Suport to careers in higher education and „glocal“ opportunities for young people

Read about the results of the November meeting of the EYCS Council.

The Council of the EU (in the formation for Education, Youth, Culture and Sport) met on 25 and 26 November. On Monday, the Council discussed education and youth topics, followed by sport and culture on Tuesday. Member States' representatives discussed important current issues in all these areas and adopted several documents. 

Suporting careers in higher education and strategic partnerships 

In the field of education, the Member States' representatives approved, most importantly, the Council Recommendation on attractive and sustainable careers in higher education. The proposal for this recommendation was published by the European Commission this spring as part of the so-called "higher education package". As its name suggests, the document recommends that Member States focus on increasing the attractiveness and sustainability of academic careers in higher education. It emphasizes the need to consider the diversity of academic careers and the corresponding equal recognition of all tasks expected of academic staff in higher education. It therefore recommends that Member States recognize excellent teaching activities, which should be placed on the same level as research activities. It also focuses on other tasks of staff such as mentoring, cooperation with other organizations and civil society, participation in international projects, etc. In the context of cooperation and project activities, it calls for appropriate recognition of involvement in all forms of cooperation at regional, national and international levels. Finally, it also recommends that Member States focus on the continuous professional development of academic staff and on the general improvement of their working conditions. The remaining two documents of the spring higher education package, the Commission Communication on the Blueprint for European Degree and the proposal for a Council Recommendation for a European Quality Assurance and Recognition System in Higher Education, should continue to be discussed under the Polish Presidency of the Council in the first half of 2025.

Another document discussed were the Council Conclusions on Strategic Partnerships in Education and Training, which highlight the importance of such partnerships at local, regional, national and international level as a way to support the EU's competitiveness and recommend that Member States keep supporting them. The policy debate was focused on boosting the future-proof skills and competitiveness of higher education in the context of the Draghi Report. For example, there was a debate on how to support international cooperation through the proposed European Degree, or on the importance of investment in higher education.

Opportunities for young people and new youth priorities  

In the youth field, the Council Conclusions on "glocal" opportunities for young people in rural and remote areas were adopted. This document calls for facilitating young people's access to education and employment opportunities, which should also be one way of dealing with demographic challenges such as the issue of moving of young people to cities. The term "glocal" in this context refers to systemic approach at both global and local levels. Ways to improve young people's access to education and employment opportunities include, for example, digital services, and involvement in decision-making processes at all levels. Last but not least, the Conclusions call for intensive training of youth workers, educators and professionals so that they can develop the talents of young people, thereby contributing to their better integration into society and the labour market.

The opportunities for young people living in rural areas were also addressed in the subsequent policy debate of the Council. The main topic of discussion was the ageing population and the associated socio-economic challenges, such as labour shortages and the weakened competitiveness and resilience of communities. However, ministers focused not only on demographic trends, but also on ways to empower rural youth, and they also shared good practices at all levels. The Council also adopted a Resolution on the outcomes of the 10th cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue, which runs until the end of this year. This resolution, in addition to the results of the cycle, reflects the recommendations of the EU Youth Conference, which took place in Budapest in early September. Finally, the Council approved the Resolution on the EU Youth strategy Work Plan 2025-2027, including its main priorities, which will also become the priorities of the upcoming trio of presidencies (Poland, Denmark, Cyprus). 

Legacy of major sporting events  

In the field of sport, the Council adopted Conclusions on fostering the lasting legacy of major sporting events. This document confirms the potential of such events to improve the lives and well-being of citizens, in particular in terms of modernising infrastructure and creating new jobs. Another topic is the appeal to Member States to use the opportunities of major sporting events to promote physical activity for all groups of the population, especially the disadvantaged. In addition to the above-mentioned document, the meeting also discussed the European model of sport, in particular with a focus on promoting European values: In this regard, the main points were made on the possibilities of linking professional and grassroots sport, but also on the role of sport in combating inequalities and wider social problems.

For more detailed information, please refer to the links provided in the article and to the Council's press releases mentioned in the opening paragraph.