Work begins on Monday in Brussels on the meeting of the EU Council for Education, Youth, Culture and Sport, focusing on the future of education, youth participation in policymaking and the role of skills. Other key issues on the agenda include the Erasmus+ programme, core skills within the European Education Area, the EU Youth Strategy beyond 2027 and the use of artificial intelligence in education.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Education, Sport and Youth Minister Athina Michaelidou said the Council reflects the vision of the Cyprus Presidency for a self-confident Union open to the world. She said Europe’s future is closely linked to investment in people, empowering citizens and creating opportunities for young people.
Michaelidou, who is chairing the meeting, said ministers are expected to approve a partial negotiating mandate for Erasmus+, describing it as one of the EU’s most important and successful programmes. She noted that Erasmus+ is directly linked to the Multiannual Financial Framework, provides mobility opportunities to millions of young people and helps strengthen European identity.
She also highlighted the importance of core skills for social cohesion, citizen resilience and Europe’s overall competitiveness, noting that the issue will be examined within the framework of the European Education Area.
Youth participation and artificial intelligence in education
The minister placed particular emphasis on youth participation in decision-making, stressing that youth policies must be shaped together with young people and not only for them. In this context, she said discussions are already under way on the EU Youth Strategy after 2027.
On artificial intelligence in education, Michaelidou said ministers are expected to endorse Council conclusions on AI and teachers. She stressed that educators must be supported and equipped with the appropriate skills to use new tools effectively and responsibly, within a sound pedagogical framework.
Concluding, she said the two-day discussions reflect the Cyprus Presidency’s commitment to investing in people, promoting citizen participation and creating opportunities for skills development, empowerment and active engagement in European life.
The EU Council meets on Monday in the configuration of education and youth ministers, while on Tuesday it will convene in the configuration of culture and sport ministers.
Source: CNA
