Extension of TEMPUS pilot phase: ESC Opinion
An Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (26 February 1992) concerns the Commission's proposal for a one-year extension of the pilot phase of TEMPUS, the trans-European mobility scheme for university studies (COM(91) 555). The scheme, part of the PHARE programme of economic assistance to Central and Eastern European countries, has already financed measures covering the 1990/1991 and 1991/1992 academic years. To ensure continuity, arrangements for the 1993 academic year must be made as early as possible in 1992, though the pilot phase evaluation report cannot be available before June 1992 at the earliest. The ESC fully endorses the extension, especially as the annual report on TEMPUS activities from 1 May 1990 to 31 July 1991 shows that existing and planned measures are commensurate with the objective, and considers that recent political, economic and social developments in Central and Eastern Europe have made the aims and activities of TEMPUS even more relevant and necessary.