Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 on key competences for lifelong learning
Date: 2006-12-18
Institutions: Council of the European Union, European Parliament
Subjects: adult education, basic education, continuing education, continuing vocational training, education policy

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RECOMMENDATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

of 18 December 2006

on key competences for lifelong learning

(2006/962/EC)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE
EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Commu-
nity, and in particular Article 149(4), and Article 150(4) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and
Social Committee (1),

Having regard to the opinion of
Regions (2),

the Committee of

the

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251
of the Treaty (3),

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

(3)

(23-24 March 2000)
The Lisbon European Council
concluded that a European framework should define the
new basic skills to be provided through lifelong learning as
a key measure in Europe's response to globalisation and the
shift to knowledge-based economies, and emphasised that
people are Europe's main asset. Since then, those conclu-
sions have been regularly restated including by the Brussels
European Councils (20-21 March 2003 and 22-23 March
2005), and in the re-launched Lisbon Strategy which was
approved in 2005.

The European Councils of Stockholm (23-24 March 2001)
and Barcelona (15-16 March 2002) endorsed the concrete
future objectives of European education and training
systems and a work-programme (the Education and
Training 2010 work programme)
to achieve them by
2010. These objectives include developing skills for the
knowledge society and specific objectives for promoting
language learning, developing entrepreneurship and the
overall need to enhance the European dimension in
education.

The Commission Communication ''Making a European
Area of Lifelong Learning a Reality'' and the subsequent
Council Resolution of 27 June 2002 on lifelong learning (4)
identified the provision of ‘the new basic skills’ as a priority,
and stressed that lifelong learning must cover learning from
pre-school age to post-retirement age.

(4)

In the context of improving the Community's employment
performance, the European Councils of Brussels (March

2003 and December 2003) stressed the need to develop
lifelong learning, with a particular focus on active and
the unemployed and inactive
preventive measures for
persons. This built on the report of
the Employment
Taskforce, which emphasised the need for people to be able
to adapt to change, the importance of integrating people
into the labour market, and the key role of lifelong learning.

(5)

(6)

(7)

In May 2003 the Council adopted the European reference
levels (‘benchmarks’), demonstrating a commitment to a
measurable improvement
in European average perfor-
mance. These reference levels include reading literacy, early
school leaving, completion of upper secondary education
and participation of adults in lifelong learning, and are
closely linked to the development of key competences.

The report of the Council on the broader role of education
adopted in November 2004 stressed that education
contributes to preserving and renewing the common
cultural background in society and to learning essential
social and civic values
such as citizenship, equality,
tolerance and respect, and is particularly important at a
time when all Member States are challenged by the question
of how to deal with increasing social and cultural diversity.
Moreover, enabling people to enter and stay in working life
is an important part of
the role of education in the
strengthening of social cohesion.

The report adopted by the Commission in 2005 on
progress towards the Lisbon objectives in education and
training showed that
there had been no progress in
reducing the percentage of low achievers in reading literacy
at age 15 or in raising the completion rate for upper-
secondary education. Some progress was visible in reducing
early school leaving, but at current rates the 2010 European
reference levels adopted by the May 2003 Council will not
be achieved. Participation of adults in learning is not
growing fast enough to reach the 2010 reference level, and
data shows that
low-skilled people are less likely to
participate in further training.

(1) OJ C 195, 18.8.2006, p. 109.
(2) OJ C 229, 22.9.2006, p. 21.
(3) Opinion of the European Parliament of 26 September 2006 (not yet
Journal) and Council Decision of

published in the Official
18 December 2006.
(4) OJ C 163, 9.7.2002, p. 1.

(8)

The Framework of Actions for the Lifelong Development of
Competences and Qualifications, adopted by the European
social partners in March 2002, stresses the need for
businesses to adapt their structures more and more quickly
Increased team-work,
in order
flattening of hierarchies, devolved responsibilities and a

to remain competitive.

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greater need for multi-tasking are leading to the develop-
ment of learning organisations. In this context, the ability
of organisations to identify competences, to mobilise and
recognise them and to encourage their development for all
employees
for new competitive
the basis
strategies.

represent

partners and learners themselves in order to facilitate
national reforms and exchange of information between the
Member States and the Commission within the Education
and Training 2010 work programme, with the aim of
achieving the agreed European reference levels. Further-
more, this Recommendation should support other related
policies such as employment and social policies and other
policies affecting youth.

