Action programme in the field of lifelong learning; Commission implementing powers

2008/0025(COD)

The European Parliament adopted by 620 votes to 48, with 16 abstentions, a legislative resolution under 1st reading of the co decision procedure, amending the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Decision No 1720/2006/EC establishing an action programme in the field of lifelong learning. The report had been tabled for consideration in plenary by Katerina BATZELI (PES, EL) on behalf of the Committee on Culture and Education. The amendments were the result of a compromise between Parliament and Council.

The Commission had proposed eliminating the advisory procedure for selection decisions in order to simplify decision-making procedures in the interests of potential beneficiaries of the grants. However, Parliament considered that in order to allow selection decisions to be implemented more quickly and efficiently, it was necessary to replace the advisory procedure with an obligation on the Commission to inform the European Parliament and the Member States without delay about any measures taken for the implementation of Decision No 1720/2006/EC without the assistance of a committee.

Accordingly, a new clause states that the Commission shall inform the Committee and the European Parliament, of all other selection decisions taken by the Commission for the implementation of the Decision, within two working days of the adoption of the decisions in question. This information shall include descriptions and an analysis of the applications received, a description of the assessment and selection procedure, and lists of both the projects proposed for funding and the projects rejected for funding.

Parliament added that the Commission shall report to the European Parliament and the Council on the impact of the Decision 18 months after its entry into force.