THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 128 thereof;

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission;

Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee;

Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament1;

Whereas, in order to fulfil the obligation imposed on them by the Treaty, to ensure the maintenance of a high level of employment through their economic policies, Member States should take appropriate action to adapt the skills of their labour forces to changes in the general economic situation and to changes in production technology;

Whereas against the background of the rapid implementation of the common market and in conjunction with the co-ordination of regional policies and the progressive achievement of a common agricultural policy, the structural changes which are at present taking place in certain economic sectors raise urgent problems of vocational training and retraining;

Whereas a common vocational training policy which, in accordance with Article 128 of the Treaty, can contribute to the harmonious development both of the national economies and of the common market should be defined in the light of the general objectives of the Treaty, and in particular the Preamble and Article 2 thereof;

Whereas the implementation of an effective common vocational training policy will help to bring about freedom of movement for workers;

Whereas the freedom of choice of occupation, place of training and place of work which is the fundamental right of every person should be respected;

Whereas every person should, during the different stages of his working life, be able to receive adequate basic and advanced training, and any necessary vocational retraining;

Whereas the general principles for implementing a common vocational training policy should apply to all vocational training of young persons and adults who might be or already are employed in posts up to supervisory level; and whereas special importance should be attached to the basic and advanced training of teachers and instructors;

Whereas the attainment of the objectives set out in the following general principles requires not only that action be taken at a national level, but also that the Commission be enabled to propose appropriate measures, under the Treaty, to the Council or to the Member States; and whereas this will entail close co-operation both between Member States and between Member States and the competent institutions of the Community;

Whereas it is desirable to ensure, in particular by setting up an Advisory Committee attached to the Commission, co-operation between those public and private bodies within the Member States which are particularly concerned with problems of vocational training;

Whereas the following general principles are relevant to present economic and social conditions in the Community; and whereas they may subsequently be amplified progressively in the light of changing requirements within the Community;

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

The following general principles for implementing a common vocational training policy are hereby established: