A new EU Action programme in the field of lifelong learning 2007-2013

On 14 July 2004, the Commission adopted a proposal for the next generation of an EU programme in the field of lifelong learning. The new proposal is built on experience gathered with the existing generation of programmes, such as Socrates (education) and Leonardo da Vinci (vocational training). Based on this experience, and taking into account new policy developments, the Commission proposes major changes. These changes are mainly the result, on one hand, of critical remarks offered in the mid-term evaluation reports on Socrates and Leonardo da Vinci, and, on the other, of a public consultation process launched in November 2002 and concluded at the end of February 2003, in which all major stakeholders in the field of education and training had the opportunity to participate.

The new Integrated Action Programme in the field of lifelong learning comprises sectoral programmes on school education (Comenius), higher education (Erasmus), vocational training (Leonardo da Vinci) and adult education (Grundtvig), and is completed by transversal measures and an additional Jean Monnet programme focusing on European integration. The proposed budget is € 13.62 billion for the total period 2007-2013.

The aim of the new programme is to contribute through lifelong learning to the development of the Community as an advanced knowledge society, with sustainable economic development, more and better jobs and greater social cohesion. It aims to foster interaction, cooperation and mobility between education and training systems within the Community, so that they become a world quality reference.

As regards the four sectoral programmes, quantified targets have been set in order to ensure a significant, identifiable and measurable impact for the programme. These targets are as follows:

For Comenius:
To involve at least one pupil in twenty in joint educational activities, for the period of the programme;
For Erasmus:
To contribute to the achievement by 2011 of three million individual participants in student mobility under the present programme and its predecessors;
For Leonardo da Vinci:
To increase placements in enterprises to 150,000 per year by the end of the programme;
For Grundtvig
To support the mobility of 25,000 individuals involved in adult education per year, by 2013.

This page tries to provide you with all relevant information as regards the next generation of EU programme in the field of lifelong learning. It also aims to inform about the inter-institutional debate within the co-decision procedure until the moment of a final decision by the legislators, the European Parliament end the Council of Ministers (See in particular: OEIL)

It is also worth having a look at the document ‘Frequently asked questions’. In addition, you will find a standard Presentation on the same issue.

If you have suggestions for improvements to the operation of the programmes, please let us know by sending an email to this address: eac-np@ec.europa.eu

Downloads

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Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing an integrated action programme in the field of lifelong learning (2007-2013)