1.This Decision establishes the second phase of the Community action programme in the field of education, ‘Socrates’, hereinafter referred to as ‘this programme’.
2.This programme shall be implemented over the period starting on 1 January 2000 and ending on 31 December 2006.
3.This programme shall contribute to the promotion of a Europe of knowledge through the development of the European dimension in education and training by promoting life-long learning, based on formal and informal education and training. It shall support the building up of the knowledge, skills and competences likely to foster active citizenship and employability.
4.This programme shall support and supplement action taken by and in the Member States, while fully respecting their responsibility for the content of education and the organisation of education and training systems, and their cultural and linguistic diversity.