Education systems and cooperation in the EU should become more flexible to better meet the new challenges and promote shared values in Europe, stated the High Level Group on Education and Training in Tallinn.
According to the Deputy Secretary General of the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research Madis Lepajõe, the issue of shared values has become increasingly important within the EU. “The major challenges faced by Europe today - like the migration, populism and radicalisation - imply that we should prioritise the promotion of human rights, democracy, freedom and other shared values. Education and lifelong learning have a central role here,” said Lepajõe.
The Member States’ delegates talked about the future of the Erasmus+ programme after 2020. They concluded that Erasmus+ has successfully supported education, training and youth sectors in the EU. However, over the following period, the programme should become even more flexible and simplified, and more attention should be paid to promoting lifelong learning. It should be ensured that the future programme engages disadvantaged groups like small organizations, schools in rural areas, learners with special needs or low socio-economic background.
The meeting of the High Level Group on Education and Training was the first event of the Ministry of Education and Research marking the start of the incoming Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Further information about the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union