(9)

The Maastricht Study on Vocational Education and Training
of 2004 indicates a significant gap between the levels of
education required by new jobs, and the levels of education
achieved by the European workforce. This study shows that
more than one third of the European workforce (80 million
persons) is low-skilled whilst it has been estimated that
by 2010 almost 50 % of new jobs will require tertiary level
qualifications, just under 40 % will require upper secondary
schooling, and only about 15 % will be suitable for those
with basic schooling.

(10) The Joint Council/Commission Report on the Education
and Training 2010 work programme, adopted in 2004,
reinforced the need to ensure that all citizens are equipped
with the competences they need as part of Member States'
lifelong learning strategies. To encourage and facilitate
reform, the report suggests the development of common
European references and principles and gives priority to the
Key Competences Framework.

(11) The European Youth Pact which is annexed to the
conclusions of the Brussels European Council (22-23 March
2005) stressed the need to encourage the development of a
common set of core skills.

(12) The need to equip young people with necessary key
competences and to improve educational attainment levels
is an integral part of the Integrated Guidelines for Growth
and Jobs 2005-2008, approved by the June 2005 European
Council. In particular, the Employment Guidelines call for
education and training systems to be adapted in response to
new competence requirements through better identification
of occupational needs and key competences as part of
the
Member States'
Employment Guidelines call
for ensuring gender main-
streaming and gender equality in all actions and for
achieving an average employment rate for the European
Union of 70 % overall and of at least 60 % for women.

reform programmes. Furthermore,

(13) Τhis Recommendation should contribute to the develop-
future-oriented education and training
ment of quality,
tailored to the needs of European society, by supporting
and supplementing Member States' actions in ensuring that
their initial education and training systems offer all young
people the means to develop key competences to a level
that equips them for adult life, and which forms a basis for
further learning and working life and that adults are able to
develop and update their key competences through the
provision of coherent and comprehensive lifelong learning.
Τhis Recommendation should also provide a common
European reference framework on key competences for
policy makers, education and training providers, the social

reforms

and further

(14) Since the objectives of this Recommendation, namely to
support and supplement Member States' action by estab-
lishing a common reference point that encourages and
facilitates national
cooperation
between Member States, cannot be sufficiently achieved
by the Member States acting alone and can therefore be
better achieved at Community level, the Community may
in accordance with the principle of
adopt measures
subsidiarity as set out
In
accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out
in that Article, this Recommendation does not go beyond
what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives
insofar as it leaves the implementation of this Recommen-
dation to Member States,

in Article 5 of

the Treaty.

HEREBY RECOMMEND:

That Member States develop the provision of key competences
for all as part of their lifelong learning strategies, including their
strategies for achieving universal literacy, and use the ‘Key Com-
petences
for Lifelong Learning — A European Reference
Framework’ (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Reference Framework’)
in the Annex hereto as a reference tool, with a view to ensuring
that:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

initial education and training offers all young people the
means to develop the key competences to a level that equips
them for adult life, and which forms a basis for further
learning and working life;

appropriate provision is made for those young people who,
due to educational disadvantages caused by personal, social,
cultural or
circumstances, need particular
support to fulfil their educational potential;

economic

adults are able to develop and update their key competences
throughout their lives, and that there is a particular focus
on target groups identified as priorities in the national,
regional and/or local contexts, such as individuals needing
to update their skills;

appropriate infrastructure for continuing education and
training of adults including teachers and trainers, validation
and evaluation procedures, measures aimed at ensuring
equal access to both lifelong learning and the labour
recognises the
market, and support
differing needs and competences of adults, is in place;

learners that

for

coherence of adult education and training provision for
individual citizens is achieved through close links with
employment policy and social policy, cultural policy,

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innovation policy and other policies affecting young people
and through collaboration with social partners and other
stakeholders;

HEREBY TAKE NOTE OF THE COMMISSION'S INTENTION TO:

1.

2.

contribute to Member States' efforts to develop their
education and training systems and to implement and
disseminate this Recommendation, including by using the
Reference Framework as a reference to facilitate peer
learning and the exchange of good practices and to follow
up developments and report on progress through the
biennial progress reports on the Education and Training
2010 work programme;

use the Reference Framework as a reference in the
implementation of the Community Education and Training
programmes and to ensure that these programmes promote
the acquisition of key competences;

3.

