Brussels, 24/09/2004 (Agence Europe) - Jan Figel, of Slovakian nationality, will be responsible for education, training, culture and multi-lingualism within the Barroso Commission. His responses to written questions at the European Parliament before his hearing on 27 September were on:
Culture: After the events of 11 September 2001, Mr Figel notes an "urgent need to invest more in intercultural dialogue" and plans to support initiatives such as the creation of a Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for Dialogue of Cultures. Intercultural dialogue within the EU will, moreover, be "one of the main areas of action" of the new 2007 culture programme alongside the mobility of artists and their activities. Regarding the inclusion of cultural aspects in other EU policies under Article 151 of the Treaty, Mr Figel will greatly insist on application of this article and plans to make the College of Commissioners more aware of the "crucial role played by cultural issues in the European integration process".
Education: Jan Figel is hoping for a swift agreement on the integrated programme for life-long education and training, which should be operational from 1 January 2007 and which meets the Lisbon goals for 2010. As far as mutual recognition of diplomas is concerned, the future Commissioner plans to continue the "considerable progress" already made by the Commission. He nonetheless stresses that more effort has still to be made to create a real European area for education and training, and he plans to work toward establishing an overall framework for European qualifications based on "common reference levels and principles of certification as well as on quality assurance instruments".
Multi-lingualism: It is the first time that this responsibility is included in nomination of a Commissioner's portfolio. Mr Figel intends to place emphasis on linguistic training in Member States "in parallel to respect of regional and minority languages". Mobility of students, trainees, adults undergoing training, etc. must be promoted, Mr Figel states, as this allows additional linguistic proficiency to be acquired.
Youth: Jan Figel supports the new approach of the Youth Action Programme, the aim of which is to place even more emphasis on solidarity, mutual understanding and support in favour of youth activities.
Sport: The future Commissioner welcomes the "great success" of the 2004 European Year for Education through Sport on whose results he will report to the EP by December 2005. He announces that he will begin work on appropriate strategies "in order to guarantee quality actions are implemented to the benefit of all European citizens". In answer to questions put to him on counter-doping measures, Jan Figel said he hoped to develop "incentive measures" mainly through the setting in place of an effective laboratory network.