Council Education, Youth, Culture and Sport November 2019

Based on a presidency discussion paper, ministers of finance and education held a public debate on the following topic: 'A strong economic base for Europe: pursuing effectiveness, efficiency and quality in education and training'. This was the first opportunity for ministers of finance and education to exchange views on the importance of human capital as the foundation of Europe’s welfare. The discussion emphasized European Council’s ambition to step up investment in people’s skills and education.

The Council adopted conclusions on the key role of lifelong learning policies in empowering societies to address the technological and green transition in support of inclusive and sustainable growth.

Ministers adopted a resolution on further developing the European Education Area. The resolution deals with the role of future-oriented education and training systems in the context of the ongoing discussions on the future of Europe as well as in the implementation of the New Strategic Agenda 2019-2024 adopted by the European Council in June 2019.

Ministers also held a debate on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and training based on a presidency discussion paper.