OJ No L 166, 25. 6. 1987, p. 20. Decision as amended by Decision 89/663/EEC (OJ No L 395, 30. 12. 1989, p. 23). (6) OJ No L 239, 16. 8. 1989, p. 24. (7) OJ No L 340, 29. 12. 1984, p. 8. (8) OJ No C 255, 20. 9. 1993, p. 161. (1) OJ No C 177, 6. 7. 1988, p. 5. (2) OJ No C 48, 25. 2. 1991, p. 216. (3) OJ No C 150, 15. 6. 1992, p. 366. (4) OJ No C 151, 16. 6. 1992, p. 3. (5) OJ No C 336, 19. 12. 1992, p. 6. (6) OJ No C 42, 15. 2. 1993, p. 187. (1) OJ No L 1, 3. 1. 1994. p. 3. (1) OJ No L 126, 18. 5. 1994, p. 1.
Article 4 
Committee 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of two members designated by each Member State and chaired by the Commission representative, hereinafter referred to as 'the committee`. The members of the committee may be assisted by experts or advisers. 2. (a) The committee shall be assisted by two subcommittees in the areas of higher education and school education. They shall be composed of two representatives per Member State according to the subject under discussion. The committee shall ensure coordination between the subcommittees. Specific questions may be referred to the subcommittees for final decision. (b) The committee may also establish working groups for certain specific issues, and in particular for language learning. 3. The Commission representative shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures concerning: (a) priorities and general guidelines for the Community measures described in the Annex and the relevant annual work programme, as well as the internal breakdown of the programme; (b) the financial support to be provided by the Community (amounts, duration, distribution and beneficiaries); (c) the procedures for monitoring, evaluation, dissemination and transfer of results; (d) the criteria for selecting the various types of project described in the Annex, including partnership projects; 4. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft measures referred to in paragraph 3 within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote. The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event, the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided upon for a period of two months from the date of such communication. The Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit referred to in the previous subparagraph. 5. In addition, the Commission may consult the committee on any other matter concerning the implementation of this programme, in particular those cases provided for in Article 5. 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 this draft, within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. 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. 6. The committee shall draw up its rules of procedure. 7. The committee shall establish regular and structured cooperation with the committee established in the context of the action programme for the implementation of the European Community vocational training programme (Leonardo da Vinci). 8. To ensure the consistency of this programme with other measures referred to in Article 6, the Commission shall keep the committee regularly informed about Community initiatives taken in the field of education and vocational training. Article 5 Implementation and selection procedure 1. The Commission shall ensure the implementation of the programme in accordance with the arrangements set out in the Annex. It shall consult the social partners and the competent associations in the field of education at European level and shall inform the committee of their opinions. It shall also ensure that the European parliament is fully informed on the operation of the programme. 2. It shall take measures to ensure appropriate transition between those actions already developed in the framework of the Erasmus and Lingua programmes and other current actions and those to be implemented under this programme. 3. The Member States shall take the necessary steps to coordinate and organize the implementation of this programme at national level, in particular, by providing for the appropriate structures and mechanisms at national level. 