EC/Canada agreement: framework for co-operation in the fields of higher education, training and youth

PURPOSE: to conclude an Agreement between the EU and Canada on higher education, training and youth.

LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision (2006/964/EC) on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Community and the Government of Canada establishing a framework for co-operation in higher education, training and youth.

CONTENT: this Council Decision is the result of negotiations conducted by the Commission, on behalf of the Community, and the government of Canada on an Agreement to co-operate in higher education, training and youth.

The purpose of the Agreement is to establish a framework for co-operation in higher education, training and youth and, unless notified otherwise by either of the Parties, will remain in force for eight years. The Agreement is defined by “general”, “specific” and “operational” objectives.

The general objectives of the agreement are:

- to promote mutual understanding between the peoples of the European Union and Canada including broader knowledge of their languages, cultures and institutions; and

- to improve the quality of human resources in both the European Community and Canada, by facilitating the acquisition of skills required to meet the challenges of the global knowledge-based economy.

The specific objectives of the agreement are:

- to give added value to the Community/Canadian transatlantic higher education, training and youth relationship;

- to encourage transatlantic exchanges;

- to contribute towards the development of higher education; training institutions and youth organisations;

- to promote partnerships in the field of higher education, training and youth; and

- to encourage dialogue and exchanges on youth policy and youth work.

The operational objectives of the agreement are:

- to support higher education collaboration as well as collaborations with training institutes by promoting joint study programmes and student mobility;

- to support public/private collaboration in the field of higher education, training and youth;

- to support the transatlantic mobility of professionals; and

- to support the collaboration of youth structures and organisations, youth workers, youth leaders and other youth actors.

A number of principles guide the basic actions of the Agreement including respect for both Parties legislative powers in the field of education and training; the broad participation of actors form both the EU Member States and from Canada;  and recognition of the cultural, social and economic diversity of both Parties. The Agreement also sets up a Joint Committee for the purpose of reviewing, reporting and sharing information. In terms of funding, financing will be done on the basis of an overall matching of funds between the Parties.

The Agreement’s “Actions” are set out and defined in Annex to the Agreement. They have been classified as: Higher education and training action; Youth action; and Complementary action.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: The Agreement enters into force on the first day of the month following the date on which the last Party shall have so notified the other.