Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council, 26-27/11/2018, 26-27 November 2018

Main results

26 November 2018

Youth

The Council reached a partial general approach (the Council's position) on a proposal for a Regulation on the European Solidarity Corps 2021-2027. This excludes budget-related issues/figures which are currently being discussed as part of the negotiations on the next multiannual financial framework.

• Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the European Solidarity Corps programme

The Council also adopted a Resolution on the new EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027 and held a debate on its implementation. The strategy is expected to develop its cross-sectoral approach by addressing the needs of young people in other EU policy areas.

• Resolution on the new EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027

Ministers adopted Conclusions on the role of youth work in the context of migration and refugee matters. Based on evidence from the EU Youth Report 2015 and taking into account political developments, national governments are working, together with the European Commission, on prioritising the integration of young people with a migrant background, including newly-arrived migrants and refugees.

• Council conclusions or 13 July 2018 on youth work in the context of migration and refugee matters

Education

Ministers reached an agreement on a partial general approach on a proposal for a Regulation on the Erasmus+ programme. A partial general approach excludes budget-related issues/figures which are currently being discussed as part of the negotiations on the next multiannual financial framework. The aim of the proposal is to enable the programme to become more inclusive by increasing its accessibility, e.g. for small scale or grass-roots organisations or young people with fewer opportunities, and by extending its scope to all levels of education and training.

• Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing Erasmus

The Council also adopted a Recommendation on promoting automatic mutual recognition of higher education and upper secondary education training qualifications and the outcomes of learning periods abroad. This is intended to ensure that any higher education and upper secondary education diplomas and the results of learning periods spent abroad that are awarded by an accredited institution within the Union are automatically recognised for the purposes of further learning in all Member States by 2025.

• Recommendation on promoting automatic mutual recognition of higher education and upper secondary education and training qualifications and the outcomes of learning periods abroad

Ministers held a policy debate on the establishment by 2025 of a European Education Area, based on trust, mutual recognition, cooperation and exchange of best practices, mobility and growth. The debate was based on a Presidency discussion paper.

27 November 2018

Culture

Ministers took note of a progress report on a proposal for a new Creative Europe programme 2021-2027. The general objectives of the programme are to promote European cooperation on cultural and linguistic diversity and heritage, and to increase the competitiveness of the cultural and creative sectors, in particular of the audio-visual sector.

The Council adopted conclusions on the Work plan for Culture 2019-2022. The plan is considered a strategic instrument setting priorities and defining concrete actions to address the digital shift, globalisation and growing societal diversity in the area of cultural policy.

• Council conclusions of 14 November 2018 on the Work Plan for Culture 2019-2022

The Council also adopted conclusions on the strengthening of European content in the digital economy. The conclusions focus on EU priorities such as fostering diversity, visibility and innovation, establishing a level playing field and improving skills and competences.

• Council conclusions of 14 November 2018 on the strengthening of European content in the digital economy

Ministers held a public debate on tackling the spread of disinformation online, focusing on "fake news", media and their role in tackling disinformation.

It was a priority for us to tackle the issue of disinformation and we are happy that this topic was included in the conclusions of today's Council meeting. An important aspect is the accountability of online tech-giants to guarantee the sustainability of classic journalism in an economically responsible way. Gernot Blumel, Federal Minister for the EU, Arts, Culture and Media of Austria

The debate was based on a Presidency discussion paper. Ministers were invited to react to the initiatives that have been recently launched and implemented at the EU level with a view to tackle online disinformation.

• Tackling the spread of disinformation online: State of play and future perspectives

Sport

Ministers held a public debate on the major sporting events as drivers for innovation, together with Mr. Martin Kallen, CEO of UEFA Events (EURO 2020). The debate was based on a Presidency discussion paper, which highlights the links between major sporting events and innovation, including patent applications and new technologies applied to sport events.

Ministers also adopted conclusions on the economic dimensions of sport and its socio-economic benefits. The aim is to recognize sport as a driver for growth and jobs, as well as a means to improve the health and social conditions of citizens.

• Draft conclusions of the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on the economic dimension of sport and its socio-economic benefits