EU Member States agree to intensify their co-operation in education and training
Today the Council adopted a new strategic framework for co-operation between EU Member States to reform their education and training systems. This is an important signal in the current economic crisis, as common challenges, such as skills deficits, ageing societies and tough global competition need joint responses and countries learning from each other. The conclusions identify both immediate priorities for 2009-11 and long-term challenges for the decade ahead. The tools used to meet them include new education and training benchmarks for monitoring progress across Europe.
The European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth, Ján Figel' welcomed the decision: "I am very happy that we have reached an agreement on the new framework for co-operation, which will guide our joint work in the years to come. The agreed priorities underline the important role that education and training must play in the broader debate on economic and social reforms. And they stress the essential contribution that lifelong learning makes for a swift and sustainable economic recovery from the current crisis, to meet the long-term challenges of the knowledge society."To know more
- European Commission Press Release "Commission welcomes agreement by the Member States to intensify their cooperation in education and training" (IP/09/748 on Rapid, 11 May 2009)
- Council of the EU: Council Conclusions on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training ("ET 2020")
- European Commission: Strategic plans for European co-operation on education and training [Commission presents proposal in December 2008]
- European Commission: Progress towards the Lisbon objectives in education and training - Indicators and benchmarks, 2008 report
