Rådsmøde nr. 3358 (uddannelse, ungdom, kultur og sport - uddannelse og ungdom) den 12. december 2014

Europaudvalget 2015-16
Rådsmøde 3358 - uddannelse m.v.
Offentligt

Council of the

European Union

16853/14

(OR. en)

PROVISIONAL VERSION

PRESSE 647

PR CO 70

PRESS RELEASE

3358th Council meeting

Education, Youth, Culture and Sport

Brussels, 12 December 2014

Presidents

Stefania Giannini

Minister for Education

Luigi Bobba

State secretary for Labour and Social Policies

PRESS

Rue de la Loi 175 B – 1048 BRUSSELS Tel.: +32 (0)2 281 6319 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 8026

[email protected] http://www.consilium.europa.eu/press

16853/14

Rådsmøde nr. 3358 (uddannelse, ungdom, kultur og sport - uddannelse og ungdom) den 12. december 2014 - Bilag 1335903:

PROVISIO AL VERSIO

12 December 2014

Main results of the Council

EDUCATIO

Entrepreneurship in education and training

The Council adopted conclusions on entrepreneurship in education and training, which highlight the

importance of developing entrepreneurial skills from an early age and of reinforcing links between

the education system and the business world, in line with the June European Council's call "to

promote a climate of entrepreneurship and job creation". Entrepreneurship and education are also

priorities of the Europe 2020 strategy.

The economic case for education and training

In the context of the mid-term review of the Europe 2020 strategy, Education ministers and

Employment ministers from Italy, Latvia and Luxembourg held a public debate on "The economic

case for education and training".

The President of the Council, Minister Stefania Giannini said, "The

Italian Presidency intended to

reaffirm the crucial role of education in boosting economic growth and in creating jobs. To meet

this goal, today’s Council conclusions on entrepreneurship in education, the debate on the added

value of investing in quality education and training with a long-term perspective, and the discussion

on how to enhance international mobility through structured curricular mobility experiences, set

important milestones."

Budget

The Council also confirmed, without debate, the political agreement reached on the 2015 EU budget

and the pending draft amending budgets for 2014

YOUTH

Young people's access to rights

The Council adopted conclusions on young people's access to rights in order to foster their

autonomy and participation in civil society. They address the challenges for this generation of

young people, who must suffer the fall-out of the financial crisis, and in particular their difficulties

in becoming autonomous adults who participate in a critical and active way in the social, political

and economic life of their own communities. Luigi Bobba, Italian Secretary of State for Labour and

Social Policy noted that, "The

conclusions invite member states to put in place a wide range of

instruments and measures in order to remove obstacles which prevent young people from living an

autonomous life."

16853/14

Rådsmøde nr. 3358 (uddannelse, ungdom, kultur og sport - uddannelse og ungdom) den 12. december 2014 - Bilag 1335903:

PROVISIO AL VERSIO

Socio-economic challenges in the youth field

12 December 2014

In a public session, ministers also discussed a cross-sectoral approach to youth policies as a tool for

better tackling socio-economic challenges in this field. Cross-sectoral policy cooperation is also one

of the key priorities of the newly adopted EU Work Plan for Youth. State Secretary Luigi Bobba

said,

"the debate confirmed that the cross-sectoral approach is the path to follow, at European as

well as at national level, to ensure more concrete and efficient youth policies".

16853/14

Rådsmøde nr. 3358 (uddannelse, ungdom, kultur og sport - uddannelse og ungdom) den 12. december 2014 - Bilag 1335903:

PROVISIO AL VERSIO

12 December 2014

CO TE TS

PARTICIPA TS................................................................................................................................ 6

ITEMS DEBATED

EDUCATION ...................................................................................................................................... 8

Entrepreneurship in education and training ......................................................................................... 8

The economic case for education and training..................................................................................... 9

Other business .................................................................................................................................... 11

–

Work programme of the incoming Presidency ...................................................................................................... 11

YOUTH.............................................................................................................................................. 11

Young people's access to rights ......................................................................................................... 11

Socio-economic challenges in the youth field ................................................................................... 12

Other business .................................................................................................................................... 13

–

EU-Youth Democracy Project............................................................................................................................... 13

Work programme of the incoming Presidency ...................................................................................................... 13

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

BUDGETS

–

Approval of 2015 EU budget and of draft amending budgets for 2014 ................................................................ 14

ECO*OMIC A*D FI*A*CIAL AFFAIRS

–

Bank recovery and resolution: levies..................................................................................................................... 15

FOREIG* AFFAIRS

–

Restrictive measures - Syria .................................................................................................................................. 15

Where declarations, conclusions or resolutions have been formally adopted by the Council, this is indicated

in the heading for the item concerned and the text is placed between quotation marks.

