The Council adopted the following key messages: "Education and the road to recovery
The global financial and economic crisis, with the serious challenges it poses for growth, employment and social stability, has demonstrated the need for swift and coordinated action at European level.
It is precisely in times of economic difficulty that the key strategic importance of sustaining open and efficient, high-quality education and training systems - as a means of enhancing future competitiveness while fostering social cohesion and active citizenship - must continue to be emphasised. More specifically, the current downturn highlights the need to accelerate efforts aimed at upgrading existing skills and acquiring new ones throughout life. [extract]
Reference: Key messages to the Spring European Council in the field of education and training, 2923rd EDUCATIO, YOUTH AD CULTURE Council meeting, Brussels, 16 February 2009