Brussels, 23/03/2015 (Agence Europe) - At the end of their informal meeting in Paris (see EUROPE 11276), the European Youth Forum (EYF) welcomed the statement made by the EU education ministers on 18 March to tackle intolerance, discrimination and radicalisation and to use education as a vector for dialogue and understanding between different communities. The meeting was held in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks and rise in radicalisation.
The Youth Forum welcomes the fact that ministers formally recognised the absolute necessity of refocusing the purpose of education and its holistic impact on both the personal and social development of young people and societies. EYF President Johanna Nyman particularly welcomed, “the emphasis on the framework for equal opportunities for all. All young people must have access to quality education. We believe that quality education, together with youth work is essential for young people to take up their roles and responsibilities as active citizens in a diverse and inclusive society”. In a reference to the terrorist attacks that have occurred and the effects of radicalisation she said, “it is a shame that such an atrocity had to take place before there was a strong political commitment to promote more inclusive, quality education”.
The Youth Forum expects the revised Education and Training 2020 to reflect these commitments and for member states to translate them into visible outcomes, including increased support to youth organisations' educational work through the Erasmus + Programme. (Isabelle Lamberty)