BETTER EDUCATION AND SKILLS FOR A MORE COMPETITIVE EUROPE

Today, education was brought back to the political agenda with the European Commission’s education package (EC press release). It includes the revision of the EU Key Competences Framework, the Digital Education Action Plan and a Council Recommendation on common values, inclusive education and the European dimension of teaching.

BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer commented:

Improving learning outcomes in line with changing labour market needs is one of the key challenges facing the EU Member States, Social Partners and companies. As part of this, as our economies go digital, fostering acquisition of digital skills is a structural challenge for Europe. Improving digital skills will help companies and workers grasp the benefits of digitalisation. Therefore, we value the Commission addressing this in the Digital Education Action Plan published today. In particular, we see a high potential in increasing the provision of education and training by digital means of learning.

To increase the long-term economic growth of our countries we need effective education and training systems. The way we progress on education impacts on Europe’s global competitive position. Our capacity to maintain high levels of social well-being in the future relies on our capacity to increase productivity today.