4.

promote the wider use of the Reference Framework in
related Community policies, and particularly in the
implementation of employment, youth, and cultural and
social policy, and to develop further links with social
partners and other organisations working in those fields;

review the impact of the Reference Framework within the
context of
the Education and Training 2010 work
programme and report, by 18 December 2010, to the
European Parliament and to the Council on the experience
gained and the implications for the future.

Done at Brussels, 18 December 2006.

For the European Parliament
The President
J. BORRELL FONTELLES

For the Council
The President
J.-E. ENESTAM

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KEY COMPETENCES FOR LIFELONG LEARNING — A EUROPEAN REFERENCE FRAMEWORK

ANNEX

Background and aims

As globalisation continues to confront the European Union with new challenges, each citizen will need a wide range of key
competences to adapt flexibly to a rapidly changing and highly interconnected world.

Education in its dual role, both social and economic, has a key role to play in ensuring that Europe's citizens acquire the key
competences needed to enable them to adapt flexibly to such changes.

In particular, building on diverse individual competences, the differing needs of learners should be met by ensuring equality
and access for those groups who, due to educational disadvantages caused by personal, social, cultural or economic
circumstances, need particular support to fulfil their educational potential. Examples of such groups include people with low
basic skills, in particular with low literacy, early school leavers, the long-term unemployed and those returning to work after
a period of extended leave, older people, migrants, and people with disabilities.

In this context, the main aims of the Reference Framework are to:

1)

2)

3)

4)

identify and define the key competences necessary for personal fulfilment, active citizenship, social cohesion and
employability in a knowledge society;

support Member States' work in ensuring that by the end of initial education and training young people have
developed the key competences to a level that equips them for adult life and which forms a basis for further learning
and working life, and that adults are able to develop and update their key competences throughout their lives;

provide a European level reference tool for policy makers, education providers, employers, and learners themselves to
facilitate national and European level efforts towards commonly agreed objectives;

provide a framework for further action at Community level both within the Education and Training 2010 work
programme and within the Community Education and Training Programmes.

Key Competences

Competences are defined here as a combination of knowledge, skills and attitudes appropriate to the context. Key
competences are those which all
individuals need for personal fulfilment and development, active citizenship, social
inclusion and employment.

The Reference Framework sets out eight key competences:

1)

Communication in the mother tongue;

2)

Communication in foreign languages;

3) Mathematical competence and basic competences in science and technology;

4)

Digital competence;

5)

Learning to learn;

6)

Social and civic competences;

7)

Sense of initiative and entrepreneurship; and

8)

Cultural awareness and expression.

The key competences are all considered equally important, because each of them can contribute to a successful life in a
knowledge society. Many of the competences overlap and interlock: aspects essential to one domain will support

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competence in another. Competence in the fundamental basic skills of language, literacy, numeracy and in information and
communication technologies (ICT) is an essential foundation for learning, and learning to learn supports all learning
activities. There are a number of themes that are applied throughout the Reference Framework: critical thinking, creativity,
initiative, problem solving, risk assessment, decision taking, and constructive management of feelings play a role in all eight
key competences.

1.

Communication in the mother tongue (1)

Definition:

Communication in the mother tongue is the ability to express and interpret concepts, thoughts, feelings, facts and
opinions in both oral and written form (listening, speaking, reading and writing), and to interact linguistically in an
appropriate and creative way in a full range of societal and cultural contexts; in education and training, work, home
and leisure.

Essential knowledge, skills and attitudes related to this competence:

Communicative competence results from the acquisition of the mother tongue, which is intrinsically linked to the
development of an individual's cognitive ability to interpret the world and relate to others. Communication in the
mother tongue requires an individual to have knowledge of vocabulary, functional grammar and the functions of
language. It includes an awareness of the main types of verbal interaction, a range of literary and non-literary texts, the
main features of different styles and registers of language, and the variability of language and communication in
different contexts.

Individuals should have the skills to communicate both orally and in writing in a variety of communicative situations
and to monitor and adapt their own communication to the requirements of the situation. This competence also
includes the abilities to distinguish and use different types of texts, to search for, collect and process information, to
use aids, and to formulate and express one's oral and written arguments in a convincing way appropriate to the
context.

A positive attitude towards communication in the mother tongue involves a disposition to critical and constructive
dialogue, an appreciation of aesthetic qualities and a willingness to strive for them, and an interest in interaction with
others. This implies an awareness of the impact of language on others and a need to understand and use language in a
positive and socially responsible manner.

2.

