Madam President, at the outset I should like to thank the rapporteur, Mrs Boogerd-Quaak, for her very comprehensive report on implementing a European vocational training policy under the LEONARDO programme. What is important about LEONARDO is that it replaces PETRA, LINGUA, FORCE and other projects specifically aimed at young people and at creating a new environment for lifelong learning.

It is important that we realize that the policy instruments which we will be using in the year 2000 have not yet been invented, yet the workforce for the year 2000 is already here and requires to be trained so as to be adaptable and flexible to new initiatives and projects. Every Member State is scarred by unemployment. Those who are excluded, whether because they leave school without qualifications or because they no longer have the skills relevant to the rapidly changing labour market, must be given a chance. I am delighted that the Council has taken on board the development of linguistic skills. Projects and exchanges which develop language knowledge in the business context and the use of language as a business tool are now an integral part of training.

I would appeal to the Commission to ensure that the support for SMEs in the LEONARDO programme be widely publicized. Such firms are the backbone of the community's economic development and must be continually singled out for special assistance, including very small enterprises.

In conclusion, the main problem that remains to be resolved is the question of the level of financial support for the programme. I would urge the Council to listen - for once - to the wise voices from Parliament and the Commission and increase the funding to over ECU 800m.