EEA Cooperation in Education, Training and Youth: Joint information note of EU and EFTA Education Experts
A joint information note issued by EU and EFTA educational experts explains European Economic Area (EEA) cooperation in the field of education, training and youth. In particular, it describes transitional arrangements agreed between the European Union and the EFTA States which are parties to the EEA agreement (EFTA-EEA States). - COMETT and ERASMUS: The EU/EFTA cooperation in these programmes, which is well established and mutually beneficial, is based on bilateral agreements. From the entry into force of the EEA Agreement (approved by the Council of the European Union on 13.12.1993) the participation of the EFTA-EEA States will be guided by the provisions of the Agreement, ensuring these States the same rights and obligations as the EU Member States. As the EEA Agreement does not contain provisions on intra-EFTA cooperation, the Commission is not obliged to fund networks, exchanges or projects involving only the EFTA countries. - The "Youth for Europe" programme: From 1 January 1994 the EFTA-EEA States will participate in the "Youth for Europe" programme on the same basis as EC Member States and will be represented in the programme's Advisory Committee. Provisions governing the flows of youth between the countries participating will be applied to the EFTA-EEA States in the same way as to the EU Member States. - ARION and EURYDICE: Membership of the committees and groups associated with the programmes is open to EFTA-EEA States from the beginning of 1994. These States will send observers to the ARION meetings preparing the 1994 study visit programme and will present proposals for visits to be organized in each country during the 1994-1995 academic year. There will be a gradual integration of EFTA-EEA States into the EURYDICE network in order to ensure smooth functioning of the enlarged network. - Other programmes: From 1 January 1995 the EFTA-EEA States shall participate in all programmes of the EC in the areas of education, training and youth. Recognising the special character of the TEMPUS programme as an activity within the PHARE framework, the EFTA-EEA States have agreed that the programme is not covered by the provision of the EEA Agreement. However, the European Commission, welcoming participation by the EFTA-EEA States and other G24 countries in TEMPUS projects, will make every effort to facilitate the administration of national support schemes for such participation. - CEDEFOP: The activities of CEDEFOP will be open to the competent organizations, institutions and other bodies in the EFTA-EEA countries. The specific terms for this participation have to be agreed between those organizations and the management Board of CEDEFOP.