4. The methods for proposing and selecting the projects referred to in the Annex are as follows: (a) Requests for financial assistance for projects under Chapter I, Action 1 of the Annex shall be sent to the Commission. The Commission shall inform the structures designated by the Member States of these requests. Before taking a final decision, the Commission shall submit the proposal based on the results of the selection to the committee referred to in Article 4 for its opinion. The national agencies provided for in Chapter I, Action 2 shall award the mobility grants provided for in Action 2 to students participating in the projects accepted in the context of Action 1. (b) Requests for financial assistance for projects mentioned in actions considered to be decentralized in Chapters II and III (Chapter II, Action I and Action 3.2; Chapter III, Action 1.2 (b), (c), (e) and Action 3.3) shall be submitted to the structures designated by the Member States. These structures shall select and give Community financial assistance to the selected projects in accordance with the general guidelines established in accordance with Article 4. (c) Requests for financial assistance for projects in actions considered to be centralized in Chapter II (Action 2 and Action 3.1) shall be submitted by the project coordinators to the structures designated by the Member States. Those structures shall forward the approved requests to the Commission for a final decision, to be taken after receiving the opinion of the committee. (d) Requests for financial assistance for projects in actions considered to be centralized in Chapter III, (Action 1.2 (a) and (d), Action 2 and Action 3 except point 3) shall be submitted by the project coordinators to the Commission and the structures designated by the Member States. Those structures shall inform the Commission of their opinion. Decisions on financial assistance for projects shall be taken by the Commission after consulting the Member States concerned and receiving the opinion of the committee. Article 6 Consistency 1. The Commission, in partnership with the Member States, shall ensure overall consistency between this programme and other Community actions, and in particular the Leonardo da Vinci programme. 2. The Commission, in conjunction with the Member States, shall encourage the coordination of activities between this programme and the fourth research and development framework programme (1). Article 7 Budget 1. The financial framework for implementation of this programme for the period referred to in Article 1 shall be ECU 850 million. 2. The annual appropriations necessary to cover the Community contribution to the measures provided for in this programme shall be established in the annual budgetary procedure in accordance with the current financial perspective. 3. The programme shall be open to the participation of associated countries of central and eastern Europe (CCEE) in accordance with the conditions agreed to in the Additional Protocols to the Association Agreements, to be concluded with those countries, concerning participation in Community programmes. This programme shall be open to the participation of Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations in accordance with the same rules as apply to the EFTA countries following procedures to be agreed with the countries in question. Article 8 Monitoring and evaluation 1. The Commission, in partnership with the Member States, shall ensure regular monitoring and evaluation of this programme with the objective, if necessary, of readjusting the programme in the light of needs arising during its implementation. The results of Community measures shall be evaluated by external bodies at regular intervals on the basis of the objectives referred to in Article 3, and the findings of those evaluations shall be submitted to the committee, and also to the European Parliament and the Council. 2. The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, before 30 September 1988, an interim report on the launch phase, and before 30 September 2000, a final report on the implementation of this programme. Done at Strasbourg, 14 March 1995. For the European Parliament The President K. HAENSCH For the Council The President A. LAMASSOURE (1) OJ No C 66, 3. 3. 1994, p. 3, and OJ No C 164, 16. 6. 1994, p. 8. (2) OJ No C 195, 18. 7. 1994, p. 29. (3) OJ No C 217, 6. 8. 1994, p. 18. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 22 April 1994 (OJ No C 128, 9. 5. 1994, p. 479), Council common position of 18 July 1994 (OJ No C 244, 31. 8. 1994, p. 51) and decision of the European Parliament of 26 October 1994 (OJ No C 323, 21. 11. 1994, p. 50). Joint text of the Conciliation Committee of 31 January 1995. (5) OJ No L 166, 25. 6. 1987, p. 20. Decision as amended by Decision 89/663/EEC (OJ No L 395, 30. 12. 1989, p. 23). (6) OJ No L 239, 16. 8. 1989, p. 24. (7) OJ No L 340, 29. 12. 1984, p. 8. (8) OJ No C 255, 20. 9. 1993, p. 161. (1) OJ No C 177, 6. 7. 1988, p. 5. (2) OJ No C 48, 25. 2. 1991, p. 216. (3) OJ No C 150, 15. 6. 1992, p. 366. (4) OJ No C 151, 16. 6. 1992, p. 3. (5) OJ No C 336, 19. 12. 1992, p. 6. (6) OJ No C 42, 15. 2. 1993, p. 187. (1) OJ No L 1, 3. 1. 1994. p. 3. (1) OJ No L 126, 18. 5. 1994, p. 1.
