The European Ministers of Education are preparing to hold a fourth informal videoconference since the start of Covid-19 to discuss the impact of the pandemic on the sector and the deconfinement process underway in most Member States. Previous meetings were held on 12 March, 14 April and 18 May (see EUROPE 12489/4, 12466/10 and 12445/4).
The discussion, which will start at 3 p.m., will focus on two questions: What are the main lessons learned from implementing digital learning and teaching during the Covid-19 crisis? And on the basis of the experience gained during the crisis, what developments are needed and what are the possibilities for innovation in the field of education and training?
Ministers will also share their views on the challenges they face in preparing for the next school/university year, including the measures they intend to take to ensure that schools and training institutions reopen safely. They will also discuss the resurgence of cases related to the reopening of schools.
The working document prepared by the Croatian Presidency of the EU Council underlines that education and training systems have been extraordinarily tested in recent months. “Looking back, it is important to examine and understand the lessons of this crisis as a basis for moving forward and for future decision-making”, notes the rotating Presidency. It sees this as an opportunity to rethink education and training, to turn challenges into opportunities and to examine whether emergency solutions could become more lasting. (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)