26.5.2023
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
C 185/35
Council resolution on The European Education Area: Looking to 2025 and beyond (2023/C 185/08)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
1.
RECALLS the political background regarding the European Education Area as set out in the Annex to this resolution.
2.
REAFFIRMS that the European Education Area can become a reality by 2025 only through the strong political commitment of Member States and STRESSES the need for continued efforts by both Member States and the Commission, within their respective competences, and as appropriate with the involvement of relevant stakeholders at national and European level, to take the necessary steps to achieve the European Education Area.
3.
TAKES NOTE of the Commission communication on progress towards the achievement of the European Education Area (1).
4.
UNDERLINES that education and training in all contexts, at all levels and in all forms are crucial to ensure social cohesion, competitiveness and sustainable growth in the European Union and its Member States and to prepare them for and support them through the green and digital transitions.
Especially at a time when it is essential for citizens to find personal fulfilment and well-being as well as to adapt to the challenges of the changing world and to further engage in active and responsible citizenship, STRESSES the importance of high-quality, inclusive and equitable education, training and life-long learning for everyone – children and adults alike.
5.
EMPHASISES that the European Education Area should be underpinned by a life-long learning approach that encompasses education and training systems in an inclusive and holistic manner, and covers teaching, training and learning in all contexts, at all levels and in all forms, whether formal, non-formal or informal, from early childhood education and care right through to school education and vocational education and training as well as higher education and adult learning.
6.
REITERATES that cross-sectoral cooperation should be enhanced between relevant EU initiatives in education and training and those in related policy areas and sectors — in particular the employment, social policy, research, innovation, environment and youth and cultural and creative sectors while fully respecting the legal basis for the respective policy areas as set out in the Treaties.
UNDERLINES the need for coordination and coherence of all EU initiatives in the area of education and training, in particular those concerning skills and competences.
7.
NOTES that European cooperation in education and training is crucial for social cohesion and a well-functioning economic landscape in the European Union to ensure the Union’s long-term competitiveness and the success of the green and digital transitions and to reduce social, regional and economic inequalities.
RECOGNISES therefore the important contribution of European cooperation in education and training, including within the strategic framework, to relevant parts of the European Semester.
8.
STRESSES the importance of promoting synergies between the European Education Area, the European Higher Education Area and the European Research Area, while avoiding duplication of resources, structures and instruments, as well as using the full potential of the European Universities alliances in all their missions, including supporting their sustainability and continuing to strengthen their research and innovation dimension, in line with the Council Recommendation of 5 April 2022 on building bridges for effective European higher education cooperation (2).
(1) COM(2022) 700 final.
(2) OJ C 160, 13.4.2022, p. 1.