The European Ministers of Education, Youth and Culture are expected to meet again by videoconference on 18 and 19 May to discuss the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic on these different sectors (see EUROPE 12465/8).
As with any informal meeting, no outcome is expected, although these discussions are expected to feed into a series of EU Council conclusions to be subsequently adopted by written procedure. These conclusions will focus respectively on European teachers and trainers of the future (education); media literacy, cultural heritage and the work plan for culture 2019-2022 (culture); and opportunities for young people in remote areas (youth).
The meeting will start on Monday 18 May with a session devoted to education and training, during which Ministers will discuss in particular the reopening of institutions, examinations and admissions. They will also discuss possible areas of cooperation to ensure continuity of learning.
The following day, the meeting will continue with a session devoted to culture. On this occasion, Ministers will most likely refer to the declaration co-signed in April by all Ministers except the Hungarian minister, calling for an informed assessment of the consequences of the pandemic for the world of culture.
Finally, the meeting will conclude with a session dedicated to youth, which will be attended by the Vice-President of the European Youth Forum. In particular, ministers will be invited to discuss how young people’s access to services has been disrupted as a result of the pandemic, digital tools and measures that can be taken to support the youth sector. (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)