European Training Foundation: extension to the Mediterranean countries (2nd amend. Regul. 1360/90/EEC)

The Committee adopted a report by Johanna BOOGERD-QUAAK (ELDR, NL) with several amendments to the Council regulation on the European Training Foundation (ETF). The Commission proposal will include the countries covered by the MEDA programme. It also reflects the outcomes of an evaluation carried out by a consultant agency. According to the evaluation, the Foundation has fulfilled the objectives laid down in the regulation. However, it has concentrated too much on programme management to the detriment of other activities. According to the Committee, the ETF should assist the Commission in promoting, developing and modernizing the vocational training systems by facilitating the transition of the assisted countries to a market economy as well as strengthening their democratic institutions, social welfare, respect for human rights and equal opportunities. It should provide appropriate information and analyses of the latest developments in vocational training in the eligible countries. In the selection of projects, priority should be given to those with innovatory value and a direct link to the Union's policy priorities. The ETF should particularly assist the countries eligible to join European Union to bring their vocational training systems in the line with the acquis communautaire. The Committee suggests that the director of the Foundation should be appointed after an open selection procedure for a term of office of five years which could be extended once for maximum five years. �