Documents for which references are given in the text are available on the Council's Internet site

(http://www.consilium.europa.eu).

Acts adopted with statements for the Council minutes which may be released to the public are indicated by

an asterisk; these statements are available on the Council's Internet site or may be obtained from the Press

Office.

16853/14

Rådsmøde nr. 3358 (uddannelse, ungdom, kultur og sport - uddannelse og ungdom) den 12. december 2014 - Bilag 1335903:

PROVISIO AL VERSIO

TRA*SPARE*CY

–

12 December 2014

Public access to documents ................................................................................................................................... 16

16853/14

Rådsmøde nr. 3358 (uddannelse, ungdom, kultur og sport - uddannelse og ungdom) den 12. december 2014 - Bilag 1335903:

PROVISIO AL VERSIO

12 December 2014

PARTICIPA TS

Belgium:

Ms Isabelle WEYKMANS

Mr Olivier BELLE

Bulgaria:

Mr Todor TANEV

Czech Republic:

Mr Marcel CHLÁDEK

Denmark:

Ms Christine ANTORINI

Mr Ole TOFT

Germany:

Mr Georg SCHÜTTE

Mr Ralf KLEINDIEK

Estonia:

Mr Clyde KULL

Ireland:

Ms Jan O'SULLIVAN

Mr James REILLY

Greece:

Mr Andreas LOVERDOS

Mr Gergios GEORGANTAS

Spain:

Mr José Pascual MARCO MARTINEZ

France:

Ms Geneviève FIORASO

Mr Alexis DUTERTRE

Croatia

Mr Vedran MORNAR

Mr Goran ŠTEFANIĆ

Italy:

Ms Stefania GIANNINI

Mr Luigi BOBBA

Mr Giuliano POLETTI

Cyprus:

Ms Maria HADJITHEODOSIOU

Latvia:

Ms Mārīte SEILE

Mr Uldis AUGULIS

Lithuania:

Mr Dainius PAVALKIS

Mr Albinas ZANANAVIČIUS

Luxembourg:

Mr Claude MEISCH

Mr Nicolas SCHMIT

Hungary:

Mr László PALKOVICS

Malta:

Mr Neil KERR

Vice-Minister-President, Minister for Culture,

Employment and Tourism

Deputy Permanent Representative

Minister for Education

Minister for Education, Youth and Sports

Minister for Education

Deputy Permanent Representative

State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education and

Research

State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior

Citizens, Women and Youth

Deputy Permanent Representative

Minister for Education

Minister for Children and Youth

Ministry for Education and Religious Affairs

State Secretary for Education and Religious Affairs

Deputy Permanent Representative

Minister of State for Higher Education and Research

Deputy Permanent Representative

Minister for Science, Education and Sport

Deputy Permanent Representative

Minister for Education, Universities and Research

State Secretary for Labour and Social Policy

Minister for Labour and Social Policy

Deputy Permanent Representative

Minister for Education and Science

Minister for Welfare

Minister for Education and Science

Deputy Permanent Representative

Minister for National Education, Childhood and Youth

Minister for Labour, Employment and the Social and

Solidarity Economy

Minister of State for Higher Education, Ministry of

Human Capacities

Deputy Permanent Representative

16853/14

Rådsmøde nr. 3358 (uddannelse, ungdom, kultur og sport - uddannelse og ungdom) den 12. december 2014 - Bilag 1335903:

PROVISIO AL VERSIO

etherlands:

Ms Jet BUSSEMAKER

Austria:

Ms Gabriele HEINISCH-HONEK

Mr Gregor SCHUSTERSCHITZ

Poland:

Ms Ewa DUDEK

Portugal:

Mr Nuno CRATO

Mr Emídio GUERREIRO

Romania:

Mr Cristian COSMIN

Mr Cristian BADESCU

Slovenia:

Ms Stanka SETNIKAR CANKAR

Slovakia:

Mr Alexander MICOVČIN

Finland:

Ms Marianne HUUSKO-LAMPONEN

Sweden:

Ms Aida HADZIALIC

Mr Gustav FRIDOLIN

United Kingdom:

Ms Angela CONSTANCE

Ms Shan MORGAN

12 December 2014

Minister for Education, Culture and Science

Federal Minister for Education and Women's Affairs

Deputy Permanent Representative

Undersecretary of State, Ministry of National Education

Minister for Education and Science

State Secretary for Sport and Youth

State Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sport

Deputy Permanent Representative

Minister for Education, Science and Sport

Deputy Permanent Representative

Minister for Upper Secondary School and Adult Education

and Training

Minister for Education

Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Training, Youth and Female

employment

Deputy Permanent Representative

Commission:

