05/12/2006 (Agence Europe) - During their informal meeting in Helsinki (EUROPE 9320), on 4 and 5 December, the EU Education Ministers signed a cooperation agreement with Canada in the fields of higher education, vocational training and youth. The agreement will allow continuation of the cooperation that has existed between the Union and Ottawa since 1995 in the first two fields, extending the range of cooperation by including measures for youth. The text provides for new innovative joint studies. New training programmes will also be launched as well as exchanges for students, teachers and other professionals. Cooperation between youth organisations will be promoted. The agreement also calls for political dialogue on priority issues in the fields of higher education and vocational training. (ol)