Brussels, 18/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - The European Network of Education Councils (EUNEC) has commented on the new European Commission strategy for education, presented on 20 November 2012 to step up cooperation between member states and give fresh impetus to education policy in member states. The key element of the strategy is the “rethinking education” communication (see EUROPE 10734).
Measures proposed by the Commission give “a clear signal to governments and heads of states of the importance of investing in the talents of young people and adults”, EUNEC underlines. Such talents offer a solid basis for sustainable societal development and economic well-being. The Commission supports the idea whereby governments must invest permanently in education and training, which are part and parcel of economic development. EUNEC welcomes this approach while underlining that this field remains a public responsibility, for which a public budget has to be available. That is why caution is needed when considering input from private and commercial initiatives. Furthermore, EUNEC calls for a general approach to education policy and does not support an approach that is exclusively oriented towards the labour market and economic outlets. It calls for respect of the principle of subsidiarity, with decisions affecting education and training being taken by the member states and regions, which have the responsibility for taking appropriate measures. EUNEC, moreover, voices concern at the lack of attention paid to the role of the local authorities and schools in the development of education policies and at the lack of transparency, not only at European but also national level, in decisions taken in this respect. Education is part of a global system of many diverse actors, and EUNEC appreciates the fact that the European Commission communication pleads in favour of partnerships between all stakeholders in order to raise the challenges relating to ongoing societal changes, even if that partnership over-involves socio-economic players to the detriment of the others (social partners, stakeholders in the health and welfare sector, and socio-cultural players).
As a network, EUNEC brings together the expertise of advisory bodies and of the stakeholders and experts who are involved in the national/regional advisory processes. These advisory bodies give advice to the governments of the different European countries in the field of education and training. (IL/transl.jl)