Education, training: Community action programme Socrates, 2nd phase 2000-2004

1998/0195(COD)
The Conciliation Committee held its second meeting on 21 October 1999, and Parliament's delegation had a meeting again in Strasbourg on 27 October. At the last Conciliation Committee an agreement could be reached on three amendments which leaves another four amendments awaiting resolution . The main dispute relates to the amendments concerning budgetary measures (6 and 8) and more specifically the total budget. The Council offered to increase the financial framework from 1550 mEURO to 1650 mEURO. The Parliament rejected this modest increase, but agreed a reduction from 2500 mEURO to 2400 mEURO. The difference between the two institutions remains considerable (750 mEURO). Parliament is also standing its ground on two other points, namely the reference to the European educational area (amend. 2) and simplification of administrative procedures (amend. 14). The next meeting of the Conciliation Committee has been scheduled for 9 November 1999 which is the day before the expiry of the six weeks period within which an agreement has to be reached. This deadline can be extended by a further two weeks (i.e. until 24 November 1999).