Press Release: An ETF mandate for future needs: Strong support to ETF recast regulation

On 23 January 2008, the French MEP and member of the Liberal group (ALDE), Bernard Lehideux presented his report on the ETF recast regulation to the Commission, which was warmly welcomed by the MEPs. In his presentation of the report, Mr Lehideux underlined the necessity to amend the mandate of the ETF to take into account the important developments in the European Union's policy outlook in both the education and training and the external relations fields. He underlined that the thematic remit of the ETF should be broadened to include human resources development, particularly education and training with a view to lifelong learning as well as related labour market issues. The report will be forwarded to the European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg on 22 April 2008 for final approval.