Brussels, 23/11/2015 (Agence Europe) - The priority action areas in the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (ET 2020) will be reduced from 13 to 6. This decision was made by education ministers at their meeting in Brussels on Monday 23 November.
The report they adopted examines the 2012-14 cycle in this framework and proposes a number of mid-term improvements (less dispersion, improved governance and provision of results). The areas identified are as follows: 1) knowledge, qualifications and appropriate skills, in addition to quality, developed throughout the permanent education process and geared towards the acquisition of knowledge; 2) inclusive education, equality, fairness, non-discrimination and the promotion of civic skills; 3) open and innovative education and training and comprehensive involvement in the digital age; 4) support for teachers, trainers, education establishments and other members of the teaching staff; 5) transparency in recognition of skills and qualifications to facilitate learning and the mobility of labour; 6) sustainable investment, quality and efficiency in education and training systems. In addition to the 2015 report, ministers adopted conclusions on reducing the number of early school leavers and promoting opportunities for succeeding at school.
Two orientation debates took place at the Education Council: the first focused on language learning and inclusion through education, as well as quality reception for nursery school-aged children. The second involved integration strategies for newly arrived migrants. According to Eurostat, 81% of the 689,000 people having submitted requests for asylum in Europe this year (up to August) were aged under 35; more than half (55%) were aged between 18-34. (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)