Video conference of ministers of education, 18 May 2020

Main results

Ministers held an exchange of views on the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on education and training across the EU, in particular in the context of the gradual lifting of containment measures.

'We are all aware of the anxieties of students, teachers and parents, and we are therefore doing our best to help them navigate through the many challenges facing the education sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the question of examinations.

Blaženka Divjak, minister for Science and Education of Croatia

The discussion was structured around questions related to the reopening of education and training institutions, with a particular focus on organisational and safety aspects, as well as on the state of play regarding school leaving examinations and admissions to higher education. In addition, ministers reflected on how member states’ cooperation can facilitate the continuation of cross-border learning mobility.

In their exchange, ministers shared information on different national approaches in relation to:   

• stages and timing of reopening education and training institutions
• hygienic, sanitary and organisational measures
• organization of final examinations and admissions to higher education
• conditions for resuming studies from the next academic year
• learning mobility across the EU

The discussion was also an opportunity to contribute to the work on the draft Council conclusions on countering the COVID-19 crisis on education and training.

Moreover, the Croatian presidency informed member states on the state of play regarding the adoption of the draft Council conclusions on European teachers and trainers for the future.

• Outcome of the video conference of ministers of education (Croatian presidency website, 18 May 2020)
• COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak and the EU's response (background information)