Brussels, 06/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - Education ministers from 33 European countries (the EU, the EEA and applicant countries) will meet in Bruges, Belgium, on Tuesday 7 December, with the European Commission and the social partners (representatives of employers and trade unions) to discuss and decide their joint objectives in vocational teaching and training for the period from 2011 to 2020 and to decide on an action plan containing concrete national measures and European aid. The objectives and action will form the “Bruges communiqué”.
The Bruges communiqué will be the final re-assessment of the Copenhagen Process, which was launched in 2002 to encourage European countries to develop innovative vocational training policies and initiatives. The aim was to attract more people to vocational teaching by improving the quality and usefulness of courses. Since it was launched, the Copenhagen process has been reviewed by the Commission, ministers and social partners every two years. Ministers will be briefed on the report evaluating the last 10 years, and will define the priorities of the work programme for the next 10 years. On 19 November, at the last Education Council, EU ministers adopted conclusions on priorities for European cooperation in vocational teaching and training for 2011-2020. These conclusions will inform discussions at the ministerial meeting and will form the basis of the Bruges communiqué. (I.L./transl.rt)