14/04/2016 (Agence Europe) - New Council of Europe instrument validated. European Education Ministers have given their support to the new Council of Europe instrument for helping to cultivate democracy (see EUROPE 11529). At the end of a two-day conference on Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 April, they endorsed a list of 20 key skills and agreed to help put them into practice at national, regional and European levels. This new instrument, "A Reference Framework of Competencies for Democratic Culture” was drawn up by the Council of Europe, with the support of more than 1000 teachers and specialists in Europe. Conference participants also agreed to help enhance efficiency and include education on democratic citizenship and human rights at all education and training levels. (SPj)