91998E3998

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3998/98

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(5 January 1999)

Subject: Funding for groups of children from the Socrates programme

The DIECEC network (Developing Intercultural Education through Cooperation between European Cities) deals with the educational needs of disadvantaged groups of children; its activities have been funded hitherto by the Socrates programme.

Following the recent revision of the Socrates programme, will the above network continue to be funded from that programme?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

(2 March 1999)

In the context of the Socrates programme, and in accordance with the procedures laid down in the applicants' guide, the Commission has supported specific projects submitted by transnational partnerships involving local and regional authorities which are members of the DIECEC (Developing Intercultural Education through Cooperation between European Cities) network. Furthermore, the Commission has contributed to supporting and developing this network.

The Commission would like to draw the attention of the Honourable Member to the fact that the common position adopted by the Council (21 December 1998) concerning the second phase of the Socrates programme contains a specific action (Comenius, Action 3) aimed at supporting European networks working in the field of education. As a result, the procedures laid down in the context of the common position make it easier to provide financial support for organisations such as the DIECEC network, as they encourage participation by local and regional authorities.