Article 5 
Implementation and selection procedure 1. The Commission shall ensure the implementation of the programme in accordance with the arrangements set out in the Annex. It shall consult the social partners and the competent associations in the field of education at European level and shall inform the committee of their opinions. It shall also ensure that the European parliament is fully informed on the operation of the programme. 2. It shall take measures to ensure appropriate transition between those actions already developed in the framework of the Erasmus and Lingua programmes and other current actions and those to be implemented under this programme. 3. The Member States shall take the necessary steps to coordinate and organize the implementation of this programme at national level, in particular, by providing for the appropriate structures and mechanisms at national level. 4. The methods for proposing and selecting the projects referred to in the Annex are as follows: (a) Requests for financial assistance for projects under Chapter I, Action 1 of the Annex shall be sent to the Commission. The Commission shall inform the structures designated by the Member States of these requests. Before taking a final decision, the Commission shall submit the proposal based on the results of the selection to the committee referred to in Article 4 for its opinion. The national agencies provided for in Chapter I, Action 2 shall award the mobility grants provided for in Action 2 to students participating in the projects accepted in the context of Action 1. (b) Requests for financial assistance for projects mentioned in actions considered to be decentralized in Chapters II and III (Chapter II, Action I and Action 3.2; Chapter III, Action 1.2 (b), (c), (e) and Action 3.3) shall be submitted to the structures designated by the Member States. These structures shall select and give Community financial assistance to the selected projects in accordance with the general guidelines established in accordance with Article 4. (c) Requests for financial assistance for projects in actions considered to be centralized in Chapter II (Action 2 and Action 3.1) shall be submitted by the project coordinators to the structures designated by the Member States. Those structures shall forward the approved requests to the Commission for a final decision, to be taken after receiving the opinion of the committee. (d) Requests for financial assistance for projects in actions considered to be centralized in Chapter III, (Action 1.2 (a) and (d), Action 2 and Action 3 except point 3) shall be submitted by the project coordinators to the Commission and the structures designated by the Member States. Those structures shall inform the Commission of their opinion. Decisions on financial assistance for projects shall be taken by the Commission after consulting the Member States concerned and receiving the opinion of the committee. Article 6 Consistency 1. The Commission, in partnership with the Member States, shall ensure overall consistency between this programme and other Community actions, and in particular the Leonardo da Vinci programme. 2. The Commission, in conjunction with the Member States, shall encourage the coordination of activities between this programme and the fourth research and development framework programme (1). Article 7 Budget 1. The financial framework for implementation of this programme for the period referred to in Article 1 shall be ECU 850 million. 2. The annual appropriations necessary to cover the Community contribution to the measures provided for in this programme shall be established in the annual budgetary procedure in accordance with the current financial perspective. 3. The programme shall be open to the participation of associated countries of central and eastern Europe (CCEE) in accordance with the conditions agreed to in the Additional Protocols to the Association Agreements, to be concluded with those countries, concerning participation in Community programmes. This programme shall be open to the participation of Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations in accordance with the same rules as apply to the EFTA countries following procedures to be agreed with the countries in question. Article 8 Monitoring and evaluation 1. The Commission, in partnership with the Member States, shall ensure regular monitoring and evaluation of this programme with the objective, if necessary, of readjusting the programme in the light of needs arising during its implementation. The results of Community measures shall be evaluated by external bodies at regular intervals on the basis of the objectives referred to in Article 3, and the findings of those evaluations shall be submitted to the committee, and also to the European Parliament and the Council. 2. The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, before 30 September 1988, an interim report on the launch phase, and before 30 September 2000, a final report on the implementation of this programme. Done at Strasbourg, 14 March 1995. For the European Parliament The President K. HAENSCH For the Council The President A. LAMASSOURE (1) OJ No C 66, 3. 3. 1994, p. 3, and OJ No C 164, 16. 6. 1994, p. 8. (2) OJ No C 195, 18. 7. 1994, p. 29. (3) OJ No C 217, 6. 8. 1994, p. 18. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 22 April 1994 (OJ No C 128, 9. 5. 1994, p. 479), Council common position of 18 July 1994 (OJ No C 244, 31. 8. 1994, p. 51) and decision of the European Parliament of 26 October 1994 (OJ No C 323, 21. 11. 1994, p. 50). Joint text of the Conciliation Committee of 31 January 1995. (5) OJ No L 166, 25. 6. 1987, p. 20. Decision as amended by Decision 89/663/EEC (OJ No L 395, 30. 12. 1989, p. 23). (6) OJ No L 239, 16. 8. 1989, p. 24. (7) OJ No L 340, 29. 12. 1984, p. 8. (8) OJ No C 255, 20. 9. 1993, p. 161. (1) OJ No C 177, 6. 7. 1988, p. 5. (2) OJ No C 48, 25. 2. 1991, p. 216. (3) OJ No C 150, 15. 6. 1992, p. 366. (4) OJ No C 151, 16. 6. 1992, p. 3. (5) OJ No C 336, 19. 12. 1992, p. 6. (6) OJ No C 42, 15. 2. 1993, p. 187. (1) OJ No L 1, 3. 1. 1994. p. 3. (1) OJ No L 126, 18. 5. 1994, p. 1.