Communication in foreign languages (2)

Definition:

Communication in foreign languages broadly shares the main skill dimensions of communication in the mother
tongue: it is based on the ability to understand, express and interpret concepts, thoughts, feelings, facts and opinions
in both oral and written form (listening, speaking, reading and writing) in an appropriate range of societal and cultural
contexts (in education and training, work, home and leisure) according to one's wants or needs. Communication in
foreign languages also calls for skills such as mediation and intercultural understanding. An individual's level of
proficiency will vary between the four dimensions (listening, speaking, reading and writing) and between the different
languages, and according to that individual's social and cultural background, environment, needs and/or interests.

Essential knowledge, skills and attitudes related to this competence:

Competence in foreign languages requires knowledge of vocabulary and functional grammar and an awareness of the
main types of verbal interaction and registers of language. Knowledge of societal conventions, and the cultural aspect
and variability of languages is important.

(1)

(2)

In the context of Europe's multicultural and multilingual societies, it is recognised that the mother tongue may not in all cases be an
official language of the Member State, and that ability to communicate in an official language is a pre-condition for ensuring full
participation of the individual in society. In some Member States the mother tongue may be one of several official languages. Measures to
address such cases, and apply the definition accordingly, are a matter for individual Member States in accordance with their specific needs
and circumstances.
It is important to recognise that many Europeans live in bilingual or multilingual families and communities, and that the official language
of the country in which they live may not be their mother tongue. For these groups, this competence may refer to an official language,
rather than to a foreign language. Their need, motivation, and social and/or economic reasons for developing this competence in support
of their integration will differ, for instance, from those learning a foreign language for travel or work. Measures to address such cases, and
apply the definition accordingly, are a matter for individual Member States in accordance with their specific needs and circumstances.

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Essential skills for communication in foreign languages consist of the ability to understand spoken messages, to
initiate, sustain and conclude conversations and to read, understand and produce texts appropriate to the individual's
needs. Individuals should also be able to use aids appropriately, and learn languages also informally as part of lifelong
learning.

A positive attitude involves the appreciation of cultural diversity, and an interest and curiosity in languages and
intercultural communication.

3. Mathematical competence and basic competences in science and technology

Definition:

A. Mathematical competence is the ability to develop and apply mathematical thinking in order to solve a range of
problems in everyday situations. Building on a sound mastery of numeracy, the emphasis is on process and
activity, as well as knowledge. Mathematical competence involves, to different degrees, the ability and
willingness to use mathematical modes of thought (logical and spatial thinking) and presentation (formulas,
models, constructs, graphs, charts).

B.

Competence in science refers to the ability and willingness to use the body of knowledge and methodology
employed to explain the natural world, in order to identify questions and to draw evidence-based conclusions.
Competence in technology is viewed as the application of that knowledge and methodology in response to
perceived human wants or needs. Competence in science and technology involves an understanding of the
changes caused by human activity and responsibility as an individual citizen.

Essential knowledge, skills and attitudes related to this competence:

A.

Necessary knowledge in mathematics includes a sound knowledge of numbers, measures and structures, basic
operations and basic mathematical presentations, an understanding of mathematical terms and concepts, and an
awareness of the questions to which mathematics can offer answers.

An individual should have the skills to apply basic mathematical principles and processes in everyday contexts
at home and work, and to follow and assess chains of arguments. An individual should be able to reason
mathematically, understand mathematical proof and communicate in mathematical
language, and to use
appropriate aids.

A positive attitude in mathematics is based on the respect of truth and willingness to look for reasons and to
assess their validity.

B.

For science and technology, essential knowledge comprises the basic principles of
the natural world,
fundamental scientific concepts, principles and methods, technology and technological products and processes,
as well as an understanding of the impact of science and technology on the natural world. These competences
should enable individuals to better understand the advances,
limitations and risks of scientific theories,
applications and technology in societies at large (in relation to decision-making, values, moral questions, culture,
etc).

Skills include the ability to use and handle technological tools and machines as well as scientific data to achieve a
goal or to reach an evidence-based decision or conclusion. Individuals should also be able to recognise the
essential features of scientific inquiry and have the ability to communicate the conclusions and reasoning that
led to them.

Competence includes an attitude of critical appreciation and curiosity, an interest in ethical issues and respect for
both safety and sustainability, in particular as regards scientific and technological progress in relation to oneself,
family, community and global issues.

4.

