91998E0603

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0603/98 by Bartho Pronk (PPE) to the Commission (4 March 1998)

Subject: Socio-political adult education and its role in the Commission's education policy

Does the Commission view socio-political adult education as the basis for cohesion in the EU and if so, how does it intend to realize this aim in its programme?

Is it true that there is no specific budget line for adult education?

Is it correct that the Commission only supports socio-political topics when they are immediately relevant to it (e.g. the euro) but offers NGOs no possibility of financing for topics chosen by them?

What financing is available for NGO-run educational programmes on ethical subjects and problems and the methodology of socio-political adult education?

Is the Commission prepared to recognize and promote socio-political adult education as an educational sector in its own right in addition to university, vocational and school education?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (8 April 1998)

The Commission attaches great importance to the development of adult education. The Socrates programme is concerned with improving cooperation between Member States in the field of adult education, so as to promote in adults the spirit of European citizenship, social inclusion and awareness of other Member States' cultures. There is no specific budget line for adult education; it comes under the budget for the Socrates programme (Action 3.5.A).

Each year the Commission indicates in the applicants' guide the priority activities that it intends to support in the field of adult education, and that also take into account equality of opportunity, access for the disabled, and preference for rural and disadvantaged regions. Most of the projects financed are initiated by associations and NGOs and relate in particular to the integration of disadvantaged groups (migrants, the disabled, the illiterate, the unemployed), European citizenship and cooperation in adult education (comparison of systems, exchanges of good practice).

The Commission is very aware that in a society undergoing rapid economic, social, cultural, scientific and technological change every citizen must have the opportunity for lifelong learning. This objective will be a priority in the next Socrates programme.