Council Conclusions of 12 May on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training ("ET 2020")

The Council adopted conclusions on a "strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training ("ET 2020")".

Lifelong learning should be regarded as a fundamental principle underpinning the entire framework, which is designed to cover learning in all contexts - whether formal, non-formal or informal - and at all levels: from early childhood education and schools through to higher education, vocational education and training and adult learning.

Specifically, the framework should address the following four strategic objectives:

1. Making lifelong learning and mobility a reality;
2. Improving the quality and efficiency of education and training;
3. Promoting equity, social cohesion and active citizenship;
4. Enhancing creativity and innovation, including entrepreneurship, at all levels of education and training.

European cooperation in education and training should be implemented in a lifelong learning perspective making effective use of the open method of coordination (OMC), which should draw on: 

• the four strategic objectives for European cooperation outlined above;
• the opportunities available under Community programmes, particularly in the field of lifelong learning;
• common reference tools and approaches;
• peer learning and the exchange of good practice, including the dissemination of outcomes;
• periodic monitoring and reporting;
• evidence and data from all relevant European agencies, in particular Cedefop and ETF; European networks, and international organisations.

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