Two new initiatives presented by the European Commission provide recommendations for European Union (EU) member states to improve their education systems. These initiatives will feed into the third European Education Summit, which will take place online in December.
A Communication from the Commission presents new initiatives to achieve the European Education Area (EEA) by 2025. The EEA will enable learners from across the EU to study abroad, learn languages and obtain qualifications that are recognised across the EU. The Communication includes a framework for co-operation with EU member states and other stakeholders working towards the EEA.
The initiatives relate to the following six dimensions: quality, inclusion and gender equality, green and digital transitions, teachers and trainers, higher education, and the geopolitical dimension.
The Commission has also presented a new Digital Education Action Plan for 2021–2027, which proposes initiatives for high-quality, inclusive and accessible digital education in Europe. The development of the Action Plan has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which moved the focus of education systems away from classrooms and on to digital and distance learning.
Following a series of stakeholder consultations, the Action Plan connects digital training and access to inclusive education. It lists ten guiding principles deemed essential to improving digital education, including the importance of training, investment and inclusion. It also identifies two strategic priorities to fulfil these principles: fostering the development of a high-performing digital education ecosystem and improving digital skills and competences.
Find out more about both initiatives on the Commission website, where you can also read the Communication and the Digital Education Action Plan in full.