Mr Tibor NAVRACSICS

Member

16853/14

Rådsmøde nr. 3358 (uddannelse, ungdom, kultur og sport - uddannelse og ungdom) den 12. december 2014 - Bilag 1335903:

PROVISIO AL VERSIO

ITEMS DEBATED

EDUCATIO

Entrepreneurship in education and training

12 December 2014

The Council adopted conclusions on entrepreneurship in education and training

(14402/14),

which

highlight the importance of developing entrepreneurial skills from an early age and of reinforcing

links between the education system and the business world, in line with the June European

Council's call "to promote a climate of entrepreneurship and job creation"

in the context of the

Europe 2020 strategy.

The conclusions invite member states to fully exploit the potential that the Erasmus+ programme

offers in supporting entrepreneurship education, in particular through knowledge alliances for

higher education and sectoral skills alliances for vocational education and training

, as well as to

make the best use of other European resources such as the European Social Fund.

Entrepreneurship requires an understanding of economics and how businesses work, but equally

importantly it calls for a range of interdisciplinary skills and competences (such as a sense of

initiative and the ability to take risks, to think critically and creatively, to organise and show

leadership, and the capacity to communicate and persuade others), which education institutions

should seek to develop in learners, as part of a gradual and continuous process covering all levels

and, as far as possible, across the curriculum.

Several member states briefly presented some of their national experiences in this field. They

pointed out the need to facilitate access to finance and reduce 'red tape' for young entrepreneurs,

encouraging risk taking and developing tailor-made approaches.

Commissioner Navracsics stated that the new Commission is fully committed to developing

entrepreneurship in education, recalling that SMEs form the bedrock of the European economy. He

drew attention to two new tools which the Commission has developed in this sector: HEInnovate

(https://heinnovate.eu/intranet/main/index.php),

which has been very well received by higher

education institutions, and Entrepreneurship360, which will be launched next year for schools and

vocational education training institutions.

EUCO 79/14, p. 15.

https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-plus/funding/knowledge-alliances-sector-skills-

alliances-eacs1113_en

16853/14

Rådsmøde nr. 3358 (uddannelse, ungdom, kultur og sport - uddannelse og ungdom) den 12. december 2014 - Bilag 1335903:

PROVISIO AL VERSIO

The economic case for education and training

12 December 2014

In the context of the mid-term review of the Europe 2020 strategy, ministers held a public debate on

"The economic case for education and training". The employment ministers from the current

presidency trio also took part in the debate, which constituted the education sector's contribution to

the synthesis report on the 2020 strategy review to be forwarded to the December European

Council.

The Presidency briefed the Council on the discussion held the previous day in the Employment

Council on the subject "Investing in Youth Employment". The minister also underlined that the

current debate was taking place at a very opportune moment, when the strategic direction of the

European policy agenda is being redefined.

Employment ministers from Italy, Latvia and Luxembourg welcomed the Presidency's initiative in

inviting them to participate, as this emphasised the importance of a cross-sectoral approach to

restoring Europe’s competitiveness and potential for growth, building on strategic investments in

education.

They also called for rapid and efficient implementation of the Youth Guarantee, in particular to help

reduce early school leaving and the current high rate of NEETs.

Commissioner Navracsics also applauded the “back-to-back” configuration with the EPSCO

Council and hoped that cooperation of this kind could be continued.

He confirmed that education is a top priority of the new Commission and deplored the fact that

many member states had cut their education budgets in 2012, while understanding the economic

difficulties some of them are facing, He called on member states to prioritise investments in this

field, since education always pays dividends in the medium and long term.

The Commission also highlighted the fact that two of the strategy’s headline targets for education

are well on track to be achieved in 2020, although there are significant variations between member

states:

–

the proportion of early school leavers (12% in 2013, 10% in 2020)

the percentage of 30-34 year olds having completed tertiary or equivalent education

(36.9% in 2013, 40% in 2020)

16853/14

Rådsmøde nr. 3358 (uddannelse, ungdom, kultur og sport - uddannelse og ungdom) den 12. december 2014 - Bilag 1335903:

PROVISIO AL VERSIO

12 December 2014

He acknowledged that education should not be only a means to enter the labour market, but given

the worrying high levels of unemployment, a smooth transition between the two should be ensured.

During the debate, ministers underlined that education has played and will continue to play a crucial

role in the success of the Europe 2020 strategy, since high-quality education and the development of

skills are prerequisites for the growth, innovation, competitiveness and jobs that Europe needs.

