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

The Commission has presented its 2005 annual report on the implementation of the Tempus III programme. The implementation of the programme in 2005 was guided by the following priorities:

- reinforcing the involvement of national authorities in the implementation of the programme;

- strengthening the role of National Tempus Offices;

- consolidating programme management;

- enhancing the dissemination of programme results;

- continuing the preparation of the future Tempus programme.

The report states that the abovementioned strategic objectives have all been satisfactorily achieved. The continuous dialogue with national authorities and their close involvement in the definition of priorities and the selection of projects ensures that funded activities are relevant to the country’s needs and in line with national reform objectives. This ensures ownership by national governments and increases the impact of the programme’s interventions. National Tempus Offices in the partner countries have been further reinforced and play an important role in liaising with national authorities and other stakeholders.

Feedback from national authorities and the results of the field monitoring have confirmed that Tempus continues to be a highly relevant programme for assisting partner countries in reforming and modernising their higher education systems.