Building a stronger Europe: new initiatives to further boost role of youth, education and culture policies

Following the presentation of a first set of measures in January, the Commission tables today a second package of initiatives to advance work on the European Education Area by 2025, reinforce the cultural dimension of the European Union and bolster youth participation.

The initiatives aim to enhance learning mobility and educational opportunities, empower young people, in particular to encourage them to participate in civic and democratic life, and harness the potential of culture for social progress and economic growth in Europe. Jyrki Katainen, Vice-President of the Commission for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness, said: “Following last year’s Leaders Agenda meeting on education, culture and training at the Gothenburg Social Summit and in follow up to the December European Council conclusions, the Commission swiftly presented a number of initiatives. Today, we take a second step focusing on further learning mobility, youth, early childhood education, learning of foreign languages and culture – all important building blocks for the future of Europe.” Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Tibor Navracsics, said: “Education, culture and youth policy have a central role in building a resilient, competitive and cohesive Europe for the future. Along with the first package adopted in January, the proposals we are putting forward today will help to pave the way towards the European Education Area while strengthening a European identity and empowering people, especially young people.” A full press release, a Q&A, three factsheets on education, youth and culture as well as initial results of a new Eurobarometer on the European Education Area are published online.