Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council, 20-21/11/2017 - Main results

Source: Council of the European Union (Council) i, published on Monday, November 20 2017, 19:31.

Live streaming

Live streaming

20 November 2017

10:20 Public session

11:00 Public session

14:45 Press conference

15:45 Public session

21 November 2017

10:00 Public session

11:55 Public session

12:15 Public session

15:00 Press conference

Estimated schedule

Main results

Youth

The Council reached a general approach on a draft regulation on the European Solidarity Corps. The regulation aims to strengthen cohesion, solidarity and democracy in Europe by offering young people the possibility of volunteering or working on beneficial projects across Europe.

European Solidarity Corps: Council agrees on general approach

The Council adopted conclusions on Smart Youth Work. The conclusions propose making use of digital media and technologies in the development of youth work practice, youth research and youth policies in order to respond to the challenges and opportunities of the digital era.

Ministers also discussed issues of concern to young Europeans and how the EU can help to address them. The Presidency will forward the key messages from this debate in a letter to the presidents of the European Council, European Commission and European Parliament.

Mailis Reps, Estonian minister of Education and Research, emphasised the importance to support and engage young Europeans:

"If we want to ensure a bright European future, we need to be aware of the concerns of young Europeans and to do what we can to address them. We also need to make sure we are providing young people with the skills and tools they need to enter the labour market and make a success of their lives in a rapidly changing world."

Education

The Council adopted conclusions on a renewed agenda for higher education. The overall aim is to modernise higher education so that it keeps pace with the rapidly evolving environment.

It also adopted conclusions on school development and excellent teaching. The conclusions highlight the importance of ensuring high-quality and inclusive education for all, empowering teachers and school leaders, and shifting towards more effective, equitable and efficient governance.

The Council adopted a recommendation for tracking graduates as a way of encouraging and supporting member states in their efforts to improve the quality and availability of information on what graduates do after leaving higher education or vocational education and training.

The conclusions and recommendation follow the Commission communications of 30 May 2017 on school development and excellent teaching, and on a renewed EU agenda for higher education.

Meeting information

Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council on youth and education (20 November) and on culture and sports (21 November)

Meeting n°3577

Brussels

20/11/2017

Preparatory documents

Indicative programme, Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council, 20-21 November 2017

Provisional agenda, Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council, 20-21 November 2017

List of A items, non-legislative activities, Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council, 20-21 November 2017

Background brief

Outcome documents

List of participants


1.

Relevant EU dossiers