European Commission's programme "Tempus" ends in Macedonia after 15 years of successful implementation, resulting in higher education reforms, new study programmes and instruction methods.

Minister of Education and Science Pance Kralev said at Tuesday's final conference that 80 percent of the curricula at faculties throughout Macedonia are owed to the implementation of the programme's projects, whereas the number of enrolled students at university institutions actively taking part in Tempus has increased by 70 percent.

"This programme has contributed to the significant improvement of education in the country, through different opportunities offered to universities, both state and private. It included projects for mobility, reforming of programmes, cooperation with other universities, specific programmes etc. The total Tempus support for Macedonia since 1996 exceeds EUR 35 million. We are exceptionally satisfied from the support that the programme has provided to our educational institutions", stressed Kralev.

Taking into consideration the EU candidate-status, Macedonia now transfers to the next stage of available educational EC programmes, such as "Erasmus Mundus".

"I expect its proper use, thus contributing to further reforms and harmonization with European standards", added Kralev.

Velimir Stojkovski, Rector of Skopje University "Ss.Cyril and Methodius", emphasized that programme "Tempus" arrived at a crucial period in the development of Macedonia's university education.

"It has helped a lot with regards to mobilities of the academic and administrative staff at the university, but also by providing equipment where necessary", said Stojkovski.