Brussels, 03/09/2001 (Agence Europe) - The information network on lifelong learning (Eurydice) has jointly published with the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) and with European Commission funding (DG Education/Culture) its new inquiry entitled "national initiatives in favour of education and life-long learning in Europe".
The inquiry gives an overview of the initiatives implemented in Europe in this sector. It focuses on six key themes of the "memorandum on education and lifelong learning" (European Commission, October 2000), namely: 1) new powers for all; 2) greater investment in human resources; 3) innovation in education and training; 4) improved training; 5) a new conception of the direction to be taken; and 6) approximation of education and training at the local level. The study also accompanies the consultation process launched between January and July of this year by the European Commission in order to prepare the plan of action that it will present to the European Council in spring 2002.
By way of conclusion, the study highlights the substantial differences between the initiatives implemented in the different national systems. It places emphasis on: - the effective control of new basic competences and on its corollary, the definition of standards to be reached; - the rationalisation and reorganisation of education and training systems. These systems often table on the advantages of greater autonomy to be given to establishments and to systematic approaches associating guidance and advisory services. The practice of partnerships and recourse to information and communication technologies (ICT) contribute to reaching these new objectives.
The study (ISBN 2-87116-323-5, July 2001, 167 pages) is available in French and English on the Eurydice Internet site (http: //w<ww.eurydice.irg) and Cedefop site (http: //http://www.trainingvillage.gr ).
For further information: Eurydice in Brussels. Tel.: 02 238 30 11. Fax: 02 230 65 62. E-mail: info@eurydice.org. Cedefop in Thessaloniki (Greece). Fax: 30 31 49 01 74. E-mail: info@cedefop.eu.int.