It is essential for educational leaders to have a future vision and to inspire the people around them to implement it. Such views were at the forefront at the meeting of the European Union member states’ education politicians, experts and practitioners. On 9-10 September, during the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the EU, a conference entitled ‘Leadership in Education’ takes place in Vilnius. Representatives with direct links to education policy in EU member states discuss the role of leaders in ensuring the quality of the systems of education, their efficiency and effectiveness in a rapidly changing world.