(The sitting was suspended at 14.10 and resumed at 15.05.)

IN THE CHAIR: Hans-Gert PÖTTERING
President

7. Erasmus Mundus Programme (2009-2013) ***I (signature)

Verbatim reports

The President made a brief statement.

After inviting Ján Figeľ (Member of the Commission) and Katerina Batzeli (Chair of the CULT Committee) to join him, the President, together with Bruno Le Maire (President-in-Office of the Council), signed the decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing an action programme for the enhancement of quality in higher education and the promotion of intercultural understanding through cooperation with third countries (Erasmus Mundus) (2009-2013), adopted by the Council on 16.12.2008.