1. The Union shall implement a vocational training policy which shall support and supplement the action of the Member States, while fully respecting the responsibility of the Member States for the content and organisation of vocational training.

2. Union action shall aim to:

– facilitate adaptation to industrial changes, in particular through vocational training and retraining,

– improve initial and continuing vocational training in order to facilitate vocational integration and reintegration into the labour market,

– facilitate access to vocational training and encourage mobility of instructors and trainees and particularly young people,

– stimulate cooperation on training between educational or training establishments and firms,

– develop exchanges of information and experience on issues common to the training systems of the Member States.

3. The Union and the Member States shall foster cooperation with third countries and the competent international organisations in the sphere of vocational training.

4. The European Parliament and the Council, acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure and after consulting the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, shall adopt measures to contribute to the achievement of the objectives referred to in this Article, excluding any harmonisation of the laws and regulations of the Member States, and the Council, on a proposal from the Commission, shall adopt recommendations.