A number of member states recalled, however, that education had an intrinsic value and should not

merely be regarded as a means to find employment, but also as the basis for personal development,

citizenship and social inclusion.

The main issues highlighted were the following:

–

the double headline target for education should be maintained, particularly in relation to

reducing early school leaving

basic skills should be improved, vocational education made more attractive and

opportunities for adult learning and second-chance education promoted

sustained investment is needed, although it is essential to allocate resources efficiently

efforts should be made to develop and extend the availability of online education tools and

promote digital learning

to prevent a widening gap between curriculum development and the rapidly evolving

demands of labour markets, the innovation sector and society, it is important to strengthen

the links between the world of work and that of education, at both secondary and tertiary

level

a comprehensive approach to education and training should be maintained, covering all

levels of education from early childhood through to higher education, vocational education

and training and adult learning

–

16853/14

Rådsmøde nr. 3358 (uddannelse, ungdom, kultur og sport - uddannelse og ungdom) den 12. december 2014 - Bilag 1335903:

PROVISIO AL VERSIO

Other business

–

Work programme of the incoming Presidency

12 December 2014

The Latvian delegation presented its priorities for the coming semester:

–

mid-term review of the 'ET2020' framework and preparation of the 2015 joint report

strengthening the links between the Europe 2020 strategy and 'ET2020'

preparation for the Bologna ministerial conference in May in Yerevan, Armenia

recognition of skills and diplomas

YOUTH

Before starting with the formal items in the agenda, Secretary of State Luigi Bobba informed

ministers about the outcome of the informal forum with the youth representatives (the “structured

dialogue”), which addressed

voluntary activities and civilian service.

In this context, the

presidency outlined its project for creating a European civil service, taking into account the

different practices in members states, aimed at broadening the basis of European citizenship and

strengthening the participation of young people in democratic processes.

Young people's access to rights

The Council adopted conclusions on young people's access to rights in order to foster their

autonomy and participation in civil society

(15613/14).

They address the challenges for this

generation of young people, who must suffer the fallout of the financial crisis, and in particular their

difficulties in becoming autonomous adults who participate in a critical and active way in the social,

political and economic life of their own communities.

The conclusions acknowledge that the combined effect of factors caused by the economic crisis,

such as limited access to credit, income reduction and greater job instability, often without adequate

welfare measures being guaranteed, has diminished young people's capacity for autonomy.

16853/14

Rådsmøde nr. 3358 (uddannelse, ungdom, kultur og sport - uddannelse og ungdom) den 12. december 2014 - Bilag 1335903:

PROVISIO AL VERSIO

12 December 2014

They also highlight the need to develop strategies and policies that not only favour the transition

from school to work, but that also act in related areas such as access to credit, housing, healthcare,

access to services, and education, in order to provide the necessary tools to support young people's

progress towards autonomy and citizenship.

Socio-economic challenges in the youth field

In the follow-up to the conclusions, ministers also discussed a cross-sectoral approach to youth

policies as a tool for better tackling socio-economic challenges in this field. Cross-sectoral policy

cooperation is also one of the key priorities of the recently adopted EU Work Plan for Youth

Ministers acknowledged that despite the high political priority of tackling youth unemployment and

its consequences at national and EU level, youth policy has not made a sufficient contribution to the

work of other sectors. Furthermore, the different policy areas that are critical to improving the

prospects of young people – employment, education, social affairs and health – do not always work

together in the most efficient manner.

Ministers underlined the importance of measures aimed at promoting young people’s inclusion

through educational, training and associative activities that offer possibilities for gaining experience

and provide practical learning opportunities which improve the lives, knowledge and skills of young

people.

Member states have already put in place or are developing many projects and programmes at

national level to fight youth unemployment and social exclusion.

The main issues highlighted in the debate were the following:

–

young people’s interdisciplinary skills need to be improved through non-formal and

informal learning and civic engagement

the possibilities offered by European funding and programmes, in particular Erasmus + and

the Youth Guarantee, should be fully explored

–

OJ C 183/2014

16853/14

Rådsmøde nr. 3358 (uddannelse, ungdom, kultur og sport - uddannelse og ungdom) den 12. december 2014 - Bilag 1335903:

PROVISIO AL VERSIO

–

12 December 2014

it is crucial to involve young people themselves, in particular NEETS, in order to inform

youth policy-making at all levels and implement tailor-made approaches

cooperation and synergies between local, national and European authorities in all youth-

related sectors must be improved

the regular exchange of best practices among member states should be increased

–

Other business

–

EU-Youth Democracy Project

The Council took note of information from the German delegation on the project "Young Europe -

Rethinking Democracy"

(16189/14).