Article 6 
Consistency 1. The Commission, in partnership with the Member States, shall ensure overall consistency between this programme and other Community actions, and in particular the Leonardo da Vinci programme. 2. The Commission, in conjunction with the Member States, shall encourage the coordination of activities between this programme and the fourth research and development framework programme (1). Article 7 Budget 1. The financial framework for implementation of this programme for the period referred to in Article 1 shall be ECU 850 million. 2. The annual appropriations necessary to cover the Community contribution to the measures provided for in this programme shall be established in the annual budgetary procedure in accordance with the current financial perspective. 3. The programme shall be open to the participation of associated countries of central and eastern Europe (CCEE) in accordance with the conditions agreed to in the Additional Protocols to the Association Agreements, to be concluded with those countries, concerning participation in Community programmes. This programme shall be open to the participation of Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations in accordance with the same rules as apply to the EFTA countries following procedures to be agreed with the countries in question. Article 8 Monitoring and evaluation 1. The Commission, in partnership with the Member States, shall ensure regular monitoring and evaluation of this programme with the objective, if necessary, of readjusting the programme in the light of needs arising during its implementation. The results of Community measures shall be evaluated by external bodies at regular intervals on the basis of the objectives referred to in Article 3, and the findings of those evaluations shall be submitted to the committee, and also to the European Parliament and the Council. 2. The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, before 30 September 1988, an interim report on the launch phase, and before 30 September 2000, a final report on the implementation of this programme. Done at Strasbourg, 14 March 1995. For the European Parliament The President K. HAENSCH For the Council The President A. LAMASSOURE (1) OJ No C 66, 3. 3. 1994, p. 3, and OJ No C 164, 16. 6. 1994, p. 8. (2) OJ No C 195, 18. 7. 1994, p. 29. (3) OJ No C 217, 6. 8. 1994, p. 18. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 22 April 1994 (OJ No C 128, 9. 5. 1994, p. 479), Council common position of 18 July 1994 (OJ No C 244, 31. 8. 1994, p. 51) and decision of the European Parliament of 26 October 1994 (OJ No C 323, 21. 11. 1994, p. 50). Joint text of the Conciliation Committee of 31 January 1995. (5) OJ No L 166, 25. 6. 1987, p. 20. Decision as amended by Decision 89/663/EEC (OJ No L 395, 30. 12. 1989, p. 23). (6) OJ No L 239, 16. 8. 1989, p. 24. (7) OJ No L 340, 29. 12. 1984, p. 8. (8) OJ No C 255, 20. 9. 1993, p. 161. (1) OJ No C 177, 6. 7. 1988, p. 5. (2) OJ No C 48, 25. 2. 1991, p. 216. (3) OJ No C 150, 15. 6. 1992, p. 366. (4) OJ No C 151, 16. 6. 1992, p. 3. (5) OJ No C 336, 19. 12. 1992, p. 6. (6) OJ No C 42, 15. 2. 1993, p. 187. (1) OJ No L 1, 3. 1. 1994. p. 3. (1) OJ No L 126, 18. 5. 1994, p. 1.
