Lifelong Learning Programme 2007–2013

The Lifelong Learning Programme 2007–2013 was established by Decision No.1720/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 November 2006.

It had six sub-programmes: The Programme's objectives[3] are first, to support the development of quality lifelong learning (a reference to the first paragraphs of Articles 149 and 150 of the Treaty of Rome, which establish the European Union's duties in education and training in those terms); and thereafter to help member states of the European Union develop their own education and training systems.

Although the objectives are expressed in somewhat abstract terms, they are underpinned by actions which concentrate on the creation of links between people, institutions and countries in education and training – what the programme describes as the "European Dimension" of education and training.

Minimum seven-year allocations for each of the four bigger programmes are laid down[14] as follows: The remaining budget was to be spent on other actions and administrative costs.

Experience of previous programmes suggests that the final seven-year budget will slightly exceed the current estimate[note 2]