28 Nov

The European Union’s Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Council on it’s first meeting day reached a general approach on a draft regulation on the European Solidarity Corps. The regulation aims to strengthen cohesion, solidarity and democracy in Europe by offering young people the possibility of volunteering or working on beneficial projects across Europe. It is of utmost importance that a favourable compromise was reached through the general approach regarding the Hungarian budgetary concerns. The Council also adopted conclusions on smart youth work focusing the challenges and the opportunities of the digital era. This was followed by a policy debate, where Ministers discussed issues of concern to young Europeans and how the EU can help to address them.

The Council adopted conclusions on school development and excellent teaching that encourages the development of high-quality education and beside high quality teacher training also the continuous professional development of teachers and school leaders. The Council also adopted conclusions on a renewed EU agenda for higher education and a recommendation on tracking graduates. Furthermore, the Council held a policy debate on the future of skills and the changing role of vocational education and training.

On the second day of the Council's meeting the Council adopted conclusions on promoting digital access to culture via digital means, especially in regard to audience development and the Digital Single Market strategy. Later on, the Council held a policy debate about the role of culture in building cohesive societies in Europe.

In the field of sport, the Council adopted conclusions on the role of coaches in society. The Council also adopted a resolution on further developing the EU structured dialogue on sport. This was followed by a policy debate on the main challenges facing sport in the 21st century and cooperation between the EU, governments and the sport movement.