FantasticSearch

Whereas the European Council of Brussels (10 and 11 December 1993) took note of the proposals of the Commission in the White Paper on Growth, competitiveness and employment; whereas education and training can make a contribution in respect of economic and social change and the fight against unemployment; whereas the establishment of a 'European year of education and training` proposed in the White Paper could be a signal for clarification of the essential requirements and the long-term objectives in the fields of education and training in the Community; Whereas 1996 will be the year in which the Leonardo Da Vinci action programme adopted by Decision 94/819/EC (5) and the Socrates action programme, adopted by Decision No 819/95/EC (6), which constitute the second generation of Community education and training programmes, come into their own; Whereas the Structural Funds and in particular the European Social Fund, and the Community initiatives which drive therefrom, particularly the Adapt (7) and Employment (8) initiative, will enhace quality education and training;

Whereas the continuing adaptation of education and training systems to these new requirements is a strategically important task for Europe, since the competitiveness of the European economy and the stability of society in Europe are built up through knowledge, know-how and common basic views; whereas the attractiveness and prestige of vocational training are heavily dependent on the attachment of equal value to the channels of general education and vocational training as well as the social recognition of qualified professions; Whereas the role of lifelong learning is becoming fundamental in order to secure personal fulfilment, imparting to the individuals concerned such values as solidarity and tolerance and furthering participation in democratic decision-making processes; whereas it is equally important to enhance long-term employment prospects; whereas the White Paper on Growth, competitiveness and employment stresses that education and training will undoubtedly make a contribution to the renewal of growth, the recovery of competitiveness and the restoration of a high level of employment;

Whereas the organisation of a European year of lifelong learning is a contribution to the action plan decided on by the European Council to fight against unemployment; whereas, in view of the link with this initiative, the aims of the European year will best be attained at Community level; whereas the European year will support, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, the policy and practice of the Member States in this field; Whereas an agreement on a modus vivendi between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission concerning the implementing measures for acts adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189b of the Treaty was adopted on 20 December 1994; Whereas this Decision lays down, for the entire duration of the programme, a financial framework constituting the principal point of reference, within the meaning of point 1 of the declaration by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission of 6 March 1995 (1), for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure, HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Whereas, according to the aforementioned White Paper, a large number of jobs likely to be created by the year 2 000 will correspond to new careers linked with the technological revolutions in the audiovisual sector and the information society, requiring continuing training and adjustment in initial training concepts; Whereas it should be borne in mind that certain types of education and training resulting for example from centres for open learning, adult education establishments and distance learning centres are gaining in importance; whereas it must be ensured in this connection that such types of education and training, which are necessary, are accessible to everyone; Whereas the development of lifelong learning should aim in particular to make the best use of available talent, to combat social exclusion, to widen the choice of occupation for girls and women, and to contribute to the reduction of regional disparities; Whereas, furthermore, continuing training which offers employment prospects can contribute to the solution of certain social conflicts;

Whereas there should be exchanges of experience and information on what the Member States have achieved in their own countries, on the many regional and local initiatives undertaken, on the programmes and initiatives of the European Union and on the work of the Council of Europe and other international organizations involved in education and training; Whereas distance and self-instruction systems, global networks (especially computer networks), interactive communication between teachers and learners during the learning process and information infrastructure may have an important role to play in lifelong learning; whereas international networks are particulary suitable for language training; whereas sound basic training facilitates their integration into the lifelong learning process;