Agreement with the USA - Cooperation in the field of higher education -- other items approved (Extract from Press Release on Competitiveness Council of 29 May)

Brussels, 29 May 2006

The Council adopted a decision approving the signature of an agreement between the EU and the USA renewing the cooperation programme in the field of higher education and vocational education and training (9019/1/06).

The agreement replaces the 2000 agreement between the EU and the USA renewing a programme of cooperation in higher education and vocational education and training.

It is aimed at:

• promoting mutual understanding between the peoples of the EU and the USA including broader knowledge of their languages, cultures and institutions; and

• improve the quality of human resource development in both the EU and the USA, including the acquisition of skills required to meet the challenges of the global knowledge-based economy.

The agreement will be concluded for eight years and may be extended or amended by mutual written agreement.

Item Source