Digital competence

Definition:

Digital competence involves the confident and critical use of Information Society Technology (IST) for work, leisure
and communication. It is underpinned by basic skills in ICT: the use of computers to retrieve, assess, store, produce,
present and exchange information, and to communicate and participate in collaborative networks via the Internet.

Essential knowledge, skills and attitudes related to this competence:

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Digital competence requires a sound understanding and knowledge of the nature, role and opportunities of IST in
everyday contexts: in personal and social life as well as at work. This includes main computer applications such as
word processing, spreadsheets, databases,
information storage and management, and an understanding of the
opportunities and potential risks of the Internet and communication via electronic media (e-mail, network tools) for
work,
information sharing and collaborative networking, learning and research. Individuals should also
understand how IST can support creativity and innovation, and be aware of issues around the validity and reliability of
information available and of the legal and ethical principles involved in the interactive use of IST.

leisure,

Skills needed include the ability to search, collect and process information and use it in a critical and systematic way,
assessing relevance and distinguishing the real from the virtual while recognising the links. Individuals should have
skills to use tools to produce, present and understand complex information and the ability to access, search and use
internet-based services. Individuals should also be able use IST to support critical thinking, creativity, and innovation.

Use of IST requires a critical and reflective attitude towards available information and a responsible use of the
interactive media. An interest in engaging in communities and networks for cultural, social and/or professional
purposes also supports this competence.

5.

Learning to learn

Definition:

‘Learning to learn’ is the ability to pursue and persist in learning, to organise one's own learning, including through
effective management of time and information, both individually and in groups. This competence includes awareness
of one's learning process and needs, identifying available opportunities, and the ability to overcome obstacles in order
to learn successfully. This competence means gaining, processing and assimilating new knowledge and skills as well as
seeking and making use of guidance. Learning to learn engages learners to build on prior learning and life experiences
in order to use and apply knowledge and skills in a variety of contexts: at home, at work, in education and training.
Motivation and confidence are crucial to an individual's competence.

Essential knowledge, skills and attitudes related to this competence:

Where learning is directed towards particular work or career goals, an individual should have knowledge of the
competences, knowledge, skills and qualifications required. In all cases, learning to learn requires an individual to
know and understand his/her preferred learning strategies, the strengths and weaknesses of his/her skills and
qualifications, and to be able to search for the education and training opportunities and guidance and/or support
available.

Learning to learn skills require firstly the acquisition of the fundamental basic skills such as literacy, numeracy and ICT
skills that are necessary for further learning. Building on these skills, an individual should be able to access, gain,
process and assimilate new knowledge and skills. This requires effective management of one's learning, career and
work patterns, and, in particular, the ability to persevere with learning, to concentrate for extended periods and to
reflect critically on the purposes and aims of learning. Individuals should be able to dedicate time to learning
autonomously and with self-discipline, but also to work collaboratively as part of the learning process, draw the
benefits from a heterogeneous group, and to share what they have learnt. Individuals should be able to organise their
own learning, evaluate their own work, and to seek advice, information and support when appropriate.

A positive attitude includes the motivation and confidence to pursue and succeed at learning throughout one's life. A
problem-solving attitude supports both the learning process itself and an individual's ability to handle obstacles and
change. The desire to apply prior learning and life experiences and the curiosity to look for opportunities to learn and
apply learning in a variety of life contexts are essential elements of a positive attitude.

6.

Social and civic competences

Definition:

These include personal, interpersonal and intercultural competence and cover all forms of behaviour that equip
individuals to participate in an effective and constructive way in social and working life, and particularly in
increasingly diverse societies, and to resolve conflict where necessary. Civic competence equips individuals to fully
participate in civic life, based on knowledge of social and political concepts and structures and a commitment to active
and democratic participation.

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Essential knowledge, skills and attitudes related to this competence:

A.

Social competence is linked to personal and social well-being which requires an understanding of how
individuals can ensure optimum physical and mental health, including as a resource for oneself and one's family
and one's immediate social environment, and knowledge of how a healthy lifestyle can contribute to this. For
successful interpersonal and social participation it is essential to understand the codes of conduct and manners
generally accepted in different societies and environments (e.g. at work). It is equally important to be aware of
basic concepts relating to individuals, groups, work organisations, gender equality and non-discrimination,
society and culture. Understanding the multi-cultural and socio-economic dimensions of European societies and
how national cultural identity interacts with the European identity is essential.

