Minister Mailis Reps to meet the EU Ministers for Education and the European Commissioner for Science, Research and Innovation in Brussels
On 16-17 February, Minister Mailis Reps will be visiting Brussels to attend the meeting of EU Ministers for Education. Furthermore, Reps will meet the European Commissioner for Science, Research and Innovation Carlos Moedas i to discuss items on Estonia's presidency agenda.
"To live up to our EU presidency coming up in less than six months we need to address the essential topics and mutual expectations with our partners. For instance, in the field of youth and education, the EU can support the Member States in reducing youth unemployment by expanding the provision of high-quality education and traineeships, and contribute to the development of state-of-the-art research," said Minister Reps.
The Ministers for Education intend to adopt conclusions for establishing the European Solidarity Corps aimed at providing more youth with the opportunity to gain new experience through volunteering or work practice so as to enhance their employability. This is part of a larger package of measures designed for youth in order to broaden their skill sets and improve their competitiveness on the labour market.
Another topic to be addressed by the ministers is the universal accessibility of high-quality education that encompasses lifelong learning across all areas. Solid education based on inclusion, equality, and the required competencies and values fosters job creation, entrepreneurship and innovative thinking, develops digital skills and supports the development of an active community.
The bilateral meeting with Research Commissioner Moedas will address essential items on Estonia's presidency agenda like the effects and value of state-of-the-art research for the community, and the outcomes of interim evaluation and the future of the research and innovation framework programme Horizon 2020.
To prepare for Estonia's EU presidency the minister will meet the Director General of the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union Jaroslaw Pietras, and the Hungarian and Finnish Ministers of Education to develop bilateral relations.
The Minister of Education and Research Mailis Reps will be back in Estonia on the evening of 17 February.
More info:
Riina Soobik
Communications Department
Adviser
+372 53400736