Brussels, 03/09/2015 (Agence Europe) - The European Civil Society Platform for life-long education and training (EUCIS-LLL) has given a warm welcome to the report published on 1 September by the European Commission and member states on the strategic framework, “Education and Training 2020” (ET 2020) (see EUROPE 11379). It is therefore in favour of adopting the report at the Education Council in Brussels on 23 November.
Highlighting the need to pursue a comprehensive lifelong learning approach, from early childhood education to adult education, the report rightly stresses the role played by education to contribute to employment and growth objectives as well as to building a fairer and more cohesive and democratic society. EUCIS-LLL also welcomes the emphasis being placed on good governance and the need to reinforce partnerships with social partners and civil society
EUCIS-LLL also welcomes the balanced approach between the economic, social and civic goals of education. It also welcomes the fact that the report rightly highlights the main challenges Europe is facing such as increasing inequalities, unemployment, digitalisation, ageing and radicalization and the transition towards a digital society and solutions to counterbalance the impact of an ageing population on society. EUCIS-LLL wants the four strategic objectives included in the ET 2020 maintained in the Draft Report but would also like to see further efforts pursued in developing the third objective, “promoting equity, social cohesion and active citizenship” given that the threat of terrorism is increasing in European countries. In the context of quality and participative education for all, EUCIS-LLL argues that an inclusive education is the best weapon for fighting against nationalism and discrimination. Finally, EUCIS-LLL underlines the importance of partnerships between all the different actors and sectors involved, which is essential for implementing long-term and efficient strategies in the lifelong learning education field at regional and local levels. (Isabelle Lamberty)