The core skills of this competence include the ability to communicate constructively in different environments,
to show tolerance, express and understand different viewpoints, to negotiate with the ability to create
confidence, and to feel empathy. Individuals should be capable of coping with stress and frustration and
expressing them in a constructive way and should also distinguish between the personal and professional
spheres.

The competence is based on an attitude of collaboration, assertiveness and integrity. Individuals should have an
interest in socio-economic developments and intercultural communication and should value diversity and
respect others, and be prepared both to overcome prejudices and to compromise.

B.

Civic competence is based on knowledge of the concepts of democracy, justice, equality, citizenship, and civil
rights, including how they are expressed in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and
international declarations and how they are applied by various institutions at the local, regional, national,
European and international levels. It includes knowledge of contemporary events, as well as the main events and
trends in national, European and world history. In addition, an awareness of the aims, values and policies of
social and political movements should be developed. Knowledge of European integration and of the EU's
structures, main objectives and values is also essential, as well as an awareness of diversity and cultural identities
in Europe.

Skills for civic competence relate to the ability to engage effectively with others in the public domain, and to
display solidarity and interest in solving problems affecting the local and wider community. This involves critical
and creative reflection and constructive participation in community or neighbourhood activities as well as
decision-making at all levels, from local to national and European level, in particular through voting.

Full respect for human rights including equality as a basis for democracy, appreciation and understanding of
differences between value systems of different religious or ethnic groups lay the foundations for a positive
attitude. This means displaying both a sense of belonging to one's locality, country, the EU and Europe in general
and to the world, and a willingness to participate in democratic decision-making at all levels. It also includes
demonstrating a sense of responsibility, as well as showing understanding of and respect for the shared values
that are necessary to ensure community cohesion, such as respect for democratic principles. Constructive
for social diversity and cohesion and sustainable
participation also involves civic activities, support
development, and a readiness to respect the values and privacy of others.

7.

Sense of initiative and entrepreneurship

Definition:

Sense of initiative and entrepreneurship refers to an individual's ability to turn ideas into action. It includes creativity,
innovation and risk-taking, as well as the ability to plan and manage projects in order to achieve objectives. This
supports individuals, not only in their everyday lives at home and in society, but also in the workplace in being aware
of the context of their work and being able to seize opportunities, and is a foundation for more specific skills and
knowledge needed by those establishing or contributing to social or commercial activity. This should include
awareness of ethical values and promote good governance.

Essential knowledge, skills and attitudes related to this competence:

Necessary knowledge includes the ability to identify available opportunities for personal, professional and/or business
activities, including ‘bigger picture’ issues that provide the context in which people live and work, such as a broad
understanding of the workings of the economy, and the opportunities and challenges facing an employer or
organisation. Individuals should also be aware of the ethical position of enterprises, and how they can be a force for
good, for example through fair trade or through social enterprise.

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Skills relate to proactive project management (involving, for example the ability to plan, organise, manage, lead and
delegate, analyse, communicate, de-brief, evaluate and record), effective representation and negotiation, and the ability
to work both as an individual and collaboratively in teams. The ability to judge and identify one's strengths and
weaknesses, and to assess and take risks as and when warranted, is essential.

An entrepreneurial attitude is characterised by initiative, pro-activity, independence and innovation in personal and
social life, as much as at work. It also includes motivation and determination to meet objectives, whether personal
goals, or aims held in common with others, including at work.

8.

Cultural awareness and expression

Definition:

Appreciation of the importance of the creative expression of ideas, experiences and emotions in a range of media,
including music, performing arts, literature, and the visual arts.

Essential knowledge, skills and attitudes related to this competence:

Cultural knowledge includes an awareness of local, national and European cultural heritage and their place in the
world. It covers a basic knowledge of major cultural works, including popular contemporary culture. It is essential to
understand the cultural and linguistic diversity in Europe and other regions of the world, the need to preserve it and
the importance of aesthetic factors in daily life.

Skills relate to both appreciation and expression: the appreciation and enjoyment of works of art and performances as
well as self-expression through a variety of media using one' s innate capacities. Skills include also the ability to relate
one's own creative and expressive points of view to the opinions of others and to identify and realise social and
economic opportunities in cultural activity. Cultural expression is essential to the development of creative skills, which
can be transferred to a variety of professional contexts.

A solid understanding of one's own culture and a sense of identity can be the basis for an open attitude towards and
respect for diversity of cultural expression. A positive attitude also covers creativity, and the willingness to cultivate
aesthetic capacity through artistic self-expression and participation in cultural life.