This is a centralised measure. Centralised measures differ from decentralised measures, since they are managed directly by the Commission rather than by the National Agency. Moreover application, submission, selection procedures and project management are also managed directly by the European Commission. It is also agreed that centralised projects leave a more far-reaching effect on a European level than decentralised projects; the latter are more targeted towards national needs.

Thematic Networks (TN) aim to strengthen the link between the various stakeholders involved in vocational training, in order to improve the quality, the European dimension and also the visibility of activities in vocational training.

These aim at assembling and building on European expertise and innovatory approaches, improving the analysis and anticipation of skill requirements and also disseminating the network outputs and project results within the appropriate stakeholders circles. One of the principal aims of TN is the pooling of knowledge in a specific domain at regional or sectoral level, the sharing of experience and the fostering of innovation in VET by bringing together experts or organisations specialised in a particular area.

Further info can be obtained from the EACEA website - http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/index.htm