Article 7 
Budget 1. The financial framework for implementation of this programme for the period referred to in Article 1 shall be ECU 850 million. 2. The annual appropriations necessary to cover the Community contribution to the measures provided for in this programme shall be established in the annual budgetary procedure in accordance with the current financial perspective. 3. The programme shall be open to the participation of associated countries of central and eastern Europe (CCEE) in accordance with the conditions agreed to in the Additional Protocols to the Association Agreements, to be concluded with those countries, concerning participation in Community programmes. This programme shall be open to the participation of Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations in accordance with the same rules as apply to the EFTA countries following procedures to be agreed with the countries in question. Article 8 Monitoring and evaluation 1. The Commission, in partnership with the Member States, shall ensure regular monitoring and evaluation of this programme with the objective, if necessary, of readjusting the programme in the light of needs arising during its implementation. The results of Community measures shall be evaluated by external bodies at regular intervals on the basis of the objectives referred to in Article 3, and the findings of those evaluations shall be submitted to the committee, and also to the European Parliament and the Council. 2. The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, before 30 September 1988, an interim report on the launch phase, and before 30 September 2000, a final report on the implementation of this programme. Done at Strasbourg, 14 March 1995. For the European Parliament The President K. HAENSCH For the Council The President A. LAMASSOURE (1) OJ No C 66, 3. 3. 1994, p. 3, and OJ No C 164, 16. 6. 1994, p. 8. (2) OJ No C 195, 18. 7. 1994, p. 29. (3) OJ No C 217, 6. 8. 1994, p. 18. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 22 April 1994 (OJ No C 128, 9. 5. 1994, p. 479), Council common position of 18 July 1994 (OJ No C 244, 31. 8. 1994, p. 51) and decision of the European Parliament of 26 October 1994 (OJ No C 323, 21. 11. 1994, p. 50). Joint text of the Conciliation Committee of 31 January 1995. (5) OJ No L 166, 25. 6. 1987, p. 20. Decision as amended by Decision 89/663/EEC (OJ No L 395, 30. 12. 1989, p. 23). (6) OJ No L 239, 16. 8. 1989, p. 24. (7) OJ No L 340, 29. 12. 1984, p. 8. (8) OJ No C 255, 20. 9. 1993, p. 161. (1) OJ No C 177, 6. 7. 1988, p. 5. (2) OJ No C 48, 25. 2. 1991, p. 216. (3) OJ No C 150, 15. 6. 1992, p. 366. (4) OJ No C 151, 16. 6. 1992, p. 3. (5) OJ No C 336, 19. 12. 1992, p. 6. (6) OJ No C 42, 15. 2. 1993, p. 187. (1) OJ No L 1, 3. 1. 1994. p. 3. (1) OJ No L 126, 18. 5. 1994, p. 1.
Article 8 
Monitoring and evaluation 1. The Commission, in partnership with the Member States, shall ensure regular monitoring and evaluation of this programme with the objective, if necessary, of readjusting the programme in the light of needs arising during its implementation. The results of Community measures shall be evaluated by external bodies at regular intervals on the basis of the objectives referred to in Article 3, and the findings of those evaluations shall be submitted to the committee, and also to the European Parliament and the Council. 2. The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, before 30 September 1988, an interim report on the launch phase, and before 30 September 2000, a final report on the implementation of this programme. Done at Strasbourg, 14 March 1995. For the European Parliament The President K. HAENSCH For the Council The President A. LAMASSOURE (1) OJ No C 66, 3. 3. 1994, p. 3, and OJ No C 164, 16. 6. 1994, p. 8. (2) OJ No C 195, 18. 7. 1994, p. 29. (3) OJ No C 217, 6. 8. 1994, p. 18. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 22 April 1994 (OJ No C 128, 9. 5. 1994, p. 479), Council common position of 18 July 1994 (OJ No C 244, 31. 8. 1994, p. 51) and decision of the European Parliament of 26 October 1994 (OJ No C 323, 21. 11. 1994, p. 50). Joint text of the Conciliation Committee of 31 January 1995. (5) OJ No L 166, 25. 6. 1987, p. 20. Decision as amended by Decision 89/663/EEC (OJ No L 395, 30. 12. 1989, p. 23). (6) OJ No L 239, 16. 8. 1989, p. 24. (7) OJ No L 340, 29. 12. 1984, p. 8. (8) OJ No C 255, 20. 9. 1993, p. 161. (1) OJ No C 177, 6. 7. 1988, p. 5. (2) OJ No C 48, 25. 2. 1991, p. 216. (3) OJ No C 150, 15. 6. 1992, p. 366. (4) OJ No C 151, 16. 6. 1992, p. 3. (5) OJ No C 336, 19. 12. 1992, p. 6. (6) OJ No C 42, 15. 2. 1993, p. 187. (1) OJ No L 1, 3. 1. 1994. p. 3. (1) OJ No L 126, 18. 5. 1994, p. 1.