Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council, 20-21/11/2017 - Main results, 21/11/2017 - Main contents
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, 21/11/2017
"Europe is not just about economy and the single market, it’s also what we create, what we read, what we listen to, what we play. Culture, arts and sport are the glue that binds our communities together. They create a sense of belonging, and contribute to healthy, inclusive and cohesive societies. In these challenging times for Europe, it is all the more important that we step up our efforts at all levels to encourage citizens' participation in such activities. I am confident that the two sets of Conclusions we have adopted today on access to culture via digital means and on the role of coaches in society will help us reach these goals."
Indrek Saar, Minister for culture of Estonia, currently holding the Council presidency
Culture/Audiovisual
The Council had an exchange of views on how culture can contribute to making European societies more cohesive. Ministers discussed in particular what can be done jointly at European level to reinforce action at the national level as well as the specific role of cultural and heritage organisations.
Ministers were also informed about the state of play of negotiations with the European Parliament on the review of the Audiovisual Media Services directive, which governs the EU-wide coordination of national legislation on all audiovisual media, both traditional TV broadcasts and on-demand services.
The Council also adopted conclusions on promoting access to culture via digital means. The conclusions highlight the opportunities presented by new technologies for cultural organisations in terms of better targeting existing audiences or reaching out to new ones.
Sport
Ministers discussed the main challenges facing sport in the 21st century. They looked at how to improve cooperation between national governments and with sports organisations in order to respond more effectively to issues such as integrity, governance and the contribution of sport to society. The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, took part in the debate in the Council for the first time since it has existed in this configuration.
The Council also adopted conclusions on the role of coaches in society as well as a resolution aiming at further developing the existing high-level structured dialogue between EU institutions, member states' authorities and the sports movement.
Main results, 20/11/2017
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
Outcome documents
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