Brussels, 20/07/2007 (Agence Europe) - Commissioner Jan Figel, responsible for education, training, culture and youth, presented his work programme for 2008 to members of the European Parliament's culture and education committee on 17 July. The commissioner commented on the White Paper on sport, published the week before. In his view, this is a “realistic and balanced approach” that meets expectations. He also spoke of the launching of the second generation Erasmus Mundus programme (2009-2013) that will ensure continuity with the previous programme while adding some novelty. As far as the initiatives being developed are concerned the Commissioner welcomed the consensus between Parliament and Council regarding the European Institute of Technology, and trusts an agreement will be reached in first reading under Portuguese presidency.
Mr Figel recalled the issues that are still outstanding: - the budgetary allocation foreseen and sources of financing. “By September at the latest, we shall have details thanks to our continuous trialogue”, Mr Figel assured. As far as the European qualification framework is concerned, it is important, he said, to improve conditions for recognising qualifications, a question that will be tackled during the next Council of Ministers scheduled for November, and the Parliament will discuss the matter in September/October. No major divergence is expected between the member states and the Parliament whose opinions are in line with each other, the commissioner stressed, wanting to reach a “readable and clear” proposal.
On the subject of the new initiatives, Jan Figel hopes to trigger the debate on modernising schools and training channels, on the basis of new challenges that come up, and especially to counter school drop-outs and violence in schools. The Commission launched consultation on the subject and will put the conclusions together mid-October in the aim of launching a joint action. It would also like to take measures to encourage teaching in the best possible conditions. When it comes to adult teaching, “we are drafting a communication for an action plan that will include key messages”, in September/October, said the commissioner.
Mr Figel foresees publication in September of a document on “youth” to encourage young people to be “more active, more integrated, more present on the labour market”. And for culture, the Commission considers it necessary - as part of the globalisation process - to establish an agenda which will focus on cultural diversity in Europe and exchanges between citizens, for better mutual understanding. For the European cultural dialogue year in 2008, “we shall try to gather ideas by the end of the year (…) for kicking off in Ljubljana on 7 and 8 January”, the commissioner said. With a view to the year of creativity and innovation in 2009, Mr Figel suggests following several principles in order to finalise concrete proposals, such as the use of lifelong learning and cultural teaching to promote innovative proficiency. He would like to reach a first draft declaration of intent in September in order to prepare an agenda in 2008.
Several MEPs then sent their comments to Commissioner Figel. Claire Gibault (ALDE, France) called for follow-up to her report on the social status of artists in the European Union and for a Community regulation on the matter to be sketched out. Thomas Wise (IND/DEM, UK) wondered why the White Paper on sport had not been postponed, as work had begun when it was not yet a question of mentioning sport in the new revised treaty. He said too much is said about professional football to the detriment of the other sports. German Socialist Lissy Gröner found that not enough emphasis had been placed on youth at the European Parliament, while Doris Pack (EPP-ED, Germany) said that, generally speaking, the Parliament remains on the fringe of the activities organised by the Commission. This opinion was shared by Christa Prets (PES, Austria). Helga Trüpel (German Green member) considers for her part that the communication published in the spring by the Commission on a common culture strategy is not “incisive” enough and is over “bureaucratic”. Finally, Ruth Hieronymi (EPP-ED, Germany) felt it was necessary to ensure that European culture economy is protected. (il)