Press Releases
Education
Citizenship education now taught in all European countries but specialist training for teachers lacking
31/05/2012
Brussels, 31 May 2012 – All EU Member States have integrated 'citizenship education' into their primary and secondary school curricula - albeit with different approaches, according to a report published today by the European Commission. Improving knowledge and skills for teaching the subject remains a challenge, however, with only two countries (UK - England and Slovakia) offering training for prospective specialist teachers in initial teacher education programmes.
Newspapers crucial for democracy, says Vassiliou
25/05/2012
The role of European newspapers in helping to shape democratic and tolerant societies is as important today as in the era of Napoleon Bonaparte, who famously declared that "four hostile newspapers were to be feared more than a thousand bayonets".
"Democracy needs well-informed citizens, capable of analysing events, forming their own opinion and engaging actively in an open debate"
Androulla Vassiliou.
The Erasmus programme in 2010-11: the figures explained
08/05/2012
The European Commission has today published new figures on the number of students, teachers and other staff in higher education who benefitted from the Erasmus programme in the 2010-11 academic year (IP/12/454).
Erasmus hits new record with 8.5% increase in student exchanges
08/05/2012
Brussels, 8 May 2012 - 25 years after its launch, Erasmus has become the best known EU programme and the most successful student exchange scheme in the world. More than 231 000 students received Erasmus grants to study or train abroad during the 2010-11 academic year – a new record and an 8.5% increase compared to the previous year.
Culture
European Capitals of Culture: EU panel recommends award of €1.5m Melina Mercouri Prize to Marseille and Košice
25/05/2012
Brussels, 25 May – The European panel in charge of monitoring preparations by the 2013 European Capitals of Culture, Marseille (France) and Košice (Slovakia), has recommended that both should receive the Melina Mercouri Prize in recognition of the quality of their preparations.
"Both cities are preparing rich cultural programmes for 2013 and I congratulate them on their thorough preparations"
Androulla Vassiliou.
Council for Education, Youth, Culture and Sport (10-11 May)
07/05/2012
For the first time the Council for Education, Youth, Culture and Sport will discuss the detail of the European Commission's proposals for the new 'Erasmus for All' and 'Creative Europe' programmes, which will start in 2014. Neelie Kroes, Vice-President responsible for the Digital Agenda, and Androulla Vassiliou will represent the Commission.
Sport
Looking forward to this summer's EURO 2012 football championships
04/05/2012
Brussels, 4 May 2012 - Like millions of sport fans, I am looking forward to this summer's EURO 2012 football championships with great anticipation. The tournament will provide a stage for some of the world's best players and I'm sure we will see some thrilling matches and, hopefully, plenty of goals.
MEDIA
MEDIA and 'Creative Europe' in the spotlight at 65th Cannes Film Festival
16/05/2012
Eighteen films supported by the European Commission's MEDIA programme are in the Cannes Film Festival's 'Official Selection' this year, of which seven are in competition for the Palme d’Or, notably "Amour" by Michael Haneke, "The Angel's Share" by Ken Loach and "Jagten" (The Hunt) by Thomas Vinterberg. During the Festival, Androulla Vassiliou will award the first 'Prix MEDIA' to Iranian film-maker Asghar Farhadi and will also discuss the Commission's proposed new 'Creative Europe' programme, which includes MEDIA, with film directors and professionals.
