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

PURPOSE: adoption of the third phase of the TEMPUS programme for the period 2000-2006. COMMUNITY MEASURE: Council Decision 1999/311/EC adopting the third phase of the trans-European co-operation scheme for higher education (TEMPUS III) (2000-2006). CONTENT: This Decision covers the period 01.07.2000 until 30.06.2006. The aim of TEMPUS III is to promote, in line with the guidelines and general objectives of the Phare and Tacis programmes for economic and social reform, the development of higher education systems in the eligible countries through the most balanced co-operation possible with the partners from all the Member States of the Community. The countries covered by the programme are the non-associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe eligible for economic aid under Phare, but which have not got access to LEONARDO and SOCRATES (Albania, Bosnia and FYROM) and the new independent States of the former Soviet Union and Mongolia which are eligible for Tacis. Member countries of the G-24, Cyprus and Malta, as well as the associated states of Central and Eastern Europe are also eligible on the basis of their own financial contribution which is to be determined. More specifically, TEMPUS III seeks to facilitate the adaptation of higher education to the new socio-economic and cultural needs of the eligible countries by addressing: a) issues relating to the development and reshaping of curricula in the priority areas; b) reform of higher education structures and establishments and their management; c) the development of training leading to qualifications, with a view to making good the shortage of high-level skills needed in the context of economic reform, particularly by improving and increasing links with industry; d) the contribution of higher education and training to citizenship and the strengthening of democracy. Particular attantion will be given to adhering to the Community's general policy on equal opportunities for men and women. The Commission will also endeavour to ensure that no group of citizens is excluded or disadvantaged. In agreement with the competent authorities in each country, the Commission will define the detailed priorities and objectives for the role of TEMPUS III in the national strategy for economic and social reform, on the basis of the programme's objectives and the provisions set out in the Annex and in conformity in particular with: a) (i) the general objectives of the Phare programme; (ii) the general objectives of the Tacis programme, with particular reference to its sectoral aspects; b) the policy of each eligible country on economic, social and educational reforms; c) the need to strike an appropriate balance between the priority areas selected and the resources allocated to Tempus III. The precise nature of the actions envisaged under Tempus is provided in the annex of the Decision: - joint European projects linking universities and/or companies in the countries concerned with partners in the Community; - structural and/or complementary measures (technical assistance, seminars, studies..); - individual grants to teachers, trainers, university administrators, education planners, other experts in training, etc. from eligible countries or from the Community for visits to promote the quality, development and restructuring of higher education and training in the eligible countries; - support actions. On the financial front, Tempus III will be funded from the Community's global budgetary allocation to the partner countries in the framework of Tacis and Phare. The Commission will be responsible for the implementation of TEMPUS with the help of a committee of representatives from the Member States and in close co-operation with the competent authorities in the eligible countries and in the Member States. It will, furthermore, ensure the coherence and complementarity of actions undertaken with other Community actions carried out in this field (in particular the actions undertaken by the European Training Foundation). It will ensure the ongoing monitoring of the implementation of the programme's activities (an annual report on TEMPUS will be presented to the European Parliament and the Council). An interim report will be presented before 30.04.2004, together with any proposals for extending or adjusting TEMPUS for the period commencing on 01.07.2006. A final report is also to be submitted no later that 30.06.2009. ENTRY INTO FORCE: 29.04.1999. The Decision is applicable from 01.07.2000.