In the context of the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin

Wall, 120 young people aged between 18 and 30 from all 28 EU member states went on a 5-day

train ride from Berlin to Vienna and back, in order to discuss the identity crisis of young people in

and with Europe. A declaration was issued at the end of the project, which was financed by German

national funds and Erasmus +.

–

Work programme of the incoming Presidency

The Latvian delegation presented its main priorities for the coming semester

–

Implementation of the EU Work Plan for Youth

Contribution of youth policies to Europe 2020

16853/14

Rådsmøde nr. 3358 (uddannelse, ungdom, kultur og sport - uddannelse og ungdom) den 12. december 2014 - Bilag 1335903:

PROVISIO AL VERSIO

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

BUDGETS

Approval of 2015 EU budget and of draft amending budgets for 2014

12 December 2014

The Council confirmed the political agreement reached on the 2015 EU budget and the pending

draft amending budgets for 2014.

The agreement reached with the European Parliament comprises the following elements:

–

the 2015 EU budget for which total payments are set at €141.2 billion and total

commitments at €145.3 billion; the UK delegation abstained

draft amending budget no 3/2014, adding €3.5 billion in payments to the 2014 budget, out

of which €3.2 billion is financed by the contingency margin and €361 million stems from

below the ceiling of the multiannual financial framework 2014-2020; this draft amending

budget also incorporates additional revenue amounting to €1.6 billion from fines; the

Dutch, Swedish and UK delegations voted against

draft amending budget no 4/2014 as modified by its letter of amendment, incorporating

into the 2014 budget additional revenue amounting to €2.4 billion mainly from fines

draft amending budget no 5/2014, mobilising €47.0 million in commitments out of the EU

solidarity fund in 2014 in order to remedy damages caused by floods in Italy

(€16.3 million), an earthquake in Greece (€3.7 million), as well as ice storms in Slovenia

(€18.4 million) and Croatia (€8.6 million); the UK delegation abstained

draft amending budget no 6/2014 as modified by its letter of amendment, entering into the

2014 EU budget an amount of €4.5 billion resulting from a revised forecast of the EU

revenue and diminishing the GNI contributions accordingly; the UK delegation abstained

draft amending budget no 7/2014, mobilising €79.7 million in commitments in 2014 out of

the EU solidarity fund to remedy damages caused by floods in Serbia (€60.2 million),

Bulgaria (€10.5 million) and Croatia (€9.0 million); the UK delegation abstained

draft amending budget no 8/2014, incorporating the 2013 financial surplus of €1.01 billion

into the 2014 budget; the UK delegation abstained

–

16853/14

Rådsmøde nr. 3358 (uddannelse, ungdom, kultur og sport - uddannelse og ungdom) den 12. december 2014 - Bilag 1335903:

PROVISIO AL VERSIO

12 December 2014

The European Parliament is expected to formally approve these elements on 17 December.

‒

Details of the agreement - overview

Further details

Press release from 9 December 2014 with full details of the agreement

ECO OMIC A D FI A CIAL AFFAIRS

Bank recovery and resolution: levies

The Council decided not to object to the adoption by the Commission of a regulation supplementing

the bank recovery and resolution directive (2014/59/EU) as regards the method for calculating the

ex-ante contributions banks have to pay to resolution financing arrangements (14545/14

14545/14 ADD1+14545/14 ADD2+14545/14 ADD3+14545/14 ADD4+14545/14 ADD5).

The regulation is a delegated act pursuant to article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU.

It can now enter into force, unless the European Parliament objects.

Banks will have to make annual contributions to national resolution funds. These will be calculated

on the basis of their liabilities, excluding own funds and covered deposits, and adjusted for risk. The

delegated act specifies how to account for risk and what the relation should be between a flat

contribution rate (i.e. that which all banks must pay) and a risk-adjusted rate, which will range

between 0.8 and 1.5.

The Council on 9 December also reached a political agreement on an implementing regulation

determining the contributions to be paid by banks to the EU's Single Resolution Fund (for details

see

16645/14).

FOREIG AFFAIRS

Restrictive measures - Syria

The Council prohibited the export of jet fuel and relevant additives to Syria as they are being used

for indiscriminate air attacks against civilians. This decision gives legal value to a political

agreement reached at the Foreign Affairs Council of 20 October.

16853/14

Rådsmøde nr. 3358 (uddannelse, ungdom, kultur og sport - uddannelse og ungdom) den 12. december 2014 - Bilag 1335903:

PROVISIO AL VERSIO

TRA SPARE CY

Public access to documents

On 12 December 2014, the Council approved:

–

the reply to confirmatory application No 32/c/01/14 (15354/14)

12 December 2014

16853/14