About Education 2010
On 1 July, Belgium assumed the presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Ministers of the Belgian federated states preside in turn over the European Councils of Ministers. Flanders is also internationally responsible for community matters like Education and Training. Thus, Flanders chairs the Council Working Group on Education, and the Flemish Minister for Education presides over the Formal and Informal Council of Ministers.
This is done in close consultation with the French and German-speaking Communities.
Actions are taken in the framework of the ‘trio’ of presidencies. Belgium took over the presidency from Spain and is at the EU’s helm for a six month’s period after which it will turn the presidency over to Hungary. Although each country places its own emphases, the three countries drew up a common agenda and list of priorities.
The priorities in the field of Education and Formation which the Belgian Presidency proposes are the following:
- combating poverty and social exclusion and promoting social inclusion
- European cooperation to enhance transparency of vocational education and training and to promote worker mobility
- stimulating education for sustainable development
- further developing European partnerships in compulsory education
- promoting the mobility of young people by launching the “Youth on the Move” flagship initiative of the Europe 2020 Strategy
- modernising higher education
These themes are also dealt with during the numerous events and conferences that take place. Visit this website for all information on Flemish events. For more information on the events organised by the French and German-speaking Communities, please visit the following websites: www.cfwb.be and www.dglive.be. The website of the Belgian EU Presidency www.eutrio.be provides the latest EU related news. The website can also help you update and refresh your knowledge on the operation of the Union.
