52001PC0358

Opinion of the Commission pursuant to Article 251 (2), third subparagraph, point (c) of the EC Treaty, on the European Parliament's amendments to the Council's common position regarding the proposal for a recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council on mobility within the Community for students, persons undergoing training, young volunteers, teachers and trainers amending the proposal of the Commission pursuant to Article 250 (2) of the EC Treaty

1. BACKGROUND

The Commission forwarded to the European Parliament and to the Council the above-mentioned proposal for a recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council, based on Articles 149(4) and 150(4) of the Treaty, on 21 January 2000 (COM(1999) 708 - C5-0052/2000 - 2000/0021 (COD)).

The Economic and Social Committee delivered its opinion on 27 April 2000.

The Committee of the Regions gave its opinion on 14 June 2000.

The European Parliament delivered its opinion at first reading, under the codecision procedure, at the plenary session of 13 September 2000.

In the light of the European Parliament's opinion and in accordance with Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty, the Commission adopted an amended proposal on 9 November 2000 (COM(2000) final - ).

The Council adopted its common position on 23 January 2001.

On 15 May 2001, the European Parliament adopted, at second reading, six amendments to the Council's common position.

This opinion sets out the Commission's position with regard to the European Parliament's amendments, in accordance with Article 251 (2), third subparagraph, point (c) of the EC Treaty.

2. PURPOSE OF THE COMMISSION'S PROPOSAL

The Commission's proposal, based on Articles 149 and 150 of the Treaty, seeks to promote personal mobility for education and training purposes.

3. COMMISSION OPINION ON AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY PARLIAMENT

3.1. European Parliament amendments at second reading

The European Parliament adopted six amendments to the common position at second reading. These amendments aim to introduce a reference to the Nice European Council and the Action Plan for mobility, and to clarify the nature of the reports to be forwarded by the Member States to the Commission and the composition and role of the group of experts. The last two amendments remove the temporal restriction in connection with mobility and volunteers.

3.2. The Commission's position

The Commission accepts these amendments.

4. CONCLUSION

In accordance with Article 250(2) of the Treaty, the Commission is amending its proposal as indicated above.