Knowledge at the heart of economic recovery

The key role of education and training in the recovery of Europe's economy was the main subject on the education ministers' agenda on 15 February. They discussed the importance of learning in the context of the proposal for the new 'EU 2020 strategy' to be adopted at the Spring summit in March.

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Ministers confirmed that our future lies in a knowledge-based economy, where education, research and innovation provide the main sources of economic growth, employment and competitiveness. They agreed that lifelong learning in more open education systems is vital to respond to the needs both of citizens and of the labour market and society.

Education must be improved at all levels, from pre-school to university. It must equip all young people - including disadvantaged and non-traditional learners - for further learning and working life. Although there has been a general improvement in education and training performances in the EU, literacy has been deteriorating. This is an urgent challenge to be addressed.

Partnerships with the business world must be encouraged at all levels of education to fit new skills for new jobs. Vocational training must be modernised to address mismatches between competences and job requirements.

The quality of teaching depends on the quality of teachers' education. Targeted action must be proposed to all trainers to allow them to acquire new competences, for instance in special learning needs and skills in information and communication technologies.

More information:
Council Press release 
Joint Progress Report 
Discussion paper 
Webcast of public debate 
Webcast of press conference