Lifelong Learning Programme European Social Fund & Lifelong Learning Programme ESF Committee meeting Spa, December 2010

Overview Background Current practice Proposals post 2013

Background LLP and ESF share close objectives as regards education and training issues Two main themes: transnational mobility and transnational cooperation EU budget mid-term review: need for synergy and avoid overlaps of EU support

Background (internal EAC estimate)

The Lifelong Learning Programme Other, 8% Mobility, 60% Multilateral projects and networks, 15% Partnerships and joint educational projects, 17%

Current practice End 2009: questionnaire to LLP Committee on use of ESF for transnational learning mobility 10/22 positive replies (7 countries no reply) : Various target groups Various implementation methods Some direct supplement to LLP (LdV) mobility grants From formal learning/training to study visits/getting to know other systems/practices Excellence and equity

Use of ESF by target groups University students in 6 countries (CZ, EE, EL, PL, RO, SK) Trainees in initial vocational training, including apprentices in 5 countries (DE, FR, PL, RO, SK) People in the labour market in 4 countries (DE, FR, PL, RO) Teachers and trainers in Higher Education, vocational education and training, school education and adult learning in 5 countries (CZ, EE, PL, RO, SK) Other types of support for transnational learning mobility in 5 countries (DE, EE, LT, PL, SK, UK) 7

Use of LLP management Two countries (EE and RO) use the LLP National Agency for both LLP support and ESF Synergies applied either to use complementary funds (Romania) or to benefit from each other programme (Estonia) 8

Post 2013 LLP and ESF share the EU2020 objectives as well as the flagships initiatives YoM and Agenda for new skills and Jobs: Increased quality of transnational mobility Increased quality of education and training systems Better trained/skilled work force

LLP strong points (1) Common policy framework for lifelong learning Existing cooperation network for implementation Structured exchange of good practice and peer learning Crossfertilisation of policy and practice : accelerated transfer of innovation Well known brand names as Erasmus Network for partner finding and quality study and placements abroad Quality assurance and recognition/validation of knowledge, skills and competences

LLP strong points (2) Simple management of mobility grants: flat rate/lump sum grants Well functioning management structures: harmonised approach to selection, contracts, payments, controls Sound management system relying on National Agencies, National Authorities and EC Very few irregularities/frauds (despite > 50.000 grant agreements/year) High take-up rate of EU funds (e.g. 2009: >98% commitments at national level)

“Pistes” for the future Simplification to ease complementary use of both LLP and ESF ? Possible share of management bodies (national Agencies) Cross fertilization on lump summ grants ? Clearer split between the two sources of fund as regards target groups’ support to transnational mobility ? (people in the labour market? Adults ?) Distinction between mobility grants to individuals and support to organisations/structures supporting mobility organisation? 12

“Pistes” for the future (limits) LLP is a European programme, applying all accross Europe with the same rules and actions Will ESF cover mobility in all MS ? 13