Free movement of persons: mobility for students, persons undergoing training, young volunteers, teachers, trainers

In its common position the Council approved the essence of the Commission proposal while introducing amendments which it thought necessary, having regard in particular to the legal basis. The amendments made by the Council to the Commission proposal relate in particular to: 1) measures within the area of education and training policy : the Council has fully taken into account the conclusions of the European Council in Lisbon with regard to mobility and has also referred specific proposal under the common measures and those dealing with volunteers; 2) measures concerning all categories : this section has been restructured to bring out the need for linguistic and cultural initiation and preparation. Greater clarity and emphasis has also been brought to bear on questions concerning qualifications, information, and the range of benefits (other than social security), that might be available to persons in mibility, as well as the arrangement of financial support for mobility; 3) measures concerning students : the principal modifications that the Council has seen fit to introduce concern arrangements for academic recognition and that acknowledgement of the role that mobility can play at pre-university level; 4) measures concerning persons undergoing training : the Council considered that the text should distinguish more clearly between the use of, inter alia, the "Europass-Training" document, and the recent proposals of the European Forum on the transparency of professional qualifications; 5) measures concerning volunteers : the Council was in view that while the European Community Youth Programme is aimed in principle at persons aged between 15 and 25 years, the reference to "young" volunteers throughout the text was too restrictive; 6) measures concerning teachers and trainers : the Council has sought to clarify those measures considered appropriate with regard to the organisational consequences of teachers' and trainers' mobility for the host and sending countries. Other areas in which the Council has made amendments include measures falling outside the area of education and training policy (residence permits, third country nationals, fiscality, social protection). The Council adopted in full, in part or in essence 37 of those of the 56 amendments tabled by the Parliament which were also adopted by the Commission. In addition, the Council adopted in full, in part or in essence, with the required unanimity, 3 of the 14 amendments proposed by the Parliament but rejected by the Commission. In conclusion, the Council considers that its common position constitutes a balanced text, which will serve as a major impetus for Member States to eliminate existing obstacles to mobility in the field of education and training, as well as fostering appropriate cooperation and initiatives at European level.