Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council, 23-24/11/2015 - Main Results on Youth and Education, 23 November

Main Results on Youth and Education, 23 November

The current migratory and refugee crisis was a common theme to today's Council discussions. Both its configurations addressed migration related issues, in particular through its policy debates

the role of youth policy and youth work with regards to migration: ministers highlighted the importance of strengthening cross-sectoral cooperation, in particular in the education, youth, culture, and sport sectors.

education and training strategies for integrating recently arrived migrants and people with a migrant background: ministers underlined in particular the need to recognize the competences of newly arrived migrants and to implement intensive language learning to help overcoming social inequalities

The Council also paid tribute to the victims of the Paris events with a minute of silence. All ministers addressed their condolences to the French minister of Education, Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, and to all the relatives of the victims of the Paris attacks of 13 November.

According to minister Claude Meisch, “We can prevent marginalisation and radicalisation of young people by reducing early school leaving and enabling all young people to participate in our societies, giving them the opportunity to foster our common European values.”

Youth

The Council adopted the 2015 EU Youth Report on the implementation of the Renewed Framework for European Cooperation in the Youth Field (2010-2018).

This joint report from the Commission and the Council evaluates the progress made under the cooperation framework in the period 2013-2015. It also assesses the implementation of the "structured dialogue" with young people and puts forward new policy recommendations and priorities for the next three year period (2016-2018).

The Council adopted two resolutions on

a new EU Work Plan for Youth (2016-2018) which focuses on how to address more promptly and effectively the continuing high youth unemployment rates and the consequences of the crisis on young people.

encouraging the political participation of young people in European democratic life, which was the priority of the current work cycle of the structured dialogue.

Education

The Council adopted the 2015 Joint Report on the implementation of the Strategic Framework for European Cooperation in Education and Training (ET 2020) (2010-2020)

The report takes stock of progress during the most recent work cycle (2012-2014) and reviews the ET 2020 framework at its half-way stage, putting forward proposals for adjustment.

The main priorities for European cooperation in education and training for the 5 years up to 2020 are intended to ensure that education and training systems promote employability, skills and innovation, increase social mobility and equality, help to prevent radicalisation and lay the foundations for democratic values and active citizenship.

Outcome of the Council meeting

Agenda highlights on Culture and Sport, November 24

The Council will hold a debate on actions to combat the destruction and trafficking of cultural heritage in conflict areas, on the basis of a presidency background document.

Following the terrorist attacks in Paris on 13 November, Culture ministers unanimously adopted a declaration on 20 November. Ministers will take note of this declaration.

Joint declaration of EU ministers for culture, the Commissioner for education, culture youth and sport and the president of the committee on culture and education of the European Parliament

In its sport session, the Council will adopt conclusions reviewing the 2011 resolution on the representation of EU member states in the foundation board of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the coordination of their positions before WADA meetings.