Main results
Highlights of the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council (Education & Youth), taking place on 22 May 2019, in Brussels.
22 May 2019 - Youth and Education
The Council adopted conclusions on young people and the future of work. In order to address problems such as insecurity and precarious working conditions, the conclusions propose the following measures:
- adaptable and responsive education and training systems
- the promotion of lifelong learning
- smooth school-to-work and work-to-work transitions
- equal access to quality jobs for all young people in the future
The EU is experiencing sustainable economic growth, and unemployment rates are very low. Yet, youth unemployment remains relatively high. At the same time working patterns are undergoing significant change. We need to make sure that young people can rely on adequate training schemes and find quality jobs once their studies are over.
Constantin-Bogdan Matei, Minister of Youth and Sports of Romania
- Council conclusions on Young People and the Future of Work, 29 April 2019
- Youth employment (background information)
- European Education Area (background information)
Ministers also adopted a resolution establishing guidelines on the governance of the EU Youth Dialogue. The Youth Dialogue, involving youth organisations, decision makers, experts and researchers, will contribute to the overall objectives of the EU Youth Strategy through:
- encouraging the participation of young people in democratic life in Europe
- promoting equal participation of young women and men
- including diverse voices and ensuring that all young people are able to contribute to policy-shaping
The Council held a policy debate entitled 'Young people as agents of democracy in the EU'. The debate took place ahead of the upcoming European elections, but also in the context of a number of elections taking place in 2019 in different EU Member States. It was kicked-off by two students aged 18 and 25.
Ministers adopted a recommendation on a comprehensive approach to the teaching and learning of languages. The aim of the recommendation is to explore ways of helping all young people to acquire competences in two other languages in addition to their mother tongue/first language.
The promotion of language learning has been a long-standing priority for the EU in the area of education. It is time to act! In today's highly dynamic working environment we cannot allow the lack of language skills to become a barrier to mobility within the Union or worldwide. Member states have to invest and improve language teaching and learning within compulsory education schemes.
Ecaterina Andronescu, Minister of National Education of Romania
Ministers also adopted a Council recommendation on high quality early childhood education and care systems. The aim of the recommendation is to support Member States in their efforts to improve the accessibility and quality of their early childhood education and care systems, whilst recognising that Member States are primarily responsible in this area.
The Council adopted conclusions on the implementation of the Council recommendation on upskilling pathways: new opportunities for adults. The conclusions recognise the progress achieved at national level and call on the member states to:
- put in place sustainable long-term measures for adult upskilling and reskilling
- adopt a coherent strategic approach to basic skills provision for low-skilled and/or low-qualified adults
- raise the awareness of employers, particularly SME's, of the importance of upskilling and reskilling and of available support mechanisms for adult skills development.
Based on a presidency discussion paper, ministers held a policy debate entitled 'Building the future of Europe: the contribution of education and training to strengthening social cohesion'. The aim of the debate was to reflect on concrete future steps in the development of the European Education Area by 2025, with particular emphasis on strengthening social cohesion.
Any other business
DiscoverEU
The European Commission reported on the first results of the ‘DiscoverEU’ initiative.
WorldSkills Competition 2023
The French delegation presented France's bid to host the WorldSkills Competition in 2023 in the city of Lyon.
Education Summit
The Commission informed ministers about the second Education Summit, which will take place in September in Brussels.
Education and combatting antisemitism
The Commission informed ministers about two projects in the area of the fight against antisemitism.
Work programme of the incoming Finnish presidency
The Finnish delegation presented its priorities in the areas of youth and education.
Highlights from the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council, taking place on 23 May 2019, in Brussels
23 May 2019 - Culture and Sport
The Council adopted conclusions on young creative generations. The conclusions recognise the need for a more strategic approach to children's and young people's participation in culture, and encourage measures that facilitate a smooth transition from the education system to the labour market.
The future of Europe depends on young Europeans. But are young generations prepared for the future? We need to do more than providing them with education and training. We need to enhance their creative potential and critical thinking. Children and young people should have better access to culture and be encouraged to participate in culture-related activities so as to enable them to better cope with future challenges. In the long term, this will boost the cultural and creative sectors and have a positive impact on the economy in general.
Valer-Daniel BREAZ, Minister of Culture and National Identity of Romania
- Conclusions on young creative generations, 10 May 2019
- Creative Europe programme 2021-2027 (background information)
Ministers also adopted conclusions on improving the cross-border circulation of European audiovisual works, with an emphasis on co-productions. The conclusions recognise that Europe's cultural and linguistic diversity is an important asset for the European audiovisual sector and suggest measures to create a favourable ecosystem for the development of co-productions.
The Council held a policy debate entitled 'From tackling disinformation to rebuilding EU citizens' trust in the media', based on a presidency discussion paper.
In the context of the review of the 2011 resolution on representation and coordination prior to WADA meetings, ministers adopted a resolution on the representation of EU member states on the WADA Foundation Board and their coordination prior to WADA meetings. The resolution recalls that three seats in WADA’s Foundation Board are allocated to representatives from EU member states.
Ministers also adopted conclusions on access to sport for persons with disabilities. The main aim of these conclusions is to promote participation in sport in all its forms by persons with disabilities, in line with the overall aim of promoting social inclusion, and the general principles and objectives of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Based on a presidency discussion paper, ministers held a public debate on 'Increasing the participation of children and young people in sport in 21st century Europe'.
Any other business
Nomination of Veszprém for the European Capital of Culture 2023
The Hungarian delegation provided information on the concept developed by the city of Veszprém for the European Capital of Culture 2023 title.
Outcome of the Paris ministerial meeting on cultural heritage
The Council was informed by the Presidency on the outcome of the meeting of the culture and European affairs ministers that took place in Paris on 3 May 2019, following the fire at Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, which resulted in a great loss for all Europeans. At this meeting, co-chaired by France and the Romanian Presidency, ministers expressed their commitment to create a European network of expertise for cultural heritage, aimed at providing advice and support upon request when a Member State is in need.
The meeting took place on 3 May 2019 following the fire at Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, which resulted in a great loss for all Europeans. At this meeting, co-chaired by France and the Romanian Presidency, ministers expressed their commitment to create a European network of expertise for cultural heritage, aimed at providing advice and support upon request when a Member State is in need.
Meetings of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) (14-16 May 2019, Montréal, Canada)
EU member states representatives in the WADA Foundation Board briefed the Council on the latest meetings of the WADA.
Work programme of the incoming Finnish presidency
The Finnish delegation presented its priorities in the areas of culture and sport.
