Study entente set to continue

Canada and the European Union have announced six new joint university teaching projects, at a time when their education officials are negotiating an extension to the agreement that funds such initiatives.

The European Community-Canada Programme for Cooperation in Higher Education and Training was launched in 1996 and now funds 30 education programmes, uniting universities from the EU and Canada.

Discussions are now under way to extend the scheme from 2001 to 2006. Its founding agreement is in force until next year. It entails the joint development of teaching, from which Canadian and EU students can profit and gain full academic credits.

Additional money is available for universities under the agreement.

The six schemes - which include a project involving the University of Wales at Aberystwyth - will attract E700,000 (Pounds 435,000) from the European Commission and matching funding from Canada.

Money is available for consortia of universities, colleges and training institutions, which must include at least two Canadian provinces and two EU member states.

Announcing the new projects, Viviane Reding, EU commissioner for education and culture said: "Such activities fit in perfectly with the recent decision of the Group of Eight to strengthen international cooperation in education." They focus on the following subjects:

European integration studies, multilevel and federal governance. The aim is to help European studies students from the EU examine the Canadian experience of federalism as well as allowing Canadian students to examine European political integration

Coastal inquiries: social, environmental and ethical values of sustainable coastal development

An international master's programme in health technology assessment and management

Education and training for older people: an international training programme in gerontology

Tele-education in aerospace and mechatronics to establish a virtual laboratory by using modern multimedia and telematics technologies, with exchange students operating the system

Planning and governance of

globalised urban environments will focus on the ways that planning involves "economic activities, social relationships, cultural forms and ecological connections".