Breakthrough in talks on schools plan

Date: 07/09/00

By John Shelley

Behind-the-scenes talks between the French presidency and MEPs have cleared the way for agreement on plans to give the Union powers to monitor the performance of member states' schools, according to diplomats.Following a meeting last week, Paris diplomats claim they have hammered out a deal on the proposals to give the Commission a role in evaluating the quality of education in schools across the EU.

Hopes of reaching an early accord on the plan had been dented after MEPs tabled more than 40 amendments to the proposals in July. But Paris, which is eager to get the initiative approved during its presidency, says it achieved a breakthrough at talks with political party representatives and Dutch rapporteur Marieke Sanders-Ten Holte. This should avoid the need for lengthy conciliation talks on the issue.

"The meeting took place in a very positive atmosphere," said one French diplomat. "We think there is a very good chance that the plans will be adopted at the meeting of culture ministers in November, if not before."

Under the proposal, the Commission would be responsible for encouraging co-operation between national education authorities and would draw up a report every three years assessing progress and making recommendations to improve standards.

Member states would also be required to introduce transparent ways of measuring quality and promote outside assessment of their schools' performance.

Although governments agreed to give the EU an increased role in education policy during the Maastricht Treaty negotiations, many will be anxious to ensure that this does not result in too much interference. "A number of governments are very keen to ensure that there should be no creep in the Commission's powers," said one EU diplomat.

Behind-the-scenes talks between the French Presidency and MEPs have cleared the way for agreement on plans to give the Union powers to monitor the performance of Member States' schools, according to diplomats.