Brussels, 17/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 16 December, the European Parliament voted to allow Switzerland to take part in the Youth in Action programme and the lifelong learning action programme. Although Switzerland is not part of the European Economic Area, education should not stop at the border, especially when one considers where the country is situated, noted rapporteur Doris Pack (EPP, Germany). The proposals and initiatives submitted by Switzerland under these two programmes will be assessed in the same way and according to the same rules as those put forward by EU member states. Switzerland also intends to set up a national agency to monitor the implementation of these programmes. The Swiss financial contribution to Youth in Action will be €1.7 million and to lifelong learning €14.2 million. For Pack, involvement in European programmes demonstrates Switzerland's sustained interest in closer cooperation with the EU in these areas, and will afford young Swiss the opportunity of promoting European-ness in their country. (I.L./transl.rt)