Training, education: establishment of a European Year of Lifelong Learning, 1996

OBJECTIVE: implementation in 1996 of a "European year of lifelong learning" aimed at promoting, through information and awareness-raising, personal development and sense of initiative of individuals, their integration into working life and society, their participation in the democratic decision-making process and their ability to adjust to economic, technological and social change. COMMUNITY MEASURE: European Parliament and Council Decision 2493/95/EC establishing 1996 as the "European year of lifelong learning". SUBSTANCE: - The following shall be the themes for the European Year: . the importance of a high-quality general education, open to all without discrimination of any kind, . the promotion of vocational training leading to qualifications for all young people, . the promotion of continuing education and training, . motivation of individuals for lifelong learning (particularly girls and women), . further cooperation on education and training between institutions in these areas and the economic world (in particular SMEs), . the raising of awareness of the social partners of the importance of the creation of, and participation in, new opportunities for lifelong learning, . the raising of awareness of parents of the importance of education and training of children and young people, . the development of the European dimension of initial and continuing education and training, the promotion of mutual understanding and mobility in Europe, the raising of awareness among European citizens of the activities of the European Union; - Actions that may be financed under this European year include general or theme-based events, the dissemination of communication products, and studies and surveys; - The Commission shall be responsible for implementing this decision. It shall be assisted by an advisory committee composed of two representatives from each Member State and chaired by the representative of the Commission. It shall ensure complementarity and consistency between this European year and the Socrates and Leonardo da Vinci programmes; - The financial framework for the decision is set at ECU 8 million; - A report shall be submitted to the Council and European Parliament by 31 December 1997 at the latest assessing the actions provided for under this decision. IMPLEMENTATION: preparation of the actions will take place in 1995; ENTRY INTO FORCE: 26 October 1995. �