TEMPUS III: Trans-European cooperation scheme for higher education, 3rd phase 2000-2006

The Commission's proposal for the TEMPUS III programme extending university reform measures in Central and Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and Mongolia from 2000 to 2006 is strongly endorsed by Robert EVANS (PES, UK) in his report adopted unanimously by the Committee. Building on the success of its predecessors, TEMPUS III will play a major role in helping to restructure the economies of PHARE and TACIS countries and Mongolia, targeting countries which do not yet have access to Community programmes such as SOCRATES and LEONARDO. The programme links universities and businesses in the EU Member States with partners in the beneficiary countries, provides grants for exchanges and technical support for teaching programmes and supports skills training.M.EVANS calls for funds to be earmarked in addition for professorships, courses in the language and culture of the host country and student exchanges and is keen to ensure full access to the programme for everyone. �