Brussels, 29/11/2012 (Agence Europe) - The Education Council adopted a recommendation on 26 November on validation of non-formal and informal learning, which called on the member states to put in place arrangements for validating learning of this kind no later than 2018, in accordance with national circumstances and features. In view of the rise in unemployment, which is particularly high among young people, and the weak economic growth being experienced in Europe, making use of new learning opportunities and making the most of knowledge and skills acquired outside formal education could play an important role in enhancing employability and mobility, as well as providing more motivation for lifelong learning, particularly in the case of the socio-economically disadvantaged or low-qualified groups. (IL/transl.fl)