Activities of Thomas MANN related to 2015/2257(INI)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on Erasmus+ and other instruments to encourage mobility in the context of VET - an approach based on lifelong learning
Amendments (13)
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. PWelcomes the fact that an agreement was able to be reached with the Council which, despite financial constraints, enabled the Erasmus+ budget to be increased by 40 % for the period 2014 to 2020; emphasises that, as a result, more than four million young Europeans will have the chance to enhance their skills and employability; considers the foregoing to be an important contribution to overcoming high youth unemployment rates in certain Member States; points out that Erasmus and other mobility programmes have fostered European integration and strengthened the idea of citizenship; notes that these programmes have had an indirect impact on employment; points out that mobility in the context of vocational education and training (VET) is fundamental to the fight against unemployment, enhances employability and reduces the skills gap;
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Amendment 37 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that, despite improvements to the arrangements for the recognition of diplomas, credits, skills certificates, competency accreditations and acquired expertise in the context of VET, a legal basis applicable throughout the EU is neededprovisions currently in force in the EU need to be fully implemented in all Member States;
Amendment 40 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Acknowledges that, with regard to the high youth unemployment rates in certain Member States, a primary objective of Erasmus+ should be to prepare young people for employment; at the same time places particular emphasis on the need to preserve the status of activities outside of school, vocational training and study within the Erasmus+ programme; considers therefore that there is room for improvement in the promotion of youth work, artistic and cultural activities, political participation, adult education and mass sports; calls for the Youth in Action and Grundtvig programmes not to be disregarded;
Amendment 47 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Expresses concern that Erasmus+ is viewed by young people primarily as a programme for students in higher education; therefore recommends that greater importance be attached to raising the European, national and regional profile of the different areas and the sub- programmes relating to each, such as school-level education (Comenius), higher education (Erasmus), international higher education (Erasmus Mundus), vocational education and training (Leonardo da Vinci) and adult education (Grundtvig), as well as youth (Youth in Action) and sports;
Amendment 68 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Points out that the integration of asylum seekers, in light of their consistently high numbers, can only be achieved on the basis of education and training; recommends therefore that the Commission investigate in what way asylum seekers with a recognised right of abode can be given the opportunity to participate in Erasmus+ scholarship programmes;
Amendment 71 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Urges that the manufacturing sector, including SMUs, should be more closely involved in the framing, and implementation and funding of VET mobility programmes; considers that SMUs should make sufficient financial resources available for this purpose; acknowledges that SMUs in the EU already dedicate much of their time to VET; believes that flexible and constructive dialogue between training centres and firms will ensure that VET is a success;
Amendment 79 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Welcomes the fact that the foreign language skills of participants in Erasmus+ projects will be enhanced by standardised online language tests and language courses, for example by means of the OLS portal1a; emphasises that the expansion of the programme from July 2015 to include language learning for people in vocational training is a particularly important feature making Erasmus+ more attractive to businesses, in light of the fact that good foreign language skills are essential in working life; considers that the OLS portal should be extended to include all official languages of the EU, instead of just six1b; 1aErasmus Online Linguistic Support. 1bwww.erasmusplusols.eu.
Amendment 96 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Considers that there is room for general improvement within the framework of Erasmus+ with regard to support for people with disabilities; considers that there is a need for greater financial flexibility with regard to projects involving people with disabilities; considers it worthwhile to appoint so- called coaches for such projects within national agencies, said coaches serving to advise organisers and institutions on the best possible use of funding;
Amendment 114 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Seeks to ensure that considerably more project organisers with no prior EU experience can submit scholarship applications; invites national agencies to introduce or expand upon specific support mechanisms for the aforesaid organisers; considers that there is significant room for improvement with regard to the European Commission’s 349 page programme guide1a; considers this to be less than user-friendly; insists upon better transparency, simplicity and clarity; 1aProgramme guide, version 3 of 16 December 2014, http://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus- plus/documents/erasmus-plus- programme-guide_de.pdf.
Amendment 127 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls for a revision of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) based on criteria, including the prior assessment of the effectiveness of measures to combat unemployment, with funding for the less effective provisions being cut, an approach which is particularly important at times of crisis such as these, which are marked by unacceptable imbalances.
Amendment 134 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Is concerned by reports from organisers and institutions which call into question whether application forms are being made available in an appropriate and timely manner; calls on the bodies responsible to investigate and address any shortcomings, where appropriate, as quickly as possible;
Amendment 139 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Calls for issues surrounding the European Voluntary Service (EVS), with regards to insurance for participants, approval, database management and support for volunteers, to be addressed in a targeted manner, so as to prevent a decrease in participation;