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Youth in Action programme (2007-2013); Commission implementing powers

2008/0023(COD)

Following an exchange of views, the Council adopted key messages in the field of education and training addressed to the European Council on 13 and 14 March in Brussels. The key messages highlight a number of actions and issues that need to be drawn to the attention of the European Council at this critical stage for the implementation of the Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs. They mainly concern the implementation of lifelong learning strategies and invite Member States to take concrete action to: (i) address the lack of progress on youth literacy and reduce the number of early school leavers; (ii) improve achievement levels among migrants; (iii) make the teaching profession more attractive to the best graduates; (iv) encourage more adults to take advantage of education and training opportunities, namely:

  • the knowledge triangle (education, research, innovation): Member States must particularly emphasise the crucial role of education and training in promoting creativity and innovation;
  • intercultural dialogue: underlining the importance of equipping individuals with the competences needed to engage in such a dialogue;
  • transnational mobility, which should become common practice in higher education and be developed further in the field of vocational education and training.

In addition, the Council invited the Commission to submit by the end of 2008 a proposal for an updated strategic framework for European cooperation in the field of education and training. The debate covered the following items in particular:

  • the importance of basic skills and teacher training;
  • the effectiveness of the open method of coordination and the role of peer learning, indicators and benchmarks, particularly with regard to the EU strategy for the post-2010 period;
  • the particular issue of early school leaving, and the means that can be used to address this problem, including increased support for disadvantaged schools, closer teacher-parent cooperation, mentoring schemes and special attention for the children of migrants.