91998E1784

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1784/98

by Concepció Ferrer (PPE) to the Commission

(11 June 1998)

Subject: Situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina

The European Parliament previously expressed the view that it was vital to train teachers to help children in Bosnia-Herzegovina overcome the effects of war and considered that the EU should fund peace education programmes designed to foster tolerance among the peoples of the region.

At the present time, the education system in Bosnia-Herzegovina is instead placing emphasis on the differences between the various ethnic groups, thereby encouraging a segregationalist mentality which is making it impossible to lay the basic foundations for coexistence based on tolerance and respect.

Is the Commission aware of this situation and has it taken any firm measures to promote education for peace in the former Yugoslavia?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(10 July 1998)

The Commission is very mindful of the situation with regard to education in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is making every effort to ensure that there is no place for segregationist attitudes in any of its programmes.

For example, the recently implemented Phare VET 97 programme has the main aim of fostering a spirit of tolerance between the population groups in the region. The three components of the project (institution building, curriculum development and specific training measures) are designed to create links between the various bodies of the educational system and build trust between teachers. The Pre Tempus programme for higher education has succeeded in regularly bringing together the chief education officers of the three communities and is regarded as a benchmark by those concerned in Bosnia and Herzegovina.