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The second phase of the
SOCRATES programme ("SOCRATES II") covers the period 1 January 2000
to 31 December 2006. It will draw on the experiences of the first phase
(1995-1999), building on the successful aspects of the programme, improving
and amalgamating several of the existing Actions and introducing a number
of innovations (details
of the proposed programme).
The formal decision of the European Parliament and the Council establishing
the second phase of the programme will not be taken until towards the
end of 1999. In order to preserve the continuity of the programme, it
has therefore been decided to implement SOCRATES II in two stages:
 Stage
I: In the year 2000, the Actions of the programme will be run along
similar lines to SOCRATES I. Nonetheless, a number of changes are being
introduced, in accordance with the SOCRATES II decision. They concern
both the thematic orientation of certain Actions and some of the administrative
procedures, including in some cases those relating to the submission
of applications. A full annual budget will already be available for
the programme in the year 2000. With certain very minor exceptions,
all types of activity previously eligible for support within SOCRATES
I, will also be eligible for support in the year 2000. The SOCRATES
Guidelines for Applicants for the Year 2000 which constitute an Addendum
to the SOCRATES Guidelines for Applicants 1998 are now available.
Stage
II: The decision on SOCRATES II also envisages a number of more
substantial changes to the programme, compared with SOCRATES I. The
introduction of these will necessitate a longer preparation period,
in order to ensure that all potential participants are informed and
that the necessary administrative structures are set in place at Community
level and in the Member States. This second stage of implementation
of SOCRATES II will take effect in the year 2001. It is expected that
the Guidelines for Applicants for the year 2001 will be published around
Easter 2000. For certain SOCRATES II Actions, the first deadline for
the submission of proposals to be supported in 2001 will probably be
in November 2000.
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