EU cooperation in education and training — priorities 2016-2020

SUMMARY OF:

2015 joint report on the implementation of and new priorities for European cooperation in education and training

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE REPORT?

• It takes stock of the progress in implementing the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (ET 2020) at mid term and sets new priorities for 2016-2020.

KEY POINTS

ET 2020 was established in 2009 by Council conclusions with four specific objectives:

• making lifelong learning and mobility a reality;
• improving the quality and efficiency of education and training;
• promoting equity, social cohesion and active citizenship; and
• enhancing creativity and innovation, including entrepreneurship, at all levels of education and training.

The 2015 joint report prepared by the Council and the European Commission reaffirms these objectives and sets out 6 priority areas for the period 2016-2020, identifying concrete issues to be addressed within each area:

• 1.

  Relevant and high-quality skills and competences, focusing on results for employability, innovation and active citizenship

Main issues for cooperation include:

• reducing low achievement in basic competences;
• strengthening the development of transversal skills and key competences;
• fostering lifelong learning strategies;
• improving access to high-quality early childhood education and care, especially for the disadvantaged.

• 2.

  Inclusive education, equality, equity, non-discrimination and the promotion of civic competences

Main issues for cooperation include:

• addressing the diversity of learners and gender gaps;
• assisting migrants to acquire the language of instruction and employment;
• promoting civic, intercultural and social competences and enhancing critical thinking.

• 3.

  Open and innovative education and training, including fully embracing the digital era

Main issues for cooperation include:

• mainstreaming innovative and active pedagogies;
• developing digital competences and promoting open and digital educational resources;
• fostering cooperation between educational institutions and local communities;
• increasing synergies between education, research and innovation.

• 4.

  Strong support for teachers, trainers, school leaders and other educational staff

Main issues for cooperation include:

• increasing the attractiveness and status of the teaching profession;
• strengthening the recruitment, selection and induction of the most suitable candidates;
• supporting teachers’ continuous professional development and excellence in teaching.

• 5.

  Transparency and recognition of skills and qualifications to facilitate learning and labour mobility

Main issues for cooperation include:

• fostering transparency, quality assurance, validation and thereby recognition of skills and qualifications;
• supporting student mobility and increasing internationalisation of higher education and vocational education and training through strategic partnerships and joint courses.

• 6.

  Sustainable investment, quality and efficiency of education and training systems

Main issues for cooperation include:

• encouraging EU countries to use evidence to monitor policies and design reforms;
• promoting innovative ways to ensure sustainable investment in education and training;
• exploring the potential of the investment plan for Europe in the area of education and training.

BACKGROUND

For more information, see:

• European Commission press release

MAIN DOCUMENT

2015 Joint Report of the Council and the Commission on the implementation of the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (ET 2020) — New priorities for European cooperation in education and training (OJ C 417, 15.12.2015, pp. 25-35)

RELATED DOCUMENT

Council conclusions of 12 May 2009 on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (ET 2020) (OJ C 119, 28.5.2009, pp. 2-10)

last update 23.02.2017