The Gazette 1975

EDUCATION POLICY Co-operation in the field of Education

mutual recognition of academic qualifications (para- graph 18.4 Third Report).

18.4 The Draft Directives on the Mutual Recognition of Degrees and Diplomas which are at present before the Council were discussed at a meeting in Dublin in No- vember 1974. The meeting was attended by represen- tatives from Government Departments and from the Committee representing the Universities and other ap- propriate Institutional Interests in Ireland (paragraph 18.5 Third Report). The European University Institute, Florence 18.6 At the Council on 6 June 1974 the Ministers for Education expressed their satisfaction with a report by the Chairman of the Preparatory Committee on the progress of work on the establishment of the Institute and on the tasks to be accomplished before its opening. It is expected that the first eight academic appointments to the staff of the Institute will be made early in 1975 and that they might commence their work in Florence in October 1975 so as to have courses etc. prepared for the entry of the first students in 1976. 18.7 The Irish Government has taken the steps necessary to adhere to the Convention. This will be effected as soon as the proceess of ratification has been completed by the six original member States which will probably be in early 1975. It will then be possible for the High Council of the Institute to hold its first meeting.

18.1 In order to define the action required in educat- ion the Council decided to establish an Education Com- mittee composed of reprenentatives of the member States and of the Commissission (OJ No. C98, 20 August 1974). The Committee was requested to report to the Council before the end of June 1975. 18.2 The Education Committee held its first meeting on 18 October 1974 at which it was agreed that each member State would prepare material on the follow- ing areas inter alia. (a) promotion of closer relations between educational systems in Europe (b) compilation of up-to-date documentation and statictics on Education. (c) increased co-operation between Institutes of High- er Education. (d) improved possibilities for academic recognition of diplomas and periods of study (e) encouragement of the freedom of movement and mobility of teachers, students and research workers in particular by the removal of administrative and social obstacles to the free movement of such persons and by the improved teaching of foreign languages.

The Committee will meet each month until its report is completed.

Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications 18.3 The Council on 6 June 1974 also adopted a Resolution concerning the promotion of work on the

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