Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council, 22-23/05/2017 - Main results (Day 1)
Youth
The dialogue with young people and future European cooperation in the youth field were the main topics of the Council's work in it's Youth configuration. In particular, the Council
adopted a resolution on the future development of the (sructured) dialogue with young people in the context of policies for European cooperation in the youth field post 2018. The resolution outlines the main priorities for the next cycle of the dialogues, which will have as its main theme: "Youth in Europe: what's next?.
The resolution calls for a review on how to improve the dialogue and make it more effective in the future. It also calls for particular attention to be given to ways of developing a constructive dialogue and cooperation with young people from diverse backgrounds, youth researchers and policy makers and interested parties from other related sectors.
adopted conclusions on the strategic perspectives for European cooperation in the youth field post-2018, which will provide guidance to the Commission as it carries out a mid-term evaluation of the key policy instrument in this area, the "EU Youth Strategy".
The conclusions underline the need for the future strategy to be cross-sectoral, flexible, responsive and transparent and take account of the rapidly changing political, social, cultural and economic situation in Europe.
adopted conclusions on the role of youth work in supporting young people's development of essential life skills to facilitate their transition to adulthood, active citizenship and working life.
Education
The Council adopted a recommendation on the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning. Its aim is to improve the transparency, comparability and portability of qualifications across Europe by establishing a common reference framework for national qualifications systems.
The recommendation also seeks to help modernise education and training systems and increase the employability, mobility and social integration of workers and learners.
The Council took note of progress on Europass, which is intended to help increase mobility in Europe by providing a framework which will improve access to information on skills and qualifications for education and employment purposes.
"We very much value our regular dialogue with young people. It is an important means for us to learn about their concerns and the challenges they face, and it offers valuable input into how we develop the most appropriate policies in this field. We must now plan ahead and examine how we can further improve our cooperation."
We also welcome the adoption of the European Qualifications Framework and the significant progress on the Europass decision. These are two important components of the New Skills Agenda that will contribute to improving the employability and mobility of European citizens".
Evarist Bartolo, Minister for Education and Employment of Malta
Agenda highlights - 23 May 2017
Culture
The Council will try to reach a general approach on the proposal for a revised directive on audiovisual media services (AVMS). The proposal aims to make this legislation better fit to the digital age, for instance, by extending its scope to video-sharing platforms. The proposal also establishes stricter obligations for the promotion of European works for on-demand services.
The Council will also adopt conclusions on a EU strategy for international cultural relations, in the follow-up to the Commission and the EU High Representative joint communication on a EU strategy for international cultural relations.
Sport
The Council will adopt a resolution on the European Union work plan for sport (2017-2020), which aims to tackle doping and match fixing and enhance good governance in sport organisations.
The Council is also due is due to adopt conclusions on sport as a platform for social inclusion.
In addition, ministers will discuss how to develop a media policy that supports social objectives in the area of sport.
Meeting information
Meeting n°3541
Brussels
22/05/2017
Preparatory documents
Provisional agenda, Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council, 22-23 May 2017
Outcome documents
Press releases
Public access to Council documents: 2016 report
22/05/2017, 11:00
Press information
19 May 2017
Press briefing
13:15
Main press room, Justus Lipsius building - by Ambassador Neil Kerr - This briefing is "off the record"
22 May 2017
Press opportunity
VIP entrance Europa building
09:30
Doorstep by Minister Bartolo
10:00
Roundtable
Press conference
18:00
Main press room, Justus Lipsius building
23 May 2017
Press opportunity
VIP entrance Europa building
09:15
Doorstep by Minister Bonnici
10:00
Roundtable
Press conference
13:00
Main press room, Justus Lipsius building
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