Brussels, 24/05/2006 (Agence Europe) - The European Youth Forum (YFJ) has welcomed the resolution adopted by the Education Council on 18-19 May on the value of informal and non-formal education in the European Union (see EUROPE 9197). The Forum sees it as a further step in recognising the need for, and right of, everyone to acquire skills and competences throughout life. The resolution highlights, too, the importance of youth organisations as the main providers of non-formal education, an essential part of the life-long learning process. In this regard, the resolution recommends “recognising and supporting, within their respective competences, the specific contribution made by youth organisations”. “The recognition of real competences will enhance flexibility and mobility within the educational system and work life, increasing the individual's employment opportunities and the complementarities between formal and non-formal structures. Therefore the YFJ advocates the recognition of the values of non-formal and informal learning at political, social and individual levels,” said Renaldas Vaisbrodas, President of the European Youth Forum.